Rudolph?

Check out the Reindeer gift bags I made for the girls at work! It included homemade turtles and Pretzel trees! I'm just in the crafty kinda mood this year! Next year I will be making snowmen! I already have it planned out!

Btw, the homemade turtles are awesome, thanks to my brother's recipe! Take pretzel twists and put a rolo on top, heat til chocolate is soft and smash a pecan in the center! Easy schmeeeesy!

P.S. If anyone finds my missing Christmas spirit, please tell him I need him desperately and to return very soon!

10 days til Christmas!

Jack Frost has finally hit and it's really cold! I'm loving every minute of it! I just wish I could get into the Christmas spirit! I don't know why but it just doesn't seem like 10 days til Christmas! I have finished my shopping and only have a few candies left to make. The tree is up and trimmed and I only have 4 gifts left to wrap but it just doesn't seem like Christmas time. Hopefully some snow will help! We are predicted some this week and I sure hope it comes to fruition! We are having Christmas as my house for the first time ever this year and so I need a boost in the Christmas spirit department! I did however get motivated and I am proud to show off my new Christmas project for this year! I made angels out of old church hymn books!



Isn't she cute!?! When we went to my brothers house for Thanksgiving he took Ruties house to visit. She had one of these angels sitting on her fireplace mantel and I just loved it. I mentioned how adorable it was and she said that she was making them. I asked her where she got the books and she said she had a stash from her church since they got new ones and she gave me some! How awesome is that? I took a picture on my phone then I came home and had my angel made in about 5 hours! She turned out so cute! I gave it to my bf's mom for Christmas and she just loved it! I am now finishing one for E's teacher at school! I will make a tutorial if anyone is interested! Thanks Ruthie!!! Your the best!

Burr!!!!

Blowing (50 mph) winds with ice cold temps cut right to the bone! I love the wintertime and snow but I sure could live without the winds. Hot chocolate, heat blankets and cozy fires are my favorite and today I was able to enjoy all three for the first time this season. It was awesome! It just makes my evenings so "relaxing" and comfortable! I love it! Tomorrow evening I will enjoy the same but will add wrapping gifts to the list, even though I HATE wrapping with a passion! Maybe I will just sit back and enjoy the fire, heat blanket and hot chocolate while I watch E wrap gifts.... what a great idea! Woot!!

Another semester of college will be history come tomorrow evening after I take my final. I am so happy to get this semester over with! It's been a pain in my boo-tay! I have had too many irons in the fire this year and it has made school hard. I am still carrying an A in my class but it hasn't been easy. Hopefully tomorrow I can make a good grade and keep my A. After this semester, I am going to take off a semester and get things back in order/settled then I am going to try and bust it out so that I can graduate in late 2009. That's the goal anyways.

Things have been hectic lately and I am so ready for the holidays to be over! Thanksgiving was no where near what I expected! E spent it with her dad and so my mom, dad and I went to my brothers in Keller, TX. We had a good time spending time with C and shopping but it just didn't seem/feel the same without E. Then there was issues with her having asthma attacks and not having her inhaler with her and me being out of town and not being able to get to her. Then she got the flu and was begging to come home but I was still in Keller. sucked. On top of all of that, my cousin took her life the day after Thanksgiving. Rushing to my Uncles house in Midland for the services, I had to leave E to finish out her flu cycle at her dad's. double suck. I am canceling Thanksgiving next year!


I will be updating with anniversary and Thanksgiving pictures in the next couple of days. I have lots of them to share!




* New blog layout is in memory of my cousin, Cana. She loved bling! *

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Here is wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! I will be going my brother's house in Ft Worth this year :o) since E is going to her dads :o(

I will be back soon to update with 40th wedding anniversary pictures! The party was awesome!

Lifestyles of the Highway Patrol

And for the rest of the story!!!!




Me:"Highway Patrol"

Unidentified Caller: "Yes, on I44 at mm 92-93 there is a porcupine trapped. He is up against the concrete barrior and he cant get around."

Stunned Me: "Trapped? What do you mean trapped?"

Completely serious as a heart attack Unidentified Caller:"He is trapped up against the concrete center wall near the bridge and he can't cross the road because there is too much traffic. Someone needs to shut down the highway so he can cross."

Hysterically laughing inside Me: "Okay, I will send a unit right out there!"

Unidentified for a reason caller: "Thank you so much, I would just hate for it to get run over and killed! I'm not a peta person or anything but this is just cruel."

All powerful animal loving -Like I can shut a major artery of a highway down for a small animal to cross the road and not believing this caller called the emergency line for this-ME: "No, problem."

Mischievously rubbing my hands together and contemplating just the perfect trooper to give this ridiculous call to and choosing the one who would have the most fun with it, I dispatched it.

Me: "Y399, have a report of a PORCUPINE at mm 93-94 that is "trapped" against the center wall and is needing help crossing the road."

Not even trying to conceal his laughter Y399: "OK, I am on my way"

20 minutes later, the radio comes to life

As serious as he could be Y399: "Headquarters, our little buddy isn't here any longer. Apparently he made it across the road without a crossing guard today, I'm back in service."

I LAUGHED SOOOOO HARD!


Oh the Lifestyles of the highway patrol!

Gosh, I love my job sometimes!



Update on the porcupine reported as a hedgehog the next day:

Mr. Hedgehog/Porcupine met his demise the next day near the center wall at mm 94 southbound side.... where are the crossing guards when you need them???


Gosh I hate my job sometimes!

Obagi Update Day 27 and Day 39

Since I am behind, I will post Day 27 and Day 39 on my Obagi transformation.

Still not sure about the so called "transformation" but I am starting to feel a small change. My skin is becoming somewhat firmer and I am peeling/flaking. My forehead seems to have had the most change so far (including more breakouts). I still don't know if I would/could recommend this system yet. The time frame is WAY off from what I was told in the beginning.

Promotional Ceremony Pictures as promised!

Dad and I waiting for it to start.... Figures I would have major hair issues on a big day!



Being sworn in by the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.



Having my stripes pinned on by the Chief of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and my Daddy!


Speech, Speech!! " I would like to thank my parents for supporting me throughout my career with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here today (DUH, I cant believe I said that...lol) ahem. I would especially like to thank my Dad, he has been my strength. That's all...."

How lame of a speech was that? I had NO warning that I would even have to say anything at all...

Be Still

So, I go shopping at Hobby Lobby the other day to finish up the decorations for my parents 40th wedding anniversay and what do I find? Vinyl Wall Lettering! What else do I find? My favorite Bible verse in the Vinyl Wall Lettering! And to top it all off? It was on sale for 50%off! Needless to say, it is now on my wall in my bedroom! I "heart" it!

Name Change

Blog name has changed from Stone by Stone to Beautiful Disaster!
I will be updating soon!

WOOT!!

We are going to regionals, I repeat, WE ARE GOING TO REGIONALS! Woot! They did it! The LAAS Lobos won 2nd place in yesterdays robotics competition! According to E, they were in 1st place the entire weekend up until the final round and lost one event which put them 2nd overall. It was really fun hearing all about it! She had a blast and I can't wait for December when we get to go to Ft Smith Arkansas! I will be on a mission to try and get a picture of this alleged "robot" for you to peek at before December. It's really neat!

Anyways, nothing else new to report except that I didn't get finished mowing, but it was for good reason. Do not let anyone ever tell you that tree trimming is easy or fun cuz they would be lying! Dad, Mom and I trimmed and hauled I don't know how many tons of tree branches and wood. My muscles are saying that it was AT LEAST two tons maybe two and a half tons worth....lol We still have another half ton left. But I can say that I have almost a full truck bed full worth of cedar for firewood this winter. I will be getting some more mesquite too! Woot! I feel like the little grasshopper gathering and storing away for the winter. At least the hard work will help keep us warm this winter while providing wonderful enjoyment of a fireplace! I *heart* my fireplace! (Note to self... call a chimney sweeper and get the fireplace prepared for this winter).

Well, until next time..... Happy Fall from Tucker!

Happenings and Day 20

Whew~ It's been a while. I have been so busy with work that I have met myself coming and going a few times. That's not fun, take my word for it. I am hoping that things will slow down soon but I have a feeling that it will only get worse until Christmas is over! I am loving my new position at work... it's great! I will just be happy when the time comes where I am really familiar with all the ropes and am not having to try and hang on so hard...lol

After freezing my toes off 2 nights in a row, I finally broke down and turned on the heater this morning. I love the winter.. I LOVE sleeping with the windows open and letting the crisp cool air in but when I wake up and my feet are FROZEN and the temp in the house is 59 degrees, it's time. They issued a freeze warning tonight so it's probably best that I did...lol. My poor child has been doing her yearly begging for me to turn it on for a week now and I hesitate every year. I want to get the most out of the fresh cool air as I can. I noticed yesterday as I was out and about that even though the weather was in the HIGH 60's, EVERY person I saw was buried in coats and hoodies with ear muffs and mittens on and just shivering. They act like they are so use to the summers being 105 or more and when the temp drops below 80 it's cold. (actually, that is the honest truth.. but I am abnormal) Cold? Schmold... I'm lovin' it!

E is leaving today for their 2nd competition in robotics. I dropped her off at school last night for their final practice and went in to talk to her teacher and I was AMAZED! These kids built a robot out of scrap metal. It travels, has moving parts and picks up things... I could not believe it! I knew they were building one but had NO IDEA it was as awesome as it is. This school is awesome!!! The competition they are going to tomorrow will determine if they get to go to regionals in Arkansas in December. If so, I am totally taking a video camera. I have already taken the time off at work and am prepared for fun so GO LAAS LOBOS!!! Beat them all (cuz I wanna go to regionals).

Ok, now for Obagi stuff. Here is day 20.
I still don't know how much I am liking this system and don't think I am at the point yet to where I could recommend it to anyone but I have seen a few changes. All of my dark spots are fading and I have felt a little tightening in and around my eyes and forehead. The wrinkles in my forehead are not near as deep and around my eyes feels alot better... not where I want it to be yet but i am only 20 days into the 60. The peeling isn't too bad however I did have to lay off of one of the night creams (well, i kinda conveniently forgot to use it two nights in a row) because the peeling/flaking describes it better/ around my lips and chin were getting kinda heavy. But it's still very manageable right now. I don't expect it to get much worse. I will use the night cream 5 out of the 7 nights and it works good for me. My face is also starting to feel alot smoother which is nice. Overall, I am still not totally sold on it but I am only 1/3 way into it. I will keep you updated!

And for a final note. I will be changing my email address the first week in November. ATT Yahoo/sbcglobal really upset me 2 weeks ago and after spending 3 days on the phone with them because I could not connect my desktop online. They got me hooked up through dial up which will now not work on my router which will now not allow me to connect wirelessly with my laptop and they said that was all they could do for me.... I'm calling bull hockey on that one. It is their Internet service that is the problem. I do not pay dial up fees, I pay for high speed. It has never given me problems before and now that it is, I am expected to take the word of an outsourced techie geek that cannot even speak my language who says that they can't do anything to help me fix THEIR problem? I think not. I am switching to cable Internet. It is local so if I have any problems, at least I know that I will be speaking to someone who knows English very well and lives in my city, in my own state and in my own country, and can come to my own house if the problem cannot be fixed over the phone..... sorry, just a little frustrated! Needless to say, I will be sending out email notices soon. If you do not get a new email address notification from me sometime after the 4th, then PLEASE let me know and I will let ya know my new address.

One last picture of my sweet Toby boy peering out the storm door into the blustery cold day...(*rolling eyes...lol) Normally he is outside but since it's too cold, he is veggin out in the new warmth of the living room.



I'm off to go mow my parents 3 acres for the last time this year! Better grab my ear muffs and mittens....NOT!

oh dear blog

I haven't forgotten you... I have just been busy. I will share pics soon!

What is your word worth?

GRRRRR! I am sooooo furious that I could just scream! UGH!

All I have to say is that I am so very thankful that God gave my daddy wisdom enough to teach my brother and I at an early age what integrity meant and that you are only as good as your word!!!! I have taken that lesson to heart and tried to display it to the best of my ability in my everyday life. When I run across someone who doesn't, it just blows me away. I don't understand how they do what they do and do it without blinking an eye. I can not understand how they are so willing to sell their integrity for something so small. It is just beyond me!


Thank you Dad for having morals and integrity, principles and a conscience. Thanks for displaying honesty and sincerity in your life and for being a great role model. Thanks for being a part in molding me into the person I am today and for living your life as the example. I can not thank you enough. I love you!

Peel on baby, Peel on!

ROCK ON!

From the school Gala. They did an awesome job and I am so happy with my pics (finally)... they are sooc and the top one is converted to b&w. Stay tuned for more!

Micro-derm abrasion

Day 9

I decided to go talk to the girl who sold me this Obagi stuff and find out why I'm not peeling like I was told I would. She was surprise to find out I wasnt further along than what I was also so she decided to give me a micro-dermal abrasion for free. I have never heard of this and was scared out of my wits...lol It actually wasnt bad at all. No pain or anything until later that night when I put this stuff on my face again then it burned..lol So, now the stuff should start working better. Here are pics before and after the abrasion.

and one with makup on cuz i cant stand it! lol


Stay tuned for awesome pics of E

What's that new skin your in?

I've been a little unhappy with my skin for quite some time now. I don't like how it looks, the texture of it and the discoloring of certain areas around my chin and cheeks. The sight of the large pores has really got me down as of late. I have also been noticing some increased *coughwrinklescough* under and above my eyes and on my forehead. *sigh, sucks getting old.
I started using bare essentials makeup and never could get it right. I think it was because I didn't have the right colors. Anyways, I love the makeup and will still use it now that I got the right stuff. But it doesn't solve my skin problem. I have never been very vain or high maintenance, or at least I don't think so. I have been known to go to wal-mart without make up on numerous occasions. I don't wear makup on my night shifts. I just deal with the breakouts and sun damaged blotches and go on. But since I am closer to 40 than I want to be and hearing that 40 is the new 30, I want to look more like 30 again. I want tighter healthier skin so.......I have made a decision! I am going to try the Obagi skin care system. I am hoping that I get some good results from it. I have done quite a bit of research on it and seen before and after pictures and they seem quite impressive. My bro did a chemical peel last month and the Obagi system is kinda like that except way milder for a way longer period of time (18 week system vs. a 1 day treatment/1 week heal time). It also offers a blue peel after 6 weeks if you want but I dont know if I will do that, I hear it's a very uncomfortable burn. Anyways, I started it October 3rd and decided that I will be posting it on myblog so that I can keep my results in once place. The pictures that I will be posting on here are very embarassing to me so please do not laugh. I know I shouldn't be embarassed by them (after all, I walk around everyday in public with this face) but to point it out on my blog and show you seems kinda.........weird. Anyways, I took Day 1 pics and day 6 pics so far. I will post pics as I take them. With this system, I should experience dry skin and flaking/peeling, a little swelling and redness for the first 6-8 weeks then it starts subsiding as the new skin cells start making their way to the surface. I'm not looking forward to the peeling part but hopefully the end results will be worth it.

Here is day 1:


Today is day 6 and after 6 days, I figured I would be peeling or something but I haven't noted any yet. What I have noticied is that my skin tone is starting to even out some. I have also had noticable redness and a slight swelling for the first time today. They say it takes a couple 3 days for your skin to start reacting to it so maybe mine took a little longer. I am not experiencing any dryness yet either.


I wish I would have taken the day 1 picture in natural light like I did on day 6, but oh well. I will from now on. Anyways, that is the first through day 6 of the transformation I am attempting. Stay tuned....the pictures will only get worse before they get better.

What's all the "Rave" about?

Why didn't we have fun things at school like they do now? Maybe they did and I just hung with the wrong crowd and didn't enjoy stuff. Anyhoo! E's new school had a great party the other night. They decorated a room with black paper and black trash bags and then painted in on them with florescent paint. They took out all of the florescent white lights and replaced them with black lights and then had a "rave" dance party- minus all the drugs and alcohol of course! They had a great time. (Some of the younger boys kinda like E .... see last picture!)

Bye Bye Midnights, Bye Bye

Looks like I am saying goodbye to a lot of things lately. One of those being Midnight shifts! WOO.FINALLY.HOO! Although they are my favorite shift because there is no "brass" around, I am sad to say that I must let them go since I AM now the said "brass"! Oh how sweet it is! :o) I will be working my last "hoot" shift on Sept. 30th and will move to day time hours. I will be filling in on the hoot shifts if someone happens to call in sick or just decide that they need to be off because they said so type of thing (ughhh.....don't ask!) but I wont be working them full time anymore!

Nil desperandum, my dear! Across the desert lies the promised land!!!! Adieu, Alf Wiedersehen,Gesundheit, Farewell....said in my best Gene Wilder voice from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.. gosh I love that movie!



Oh and I have to add a must see!!! Tina Fey ROCKS! Dead ringer, if you ask me!

Out with the old, in with the new!

Goodbye, Old door! I will miss you!

Hello, New door! Thanks for making me smile!!

This door was not the one I picked out nor is it the one I ordered and expected to be installed today. They totally messed up the entire order including the storm door but after demanding that they fill the empty hole they created by destroying the old door when taking it out, I ended up with a better door than what I originally ordered. Yay for mistakes and the good things that come from them in the end!

That was a close one!

Whew! I thought I had locked myself out of my blog..... I have been trying to log in for 2 days now and wasn't smart enough to figure out what my password was... glad there was an "idiot" button to help me reset it! So yeah, my new laptop crashed and I have spent the last 2 days reformatting since Dell support couldn't help me fix it..."you will have to reformat since the OS files are corrupt beyond repair"... ugh! How it happened, I have NO CLUE. Luckily I was able to save all my files and pictures this time! Woo hoo, I didn't lose a thing (except passwords..........LOL)

FYI

Ok...........I must say that I kinda like a little OU action since I do live in Sooner Nation but to carry it over to my blog has been a little to much for me to handle. I WILL be choosing another layout soon! lol I can't handle it much longer! (give me a day or two).

Off to watch E's first Cheerleader event of the school year. She use to be in Cheerleading in 2-4th grades and would have continued but the private school I moved her to didn't offer it. This new private school she is attending this year does and she was just overjoyed. Needless to say, I warned her this morning as she was walking out the door that the momma paparazzi would be
making her appearance this evening and I didn't want to hear one complaint about it. hee hee

Stay tuned for pics!

Storms

I'm so incredibly sad! Galveston was hit hard! The pier in my previous picture is indeed gone! The destruction is massive. Having dealt with flooding in my own home (minor compared to this) I know what water can do but to experience it at that magnitude is beyond my comprehension. Thank God we live inland. Tornado's are one thing but add water to them and it's a whole new ball game. I keep thinking of a Casting Crowns song every time is see pictures of Galveston and Houston, not to mention the other smaller communities effected. It's called Praise you in this Storm. Here are the lyrics:

I was sure by now,God,
that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
I will lift my hands for You are who You are
no matter where I am and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You and raised me up again
My strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
And as the thunder rolls I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"and as Your mercy falls I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth!
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth!

Chorus

So fitting If you ask me. This song constantly reminds me how much we NEED to rely on Him during our storms of life. How we need to thank him for the storms of life even through the tears and sorrow. Even though we are going through storms, He is still there whispering "I'm with you." and drawing us to Him. Lord, Help me to continue to praise you in my own storms of life!

P.S. My friends in Bryan, TX came through Ike without much damage but my aunt, uncle and cousins were also fortunate in a way. Their homes lost portions of the roofs and my aunts garage roof was caved in. My cousin's house had quite a bit of roof damage where it caved in at certain areas of the house but no standing water. The fences are gone and outside play sets are nowhere to be found. My aunt said that their housing addition was completely flooded except for her house and a couple of houses around them. It was a miracle. All of the damage is fixable. I'm just thankful that they are all safe. Houses, roofs, play sets fences, trees are all replaceable, their lives are not!

God be with Galveston!

I am glued to the TV! Having spent some wonderful times in the Houston area this summer and the Galveston area last summer, this storm really bothers me. I wish I weren't so obsessive with storms but when it comes to weather, I am. I can't help it. My prayers are non-stop for the people in the path of Ike! Waves are already at 20 ft crashing on the the sea wall. It just breaks my heart....:o( Hearing that there was a mandatory evacuation on Galveston Island and that only 50% have evacuated, just amazes me! What are these people thinking? Are their material things more important than their lives or the lives they are keeping there with them? Come on people, are you really wanting to drown? They are saying that tonight, Galveston Island will be under water for a period of time. Jamaica Beach and San Luis Pass is already flooded. Gosh I am so sad!

Here are a few pics I took when I was in Galveston. This is a monument along the seawall depicting a man holding his wife and child as the water rises. Its was placed in memory of the 1900 hurricane, the "Great Storm", that killed an estimated 6,000 and 12,000 individuals.

Once the"Great Storm" hit, Galveston realized that they needed a seawall to help prevent this again. Here is a picture that I took of the seawall from the water side.

Here is a pic of myself standing in front of the pier in Galveston. The one that the news keeps showing on TV and the same one that they say will not be there tomorrow. I'm just so sad!!!

God be with Galveston!

P.S. Please keep my friends and family safe. My aunt, uncle and cousins have evacuated their homes and offices in the Beaumont/Port Arthur area and are further inland near Tyler, Tx. I have some friends in Houston and in Bryan, Tx. Keep them in your prayers! Shelly, Todd and kids, I am praying ya'll stay safe!

Silence

We will never forget
9/11/2001

NEED I SAY MORE?

Look at me now!

Okay, so it's not such a secret! But the wait is finally over! I GOT PROMOTED! I am so happy! The phone call came early yesterday morning (well, 08:30, early for me). I had the ringer turned off in my bedroom since I am currently on midnight shift and sleep during the day and so I missed the call from HR! Thankfully the Troop Commander was kind enough to call my cell phone... Here was the conversation: Keep in mind that the TC is a very dry-sense-of-humor type of guy. He loves to try and make you think your in trouble all the time only to get you shaking in your boots then start laughing! He uses this "mean", very stern, disciplinary voice along with "the eye". I think it was one of those "If you keep doing that, your face will freeze like that" faces that momma always warned us about...lol There are days in which I never really know if he is serious or joking until then very end when he is either standing there just staring at you or stomping his feet with his head back, hand on his belly, laughing hysterically at the dumbfounded look on your face. Needless to say, this conversation was no different. At first I was like "crap, what did i do now?" then it turned into "Shut the front door so no one can see me jumping, screaming, rolling on the floor, excited, trying to be professional and hiding it until I got off the phone" reactions. You know, the ones where your so excited you could pee your pants! Anyways, here's how it went:

TC: Kami? (in his "mean" voice)

ME: Yeah

TC: What are you doing? (stern voice)

ME: Apparently not answering my home phone! (duh)

TC: Why? (disciplinary voice and I could almost see "the eye" through the phone)

ME: Because my ringer is turned off???? (meekly...lol)

TC: Why would you want to do that? (stern voice)

ME: So I could sleep? (duh again)

TC: Well, if you are gonna be a SGT then you can't turn off your ringer. You have to be available. (stern voice)

ME: Really? (trying to tame my excitement)

TC: Go turn on your ringer! CONGRATULATIONS!!! (insert the hysterical laugh here)

ME: WOO HOO! (yes i really said that out loud..lol This is also where I am hiding the fact that I am so excited that I feel the need to pee my pants...lol))

TC: It is also retro-active to Sept. 1, 2008.

ME: Wow, great! What do I do now? (What do I do now??? Of all things to say...lol I was trying to sound professional and obviously failed miserably).

TC: (Chuckling) Nothing, I will take care of the transition on the paperwork side of things and all you will have to do is step into the position! Congratulations again, you will do a good job!

ME: Thank you!

TC: Okay, see you tomorrow!!

ME: Okay, Bye! (instantly screaming "Thank you God, Thank you God" all the while, jumping up and down, raising my hands like a crazy woman!!!) It was really a site to see! I'm just thankful no one else did...lol!

Needless to say, I got nothing else accomplished the rest of the day because I turned on the ringer and my phone rang OFF THE WALL! It was a fun, crazy day!

Shhhh!

I gotta secret!

(and a bad picture..lol)

Digital LO

Sewing 101

Give me paper, scissors, and scrapbook supplies and I can just go to town without a problem. Set a sewing machine, thread and fabric in front of me and I am clueless as to what to do! Who knew sewing a straight line would be so difficult much less cutting a straight line on fabric. I have been seeing all these really cool camera straps online and I finally decided to attempt to make my own. I mean, come on.... how difficult could a square be? Apparently pretty difficult, if your name is Kami! After numerous phone calls to my mother, a few mis-cuts due to my bad measurements, various Google searches for tutorials, 2 visits from my mother to show me steps, 3 scrapped attempts (crooked) and 5 hours of my day, I did it! I made some camera straps! After spending 3 hours on the first one and getting the hang of it, I spent another 2 hours and whipped out 4 more! I now have 5 straps! WOO HOO! I'm so proud of myself! They are not designer quality by any means but I love them! Fighting with that stupid sewing machine was all worth it! I think I will stick to scrap booking and leave the sewing to my daughter and mother! My brain doesn't work in inches!

School

Things are finally getting back to normal for the new school year for both E and myself. I enrolled in 11 hours this semester but have decided that with my new (still pending) job position that it would be wise to drop out of all but my online class for the time being. I think that trying to learn learning new responsibilities at work and trying to hold down a nearly full time schedule in school along with E's new school schedule and this thing called life, it was in my best interest to just keep one class. There is always next semester. The online class I am taking is a computer class so it shouldn't be too difficult. However, after I bought 240 dollars worth of books for this class, I better learn something!
E started a new school this year. It has been totally awesome for her. Her attitude has really changed. She is talking about how she is going to strive to be on the honor roll and how she is really excited about school. This new school really focuses on academics and the arts. She is doing things in this school that has not been afforded to her before. Multimedia classes, broadcasting, fine arts, Spanish and Latin, along with all of the core subjects. She is growing already and only has 1 week under her belt. I'm very proud and excited for her! I think I made a good decision and this was a great move!

The jobs are going good. E is still working at the ice cream and candy co on the weekends and I am still waiting to hear about my promotion. I have heard numerous rumors that I got the position but I can not bank on it until it is in writing in front of my face. We shall know sometime next week! Just keep saying prayers!


I have new pics of 7 month old Tucker. It is just amazing how much he is still changing. When I went over there this weekend, he didn't even look like the same dog! He is really lightening up a lot. He is just beautiful! Rotten but beautiful. He has a great personality. His bark is so deep. I would definitely think twice about breaking in the house if I were to come face to face with him in the night!

Back to busy!

Well, as you can tell from the lack of blogging, i am no longer on vacation. I will update tomorrow with all the happenings around here.

New room

This is going to be another short post but I just wanted to share more of E's new room. We got it put back together tonight and she loves it! It is still missing a few details but all in all it turned out real well!

The picture over her bed!

The arrow is a magnet bulletin board.

New curtains

I will try and get a pic of the whole room tomorrow. We are exhausted and too tired to try for any more pictures tonight!

Here is one of Tucker, since I havent posted one of him in a while. Look how much he is lightening up!

Tomorrow I shall show you my new cross and a quilt from my great grandmother!

One final shout out! Woo Hoo! One of E's friends was crowned the new Rodeo Queen for 2008! She was great! WAY TO GO, N! We are proud of you!