Salute to a Young Hero

I found out Tuesday that one of my friends online, Laura, lost her nephew Dennis in Iraq this week. Please hold Dennis' family in your prayers -- as Americans we should all be proud of the sacrifice these young men and women make to defend our way of life. If you don't like the war, elect different politicians -- but support our soldiers who defend US.

Laura, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Twilight Camp

Duncan has cub scout twilight camp this week from Tuesday to Thursday. Being the scrapbooker that I am, I took the camera with me so I could get a few pictures while I dropped him off. The camp director saw my camera and said "I need a photographer, interested?" I said, sure I could take some pictures while I'm here... she says "No, I need one like the whole time, every night..."

So since I can't say no... I took 140 pictures last night, my ankles are sore, and I think I sweated off a pound. On the bright side, I have some GREAT pictures of Duncan from last night.

Needless to say, I won't be around much til late Friday!

Weekend Jibberish

It's good to know most of you had the same reaction to our friendly copperhead in the water that I did -- {{UGH}}. I'm still thinking about it...

We got home on Monday, and I managed to step on a hornet IN MY BEDROOM. I get bad local reactions so I was pretty miserable Monday night. Tuesday, 4th of July, was a gorgeous day, so we packed up the kids and headed to meet Comfort's family at a local pool. We stayed five hours, and the kids played, played and PLAYED. Unfortunately, despite rigorous sunscreen applications, both Connor and I became "crispy critters". He is now a brown little berry, and I'm red and itchy. Lucky me!

I hereby promise not to go a month without updating my blog. Please continue to visit!

Why I Don't Like Creek Swimming

Anyone give me some help on what kind of sss-nake he is? {{shudder}}

I do still exist...

I'm so sorry to be so out of it... our June schedule just really exhausted me. On a plus note, go look at the photo blog to see what the kids got to do on Sunday...

SA Blog Challenge #4

For Sale: Slightly Used Female, 41. Guaranteed income producer. Skills include cooking, computer skills, talking (top of class here!), scrapbooking. Has certification in driving, college education. Comes with current year memberships in Sam's Club, AAA, Scrap Addict Kits, YMCA. Optional accessories (available al la carte) include two LOUD small boys, cluttered house, stay at home husband. Preferred environment is urban, with yearly beach trips. Began recent refurbishment at the gym, condition will only continue to improve.

Price negotiable. Serious inquiries only!

SA Blog Challenge #3

SPLURGES ... what do you splurge on? What is your secret (or not so secret) way you spend money on yourself. No, I'm not talking about scrapbook supplies. I'm talking about something you do for YOU ... expensive haircuts, tons of shoes, massages, what?!? What do you splurge on???


I just started splurging on a more expensive haircut -- I've been twice now and love my new stylist. My most regular splurge is eating out for lunch on work days... I just don't like packing leftovers. I've got to cut back on that though... I really don't splurge on myself that often, with a tight budget it usually seems I'm always cutting back so others don't have to. I'll have to ponder this one...

SA Blog Challenge #2

I've been challenge to list 3 obscure things about me...

1. I was mugged in 1991 coming out of a local grocery store -- I had 14 stitches in my eyebrow. Not the greatest moment of my life (the black eye was the size of a softball, and swollen shut for 3 days), but a growth experience.

2. I used to be the scorekeeper for my college's swim team, and for the softball team, volleyball team, and the 45 second clock person for the basketball team.

3. I took bellydancing lessons in high school.

Thursday Thirteen for 6/1

Thirteen Things about My Week Since my week has not gone as I planned, and I haven't had time to blog and tell you about it, here ya go! 1…. Monday was a bank holiday. You always pay for holidays by twice as much work the day you get back. 2. I have Friday off to attend Connor's end-of-preschool picnic, and to squeeze in a hair appointment in the afternoon. 3. As of lunch time today I have to call in to a last minute meeting Friday morning. 4. My kids had their 2nd swim lesson on Tuesday. 5. Since the kids started swimming lessons I'm having trouble getting the cardio portion of my workout done. 6. No scouts OR church fellowship this week (or until end of summer) -- it feels w-e-i-r-d. 7. We visited my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law over the holiday weekend. 8. Connor has new, more masculine sheets etc for his bed, courtesy of his Aunt Susan, who upgraded to a king-size this week. 9. Duncan completed his end-of-grade tests this past week, and since he did his best according to his teacher, he earned a box of yu-gi-oh cards from us. 10. We got to see "X Men: The Last Stand" at the movies over the holiday weekend. 11. I assured my hairdresser (also a friend) that if she called in sick Friday I was going to cut my own hair... it's been seven weeks and I'm SHAGGY (UGH!) 12. My boss is selling her old convertible, so I went by her house tonite and took pictures of it so she'll have them to send potential buyers. 13. My oldest niece turned 10 this week -- I can't believe how fast time has gone! Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Scrap Addict Blog Challenge #1

ABOUT ME

favorite color: pink
word I most liked to be described as: friendly
best meal I cook: spaghetti
favorite dessert: chocolate mousse
favorite book: Mists of Avalon
favorite outfit: an oversized tshirt & capri pants
usually in bed by: 11:00 p.m.
favorite sounds: laughter, breeze, moving water
I wish: my hubby could find a medication to better treat his bipolar disease
What I crave: peace and quiet
Surround me with: love

Thursday Thirteen for 5/25

Thirteen Things about Susan Susan is my sister-in-law, and she teased me a few Thursdays ago about how she wasn't on my list of things to do. Susan is a great lady, so I thought it would be worth SHOWING her. 1. From the first day I spoke to her, she has always made me feel welcome in the family. She reminds me of my Aunt Betts in that regard! 2. Susan has a hilarious sense of humor. 3. Even though she's one of my mother-in-law's two "sorry children", she treats my MIL very well. 4. Susan has four nephews, my two and two on her husband's side. She treats these boys better than some people treat their children. 5. Susan is an animal lover -- she has two dogs and two cats. 6. If anything ever happens to my hubby and I, Susan will take our kids. 7. She's very photogenic. Really -- go check out her website http://www.shadowknight.com. 8. She got tired of her registered domain name, and is letting me use it currently. It's a shame I haven't updated it in a year.... 9. She was one of the happiest brides I can remember. 10. One of her favorite lebanese dishes is juddreh. 11. She married a really nice guy. 12. Her birthday was May 16 -- Happy Birthday again Susan 13. She got me an awesome birthday cake last year since she hosted Thanksgiving dinner and it was my birthday... it was WONDERFUL! Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

de·pres·sion ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-prshn)n.
The act of depressing.
The condition of being depressed.
An area that is sunk below its surroundings; a hollow.
The condition of feeling sad or despondent.
Psychology. A psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, anhedonia, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death. Also called clinical depression.

Not So Good Week

I'm sorry to have neglected all my readers... we really haven't had a good week. It was a heavy HEAVY meeting week at work (we are interviewing for a new staff member) and then Charles has not had a good week emotionally. (He has bipolar disease.) All of this, plus making it to the gym every other day has left me exhausted. We really haven't done much at all to talk about this week. This afternoon is Duncan's last pack meeting, so hopefully I'll have something more upbeat to talk about tonite!

Neglectful Blogger or Busy Weekend?

I know my readers are feeling deprived! We really did have a busy weekend! Saturday Charles and I spent three hours out shopping -- we both needed new tennis shoes, we had to hit Sam's Club and Lowe's Home Improvement. Then Saturday night was a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the scouts. Duncan has complained since February about missing the last one, so we couldn't miss this one. My neck muscles have been really bothering me so I've been sleeping alot when not at work. Sunday Connor sang at church, so we were good christians and actually went to services. Here's a picture of the preschool choir -- they sang "Mahalo" (which is thank you in Hawaiian) and then presented their mom's with leis and flowers. Aren't they cute?
We also took a picture of me and both boys -- so often I'm behind the camera, so in honor of mother's day I got in front of it for once. Hopefully they'll appreciate my sacrifice when they are older!!!

Sunday afternoon I put on my new tennis shoes and headed to the gym for the first time in ten years -- we joined the YMCA and I started my "strength" training yesterday. My muscles in my shoulders are SORE today. Charles is a week ahead of me in getting started, so we'll see how things go. Thanks for stopping by!

Thirteen Things Carolyn Wants to Do This Year 1. Take my family to the Beach (Nov 5 - 12)! 2. Take my family camping again 3. Finish cleaning my garage so I can park in it this winter. 4. Help Duncan get rid of his training wheels on his bike. 5. Send both kids to vacation bible school. 6. Enroll both kids in swimming lessons. 7. Send each kid to a day camp/special activity this summer. 8. Put each kid in an extracurricular activity this fall. 9. Send Christmas Cards (I've been bad the last few years) 10. Finish my Christmas shopping by December 1st! 11. Get a massage 12. Have a family picture made. 13. Paint at least one bedroom! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!



View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Monday Blahs

I have NO motivation tonite to go bust another kit for the NSD festivities at Scrap Addict. Charles christened our YMCA membership today by visiting with a "coach" about his workout plan, and then took the kids back to play in the adventure room while he walked on the track. I forgot to pack any clothes so we didn't go after work. Tomorrow is our last den meeting for scouts so tomorrow is out... Wednesday is fellowship and choir practice so my next opportunity is perhaps Thursday.

I did my no procrastination moment when I got home -- hung up 2 hampers full of the kids clothes. Charles hates that part of laundry and I don't mind so it's my job.

Anyone else looking forward to American Idol tomorrow night? I'm hoping Taylor sings "Little Sister"... it should be interesting hearing them tackle Elvis!

Another Weekend Bites The Dust...

and I'm tired. We had two birthday parties to attend this weekend. The kids had a great time. Mom is ready for a weekend with nothing to do and nowhere to go!

I did get started on some of the National Scrapbook Day (NSD) activities over at Scrap Addict -- I'm particularly focused on their Ultimate Kit Hoarder's Challenge -- I have 25 kits to make layouts out of this weekend that I've been "hoarding" from subscription. Two kits are gone so far but I have a long way to go before the contest ends 5/31.

Charles, Duncan & I cleaned his room AGAIN today -- he's been shredding paper in his room and it makes a horrible mess. The only explanation he can give us is "his brain hurts". I think it's a reaction to over stimulation but it sure is a pain to clean up. The three of us spent about 45 minutes working on his room in general and it really looks nice. Let's hope it stays this way.

It rained ALL day today... a cold gentle rain. It made my neck & shoulders sore, but it sure makes for a lovely sleeping day.

More tomorrow!

National Scrapbooking Day

It's NSD! After a birthday party this morning I plan to be camped at the dining room table participating in the activities at my favorite Scrapbook site, Scrap Addict. They have a TON of contests going and I hope it will get my mojo going.

We took the plunge yesterday and joined the YMCA again. Charles has an appointment Monday with a "coach" to kick start his exercise routine. I'm looking forward to access to the pool again.

Thursday Thirteen for 5/4

Thirteen Songs on my MP3 Player 1. Walk In Jersaleum (Mahalia Jackson) 2. You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban) 3. On Last Night (Rockapella) 4. Come Back and Stay (Paul Young) 5. Twilight Zone (Golden Earring) 6. Kung Fu Fighting (Bee Gees) 7. Jump, Jive An'Wail (Brian Setzer Orch) 8. If You Can't Dance (Spice Girls) 9. An American Trilogy (Elvis Presley) 10. Hillbilly Rock (Marty Stuart) 11. Tarzan Boy (Baltimora) 12. Lady Marmalade (Patti LaBelle) 13. Summertime (Fantasia) Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Blog Tag

Melissa tagged me too...

I AM: a wife, mommy, daughter, employee, friend
I WANT: less yelling in my life
I WISH: I could afford to take my family on a cruise
I HATE: intolerance
I MISS: my sanity (LOL)
I FEAR: bees and snakes
I HEAR: music all the time
I WONDER: what Connor starting kindergarten will change for us
I REGRET: not knowing my father-in-law
I AM NOT: tidy
I DANCE: in my head, like the cell phone commercials
I SING: along with the radio
I CRY: when my friends are hurting
I AM NOT ALWAYS: as patient as I should be
I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: memories for me, my kids, and my grandchildren
I WRITE: this silly blog
I CONFUSE: people when I talk too fast
I NEED: calm and down time
I SHOULD: be sleeping instead of on the computer
I START: any new hobby with an almost obsessive passion
I FINISH: things slowly
I TAG: those who are interested in this to tag themselves!