Happy Birthday Mom!

Yesterday wasn't just President's Day, it was Mom's birthday! Because we had the day off, Billie and I made an afternoon of it to celebrate her special day.

First, the three of us had lunch at Olive Garden. All of us tried very hard to be good, and make some healthy, alternative food choices, (like soup instead of salad - who knew?, and only one breadstick - without dipping sauce!). But good heavens, after almost six weeks on WeightWatchers, was that meal a delicious treat!!

Then, after filling up on lunch, we went to a matinee of Just Go With It, and laughed a whole lot. Is it true what they say, laughter aids in digestion??

I think when all was said and done, Mom had a pretty good day. She got a bouquet of tulips from Craig and Wendy, received a Happy Birthday serenade from Rachel and Kendra, was sent a lovely bouquet of flowers from our Ms. Kennedy, got a couple gift cards from Billie and I, and even got a pedicure from Baylee so she could get her paws done. All this, and lots of cards, and many, many birthday wishes.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Valentine's Day

So today is Valentine's Day...again. I laughingly refer to this day as another holiday I don't celebrate, along with Hanukkah and Kwanza...just not my thing.

I do however, enjoy the symbolism of the day in spite of myself. I mean who doesn't love pink and red, roses and hearts, and of course, chocolate? It's also the first holiday after 'the Holidays', so it always feels like a fresh start and enjoyably carries a hint of spring just around the corner.

So to all those I love, Happy Valentine's Day! Whether today marks a day of celebration for you, or just another Monday...I hope you enjoy the day.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up quickly, and so far I only have two cards done. These are the two cards I made for my nieces Rachel and Kendra. I needed to get them done because they have the farthest to travel...all the way to Texas.

There are a couple other Valentine's pending in my head - I just have to get them made before I loose the ideas! So, hopefully there are more pics to come...

Thanksgiving Layout

Camping Layouts

Another day of trying to clear the deck of unfinished layouts. These are three layouts from a camping trip well over a year ago. They really are better than the photos show...not the greatest quality. Glad to get the wrapped up and in my album anyhow.

Yet Another Layout...

Now that I look back, it seems I was really into 'squares' at this particular crop when I was putting these together. Oh well...they are still pretty cute, even as basic as they are.

More Layouts

Still cleaning up those loose ends. More layouts to follow...

Happy New Year!

It is that time of year again. Time to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start. Lots of resolutions of starting and stopping...stop spending, stop eating, start exercising, etc., etc.

One of my resolutions is to spend more time doing what I love...scrapbooking. In an effort to organize my craft room and get that clean slate we are always chasing, I am starting with unfinished projects. I have many, many pages I have put together at crops, but have never added the journaling or put the 'finishing touches' on, and therefore they have not been added to albums. So...here I go, no more 'loose leaf' pages. Day One; Layout One.

Fireman Frosty

This is a card I made for a young man in our community named Trey. He is 16 years old, and has a terminal illness. This year for the holidays, his mother asked that individuals fill their mailbox with holiday greetings.

I made and sent this card on behalf of the entire Fire Department. I hope he liked it.

Merry Christmas

Last night was a first. Our group got together out at Jodi and Rob's, in their beautiful new home for a Christmas Party. But it wasn't just any old Christmas Party. This was our first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

Everyone found an odd, old, or pretty funny sweatshirt, tee shirt or sweater. But hands-down, the winner of the ugliest sweater had to be Billie...and she didn't even break a sweat putting it together. She just reached into her closet and pulled out one from the 'archives'.

It was a lot of fun to get together...it seems like a long time since we have a holiday get together with the gang. We had tons of food, lots of good drink, and a great time with friends.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Happy Birthday Kim!

Today is Kim's birthday, and to celebrate her special day Billie had a small dinner party last night. Jodi, Katie and I joined Kim at Billie's for a few cocktails, a delicious manicotti dinner, a few games of cards, and cheesecake for dessert.

It was great to get together with the girls...it has been too long. I can't remember the last time I laughed that much.

Happy Birthday Kim...I hope you have a great day, and a great year ahead!

Bye Bye Santa...I Sorry

With much anticipation, five adults and one child headed to the mall today to take pictures with Santa.

Kennedy was dressed in the cutest holiday outfit; a cream sweater with a luscious red bow, and a little red skirt surrounded by tulle to give it that festive feel. But sadly, this little girl wanted no part of Santa. Hard as us adults tried to convince her that he was a very nice Santa - and a very good and patient Santa he was - she was just not interested in the least in him, let alone sitting on his lap.

In the end, as we were leaving, a very sweet and always apologetic Kennedy said, "Bye bye Santa, I sorry".

Carmel Apple Cupcakes

Mmmmm...doesn't that sound so good? Carmel Apple Cupcakes! They were good, but just not as great as I had hoped.

We had a snack day at work for Halloween, otherwise known as FAC Snack Attack Day, and I knew I would bring some kind of cupcake. I searched the internet over for a different recipe and found this particular one that had apples and carmel right in the batter, maple syrup in the frosting, and then I added a carmel drizzle to top it off. They really did look and taste like autumn!

Mennonite Country Auction

This weekend, Billie, Mom and I headed up to Ritzville to the Mennonite Country Auction and Relief Sale. It's an annual event that we only just heard about. With nothing else really going on, we decided to go see what it was all about.


The main purpose of the event is an Auction, which among many various things inlcuded some beautiful quilts, to help raise money...with all of this year's proceeds going to flood victims in Pakistan. There was lots of food to eat - including pies of every flavor and homemade ice cream, some items for sale, and a couple demonstrations to see - like fresh pressed cider, and home made apple butter. Not a bad way to spend a warm, sunny autumn day!

Happy Birthday to...ME!

What a great birthday I had this year. Not so great turning 40, but celebrating with friends and family is definately great! First I had a wonderful day on my actual birthday - celebrating at work with donuts, flowers, balloons, cake and gifts from co-workers, followed by great gifts and a delicious 'early bird' dinner (isn't that what 40 year olds do?) at Anthony's with Mom and Billie. Then on Saturday I got to celebrate all over again with the gang at Cedars! Rum Barrels...Yum! Thanks to everyone for helping me celebrate my special day.