A New Day

Picked up my daughter the other day - and then went to Spokane and picked up my grand-daughter Shelby, whom we haven't seen for 15 months - yep, the same one whose dad came and told us he was taking her sledding and "disappeared" with her! She has been with us for a few days now, her mom flew home yesterday, and tomorrow after Easter dinner, she and I drive back to Spokane, spend the night in a hotel and it is already time for her to return to her dad and her stepmom.

We have been lucky enough to have her here with us for her 6th birthday and for Easter. She and I dyed eggs (5 1/2 dozen!!!) on Wednesday while her mom and Uncle Cody (my youngest) went to Lewiston to pick up a birthday cake (long story) and a few other things. She and Gramma had lots of fun - she loved it! We then had family over on Thursday evening for a spaghetti birthday dinner, with a handmade Princess cake made by Gramma. Shelby opened birthday presents, I didn't realize at 6 years old children had such opinions about what they would wear and what they wouldn't - - when did all that happen? Shelby had great fun with her Aunt Jody, they played stickers and glitter glue, and Shelby grew quite attached to her, its so nice when adults actually get on the floor and play with children . . . Shelby loved it!

I have lots of pictures that we have taken, but have to purchase a new scanner as my old one is dead and the other won't work with the laptop for some reason . . . and I am so not computer literate!

Shelby went to her FIRST Easter Egg hunt today, here in town - she had lots of fun - 17 eggs later, she was surprised the Easter Bunny went out in the snow and hid all those eggs, AND put candy inside them . . . LOL!

This evening, we are heading to the Trapshooting Awards Banquet, Cody is up for a couple of awards, and I believe Papa John is also. . . going to be a nice evening; finished the salad and everyone ready to go, except Cody, who hasn't arrived home yet to shower - grin!!

Just wanted to share all the happenings here in our home, and wish you all a very Happy Easter,

Judi

I am such a slacker

Wow, at the beginning of the year, I was hoping to do this on a daily basis - started out semi-well, and dropped down drastically! Although since February 27 I have made cards and actually mailed them out, painted our spare bedroom/exercise room (and I love the chocolate color!) have almost finished my taxes (lost my state tax forms-ugh!) scrapbooked -woo hoo, and been working my way through spring cleaning. Still have lost no weight, which I am semi-depressed about, just can't seem to get the mind set that I had last year, gained back every pound. UGH!!
My hair has grown out quite a bit, and I am loving that, getting a trim and color on the 7th - can't believe how gray I am. When did I get older??

Work is still work - some days I like it, most days I don't . . .I hate the backbiting and the b.s. and I am verbal enough to say it, and get a bit snappy about it. I just hate working under those kinds of conditions.

Gonna head to bed, just got home from work and have to head to Lewiston early tomorrow and pick my daughter up from the airport . . . have a surprise for you all, but you have to wait a little bit longer.

Love!

Last Day of February 2010

Can you believe that 2 months of the New Year are already over and gone! When Looking at my accomplishments for the past two months, I have lost zero pounds! UGH I have been so tired that I have been sleeping anywhere from 10 to 13 hours a day - I honestly don't know why, just know that I have been exhausted! The hospital I work for is opening a clinic here in my hometown and I am so praying to get a job there - 8 to 5 would be so perfect for myself and my family; we need this desperately! I am starting classes again, Medical Terminology (which I have had before and with being in the health field for the past 5 years I am very comfortable taking), and Anatomy (which I am not so comfortable with - I do know that this class will be a struggle for me, but I am wanting to take this class anyway.) Next year, I am hoping to take the Medical Billing class - I very much enjoy the medical field, so know that these will be bonus classes for me.

Cody has been taking Driver Education classes for the past month and a half, and has another month to go. John and I are confident with his driving skills as we have been working with him the past couple of years - knowing how well he has been doing, and his desire for a vehicle and knowing that he is wanting to hold down a full-time job this summer we purchased him a pick up truck yesterday - a 1995 American Red Ford XLT - 151,000 miles and in very good condition and shape . . . he is incredibly excited! He can't drive it for awhile, has to finish his class first, and then do his driving time with mom and dad before he can legally drive. He also has to sign a contract with us to pay for his vehicle and to keep his grades at B's and above. Nothing like a little incentive to keep a child interested in what he should be doing. . . LOL!

I still haven't been crafting, can't remember the last time I made a card . . . however, I have to make one tomorrow as I signed up for a February mingle and have to get my card in the mail to my partner . . . I am, as usual, late.

Beyond that, all is going well. Keep in touch if anyone is actually reading this.

Hi there

Hopefully this will not be my only blog post for February, I could have sworn that I posted on the first of this month, but I guess not.

Things are about the same - I spend far too much time on the computer and not enough time doing anything else.



I am loving my Scott Kelby Digital Photography books though! Not any better at the photography, but certainly hope to be soon. John and I drove to Lewiston today and looked at wood flooring and Travertine tile. I keep thinking that I want the hard wood floors and then I think I want tile - any of you willing to give me any advice? I was supposed to go to Boise today for a day trip, but my weekends off with my family are so rare that I convinced John to spend the day with me (Cody went snowboarding with his friends, is now at the basketball tournament (which we are listening to on the radio) and we won (WOO HOO) and then he is off to the school dance. This boy is so different than John and I that it is totally funny and hard to adjust to sometimes. How can 2 loners and homebodies turn out such social butterflies!



Tuesday I will drive to Boise with my friend Phyllis and hit Hobby Lobby, I need picture frames (desperately) some lamps and some surprise party goodies, I still don't have the menu down but will by the time Friday gets here.



I still haven't been crafting as much as I would like, mainly because I spend so much time on the computer . . . I have got to learn to draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggggggg myself away from it - it is a horribly addictive machine for me!



Just had 100 some prints developed through ArtsCow and then wasted another 2 1/2 hours tonight downloading 237 more, however, it kept popping duplicates in there which really peeved me, so I just got frustrated and cleared my cart - damn it what a waste of 2 1/2 hours! Thinking I should put the computer up and go watch a movie with the hubby, we're never home alone and me thinks we should be taking advantage of it! Then perhaps I'll head back in here (my craft room) and get a page or two done - Plus I have 3 cards I MUST get finished! Actually more than that I still haven't reciprocated for the Christmas cards I received, and I know I must! What is wrong with my mojo, have I completely lost it! PLEASE HELP ME FIND IT!



Lovin you all!

Slow going. . .

of learning how to do this on a daily basis! Not to say I'm not on my computer on just about a daily basis, but once I get into reading my emails, looking at everyone's shares, looking at everyone's blogs, and now 1 hour has turned into five, I haven't made the time to write on mine. I have got to figure out how to make myself walk away from this darn computer when I am home, and craft and do things that I like to do. . . I have ZERO self-control!

In two weeks, I haven't scrapped another page, I have looked a number of times at the ones I did complete and am trying to figure out how I really want to organize them in albums - by year, by individual, my holiday . . .any tips - - they'll be greatly accepted!

My hubby turns 50 in a couple of weeks, and I am trying to plan a surprise party for him - trying to figure out the decor, get it ordered and make sure it is here in time. . . yada yada yada. Any tips on these ladies (and gents), I can use all the good advice that I can get.

I am now going to put my computer up on the shelf - force myself to stay away from it for a couple of hours and get a few cards made; I'm also going to try to get 2 - 2 page layouts done - I have a TON (literally) of pictures that I need to scrapbook, it's truly insane!

Hope you all a having a productive Sunday . . .

Feelin' on Top of the World!

I scrapped all day and into the evening -so far, 6 more layouts done - I am so happy and I love every one of them - still working on more, but have to work 7-3 shift tomorrow. Love that shift because I get off early, dislike because I hate getting up early . . . half cup full!!!!

I'm going to sign off for the evening, I'm going to watch Iron Man with Cody - he's seen it 5 times, but I never have, so he has graciously conceded to watching it with me - love this boy!

You all have a great evening - and once I can I will start getting pages scanned in to share.

Progress

I've done it - I'm in my scrap room for the 2nd day in a row!!! WOO HOO - this is such a total accomplishment. Last night I scrapped 4 pages of Shelby from Christmas 2008 and am now working on a 4 generation pages of Cody, John, John's dad and great-grampa George who passed away on December 14, 2008. I am feeling so good about this. I have even managed to stamp a bunch of images - have 2 cards actually made and 4 waiting for the stickles to dry and am getting some more images stamped out so that I can work on them after the treadmill. Feeling good about this.

Still determined to get Photoshop 7 down, so will cut out an hour or so (hopefully a bit more) each day (I'm trying!) to get this program completely figured out. I am so computer illiterate; actually not sure that is right, I just don't spend enough time on one thing to get it figured out or mastered, I tend to bounce around - - - - A LOT!

Great news for Cody and wrestling - he took 2nd place in the duals this weekend - he's very happy about his showing, as he was actually quite worried about his Saturday partners, but he did GREAT! Shoulder still hurting, he won't go get x-rayed because he is afraid they will tell him something is wrong and then he'd have to drop out of the rest of the season - - - MEN! And please, don't hold me wrong for this one, it's like a battle to get him to go and trust me I so can not lift this boy and toss him in the car! On a sad note, he met a very nice young man from McCall at the wrestling tournament and said they had a great time talking, hanging out, listening to music, hip-hopping around and joking with friends - - -Cody received a phone call from another joint friend this morning and was told that Skylar had gotten home last night and committed suicide - a 17 year old senior. My heart breaks for this young man, and for his family; if he only knew what a good influence he was on those around him. I know he still may have made the same choice, but I hope he knew he was truly liked and loved - my heartfelt sympathies and love goes out to his family. My prayers to all of his friends, as when this happens, such a hole is left open and everyone wonders what they could have done to help, or why they didn't know that something was wrong . . . nothing kids, this is truly a decision made in the heat of the moment with no thought to the future, this young man thought he was removing himself from the pain and anguish of whatever he was going through in the moment . . . love him, do not blame him or yourselves.

On that note, please send up prayers for Skylar, his family and his friends, they all are going to be walking a very hard path . . .

In love,

Judi

Only a week

So much for making sure I post everyday - can I just say this flu bug has kicked my butt; still fighting it! Started feeling a bit better yesterday, just can't get it to go away no matter what I do.

Diet going okay - exercise not so well, but I'm getting there. Thinking it will go better when I can breathe for longer than three minutes at a time without feeling like I am going to cough up my lungs and everyone elses.

I am so proud of myself, set up a table in my craft room and I am crafting - yippee!!!! I made one card last night, and have stamped up about 14 images of cards to make today. I received Christmas cards from quite a few friends this year and I just never had a chance to get any made, so I have cards to make so my friends know that I think of them also. . .

Can I just say that I feel like I am in "heaven" loving being in my craft room and being able to play, create and have a great time!

Catch you all later!

Holy Cow 3 today

Only because I posted after midnight - grin! Slept in today- its a work day, have to be there for the 3-11 shift - Can I say, I would love to stay home in my jammies, with the fire going and a mug of hot cocoa (sugar-free, which is really yummy) and my computer. I have promised myself that I am going to teach myself (FINALLY) the Photoshop 7 program that I have had for a year - ugh! A whole year with a great program wasted -- so goal for January (and February) is to figure this program out, get some pictures downloaded and get to work! I will not be a digital scrapper, no sirree, I love paper and embellies way to much for that, but I will use all the cool tools that are available to me from the digital program. I am excited and nervous, its hard for me to learn new things like this myself, don't know why. I am one of those people that does great with having someone go through and hands on teach me, then I get it. I am so looking forward to learning something new.

Cody is wrestling in a dual/tournament this weekend - and is holding his own, he is so athletic that it sometimes throws me for a loop. He has always been this really SMART kid, then the past couple of years his hormones have kicked in - he's still smart, he just doesn't show his teachers anymore . . . or his parents. . . he'd rather be lifting weights, playing football, playing baseball, reading books, snowboarding, and most importantly spending time with his guy friends and the GIRLS! They consume this boys life, it really drives me nuts. I love all his friends and the girls he is both friends with and has dated, they are all really awesome, give hugs, respectful, etc. BUT with that said, I really wish he would sit down and get back to his academics, he has no idea what he is doing and it drives me NUTS! It just seems such a waste to me, to not take advantage of all that is available to him and make the most of it. Mr. Higgins, the principal at the high school says this is typical of freshman and to just keep up the hand holding and he'll get there. I went in to talk to Mr. Higgins to see if there was anything he could suggest for us to do, you know, beyond threatening with the loss of his cell phone, sports, drivers ed, etc. . . he says Cody is a great kid and just hold on by next year or his Jr. year, he'll be his self again. . . can I hold on that long? Thing is he is very loving, always giving me hugs, talks to me about just about everything, very respectful, although sometimes I would LOVE to wash his mouth out with soap . . . and he loves me, I mean really loves me, so I feel stupid complaining. Ah yes, parenting, the hardest job we'll ever have - can I just say again, I love this kid!

Judi's 2010 New Year Resolutions

I'm not sure that I want to call these my New Year Resolutions. . . I don't know that I really do like that word, there has to be a word that is better than resolutions. Most of us make them, few of us keep them; this year I am hoping to be able to keep my resolutions . . .

I am resolving to pay off our debts this year . . . how do I say that I haven't even shared this info with my hubby - 1st he would be upset, 2nd he would be disappointed, and the fault is mine, my own making, my own bad choices.

I am also resolving to spend more quality time with my family - son and hubby - we're always in the same home together, but we're all so busy doing other things that we haven't set together at our dining room table for a meal in ages. . . all conversations are while each of us are doing something else . . . no more, time to be really together and bond with each other as we should, that's what family really is! We talk, but we don't - - - you know, the mindless everyday things, but no real discussions about anything . . . and it's time to do that, why we ever stopped I don't know. This is my most important goal.

I am also determined to get this weight off - AGAIN! January 4, 2009 I drank my last Diet Pepsi, I was an addict and bad . . . like 8 to 10 cans a day - I had enough. I couldn't bend over comfortably, my lower back hurt all the time - I began my journey into yet another diet - and I did great! I lost 26 lbs from January through July and I felt sooooo good - had been walking daily on my treadmill, lifting weights, eating healthy, doing sit-ups, etc. I hadn't honestly felt that good in a long time, then I quit, I started eating things that I shouldn't, cut back on my exercise - I'd like to blame it all on the class I was taking (was so intense, at least for me) and I felt like it had taken over much of my time and my life, that I just stopped taking as good care of myself as I should have been. . . so I am starting again and this time I intend to keep it off and make it stay off. My goal is to lose 40 pounds by December 31, 2010 . . . I know that it is going to be a struggle and won't be easy. I love food - salty, fatty, anything . . . and I have to learn to say no and walk away. . . I need to stop buying it at the store, this in itself is going to take a great deal of willpower, but I am determined.

Another important goal for me, is to show my friends and family how much they mean to me, I intend to craft more, not just for me, but for them and you also. I have been absorbed in some things that just aren't as important as I thought they were at the time, how I am getting to this place where I feel more relaxed and more of where I want to be at this time in my life is helping me to make this decision.

So for now, I am going to close this post - probably a longer read than anyone wanted, but I need to "journal" these things daily - part of making myself accountable to myself. . . seeing it all in black and white will help me to review where I am now and where I am going. . .

Belated New Year and long post

Wanting to wish you all a very belated Happy New Year - may all your wishes come true!

We've been home since the 31st - each one of us got a bit ill and John and I are just now getting around to feeling better; Cody's only lasted a day, thank goodness.

Our trip to Alaska was wonderful, I knew I had been missing my family, but didn't realize how much I needed them until I was home. There are so many things I miss about them individually and as a group - one evening while I was home we had a "game night!" I can say I haven't honestly laughed that hard in eons! Felt good to just "be."

We are all back to work and school - I guess I missed it, but not really! Sure would be great to win a lottery, so I could stay home and be where I really want. . . funny how when you have it, you just don't take advantage of it, and always want something different. I have to say though, I actually do like my job, I just am tired of the evenings and weekends away from home - just sucks, but I know in this day and age, its best to just have a job and be grateful.

Ready to get busy crafting again, I still don't have a table in my craft room - found a trestle table at Target I really like, but just can't see spending $250 on a table to craft, I mean really, ink, paint, etc . . . nahhhhhh! I'll use the $250 towards our bills - as that is one of my New Years Resolutions, I've actually made a few this year and hope to meet half of them. . .

Here it is, Monday, my last day off before we fly to Alaska, I am so excited to see my mom, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and children! Today my goal . . . Christmas cards! I have to get them done, I really do have to get them done! Right now I am in the kitchen baking - yummy rum cakes - mmmmm delicious. These are from my sister's recipe and she has banned me from giving it out. Can I just say they are delicious? My brother in law Chad was here for our family Christmas dinner last weekend and had a slice of my rum cake along with a beer, and his comment was. . . mmmm WOW a Beer AND a shot! Anyone who says the rum burns off during cooking, bypass their rum cake and head right straight to my house, I'll fix you right up! Does that give you any idea?

This weekend I made Orange Slice Fudge (this candy is one of my mom's favorites) and my Father in law fell in love with it . . . thank you very much! I also took a tray to work and they too enjoyed it thoroughly, I even made a special tray for Pennie and Donavan who enjoyed as much as my father-in-law did. I will add the recipe here, just in case, anyone reading this would like to try . . . it really is delicious and very easy to make!

Orange Slice Fudge (recipe from a year of GIFTS of good taste)

1/2 cup butter or margarine
3 1/2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar (otherwise known as powdered sugar)
1 can (5 oz.) evaporated milk (do they really make a can that small?)
1/3 cup cocoa (Hershey's cocoa is the best!)
1 package (11 1/2 oz) milk chocolate chips
1 package (10 1/2 oz) mini marshmallows
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped orange slice candies

Line a 13x9 baking pan with aluminum foil; lightly grease the foil. Place butter in a large microwave safe bowl; microwave on high for 1 minute or until the butter melts.
Stir in the confectioner's sugar, evaporated milk, and the cocoa. Microwave on high 4 minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring it every 2 minutes. Continue to microwave 4 minutes longer, stirring every 2 minutes. Now add the chocolate chips, mini marshallows, vanilla and the salt. Put in microwave just for a minute or 2, taking out to continue stirring until marshmallows are melted; stir until well blended. Now stir in those chopped orange slice candies. Pour into your prepared pan and refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut into 1 inch squares, cleaning your knife frequently. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Important tip: if you leave the lid ajar just slightly no one will hear you sneaking pieces from the bowl - LOL!

Hope you guys enjoy, see you later,

Another day in wintery paradise

Why is it always so long between my posts - even I am surprised by how long it has been! We celebrated our family Christmas with my hubby's family, any my friend Michele, her hubby Mike and there 2 children Colt and Avery (my honorary grand-babies who I love dearly!) last Saturday night here at hour home and it was wonderful! I baked and cooked for 2 days and it was worth every minute.

Just finished wrapping presents, my sister Nikki called me this evening and all the packages we mailed to Alaska arrived today - one less thing for me to have to stress about, which is really nice! Tomorrow I will mail my grand-daughter Shelby's gifts to her - can I just say I miss her desperately. It has been almost a year (December 26th) since her father came and said he was taking her sledding and "disappeared" with her! Because she is in Sault Ste Marie Michigan and the "custody" battle is far from over, we don't get to hear from her - very sad really. Breaks my heart on a daily basis . . . enough said.

Still trying to figure out what to buy my 15 year old sports son - - - any ideas, please ship them my way, I am struggling more and more as he outgrows being a boy and turns into a young man, but can I just say I love this boy so much!

Cody and I will leave for Alaska to spend Christmas with my family (the first time in 6 years - and I am soo o o o o o o o ready! John will join us on the 23rd, already miss him. I work this weekend and a couple of days this week and then officially off for 14 days beginning on Friday, and yes, I am ready for it . . . it is much needed.

Still have some rum cakes to get made and gift baskets made for my co-workers, but those will be fairly easy once I get my hiney in gear and get to working on them. I haven't made a Christmas card one, but hope to remedy that this week. . . I so have to make Christmas cards this year or I will be so mad at myself.

Well ladies, I do hope this is not my last post for this year . . . I keep saying I will do better and I fail to do so, I am thinking that will be one of my new year resolutions. I still don't have a fax machine - - - honestly that is not true, I do have one, however, because my computer is Vista and my fax works on something else (I can't even remember right now) I don't have a working fax. I am hoping to find a good sale during Christmas so that I can begin scanning my cards, and scrapbook pages, and altered items that I have both received and hope to get done.

Much love to all of you who wait around for me to get some blogging done!

TA DA - I am back!! I will be downloading pictures this week from my camera - and I found my scanner, but still haven't found that darn cord yet. I hope it shows up this weekend as I have tons of cards that I have received that I would love to share, some that I have made and yep, even some scrapbook pages. I am in the beginning stages of "gutting out" my room and making it feel like a room filled with love and creativity. These past few months I have kind of lost my mojo and I thinking by reorganizing and getting rid of some things that I will never use, I will be freed up to play more and will feel more creative.

I can't begin to tell you all how happy I am to be back. We still have no news on Shelby, via the court system, please continue to keep her in your prayers, we so want her home with her momma!

Love you guys!

Hi there

Wow, how bad is this - it has been a few days over 2 months since I have posted and was really hoping to make this a daily thing. Apparently, I haven't been to good at that. Things are going well here - we've still heard nothing about our grand-girl and don't know where in the process things are in happening like we would like them to.

I had my mid-term exam today, won't know until next Wednesday how I did. I'm hoping for a 75 t0 80% (although I would like better) and will feel comfortable with that. This one class has taken up so much of my time, it has made me rethink a bit signing up for more classes-not really sure it is the direction I need to be heading right now, but who knows. Could just be my frustration talking.

I'm actually in my craft room right now - decided i am not spending any time studying this evening or tomorrow - time for a break, not just for me but for the family also. . . I know they need it as much as I do, as they have all been extremely patient with me.

I will get some pictures loaded of the cards I make this evening - I am striving for 6 . . . Can i just say that never sounded like a lot before! Glad you all are sticking with me, and just so you know my final exam and last class will be 9/23/09 and then I am back here in a more committed fashion - yippee!!!