ADD in Process

I'm supposed to be putting things away and organizing, since there will be a lot of rearranging going on tomorrow in my basement. My hubby and son #2 are going to be moving things, getting rid of things, and when they are done, Paul will have (hopefully) a train table that doesn't have stuff on it and I will have a bigger space for me. Right now I share my scrap area/needlework closet with the computer.

I digress......because in my putting things away and sorting, I finished a book that mom and I saw in Orlando over Christmas. It was at a shop called Gemstone & Bead Imports. We were killing time driving around a mall, and in front of me I saw a sign that said "Beads & Scrapbooks." Well, that was fate! It was an awesome shop....not huge, but great stuff. They had a neat book that we bought supplies for and took pictures. Mom and I put it together earlier this month at a crop, but still had some stamping & punching to do, so I finished today.

Getaway or get away

Took a fun class(great kit) at A's last week with Tina and Becky. It was Scenic Route paper which I love. The title of the layout was "Getaway", but Tina put her own spin on it. She makes me smile. I save her emails because they always have a cool little twist (or twisted) thought that makes me laugh. I'm glad for the friends in my life.

MSOE VB

Thanks for all the comments on the picture. I did not take it. One of the other vb moms has a great camera with no shutter lag. This was from her. I just cropped it a little. We can listen to most of the games live on the website, and she's working on streaming video. Know what I'll be doing tomorrow night for game #2.

This is a team picture she took and then modified. Love it!!!! Thanks Lara so much.

#23 in the Program, #1 in your hearts

There was a potluck brunch during the first volleyball tournament of the year for Chris. The boys introduced themselves and their families. The boys went in uniform number order, and were being very funny giving us shoe sizes and zodiac signs. Chris was last and announced that he was "#23 in the program, but #1 in your hearts." Grandma was laughing at that, so he patted her on the head and said "Calm down, old lady." He then introduced us as "This is my mom and my dad, and that's my grandma and grandpa," so I guess the other families will call us mom and dad too since we don't have names. We got to see 4 volleyball matches in 2 days! It was fabulous!!!!! They played really well and it was great to spend time with Chris. We got to meet his fan club and see their t-shirts. He is known as BC (Big Country) and luckily he'll be playing here in two weeks. It is hard not to see all of the games, but I look forward to his post game call with the updates.

Also, since they got new uniforms, he's back to HIS number, 23. Yes, he does have long hair and yes, he is wearing a headband. But no, he did not throw it to his fans after the matches.

One Little Word for 2009

Ali Edwards is my favorite scrapbook celebrity. I was lucky enough to meet her several years ago. She has a son with autism, as do I. I love that her focus in scrapbooking is the story and the pictures. Ali has a concept of choosing “one little word” to give yourself something to focus on throughout the year. I didn't really do this in prior years....well, I would think about a word, but didn't really focus on it past January. This year I'm trying to better follow the concept and really focus on my word. My word of the year for 2009 is ENJOY. I'm going to enjoy each day and each person I am with. I am going to live "in the joy" of every day and every moment. So, what will your word for 2009 be......what will your focus be in this new year?

A finish in 2008 from 2002

This was a kit that I bought at the Medina Quilt Shop in Ohio in 2002. We went to visit friends and take a class with Merry Cox. It was a special trip for mom's birthday, which is September 11. Since 2001 wasn't the best year for her birthday, I wanted to make great memories for 2002. This is a wool table runner. It needs the backing put on, but that involves "real" sewing, which I don't do. Luckily, mom does!!!

Had to have mom email me a photo since I forgot to take a picture. Thanks Mom!!!

Biker beard no more

At midnight on New Year's Eve, Paul shaved off his biker beard. He has had a mustache since we first got married, but when we were in Milwaukee for the 150th Harley Davidson Anniversary, he decided to grow a beard like the bikers. I wasn't sure I loved it, so he said he'd shave it off on New Year's Eve. So here is the before and after.......I love him both ways.