how much is too much and Im not talking about scrabooking.

I really love American Crafts. They are a fabulous company, always on top of the market, and always full of beautiful new line of terrific thickers. I love these new rain boots thickers. They are skinny but puffy, and they are gorgeous. Remember those MOD sheets I mentioned before, from SISTV? Gotta Its the yellow grid here.



I had my meeting with the first school. Opinion/ Impression wasn't so great. It seemed way to expensive, but on the positive note you could graduate in 36 weeks. I don't want to be in school for years and years, but a quick in and out its what I'm looking for either. They also don't accept "hope" or any other form of student aid besides the Federal Pell grants.

Doing my research, I discover a Radiography program offered at the local tech school. Its very affordable and I love the idea of doing ultra sounds. How cool would it be to reveal to an expectant mother the sex of their child. Oh my, I would love that. Downside, the program only accepts 20 new students per year. You must register and finish what they refer to as health care science certificate, which is mainly core classes, and then apply for this program, and be chosen based on HOBET test score, attendance and previous grades. I'm a glass half empty kind of girl, so I would be afraid to risk this for failure to gain acceptance. Then I would have wasted my time with the health care certificate as its not really good for anything in the real world, job wise. The medical assistant class doesn't require those classes. I'm not interested in massage therapy or EMT so I couldn't use those credits for anything if I chose that route and didn't make it in the class. Now I was pretty smart in school and most things came easy to me, but I have forgot most of the math I learn. The HOBET test has advanced algebra and calculass sections. In high school I took, algebra A&B and then moved to Geometry A, B and Geometry 2A, B. I loved Geometry. So yeah who knows how I would mange with those formulas there. And no calculators are allowed. BUT ...... At this school, the medical assistant program, is a diploma certification, instead of an associates degree. Therefore, I am a bit hesitant. So many choices to make ,so little time.

Does anyone have any genuine advice or guidance to share?

GOOBS

The Mosy scrapper is going out of business. Starting May 2-8 they are having a 50% off sale. Previous kits, Pink paislee alphas and their new fetching fabric flowers. HERE I'm hoping to get my hands on their Aubrey and maybe Hootie kits. Hopefully I remember the sale.

The beautiful dark skinned Sarah (yes those are her words) is giving up a double, yes 2 winners, RAK over at her blog. She is so inspiring, go check her out and tell her I sent you.

On another note, I have accepted the invite to Design with Pamela Young, over at Scrapbook Challenges for the next three months. I've Guest Designed on a few challenge sites before, but I've never been on an actual design team. I'm excited for the opportunity though. I'm not sure if its my thing or not, so we'll see how it goes. Also Pamela works very hard on this site. She designing and post weekly sketches, challenges along with finding monthly sponsors. Come play if you find the time. My first challenge goes up on May 4, and will b titled Blue-tiful skies.

Here is the sketch for this week. If you play along, be sure to link, for your chance to win.

I'm thinking about changing up my blog with a new look. What do you think? Does anyone know how to add the post separation bars into your blog? Do tell?


Annie from the DT over at SC tagged me today with this lovely. Its one I haven't seen before and a different concept. Birthday Wishes and Desires.

This is what you do, should you decide to play along.

1. Make a list of what you want for your Birthday.
2. The list should be 10 numbers.
3. Include the image of this Award on your Post.
4. Give it to 10 Friends of yours.


My birthday is 10 months away here goes: Since this is for fun they will be things I really want but not actually items I would ever ask for. Im not this selfish.

1. Yellow or Purple Ipod Nano
2. I need this
3. Kenny Chesney concert tickets
4. This Dooney & Bourke bag
5. This one too
6. Sugarland Love on the inside CD
7. This top at Forever 21
8. This beauty for house cleaning purposes of course! ;)
9. This sparkly machine (yes I seriously love them)
10. AND The ultimate gift, would be tickets to see this man. Adored him my entire life.

Instead of listing everyone, If you would like to play along, consider yourself tagged by me. :)

Off to bed, as I have a meeting with the first school tomorrow. I cant wait, and hope it goes good. I am serious about this you see.

Decisions

I wanted to thank everyone for the kind words, as result from my last post. Its much appreciated.

I decided I want to go back to school. I've always wanted to go, but other things always stood in the way. My mothers divorce, then money, my little sister needs, bills etc....Now it seems like everything is in place, where I can concentrate on this for myself and to give Blake the best life he deserves. Where do I start? Back in my early days, I wanted to be a elementary teacher, probation officer, and a social worker oh and I cant forget Surgical tech, and a RN. See a pattern here? I like to help people. So naturally, I want what I consider to be an important job. Also job stability is important, now that Josh is disabled. I need to do this for Blake and for myself. Ive already waste 10 years, and I know if I don't go soon, than I never will. How can I insist Blake finished college, if I didnt.

I have narrowed it down to 3 possible choices...

• Medical Assistant
• Medical Office Assistant
• Medical Coding and Billing

I cant make a decision between these. I like the office end but, I'm not sure the available job out there, I would like to be an assistant especially for a woman's pregnancy clinic /office, Coding billing interest me bc I'm good with math and rules regulations, but I have a slight case of dyslexia, when it comes to dealing with #'s. Its very seldom, but occasionally I will switch 2 #'s around. Does anyone out there hold any of these positions? Any Advice?

Are you familiar with Pamela Young? She is one of my favorite artist and a very talented lady! She leads a group on myspace called Scrapbook Challenges. Every Monday she post a new original sketch and the Design Team over there also issues challenges throughout the week as well. I played along with this weeks sketch #139, (and yes they are link to the other 138 sketch from Pam). I really love the my results. When I printed off these Pics I hated the way they looked, I felt like I missed the entire egg hunt part, and was ready to throw them out. After trying the sketch, I'm happy with the pics and the page. Thanks for the inspiration Pamela.
And yes the page is on a pink background, but I still love it.

Egg Hunt

Lydia, this is off to you.
I hope you like it.
I hope it makes the trip safely.

A peek inside my head

Have you guys heard this song? I'm loving this band!! Its my newest obsessions in music. I like to drown myself in music and forget about being me for small while. This song is fabulous. My current playlist also includes Seether (love them) Taylor Swift, and Sugarland. I'm really loving Sugarland lately.







So its nearing 7am, and Ive been awake all night. I was going to bed with my family, when Suddenly I was hit with this huge stream of brilliant mojo rushing through my mind, and Ive been busy scrapping all night. Oh the greatest that blah blah blah Ok yeah right, back to reality. Actually I'm still sitting, staring at the Computer screen empty minded and bored out of my mind, yet I cant sleep. Whats new there? I'm starting to think I'm crazy, or truly in need of some form of sleeping pills. Those of you who know me, know they are no way I could ever swallow those things and they would sit and waste away in my side drawer like all other medications I'm prescribed. I have a strong desire to fill the prescriptions, yet I cant take them. I think this coincides with my perfectionist tendencies. Which is another thing I wish I could kick out the window. Now Josh on the other hand, falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow, literally! And Frankly that ticks me off. Speaking of Josh, we recently celebrate our 6 year anniversary, yay for me huh.....well not exactly. I have come to the conclusion that he and I are from two different worlds and I don't think our expectations and goals in life are the same. I have to ask myself what ELSE I'm willing to sacrifice and let go of in life. He doesnt have a clue who I am or what I like. Yes he can tell you I adore Kenny Chesney. . . That's bc I say all the time, how I dream of going to his concerts some day, But can he tell you what my favorite perfume is? ...NO! and he doesn't know how much I love cozy fireplaces, boots, costume jewelry, red hots and polka dots. Are you thinking I'm insanely crazy and even a bit delusional now? Hard-hearted Even? I don't know whats wrong with me, but I know I'm not a happy spring chicken. So are you guys thinking I'm clinically depressed? Must try to get some sleep, as B will be up in a few hours now.

on and on and on

How sad right? Ok let me explain, Blake it now 2 years old, we think its time he starts getting punished for being mean. Especially for hitting and being mean to Toby, my yorkie. This is his first Time out. 2 minutes. (Doesnt he look so darn cute.) He stays up so straight and sticks his nose in there. He does so good with it too. It really hurts his feelings and he gets this huge puppy dog look on his face, but he stays in there until he is told to come here. I dont like being the bad guy but this moms no push-over and I truly believe its necessary for him to be a respectful and behaved child. I want him to say Please and Thank you and to do whats right the first time, whether moms around or not. He also goes to his bed, in his room and goes to sleep. I am truly blessed when it comes to my son. Now if I could only figure out how to make him eat. Thats not getting any better, actually I think its worse now bc of the heat. Today, the child ate 2 french fries and a pack of fruit snacks. Thats it. Of course he drank milk, juice throughout the day and I give him a bottle of Pedisure for nutrients at night but I would like him to eat. I'm open to suggestions, if you have any!



Have you seen Lisa's blog? Here! She tells some of the most descriptive and totally relateable stories in blog land. I love reading her posts. She is turning 29 (again :} ) this month and is celebrating with a HUGE, it took 3 pics, RAK for some super lucky blog reader. Go visit her and leave a comment for a chance to win.

I finished week 2 and 3 from the Use your supplies Challenge. Stamping and stickers. You know most of us, start out using stickers, go buy a ton of them and end up never using them. I challenge you to go find that drawer, pull them out and use one on your next project. If you know your over that stage, then Be green and pass them along to another deserving scrapper or child. Children love stickers after all. I started cleaning out my old supplies and gave my MIL a pizza box full. She is starting to get into scrapping now. Yay. I really want someone to go to crops at the LSS with. The first page I am sharing is for my friend Lydia. She has the most adorable little guy. The Jenni Bowling papers worked perfectly with his GQ duds. I love the JB stuff, but find it hard to use except for the elegant photos. The second page was made with all scraps from various lines, and some of those old half used sticker sheets. Its a simple page, but I like it. Notice the Heidi Swapp clock stamp, and the Heidi bird, I finally used it.





Blake and I have been spending alot of time outside this week. We go on walks, mow the grass with the bubble mower (one of his fave toys) run, jump, swing, laugh, go visit Pappy, and of course take pictures. On Thursday we had a few errands to run. After returning home, we took a stroll around the yard before coming inside, as it was starting to get late. I ask Josh to fetch my camera and take a pic of us as we were having a nice day. With trying to get Blakes attention and the lovely sunlight here is the results. Dont we look so pretty here.


Ok so I guess I should show you the horrid out take and make a mental note to stay behind the camera from now on. Or at least be ready at all times. Hey at least Blake still looks cute. He is so photogentic, while I am not.







On another note, Two of my wonderful blog friends tagged me with a little award. Thank you Ann and Lisa for the honor! I love knowing someone likes to read about my sometime disaster craft projects and my non-stop ramblings of my little corner of the the world. This little bug was a blessing in disguise to made me happy this week. Im not sure whats wrong with me, but Im down in the dumps and cant seem to pull myself out of it right now.

Here are the rules:

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.

2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.

3. Nominate top 10 Fave Blogs

4. Put links to their blogs

5. Leave a message for your nominees.

So here are the wonderful blogs that I must visit throught the week. Be sure to check these ladies out. They are awesome. Lydia makes lovely negative space LOs. Mel is original, Jocylen is super with top10, Peggy is so talented, Beth Love her style, Jill is one of my fave scrappers, Sarah is awesome, and Ken makes so many lovelys in her shop, Ann and Lisa, back at the top, complete me top 10 favorite blogs. Play along Ladies if you wish.

1. Lydia

2. Mel

3. Jocylen

4. Peggy

5. Beth

6. Jill

7. Sarah

8. Ken

Wreck this Journal

OMG I saw this from Ann, and wow I want it. This is so me. Wreck this journal











Get yours here, for only $7.98 Want to visit the authors blog? Go here.

What a wonderful world

It was two years ago today, that this handsome baby boy was born. He had a rough start with life, and spent the first couple of days in the NICU, but he prevailed, and has been completely a blessing ever since. It feels like I barely blinked, and my baby boy is 2 years old. Oh how I wonder where this tiny little guy with a head full of dark hair and bright blue eyes went?

Now, I have this wild, crazy, loud, energetic, fun filled little boy. He likes to laugh and play. He loves to b e outside, whether its running through the grass, or sliding at the park. This now green eyed boy, loves potato chips. I'm pretty sure they are his favorite food. He also enjoys yogurt dro ps, chicken nuggets, goldfish, bananas, and peanut butter. He likes to watch Wow Wow Wuzby, Dragon Tales, and Little Bill. He has seen the movie "Cars" over 100 times, and probably more than that. Now he's not all good, We have hit the terrible two's. But they only seem to happen in public pl aces where he cant roam free. I can't wait to see the changes this year will bring. We are looking forward to the little conversations, and hearing his thoughts and opinions at this little age. I really think this is going to be such a fun age for us both.




I haven't really been in a crafting mood this week. I joined a challenge over at SB.C to use your supplies. Its a 4 part challenge and at the end of the month you will have 4 completed pages and have put some of your stuff to good use. Today is the 12th and I've only finished 1 page so we'll see. I lack motivation.

Week 1: was to incorporate 3 separate techniques into your page. I choose stamping, chalking, and wrapping ribbon. I feel like this page is missing something, but I dont know what I could add so I left it alone. I don't love this page, but thats okay.






I don't do this very often, but I thought I would share a couple of ideas, that made my sketch folder this week. The sketch in green, was my original plan for my silly faces page, from a few weeks back. I plan to try this design again. Who knows..... maybe its one of those that work better in sketch form than paper.




Does anyone have experience with SVG files? Any tips? Know of any good sites to find them? Are you asking why? Well thats because I finally got the SCAL software and now I'm teacing myself to make my own SVG's to cut. I'm not a big cartridge fan, and I really think they are way to expensive for what you get.

How was your Easter? Ours was kinda boring. We stayed home because Josh's hip was aching. He slept most of the day. Blake loved his basket, but wasnt thrilled with hunting eggs. In his defense it was his first time, and he was the only kid here. We had fun. I will leave my blog friends with some Easter Photos of Blake to enjoy.

Blake's Birthday and a tutorial

I cant believe it. Next Saturday April 12, my baby will be 2 years old. In my opinion, thats when they are officially no longer a baby. Oh where has the time gone? Since his birthday falls on Easter Day we had his party this Saturday instead. Blake had a BLAST. He loved it. My nephew Brennon also turns 3 on April 7th, so we celebrate their birthdays together this year. It worked out great.

The jump house with slide.

Going up the ladder. B needed
help at first but later he got it.

He loves these things.

Going down the slide

Blake laughing and
running to go back up.

Brennon climbing in the jump house.

The cake.

The candles

Eating some cake.

Cake face Blake ( its in the jump
house bc he had a few bites and
took off back to the jump house.)

Cake face Brennon

Both boys opening presents together.

Funny thing Blake doesn't
understand the bags yet, but he knows
how the wrapping paper works.

Here are all his presents.

This is a pic of me and
most of the little kids.

These are only a few of the photos. I have so many good ones, I'm not sure which ones I will scrap. Maybe I will try my first 2 pager. I'm not a fan of those.

I found this tutorial online and it has to the cutest thing Ive seen in a long time. I love it, and think it would make so really cute treats for easter. *Please note these are not my pics, and I did not come up with this. They belong to Betsy Veldman.

Supplies (per tube):

• 5 1/2 x 6" piece of transparency
• Circle punches or other circle cutting system of your choice that will enable you to cut 1 3/4" and 2 3/4" circles. I used my Cricut with the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge
• 
  

2 - 7" x 5/8" strips of patterned paper

Cardstock (white and Raspberry Fizz)

Clear adhesive such as Red Line Tape or Terrifically Tacky Tape

1 3/4" scallop punch

2 5/16" scallop punch

Ribbon

Hole punch

Stamps, ink and other embellishments of your choice

1. Put a strip of Terrifically Tacky Tape along one 6" edge of the transparency piece.

2. Roll the transparency into a tube, adhering the other edge to the adhesive strip

3. Cut two cardstocks circles the same diameter of your tube. The diameter of my tube was 1 3/4" (yours may vary depending on how much you overlapped the edges, so be sure to measure yours). Then cut two circles 1" larger than your tube diameter (mine were cut at 2 3/4")

4. Adhere the smaller circles to the center of the larger circles

5. Use a scissors to snip every 1/4" or so into the larger circle, just up to the edge of the smaller circle.

6. Repeat until both circles look like this:

7. Then fold the little snips. The smaller circle acts as your guide

8. Cut two 7" x 5/8" strips of patterned paper

9. Apply a strip of adhesive along the edge of each strip

10. Peel backing from adhesive and wrap paper strip around edge of lid as shown, making sure you start out nice and straight along the folded edge.

11. Once the strip is wrapped all the way around the lid, go back and rub your finger along the inside of the lid to secure all those little snips to the adhesive strip. Repeat for other lid.

12. Apply a line of adhesive along the bottom edge of your tube to adhere the bottom lid

13. Put the bottom lid onto the tube and use an object such as a large popsicle stick or ruler to rub the inside of the tube against the adhesive to be sure it is nice and stuck. (you don't want candy flying all over!!! :-D)

14. Punch one hole on each side of the tube, 3/4" inch or so from the top edge. Knot ribbon through these holes, leaving long enough tails to tie into a bow. The knots of the ribbon should be inside the tube.

15. Fill with candy and place top lid onto tube. Adhere 1 3/4" punched scalloped circle to the lid

16. Bring ribbons up over lid and tie into bow to secure lid

17. Punch a 2 5/16" scallop circle from white cardstock and adhere to bottom lid

17. Now you can embellish as desired. Here I used a heart stamp "xoxo" stamp from Heart Prints along with the coordinating heart punch

18. Punch out heart and punch a small hole in the top

19. Thread jute through button holes and slip ends through punched hole. Tie to bow on top of tube.

All done!!