Second verse, same as the first!!

Once again, I will be dusting off my blog. Once again and again and again. As you can probably tell, I'm not really good at keeping up on things. I have a full force burst of energy...and then nothing.

Thanks for hanging on. :)

A proud mommy moment

This past Sunday, my oldest daughter left with her fellow drafting/vocational classmates to participate in the Arizona Skills USA competition in Phoenix, AZ. The school competed in several areas, and Haley and her partner competed in the Team Home Design category. Their jobs are to complete plans for a home based on specifications given to them. Haley's partner does the interior plan and the site plan, and Haley draws the front elevation and the wall section.

THEY WON FIRST PLACE!!!!!!

Here they are up on stage:



First place!!



Her partner and Haley with their medals:



I'm so proud of her that I can't even put it into words. She wasn't even going to participate in Skills USA, but her teacher saw potential in her and pushed her to do it.

Look out world. This girl is going to do great things. :)

Putting myself out there.

I decided that today I would bare it all. Now, before you all run screaming and throwing bleach in your eyes...not ME baring it all. I mean what my house looks like RIGHT NOW.

Now, I've been "sick" for about five weeks, and am finally on the mend. When I say sick, I mean that I was sick sick, but since then I haven't been able to get rid of my horrendous cough. It keeps me up at night, it keeps me down during the day, it just exhausts me.

And my kiddos have taken advantage of my lack of attention, as evidenced by my "before" pics.

So, shall we proceed?

Here is my front room, looking in from my kitchen area. If you were to come through my front door, you would see this room right away and back right out the door. I was even gracious enough to stand back far enough so you could see my messy dining table too. It's kind of dark, but if you look closely enough, you can see the piles of laundry on the couch. These were done intermittently, and my family was lucky enough that I took the clean clothes out of the dryer, much less folded them. But apparently they can't take the folded piles and put them away.



We're walking, we're walking...

Next we visit the kitchen. At one point, in the past five weeks, EVERY. SINGLE. DISH. we owned was dirty. I think my kids have forgotten that we have running water...and a dishwasher. Oh, and apparently "empty the dishwasher" means take all the clean storage containers out and leave them on the counter. I'm such a proud mom. I feel sorry for all future spouses. And your eyes do not deceive you: that is an iron on the kitchen counter.



We're walking, we're walking...

As we walk toward the family room, we quickly pass by the newest addition to our home; our back room. Notice the vacuum cleaner neatly displayed in the center of the room? My children have to walk past that vacuum cleaner each and every time they let the dogs out. God forbid they actually wrap up the cord and put it away.



Now! We've made it to the family room. Oh, the family room. Notice all of the empty dishes on the end tables? This is what happens when mom isn't right on top of them at all times. Because, after almost 17, 14, and 10 years on this planet and under my care...my kids STILL don't know that dirty dishes go in the kitchen after you're done. And yes, I allow them to eat in the family room WAY too much. That's my bad.



Turning to your right...

We have the other side of the family room, complete with a bajillion video game systems, movies scattered everywhere, doors wide open on entertainment centers, cords everywhere. And a yellow chair?



Now, I'm hoping that you haven't, but if you have clicked on these pics, you can probably see how much dust is in my house. Heck, you can probably write your name in it from where you're sitting. I am NOT duster. It's always been the very last thing on my cleaning list, and most times I just don't do it. I'm trying to change, though. Also, my carpets are filthy. Remember the vacuum cleaner a few pics up? Yeah. It's been there for a LONG time.

After a few hours of clean up this morning, this is what my house looks like now!!!












It's not completely spotless, but I would be just a little less horrified if someone dropped in unexpectedly. Still lots of dusting and windexing to do, but I'll do that later today. It's lunchtime now.

I always say that it just takes a few minutes, but I never seem to do the few minutes it takes. But like I said before...I'm trying to change. *Ü*

Be sure to have your barf bags ready...

Last night, we decided to have a "free night" for dinner. Hubby and I had eaten a late lunch so we were not hungry at all. Little man had a chicken patty and when she got home, Cass decided she wanted a frozen pizza.

I had gone grocery shopping earlier and found Tony's pizzas, the larger size, on sale. I picked up four of them.

Cass heated up the oven and proceeded to open up her pizza and get it ready to bake. As she opened the plastic wrap she said, "Um...there's a HAIR *in* the frozen cheese!!" Upon further examination, this is what we found:





Not one, but TWO hairs intertwined with the frozen cheese and pepperonis!!!!

I don't think that I have ever purchased an item at the grocery store that has had human hair in it.

I was disgusted beyond belief. I wrote "DO NOT EAT!!" on the box and stuck it back in the freezer. I will be calling the 800 number right away. Someone told me they may send me coupons to keep me as a customer. I think they lost any chance of that when I found the SECOND hair.

Lesson learned and a PSA.

Recently, a good friend of mine told me of the usefulness of baking soda. The cleaning aspect, the freshness aspect. I also discovered the money saving aspect of it as baking soda is merely 50 cents at Walmart!

In my grocery shopping excursions this weekend, I neglected to buy dishwasher soap. And, since I am a mother of three and we have five people in our family, dishes (and laundry!) are the bane of my existence. I hopped on the computer to see if anyone out in the 'net has used baking soda in their dishwasher. I mean, it cleans pans, it cleans and freshens the sink...it could do both in the dishwasher. Right??

Not wanting to overdo it, I half-filled the lidded compartment of the dishwasher with baking soda, turned it on "heavy load" and let the magic begin. Later, as I went to unload the clean dishes...I was horror-struck.

My dishes looked like this (click for closer view):



Baked on baking soda.

Let me tell you. This stuff does NOT come off. Not even after re-running the dishwasher twice. Ask me how I know.

In order to get this lovely baked on film off of my dishes, I had to SCRUB the heck out of each and every dish. Rinsing them off simply does not work. My arms ache, my back aches, I have cramps in my fingers, and my water bill is going to be sky high this month.

So, take it from this wanna-be Martha: Baking soda in the dishwasher? NOT a good thing.

Perpetual reorganization

I am forever reorganizing my scrap room. Or should I say trying to. There is a challenge on twopeasinabucket but it is way too time consuming, my room would be in disarray too long...and I am just too impatient and want it done NOW, right or wrong.

This is what it looks like now:



So, I've been going into my room a little bit here and there, grouping like items together in baskets/totes and just sorting, for the time being. Once I get shelves and cabinets up, then I can start streamlining and buying containers that fit those areas.

Until then, I'll just keep trucking along! Hopefully I'll get to a point where I can at *least* whip out a layout or card!

Trying to change

Lately I've been examining the way I dress: extra-large t shirt, husband's shorts or my sweatpants, flip flops, hair in a bun.

Not very attractive.

I'm trying to re-do the way I think about dressing, which requires some new wardrobe items. I purchased an adorable black/white skirt on ebay, which I absolutely LOVE. But I'm trying to "funk" it up a little and am looking for some fun shoes to go with it. After that...I'll look for the oh-so-important shirt to match.

Look at these shoes:



Don't they just scream "FUN!!!" I'm not sure if they would go with the skirt I bought, but I might have to find SOMEthing to go with them!!!

In the meantime, I'll continue my search for the perfect shoe!!

Wow. Where has the time gone?!

I cannot believe it's been so long since I have updated my blog! I almost forgot how to find it and sign on!

Since I am trying to make all kinds of new changes in my life, I am reopening my blog! I'm ready to dive back into it and make it my own once again.

So, look for new entries on organizing, scrapping, shopping, and life in general!!

Friendship. What a funny word.

Friendship is such a funny little word. To some, it means the world. To others, it's just a word to throw around without much meaning. It's really difficult when you realize which one you have with someone.

I'm at the age where I do not want to work for my friendships. They should come naturally, easily, and without heartache. What do you do when things come up and the "friendship" changes for you? But...only you know it has changed. The other person is completely unaware of things.

I guess you just go on as usual without making any extra effort as it will be lost anyway. My friends know who they are, and what they mean to me. I guess that's what I'll hang onto.

Bit the bullet.

So, from my previous post, I'm sure you can gather that I am itching to unpack my scrapbooking supplies. Actually, I don't think itching is a strong enough word. I finally bit the bullet and put a small shelving unit in my kitchen. It's not pretty...but here it is:


And another (darker) view:



At a later date, I'll get/make a cover for it so it's not so "in your face." But at least I can scrap!! My only problem is...I still have about four more boxes to unpack!!

Not a real entry. :)

(I am posting this, seeking for help on a scrapping booking site. Please feel free to ignore!)

Now, we had just moved in a few weeks earlier when I took these, so DON'T look at the mess!!!

Okay, this is the first room you see when you walk into my house. The front door is actually on the right side, and you can see a bit of it through the arch. Door on the left leads to garage/laundry area. I am standing in the dining area, taking the pic. I actually thought of putting a table under that little arch, but then there's the big TV. That window is a front window, so it really can't be blocked. And the length of wall left (with the tv where it is) is not big enough for a table.
.

In this pic, I am actually standing in front of the window in the previous pic. This is the dining room, with the kitchen to the left and the family room to the right (next pic). Front left is a hallway that leads to some of the bedrooms. The room straight through the dining room is an Arizona room (enclosed patio) and changes with the weather, so no scrap supplies are going in there yet. Got a quote to enclose it, but that will come MUCH later. That would be a scraproom in the future.



In this pic, I'm standing in the archway of the previous pic, looking into the family area. To the right is my daughter's room. To the left is our computer table since we lost our office, too. That pic will be next.


And here is the computer desk that is behind the small couch in the previous pic. It has to stay there due to the internet/phone/cable link.



Hope this gives you a few ideas!! Any suggestions would be great!!

I hate death.

Hay's hamster died last night. I was holding him up until the very end because I didn't want him to feel alone. We had a vet appointment for today at 11, but apparently he couldn't hold on that long. We don't know what was wrong with him, just that he started eating less and less and wasn't drinking very much, and then yesterday we noticed he was wobbling a little when he walked. That's when we made the appointment, but we were too late. He went downhill fast.

This was the coolest hamster ever. If you put your finger in his cage, he would "bite" on it and act like he was trying to pull you back down with him. All four of his legs would flail and he would almost roll over on his back, hanging onto your finger the whole time. He was just a sweetie. Now he's gone.

Why am I taking this so hard? I've been crying since last night, and every time I think about him, or Hay, I start crying again. Maybe it's because he did the same things my father did when he passed away? I don't know. But even though it was her hammie, I loved that thing too. I always went into her room when she was sleeping or gone and I would play with him.

*sigh*

Why do things happen the way they do?

Settle in...it's update time.

Well, I go from no posts to two posts in one day. How's that for dedication?!

Me. What's been going on with me. Where to start??

As I stated a few months back, I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer in May. Horrible, horrible time in my life. I still have moments that I can't breathe, and it's unbelievable how much I miss him.

Since that time, my family and I have relocated to Arizona to be near my mom. The original plan was that someday she would join us in Nevada. But, after thinking long and hard about it, we decided that she had more "roots" in Havasu than we had anywhere else, barring D's work. So, we moved to be closer to her.

The kids had a difficult time handling it, especially my high schooler, although I think *I* was more stressed about it than she was. But they have all adapted so much better than I thought they would, and they are slowly making friends. They are all playing soccer, and loving every minute of it.

D still works in Vegas. He is waiting to transfer to Laughlin and then he will only be an hour away from us. This will make it SO much easier, not only on us, but on the car and the checkbook. ;) It's difficult, and to say that it's a test is understating things, but we are strong, and we are a strong family, and we see the greater good and the end result.

I'm still at home, and I'm ITCHING to scrapbook. All of my scrap stuff is still in boxes. We lost some rooms and some square footage when we moved, but other than that, I LOVE my house. We have a pool, we have a good-sized lot, and D has his "play" garage: a four car garage, separate from my two car garage. Six car garages. Wow. Still unbelievable, lol.

Although I didn't have many, I miss my friends in both Nevada and Utah. They were my scrapping buddies, my lunch buddies, my shopping buddies. But we'll meet again...soon. I've reconnected with my high school best friend, and it's great. I've been gone for 20 years, but it seems like I've been here the whole time. We're both busy, but we're finding time for each other.

I love living near my mom, and it's so wonderful to be able to pop in for a bit, or take the kiddos to see her. They've even had a sleepover with her...and they loved it. She's my bestest friend, and I'd forgotten what it's like to be so near to her.

So, that's where I've been, and what I've been doing. I hope that fills in a few blanks. ;)

Thanks for reading.
Steph

Check out this awesome scrapper!!

Okay.

So, I'm one of those "look but don't comment" people. That is something that I *really* need to change as I know that people love recognition...because I do too!! But...

I've been following a scrapper at TwoPeas. She does such fantastic work and I love every single card she's made. Another plus is that she's from Holland!! I have family that lives there, and I absolutely love it there. Hopefully I'll be back to visit the country soon.

If you get a chance, check out Nancy at her blog: Scrap This!

A "hello" and a cool product!!

Well, I've been gone for a really long time. I've checked my blog several times (for what, I don't know, lol), but never had the gumpf to update. I'm not doing an update today...but I will soon. I promise. Just a quick hello and...

...check out this cool site: SheetLoads

They have some cool ideas and even cooler product!!

Crossing my fingers!!

Please, keep checking back. I *will* update soon. *Ü*

Funniest. Video. Evah.

The expressions on this girl's face are hilarious!! Be sure you have the sound on. ;)

http://www.maniacworld.com/strangest-kazoo-performance-ever.html

(thanks Aunt Joyce!!)

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.

I miss you.

Feels like forever.

It feels like forever since I've blogged. My life has been so crazy that it's been difficult to keep my head above the water.

After a 13 month battle with pancreatic cancer, I lost my hero...my father...on May 23rd. Nothing, and I mean nothing, prepares you for when the time comes. I thought I would be so relieved, knowing that he wasn't in pain any longer, but when the time came, I just wanted him back again.

I'm not ready to write about everything that transpired right now, because I'm tearing up even as I write a small update. I just wanted to let you all know what was going on, and that I will be trying to keep my head up. I need to, for my family and for myself. I know my daddy wouldn't want me to be in a state of depression over him.

I'll be back later to write about his battle, his passing, his epic memorial, and his wonderful legacy.

Mother's Day, 2008

Here we are, in all our glory!! *Ü*

Bento love

I've really enjoyed reading all the posts that used to be on Two Peas regarding Bento lunches/boxes. I purchased some stuff when I was in California in February, and recently purchased some more stuff from ebay. I finally broke it all out a few weeks ago and made them for my kids!!

Here are a few from this week. I only do it a few days of the week because I'm really stumped for ideas. It's hard trying to figure out what will stay warm and what will stay cool.

Haley's lunch. Ham/salami/cream cheese pinwheels, grape skewers, Babybel cheese, goldfish, and Japanese candy:



Cassidy's lunch. Ham rolls, olive picks, grape skewers, Babybel cheese, goldfish, and Japanese candy:



These are really fun to make, but I'm having brainfarts because my picky children stop my ideas in their tracks. But we'll find a happy medium. :)