Scrappin' Excitement!!!

And, I owe alot of it to Steff over at An Inside Look...my blogger/teacher/scrapper friend. You see, I bought this set of stamps probably a year ago and LOVED them. Since then I haven't been able to find them anywhere to buy more fonts. I posted about it a few months ago and Steff led me to a website where I hit scrapper stamp pay dirt! Now, of course, I bought Ms. Steff a set as a thank you (just like my original set), and I was so disappointed, they are on back order. Bummer! I promise they are coming though, and you will love them too! Tomorrow night I will be a stamping queen!! Look at the fonts I got ~

You know it is the last Friday of the month, so it is girls night of scrappin' fun!! And, to add to the fun, we are dedicating the theme for the night with food and goodies for my pregnant friend that is expecting TWINS! She is craving Mexican, so Mexican food it is! I will take a picture of her to share ~ she is due in February and growing fast!

Bunch of Nothing...

Not much happening here except I am still sleeping with my nose covered in Vicks and a breathe right strip....is there any relief for this cold thing going around? It won't go away!!!

Simba has currently moved to bringing in moles instead of snakes. And, he is at least killing them first! This is an improvement, because the moles have been destroying the yard. So, for once, I am happy with my fat hunter cat! ha! And, if you haven't seen one in person, moles are funny looking!!

I have pretty much finished decorating for Christmas on the inside of the house. This weekend, I need to decorate outside. I don't put lights all over the house, just the front porch, front door and wreathes on the windows. I should be able to knock that out!

My final for my master's class is one week away. I HAVE TO STUDY!!! I need to start now...but I procrastinate on these things!!

This weekend, Sunday will be a big day in LoriLand!! First, I have the honor of being invited to watch one of the kids in my class in her Christmas program at Church. She is a doll, so should be fun. Then, I get to see Keith Urban in concert that night with my Mom and sister in law. Go ahead-hate me-I get it! After all, it is Keith Urban!!!

Wordless Wednesday: patience by Jax!

Getting started...

I got two new items tonight for the Christmas decorating season...first the Believe sign hanging above one of my Santa's...I love it!And then this very cool Snowman banner that I just hung over the mirror above the fireplace. We are still looking for Kevin a stocking for the angel to hold. I have a serious thing for snowmen!! LOVE THEM!

I am tired of the same old stuff every year, so I didn't get everything out this year. I think I like it better. I didn't put my garland around the fireplace or my villages out...I may decide to, but for now, I am liking the simplicity. I also got my first Christmas card in the mail already, & I think it is my first ever handmade one! Way to go to my scrap buddy, Laura! You beat my Aunt Debbie and no one ever beats Aunt Debbie in getting cards in the mail! ha!
And, lastly, the tree...hello! Last year, I wrapped it in heavy plastic and stored it in the garage with the decorations & lights still on. BEST IDEA EVER!! My tree was up and plugged in within 5 minutes!! (I got this skinny one last year b/c my living room really isn't that big and the 6 foot one that I had swallowed the room. Isn't it cute?)
Tomorrow, I will try to get the front porch looking holiday like and happy! :-)

It was here and gone so fast!

I think I have post-hosting blues! You know how you spend all week getting the yard and house ready for the big event, then it's here and gone just like that? We hosted the big family Thanksgiving today, and it was a success. But after everyone left, I felt a little sad. I was so busy running all day and doing stuff that it went too fast, and I didn't feel like I even got to talk to anybody! So, I called one of my best cousin buddies (that had JUST left my house - ha!) and we talked for about half an hour. I felt better! LOL! However, I am very upset that I didn't take very many pictures and barely got any good ones!! The weather didn't cooperate today, and there weren't many picture taking opportunities! I hope Aunt Lyn shares like she promised - otherwise, what kind of scrapbooker will I be? ha! Awww...I am getting rid of these blues just chatting on the phone and blogging! Kevin thinks I am crazy! :-) Who me?

I know I should just relax tomorrow after this mad rush all week to get the yard and house ready, but I think I am going to try to tackle some Christmas decorations!!! Not everything...just some fun stuff! Like the tree and the stockings....speaking of, we need a good Christmas card idea for this year. Do we put just me, Kevin, and the dog OR bring the cats in too? I can't decide...these decisions are very important! My Christmas cards make me smile every year...it has to be just right! Should we wear Santa hats? Hmmm....go here to see last year's card and here for the year's before that! Let's hear your creative thinking!

Thankful...

It really is that time of year where you have to reflect on all the good in your life and take the time to be grateful. I like to think that I do that on a regular basis, but I know life gets busy sometimes and things are taken for granted. I know I am blessed and have so much to be thankful for...here are a few things in no certain order:

1. I am thankful to have Kevin back in my life. We were such good friends for so long. I missed him when I moved and our lives went separate ways. He was one of those friends I could always count on. And, now he is back in my life where he should be. I am grateful for the way he makes me feel loved on a daily basis and can make me feel like the most beautiful person in the world. I also love that we have common interests - like camping - and enjoy spending time together. He is my best friend!

2. I am thankful for my family (even with all their drama! ha!). We are very fortunate in our family (not that we see it all the time) but we are. We have not really had to suffer any loss or major illnesses in my immediate family. We have had two cases of breast cancer in recent years and both were survivers!!! yay! Now, that is something to be thankful for!! I love being with family...my Mom is awesome! I am glad she has blocked my teenage years! ha! My cousins are more like friends than family. I know that for the most part, family is my safe place to fall when I need it.

3. I am thankful for friends...ALL of you! My BFF, my scrap girls, my work friends, my blog buddies, my family friends....Life wouldn't be the same without friends! You are my rock!!

4. I am so thankful for my pets!! You know I am nutso about them! They are my babies!!

5. I am thankful that I have a house of my own where I can have pets. I know being a teacher and not making much money, that after the divorce, I could've easily ended up in an apartment. But I searched and searched until I found a house I could afford...I had four pets to think about! ha! I downsized, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! I love my cozy little house!!

6. I am thankful to love my job again!! AHHH!! And thank you to all my friends who helped make that happen by giving me the push I needed! My new job is the best!

7. I am thankful to be back involved in Church again and reading/studying my Bible. It brings about such a peace...

8. I am thankful that the gas leak the gas company just repaired did not harm me, Kevin, or any of my pets! Whew!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT TURKEY DAY!!!

Now I know...

I am an idiot...(hold comments!) About a month ago, I noticed a pretty sizable ant mound in the backyard. Since Jax had gotten into fire ants before and had such a bad reaction, I thought, "I'd better cover that up, so the dog doesn't step on it." BIG MISTAKE! I covered it up with Jax's kiddie pool (yes, my rotten dog has his own pool!) and forgot about it....Fast forward to today when I needed to hurry and mow the back
yared before it rains tomorrow....

I lift the pool and OMG! The ants literally made a home for themselves the size of the pool - all the way to the top!!!!! Note to self - don't cover an ant pile...just leave it alone until you can get some ant killer. I mean, seriously, have you EVER seen an ant pile this big? LOL! Only I could manage this one! Even Kevin was in awe...what am I going to do with this thing? ha!

One more workday...

...that's right - only one more day of work this week and then 5 days off in a row!!! YIPPEEE!!!
That should give me plenty of time to get all the stuff done I need to do before the family Turkey day at my house on Saturday!! (IF the weather cooperates!!) Kevin and I have been sick since Saturday - achey, congested, exhausted, runny noses, blah, blah, blah. That didn't help the yard work get done this weekend though! AND it's supposed to rain on Wednesday...uh-oh! That could really hinder the leaf raking job...and the mowing...hmmm!

I did manage to get a few things marked off my list in between naps and medicine over the weekend! Remember my list:
1. sleeping in (BIG time!) Done!
2. raking leaves
3. cleaning up the back deck Done!
4. mowing or begging Kevin to mow
5. laundry Done!
6.cleaning out the snake infested flowerbed Done!
7. burning leaves and yard brush
8. buying turkey for our Thanksgiving the next Saturday Done!
9. going to Wal-Mart (I hate Wal-Mart!) Done!
10. grading papers (of course!) Done! (today but still counts!)
11. hopefully finishing my Master's project DONE!
12. cleaning out my car
13. going to church Went!

As you can see, it is mainly yard work left...cross your fingers for us! It also looks like on Saturday when I have about 35 folks in my small house that it is going to be rainy and cold!!!! Where will we all fit? This is my fourth year to host turkey day, and we have always gotten lucky with the weather where we could spend the majority of our time outside. Last year, we even ate on the back deck...oh well, it's only Monday...I'll save my panic for later in the week! ha!

Thursday Thirteen

*Since Kevin and I don't get to go to his parents house for their turkey day this weekend (We had serious cards stacked against us between work and house sitters...these things happen.) Here are - Thirteen Things I am doing instead of eating turkey and all the yummy desserts!!!

1. sleeping in (BIG time!)

2. raking leaves

3. cleaning up the back deck

4. mowing or begging Kevin to mow

5. laundry

6.cleaning out the snake infested flowerbed

7. burning leaves and yard brush

8. buying turkey for our Thanksgiving the next Saturday

9. going to Wal-Mart (I hate Wal-Mart!)

10. grading papers (of course!)

11. hopefully finishing my Master's project

12. cleaning out my car

13. going to church

Cookbook Fundraiser!!!

Ok gals - you gotta do this one! It's a cookbook!!! And, a really good one !!! The rescue group, BoxAR, that I volunteer with is selling cookbooks to raise money. It has over 300 recipes, and they are good ones that real people submitted ... I hate those fancy cookbooks that you don't know what the ingredients are!! They are $15 a piece - email me if you want one or leave it in the comments, and I'll take care of it.

If you live close, I'll bring it to you. If not, I can mail it for an extra $2 or hold it until next time I see you. If you want to pay by credit card and have BoxAR ship it directly to you - go to the website to order - http://www.boxarrescue.rescuegroups.org/

Come on - help out a good cause and get something cool in return!!!

Boxer slobbers all around!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Snakes 101

You guessed it...he did it AGAIN! Only this time...it was ALIVE, and Kevin was at work!!! I admit that I panicked at first a bit when I saw it, but then I also realized that both cats (yes Nala got in on the action) were keeping it corralled to one area.....so I had time to gather my wits and find a pair of shoes. I just kept thinking "ewww...what if slithers over and touches me!" So...once I had shoes on, I decided I had a minute to call Kevin at work and yell at him for lying to me that snakes were in hibernation right now! Whatever! :-) Now, I needed a plan...better get a picture of the ticked off LIVE snake in my house for my bloggers (see what a good, thoughtful blogger I am!) Ok...shoes, yelled at Kevin, and took a picture...now how do I get this thing out of my house!!! A BROOM!!! I ran to the garage and grabbed a broom and opened the backdoor. I hit him towards the door about three times (boy was he getting mad too!). Once he saw the open door, he was gone...slithered right on out and under the deck. Then, I thought "crap! I just let him go! Why didn't I kill him?" Oh well....maybe he'll be in hibernation soon???

I did get this picture too so my imagination wouldn't later run wild with me, and I could identify him with my handy dandy Arkansas Game and Fish Snake Guide. Turns out, he is a harmless Garter Snake - but, a snake IN THE HOUSE just the same! And yes, I have decided to let Simba live - so far! He is in big trouble though!! And believe it or not, I still wouldn't go without that doggie door. The good far outweighs the bad!!

Here are some snake facts I researched after this:
*Snakes will defend themselves by biting when attacked or feeling threatened, otherwise they will attempt to retreat from humans. (think the broom was threatening? ha!)
*If the head is chopped off, or the body cut in two or crushed by a large object, the snake will die immediately. (duh?)
*However, for a short time after decapitation, the latent nerves in the head can cause the head to bite. (great!)

Want to prevent snakes in your house or yard?
*don't get a cat! (LOL!)
*Keep your lawn mowed short (oops!)
*Remove piles of logs, brush, rocks or other debris on the ground. (oops again!)
*Make sure home is well-sealed.
*Minimize mulch and low-growing flower or plant beds immediately around the house. (darn it!)

I see some serious yard work in my immediate future!!!
Freakin' Cat!

Lazy Day...

Today was a much needed lazy day!!!! AAAAHHHH!!!! You know how sometimes you just need a day where you have nowhere to be and don't even get dressed? That's the day I had today, and I haven't had one in so long. I feel like I've been running, running, running...and this weekend, add burning up the road to the list! We drove 3 hours to a ballgame Friday night and 3 hours back home, and Saturday I got back in the car to meet Mom half-way to do some Christmas shopping. Today, I literally slept until 10:30 am and could have kept sleeping!!! I am refreshed for the week!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

I had computer issues most of the night, so big post for me! I am about to crash!!!

I will leave you with this ~
I had my last parent conference Wednesday. The one I've had to reschedule numerous times due to her not showing up. In the middle of the conference FOR HER CHILD, she says, "I hate to interupt you, but what grade is this again?"
I wish that were a joke, but it isn't!

I can't leave on a down note...
How about this for happy ~
Tomorrow is Friday!!! I love my job!!! My class is awesome (even though they are chatterboxes! ha!) Check 'em out over at our class blog!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things That Make Me Smile This Week...

1. My students thankful papers that I graded (so sweet!)

2. Seeing Simba all curled up on Kevin's belly just purring away

3. Sharing an inside joke with Kevin

4. Overhearing my students talking when they think I'm not listening (they are currently arguing over if I have a boyfriend or not! ha!)

5. Having my LAST parent conference today!!!

6. Being 3/4 done with my big master's project!

7. Jax being finished with his shots - thank goodness!

8. Watching Nala jump for the couch and miss (she is not a graceful cat!)

9. Planning a roadtrip with Kevin (Friday we are going to watch a high school friend coach his football team in a playoff game).

10. Simba coming through the doggie door with nothing in his mouth! ha!

11. A clean house - even better - it was cleaned by the cleaning lady on Monday!

12. Fresh sheets....ahhh!

13. Dinner at TaMolly's with my cousins

Wordless Wednesday: fat cat from all the hunting!

Boogers gross me out!

And, I have a booger picker in my room!!!! Ewwww!!!! What can I do? He is one my smartest and best kids. I love him to death, but he is always digging in his nose. I mean - finger lost in there - digging!!! And, to make it even worse, he sometimes puts the finger in his mouth after...I don't want to know if he is eating....yuck...I can't even say it! How do you talk to a kid about this? It really grosses me out!!!! Once, I saw another girl in class watching him with this amazed, yet grossed out look on her face, and I just about fell out laughing. But, I held it in and managed to get her attention to shhhh! before she blurted out to the whole class.

ok...seriously, do I just let it go? Or, is there a way to make it stop? Seriously...help!

His days are numbered!

This gorgeous cat of mine, Simba, is going to be the death of me! He is quite the character! First of all, he thinks he is a rottweiler, because for 9 years his best friend was Rocky. Simba definately runs the house around here. However, I am about to kill him! (I wouldn't, BUT I thought about it Saturday!!)

Let's just say my "house" cat is no longer a house cat. He LOVES the doggie door, and he has been bringing me prizes since it was installed. Lizards - no biggie - scoot 'em back outside. Grasshoppers - no biggie. Frogs - not a problem. Week before last, a dead mouse - well, I said, at least it was dead. Last week, a LIVE mouse...hmmm..I'm not too crazy about that one! THEN YESTERDAY, WHAT WE ALL KNEW WAS COMING - A SNAKE!!!!!

Yep - he is lucky it was dead by the time I got home to discover it! We had a little "coming to Jesus" meeting, but I don't think he listened! LOL!

Here he is - he wouldn't even leave him alone for me to scoop up and throw outside...notice I used a big piece of paper...I was scared it might come to life on me! ha!

A little of this & a little of that

Below - I am on the outside of the glass door taking their pic! (Imagine what I'll be like with REAL kids! ha!)

*Halloween is always more fun around here for me than for my pets! They were properly tortured last night. Kevin and I got giggles out of it! And, Christmas dress-up is right around the corner! LOL! Not many trick-or-treaters though, but the ones we had sure got a kick out of the critters dressed up!

*Today I went to Newport (where I grew up) to interview a High School teacher of mine for a paper I'm doing for my Masters class. She was a chemistry & Physics teacher when I was in HS, and she was a favorite teacher of mine. She was one of those teachers that made a lasting impression - I still correspond with her through Christmas cards each year. Well, now she is the HS librarian - which is why I interviewed her. It was certainly surreal being back at the old HS after 16 years!!! Not much had changed, but it all seemed smaller for some reason. I did leave feeling a bit OLD! I babysat her kids when I was in HS and now they are 23 and 26 years old! How does that happen? ha!

*I also got to have lunch with my Mom today. We got all caught up. She had an hour and a half, and we got all our girly talk done! Lunch was yummy too! Thanks Mom!

*If you are wondering, today and tomorrow are teacher meeting days. I asked if I could use my "workday" for my Masters that I get with the tuition reimbursement program. Much better than sitting in meetings all day!!!!

*I still hate the class I am taking this semester. I am actually actively signed in right now and listening to it, but not watching the power points. The professor cancels class all the time. Last week, she cancelled again and gave us a big assignment instead. Then when we logged on tonight, she said a few things we would do, but instead of covering two of the chapters we were supposed to - she'd just give us an assignment on them and post it tomorrow! URGH! It's almost over!

*Saturday, my scrap buddies and I are going to a huge scrapbook sale!! BARGAINS! And, having lunch after...so looking forward to Saturday!!! Lots of favorites there - girl talk, scrapbookin' and food! HA!