Tis the Season.....Love it

We put up a tree in our office at work. One of the girls I work with had these decorations left from a Bible School session at her church and it made the cutest tropical tree. (It's a lot cuter in person). We're thinking before we close for Christmas we need to have a day of "virgin" margaritas and pina coladas. What ya think?

It's been so long since I have blogged. I guess I've been busier than I thought. Christmas time is my favorite time of the year. I love to decorate, eat and spend time with the family. This year Brad and I are having my family on Christmas Day and I'm really looking forward to it. We have all kind of finger foods and wear our lounge clothes or Christmas PJs. You can sure eat a lot more food when you have those stretchies on. Santa was in our area this past Saturday and I took my grandkids, along with my great neice and nephew for photos and a visit.

Here's a picture of Destiny and CJ (My sister's grandkids) ...Destiny liked it...CJ wasn't sure.

Here is Aunt Cathy (my SIL) pretending she is reading "The Night Before Christmas" to my grandkids. Sammi and Andrew would not get close to Santa at all. So when all the other kids were listening to the story with Santa we had our own little storytime at a safe distance.

Sammi and Andrew were happy to go, but they stayed backup to this wall the whole time they were there. I mean they didn't hardly move at all. It was really kinda cute (and easy to keep up with them.)

But Little Caleb pulled through for Grandma so I could at least get one picture with Santa. Isn't he so cute? Next year he'll probably be backed up against the wall with Sammi and Andrew and that will be o.k. too.

Hopefully I can get some pics posted of our Christmas decorations at home before long. Everyone have a blessed day.

Quote: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. And lo, no one was there. Author Unknown

Here's a pic from the autograph party before the Cardinal game on Sept 27. (Just a little behind on posting) Brant, Shelly, Logan and very tired Andrew were waiting in line to get an autograph. We had a good weekend, with dinner Friday night at Mike Shannon's restraunt, a tour of the ballpark Saturday morning, the autograph party in the afternoon and then the ballgame that evening. (The ballgame is always good especially when they win). I get a membership every year for the boys with the Cardinals Kids Crew Club that gets them some extra benefits and gifts.

This a picture from this past weekend at Branson. (Brant and the family got the St. Louis trip....Baley and her family got the Branson trip....Like I said in the previous post, different kids, different interests. ) Sammi has a lock on mom and dad in this pic.

OMG, who do you think is the boss in this picture? I'm putting my money on Little Miss Sassy Sammi.

I love this picture of Sammi. She and the other grandkids are growing up so fast. Time sure does get away from us, that's why I cherish the time I do get with all of them.

"The sweetest things in life are always within reach."

It's been a while.....

I didn't realize it has been so long since I've blogged. We are taking Baley, Blake and Sammi to Branson this weekend, so I will have some pictures to post next week. I've also got pictures from weekend before last when we took Brant, Shelley and the boys to the autograph party and ballgame in St. Louis. (Different kids.....Different interest). Plus I've got some layouts to post. So much to do and so little time.

Everyone have a great weekend.

"Courage in a woman is often mistaken for insanity."

Two Birthdays.......

Saturday Brant and Shelly had Andrew's birthday party. Brant's birthday was Friday and Andrew's is actually this coming Friday, but we will be out of town so they went ahead and had it early. I'm so proud of Brant and the wonderful father he is. I hope all his and Andrew's wishes come true.

As you can see Andrew and Sammi were having a blast on the four-wheeler (battery operated) Andrew got for his birthday. You can barely tell from the photo but he has his little foot and toes stretched as far as he can to make it run.

And here I am with all our grandchildren. I love this quote and think it fits this photo just perfect.

"If you think my lap looks full, you should see my heart."

Have a blessed day.....I am.

A Give Away I Won....Thanks Alice

Yep, two posts in one day. I won a give away a couple of weeks ago for some scrap dots. Well, to my surprise the giver added some extras. The blogspot was http://alicegolden.typepad.com.
Check it out.

Thanks Alice. If I had more that a couple of readers I'd like to have a give away.....Might do it sometime anyway.

Great Labor Day Weekend

On my last post I was telling you about our "Big Labor Day Parade" we have every year. I finally was able to load some pictures. This is Brant with Andrew. Andrew asked PaPa if he could ride the golf cart in the parade, but when he came by where Grandma was standing, looks like he wanted me. (Luke and Jack are in the background on their four-wheeler).

Then here's my sister driving her grandson in the parade. He sat up on the car real well. Annie (his mom) didn't have to hold him down much. CJ was one of the retiring kings. Too cute. He had fun throwing candy and he could really throw it.

Miss Advance High School is Miranda, (my neice on Brad's side of the family) and her driver is Dylan (my nephew on my side of the family) Yes, they date. Can be a little confusing...but it's all o.k. They sure make a cute couple. I told you it's a small town. Oh, that's Darrin and Tess in the car, too.

And last but far from least, this is my nephew Gunnar and my Dad. Gunnar loves parades and Dad always sits with him. They are definitely partners in crime.

This was the first year Sammi wasn't in the parade and Logan was going to ride his four-wheeler but got sick before it all started, so was out of commission. Caleb, of course, decided to sit in the stroller through it all.....still too small.

Overall it was a great weekend. But probably not good for weigh-in at WW tonight. I'll let you know.

Down 4.2

Weigh in at WW last night. I'm down 4.2 pounds. It wasn't really that hard but for some reason I sure am hungry today. Maybe if I added some exercise with it I might dropped a little faster.

Check Penne's spot out (listed on the right). She took pictures at a wedding. Pretty pictures.

Our annual big (maybe not so big) Labor Day Parade and Picnic is Monday. It's our family tradition to save spots at the "Old Car Wash".......... which is now the newspaper office but will always be the Old Car Wash to me..............and watch the parade together. God forbid anyone take our spots. That's a small town for you.

I'll try to load some pictures soon. For some reason my computer doesn't want to cooperate....or maybe it's me. Who knows.

T.G.I.F..........

I guess everyone's watching the Olympics. Last night was so sad for the women and men's relay. Handing over that stick isn't as easy as it looks. But the beach volleyball was sure fun to watch. Go USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yey it's Friday. Baley and Blake are going to the Cook-Off at Cape tonight. Blake's one of the "chef's" for the Bank Of Advance, so I'm keeping Sammi Jo.

The Cook Off would not be good for my diet, so I'm better off at home. I'm sooooo hungry......I guess that means the diet is working. I've got to stay positive because I know I will feel much better if I could get some of this weight off. During the day isn't too bad, but when I get home from work I want to eat, eat, eat. But not this week, I'm patting myself on my back. I hope it shows when I go to weigh in next week. I've cooked more this week than I have in a long time. (WW receipes) Brad's actually liking me being on a diet.
Wish me luck, better yet, pray for me......

Quote:
"There is no spectacle on earth more appealing than that of a women in the act of cooking dinner for someone she loves". Thomas Wolfe

Have a great and blessed weekend

Can I Do This?????

Here I go again. I'm going to attend Weight Watchers again. With me it's about like AAA meetings....I have to keep going back.....I fall off the wagon. But since I quit smoking (Thank you Suzan for staying on me) I've really enjoyed my food and I mean really enjoyed it. I'm past the part of wanting a cigarette so it's time to work on the weight. It's either that or buy all new fall and winter clothes, as there's not much that fits anymore. I've tried all kinds of diets, drinks, etc. and the only thing that ever works for me is WW.

I'll not tell my weight right now, but I will keep you updated as I go. First update....I'm hungary.....but I can do this.

If you want leave me some encouraging words, please do.

I'd post some pictures of those dear grandchildren, but my computer doesn't seem to want to work with me. I'll try later.

Here It Is August.....

I haven't even been fishing in the pond yet. The summer is just flying. I go back to the doctor Monday morning for a recheck on my carpal tunnel surgery. Hopefully he says everything is fine and allow me to do a little more. I haven't been able to pick up Caleb for two weeks. Someone can set him on my lap and I can hold him......but Grandma here wants to play and and change diapers and all that good stuff. There hasn't been a lot of holding back with Andrew and Sammi, since they are big enough to pretty well do things on their own. I am going to do some scrapbooking tomorrow, if something else doesn't come up.

Relay for life is this weekend in Dexter. A group of boys from here (my nephew Dylan included) have formed the VanGennip team in memory of Darlene VanGennip. They are all in high school and throughout the year have raised $5000.00 for cancer research. Two boys on the team, David and Darrin's mom lost her battle with breast cancer a few years ago. But Darlene lives through these boys. We sure do miss her. She's an amazing woman.. Hopefully I can get some pictures of the boys and post them next week. The boys are going to walk the first lap tonight with their school nurse, Ms Debbie, who is currently going through treatments for cancer. Remember them all in your prayers.

I hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

Nikki for Hire

In my last blog I suggested you look at Nikki's pictures on her blogspot. Well, I just checked it and she will do photo shoots. She's a super person, wonderful mother, awesome scrapbooker and looks like a great photographer and is totally fun to be around.

Brant, Shelly and the boys got completely moved. They are so excited. They purchased a nice home with a big shop and a beautiful back yard for the boys to play in. It reminds me of the back yards you would throw a blanket down and take a nap under the big shade trees. I'm so proud for them. The house is close to the park too, so with 3 boys going to play ball that's going to be real handy.

This is Sammi's last week of swimming lessons. Monday night a session of her class was jumping off the diving board. She wanted no part of that. She does fine in the deep end, she just doesn't want to jump. So last night when Baley got to the lessons, Sammi refused to get out of the Blazer. ............so Baley brought her home. She was afraid they were going to try and make her jump off the diving board again. I've been afraid before.......that is an awful feeling for an adult, let alone a 4 year old. So we'll see what happens tonight.

A new quote......."Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here let's dance."

Dylan's 16th Birthday

Dylan Joe (my nephew) is now a big 16, and ready to drive. And with him is his girlfriend, Miranda. Isn't she a cutie? I didn't realize what Dylan's shirt said till afterward. Oh well, it could be worse. Gotta love that kid.

Andrew and Sammi were making their own party at Dylan's house. Can you tell by this picture that Grandma has her hands full? They are so funny but fight like cats and dogs. You don't mess with one because the other will jump right in and defend the other. They should have been brother and sister instead of cousins, but I sure do love 'em.

Logan is growing up so fast. Isn't he going to be so handsome? (Of course, Grandma would think so) He enjoyed Dylan's party 'cause he got to hang out with the big kids. He'll be that age before I know it.
And our newest addition, Baby Caleb. He didn't care what was going on or who was holding him as long they had a bottle in their hand.

I wish I could learn how to take better pictures, I've just got to take the time to practice or go to a class like Cynde did. Or take lessons from Nikki. Check out her blog. She takes some awesome pictures. Her link in on the right side of my posting.

"Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life --Brian Andreas

Love my summer flowers....

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our life bloom.........Marcel Proust

I love to plant flowers when the spring weather hits. I usually plant impatients, petunia waves, geraniums and zinias. But I will admit I start getting tired of watering and taking care of them around this time of the year. Brad's pretty good about taking over for me though. He enjoys yard work and the flowers and plants, (but to listen to him he hates it). These are some of my Zinias. They have really been pretty this year.

We've got a busy weekend planned. Brant and Shelly bought a new home, so we will be moving them this weekend. Baley works Saturday, so Miss Sammi will be with me to help. And my nephew Dylan Joe turns the big 16 this weekend................whoo hoo...............That's going to be so handy. He now takes over as the errand boy......(get this, get that). He's a really neat kid. He reminds me so much of my dad.

Gotta go....Have a good evening.

I'm Back to Work.........

Surgery seems to be a success. I scrapped a little yesterday so things are getting back to normal. And yes Suzan, it's time you started a blog.

Tomorrow I hope to post some pictures. But in the meantime, while I was off work I went through some of my old scrapbooking books and magazines. I came across "Substance of Life" by Chatterbox. It has 25 artists that share their Most Meaningful Scrapbooks. On page 56, Nancy Bergenske shares a book about her daughter that has Lukemia and was undergoing chemotherapy. Her cover really caught my eye since I have a good friend going through chemo and a cousin diagnosed with lung cancer. Here's what her cover says:

What Cancer Can't Do......

It cannot cripple LOVE,
It cannot shatter HOPE,
It cannot corrode FAITH,
It cannot destroy PEOPLE,
It cannot kill FRIENDSHIP,
It cannot suppress MEMORIES,
It cannot silence COURAGE,
It cannot invade the SOUL,
It cannot steal eternal LIFE,
It cannot conquer the SPIRIT.
Unknown

I'm sure each one of know someone that cancer has touch their life. Please remember my friend and my cousin in your prayerss

Have a good day and thanks for checking in.

Gone for a while.......

Yep, two posts in one day. Just starting to get the hang of this blogspot stuff and will have to take a little break. I'm having carpal tunnel surgery tomorrow, so what's that tell you? That's right, can't scrapbook (or do laundry, cook, vaccum, ) hmmmmmm. But the thing is I don't have internent at home. Where we live internent is soooooo slow. We've tried a couple different companies and it's just so aggrevating to sit there and wait and wait and wait that it's not worth it. I may run into town to Brad's office and use his laptop some. If not, just keep checking, I will be back.

A Few Layouts I've Done

Andrew loves his Tonka truck. These pictures were taken at my dad's family reuion.

I love these pictures of Andrew and Logan. I bought this kit from the Scrappy Gourmet stand at the CKC Convention in St. Louis back in April.

Sammi's first trip to the ocean was quite memorable. She loved it. We went to Gulf Shores and I got lots and lots of pictures. This one is a favorite of Baley's. Notice how Sammi has hold of mom and dad's ears. She was and still is an ear baby.

This is another kit from the Scrappy Gourmet stand. I need to work on my lighting and brightness issues. Be patient......I'm still learning.

Thanks for stopping by and looking.....Leave a comment and say hi.

My Scrap and Play Room

This window in my room overlooks the front yard and the drive way, so I can see if company's coming. The slanted table I bought four or five years ago at Hobby Lobby. I like the slant.
This is two shelving units Brad bought at Lowe's and stained for me. Then he connected them together by building shelves. He pretty good, I could loan him out for a small fee.
Paper, paper, paper. Can't have enough paper

The roll top desk houses the computer and printer. After looking at these pictures it looks like I could do with a little organizing, but who has time? I just wanna scrap.

My new grandson.....Caleb

This is our new addition to the grandkids. Meet Caleb Michael. He was born to Brant and Shelly on May 3. He's just as precious as the other three. We have been blessed.

OK, this is my first time posting a picture....let's see what happens.

My First Post

Since Blogging seems to be the thing to do, I thought I'd give it a try. I enjoy reading other people's blog....so why not? I'm just now setting the blog up (or should I say my sister Kara is, I'm a little computer dumb, but maybe she can teach me), so it will have it's ups and downs before I figure it all out. I may even learn how to post pictures.

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July.