The long weekend is almost over....

Christmas is over, the tree and decorations are put away. I have been sick since Tuesday and ready to feel better! It was fun watching the grandkids open their packages on Christmas Eve.
The weather has gotten warmer, but today its a little colder. Back to 50's tomorrow. Love the warmer weather, wish it would stay!

It's cold out!

Its turned cold, I knew it had to happen sooner or later, but I was hoping it wouldn't happen at all.

Thanksgiving was nice, we had it at Cindy's (my sister) and we had a great turnout. Alec and I did a little shopping while we there.

I'm another year older, boy those years seem to fly by.

Here is a picture of Brook and Cheston at Thanksgiving:

Some projects I have been working on

Journals

Keepsake Box & Album

Projects

I have a slew of projects I want to work on. I did finish an keepsake box/album this weekend. Need to do some journals, altered tins, a bank and then some ornaments.

Mickey & Minnie Mouse aka Cheston & Brook

Mickey and Minne Mouse trick or treating (don't I have cute grandkids!)

Blog challenge from Lora....

Did you dress up for Halloween when you were a kid? What was your favorite outfit?

My mom always worried about us wearing costumes. So every year we got those masks (we always called them the Lone Ranger masks). We still had fun though!

Great weekend

I got 13 layouts done at the crop I went to Friday evening and Saturday. I haven't had time to scrap in ages, so I was thrilled!
Today we have been putting around the house getting stuff done and just enjoying the day.
The weather is supposed to start cooling down a bit this coming week. I'm not ready for winter, but love Fall and Spring.

Getting ready for a crop

I'm going to a crop tonight and tomorrow with a friend. Should be fun. I just know I'll forget something!

World Alzheimer’s Day Celebration

This is the card I am sending to staff that took care of Cammie's grandmother.

Cammie has a contest going to celebrate those who work with Alzheimer's patients.
Three companies who donated are My Favorite Things, The Cat's Pajamas and Precious Scraps. Two people who donated are Carolyn King and Kim Hughes.

Here is a link to Cammie's blog that explains the details of the celebration: http://myblogbycammie.blogspot.com/2008/09/heart-to-heart-blog-candy.html

Having a great weekend so far!

Last night I got quite a bit organized in my scrappy room. Alec got more done on the patio.
Today neither of us had to be up early, so no alarm - yippee! We did some stuff around the house, then we decided to drive to Logan and check out the Arts & Craft fair. Mark Nebel was playing, he is always fun to listen to. We looked around, ate some yummy food, it was very nice and relaxing. Then we headed back home, doing a few things around here and tonight we have plans to go to a party.
Seems like lately Alec and I have been so busy we haven't had much 'us' time, so we are enjoying this weekend!

Fundraiser Crop

Group picture in front of the new tanker. Two of the croppers aren't in this picture.


The Scrapbook Fundraiser Crop was a great success and alot of fun! Such a good turnout, but we missed a few of the regulars that didn't make it.
It was really neat as we got our new tanker truck that we were awarded from a grant the day before. The scrapping, fun, friendship was fantastic!

Countdown...

Saturday will be here before I know it and the crop! I am having a fantastic turnout. I need to make more goodie bags, I always overplan, but I didn't overplan enough this time!
Its such a fun group of people and we are adding 11 more new ones that I know of so far!
Then the truck we wrote the grant for, will be here Friday around noon. Its a tanker, the pictures look great, can't wait to see it!
I am hoping once this weekend is over, I will have some time to do some real scrapping, it seems like its been ages!

Getting lots done...

Its been a busy day. I did 3 loads of laundry, dishes, finished quite a bit for the scrapbook fundraiser crop (prizes, raffles, goodie bags and giveaways). Now to finish the make/takes and games. I am having a great response for the crop, several new ones!

Hopefully after the crop this weekend, I will be able to concentrate on some of my own scrapping.

The weather is turning cooler, I'm not ready for winter though, it can just stay this way for awhile.

So sad

I am so sad, we had a calf that a friend brought us on Wednesday. They found it in the field, not sure who the momma was. We were guessing she was about 2 days old. She was so skinny, we have been bottle feeding her. Had to give her a shot and stuff. Then since yesterday was she breathing harder again and just didn't seem to be doing as well. This morning she got another shot and stuff. When we checked on her she was
still hanging in there. We went out a little while ago to give her another bottle and she was dead. I am so sad. I know there was a good chance she wouldn't make it, but it just makes me feel so bad and keep thinking maybe there was something else I could have done.

I love long weekends!

Now if I can figure out how to make them slow down!
At least today I feel like I am getting some things accomplished.
I have all the prizes done for the crop. Pretty much know what the
raffles are going to be and the big door prize. I have 7 new ones so
far this time. Woohoo! It's really grown, my first one had 6 attending,
the last one 28 and the final count isn't in for this one yet!
Alec is working on the back patio and about has the ceiling done.
Tonight we are grilling, burgers, brats, dogs. I am thinking I need
to saute some mushrooms and have a mushroom swiss burger - mmmmm!
I have some other things I need to get done this week,
reports for the fire dept and stuff, but maybe tonight.
Life is good!

Vacation

Things have been busy as usual! We were out of town for several days...went to Colorado, visited Alec's aunt and uncle in Colorado, we also rented a cabin. It was really nice and peaceful. The dogs thought they were pretty cool barking at a moose, until it started charging them. They ran to the porch and finally the moose stopped in the driveway a bit from the cabin. LOL!
Of course the vacation came to an end and back to real life - sigh.
I do have alot coming up though; fundraiser, a crop, CKU in KC, just to name a few.

What happen to July!

Wow, can't believe this is the last day of July. The year is half over!
The wedding on Saturday turned out great. We had rain, but it stopped before the ceremony
and the temp dropped about 20 degrees, so that was nice. The reception had to be held at the park, as the building they had reserved didn't have the repairs done from the storm damage. It all worked out great, a beautiful evening, great music from the band, lots of visiting, everyone had a nice time. Congratulations Brock & Debbie!
Cheston and Brook were darling! They looked so cute in their red/white/blue shirts. They are such sweet little munchkins.

Where does the time go!

Time sure is flying by and we have been so busy. I also haven't been keeping up my blog.
Brock and Debbie's house is getting closer to be done...I will be glad when they are able to move
in and get settled. This weekend a local doctor is having a fundraiser for Brock & Debbie and another family that were tornado victims. I thought that was very nice of her and it sure will help with the expenses of rebuilding.
The following weekend they will be getting married. They had this planned way before the tornado and decided to not postpone it and have it. Its a small wedding and then a reception after. They just found out the place that they had rented for the reception had some damage and it won't be done in time...they are going to have to have it in the park, hoping for nice weather.
I am still not sure how many family members will be coming, it will probably be a wait and see kind of thing.
I have a lot to do before the wedding, but can't seem to get it done.
This is the third summer we have not had a/c, we do have a window one in the bedroom. I am getting tired of living in there! We are finally getting a new one, its going to be ordered tomorrow. Hopefully it will be in FAST!
Well, time to get see if I can figure out something with the flowers for the wedding.

Lora on 2SS posted a blog challenge about quotes. One of the quotes I have always liked is:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

This is so true. No matter what anyone says to hurt you or ruin your day, don't let it.
You know you are a good person and can't let anyone take your happiness away. You just
need to remember if you don't allow it (consent) then it won't get you down.

I really want to start posting more often and not be such a slacker....
It is so hot out, over 100 degrees! Alec has been out working on the fence for the cows. Eddie and Mickey are going to love it when they have the extra room to roam around.
Brock and Debbie's house is coming along, the new floors are in, almost all the ceilings are painted, we cleaned the walls. Need to finish the ceilings, lay carpet and wash out cabinets and finish up some odds and ends, then they should be able to move in. When we were there the other night, Cheston was showing me which room wsa his, he is pretty excited. Then Brook and Cheston and rags and were dipping them in the bucket of water trying to help clean, LOL! The water was flying.
I haven't scrapped in so long, I think I forgot how. Seems there isn't enough hours in the day for it. Maybe those fairy maids will show up and clean the house from top to bottom and organize everything and then I'll have lots of free time. Then I'll need to work on winning that lottery. :)
Sometimes people really disappoint me. You go out of your way to do things for them to be nice and they do not try to do anything to help themselves. Then when life doesn't work out the way they want it to, they blame it on everyone else. They say and do mean and nasty things. This happen to me recently, it really hurt, but then I have to remember, I know what is true and they will be the ones that have to answer to the way they have behaved. At least I know I did what I could to be a good person.

My mom's birthday

My mom's birthday is today, she is 83. Sunday we all got together at my brothers house for a bbq to celebrate. We gave her a mother's ring, she was quite surprised and really liked it. She hates big get togethers and stuff like this, but she really did enjoy this one!

10 Random Things, Challenge

Stamps, paper clips, tape, stapler, calculator, pen, highlighter, paper, envelope, dust

Tornado in Woodston KS

Here are photos of what the Tornado did to Brock & Debbie's house. No insurance and they lost everything. His pickup only had liability and it was messed up pretty bad and will not be worth fixing.

Please spread the word that a Donation Fund Account has been started for them at The Farmers National Bank in Stockton.

To view pictures, password is: brock08

http://s300.photobucket.com/albums/nn5/VickyHrabe/Tornado%20damage-Brock/


Brock is my son, Debbie is his fiance and they have 2 children; Cheston & Brook

Five Years....

This was a blog challenge on 2ss ~

"Thinking about your life in the past 5 years, would there be anything you would change?"

Losing my job of 20 years a few months ago was shocking, but has turned out to be a very good thing for me healthwise. I have Alec (will be married 6 yrs in June) and that has been wonderful. A few years ago my son was going through some rough times and there are a couple of things I wish I would have said or did differently with him. But all in all, I do love my life and what it has progressed to.

Long weekend...

I love long weekends! They go so fast though, maybe we can start over with yesterday and have 2 more days! I got some much needed house cleaning done, still have more to do, but things look much better now.
I am hoping to get down to my scraproom soon and get some things organized in there. Was wanting to scrap, but we will see how much I get done first.

Monday...

It's Monday and it was a good one for me! I started my new job at the court house, I like it, then went to the post ofc and did that one. I was home by 2...YIPPEE! I quit the gas station, long story behind that one, but with the other two jobs I can only do so much.

Poor Alec has more problems at work. The wrong motor came in at the sewer plant, so its delayed one more day. And now two wells went down at the water plant today.

Where do the days go!?

Lately I feel like time is getting away from me and I am not accomplishing anything! I am busy all the time, not home and have no energy. I am hoping a few changes I am making over the next couple of weeks, will help improve that situation. I have felt rundown like this for ages.

I haven't had time to scrap either. That really makes me sad. Wednesday was the day I was going to do that, but some family things came up and I had to deal with them.

I do have a couple of great sites you need to visit. Ralph is such a talented man and has so many wonderful things he writes about. His art is breathtaking. I posted the links below, take some time and check out his pages!
Blog: http://www.mirroredwindows.com/blog/
Artwork: http://mirroredwindows.com/index.php

Everyone take a little extra time to give someone you love an extra hug today and tell them how special they are to you!

Hmmmm

Did you ever have one of those days, weeks, months, years...that it seems nothing goes right? I kind of feel that way lately, when I think things are going right finally, I hit a big curve. Sometimes it gets hard to bounce back.

Sometimes I sit back and I wonder, do some people have more bad luck or negative things happen to them the others. You know what I mean, seems there is always that 'golden' person that seems to float through life and everything just works right. I wonder why that is, is it our own doing? Somehow do we bring things on ourselves, without realizing it. If so, then what can we do to turn it around so we have some of those 'golden' moments where everything flows so nicely. Hmmmm, more to ponder.

Have a happy sunny day!

A day off...

Finally I had today off. It seems like between the Post Ofc and Dino's, I have been working non-stop. Too bad Alec isn't home to spend the day with me. He volunteered to help put up the new park equipment that came in. Of course, this has been a cold, wet and windy weekend. I just talked to him and they are still plugging away on it.
A friend of ours just called and he has a calf he is going to give us. We raise them for the beef. We already have one that is about 1.5 years old, so it will be nice to have another around. Of course the ducks might protest that more of 'their' space is being taken!
Once again I did not win the lottery. Darn! How will I ever be able to retire!
I did get my recipes done for the recipe swap, so was happy about that. Did the dishes. I still need to fold three loads of laundry.

Another busy day ahead

I have to go to the post ofc and clean, then I am filling in at Dino's so will work 10-4 there. Then Alec and I have to buzz to Hays. Hopefully that won't take too long. I have laundry I need to get done and some house cleaning, but having trouble fitting it all in this week. Alec's bday was yesterday, we had a friend of his over that was in town for the night. Nothing too excited, but it was a relaxing evening for him. I have been tossing around thoughts about jobs, do I really want to work in an office again. I worked in one for so many years (over 25), and I am kind of burned out on that. I don't mind cleaning, I even have a cabin I clean when they need me to. Trying to figure out if I can get enough with that and helping at Dino's. Of course, I would prefer to be able to be home, but I still haven't won the lottery!
Well, off to another busy day. I hope everyone enjoys their day!

It's Monday!

Monday is here again. The sun is shining, which is a great way to start the day. Of course, the wind is screaming. Today I need to get this house cleaned, the mess just seems to creep up on me.
Yesterday I did start pulling out some stuff that I have been wanting to sell. We have a classified internet site that you can post things on free. Hopefully they will sell and I will keep pulling stuff out that I have been planning on selling.
I'm hoping to squeeze some scrapping in this week too.

Wind, wind, wind....

Life in general has been busy and hectic. Alec has a lot going on at work, some not so good.

The wind just doesn't want to stop. At least its getting warmer though, but there is so much dirt flying around, you can't open the windows!

I've been so busy I haven't had time to scrap and organize my room like I want to, but I am going to shoot for that in the next few days.

2SS had a weekend crop, I played BINGO and some of the guessing games, but didn't get to scrap the contests or challenges. I did work on my recipe swap and get it done. Thanks to Mary for coming over and getting me motivated.

2SS is having a National Scrapbooking Day crop on May 3rd - I am hoping it works out for me to participate in it.

Sunday

It's gloomy and rainy today, makes me want to take a nap! I am trying to get motivated to go to my scrappy room and have some fun, but I can't seem to get myself moving that way. I did apply for a job I would have liked to have had, I think it would have been fun! You could do it from home, with a little travel. I didn't make it to the next round, bummer. But at least I tried! Of course, I am still planning to win the lottery!

Checking in

Thought I would give a little update of what my last week was like.

We had Easter here, some of my family from Nebraska came. We had lots of good food and fun. We had an Easter Egg Hunt for everyone, my niece still hasn't found one of hers!

We were in Wichita most of the week for a water conference. They have a bbq/carnival night on Tuesday, that was fun. Palm readers, games, lots of stuff. We got back Thursday around 530 and then off to take my sister back home to Nebraska. That was a long day, too many hours in the car! I did go to a scrappy store in Wichita and found a few things, of course, I can always find something!

I have more pictures and stuff I need to get uploaded on here, but I don't seem to have enough hours in a day lately.

Sick

I was sick since Sunday. Last night was the first night I could eat and boy was I hungry! I've lost 9 lbs, now if I could keep it off. But you know how it goes, lose it too fast and gain that and more back! I hope not though. I would like to lose more!
The weather has been pretty nice, but today its chilly and a chance of rain.
I did get 34 6x6 recipes done for a swap this week. And I am hoping to work on some
ATC tonight. They are of mermaids, I have some ideas floating around in my head, I hope they look good on when I make them!

Flaws...

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them."

"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

So, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!

Scrappy Fundraiser

The fundraiser went well...I had 10 new ones this time! Everyone had a great time and was a success. I will plan another one in September. It's amazing, I tried this a few years ago because I love scrapbooking and it turned in to one of the favorite fundraisers I do for the fire department.

Busy, busy, busy

Things have been so busy. I have been getting ready for the Scrapbook Crop Fundraiser which is this Saturday. Then we had a grant meeting that came up and that was last night, so I cooked sloppy joes & baked beans - we had about 120 show up, so that was a good turnout. Now the wait to see if we get the grant.
MIL is still in the hospital, fil fell on Main street yesterday, but is home now and ok. I still have to finish up a few things for the scrapbook fundraiser and then once I am through with that, its put everything back where it belongs and then I can try to get back to a little normal, at least I hope!
Alec has been sick lately, he can't seem to shake this cold.

Photos - Friends & Family