I LOVE APPS!!!

Ok, so I'm going a little crazy with the apps, but they are SO fun! My favorite is the gratitude journal. I also love the to do list, the scriptures, the games that keep my girls competing, and I haven't even mentioned the photo editing apps....AWESOME. Here are just a couple of photos I edited ON.MY.ITOUCH!

Good Morning!

Okay, so this is a little weird. I am still getting up a couple of hours before everyone else for no other reason than I feel rested and don't want to sleep anymore. Huh? I have always slept til I absoutely have to get up and now I'm up with real time to myself? I have to admit I really love this time of the day. The house is quiet, but not empty. The telemarketers haven't started calling yet and I have my laptop all to myself. I can journal, paint, read, whatever and get this: NO INTERRUPTIONS. Whoa. Although I am getting a little freaked out. I was up before 5 this a.m. (I took a major sunday nap yesterday) and I (gasp) mopped the kitchen floor. Eww, that's just wrong. Well, I'm gonna ride this wave as far as it goes because this must just be a glitch in the space and time continuum.....have a nice day!

Old Family photos ROCK!

The first 7 years of my life were complicated. Another story for another day. However, one of my biological half sisters passed away in May and the floodgates of memories...good memories....were opened. Old family photos have resurfaced and have helped me so much. When I saw this photo of Laurie and I, I about exploded with happiness. I'm 5 and I'm a happy, normal, proud big sister! I am wearing my WHITE GO-GO BOOTS! I LOVED those boots! It was a relief to remember something besides the sadness of those days.

This second picture helps me see myself in my own daughters...it helps me feel a part of something bigger. I am finally beginning to put my experiences into perspective and seeing the hand of the Lord in my life even clearer. It is really true, a picture does say 1000 words.

It's 5 a.m....do you know where your children are?!?

The answer to the above question is, IN BED OF COURSE! I guess the real question is, why aren't I? Ever since I started taking Abilify, I sleep for about 6 hours and then, BAM! I am awake and raring to go! I'm not actually complaining, because, I feel rested and refreshed which is a new feeling for me! It is quite amazing, really. It's been about 5 weeks now on this wonder drug and I feel better than I have in months. I'm so glad it has worked for me. I wish I knew HOW it worked. In the past I had good days off and on, but most days were BLAH. It was terrible and I was starting to think that was just normal for me, although I hoped I was wrong. My doctor has been working with me for months, upping meds, changing meds, committing me to eat right, exercise, etc., which all worked initially, but not for 5 weeks in a row! Whoo Hoo! So, here I am with 3 or 4 hours to myself, to read scriptures, journal, finish painting flower girl , and since I'm in such a good mood, I'm makin' coffeecake! Yes!

HAVE A NICE DAY-AY-AY!!!!!

Inspired 2009 was so, well, INSPIRING!!!

For the second year in a row, I have been lucky enough to attend Donna Downey's Inspired Art Workshop. It was so amazing. I though I would put up a couple pictures of works in progress...

Jennifer Stewart's Kicked up Canvas Collage .....



Paulette Insall's portrait class....

I have 4 other projects, but haven't got the pictures taken yet, all of them are in various stages of completion. They were all fun classes and I really learned a lot. I love working with new media and doing different things with traditional supplies. I have plenty to keep me busy til next year! Gina went with me and we had a blast!

Spring has Sprung!

Well, it is definetly spring around here! I love how every year our poor dead yard literally comes alive with flowers, green grass, bird's nests. Here are afew pictures from the last couple of springs, and it is just the same this year! I can always count on the beautiful purple lilacs...aren't they gorgeous? And, the mama bird that lays her eggs in the nest on the rainpipe on the front porch....

Our back yard.....amazing.

The front of our house...check out those hostias...they are even bigger this year!

I am so grateful for this beautiful world that Heavenly Father has given to us and will be eternally grateful for what spring symbolizes, that our Savior died for us so that we too can live again.

And the beat goes on....

Wow, time sure flies by. I don't get over here enough. But, I just read my sister;s blog and it reminded me that I really should add an entry. I mean, for myself at least! An update from Disney at a minimum! Here are some family pictures at Cocoa Beach---Laurie insisted! I have some more I want to put up, but of course I have to LEAVE RIGHT NOW to pick up some kids from track practice!

My Inspiration

These two little canvases of Annie and Kellie are from a photograph of the two of them taken a couple of years ago. They were outside playing and I went to check on them. What did I find but two sisters dressed as polar opposites....it was so funny I had to take a picture. I found the photo about a week ago and it screamed at me to do something with it. At first I wanted to put them on the same collage, but each one of them had something to say separately. I love these two little girls. They keep me laughing and help me remember what is important.

I Heart My Digital Camera!

During Thanksgiving Break, we did our 2ND annual family photo shoot. The girls and I went out to the backyard and I just started taking pictures. It only took about 20 minutes, but I ended up with great pictures and they will wind up all over the place: My art journal, our Christmas card, various Christmas gifts, smilebox, and all sorts of art projects.
These are two of my favorites. The "High School Musical" shot only took 2 tries! The one from the back tugs at my heartstrings a bit, because sometimes I really do feel like they are walking out into the great unknown and I'm left behind, watching them go..... Anyway, I love these pictures! These, along with others will soon succumb to photoshop filters, Tim Holz distressing inks, and acrylic paint! My latest project is to make
"puppet people" with them, based on an e-book by Lani Gerity that I found on Artella. They will be AWESOME! I also got an ezine by Lani, and she just sent me an email telling me about some free give-aways on her blog--a couple of free spots in her e-workshops that I would LOVE to take!!! To be considered I had to announce this offer on my blog and include a link, which I have never done before, so I am going to give it a try...her blog can be found at http://www.lanipuppetmaker.blogspot.com/. She is very inspiring. I am already a big fan.
(I tried it out...the link worked! Woot!)

SNOW DAY!!!!

Today was our first official snow day! Woot! Of course as soon as everyone was up it was a mad hunt for hats, gloves, boots, scarves, etc....which were spread all over the house in little nooks and crannies. They spent a good hour outside with my camera got some great shots. The hearts in the driveway were especially cool, since they were made by a car turning around in our driveway! The girls added the "S" and "J".
It really is a beautiful day here in West Virginia. I am grateful for this extra day with everyone home. Watching movies, eating popcorn, not having to get up at 5:15 a.m......I mean does it get any better? No, I don't think so!

I Love Smilebox!

Make a Smilebox photobook

Happy Anniversary, Scott!

Yeah, I am actually doing another post today, because today is also Scott's and my 18th wedding anniversary. Every year it takes the back burner to Nat and Em's birthday, which is okay, I mean, really, how could I be bitter? :)

I just wanted a little note in here documenting it as a separate event, just as special to me. I love you, Scott. I'm not sure where 18 years have gone, but I'm sure we could find parts of them amid diapers, moves, new houses, laundry, food bills, christmas memories and in lots of pictures I have stuffed in a box upstairs! It has been a great journey so far. I guess you could liken it to a rollercoaster! It has had it's ups and downs, slow climbs and fast descents, upsidedown times and times when we screamed so loud we couldn't talk the next day! However bumpy it has been it has still been the best years of my life, and I hope to spend many, many, many more with you. Soon our girls will be grown and living their own lives and I am so glad that when all is said and done. you will still be my rollercoaster buddy! I love you, Babe!

Happy Birthday, Natalie and Emily!

It's crazy to think these two are 14 now! It really is unbelievable! I can remember like it was yesterday when Scott and I were in the ultrasound room, just praying that all would be well. Our previous pregnancy had ended at 16 weeks and we had found that out in the ultrasound room...and here we were, at 16 weeks again and scared beyond comprehension. I couldn't really look at the screen. All I could say was, "Is the heart beating?" and the tech said, "Oh, honey, sure it is. See, here is one heart beating, and here is another one......!" Scott and I looked at each other, mouths hanging open, tears welling up in our eyes, TWINS! I was stunned. It was such a happy day! And, even though they were born 5 weeks early, on our 4th anniversary, they have been nothing but angels sent from heaven. They are two of the best-behaved girls in the world. They have never ceased to amaze me with their intelligence, (reading the scriptures when they were barely 4 was a moment I will NEVER forget!), beauty, (I mean look at them, they are gorgeous!) and love for their family (they still give me a hug and a kiss before they go to bed...every night!) They are good to their friends and they have always been willing to help me, especially when Kellie and Annie were little. They have always been amazing daughters, and they are truly exceptional people. I am so grateful Heavenly Father sent us these two bundles of joy! Here they are at lunch with their best buds at Famous Dave's for lunch before they all went ice skating for their birthday (the date stamp on the pictures is wrong!!) Happy Birthday you two, I love you so much.

Life is Good!

Wow! It is really amazing to me what a difference a couple of weeks can make. About a month ago I was really on a downer. I don't think I dwelled on it too much in here, but I knew I had to do something, so I just hung on til my scheduled appointment with my doctor on the 14th. After talking with her, she agreed that things weren't quite right and increased my medication. I also talked to her about my hip trouble which seemed to be getting worse since I had started to exercise and so she had me set up some visits with a physical therapist. Well, is has been two weeks and I feel like a new person! I feel more motivated than I have in a long time. I'm not crying all the time and even if it is cloudy outside, I don't have a cloud over my head. Things just seem better, easier, less overwhelming. I am even feeling like my being "just a mom" is okay and important. My hip is feeling 100 % better and that is truly amazing, since it has been hurting since Annie was born. I have to use a foam roller of all things on my hip and using my body weight, I can stretch the ligament that runs all the way down the outside of my leg. It is so nice to not have that constant pain! Life is good, baby!

The Eyes Have It!

The other day, I walked into the kitchen the same time as Kellie, to find her with my camera in her hands. I said, "Hey! Whatcha takin pictures of?" To which she said, "Oh, stuff, inside and outside." Hmm, I thought, I need to see what caught her eye out there, and well......

Find the Joy in the JOurneY

I'm not sure if you can see the drawing on the van...but, everytime I go to get in the car(which is several times a day), I am greeted by this sweet picture drawn by Annie. Rainbows and happy faces make me smile everytime I see them. A small reminder that my simple life is a good one. (And now, I have a great reason to NOT wash the car!!!) Here's to noticing the wonderful things just waiting to be found and enjoyed by those who will just look!

Friday Night Football!

I am so excited!
I haven't been to a high school football game since, oh, I don't know, 1985 maybe!!!
Tonight is our high school's Homecoming Game.
And, it just so happens we are ranked #2 in the state and our opponent is ranked #1...
so it is going to be a heck of a game.
Lindsay's best friend is in the Homecoming Court! Yeah, Jen!
Kellie and Annie can't wait to see her riding on a car!
(Gosh, I did that um....22 YEARS ago....yikes.
It's a scary thing to go down memory lane sometimes...)
Anyway, fall is is the air and I am ready for some football
Go Redskins!!!

UPDATE: We lost, 21-14, but it was a good game. It was fun and loud and we had a good time! Saturday was the dance, and here's a pic of Jennifer, Lindsay and Kathryn before the dance.

Happy Monday!

Well, I got a little behind on the everyday thing, but I am not giving up! Thanks to my sister, Laurie, blogging is way more fun! I've got a cool background and can put up pictures and change colors and stuff! Fun!
The weekend blew by as usual. On Saturday we all went to Lindsay's last soccer game in Buchannon-Upshur. It was a beautiful day and the leaves are changing. Unfortunately the girls lost, but It was still nice to all be together for once! Sunday for me was a weird day. I woke up at a normal time, took a shower and then felt like a ton of bricks hit me. I went back to bed and didn't get up til 6 p.m. Scott held the fort down for me and got everyone to church and fed. I haven't crashed like that in a long time. I'm back to being me today, although there is no school, so the house is full of friends and little people! Lindsay is actually vacuuming and cleaning her room. Will miracles never cease? Anyway, there is a really neat art project in the new Workshop issue by Stampington that I want to start today....that's my plan, oh and of course LAUNDRY. Now, there is one battle I know I will never win, but I have to try. You should see the pile in the laundry room........yikes.

Rats!

Well, i missed yesterday. Dang! It was Lindsay's birthday and I wanted to write a little about her on her ACTUAL 16th birthday! I have to admit, I thought about it around 11 p.m., but I was pooped. Anyway, I'm back and I have to give myself a break. It WAS a busy day. Besides that, I didn't see her again after I dropped her at school. She had a soccer game a couple of hours away, and didn't get home until midnight (yikes, a school night, too). But, I did make a pan of "Fudgey Oatmeal Things" for Scott to take to the game and she said everyone loved them. And, this morning, the little girls and I gave her the presents we all bought yesterday. She seemed truly happy about the e-pet Annie picked out (so they could play on the computer together, which I thought was sweet of Annie to think of), the HUGE white sunglasses Kellie picked out--really, they were perfect, a cool belt and some pearl earrings from Natalie and Emily and a waver from me. Daddy's in charge of getting her a new cell phone and I'm taking her and her 5 best buds to Hibachi tonight. It is just crazy to think she is 16. I hardly act older than that myself! She's just such a great kid. I have always felt that way about her. I hope she always knows how much I love her and how blessed I am to be her mom.

Day Three

Mama's on a roll! Today it is raining.....I went walking anyway and what a gorgeous day it really was out there on the trail, with a light rain. The leaves are changing and is was just so peaceful....even with my ipod and bon jovi!!! Came home, knowing the house would be empty and straight away vacuumed all the floors-i know, shocking-and now I am sitting here dutifully writing. I still have my ipod on, maybe that helps keep me moving. I have been checking out other blogs and found a neat art journal challenge, with a theme for each week of the year. I am trying to get started on doing that in my journal, but I thought it might be good to write about them in here. So, the first one is , "Something I am proud of"......I have started a page in my journal of this one with a picture I took of the girls. I am really proud of my girls. I know I can't take much of the credit, because they were pretty much born good! But, I have to believe my staying home and raising them has helped. If I didn't believe that, then what am I doing? I am grateful that these sweet girls have been entrusted to Scott and I. It is hard to believe that our oldest is going to be 16 tomorrow. What a neat young woman she has grown up to be! I don't think I have ever heard a negative thing about her from anyone (well except her sisters of course!) I am sure she will never let us or herself down. She has come a long way. (note to self: figure out how to get my pictures from the other computer over here!) More about her and the others tomorrow and so on!