Yeah! OK, I think I like my new look! I went to ShabbyBlogs after seeing a cute layout on Tresa's blog and found one that I REALLY liked!! I added it and then decided to make my own banner. I have a program called Paint Shop Pro that I have been using for years, and made my banner. Not too bad!

The site update is kind of procrastination of cleaning up my mess here in the front room. I'm also working on a card for a wonderful friend at work who is having a birthday in a few days. Not getting very far but hope to do that tomorrow in-between some straightening up around here. As usual, the laundry is out of control and I've got some Gracie tumbleweeds to sweep up.

Two blog posts in one day.. Wow!!

I love Saturdays in the Spring! When the weather has just a hint of crisp in the air but yet it is warm enough to open the doors and a window or two. You can just SMELL the fresh new rejuvenation and can't help but just feel HAPPY! With the way things have been going for us lately, HAPPY is a much needed feeling that we NEED around here!!

Jon Ross had practice, Trevor & Allie had games and both had team pictures done. I had planned on going but didn't get out to the fields today. I got half-way dressed and did some things around the house while taking care of Rhiannon. She TOTALLY escaped her bouncy seat today so I guess that is probably not something we'll be able to put her in and step out of the room for any period of time. She's a little monkey!! Gotta love her!!!

What have we been doing that has been oh so much more important than keeping up with this blog? Um, yea. LOTS! First and foremost... spending 6 weeks in the hospital, half in critical care and the other half in the rehab unit. Jon Ross got Guillain Barre Syndrome and scared us to our wits end. It was a very trying experience but we made it through by the help of many many prayers from all over the continent!! We are so grateful.

We finally started getting back on track at home and our well died. No money to fix that other than resorting to credit cards and paying on it forever. Along with the rest of it all. Depressing. Anyway, we have water again... another $4500 later. Robbery.

Today is opening day at the ball park. Spring is HERE!! It makes a FULL Saturday, for sure. Rhiannon and I are the spectators, just rooting everyone on and soaking up the sun! Hope it is a safe and fun season for all.

Oh fun!! Here I am, behind again. Perhaps I should just resort to the fact that I will not be a daily blogger. I so wanna be!! LOL!Thanksgiving break was restful, filling, and fun... on the go go go!! Lots to be thankful for!

My Christmas Card Workshop was Thursday night and I think a success. What do I define as a success? All guests loved my cards and were happy with the offerings! A few took them to work the next day to show off, er ah, I mean share their cards and a few want me to offer another next week. MORE CUTTING!!!!! AHHHHH! LOL! J/K! It is the most time consuming for me to actually design the card and feel pleased that it will wow them!! Cutting a second batch of the same cards shouldn't take more than a few weeknights after dinner (crossing fingers!!).

It is Saturday and I got up a few times during the night with R. She is way off schedule!! I ended up staying in bed, though not really sleeping, til around 10 and have not gotten my rear in gear yet (nearly 1pm!!). Guess it is time!!

I'm off to see if I can sweet talk A into going to the garage and bringing in the holiday boxes of stuff and the tree!! Fa la la la la la la la la!!!

Oh dear! Where has the time gone?? All 6 of us have been sharing some BUGS! We've had an upper respiratory cold thing that lasts more than 2 weeks and a NASTY upper GI bug that put A & T moaning from the stomach pain, and J throwing up. They all missed a little school and just felt horrible. A & I both had the stomach thing, but not as bad as the kids. Even poor R had both. Not so easy to deal with for a 3 month old baby!!

AND... the time has passed by so quickly because I have gone back to work. My house is a complete and utter disaster and laundry is outta control!! CRAZY!!!

I'm not ready for Thanksgiving break other than to get caught up around here but won't get to much since we'll be spending most of the time with family. Also, my nephew, M, has a birthday party! FUN!

Tomorrow will be spent prepping for my Christmas card workshop that is coming up on the 4th!!!

BACK TO WORK!

Today was THE day! I went back to work today. It was bittersweet, for sure! I did ok in the am... didn't cry much but did feel kinda sad when I kissed my little Rhiannon good-bye and told her I'd pick her up later. Lots of people asked and already knew the answer... that I would rather be at home with my baby. Several other teachers told me they were glad to have me back. Several kids were so sweet and told me that they missed me and was glad I was back. That really helped!! I got two texts from my Mom during the day to check on me and let me know my lil' Monkey Pie was just fine. I got there to pick her up and she was good until I held her and she modt definitely assimilates me with eating! She threw a fit until I gave in. Not sure she was hungry as she had just eaten a couple hours earlier.

I'm working on finishing up a class for a crop that I am a vendor at this coming Saturday. I will post some pix. Also need to finish a card for my girlfriend's birthday party tomorrow night... one of the first of my friends my age that is turning 40! Can't believe it! Anyway, I want to make her a sophisticated and feminine card with a little sass! In case I do not get back here tomorrow (highly likely!!), Happy Birthday, Mollie!!

SUPER CARD!

Oh look! I got another awesome Stacy Leach creation! I put a shout-out to my buddies for some Huggies coupons and promised a handmade creation in return. Stacy was sweet to send me some Huggies coupons and included them in this awesome card! LOVE IT!!

THANK YOU, Stacy! I'll be making one for you today and getting it in the mail (& I will post it here to share!).

Where did the day go?

Sometimes I just don't know where my day disappears to! Next week, I know where it will go and that I won't get anything done at home. Errr! Oh well. It is a MUST! I am down to the dustbunnies of my bank account and the money tree we planted in the back yard just won't sprout! LOL!


Here is a shot of my CVS loot from last week. I've been behind all week and not made it there this week. I've got about $25 ECB's from my second trip to spend (the loot is from both trips last week). The candy went to the boys for their class. I've used the razor and can't say that I'm impressed! It shaves the same as my cheapie $3 for 12 razors... was I expecting too much of a $10 razor?

So, I sorted and tried to get a handle on my coupons today in between dropping off / picking up T. I think I was trying to get brave enough to go into Indy to KMart. They don't take Internet printed coupons though I do have a fair amount. It would just take some time since I am unfamiliar with the store and what they carry. I found a blog that lines things up but should check it out further before I decide to go and spend 2+ hours.

Rambling... it is past midnight so I better get to bed! R has slept all night the past two nights!! Crossing fingers for many many more... especially next week when I head back to work!!!!!!

Smooches!
R