The Happy Scrappy Beach Girl

I must be on a roll

2009-01-10T19:41:00.000-08:00

Because I have posted more in 4 days than I have the past 4 months I think.
I must say since I have decided t do this 365 Days CTMH style.. it's pretty fun. Thansk Liane!! I just got my order yesterday from CTMH & I went through some of the stuff. Holy crap!!- I have sooo been missing out on the fun stuff CTMH has now. It's like Christmas all over. I'm so digging it. I have been out of the CTMH loop since I opened the store. So now I feel good about being back in it. I'm working of my 365 for the last week. I am waiting on the photos I had to order. I really need to get some ink for my printer to print them at home. It's making me crazy!

The beginning of my 365!!

2009-01-08T20:54:00.001-08:00

So thought just

2009-01-08T20:35:00.001-08:00

drop a line to say Happy New Year to all & I survived 2008. I only hope that 2009 is better. Though thinking on the financial end of things- we'll be in the same boat. It sucks.. but better than no boat at all. I really missed doing some scrap booking in 2008. I know- I own a store & THAT is the problem. you NEVER have time for doing your own. Closing the store the end of the month. I'm fine with it. Just the way thing go & I have to move on. Will I miss it?? yes & no.
Anyhoo- Christmas was good. Saw my family. It was great to see them & spend time with them. It snowed so much in the Seattle area it was unbelievable. We did get stuck once.. or twice?? Anyhoo- I'm sure those of you on the East coast heard him. Not my fault! We made it back & then after the New Year he rain has been coming. It's horrible. Cam didn't go to school today because of some flooding in the area.
Im doing the 365 days of pictures. Based on the Becky Higgins idea- but doing it Close To My Heart style! So far I ahve taken photos everyday. I'm waiting on my order from CTMH to start-- can't wait to share!! Anyhoo- above are a few that I have taken! Happy New Year!!

Winter not so Wonderland

2008-12-17T09:38:00.000-08:00

Not even winter yet though. Anyhoo-Oregon & Washington are having what the news calls an "Arctic Blast"- sounds like something Dairy Queen would have on the menu. So in the Portland & surrounding areas- the kids look like they get a 3 week winter break. Kids here had Monday off & 2 hours late yesterday. Cam came home saying- teachers are thinking no school tomorrow! And this is because the news reported another storm was coming in. However- to Cams disappointment- school was on time & in full swing! So being we live at the beach & at sea level- we get robbed of the snow sledding days. So make myself feel better about no sledding snow thought I'd post these funny Calvin & Hobbs.. I so do miss him in the daily funnies.

Thought I fell off the face of the earth too!

2008-12-03T15:46:00.000-08:00

I haven't. But let me say it's just been no time for me blog. I have many issues to discuss. But I won't. What's the point now? The first thing though.... Life since moving back to Oregon has sort of sucked. We were perfectly happy in Arizona. Though who is to say that the same sort of crap wouldn't have happened in Arizona? I admit to meeting some wonderful people though- and I can't trade that for anything. I have a great home... great family- but I'm just not a happy camper. So I'm closing the store in January. Going back to work full-time. Cam in a sweet way is happy about it all. In the mean time we have lost our asses in our retirement. So have a lot of other people I know I know. I'm pissed off about the government bailing out the BIG companies & then sweeping us little people under the rug.. oh so sorry- too bad we can't help you. I have called & tried. But it's no use unless I am some BIG freakin' corporation. Okay that was my vent on that. As for closing the store. It's been like a card game. And I have to know when to fold them & know when to walk away. It's time to do just that. We have to close for more than 1 reason. The company that brought us back here isn't doing all that well either. And Dan could be let go in a heartbeat. With a house & all.. we can't afford it. Just neither of us wants to be caught with our pants down. Insurance is an issue now as well. Dan will find another job in the area. I have one already & it's with an alarm company that I have done work in the past. The owners have been waiting for me to work full-time with them. So when I asked.. they jumped on it. Anyhoo- saying that. I am okay with the closing. I feel bad in a lot of ways.. but what do you do?

Cameron struggled last quarter with school. He is just being a lazy butt & not handing in work. I realize the transition between 6th & 7th grade isn't easy. Though he was in middle school last year- it's still a huge thing. Going from hardly any homework to a butt-load of it! He has a few tough teachers. Doesn't like one. I am so thankful though to have the math teacher he has. Karma is the best. She really working with us & helping Cam. Now if we can just get him to actually hand in the homework & do his reports-- we are good. I just wanna strangle the tweenie bopkid.

Thanksgiving was a little tough this year. The first year we lost my dad Thanksgiving & his birthday feel on the same day. It did this year & part of me just wanted to go away & forget the whole Thanksgiving thing. But- Terry & Sandy thought I should cook... LOL So I did. Dan gave the Turkey a big bath in hot oil & I made the stuffing & the trimmings. Terry- Sandy- Hal- Dale Mom Edie & Dad Dale all joined us at our house. It was a bit boring for Cam... no kids. But it was nice. It made the day a little easier. Thanksgiving is still a tough one. It gets easier but it's still not the same.. and never will be for me. I told Dan next year I just want to do nothing.. let me watch A Christmas Story & Elf all day long. Order Pizza!! LOL Okay we all know that will never happen. But I can think it at the moment.
We will be heading to Seattle for Christmas this year! Cam & I are excited! We will be with my family & see Stephanie (Dan's younger sister) Steve & Nic on Christmas Day & they will all have dinner with my family. Still no word from my MIL.. oh so sad I am ::insert evil grin::
I have shopping pretty much done. A few this & that. I am making a few things. that is the way Christmas is this year. I'm sure for a lot of you. Guess this is it. I will try to stay on top. I promise. Just I had no happy tales to tell. still don't but hey.. at least I'm telling now!

Pondering

2008-06-07T16:23:00.001-07:00

I have no more time to ponder around the blogging world like I would like too. Seems you can always find some pretty funny - fun and interesting people out & about in the blogging world. Plus some real weirdos.. and some really angry people. Geesh. So I ponder these things.. cheated & have seen them before.. but hey ya gotta wonder & wonder & ponder the pondering of these things. Have a great weekend!

1. Why are there locks on the door of stores that are open 24/7 365 days a year?

2. If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn?

3. Why are there braille dots on a drive-through ATM keypad?

4. If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?

5. Is there another word for synonym?

6. If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?

7. If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanitarians eat?

8. Why is the fear of long words hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia?

9. Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

10. WalMart is lowering prices daily, why is nothing in the store is free yet?

11. If a turtle loses its shell is it naked or homeless?

12. Why don't psychics predict the winning lottery numbers and retire?

13. What happens if you drive at the speed of light and turn your head lights on?

14. If a mime is arrested, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent?

15. Why do they sterilize the needles for lethal injections?

16. Why do we drive on a parkway and park in a driveway?

17. If sunflower oil is made of sunflowers, what is baby oil made of???

18. Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites?

19. If you spin an oriental man, does he become disoriented?

20. If a penny costs 2.3 cents to make, why is it still only worth a penny?

21. When cheese gets it's picture taken, what does it say?

22. Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

23. Why isn't 11 pronounced onety-one?

24. If you throw a cat out your car window does it become kitty litter?

25. Who sits around and ponders of things to ponder?

A day

2008-06-03T20:38:00.000-07:00

It was just that- a day. I was never on my game today. But what else is new?
The weekend was fun. went with the Donovan's in Portland to see the Starlight Parade. It was a fun unplanned thing to do. We ate dinner at the food vendors. Its' a street with about 5 or so street vendors- German- Russian- Mexican- Greek- Thia - and some others. The boys were happy campers. We came across a deli that served beer- yeah. AND they had a bathroom- YEAH YEAH! We watched the parade & it was fun seeing the marching bands and some floats. No- I didn't take my camera. I didn't want to haul it around. We rode the light rail transit back to the Donovan's home. It was so full. I had a panic attack. I had to have all of get off. I felt better though. It 's just a long ride. But worth it not to have to park downtown. We had a really good time. Nice to see them all. We don't do it enough.
I am behind once again terribly on scrapping. Terry found this information postcard for a place on Widbey Island- which is in Washington state. I emailed the gal & I REALLY want to go this fall. Just get away. If you ask me now what I want for my birthday- Christmas whatever- I'll tell you- a weekend to scrapbook. With the store I have no time to do what I love with my own stuff. The other place I found is in Yahats Oregon.. on the coast- just a different part of the coast. It's by the Scrappy Chicks. Click on the retreat center to the left.. you can see the floor plan.
So anyhoo- time to say goodnight to Cameron. He is on the countdown to no school & being a 7th grader! Hugs to all. Thank you Liane for sharing the siggy thing.. well I saw yours & clicked.. too fun.

Defination of a Crop

2008-05-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Definiton of Crop
This is the dictionary definition of "crop":
Crop: 1.a. Cultivated agricultural plants as grain, vegetables, or fruit. b. the total yield of agricultural produce in a given season or place. 2. A group, quantity or supply appearing at one time (a crop of presidential candidates) 3. A short haircut 4. An earmark on an animal 5.a. A short whip with a loop serving as a lash, used in horseback riding b. The stock of a whip 6.a. A pouch-like enlargement of a birds' esophagus in which food is stored or partially digested. b. A similar organ in earthworms insects, and other invertebrates. 1.v. To cut off stems or top of a plant 2. To cut very short 3. To clip 4. To reap, harvest 5. To cause to grow or yield a crop or crops 6. To plant or to grow.

However, as scrapbookers we have an entirely different definition, so this is what should appear in the scraptionary (if one is ever invented):

To Crop: 1. To cultivate an abundance of photos in such a way that it appears aesthetically pleasing to other croppers. 2.a. A recent addiction, in which the addict convinces their spouse that it is a necessity of life, which without it all domicile harmony will be jeopardized. 2b . a subconscious way by spouses to finally acquire more tools than their spouses. 3. A ploy by those companies whose sticker stands, formerly located at the end of card aisles, to sell more stickers and turn a small enterprise into a major section at department stores (i.e. Michaels) 4. An additional ploy by magazine owners to produce yet another line of magazines for another subculture. 5. Spousal stress reliever (as in "Honey, I'm going to crop") this in turn relieves stress in the spouse knowing the loved one will be occupied for at least 5-6 hours (min). 6. sim. To stay away, back off. (as in "Kids, I'm going to crop") meaning stay away and ask Dad (or Mom) if you want anything. 7. an attempt to convince children that cropping is more cool than power tools. (yeah, right!)

Oh where Oh where has she been??

2008-05-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Hiding.. in a dark closet.. on a deserted island.. in the middle of ... the South Pacific?? You buy that? I wish I was in the South Pacific? Now that would be nice.. just me- the boys-- plus a few cabana boys. Though Dan then would want a few cabana chicks... hmmm.. may have to re-think this whole thing.

Anyhoo- I have been just busy. Just the life things. I'm back helping out an alarm company I was working with last year. They asked if I would help out & we can use the money- so sure why not?! Just seems like my days are a tad longer & so I don't seem to get on here as much as I'd like too. I have unfinished business with my store blog as well. Plus I am trying to get online shopping up on the Scrap Harbor website. Again- not enough hours in the day.... and I like my sleep :o) But life is going.... :o)
In a nutshell to recap:

Cameron is doing great in school- playing baseball- though hates the practice.. what gives I say?
We are going to San Francisco for my birthday! Shannon- I'll be calling you Dan's brother & his partner live in San Fran.. so we are heading to see them & just get away.
Dan's mom? well she did send him a card-- it had "personal" written on it- he recieved it just before Mother's Day- he hasn't called- as Dan says- I have no time to deal with this shit. She says she misses him.. I'm sure she does- misses him fixing this & that. And he did read it to me. He just rolls his eyes. She is who she is.. she will claim she was misunderstood pretty standard coming from her.
Dan is going to see Motley Crue this Thursday. $80.00 for ticket ? AT the Rose Garden? Are they high? Oh well- the Crue Fest will be fun for the manchild & his children of men child... anyway- why am I not going? Wasn't invited.. and do I really want to go with the 4 of those manchildren? no...
We bought tickets to see Journey- Heart & Cheap Trick. Looking forward to seeing Heart though. We are taking Cam too.
My bestest friend from Arizona is coming!!!!! Sandy aka Jersey & her family are arriving the day we get in from SF. I am so excited. I miss her terribly. I think that will get through the summer months. I really miss Liane too. I haven't seen her since.. like forever. But she has a life as well. I miss our chats.

Well that is it in a boring can of nuts. So I think you are caught up. Not like I was out doing anything exciting. :o) I have scrapping to catch up on desperately & I swear I'm closing some weekend this fall & heading to either Camano Island or Yahats.. found this fabulous house in Yahats... so kewl. So anyone looking to join me??

Been thinking

2008-03-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Of many things the past few days. Just stupid things. I guess I have come to realize that in general I am a happy person, but not happy with being where I am at this point in my life. Don't get me wrong. I am happy with my family- Dan & Cameron. I realize I have put myself in this so called life of mine. Living at the beach is just fine. Though I guess what I miss the most is not having any friends really. I spoke with my GF from Phoenix the other night- Sandy. She called to just say hello & she was thinking of me since she had a bad husband day & was wanting to get out of the house. .she realized I was always her escape- "Denise lets go have a drink". I was with her in a heartbeat. After almost 4 years it dawned on both of us. We don't have that anymore. Sandy did find someone to have a drink with. But we talked about how we had our monthly girls night or evening out in Arizona with about 4-6 others. We miss it. miss terribly now- more than ever. Guess because I just don't have that here. Not to get pity here- but I have to wonder-- it must be me & I must be a bit of a bad friend. I don't mean to be.. I know I get caught up in things. I think I just have to make a better effort. I mean its' not anyone elses problem or fault. It' s mine- I know this. I can deal with this.. I can fix it?? I think. I know be positive. Guess it just feel better to get it out. So I need to stop whining.. sorry. Maybe that's my problem.. I whine tooo much?? What else.. having the store I find myself with not as much freedom in my life as I use to have. That would be the selfish thing in me.. go figure. SO where & what do I want? I think like most people.. you always want more. What more do I want? More time- freedom- money- and friends. What do I do? Not sure yet. Just these were the stupid really unimportant things I was thinking. Maybe not so unimportant- but still.. just a thinking!!
On a scrappy note: I am working on some mini albums. I decided.. well Dan & I decided we are going to do the gift show they have here in November. He's making some little things.. some pretty cool things. I'm going to make some mini albums for the gift show. Maybe some other things as well.
On one more scrappy note: This is pretty funny if you haven't seen this... check it out - Life of a Scrappers Husband

Tag

2008-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's been too quiet her on my blog..must be me?! :o) So I was looking at the Simple Scrapbook Blog & sad to hear Stacy Jillian is leaving SS. While looking I found this & though this has been around to some- just thought I'd do some tagging myself.

The rules: Link to your tagger and post these 3 rules on your blog.* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Seven Facts About Me:
1. My maiden name is Marbaugh.
2. I had major surgery when I was 9 years old.. 64 stitches to be exact. I had part of my lung removed along with a "lobe". I had the surgery in Seattle & was suppose to be in the hospital for 2 weeks.. I was out in 6 days!
3. I hated Middle school (7th & 8th grade) I was this skinny (hard to believe) bean pole & nothing EVER fit me right except dresses- and I hated wearing dresses in school. So my grandma ended up buying me 5 pairs of the SAME pants. I was teased soo bad at school. On top of that I had the braces & and the boys made fun of my last name.. called me MarWearNoBra- yep flat as a board too! Moved to Portland in 79 & during my Sophomore year in high school went back up to see some friends who were nice to me in middle school- and those boys who made fun of me were asking me to dance.. I remember saying to them in a not so nice way- "Bite Me" :o)
4. I have lived in the following states: Washington- Oregon - Arizona & California.
5. My husband & my best friend from when I was a child- they were born on the SAME day- SAME hospital & even had 1 of the SAME doctors.
6. I have a guilty pleasure show- CBS show Big Brother this season- I've never watched it & find myself kind of enjoying it for some odd reason. Started watching because I read a gal from Oregon was on it.
7. I would love to pack up & move to Seattle to be near my family & my SIL.

I'd like to tag...A few people you already know:
Shannon
Ann
Jen
Lizette
Liane
Becky
Roni

Have fun. Thanks

Spring Break is here

2008-03-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

At the beach. Weather is - yuck at the moment. However- yesterday was nice enough Cam & his cousins went to the beach.

Easter Sunday was nothing much. Cam actually spent the night at friends house the night before. So Dan & I cleaned the house-- woo-woo! His sister Stephanie came & my niece- Nicole. We haven't seen them since Christmas- so it was nice. Steve - the husband- stayed home. I like having Steve around.. he is not going to be happy though- Dan broke his favorite clock we have in the main guest room. It was this clock that made these different sounds- like the beach (we live at though) rain- stream- heart beat (I know weird)- thunderstorms & bunch others.. anyhoo- he looooved it... sorry Steve! They left today though. Steph had to get back to work & Coley had dance tonight. Dan's older sister's youngest daughter- Lindsay & 2 of her friends are now here. They arrived yesterday. Poor Dan & Cam.. they are sooo out numbered. Cam is calling friends.. please come over. Lindsay being with her friends- she doesn't do so much with Cam.. he get sit. He really does. He just misses her though. I must say Cam & Nic got a long well. They are more like siblings then cousins.. so at times by 3 days they are just at each others nerves. They did really really well. Played games & everything.
We ended up having dinner though with my MIL. Now mind you.. she isn't speaking to me.. or Dan. Know real clue as to why-- but she isn't. Though apparently she is dragging up things from 10 years ago I said.. that none of us remember.. but she does. I am a liar- bitch & whatever else. Does it bother me?? No- Do I care? No. I have done nothing wrong & Dan & his siblings know this. She has 4 kids 7 only speaking to 1- Stephanie. I am good just writing her off. Can I?depends on Dan. He has basically written her off as well. She will die a lonely woman.. and that of course will be my fault in some way.. not sure how.. but lets just blame Denise.. :o) Oh dinner- it was horrible- not the food.. the whole feeling of it. My MIL didn't even look at her own son. I was nice. I mean the saying goes- keep your friends close & your enemy's closer. I just treated her like any other person I dislike.. be nice- be cordial--- move on (evil grin)
The store has busy the past few days. Spring break does this.. yeah!! Cam is registered for camp Kiwanilong- yeah! Dan & I are looking into heading to San Francisco this summer for a few days. We want to head to Seattle as well. Later!

2008-03-18T15:43:00.001-07:00

Another Week

2008-03-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

On to another week. I must admit March is flying by! We had friends in for the weekend which was nice. So yes- a baby in the house. Miranda.. who really was and is a good baby. Though she wasn't too sure of Megan.. so every time Meg came in the room Miranda's face got "squishy". So poor Meg-pie was sent to sit over by one of us. She was indeed jealous of the "baby". Cam himself wasn't so sure about Miranda. He was asked if he would hold her.. he kindly refused. No surprise.. though. The whole baby thing just intimidates him. Maybe that is a good thing.
Sunday company wanted to go into Seaside. Cam & his friend John came along & we ran into the "Hat Shop" the place has a lot of hats that are just fun to try on & get some fun silly photos- which I did!
The summer camp thing has rolled around again- we got our registration in the mail for Camp Kiwanilong today. Cam is wanting to do Junior High week this year as well as a regular week. He really does have fun & as long as he can keep going-- he will.

Cam is 12

2008-03-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

So this long over due by about a week. Cameron turned 12 last Friday. WOW. He is definitely growing up yet still has the little boy in him at times. Dan & I gave him a phone for his birthday. We just got one of those TracFones.. a test to see how responsible he can be with his minutes & the phone itself. Pretty sure though we'll be heading into a Verizon dealer before the end of the school year adding him on. Friday night on his actual Birthday- which was the 7th- we had his friend Dalton with us & did dinner- a place he wanted to go- plus went bowling. Saturday he invited 3 boys & we took them to Laser Tag & then 2 of the boys spent the night. It wasn't like last year where we had 8 or 9 little boys up all night. Did that once.. no thank you to it again.
I seem to be doing more now in the work life. I worked last year for an alarm company part-time& he asked me if I'd do some work for him He had some things that I had done in the past & just asked me to catch him up. So why not? Just makes my days longer. I go in at 7:30 or so & then work the store until 5. Wouldn't be so bad if I got an actual lunch break to go home or eat elsewhere.. but life of a owner-- doesn't happen. :o) But I am doing this extra work so the alarm I have in my store-- He'll pay the monitoring for the rest of the year.. hey works for me I tell ya! Anything over that-- just will pay me- again works for me I tell ya!
We have some company coming this weekend. Dwight & his wife Lora with their bay daughter- Miranda. It will be nice-- just going to be strange having a baby in the house for a few days. Megan will be so jealous. She will not know what to do. Gra-Ce?? who knows. she is such a little naughty brat. I told Cam the other day-- come on lets get rid of her-- I'll get you a puppy! He refuses. A PUPPY.. nope-- no puppy. Gra-Ce can be so funny & cute at times though. She likes to sleep in the garage at night- which really is fine by us since she wrecks havoc in the house at night while we sleep. She has a little carrier she sleeps in. we leave the door open of the carrier- she took the blanket that was in the Carrier & found some Christmas garland that was in a box & drug it out of the box into the carrier.. then found a Santa hat in the same box-- and that is now in her carrier.. along with a sack and 2 dryer sheets. NO idea where the dryer sheets came from. However- she continues to just attack Cameron & Megan at random. Oh the life of having pets. So anyone want a gray cat?

CK Photos!

2008-03-12T14:09:00.001-07:00

Weekend Fun

2008-03-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

CK was this past weekend & it was a lot of fun. I went into Portland Friday morning & met up with Liane for the morning then with some other girls who work at the store & attend the crops... Terry- Sandy- Colleen- Michelle & "mom Edie" - who is Terry & Sandy's mom. We walked around - shopped - ate - cropped!! We even met Ali Edwards... woohoo! Yes- silly us were matching- shirts- slippers (they were frogs) little heart doodlebug head thingies. We couldn't be missed! And for the record- we only wore these at the crop. While shopping we just matched with shirts. From the left: Sandy- Michelle- Ali- Terry & Me. I manged to do 7 9x9 lay-outs. I have yet to photograph them. I will though & add them to the blog. A lot of fun stuff. So glad I was able to go. Dan was sweet enough to open the store Saturday morning. He was fine until about 11:30 & about 6 gals came in.. I got a phone call of help. :o) He did just fine. I wasn't too far behind. The women thought he was cute & sweet for letting me go & filling in for a few hours.
Anyhoo- it was fun. Can't wait until next year!!

Photo Contest

2008-02-21T11:15:00.000-08:00

I have had this picture on my phone for awhile & have sent it to a few people. This is Grace sitting ON Megan. Megan deals with it.. Grace thinks this is her personal little napping place. Though she doesn't do this as much anymore-maybe Megan just had it & told her so-- who knows?! I did enter this photo in at Wetv.com so if you will go peek & rate this.. cool & many thanks. A lot of cute little pets on the site.. and some not so cute ones too. LOL Pet Photo Contest.

Cameron is going to be 12 on MArch 7- and what does the child want? A cell phone. Dan thinks he really doesn't need it- I sort of do as well- but most of his friends have one- so of course.. he does too. We checked out the Tracephone.. 40 cents a minute. What the hell?! So chekcing out more options. Our plan is with the business so we really don' want to add him as well. We want him to learn not to abuse his minutes. I can see it now... Cameron calling us from his bedroom to ask us to bring him something.::insert eyerollage:: He also wants some friends to spend the night or something. We are thinking LaserTag in the Portland area. Thing is- Dan's van is acting funny & just will stop anytime it is tired- which is often. So not wanting to chance that we may just have a few boys spend the night. We are not ready to re-live last years birthday party with 8 or 9 boys who stayed up ALL NIGHT!

Have a good rest of the week & go see the photo & pick this one as the cutest!!! :o)

Gotta Say

2008-02-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

That I'm just sadden about the shooting at the university in Illinois. I just can't seem to wrap by brain around the fact he purchased 3 guns in one day. I have no issues with people owning guns. I believe that people kill people. I just am sadden about how this man could have thought that taking other peoples lives then his own could actually do anything? what did he prove? what did he solve? NOTHING. He kicked open the door & just started shooting-- even had time to re-load. It is sad to say that this is the 4th shooting in a week like this. Not sure about the details of others or even the one that happened yesterday. But all I know is that it is sad & was this avoidable? We may never have the answers -- this I know. I just have to wonder how do we keep our children safe? All we can do is what we can.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T13:24:00.000-08:00

Giving this to Dan later tonight. Cameron is getting just a little box of goodies. Nothing fancy schmancy. I did get my camera fixed.. but it was never really broken! My camera is about 4 years old. So the memory isn't even 1GB.. so that was the issue. Toooo much memory.. ugh. So then I just got the right memory card & ta-da.. it works. So happy now. Went into Portland yesterday- not much was doen it seems. No shoping. But- I was able to visit with Liane for a bit. I met Roxy- they new additon to the family. She is a sweet black lab- 2 years old & gives good doggie kisses- want them or not- she gives them. Not even mention the BS with my MIL- not worth the chat. Just will say she told Dan she is writing him & david (the older brother) off. Why? who knows.. who cares. Taking bets as to how long this will even last. Dan is loosing no sleep over this. .. me neither :o)
Hoep you all have a good "heart" day!

The weekend

2008-02-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

The weekend went well. Cam had parent teacher conference on Fridays. He is doing really well & all his teachers had nothing but good things to say. This makes us all happy. Donald spent the night Thursday & Friday night- then Cam went to his house Saturday. Isaac came over Friday afternoon. He had been calling all last week & the week before. Cam was either at someone elses house or had a friend over... or was sick Anyhoo- Dan had Isaac come over & it didn't go well. Isaac has told Cameron that he only has friends because of all the toys he has & games. Cam just said whatever to him & Donald replied.. that isn't true Isaac. So then Isaac said he was going to start spreading rumors about him at school. Cameron said to him.. and you think anyone will believe you? whatever Isaac. Cameron isn't worried about any of this. Isaac left & Cameron said to his dad- I am just so tried of his crap-- he says things & does things I want no part of and I thought he was my friend. But he is okay with all this. I'm sure at soem point Isaac may come to hi ssenses.. but Cam isn't loosing anything over this. His birthday is coming up.. he will be 12 March 7. .Oh my! He didn't even have Iaac on the invite list. However- we'll see what happens in the next few weeks. Sad- but we aren't encouraging the friendship anymore.
I signe dup for the CK show for the end of this month. No classes- though I really would love to do the Album in day class with Liane. However-it's on a Thursday & I don't have anyone watching the store. Will Dan?? Not sure he is up for that.. but I will ask him..LOL
I am working on some LO.. still no camera. I'm heading into Portland on Wednesday- so I'll take it to the shop for repair then. We have some sun today. :o) Though figuring it won't last long. Heard more freaking rain is coming. we better hae a GOOD summer!!
Did anyone watch the Grammy's?? I watched about 15 minutes of it. Some songs they just should leave alone!
Okay- so spell check isn't working .. anyone else having this issue?? sorry for the typo's..

The Five Game

2008-02-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

I got this from Liane's Blog.
OK, if you read my blog I want you to post either on YOUR blog, or send me an email with your fives!

FIVE things I was doing 10 years ago:

1. Living in Portland

2. Raising a 1 year old- plus a 31 year old.. :o)

3. Working part-time for a property management company

4. Heading for vacation to Mexico with my dad & friends

5. Scrapbooking

FIVE things on my to do list today:

1. Clean the back crop area from this past weekend

2. Do some invoicing for Beach House Services

3. Doing laundry when I get home- (Oh joy- joy)

4. Get ready for some kids classes for tomorrow (Friday)

5. Watch LOST

FIVE things I will never wear again:

1. Heels over 2 inches

2. A business suit

3. My skinny jeans

4. Leather pants

5. 70's polyester- have to agree with Liane on this

FIVE of my favorite toys:

1. My camera

2. My Princess Fiona Meg Pie (megan the dog)- Cra-Ce is mean when she plays now.. little brat

3. Computer

4. My Scrapbook stuff

5. My family and friends

FIVE banes of my existance:

1. Commercials on TV

2. Rude people

3. The over useage of the word "oh brother" in my house

4. My MIL

5. Paying Bills

What A Week

2008-02-04T15:20:00.002-08:00

It was quit a week. I had a show with the store at the Seaside Convention this weekend. I spent the week trying to get ready. Though never really was totally ready sicne things just came up. Cam was sick & home with a cold for 3 days. Then my MIL had her car totalled out from an accident 3 months ago- she ran over a median. Don't ask me how I have no idea. So Dan- his brother David & sister Stephanie & myself ended up through the phone & Dan & I going to the dealership with her... getting her a car. Yes- it took that many of us. She got what she got & happy or not ask me if I care? That took up 3 hours of my life I will NEVER get back. Plus just the normal day to day stuff. Terry & Sandy who help me out a great deal at the store were my life savers. Along with Colleen- they covered a lot. It was fun & though I just got crabby Saturday afternoon--I had this sinus hadache.. after taking about 6 Aleve's it all finally kicked in :o) I did 2 & half LO's at the crop fro Cam's album. I decided to load up some others that I have done in the past. So enjoy & we'll catch you all later in the week.

Various LO

2008-02-04T15:20:00.001-08:00

The mojo is ....

2008-01-26T11:24:00.000-08:00

I THINK returning. I actually did a LO that has been sitting on the table for a week now. Not very exciting- but it's for Cam's book & the fact I actually did finish it is huge right now! PLUS I even did a sample LO for a Kids Scrapbook Classes I'll be teaching in March. Though no photos on it- does it count? Thinking it really should! Anyhoo- the photo here is for the March Kids Scrapbook Club. I just took a photo of one of the pages. I'm doing a total of 4 12x12 layouts- which I did all 4. The camera really sucks & doesn't take that great of pictures. I want my Olympus back. I went Wednesday to get a new memory card.. had to get a 2gb. I went to format the card & the camera said card error. Okay- went back to the store (Fred Meyer) & got another card.. same deal- card not formatting. Guy says being the camera is almost 4 years old- MAYBE it will only take just the 1gb card. okay fine- off to Radio Shack- got a 1gb card. Camera is telling me the same damn thing- card error. Must be the camera.. well crap. Okay fine- off to the camera repair shop where they tell me yes- it is the camera & we send our DIGITAL repairs to Portland! ::sigh:: so now I am still without my camera that needs fixing & next time I go into Portland I can take to the repair shop. So the mojo may be returning- but I am bummed that I don't have my camera. So in the mean time I go back to my Kodak camera that is about 7 years old. Its' digital- one of the first ones. But the picture quality then was fine... now is BETTER!!

Idiots of the week

2008-01-24T15:29:00.000-08:00

I have no idea who these idiots are. Just find it funny & as Dan says- who finds the need to even cook in the pool? Get your lazy stupid a$$ out of the pool &.. yea. Ya know- you do this you deserve to be zapped!

Maxine

2008-01-22T14:37:00.001-08:00

Happy Tuesday!!

The weekend

2008-01-21T15:28:00.000-08:00

Was pretty good. Cameron's friend Donald came over Friday & Saturday night- they get a long so well & Donald is so sweet & very respectful & nice. He was so cute last night though- he wanted to spend the night again yet wanted to go home & see his family. Cameron & I told him-- it's okay- go home if you want to. Cameron finally said to him after he was hooing & teetering back & forth- "Dude- if you want to go home- I get it- go home- I won't be mad". So he went home.

Dan was at a friends house yesterday watching the NFC & AFC playoffs. Since the Steelers aren't in it it's not as much fun- however- we have our teams now to root for. However-I am so sick of Tom Brady Tom Brady Tom Brady & the Bradyettes. Go NY!! I admit I was hoping for the Packers- but those interceptions in OT will get you every time. And while on the OT- I think it's STUPID the way the NFL does it- first one who scores wins. I don't care if it's my team who even scores first- I think BOTH teams should get the ball at least once. Okay so yesterdays game between GB & NY they each had the ball. Why not pay the whole 15 minutes?? I think the NFL should consider changing this OT thing. JMO. Hey- maybe Tom Brady can ask them too?! Guess we'll see what happens Superbowl Sunday. And they are playing it in Glendale AZ.. oh man how I wish we lived back in AZ now.

So as far as my scrapping mojo?? still gone. Though Dan did tell me that Freddy's (Fred Meyer) is having a sale on the memory cards.. so thinking I'll make a run Wednesday to get one. So hopefully with some new photos I'll get some mojo back! Woohoo! Some new adorable stuff coming out & I want it all. Is that even possible??

No Scrappin' Mojo

2008-01-17T14:27:00.000-08:00

I have lost the scrapping Mojo. Gone forgotten & nowhere to be found. You'd think that after spending time in a scrapbook store and going to others.. I'd have it? Oh hell no. I have no idea where it is. I just am hoping it comes back soon. I can look at magazines & websites until my eyes bulge.. nada. I think some of it is that I don't have the photos on hand. I lost (or it was taken who knows anymore) my memory card to my camera & so brought out the old one- it sucks. Takes horrible icky sucky pictures- compared to my current camera. So you'd think being I was in Portland yesterday I'd stop & get a new card.. nope totally spaced it. What a surprise I know. Though in my defense I would have never had time to stop. When you get into the "city" you seem to run run drive drive everywhere. Traffic it gets in the way. I mean when you are use to no traffic in "Mayberry".. it's just weird being IN traffic & dealing with it. Though I don't find it too bad. Dan when he goes complains about it too much. Oh well.
So guess I should get busy on getting a new memory card for the camera. Then maybe the Mojo will be back! Maybe just if I order some pictures?? hey what an idea.

Cameron is getting it

2008-01-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

Isaac came over after school yesterday. As some know he is my problem child who I think I just want to shake & knock some sense into him at times. Dan & I go back & forth about the friendship between Isaac & Cameron & realize Cameron has to make his own choices. I must say that Isaac is beginning to realize that Cameron doesn't need the friendship & he does have other friends. Cam realizes that his friends don't all care for Isaac..but do put up with Isaac because the friendship they have with Cameron. Yesterday Cameron says to me after Isaac leaves & after a discussion about what they will do when they graduate high school (mind you they are in 6th grade) he says..Mom, you wonder if Isaac & I will friends in high school? I said I don't know sweetie- depends upon how you grow. Some people just grow apart. He says- well I don't think Isaac I will be friends forever- I think he is going to be in more trouble than I care to want. I think he will do things I don't think is right..he already says lies & tells people stuff that I just roll my eyes at. I gave Cameron a hug & told him.. thing is.. he needs a friend like you more than you need him. Cameron says.. when he comes to our house I think he has finally realized that you & dad have rules. At home he just tells his mom oh well & does what he wants. I tell Isaac he should just do it & why argue.. so why does he do that & why does his mom let him?? I told him- I don't know- I'm not his mom- & his mom & I are 2 very different people. Isaac is finally learning that your dad & I will not put up with some things- maybe his mom picks her battles just as we do with you. Maybe some battles she just doesn't think it's worth a fight? I don't know. Isaac likes to see peoples reaction to things.. and guess your dad & I have stopped reacting to things he says. Like you- we just roll our eyes & say okay Isaac. I guess maybe Isaac may need our rules more than he thinks.. and I think he likes the boundaries we have in our house. Cameron says-- yea- guess maybe I'll just see how the friendship goes. Love you mom. Love you too Cam. so guess he is getting it. Life lessons are in progress.

soooo...

2008-01-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

I think I must live a terribly boooring life. I have nothing to really say. Okay not true- I always have something to say. Just some things I think you can never win at talking about. Like what? okay- Music-politics-religion. Those seem to be the 3 you will always have some big discussions over. Discussing politics with my BIL who HATES Bush is a loose-loose. He has a right to his opinion like everyone else. I respect that. But when people say we need to impeach him (Bush).. I think it's really a redundant statement. Next year at this time we'll have a new President. Religion- can never talk about. I can.. but not with to many people. I am a spiritual person- believe in God. But I have these issues that I don't like about the church itself.. and some of the people. I don't like religion shoved down my throat. Don't get me wrong... again I believe in religion..just not ome of the stuff that goes on & how some of the people are. My MIL brings up the fact that people can't pray in school & find it unfair. Unfair??? I believe that ALL religions should be able to pray-- Muslim-Jewish- Christian-Buddhist- ALL of them.. and how can one school keep that up? So if they can't do it for everyone.. then not do it all approach isn't so bad. Music? I like all music.. okay I can't stand rap. But I believe in the power of music. Now those 3 subjects I said I should never talk about and I did. I respect every one's opinion about these subjects. Oh- Art is another one. We have some art in our house that some people don't like and that is fine.. I don't care for the Thomas Kincaid art. Doesn't fit my style. I find people interpret art in so many different ways. What it says to one person it says something else to another. A friend of my dads once asked him to help him buy some art- my dad replied to him.. if you like it buy it! That simple. We have a few pieces of art that have some partial nudity. One of Cameron's friends went & told his grandmother that we had some NUDE pictures on our wall. His mom told her mom- it's just art. Then the grandmother confronts me one day when I dropped Cameron off to play. She says she didn't appreciate the Nude pictures on my wall. I asked her when she had seen them. She said she hadn't- just her grandson told her about them. I said it's art on the wall. She said she doesn't want her grandson to see these. I replied.. think it's too late- he has seen them. I then asked her if she preferred I had ART with someone blowing another ones brains out? I said it's ART.. and until you have seen it how can you pass judgement? She said she wasn't about to come see it. I told her.. well my door is always open if you'd like to see it. This was a few summers ago.. and she has yet to come over & see it. Her grandson still comes over.. and his mother sees it as art. Nothing she would have in her house-but as she says- it isn't not my home.. its' yours. Again- all in how you interpret these things-- religion- art- music- politics. But that is just MY OPINION. Anyhoo- so much for not having anything to say.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-07T11:48:00.001-08:00

Yes- I am late with the well wishes but hoping we all have a great 2008.

I had to use my old first digital camera I had during the holidays.. and I never took the pictures off from when Cameron graduated Kindergarten! So these were a few that were on the camera. I find it fun to look at. Cameron & I were just thrilled to see the one of he & his "papa"!

Made it through the Christmas Break. Cameron kept pretty busy with friends either stying over or him going over to friends. It was nice he kept busy. As for the New Years Eve for Dan & I..nothing special. We thought about heading to the Donovan's and I forgot to call Liane & tell her we weren't coming due to the snow on the pass- I am so sorry for not calling Liane.. my goof. Dan & I just stayed in watched TV & chatted. It was nice & quiet.

The Saturday before my cousin, Kelly & her husband came for a visit. They were up from Phoenix & making the rounds. His mom lives is in Raymond Washington, which is about an hour and half away from us. We had a small Christmas with them. I made brunch. We took them down to Seaside.. it was freezing cold. So we cut it short. It was good to see them. They are waiting for a baby. They have gone through the process & all of adopting & now just are waiting for a little one. She is a pre-school teacher- or I should say becoming one. She currently is an assistant & loves it. She is so good with kids. Dennis s a high school math/history teacher. They will be great parents. We have taken all the Christmas stuff down. The lights on the house are still up- but Dan is waiting for a better day to wash the windows as well. Not sure if the neighbors want to look at them until Spring though :o)

Just have been busy with the store starting a New Year with fresh new ideas.

New Year Resolutions

2007-12-30T13:31:00.000-08:00

Why do we make these? I know to better oneself. And when we make these.. how long to they last? Mine seem to last until MAYBE March. So fist of mine should be to keep them.. at least half anyway. I think maybe we make too many? so why not make the list shorter?- that way if we keep even half.. better then it was last year?? right? Okay so here are the dreaded mine-

Take better care of myself-eat better-exercise more-ANY would be good.

Don't bite off more than I can chew-meaning say no. I can't do it all.

Give Dan more credit.. I really need to let him do more.. he will ask & I just say no-better to do it myself. He is capable..really I know this.

Wishing you all a Happy & Blessed New Year!

Cheers to 2008!

Christmas was good

2007-12-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

It was a good Christmas. Danny's family came & went. We had a houseful of people & we swear we won't do that again. It really was just too much.
Christmas Eve was pretty laid back. Unusual for us since in my family we usually open gifts Christmas Eve & Christmas morning. Danny's family is Christmas Day- so we have to compromise somewhere when it's just the 3 of us. So Christmas Eve we did something new to Cameron & I.. but an old tradition with Danny- went to eat Chinese food. Cameron even tried something other than chicken strips.. he had pork noodles. This is a huge thing if you know him. (Liane you can get up off the floor) He did open one present & was happy with that. Considering he'd been asking since Friday before Christmas to open something! Cameron aslso made the cranberry relish- which is something they have at Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner. Christmas morning was nice. We opened gifts & Cameron was very happy. He asked for small things this year.. mostly DS games - DVD movies & PS2 games. So that is what he got. Plus we did get him a few other things. However- some of his friends got a phone.. including Isaac. So Cameron says to me.. Issac gets a phone.. and I don't?? This is so unfair.. he'll loose his phone in 2 days. We happen to agree he will- but not our child- not our problem. Even his mom realizes he'll loose it. I wanted to get Cameron a phone for Christmas- Danny said no. So I respected that & now Danny says okay- for his Birthday- which is in March & he'll be 12. After we opened gifts we had a little more cleaning up to do in the house before his family arrived. I did A LOT of pre-cooking in the days before. So I really didn't have much to do in the way of cooking that day. Though I spent most of the day in the kitchen.. which was fine :o) It was snowing in Portland so we weren't sure if Danny's sister & her kids would make it. But they did. It was nice to have them. His sister- Laura brought the who was the EX-boyfriend is now the current BF. He drives us all crazy & no idea what hold he has on her. He was rude in the way that he just helped himself to the bar.. which is fine.. but he drank every last drop of any of the whiskey-brandy-bourbon-red wine (thank god it was the cheap shit). Don't get me wrong- the bar is there for a reason.. but you don't just come into someones home & take what you want of it all and not even ask. I guess finishing the last of something is my pet peeve- I mean don't take the last of something in someones home unless the host says okay.. ya know? Is that wrong? It didn't matter if it was the booze or if it were cookies.. it's all a matter of principal. His sister didn't eat with us.. she didn't feel good. She also forgot the vegetable & pumpkin pies - Dan's mom didn't bring what we asked of her & Ashley forgot the rolls- but in her defense she went to 2 stores & they were out. So the not bringing stuff was just comical by the end of the day. We had more than enough food- we really were fine.
The kids had a nice time & the 2 little ones were so cute-- Alexis is 5 & Julia is 18 months. They are sooo cute & sooo good. We gave them Santa bags & they were thrilled with the little goodies -Honey Teddy bear Grahams- animal cookies & some new toys to keep them busy. The sleeping arrangements were .. well they worked them out. We borrowed a friends 5th wheel & Dan's sister insisted on sleeping in it. We suggested that her kids sleep in it (her kids are 25-22 -both married-& 20 & 16) But she said that she the BF- & her 2 youngest would. Okay fine. Then she complained the next morning! whatever. I must say the funny things that keep us laughing were the fact that Gra-Ce turned into this huge fur ball when she saw the dogs- funny how she can make her self twice the size. The yearly underwear was given to Nicole who is 9 months younger than Cameron- they were from Cameron. She took it well. Cameron enjoyed his older cousins being in the house- Nathan who is 20 was more than happy to play a game or 2 with Cameron. Josh- who is 25- is much like his 2 uncles- witty-funny & a smart ass. He was very helpful when it came to the kitchen duties. All the kids were. Would we do it again? Sure- under the condition that everyone just can stay at a hotel.. please?? Oh did I mention the 2 extra dogs? That was a funny thing as well. Gra-Ce got a hold of Josh's dog. oops. Gra-Ce spent her day in our bedroom- she had enough. She found her way up into the stack of sweatshirts on the shelf & was perfectly happy.. but happier when the next morning rolled around at everyone took their dog home. It was nice to spend some time with the kids- who aren't really kids anymore- but we call them that. Josh realized that I have been around longer than any of the others- meaning the in-lawas. I was at his 2nd Birthday party. They call me the Aunty - which makes me feel good since I have no sibilings so then none of the neice-nephew. They are family. Though I complain about them.. I wouldn't trade them them for anything.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

Happy Holiday's

2007-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

DUMP

2007-12-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Taking from Ann's Blog.. I think time to dump....

I have presents to finish wrapping that have to be sent to Seattle.
I have the recipe cards to finish that have to be sent to Seattle.
The house needs a big cleaning before Dan's family comes for Christmas.
I have 2 kids projects to finish by Wednesday
I still have gifts to buy.
I have grocery shopping to be done & seems no time to do it.
Gra-Ce won't stop taking the tree skirt off the chair & putting it under the tree- which is where it is suppose to be- however- she thinks it's her own personal bed.

Not much dumping but I feel better. I did make it to the liquor store yesterday.. :o) I also cleaned all the bathrooms- and made a yummy dinner. The weekend well. though I needed to do the above things.. I just wasn't in the mood. Oh well- whattya do?? deal with it denise!!

Never going to catch up

2007-12-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

on the Christmas thing so am I giving up? I did take baking off.. and the Christmas cards aren't look good either. I'm not giving up.. I'm just giving in. I looove the holiday time. But the storm took the cheer out & gave us the bahhumbug's. admit I am already tired of the TV commercials. Enough now. We have heard them since October? I have to get things done & I will. So this picture?? This is Dan in the famous family gift giving over & over underwear. These have been a "gag gift" in his family for a long time. They are funny-- and you know they are OUT there waiting to be opened & still when you get them you laugh your butt off & say that you can't believe you fell for it & didn't know..then it's your turn to surprise that "special" someone next year.. well year after. We are having Christmas dinner at our this year for Dan's side. Which is fine. I have ordered the meat.. just have a Turkey to get & this n that. Need a trip to the liquor store for sure & the Wine House.. oh yeah!! Still not even sure what we are getting Cam.. he has asked for a lot of small things. He likes opening more..LOL All in all I'l be fine.. I guess I have to whine a little.. so like me lately whine whine- just give me some cheese & a glass & we'll be good. But we have lights on the house.. tree is up.. has been before the storm. stockings are hung & now the wrapping will begin tonight to get stuff shipped up to family in Seattle. :sigh: so off I go.. "we wish you a merry christmas...." and I do fell better.. more christmas cheer for all to hear!!

Storm Coverage

2007-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

wasn't so much in parts of the country. Here at the Oregon coast & other parts were hit with winds at 120 plus.. but averaged out to about 95 I think. Anyhoo- it was one storm followed by another that left us with no power for 6 days- no phone for 2- no school for 5- no highway into any major city for 2. I have to say we were lucky compared to some places that had floods that came with the wind and rain. Vernonia Oregon- which is about an hour east of us. They have had MAJOR damage. You can click on to see some of the damage. We had rain & wind.. and it was pretty wicked. It started Sunday Dec 1st & went into Monday. Dan & I thought for sure the siding on the house would be gone.. and I was sure that we'd have no roof. I thought the entire house was just going to pick up & fly away like in the Wizard of Oz. Thank goodness we don't have any trees directly around us. Trees came up root & all in a lot of places. Businesses were closed fro days.. but one restaurant got smart last year.. Bigfoots- Jack the owner- said he wasn't going to go through that again & installed a big generator. After his sales last week- I think others will follow. Dan & I were close to being called in to help- however- no phone service solved that! Dan- Cameron & I survived just fine. When Monday AM rolled around we just had to remember what camping was like. We have a gas stove top- thank god for that. Then we actually went out to see how Dan's mom was- she was fine. The winds were still going- but not as bad. We played games throughout the day. Did some reading. Then at 4PM it's dark out. Made dinner best I could with the light we have. Must of been fine. Then with the portable DVD player we had we all got into bed & watched a movie.. so here we are the 3 of us huddled around this little DVD player watching "Elf" . Day 2 comes.. and now its' easier than day 1. This time Cam can go play with the neighbor girl- Alana. So things are getting easier.. but still no phone service. So family & friends have no idea what is going on & I don't think realize until Tuesday (day 2) that we actually had been hit pretty hard. We get word that the cell phones will work if hit "the cove" so we head to the cove & finally can call family & friends to let them know we are fine. Dan's sister Stephanie didn't realize how bad it was. So as each days go by it gets easier. We were able to shower- we have gas so that helped- gas fireplace kept us warm as well. Our neighbors by day 2 loaned us lantern & by Thursday we were offered a generator to use from some friends in Jewell who had gotten power. so now things aren't so bad. And guess what is on the list of things to purchase this coming year? Gas turned into gold here.. one station had a line of cars a mile or so long.. charging a whopping $5.00 a gallon. Ice was gold as well & lucky for us we got some from Bigfoots. Nice to have friends in the right places at times! Plus scored 3 bags from our friends in Jewell. We had friends in Portland who wanted to bring it out- but the main highway in had a sink hole plus a lot of trees were down & some ready to still come down. We heard that we had over 600 power workers working on the lines 24 hours a day.. from Utah & Idaho..and we are so thankful for them & the work they did. Friday afternoon comes along & we get power!! It was a happy happy joy joy time. Yet in some sense bitter sweet. We had a routine now after all those nights- huddle together in bed & watch a movie. Guess just something we'll do more of. We had some good family time & Cameron was a trooper. He loved the generator.. he was able to play his PS2 for a hour or so. It was all so strange though.. we were cut off from the world. really- with no phone- no paper- no power- nothing. World war 3 could have begun & we would have known NOTHING. All in all we are lucky. A lot of trees are gone in the area.. a lot of people became closer to their neighbors. And now a lot of scrapping to do about the 6 days we endured.. which really were just fine.

The photos above: I took a few this AM - the 3rd from the right is from all the trees that had to be cut from power lines- driveways- phone lines- roads.. that is where they have been dumped from just Gearhart- the town we live in. The last one is from the golf course.. just to show you that the big trees just came up root and all.

When did I become so stupid?

2007-11-30T15:02:00.000-08:00

As a parent?? when did this happen?? After all- Dan & I know NOTHING. My son of 11 years old 8 months & 23 days knows more than we do. Just amazes us.. what did we ever do before he realized he knew more? and then when he says sorry. All this time I thought it was sorrY. not sssaaaoooorrreeeeA! I really need to go back to school guess. Did I always know more than my mom or dad? Thinking I probably THOUGHT I did. My neighbor tells me this.. between 12 & 24.. as a parent you know nothing- you are THE idiot and it's quite clear we don't know what it's like to 11 years old-8 months & 23 days old.. or for that matter to be 16 - 18 - any of those ages. Doesn't matter that you were once their age.. you don't get it.. never will. BUT there is hope he says-- what is that? He says- between 25 & 30 they are remorseful.. and realize you did know what you were talking about-- of course they now have kids of their own & so they know nothing & they are an idiot! So we have hope!! woo-woooo!! My SIL tells me that you have to remember what they were like at 3-5..because at 12-16 they revert back to that. That said it has Dan & I thinking.. kewl.. it was easier back then.. and we did know a thing or 2!! Hope is a float!!

ssooooo sloooowwwww

2007-11-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

Its' soo slow in the store.. not even funny. But it's slooow everywhere here. I still say it just sucks! So yesterday I took the day a did a wee bit of shopping. Went to Eddie Bauer & it was dead there too. I manged to get my uncle a nice polar fleece vest type jacket.. though not a jacket-- oh you know what I mean? right? plus my mom some long sleeve shirts. Nothing exciting.. but it was something! Did more decorating at the house. Gra-Ce loooves everything about the Christmas stuff being out. She has new things to sniff-- play with & bonk off the table or anywhere else. She can't wait for the tree now! I told her she is a very naughty kitty & Santa isn't even bringing her a lump of coal. I still have stuff to finish making.. being lazy about that. Cameron has a school concert coming up.. as to the date?? no idea.. but I really need to get on him about as to WHEN it is.

Maybe I'll THINK about doing some baking this weekend. Catch ya'll later.

How many shopping days??

2007-11-27T16:58:00.000-08:00

No-- really how many?? I refuse to even count.. do I want too?? Have I done any?? not really. when will I have time?? who really knows??
Well today my dad would have been 67.. wow.. so Happy Birthday Dad aka Papa. Still is strange without him around. I know he is around in some ways.. like I swear he is always messing with one of the pieces of art in the house.. Dan says it has got to be him.. since Dan isn't fond of the piece at all. My dads way of messing with him :o) Anyhoo- have a good one.

What a great Turkey Day

2007-11-24T16:41:00.000-08:00

So Thanksgiving was great. It was great to see family & spend some time with them. Though it's never enough time. The drive was good heading up. No complaints.. well just that Cameron didn't want Burgerville & I did. Cam wanted Wendy's.. so Dan said fine.. I'll do both- . Okay- not what we asked but since you offered!! :o) We got up to Seattle about 2ish & since we were going north traffic was going pretty good. GOOD thing I tell ya since if you were heading SOUTH.. you were in this 23 mile back up. I kid you not. I swear traffic FOR NO REASON.. just amazes me that there isn't more road rage in that city. Maybe there is & I just don't know it. We just stayed in & visited with my aunt. It was very nice. I did make pumpkin pie & all was good. Thursday we headed over to my other aunts & Dan's sister's family joined us. The day was a good one.
We headed back yesterday & made good time coming home. Got back around 2:30. Headed over to some friends house for leftover turkey dinner, which was fine by me. Tonight it's Pizza delivery man night. Cam has a friend over.. Even. So they have managed to drink a entire liter of Mt Dew.. and a bag of chips. .popcorn & pretty sure the ice cream is gone. .and they still have until tonight.. eegads! hey they are having fun & being good!
So now the shopping begins. I usually have started by now. I have done a few things.. but not much. It will get done. We still aren't sure what were doing Christmas Eve.. looks like Seattle is a no go. So maybe we'll wander into town & spend it with the Donovan's.. leave early Christmas morning so they have their time as a family & we can get home & open Santa presents!! We'll see how it goes & who knows.. anything can happen & change.... just not gong to worry about it. We have Christmas at our house this year. So far the MIL tells Danny- I'm not doing Christmas" yea- whatever. I know that is wishful thinking on my part. She'll come.. she always plays this game.
Hope everyone had a good Turkey day! It was a thankful day for me. It was great to be with family & that I am thankful for.

So the weekend

2007-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

went well. I stayed home and rested mostly. Saturday I came into the store for a little bit and have had this headache hanging since Thursday. Sandy was here & she did great. She offered to work Sunday & I took it & slept most of Sunday. Do I feel better?? SURE DO!! Last thing I wanted was to be sick on Thanksgiving!
So the Friday Night with Isaac over.. went fine. We then had him all day Saturday & he & Cam were doing good. Though Isaac did try his hardest to get Cam in trouble a few times. But it never worked. I told Isaac- your wasting your time & mine trying to get him in trouble.. I think you should worry about you & how NOT to get into trouble. Isaac wears this "badge of honor" that he has been suspended 3 times already this year. The last one.. for telling a teacher she was a "f'in bitch". So then after hearing this.. I say to Dan.. and he just spent the night with us? Thinking on the note what was the punishment for saying that to his teacher? and though it's not my business or my child I am just floored. Dan replies-- you know he has his mother wrapped tight & he runs the house. I KNOW this.. but I just can not wrap this whole thing around my head that he just had in house/school suspension. I realize we all raise our children differently.. but I look at the friends I have & I know if any of these kids ever did what Isaac did.. it would be hell week at home. Thing is.. none of these kids would never do that because they know better. It all comes down to the respect thing. Anyway- Cam wanted to spend the night at Issac's on Saturday & so we let him. He went o church with them. Dan wasn't thrilled about that.. and not so much that he went. .. more of why didn't Amy say they were going to church? not a big deal.. but why? I said- we know she goes.. and Cam knows he can say I want to go home.. Cam came home later that day & I asked how church was.. he replied it was better than Mamaks (Dan's mom) church. I asked if he went to the service & he said he did. He saw friends from school. He said he MIGHT want to go again. I said okay. He asked if I would take him.. I said sure. He asked if it was really okay. I replied to him.. Cam..we will never force the church thing on you.. your dad was forced to go & this is why he won't go.. among other things.. but we decided long ago that it would be your choice.. and we will always support it & yes- I will be happy to take you. We waited for the "how come we don't go" question.. but it didn't come.
As everyone else we are on a short week at school. We will be taking off fro Seattle Wednesday morning. The store is closed on Wednesdays now.. and then I'll close Friday too. I can't compete with black Friday. And who does this?? I mean up at 3am?? are you crazy? is it worth it?? okay- probably to some.. but my sleep is worth more than a few bucks..LOL
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

The Curse of being #2 claims

2007-11-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

the Ducks. Ducks lost last night to the unranked UofA Wildcats in Tucson- 24-34. Ducks are the 5th team to be knocked out-- USC- California- Boston College- & South Florida. So no National title this year for the Ducks. UofO quarterback- Dennis Dixon went down with a knee injury & wasn't able to return to the game. So the Ducks just went down hill. They are a good team. Not that UofA is a better team.. they aren't. When Dixon was in he was running circles around the Wildcats. Had Dixon been able to play the rest of the game-- the Ducks would have won. Not saying Dixon is a one man team.. but Brady Leif who is the 2nd string QB.. let me just say I think Cam could have done better than he did. 2 interceptions.. he just couldn't complete a pass. So okay.. done with that. I know Mike & Liane are just happy has those Wildcats can be. I told Cam he has to burn his UofA shirt now..LOL he said nope.. they are a Pac-10 team mom. I say-- okay- so are the Huskies are you wearing one of those shirts?? NO WAY mom-- the are bad dawgs...LOL

So tonight Isaac is spending the night. I told Dan to head to the Wine House & get a few good bottles of wine.. I'll need it! Isaac isn't really too bad of a kid. He just hasn't been taught to be more respectful.. he claims to be the victim every time & can't keep his mouth shut half of time & wonders why he is trouble. Cam can take him in small doses these days. So it does surprise me that he wanted Isaac to sleepover. We'll see how it goes.

I went & had lunch with Liane Wednesday. We ate & then I wanted to check out a scrapbook store in far away Northeast Portland. We get to the store & Liane hasn't really been out of the house in awhile since she had been sick. She gets a phone call from Mike- her adorable husband-

that there oldest son Alec needs to come home. He is a kid with Aspergers & in 8th grade. A very smart kid who did his math lessons & then the teacher tells him.. sorry no credit for this. Well- the teacher is dumbass! I mean to tell that to a child who doesn't have Aspergers is upsetting- so now tell it to a child WITH it. Of course she didn't know all that until after we got back to her house STILL- Liane being the sweetie she is.. let me cruise around the store a bit & even sat down to figure out how to make this adorable 6x6 book for me. So excited about that. I just feel bad that she has had to deal with this teacher who has become a PITA to her son & her..LOL

Thanksgiving is coming next week? who is ready?? HA! Me?? since I'm not cooking I sure am. We are heading to Seattle to have dinner with my family & Dan's sister's family will be attending as well. I just have to make pies.. works for me. Had we stayed in town.. still wouldn't be cooking! we had invites to a few places & surly would have gone to the Wade's Party House.. I mean dinner... anyhoo we will miss seeing them & the Donovan's this Thanksgiving. Okay - gotta run to get some things up & out.. and my wine. Cheers!

Back to reality

2007-11-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

back to life!! The weekend went well. I swear I didn't get much done.. yet I was busy. Go figure. I'll post later what I did. I have to complete the journaling on them. They had a computer but they forgot a cord for it so I wasn't able to journal. I know I could actually WRITE.. but just don't wanna!! The weekend went by fast. Dan had to help a friend move that Saturday so he went into Portland Friday night- Cameron went to Jewell & stayed with Dalton. So Friday night it was just me- the dog & the stupid cat. I did leave about 3ish & Colleen & I stayed until about 11:30pm. Then we were back up in Astoria about 9ish. It was a good day- good fun. The "sisters" who put it on did a great job.. and lots of fun. It was a little tamed.. a lot of us were just too busy to be the monkeys I think we all can be. but it was nice. I'd like to go to another in April if I can. We will see.
My MIL is playing another one of her games. Dan went to take her home from work yesterday since she got in this "accident".. she won't elaborate- so probably a stupid F^&* her thing she did. She has been really "weird" as Dan says- just "short answers" and obviously mad at him me- all of us. Who knows? He told his mom that David (his brother) and Larry weren't coming for Christmas.. (Christmas for the Dawson side is at our house this year)- anyhoo- the MIL says that we should just not do Christmas. I'm thinking- how about you NOT do Christmas & we'll be fine with just the rest of the family. Whatever. I'm so sick of these childish games she plays.. how old are you?? I called Stephanie last night (the younger sister) & she says" well go back into the archives- what did you do 2 months- or even 2 years ago that now she is mad about"? sad- but true.. so it must be something that comes up waaay back. I know when staph & I sat down to discuss the Christmas plans a few years back & the MIL says to me... what gives you 2 the right to determine where & when Christmas is.. I said well Christmas is the same time every year & we decide since it's OUR house.... thank you very much. So I'm sure that is burning her STILL. I mean COME ON-- get over it already. In reality- I have no idea what it is & frankly I just could really careless.. except it's taken out on my husband-- HER son.. and that just ticks me off. I'm sure Steph called her this AM & I have no idea if she ignored the call or just was in her sweet self personality- "what?? nothing is wrong sweetheart" oh puke me out!
So now tomorrow I am going into Portland.. having lunch with Liane.. and I want to go to a scrapbook store. Imagine that!? Liane is soo sorry to be dragged to that!-- sarcasm IS involved there. So is everyone ready for Turkey Day?? and what is everyone doing? We are going to Seattle & having it with my aunts- my mom & Stephanie & her family. Oh I'm sure that is another thing that bothers my MIL- that Steph & her family are invited..whatever. BUT- looking forward to that- spending the time with my family.

Going on a Crop

2007-11-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Yep- I am going on a crop that isn't even mine! But I feel I need too- I feel I need to just go & do my own thing. It's just up in Astoria through a group called The Scrapping Sisters. They do retreats. I decided to go for a personal reason PLUS to see how these gals do it & because of the store thinking I can be one they call next time they have a retreat here. Though "the other store" is closer.. I hope to get a few gals. we'll see..since apparently we carry the freaking shit! Yep- that's right. I realize we'll carry some of the same shit but since I am itty bitty-- I can't afford to carry A LOT of the same shit. I know scrapbook stuff isn't shit- but it's what I am calling it at this point since I'm soo irked & bummed at the same time. I'll get over it as I usually do. It just chaps my hide that the reps we BOTH have.. won;'t kiss & tell. I was really nice about asking one rep & even said I realize this may be stepping on some toes.. but I am a small store & if I am going to make it I need to know. So WTF then?? ::sigh:: okay nuff said on that because I'll just get more pissed off. However- I feel better writing this. I have vented to Sai-who has a hair salon near me.. he said it will get better.. I sure in hell hope so!!!

Cameron started basketball. In 5th & 6th grade they do these practices for weeks.. then put teams together for tournaments after the holidays. His friends are playing so he is happy about that. Since before he left he had these mixed feelings. We suggested he go & see how he like sit-- then he can decide. We also said.. once you commit yourself.. you have to finish it. He agreed & now is glad he had him go "try it out".

Not much else going on.... just day to day. I did post some LO I have done.. not much but these are fro the store. I don't do 12x12's much any more. So I think I'll do my 9x9 & just double mat them on 12x12.. or the hell with it & just show the 9x9x.. ?? anyhoo- hope you all have a good weekend! Since I probably won't post until Monday or Tuesday!

Tag Tag-- your it

2007-11-03T22:13:00.001-07:00

Ann nabbed me. So I'm just doing the simple copy & paste from Ann-- so she says:
Da Rules:1. Link to your tagger and post these rules. (check- check)2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird. (7? really 7?? )3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them). (check-check)4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog. (we can do that)
So here we go-
My Turn:1. I am addicted to Starbucks.. sad but true. 2.I still have scrapbook stuff in the spare room-or formerly known as the SCRAP ROOM and I never use it. 3. I want to win the lottery- and not just a $20 pot-- more like .. AT least 20k 4. Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than women! useless fact of the day 5. I hate doing laundry-cleaning the cat box AND my floors 6. I miss having a best girl friend- one that lives NEAR me.. or me near her.7. I am so excited for the friends & family days at GAP & Old Navy.. woohoo- !!

Tagging: 4 is all I have.. others I was going to tag have been!
Liane

Shannon

Nicole

Lizette

Just cause

2007-11-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

I thought I should blog again. Okay- the photo was taken on Dan's 42nd Birthday- which was last Friday. He hated me taking it- but I got it!!

I have been rearranging the store a bit-- now I have no place for all these dang stickers I have. I am behind in a few things in my life and I still am looking for the balance. Though I think Dan figured out what I meant when I did tell him I felt I had no balance & his reply was a "what? I don't get it- what do you mean no balance?". I go on trying to explain & he just is driving along and says" Oh look deer".. well okay fine guess were done. I know he cares.. he just does that because he truly doesn't know what to do. Though he did do some laundry yesterday & is REALLY great about keeping the house up. He does what he normally did.. it's the things I do that aren't getting done then he yelled at me. I just looked at him & gave him the bird...LOL he replies.. "WHAT?? what did I do"?? Oh Dan god love you but go away..LOL But I think as I was saying he got it because I totally forgot to pay the house electric bill & we get this shut off notice. I said oops.. shit-- forgot. he says how can you forget?? I said ummm.. I just did give me a break. I said look I just have so much to do & not enough time. I mean right now I am blogging & I really should be on line doing my bill pay! :o)
Not sure if I told you all.. okay- first I realize Shannon & I have this "arrangement" with our kids ::wink wink:: ANYHOO-- I get a call from my SIL who has 4 girls in her car including my niece Nicole- her friends are wanting to talk with Cameron- they think he is cute. So the girls are in the background laughing- screaming- giggling& I am thinking-- I am so freaking glad I have a boy.. BUT I had to tell the girls that he has a girlfriend-- yep- he does. The same one he had in 5th grade- they are back together. Her name is Alex. She really is sweet- Liane knows who she is.. anyhoo- she wrote Cammy (as she calls him) a letter asking him to circle one- time to do one of the following.. holding hands- hugging or kissing? Cam shows me the letter & I asked him what he was going to do.. he replies- "I'm thinking we need to take it slow- so thinking hugging & hand holding" I'm thinking wow. my baby.. he is so doing the right thing. I said to Dan.. you think the kissing thing is intimidating for him? Dan said probably- but he will talk to friend.. probably Dalton. I said and Dalton knows these things?? LOL So Today Dan asked him when he got off the bus.. SO HAND HOLDING--HUGGING? I'm saying Dan- stop- leave him alone. He'll tell you later. Yes- I'm dieing to know.. but he will tell us. He said Alex has a dry earase baord that says " I "heart" Cammy D" how cute. Will I think this is cute in 4 years?? oh man I have no idea..LOL no no no. THIS is why this "arrangement" is so good...LOL

Halloween

2007-11-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Last night went ... well okay. Cam went as Indiana Jones. AT the last minute his friend Isaac decided to go with us. He was this inflatable bull.. pretty funny actually. So the boys head out to our neighborhood. we let them go just the 2 of them. Cam called me when he was done with our neighborhood- which is maybe 25-30 homes- and not all full-time homes. Anyhoo- after that we went to the Outlet Mall- which was very quiet. It was a nice night- chilly- but not windy. Isaac's mom- Amy met us at the mall. The conversation goes as this:

Issac: "I want to go to the rich peoples house"

Cam: "What makes them rich- because they live on a hill? and what makes you think the candy is any better than what we have"?

Isaac: "MY mom says the candy is better"

Amy: "Well when I was your age it was what they gave out FULL size candy bars"

Cam: "like the ones my mom gave us"?

Isaac: " yes- but they do it all the houses"

Cam: "I seriously doubt it- but fine- I'll go. and by the way-I'm just getting the same stuff now & I can only eat so much candy until it gets thrown out at Christmas & I get more"

Isaac: "Don't be a party pooper Cameron"

Cam: "I'm not- just saying AND I said I'd go- I'm going"

Me: "Sure you want to go"?

Cam: "Yes"

And off they went. Then they get home & apparently Some kid hit Isaac while trick or treating. And now they want him to talk with the Vice Principal. So what happened? Some kid asked Isaac if he could see out of his costume- Isaac says yes- then the kid hits him- Isaac swings his bag of candy around & hits the kid. 3 more kids start coming over- by now Cam is around the corner & yelling for Amy. Cam said he recognizes the kids from school -but doesn't know who the names. He does see is soccer team mate Luis- which Cam says he has no idea if Luis was with these kids. Amy wants Cam to talk with the counselor & VP- I said I don't want Cam in the middle. I think the kid probably was goofing off & didn't realize that when he hit the snout of the costume- he'd actually hit Isaac- Isaac reacted- and so now it was going to be free for all. I told Amy- what do you expect the school to do? It wasn't on school grounds during school. Cam said he thinks I am right- the kid didn't realize.. it was an accident. Cam also said- Mom- Isaac didn't open his mouth this time- I didn't hear him say anything to the kid bad- & why would someone just hit someone for no reason? If Isaac had opened his mouth like usual- then okay- but he didn't. I told him- that is why I think the kid didn't mean it. Isaac reacted as he knows how. I asked Cam how he would have reacted- he replied- I don't know?. :o)Other than that Cam said he had a fun time.. and no big candy bars- AT ALL.....LOL I said well what did you say to Isaac.. Cam said I told him.. "nice.. some real nice BIG candy bars here--" with the look he gives Isaac when he thinks he is nuts! Which is the same look of eye-rollage I give..LOL

Thank you

2007-10-29T12:33:00.000-07:00

I want to say Thank You for all your thoughts - concerns- prayers and all that jazz. I know if each & every one of you could.. you'd be here in a heart-beat. Liane- I am holding you to this once a month thing! I know you are busy yourself & I think we can BOTH use this. I miss you living here. So to say.. the weekend for the store was a bit sucky. BUT on a GOOD NOTE; my SIL was here for a show with her jewelery & she passed out several cards for the store & I am doing a Seaside Sister show in February. I will be doing our "Cinderella Crops" and an all day crop over the weekend plus have a mini-store. So Liane be prepared for me asking those "Gidget questions". I am really excited about this. I did join the Chamber in Seaside & this will help. I know I want it all & want it now... but the truth is like anything else it takes time. I do realize this.. it's just convincing myself of this..LOL We are heading up to Seattle for Thanksgiving & I am so excited to be with my family for this. I haven't really seen them since.. March?? My aunts did come for a quick visit to see Cameron's soccer game.. but I had to work the store & they were out the same day. Cameron is done with soccer. The team actually lost a game. It had been- well, guess the 8th graders on the team never lost a game. The other Seaside team was on "a mission" and they played better than we did. We did win the last game- we had 2 games on Saturday. Cam came close to scoring & the team really tried to help out the boys who hadn't scored. Skyler & Cameron were the only 2 who didn't-- but they tried. Coach Pat won't be coaching next year, He has had Cameron for the past 3 years in soccer & 2 years in baseball. cam says he is the only person I think who can get away with calling him CammY..my SIL does as well.. and he usually will ask people NOT to call him Cammy. However- with Coach Pat- Cam tells me " it's okay now mom". Anyhoo- things are looking up... or so I say.. LOL they are.. one day at a time... just one day a time.

No title to give- life out of balance

2007-10-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

I have no title for this.. why is that? (okay came up with just that) I guess I am at the cross roads of my life it seems. I feel totally out of balance with the store- my life. I want to have it all yet realize I can't & yet can't seem to accept that either. So WTF? I have no idea what to think.. or what to do. I feel at times I made this huge mistake of taking this on & wondering what business I have being in business. I keep this all in as well. Which is not good. Dan would never understand..or I don't think. I can't even explain how I feel. I love the idea of having a store.. I love the idea of being creative, I love the idea I have a wonderful family & friends- I hate the idea of failing at owning a business. I feel that is where I am heading. I tell everyone it's all fine.. and to a point it is. The financial part isn't so fine. I realize I have dug myself into a small hole & I will eventually get out of it. I realize I should have maybe taken on a partner so I don't have to deal with a fully over loaded plate. I want to cry- I want to scream I want to laugh & I want to just .. I have no idea. ::sigh:: I wonder if it's because the holidays are coming & Thanksgiving is still a difficult holiday for me- my dad's birthday is the 27th of Nov. and I still miss him terribly & even more right now than ever. Seeing he always knew when my life was out of balance & would help through it. This is so not like me to air this out . I usually keep it all in & just say "everything is good" & put a smile on my face & move on. As I know in the end it will work out so just don't bother anyone with my petty problems-issues & some things coming up above to spread rays of sunny love. I know it's just a bump in the road of life & i will get through.. I always do.

On a good note. Cameron has done well in school. He knows one of his bad grades was due to computer class. He just doesn't understand a few things & with a few Thursdays after school- he'll be fine. But he did awesome & we are proud of him. He is really enjoying middle school. I have been making some small albums here at the store. I will have to post some photos. I did add a photo of Cam & Dan's niece Lindsay. Last night he knew something was not happily right with me. He came in with this big smile & says.. "Mom- you are the best.. thanks for coming to school today & I love you more" I replied with nope- love you more AND I loved you first" ..LOL it made the moment I tell ya!

another day

2007-10-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

The weekend was a good one. Saturday I had an all day crop at the store. It was a ton of fun & seems like everyone had a GREAT & FUN time--woohoo!! Sunday was the first Sunday we opened.. and it was a good day. I didn't work since one of the gals offered.. so I said okay- don't have to ask me twice :o) I had other things to do anyway. I watched the Steeler game.. woohoo.. kicked some Seachicken butt! Did a Costco run- went - picked up Cameron from Dalton's - did some laundry -changed all the sheets - Fred Meyer run & made dinner. Then sat my butt down to watch TV. Don't even ask me what I watched.. I know Desperate Housewives-- just about it. Now on that note- Katherine?? Oh my gawd.. what a beotch. I realize she is suppose to be.. and I love Dana Delaney-- her character.. so much to find out- giving Bree a run & making her crazy. Marc Cherry has got a good one on his hands this season. Can't wait to find out what Katherine is hiding!! Edie--- love to hate her- hate to love her!
Cameron had a friend come over yesterday- John. He went to Gearhart with Cameron. They weren't in the same class though. Anyhoo- so nice to see him play with others in the area. It's always been Isaac- and that is wearing thin.Cameron has a play date every Friday with one of the neighbor girls- Alana.. so sweet. They went to the football game last Friday. Though guess they hung out with other people.. so cute. No- this is just a friend. My sweet BIL made me some custom shades fro the store. They came today.. yea! I just can't tell my MIL or she'll whine "why doesn't David make me any-- I want some" and gawd forbid I get something and she doesn't!

So it's Wednesday's off...

2007-10-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

But not really. Seems though I am off I am doing work things. I know it will get better & I made the choice. Guess I shouldn't complain.. but I will for a moment. But it's not like it is REALLY a complaining thing.. just a comment. Okay- shutting up now. Like that would last long.
Okay so who is tried of hearing about poor Brittany F&*%$@! Spears?? She lost custody of her boys & wonders why?? Hello-- have you NOT watched yourself on TV & seen yourself totally destroy yourself as we speak? I think it must drive me crazy that ANYONE apparently can become a parent. But the ones who WANT too- like my cousin, have to write this long drawn out bio about themselves.. go to parenting classes while all the live long F%^&$ day someone who has no business being a parent... "here ya go-- good luck carry on- go run around with your crack-heads- druggie friends- yadda yadda yadda" okay- Britt wasn't doing these things so much that we know of.. she is wreck less & has a right to be a 20-something year old- but you gave that up to a point when YOU decided to be a parent. Its' fine to have fun... but your KIDS COME FIRST. Just my 2 cents. And not like I don't know exactly what I am talking about. At 18 I made a choice to give up a baby boy for adoption. My MIL told me I was selfish for doing it.. I recall thinking WTF? If I keep this baby I AM SELFISH.. if I give him up I'm giving him a better life. I gave him life- but its' up to someone else to give him A life. I am too young & a child myself. I had no idea who I was.. and at times I think I still don't :o). Would I have changed anything?? yes- changed the fact that he even came home for a few months... he should have been with his mom & dad sooner. I was lucky- my mom's youngest sister adopted him.So now think you know more than needed about me?? LOL
Okay now I have to go now.. catch ya'll later .

Working Saturday

2007-09-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

I shouldn't complain & I'm not really. I just feel bad missing Cam's soccer game - though the only one will miss this season. My aunts came down for the day to watch him play. I find it so sweet that they will come this far to watch & yet he has a grandma who lives 7 minutes from the soccer field & doesn't come. Though Danny & I say we really don't want her to come. How sad is that? My dad made MOST of Cameron's baseball games when we lived in Arizona & loved it when he came. Kelly (my cousin) would come as much as she could.. again he loved it. My aunts even were able to see him play some baseball in Arizona. He loves the fact that my aunts do come to watch him play.. it means so much to him! My gf Liane & I have talked about this.. and say-- why do the good ones have to go? I mean her parents passed before both her boys were born & before she even married.. so sad they sound like they were GREAT parents & people & I wish I could have met them. Her DH parents are around.. but divorced & though they live miles away they just don't do anything for the kids.. & here my MIL lives moments away-- and nothing with Cam. Do I really want her too?? no- but point is.. why did MY dad have to be the one- why is MY mom so sick she can't spend time with her grandson? Okay- I have gone around & around with this.. and it may not get me anywhere but to bitching.. so I just had to bitch about it - again.. :o)
Dalton is coming over after the game for awhile . Dalton is Cam's best friend who lives in Jewell- which is about 30 minutes from us. They are 2-peas-in-a-pod. They have a good time. Though they have this baking thing.. they love to bake. My kitchen is later a huuuge mess & Megan seems to enjoy the "sweets" afterwards.. she steals the cookies or whatever.. such a bad dog when she does that.
I should get to the store. I just wanted to catch up & try to be behind. I have some blogging to attend to on the store one as well. Hope ya'll have a great weekend!
I have to say WTG to LIZ.. she's a part-time working gurl! Enjoy the time away from the boys girlie!

It was 2 in one week..

2007-09-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday October 15th we lost Lucy. Poor Cam.. he had a horrible week. And in his own words.. 'This week is the suckiest EVER!" I think I cried more for him. He had a few tears for Lucy.. but he said he had prepared himself for her dieing.. after all he said.. "she had a good gerbil life.. I mean she was the MOST spoiled rotten one I know". So with that she is resting peacefully next to Sebastian. The photo was taken about 4 days before she passed. My SIL had asked me to take some & send them to her since my niece's friend just bought 2 & they waned to see what they will look like when they get bigger. So I took these & am thankful I did. I asked Cam if he wanted an album about all his animals.. he said yes- it would be nice. .and please don't forget "Blueberry"- who was officially his first pet.. a Beta fish.. who lived for like 3 years! who knew? anyhoo- last week was a better week for him. Though he didn't do his math homework over the weekend.. and we were not aware he had any. So Dan is saying I guess we have to check.. I say-- he knows he has homework.. we ask.. he says he does or doesn't & that is the end. If he chooses to say no when in fact he does have it & chooses not to do it I am hoping he'll learn that by NOT doing it.. you get a big fat F for that assignment & then the consequences will come. What is that?? Oh I have no idea yet. He in the past has been soooo good about doing his homework or finishing it at school. So this is the first time he hasn't completed his homework. We'll see what happens in Math with it. Math is a subject he likes one day & hates the next.... just like his mom! :o)

Soccer is going well for Cam. He played a team this last week who REALLY wanted to beat us. We tied- 1-1. The boys played really well & out played the other team.. just we couldn't get a goal with what we were kicking in.. just kept missing it by a smidgen! Cameron is getting better. He isn't an aggressive kid.. so we have to remind him- get in & just go for it. He did really well this past game. He keeps saying he wants to play football next year... Dan tells him.. well if you can't get in with these boys playing soccer & shake things off.. how do you expect to shake off football? Friend or not they will knock you on your butt in the game of football. Dan & I both think he should stick with soccer. We'll see.

The store is going well. Had a huge hiccup- but holding my breath & getting through it. I am currently making a baby girl album to sell in the store. We'll see how that goes. I'm having an ALL day Crop Next Saturday. I have a few things to do in the store to get things ready.

Now the Gerbil...

2007-09-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Okay now it's Lucy our Gerbil. She hasn't died.. yet. She isn't doing so well though. She is cold.. and her eyes are like sealed shut-- so weird. I called the vet & he says what else?? Bring her in.. and with a $40 office visit.. you gotta wonder if it's worth it? yes- it is a memeber of our family.. but she was a $5.00 pet. Anyhoo- I don't think I can handle 2 in one week... and I know Cam can't. He is doing well with Sebastian being gone. He took more flowers over to the place we buried him. I have yet to make it since Mother Nature & I don't et along these days. I have go through the 10 foot Scotch Bloom bushes/trees to get to the place Dan buried him.
On a side note: Cameron is enjoying 6th grade at middle school. He likes the teachers- he likes his locker.. thinks it's a pretty cool thing! He is in the band & will be playing the trumpet.. which is really excited about & actually has a pretty cool one. Someone left one in apartment a while back & it's silver & a Conn- which apparently is GOOD. So after we took it in for a bath.. she is ready for a new owner! Though not sure if mom & da are ready to hear the new player.. eek!
I have a STORE blog.. so come see me their.. please!! Scrap Harbor I JUST started it this week. I also have a website.. woohoo. No shopping yet-- that will be later next year. Anyhoo- check those out!! have a Happy Day!!

Trying to keep up here

2007-09-11T13:48:00.000-07:00

That is what I am TRYING to do.

So here I go to say that yesterday was the suckiest Monday ever.. in a very long time. Our cat Sebastian finally went to play with his sister Jasmine. It was so sad. Dan & I were going to take him in yestrday & he just beat us to it. I felt horrible. He lost a lot of weight & he lost is meowing & he would dissappear for a few days on end.. but Sunday night he could barely stand up & as much as I wanted him to come in.. he couldn't because he was just loaded with fleas. So with old age & him probably eaten alive by those fleas & me being an awful mommy kitty-he just went to sleep. I cried for like an hour in the morning & had to get myself together to open the store. Dan was in Portland he went to see Velvet Revolver & Alice in Chains. Which is fine.. just that I knew Sebastain wouldn't last until he returned home. I found him under his table in the garage where he has had to be since we pretty much moved into the house. Apparently he & Jasmine BOTH didn't like the house. Guess I should have asked if they approved before we moved. They just decided to pee in my house. After $1000.00 worth of vet visits.. they still couldn't solve the issue with the peeing or Sebastian's other issues. It has been a fighting and loosing battle. I guess I want to justify this all.. and I can't. It's just sad to loose a pet who has been in your life for 15 years. Dan buried him under a tree near the house.. we can see the tree every morning.. and right now it just makes me cry. He was a good boy... he was so lovey-- so sweet. We will miss him. Cam said he is making him a little cross for his site. He took flowers to it yesterday. So sweet. He REALLY misses his "Bastian".

A few other sucky things happened-- but that is the kicker. Anyhoo- sorry to be a bad blogger day. I'll catch ya'l later with better news. :o)

I'm here....

2007-09-06T12:38:00.001-07:00

and I know I that again-- I am waaay behind on the blogging... so sorry. The store has me busy. Slowed down a bit but it will pick up in the next few weeks. I have a crop Saturday night & those nights are usually good to me when I have the min. of 3 girls. Which right now I do. I have an ALL DAY crop scheduled for Sat. Oct 6th. I am hoping to have some things moved around here at bit. Ihave a gal TerrY with a "Y" :o) working on Saturday's and a few hours during the week. I'm going to ask if she wants some product trade off..which I think she'll go for right now since I have a list of items she is wanting...LOL. So the store is going well I must say.

Cameron started back to school Tuesday. He had really fun time.. and ont he 2nd day as well. Today?? well- Cam & I are fighting Mother Nature- so the sinus infections are TRYING to head us off. But I think we can beat it. Cameron is the first kid to go hoem of the year!! I guess better now than in a few weeks. He can't be missing tooo much! Yesterday in PE he said a girl called his name out- "Cameron D" which he hasn't been called that since 2nd grade - and he looked at her & she looked familiar to him.. but couldn't figure out where. He asked her where do I know you from?- she said from school- he said I've only been to 2 schools- Gearhart & Kachina- She said I know-- Kachina-- I know you from Kachina in Arizona! Small world I tell ya! So he has found that to be just bizzaro..LOL They have a class together. Now I have told him.. you are on a mission to find out more..LOL But Cam find out more?? yeah right! Just is kind of weird.. being we are pretty small. Anyhoo- soccer has started & the first game is Saturday.

The photo above is from camp Kiwanilong with his best friend Dalton. Cam had a great summer & I think now it's all catching up.. anotehr reason why I think he isn't feeling well.. a combination of Mother nature & just tired. Anyhoo- camp was great & yes the bangs have been cut you can see his eyes now. I liek his hair long.. now if he'd comb it once in awhile! All is well in the land of own. I'll be doing a Store Blog soon.. and that I really will have to keep up on. HA! Hugs & all

2 days in a row?? OH MY!

2007-08-01T11:04:00.001-07:00

Posting 2 days in a row.. wow! Actually this is just something Ann had on her blog thanks to Jen. I decided to snag it & post it!

Answer questions with only one word--no explaining! :-)

1. WHERE IS YOUR CELL PHONE? pocket
2. YOUR HAIR? brown
3. WORK? fun
4. YOUR FATHER? deceased
5. YOUR FAVORITE THING? life
6. YOUR DREAM LAST NIGHT? weird
7.YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? Cosmo
8. YOUR DREAM CAR? black
9. THE ROOM YOU'RE IN? store
10. YOUR FEAR? death
11. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE IN 10 YEARS? alive
12. WHO DID YOU HANG OUT WITH LAST NIGHT? husband
13. WHAT YOU ARE NOT GOOD AT? singing
14. MUFFIN? blueberry
15. ONE OF YOUR WISH LIST ITEMS? Paris
16. WHERE YOU GREW UP? Northwest
17. LAST THING YOU DID BEFORE SEEING THIS? Blog
18. WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? clothes
19. WHAT AREN'T YOU WEARING? pants
20. YOUR PETS? Meagn
21. YOUR COMPUTER? dunno
22.YOUR LIFE? good
23 YOUR MOOD? happy
24. MISSING? Cameron
25. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW? Cameron
26. YOUR CAR/TRUCK IS? Pathfinder.
27. YOUR SUMMER? nice
28. YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS? married
29. YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? purple
30. WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU REALLY LAUGHED WITH MEANING? yesterday
31. LAST TIME YOU CRIED? Thursday
32. SCHOOL? 9/6
33. FAVORITE WEATHER? sunny
34. FAVORITE SOUP? homemade
35. MOVIE GENRE? depends

Better LATE then NEVER

2007-07-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

I have a sheepish grin on face with huge apologies for not posting in a mighty long while. BUT- I have opened a LSS & doing good.. having fun & just a busy bee. Seems my time is not enough for all those other things I have done in the past. My freedom is pretty much shot to shit right now. Dan is now Mr. Mom. Though I still can't have him do the laundry unless I want it all pink & Cam isn't too happy with that thought. Dinner?? well he is doing pretty good when he does cook. I just haven't gotten a system down to what I need to do. I will.. eventually. Since my last blog I have opened my store- had a birthday- had an anniversary- Cameron has been out of school & gone to camp and on his 2nd week of it- have had a trail of little boys in my house & have fed the entire neighborhood boys- grounded Cameron (first time too)- Almost ran over my dog- dealt with more of the in-law drama issues.. and have scrapped a bit.

Photos of the store are here.. so enjoy. It's a work in progress & if Shannon would just bite the bullet & get her ass up here to cut surf boards & have a way with my store.. we'd be gooood. I thank you all for your support- kind words- and strength. Sandy has been great. she has been their to listen to me bitch & saved grace with me. My family has been through the trials & all the BS with me & I keep saying just hang on.. we'll get through this bumpy ride sooner than later.

Thank you everyone!

Thank you!

2007-05-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you Shannon for your hugs-- and Ann & Lizette.. along with everyone else for the support. Dan has been great as well as my family. Dan is actually getting it.. he loves to hear the men say- -oh my wife will love it- and he'll reply- GOOD we better see her here & have her bring a friend. He realizes that there are a lot of us scrappers, card makers & stampers in the world. Though he about fell over when I told him my cardstock was $1600.. adn then having to carry it all in along with the racks..LOL hey something I gotta have honey!! Plus orders keep coming in.. I have no idea what I haev anymore! Shannon.. come help me unload!! I have my moments still of freaking out & wondering what they hell I have gotten myslef into.. however- a quick Martini seems to cure that! Sandy (bluedog) has been another huge support. And then my gf Liane & Colleen who have wonderful ideas & really get it. At times I think I have no one to share this all with who gets it. Love Dan but it's hard at times. Though he really is getting it as I said.. he still doesn't have the feel if you know what I mean!? Cameron is still worried about the lack of dinners that will coming his way. But things are moving along well.
Cameron had outdoor school this week. He left Wednesday AM and arrived back about an hour ago.. with a headsche & just tired. But his friend Dalton is staying over & he won't let me call it off.. he is sure he'll be fine soon.. he will be. We were going to go see Pirates tonight- but the 8pm show is late-- and the movie runs 3 hours by the time you haev the commercial (and what is up with that crap?) and the previews -even Cameron said.. I'll probably fall asleep...LOL He has a baseball game tomorrow and my SIL and her family are coming. So a whirwind weekend it will be. We'll celebrate my MIL's b'day on Sunday. Though it's Dan & mine's anniversary.. 13 years..wow. Seems longer... oh yes that is because we have been with each other since like 1982... LOL. well we did have a few off years. Anyhoo getting ready for it all & thinking I'll never be ready. Then again I did say that when I was pregnant with Cameron.. and I still tell him.. ya know I'm not ready for you yet.. where are the instructions to you?? LOL Gotta love that kid.. he is so ... 11!

Update on the life of opening a LSS

2007-05-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

I know I am over due here on my updates. So here we go... the store is painted and it came out really cute- beachie! Just like I wanted it to. NOW I have other peoples furniture & tanning beds in the store- so I can't do as I really want now. It's driving Dan crazy that it's all in the store. I just have to say okay- fine whatever. Move on now... I have ordered the cash register & it came Friday. The cash wrap counters are ordered and could be here this week. Paper- and all the stuff you need to scrap & make cards.. ordered.. now what did I buy?? Oh crap I have nooo freaking idea! I just know that last Thursday it took all day to go through like 6 lines-- Karen Foster- Heidi Grace- Cloud 9- American Crafts - American Tag- Zsaige and Fiskars. Plus I have ordered from My Minds Eye- Artic Frog- Piggy Tales- 3 Bugs in a rug.. and I forget the others . The shopping is fun I admit- but man it's exhausting! I need to just take it al lout & go back through to see what I need before I open. Right now I picked a date.. Saturday June 23rd for opening day. I have to now sit down & figure who I can have help me that day. I have some local gals who are eager to help me get things priced & all. So my goal is to start that in 2 weeks. I have my signage in the works. Just have to make some final decisions on what I want. I have even forwared some of them to a forum GF - Nicole (hi Nic!) and asked her to have her sweet adorable DH Aaron look at them really quick.
We went up to Seattle the weekend of Mother's Day. It was nice to see my mom & spend it with my aunts & her. I made dinner for them all. But it had been so long sicne I had spent an actually Mother's Day with them it was nice. My mom is doing a bit better. She is sick if you didn't know. She has.. well we really have no idea. Parkingson's - Huningtons?? who knows? Anyhoo- she had some swallowing issues that have been taken care of.. so she is eating. But her case manager is now reporting signs of Dementia. Which we don't see it. But I guess at the home she is in.. the staff sees it. Pkus she now is having long term memory loss. Thsi we noticed more when I was talking about a house a a dog we had when I was a kid.. she couldn't remember until I started talking about some of it. then she re-called some things.. like the dog would sleep under my bed. So it does sadden me and I still ask myself.. why?? why this on her? I mean what did she do? She has a heart of gold.. was a great mom & she would have been a wonderful grandmother. She has lost out on so much as seems I have too. And yes- I still get angry over that. I use to think it was something I must have done.. but I realize & KNOW that that is not the case. I just want answers.. and those I will never have. I just wanted a mom... I mean dson'tget me wrong.. my aunts have been wonderful & they have taken her role.. which I am truly greatful for. I also have a boss who is like a mother to me.. she has been fabulous as well.. but they aren't my mom.. and though they never expect to replace her as they don't want too.. just I know they are always there for me.. Dan- & Cameron.
Okay anyhoo- now I should run.. I am freezing at the moment. Finishing up some cards I have to do for a Stamp of the month Swap.. I am soo behind on everything.. life.. me.. laundry.. and we all know I HATE the laundry thing!! Good thing Dan can fold clothes well... hee hee Hugs to all!

Scrap Harbor

2007-05-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

yep-- that is the name I .. well Dan came up with Scrap Harbor! **nice job Dan** It seems to go & a lot of people seem to like it. If you haven't figured it out.. I am opening up a scrapbook store in my area. We currently have one that is about 20-30 minutes away. Mike's- Joanns & Craft Warehouse are in the big city-- so over an hour away. I kept thinking for the past 30 odd months that someone would open another LSS. But then I figured.. well then why not me?? So here it goes.
Cameron FINALLY has started baseball. It takes forever for them to get the shit together & get going. But small town.. it's free.. and just the way it goes here in small beach town. I keep my mouth shut because as much as I know I could organize it better.. I just keep my mouth shut. I was asked and I said I really have a plate full & so I'll just shut up since I can't step up to the plate. Cameron is really bummed that one of his best friends moved back to Austrailia. Andy- he is so nice & his sister was so sweet. He will be missed in our home. It was hard to take the whole move serious since during the Christmas break we got a call & Andy said he wouldn't be back. Then Cam came home saying Andy didn't move. So since then 2 other times it was siad.. we're moving next week.. we're NOT moving-- we're moving in 2 days-- not moving! So when it really happened yesterday as Andy's last day of school.. Cameron said he feels so sad and hurts again like Arizona. Though we'll probably never see Andy- I hope they can keep in touch by email. I just feel bad we can't do anything to take that hurt away.
Okay- thats' my update. I'm going into town Sunday to take some classes from Hot Off the Press and shopping.. woohoo. And noone to join me.. I have even offered to pay! But it was short notice so it was hard for Liane & Colleen to change plans. Though I say Liane can just bag her plans.. I mean getting ready for a expo & an Alaska cruise?? geesh.. LOL Okay I'd pass too. Gotta run.. have a good one & catch ya'll later.

Why is it...

2007-04-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

when you tell someone about something you are doing they find the need to pick all the negativity out?? Is it jealousy? Maybe so. Then again my MIL has always been one to just say in one sentence-- now don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it like my mother.. and I have heard that the taxes can ruin & break business. WTF?! Dan finally told her-- ya know you need to lighten up a bit. My SIL this AM who I felt was a bit negative last Friday & I even said something- she was saying she was so happy for me & liked the name & do I need help.. and she'd love to come & set Coley up with some fun things to do. Even suggested SOMETHING- a kids type camp for the summer. So I'm going to look into that & see what I can come up.. open for suggestions! LOL

Anyhoo- I actually did some scrapping yesterday. I went over to my gf house yesterday & showed her how to do a paper bag album. So I thought I'd make one for a friend who is having a baby shower in a few weeks. I'll get some pictures & post it later this week. I used Fancy Pants Kewl paper. I had to get it for the "kewl" part. Very cute-fun paper! The above "D" was made by a friend of mine I am on a yahoo group- Shell- I think it's super cute & love it. I'm going to put it in the store too. Wonder if I can talk her into making more? :0}

Cameron FINALLY started baseball practice. And he is doing really well considering he hasn't picked up a bat or ball since last summer. A few of his classmates are on the team as well. He will actually miss his first game Saturday due to a birthday party- but hey I'd pick the party too. He gets to go play Lazer Tag. I should run now.. gotta go to the bank & get a checking account for the business. So many things to do.. ::sigh:: I can't complain though. :o)

I've Been Tagged- thanks Jen

2007-04-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog! OK, here goes:

1. I'm opening a scrapbook store in the town I live--I'm totally insane!

2. I have to have a Grande Non-fat White Moca from Starbucks- pretty much every weekday morning!

3. I am an only child- spoiled rotten too.. in a GOOD way though.

4. I married my high school sweetheart. Well we dated our senior year anyway.

5. I love a good margarita- and even better is a nice cool Cosmo... served by a cabana boy.

6. I never find the time to scrap for me anymore- & I am so behind on anything & everything.

7. I hate doing laundry

I am tagging: Shannon- Shakira - Vernell - Francine- -

Friday it is

2007-04-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and a not so bad Friday. Though I do feel a bit.. I don't know?? As some of you may know I have been pondered the idea of opening a scrapbook store. So it went from pondering to yes- I'm going to do it. So when I tell anyone- and not many- I have some that are great-- sounds fun- I'll help ya get set up.. to my MIL who is Oh well the taxes.. and Dan who was are you sure?? I realize why he does this.. he has to play Devils Advocate.. I hate that. But if it wasn't him & my dad were still alive- he'd be doing it. AND- let me just say how much I miss my dad right now-- A LOT. Anyhoo- I guess I am in some ways wishing Dan was more excited. But how can a man be excited about scrap & card making items? Now if we had a video game place- he'd be all gung-ho. I know he is scared-- and I'm not?? I mean I can't open a Huuge store. But I have been told- suggested to start off small. I may not be able to have all the stuff the other LSS has- but with time I will:o) My family is excited & I know if I ask one of my aunts to come help.. she will. I just have to ask..LOL I just wish in some ways I had more input from someone else. Dan- he just has no idea. He can't beleive how much a 12x12 paper rack is. I got one used Wednesday & he replies " you paid $54 for that"? umm yes-- normally new $68 for just 24 shelves.. I got 48 for less than 1. He doesn't get it. Then again he still can't comprehend these crops that we pay & actually will get on a plane and go. LOL So guess this is my whinning session. I know Dan knows I can do it. Just wish he woduln't be soo negative at times.. or maybe the wrong time. He rolls his eyes if I want to talk about something about the store-- so I say nothing- then he will ask me about a catalog I'm looking at & ask why I didn't ask his opinion?! ::shake shake rattle rattle & roll:: I guess I wish I has someone going in on the store with me.. us who has the same passion I do. I know my friends do-- but not like it's them doing it. ::sigh:: I will be fine. Just had to get this off my chest & out.. seeing it. I mean everyone I talk to & tells me -minus my MIL- that they are happy for us. For me. I know the road will not be easy the first year. I'm scared.. I panic.. I drink & move on..LOL Okay if you actually made it this far.. good for you!! I got my domain for a website yesterday... I don't know if the provider of the site has it up. Just a page right now.. I wanted to get the domain & then during the summer set the site up with classes-- yaddayaddayadda. It's a start.. right???

Soo behind I know

2007-04-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

I realize I am soo way way behind on my blogging. Last week I worked at 2 jobs. I was filling in for vacation at one place. It wasn't too bad- just when you aren't use to it. I just am behind on stuff at home.. laundry and I HATE doing laundry. If I have Dan do it it just means shrinkage on half my shirts :o) Dan & I have talked & decided that I should go for opening a Scrapbook store. I think I can do a good job & my family is behind me on this. Cameron now is asking if my scraproom can become a "game room" LOL I'm thinking a pool table will not fit. So I am going to do it. If I fail-- then I fail. But I will never know unless I try.. afterall we'd be in the dark if Thomas Edison had thought he'd fail again & again. I will learn from the mistakes I make & I am not perfect. But I will continue to ask myself the what if.. should I not try. So let's try!
The past few weeks I have been looking at things and what to do.. yaddayadaadyadda. Time consuming it is. Dan is prepared to become the cook now.. kind of funny you know. The man can BBQ no problem. It's the rest of the cookingthat worries me. I figure the crock pot & BBQ will be his best friend. Lucky for us salad comes in a bag! Actually- I think he'll dojust fine.. hey he is willing. My MIL's boss had a LSS at one time so lucky enough for us she is wanting to get rid of some items. I have been at her house going through box-after-box-after-box.. and hopefully can come to an end of it tonight. She has a lot of paper & cardstock- whcih is nice. It will really help me out a ton. Soo much to look at- it's like I am a kid in a candy store. When I'm all set up I'll be sharing more. But now I need to go check out some web space- get Cameron some new shoes- a haircut too. Plus I have yet made it to the grocery store this week... but it's only Tuesday.. not like the boys will starve.

FINALLY

2007-03-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yes- finally I get to posting a new post. Sorry... I got kicked in the ass with the flu- so I never made it into Portland for my classes. I felt so bad about that & just sick sick sick. But I'm much better now. Cameron had a good birthday on his birthday. The photo was taken the evening of his birthday.. he is now 11 years old.. wow. A pre-tween! Is this good or bad? He had is birthday party with the friends thing this past Saturday. We took 9 11 year olds swimming then they spent the night. I must be totally insane. I had to ask myself if having 9 farting boys is better than 9 screaming girls.. well I figure I can leave the room when they fart- I can't escape screaming so I figure it was a good deal with the boys. However- they eat A LOT and drank just about all I had- minus the alcohol- then I did rethink that at 4AM since they said at 10pm when Dan & I went down to get the sleeping arrangements organized (yeah right)- one of Cam's friends- Parker says- we're doing all night'er. Dan & I said okay.. and then said to eachother- I give them until 1AM the latest. NOPE- they were up ALL night. A few of the boys- including mine- admitted they did sleep a little bit. However- Parker & another boy Even stayed awake ALL NIGHT. However- that kept Dan up. And Dan was NOT happy. So the thought of maybe they shoudl drink- then again the parents woudl have had my ass. I WOUD never do that you all know that.. give me some credit!! I was doing the "cat napping " thing from about 4AM. I finally caved in at 7AM and got up. Dan wasn't happy AT ALL. At 5AM I said to him.."remember what it was like to be 11 again?? you just said last night-- wish I was that age again, so here is your chance to go play" He wasn't ammused at the moment.LOL The boys were being boys. Cameron had fun & the boys did as well. I figured the parents would ban these boys from coming over ever again. But- as I said - I had to remind myself what it was like to be 11.. and the moments of those so called all-night'ers then they are the childhood memories I remember most. I hope we have given Cameron that one memory that will last a lifetime. Dan at this point is still recovering.. I keep telling him.. just give it up- the sleep is gone. Cameron actually stayed up until his bedtime. Though he did take a bath & fell asleep in the tub. LOL He said my eyes were hurting- I told him.. it's okay sweetie- you are tired & it catches up with you. He insisted his eyes hurt.. but finally looked at me & said- "Sorry- I was tired".. ya think?? :o) Spring Break is next week & not too sure what he will do. I think I'll call my SIL in Portland & see if he wants to go see her for a few days. Just not to keen on her boyfriend. He does have fun with his Auntie Laura though. Gotta run now. Have a good Monday!!

Guess I am due

2007-03-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Sorry been a while. But I have done nothing interesting. I mean you want hear me whine?? I can. I have been feeling under the weather. Just blah & icky. I mena I feel like I am fighting bug of some sort. Dan has a head cold.. and my little boy will be 11 tomorrow!! But that has nothing with me feeling like I have this bug. AND not a good time to have it. I have a class this Friday to teach.. well not really teach.. more of here it is go for it. I'll post a photo later of what the class is. I gave the card box to Liane before I got to take a photo of it. duh! As for the store. I jsut got word that some items of a close out store I can go look at. So I'm going to try & find time this week. though I have no idea when since I still have some paper to cut for my class. And I should be doing that as we speak...aaack!

Monday- Monday- Monday!

2007-02-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

So here it is Monday.. the beginning of the work week.. the end of the weekend. Dan went to Sunriver with some friends over the weekend. he laft early Friday AM & was suppose to be back last night. But the truck/van wouldn't start. As I type this- it's getting a new Fuel pump.. how sucky! But he had a nice weekend & though the only single one- per sey. The other guys had the wife or girlfriend with them. The guys are friends that we have known since high school. Dwight is the youngest- then Gary & Dan. There are a few more to the gang but they weren't able to make it. Seems so strange that they have all been friends for this long. Our history goes back so far & though we have all at some point moved around- seems we all stay in touch & these guys will be friends through thick & thin. I can honestly say that I have seen these guys go through several girlfriends & a few wives. Though Dwight finally got it right & though long ago we had told him to stick it out with Lora.. he just finally got it about 4 or 5 years ago to actually do that.. after 2 wives. So hey 3rd is a charm & they are expecting a little girl the end of May first of June. That is another funny thing. Out of all these guys.. Dan & I are the only ones with a boy! Gary has 2 daughters in high school that he is raising. They are so pretty- but going to give him a run for his money! Dwight has a daughter by his first wife. Mike- who wasn't around for the weekend but a huge part of this group- has no kids by choice- however he is the godfather of Cameron & Mike says that is close enough to being a father for him. His wife does have a grown son who has a daughter- so he is the only grandpa in the group..LOL John- another one who is a part- but I think serving another term in Iraq- he has a daughter as well- same age as Cameron. So anyway how this all relates to Monday?? I have no idea. Just as usual- got off track here. Anyhoo- Dan is not home- that sucks! I didn't get any scrapping done this weekend- that sucks. Mainly non done because my room is not scrapable. I really need to work that. But I have nooooo time. I actaully for the first time that I can really remember-- watched the whole show of the Oscars. dan says that makes me old.. only old women do that. Thanks honey.. lets talk about how you feel now that you went snowboarding!?! Cam had Isaac over Saturday all day. Yesterday Cam & I watched a movie.. he played with his Army guys.. and mind you has like 200+ of those little men.. and Gracie discovered they are really easy to bat around & kind of fun. Cameron didn't like it. "She keeps messing with the troops mom"! so she was in the bedroom with me watching the first half hour of the Oscars. I must say the dress that Beyonce had on.. was so pretty. The one Kristen Dunts had on.. not sure about that one? But hey- I couldn't have worn any of those...LOL Looks like the rian is going to come again.. it rained off & on all weekend. The boys got caught in the rain a few times while playing in the "forest"- by our house. But they had fun. It was sun breaks this AM but looks like a huge cloud is hanging over the pacific... ugh. I realized today how much I miss baseball season now...and Cameron realized it yesterday. He would always know the opening of little league day while in Arizona was near his birthday- which is next Wednesday. The Saturday after his birthday was opening day.. and he said yesterday with this sad face.. I miss baseball season in Arizona mom. I am with him. I miss the games- the time at the field.. the practices.. everything about it. Here it's so lame. Dan misses it as well. We had so much fun. ::sigh::

Another rainy day

2007-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:00

Seems like it has rained enough now.. going on 3 days & I realize I shouldn't gripe about it.. but I want too. At least the rain hasn't been going on for 30 days straight like last year in January.. that was awful. I know the snow is never-ending in parts of New York & though it sounds pretty cool.. I bet it just is sucking right now for those people. Valentine's Day went off well. Dan & I just didn't do much for each other. Afterall he'll say "It's Valentine's day everyday with you".. oh please. But Neither of need a special day to know how much we love one another. As for Cam?? well the poor kid came home with a cold. He couldn't stop the coughing & had a fever. So yesterday I kept him home to just make sure. He slept 12 hours! He needed it. He is back to himself pretty much. So much he reminds us he will be 11 in 19 days.. and counting down down. we will have this tweenie bopper in our house. As for the scrapbook store.. it's still sitting on a fence. I am working ona few things & seems like the gal I am trying to work with.. her & I just can't seem to get together. Not entirely either one our faults.. just life happens-go figure. My gf , Liane & I are sitting on the fence about our May Crop. So we will give it a bit more time & see what happens. Living at the beach can make me crazy with people.. everyone is last minute with things (so yes I do fit in) and just not a care in world at times.. drives me crazy I tell ya. But it's just something you get use to eventually... I think. So we'll see what happens with it. We replaced our TV. We had the TV go out before Thanksgiving & had a guy come & repair it based onth4e best Buy warranty we had.. he came fixed it- then these 3 little dots appeared. A month and a half later we gee someone to come back out- same guy. So he says the tubes have to be replaced at $300.00 a pop plus his time. So Best Buy calls us & says.. you caa have a new TV (always buy the warranty I tell ya!). So the Saturday before superbowl (congratulations Colts) we take the TV back.. and walked out with a new 42 inch LD.. whatever flat screen Samsung..plus a $70 gift card & a $100 spending money at the NFL store (yes- Dan is happy all around) But then we need a TV stand.. and you'd think we could agree on something?? nope- and of course the ones we like were like $300! So Dan caved in and just made one. It came out very nice. SO now I'm thinking I can get him to make me some things for my scrap room!! hee hee. Anyhoo- I need to jet. Have a good weekend & be happy & scrappy!!

Meet Gra-Ce (Gracie)

2007-02-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Yes- we have a new addition to the family. So meet Gra-Ce. She was found Cameron & his friend Isaac at Issac's home under some bushes. The neighbors had been feeding her but no one could take her in. So I said okay- we'll keep her for the night.. that was 20 days ago!! So after Dan said no no no.. and I was fine either way.. he finally caved in & said yes.

Sebastian isn't so sure of this. She wants to play- he is an old grouchy cat who just wants to be left alone. She has been whacked a few times by him- but that doesn't seem to phase her. Megan?? she could careless. she just wants to know where her ball is & for GraCe to stop batting at her tail. Lucy- she is not thrilled with this thing in our house & voted already that she should leave the house. As a kitten she is funny right now.. just wish she'd stay a kitten. She has some things that remind us of Jasmine in so many ways.. her eyes. the fact she hates to be kisses on the face, only likes her water "ice" cold. Anyway- we welcome GraCe Lou Dawson to the family. I have no idea where the "Lou" comes from.. just seems to flow.

Another month gone gone gone

2007-02-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Seems like the month of January flew by & I never saw it. I never made a New Year's resolution.. why?? I seem to never keep them so what's the point? I didn't get much of any scrapbooking done.. why?? My room has been hit by "Hurricane Dee"-- which is me-- I really need to do something about that. I did however manage to keep my once a month crop PLUS an all day crop & I made it through them just fine. At the ALL DAY crop I did finish a paperbag album that I made for a friend. These are just a few of the pages I'm posting. I used the Close to my Heart "giggles & grins" paper - giggles & grins stickease assortmant & the stamp set "Magic". I made it because she returned from Disney World not to long ago & I thought it would be something "fun" to share. So I have done something- yeah me! I will be teaching a class in March at the Heirloom Rubber Stamp Convention. I have never really taught a class & it is a big fear of mine. So maybe I didn't make a New Years resolution- however- I am owning to the fact I have this fear of teaching & realizing I need to "get over it". So- here I go & teach a class. I figure it's a good way to get over it & to help build my CTMH business & earn a cruise! I will update later more of what is "happening" in the life of the "Dawson" house. Just need to get my class instructions & all up & running.

My Princess Fiona Meg Pie- AKA Megan

2007-01-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

I just had to post this picture of Megan. This was taken last Thursday on our "snow" day. She was so funny in the snow. First not too sure.. then once she tip-toed around realized that the stuff is pretty damn fun to play in! So away she went. She followed- played- ran- & anything else she could with Cam- her boy & Isaac- her other boy. She can't stand it if they go outside without her.. how dare they! She is a huge part of our family & a definate "Princess" in our house. The other one?? ME of course...LOL

The snow is gone at the beach. Though you can see the last of the melting snowmen in some yards. I am battling the sinus infection.. not quit from hell.. but hey it stil is a sinus infection that just sucks! I have added the deep cough to it all as well. Oh yeah! I am getting ready to host a crop on Saturday. I'm bummed my gf Liane can't come- but going through the pass isn't worth the risk of an accident or anything. She'll be missed. I have not a clue as to how many will come..(it's a beach thing I tell ya!) but I think I'm looking at 8. Which really is fine by me. I should be able to get a few things done. Work on some ideas for some upcoming workshops I want to do with CTMH. I am happy to say I have a downline.. a huge deal for me. I'm working on a cruise that CTMH has you earn. It woudl be for 2008.. and fine by me! Well the days are better than the Monday from Hell I had. It's gone & move on I say. Also check towards the bottom on the left side.. some forum friends of mine have opened up a website for monthly embellishement kits. Worth looking at I tell ya! or click here...Scrapbook Takeout

::sigh::

2007-01-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

That about sums it up.. a big sigh. I just want to go a crawl under one big rock & forget about today. Monday's are just sucky & I am not sure what to do about it. I get a call this AM about this collection company who wants to garnish my wages from a dr bill back in 1991! I got a judgement I guess.. and now she wants it all. I had no idea & it doesn't even show up on my credit report. I still have to tell Dan. But thought writing it out might back it better.. it doesn't. Apparently you can RE-new a judgement?? I never knew. I have tried to make an arrangement & it' s all or nothing. I said well if you garnish my wages you aren't getting it all.. so why not take a payment? Anyhoo- I need to deal with it- but I am so in shock & upset I can't think straight about it at this second. Hoping this writing it will have me think clearer & come up with something. I'm trying to understand it all & think how I coudl have made a stupid mistake.. but I was 25 and stuuupid. On another note I am hosting an ALL Day crop & I have 4 women including me confirmed. Drives me insane that the women here wait until the last second. It wouldn't be so bad had I not included a meal. But since I have.. what do I do? Go buy $100 worth of food & have 3 or 4 of us?? noooo... ::sigh:: why do I do this to myself? Life would be much easier if I didn't do this to myself.. but I do & no one is here to kick me in the ass & say hello- no. I'm fine.. I'll be fine. I just need a drink.. or 2. ::sigh:: okay I have pissed and moaned enough now. Back to our regularly scheduled program. ::sigh:: Okay ETA: I am so much better now. Dan isn't as mad as I thought- he said you didn't know. Anyhoo- the mean lady got nice & she & I talked nicely to eachother & so we have an agreement. Now onthe crop thing- I'm still annoyed. But I figure what is the point of being annoyed all day?? I just have one huge headache & that is not just from today but fighting a sinus infection.. I hate those. Yes- what a bleepin nice Monday!

Snow at the beach!

2007-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

Yes- it did snow here in Gearhart Oregon! No school and we had 6 inches on the ground. So Cameron has been in heaven - but cold.. all day so far. We were out in the snow at 7:30 this morning! Our driveway has ended up being the place to slide down a hill.. and our backyard. Guess it's good we don't have a real yard yet. This photo is of Tillamook head taken from Gearhart. I knwo I have soem catching up to do. Hope all is well!!

Well it's over with!

2006-12-28T10:17:00.000-08:00

The fat man came & is now gone & probably on some remote island that the tooth fairy has. It was busy month yet all worth it to see family & spend time with them, yet it's nice to be back home. AND yet still tonight we are having a small dinner & Christmas with my MIL & her childhood friend Sharon-"Aunt Sharon". I had planned on a turkey since that is what Dan wanted- ugh. But he was going to deep fry it. I said in the beginning- A turkey is hard because I can't buy it before we leave for Seattle & not enough time to defrost the thing for when we get back. Does he listen?? NO! So now we are having ham. So be it I say.
So did I get my gifts finshed?? no- we lost power for 3 days & it really messed with me. So the only things I got done were the albums for my aunt & one for my MIL. The calendars I wanted to do I never got done- however- that's okay. I did some recipe card holders- but since I just got one done I'll wait finsh the other one & give them to my aunts on Mother's Day. It's all okay. Cam had a good visit from the fat man I must say. He got a DS Nintendo- though 2 weeks before he did decide he wanted what most every other kid wanted- a Wii- but sorry charlie. so now he is asking for it for his birthday.. which is in March & my aunts both say we are crazy if we give it to him.. okay maybe we are. But we'll see.. I can't think of his birthday until at leat mid-January! He got some games for the DS plus a couple PS 2 games.. some board games as well since we have been doing a Tuesday Night Family game night- whcih has been put off socne after Thanksgiving & the fact we can only handle playing Yahtzee & Attack Uno only so many times. Some pants- which he says- here mom for you! I guess I can't blame him for not wanting clothes.. but he needs the pants. the kid is growing like an inch every 6 weeks- I swear to you! It's driving me to drink. Dan & I were treated well by the fat man as well. Clothes for me- Bath & Body works stuff- loving that! Some gift cards to shop as I please. Dan got a much needed/wanted razor- really nice. As for the 2 of us giving- I want a new cell phone & he wants to go snow boarding in February with friends.. so that worked out- though he seems to be getting the better deal!
I hope the New Year is good to all. I think Cam is stying at friends house & we are going to our boss's home for a long cocktail hour! Then we have a day of rest & back to the real world- Cam goes back to school & we are back to reality. I think Dan & I start off with the same New Years resolutions as usual- eat better- loose weight.. that never seems to go anywhere. But really I need to try harder- I slack into the old routine 2 days later. Well Happy New year to all!!

what has up??

2006-12-04T11:11:00.000-08:00

In a nutshell life has been busy. Thanksgiving went well. No real complaints. The company was great- the food was good- hey what can I say? We had snow last week.. yes snow at the beach! We didn't have much but enough to get a few pictures & for Cam to love it- get cold & beg for hot chocolate, oh & make snowballs to throw at me- daddy & Isaac (his friend)! He was out of school last Tuesday due to snow.. it was funny since he could have walked- but 2 bus routes were not running to no school. I started Chirstmas shopping. I am one of those that if I could I'd just "power" shop & have it done with. But I did hit the Gap- Old Navy & Macy's yesterday with some of it accomplished! I have finished a few things as far as making my own gifts this year. A few I haven't even started & starting to wonder if I ever will get them done. But what gets done gets done & what doesn't- just doesn't. Hope everyone is off to a good Holiday Season. Next up is Cameron's school's Winter Concert. He has been going a round the house singing the song... MELE KALIKIMAKA .... LOL . Catch ya'll later!!

Trading Pages LO

2006-12-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

These are the pages I did for the "trading pages" swap on the About.com forum. I have been in the "funk" so I had been putting them off. But I saw the paper I had leftover from a nother LO I did & went through my "Cherish" book by CTMH & this is what became of it. I guess after I keep looking at it I do like how it came out. I think the colors cam out well & the photos are just too funny. As Cameron says- the totle should be Girls Are Weird! ha ha!! I hope she likes it as well. I will post the ones I got. I love mine I got. Anyhoo- that is what I have been up too. I'll update more later. REALLY- I will. Thanks for looking!

where as the time gone?

2006-11-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have noooo idea where it has gone. I mean 2 days until Thanksgiving & 34 days until Christmas?? Holy smokes Batman!! Am I ready for Thanksgiving?? Sort of. I have the wine.. the turkey. .does anything else matter? I guess it does. I am as ready as I'll be. I wanted to put up Christmas decorations last weekend & Dan said noooo-- gotta wait until AFTER Thanksgiving? what? are you kidding me?- he isn't. We all I know I could so win this putting up Christmas decorations- but I am choosing my battle for another day & another something else..LOL My SIL- BOTH of them- have Christmas decorations up already. However- I am listening to Christmas music in the car! hee hee. The weather has been insane here. Wind gust up to 70mph in our area last week. No power for a few days here & there. We were out one night for just 3 hours or so. Cooked dinner in the dark. That was kind of fun. I know a lot of people lost homes or about too further down the coast. It's so sad to think that. It's getting colder in the mornings & evenings. I have been working in my scraproom. Not as much as I should. I don't know why I haven't. Getting into a funk I guess. I am also frustrated with not being able to get some photos off to scrap. These photos aren't even mine. I'll get over it. So needless to say I am behind in a swap due to this. So I'll have to finish one up before this one. But I think I'll be forgiven. Just have to go on bending knee. Shannon is moving & I am so happy for her. Not the packing or actual moving- but the house & just a new home. I am not doing Christmas cards this year. just not in the budget & I figure everyone will get over it. I better run. Thought I should do some catch up.. afterall its' a been awhile. Sorry 'bout that.

So 14 days until Thanksgiving?

2006-11-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

so that means like 45 days until Christmas?! Holy Schmoley. I am usually so being ready fro the Christmas Holiday. My friend Jen had me realize I have yet to make a dent in the shopping. ::sigh::. Cameron is getting to the age of harder to buy for. Clothes he hates to get.. but what boy really likes to get clothes? I have a lot of stuff to still make. I shouldn't say a lot- but enough.
As far as Thanksgiving is going we are having dinner at our house. Dan's mom is coming & her friend from childhood- Sharon. Sharon has a brother & he is bringing his family. My SIL & her family are driving down from Seattle. So it will be a nice. I just have to keep my MIL out of my kitchen. She will drive me to drink..Oh she already did that! She has already had a "fit" about the freaking mashed potatoes ::rolling eyes:: Dan is a HUGE GRINCH this time of year. I can never figure out what he has to be a grinch about. I mean he doesn't do much of anything. Okay the lights- but I help- the tree- again- I help. The shopping?? oh please he does none of it. Just for me.. that is it. He sees a Christmas commercial on TV & gets grumpy. Cameron told him last night that he just needed to go sleep the holiday off & get back to us in January. I tend to agree with the child. Cameron has the day off from school- In Service Day. Then off tomorrow Veteran's Day. So I'm heading off to go get him & a friend to play & eat me out of house & home. I have a scratchy throat today so I hope I'm not getting the crummy cold that is going around.

I have no idea..

2006-11-07T13:17:00.000-08:00

Where the time has gone. Seems these past few weeks have just flown by yet seems I have NOTHING to show for it..LOL why is that? Well halloween went off without any glitches. This was Cam for halloween- Wolverine-X-men. He enjoyed it & I swear the last year I am even buying a dang costume. The years before he was so good about coming up with something you couldn't even find a costume for.. what happned to that child?
I hosted a Friday Night Crop last Friday. It went fine. Just 6 of us including myself. I am hoping ti get more- but we'll see what happens. I have decided not to have the dinner included & dropped it down to $10. My MIL calls me Sunday saying her manager is a scrapbooker & used to own a store. My ears perked up & as my gf Liane says "Your LSS may just be in front of you" I know!! and yet it is driving me crazy since I don't even have the cash flow. Yet- I know this is something that can work here. We have ONE LSS store within the 5 towns all adjoining. I know I could do it. I swear god is messing me right now..LOL So now I have to do some careful consideration & really think about it. I have the perfect spot for a store. In the place I am working at & currently holding the crops on the once a month. Its' right on the main highway going through town. Dan looks at me & says he knows it could work.. he knows I want too.. but again.. the cash flow comes into place. So I have to sit down & think more serious about this. I know we wouldn't make any money the first year. I just have to see what I can do & come up with. On a side note- I don't think the rain will ever stop here. It's been going since Thursday. I am sick sick sick of it. These poor people further south of us are flooding. Doesn't help at all when the tide comes in. Its' just a big mud pit in some places. And more rain is happening. It can stop now.. really we have enough for a a few weeks thank you very much!

Soccer Season is over

2006-10-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Yep- over for Cameron now. The Falcons went 6-1.. they lost today & it was a hard loss. However- it didn't last long since the team got to dump Gatorade all over the coach. They had a party tonight with the "older" Falcon team- which is the next level up & Cameron will play with them next year. He had good time tonight & happy with his trophy.
This past week went pretty fast. I have been busy. Liane & I have come up with a price for the May crop- so we are working on that when we have time. I think it's going to be a lot of work- but in the end well worth it. I have a Friday night crop & not even sure who is coming. I have to figure a way to know. I mean I am providing dinner & it's difficult when you don't know how many. I'll get over & be fine though.
David (Dan's older brother) came up from San Francisco this weekend. We ended up driving into Portland to see him. He flew up to spend time with his younger sister- well he is the oldest. Anyhoo- Laura is the oldest daughter- and he came to spend with her & her kids. She has 4- Joshua- Ashley - Nathan & Lindsay.. ages 26 to 14. And Ashely has 2 little girls.. 6 months & 4 years old. It was fun & nice to them. We hadn't seen any of them sicne the wedding- Joshua to Katy. It was nice to see them. Cameron has a blast. Tonight my MIL called & she "fished" as usual asking " Have you talked to your siblings"? she knew David came up. Dan told her- yes- drove into Portland to see them. She does her snotty reply "Oh". Whatever- what??? you don't have a cara to drive into Portland?. It's a never ending thing. She didn't come to any of Cameron's soccer games. And yet my aunts managed to come from Seattle to see one or 2.. go figure. No- I don't want her at the game- but I don't want to her say she never sees him. Which actually she now doesn't say that anymore. I guess it still burns me that my dad is no longer here on this earth to see him- to spend time with him as they did. Cam is now left with a selfish woman who will never give any of her time & never be a "real" grandmother. My mom as much as she wants to- just can't be the grandmother he deserves. I thank god every day for my aunts. They make him feel like what a grandparent should make them feel.. and do. Yes- that was my gripe of the day.

Thought I should...

2006-10-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Post a LO since I did something about being scrappy! This is I did in July while at a retreat in Tucson Arizona- Camp Scrap A lot! The LO is of Cameron (right) & who use to be his best friend- Isaac. As Cameron says- we may not be the best of friends- but the memories are good. I will post some recent LO when I get batteries for my digi! Besides this weekend I went into a FunK.. lost my mojo. I can't find it yet. I better. I have a swap to do & with no mojo what will I do?
Dan's Birthday is Thursday- he'll be the same as me!! and who doesn't know how old I am? not telling.. okay 41. Anyhoo- Wednesday his mom & her childhood friend- also known around here as "Aunt Sharon"- are coming over for dinner. My own mothers birthday is Wednesday-Happy Birthday Mom! I expect a quiet wee.. but then again I never know for sure. Catch ya'll later. Boys want dinner.

Just a jabbering

2006-10-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

Not much to even say today. I realized I didn't have a picture of Cam up here. .so here you are. This is from this summer.. the hair is the same.. the smile- same.. all in all he is just taller. This morning he tells me..these pants are too tight?? WHAT?? they were fine last week. He says well this week they are too tight & I can't get them down enough to pee. "Oh". He has been telling us he likes Alex in his class. She really is a sweetheart. Cam said I told Ian- & that was mistake number 1 because everyone in the class now knows- but her. I told him.. oh she knows.. trust me. So yesterday he did tell her that he likes her. Dan & I asked what she said. he said nothing really.. just oh?! Does this have to start now? I asked Dan if he was "into" girls at 10. He says.. oh I was into girls at 5. At 10 I was so not into biys yet- I mean they were pesty little things that were like flies.. annoying & keep landing in the same spot over & over & over. Well that did change in middle school. Anyhoo- I'll get some lay outs I have done up. They may be from months back.. but bette rthannothing at all. I need to get batteries for my camera. they died last weekend while at the soccer game. have a good night!!

halloween horoscope

2006-10-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Halloween Horoscope for Cancer

You're usually the one who gives out the best candy in your neighborhood.
And you really get into the halloween spirit decorating your house.

Costume suggestions: A witch, wizard, or angel

Signature Halloween candy: Mini peanut butter cups

What's" Your Halloween Horoscope?

This pretty much does say it for me minus the decorating. This year nothing. Cameron could careless what the house looks like outside. But the candy? I big deal. Funny that this hits it on the nose. I usually give out the Peanut butter cups or Kit Kats.. since Cameron & I like them..LOL Okay Dan does too. And I have to hide them from the man or he'll eat them all! Cameron has decided to be Wolverine - X-men style. Meaning the costume can't be just apair of jean & t-shirt like I was hoping..::sigh:: oh well ~what do you do?? I told him this was his last year.. you thought I'd shot the kid.. he says nooo.. I said we'll see about next year.. take it a year at a time.

Did anyone really notice....

2006-10-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

I missed all week?? Didn't think so. So here I am at Sunday & it's raining- windy- and yuck outside. On top of that Megan.. my Princess dog. Smells like a wet- skunky dog! My Aunt Mary & Chris came down for the weekend. They went to look at a college for Chris in McMinnville- about 70 miles from us. So on the way back they came here & watched Cameron play soccer yesterday. His team won & Cameron got a goal. Such bad parents but we bribed him with money to score. LOL it's just $3.. Cam thinks he deserves more.. I tend to agree with him. However- he doesn't hog the ball.. he is a team player & not aggressive enough to worry that he'll score it all the time. We are only out so far $9 including yesterday with one game left. So he never took it to heart if you know what I mean. Our friends the Donovans came into town as well - had dinner & wine .. it was fun & good. Also anotehr firend Danielle- her husband was out of town.. so it was nice she joined us. Those dinner I miss with them. before the Donovans moved into the "real city" it was a weekend thing- at one of our homes last minute everyone cpme for dinner. Those seem to be the best times & dinners.
I need to get my butt a swapping. I have one to get out tomorrow & never found the time yesterday to finish anything up.. company was here.. can't be rude.

things you may not have known about me..

2006-10-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

Things you may not have known about me or maybe you do & don't care.. LOL

A) Four jobs I have had in my life
1. Front Desk/Reservation Clerk
2. Bartender/waitress
3. Apartment/Property Manager
4. Stock girl at Nordstrom's

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Parenthood
2. My Blue Heaven
3. When Harry Met Sally
4. Die Hard movies- all of them

C) Four places I have lived:
1: Seattle Washington
2: Oregon
3: Sacramento California (2 month stint)
4: Arizona

D) Four TV shows I love to watch:
1: Desperate Housewives
2: Greys Anatomy
3: 24
4: Nip & Tuck & Weeds is a tie

E) Four places I have been on vacation
1: Hawaii
2: Puerto Vallarta
3: Disneyland
4: Palm Springs Ca.

F) Websites I visit daily:
1: Scrapbooking.About.Com
2: CTMH website
3: Bank Of America
4: MSN/Yahoo

G) Four of my favorite foods:
1: Mexican
2: Italian
3: A good BBQ tri tip steak
4: Thai Food.. yummy

H) Four places I would like to be right now
1: Puerto Vallarta
2: Arizona
3: Disney World
4: Disney Land

I) Four friends I am tagging:
1: I have no idea
2: still no idea
3: no idea
4. what aren't you getting?? NO idea!

Thank You Shannon

2006-10-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

Shannon was kind enough to make a banner for me. I think it makes my blog look to much better. Thank you Shannon.. you rock!
Yesterday Dan- Cam & I went into Portland. I did some shopping with my gf Liane. Cameron & Dan hung out the house with the boys & Mike. Cameron was not ready to go home. We made it home to watch the Steelers loose. what is up with them? It was a BAD football weekend.. first the Ducks & then the Steelers. Not good.. not good at all.
Today is a nice sunny day.. chilly again.. but blue skys are better then gray skys!
Have a good Monday!

Just another day

2006-10-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

It's just another Saturday here in the Dawson house. Doing those errands you didn't finish during the week & then laundry- which is something I really don't like- makes the top 10 list! Soccer game, which was at 1:30pm- Cam made a goal.. with his knee! His team- The Falcons- won again. So far they are undeafeated. The team hopes to win them all so they can dump a big cooler of Gatorade on Coach Pat. A joy that most 9 to 11 year old boys will enjoy!

It's actually a very nice day here today. Yesterday we had that "misty rain" I hate that.. just dump.. if your gonna rain.. RAIN! I mean don't mess around.. get it over with. Today though~ very nice-- a chill in the air that reminds you .. it's fall. Time for the paumpkin patch & all that. AND- that reminds me I need to order Cameron a Halloween costume. I hate having to actually buy the costume from a place. But Cameron being Cameron usually picks something out of the blue. This year- X-men Wolverine. So I find these blue & yellow ones.. Cameron looks at them & says.. uuuuhh-- no. Even I say- what is with that?? I did find a black one - but now my issue is size. AND YES- it apparently does matter that it's black & NOT blue & yellow. I keep asking?? Are you sure you don't want to be Capt Jack?? NO.. final answer.

Well I should go work on some swaps I am in for scrapbooking. I picked up one for a Christmas present to my MIL. I was going to make something anyway- so this worked out for the best. I ahve some LO I owe for my Football swap that my team lost. AND NO- I didn't get the Steelers- but I still cheer them on. I am happy to make the LO though.

Have a good weekend & I need to add blinkies to my blogg. I must thank Susan for taking time to help me.. and Darcy for taking the time to make any mistakes along the way so others like me don't have to.. we can ask the ones like you.
Hugs love ya!

Seaside-Oregon

2006-10-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is Seaside. Close to where I live & where many stay when in town.To some this IS the big city. To me- this is nothing. Seaside at one point had a big Ferris wheel- rides & a lot of carnival type stuff. Now?? It has the arcade- bumper cars- tilt a-whirl- miniature golf and the fun little stores. It's a huge tourist attraction. A place that in the summer locals avoid! It has it's fun little spots that only the locals know about. And I think every town has those. Seaside also has a lot of history. The end of the trail of Lewis & Clark. Anyway- just thought I'd post a photo of the "city".. :o)

The first post

2006-10-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Well here it is.. the first post. I am now officially in the wonderful world of blogging. Is this a good thing?? I think so. I have followed the direction of my about.com GF's.. Shakira- Vernell - Francine- Shannon- Tammy- Roni- Jen- Susan- Darcy & Cindy. If I forgot anyone.. I am sooo sorry- too many margaritas! I figured if Tammy is doing this- it's got to be a good thing.. and if Susan can find the time.. I know I sure can :o) I think I can find the fun in this as well as the "journey" that goes along with it. So hang on tight with me & as the Partridge Family song goes .. Come on get happy!!
So why the Happy Scrappy Beach Girl title?? well I scrap- I am usually pretty happy & I live at the beach.. not a California sunny type of beach- the Oregon Coast type of beach. It doesn't suck by any means. We have nice weather.. for the Pacific NW. You can surf.. it's justa bit cold. It's small town life- but you get used to it. I do miss the mall- Target- Gap- good to eat places- Macy's- Petsmart- Cold Stone Creamery.. BUT I don't miss the traffic. I also miss my good friend Liane who up & moved about an hour away.. give or take. She took along her husband- how rude.. so Dan lost his Steeler-drinking buddy. Along with her 2 boys- so Cam was and is sad. HOWEVER- we have a place to stay when we go into town :o) And I Still see her just the same.
Well enough said. I'll tie this up for the night. Thanks for the push .. or shove into the blogging world of fun- freaks & fantasy?? :o) kidding-- really- I am. Hugs to all & to all a good night!