The Time is Now!

life rewound...

2011-06-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

i find myself in a weird state these days. yea, more weird than normal! this thing we call life seems to be in fast forward mode for me. just yesterday, jacob was "ghost riding" his bicycle and wes was wearing those darn goggles around his neck while he peddalled the tractor up and down the driveway...today jacob has a family and has served in afghanistan and wes is a senior in high school with a steady girlie friend. i want to have full access to life's rewind button...just for a day! i miss the little boy smell that they kept tucked away behind their cute lil' ears!

Time Travel Reflections

2011-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure where time goes...one day it's New Year's Eve and the next day....well it's May 1st...Happy May Day!

I consider myself very blessed...good health for myself and my family, I've got the best of friends, I'm able to work to support my family (and my frivolous needs), there's a roof over my head, food in the frig and best of all, I'm a Geema!

I've always wanted to be a geema...I've always sensed that it would be one of the most wonderful things that you could be blessed with! Peyton is only 9 months old however she is very often on my mind and inbedded in my heart...I am very blessed

1-1-11

2011-01-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

2010 brought many GREAT things into my life and along with theses great things came wisdom! I realize that I work too hard and play too little...
I realize that the people that are important to me may not know just how important they are!
I realize that it is inevitable that we age...the key is to do it gracefully!
I realize that I have swept certain events in my life under the rug hoping the hurt wouldn't hurt so much if I forgot about them...it didn't work
I realize that some people need to be saved; even if they don't think so
I realize that we send our children off to war to fight for things that we can't even explain...
I realize just how proud I am of my children...thinking of them brings tears to my eyes, EVERYTIME!
I realize just how much Russ puts up with from me and I love him just that much more
I realize now that I am a G-ma why people say "that if they had known that Grandchildren would be so much fun that they would have had them first!" I've said it myself...
I realized that having Pickles in my life makes EVERYTHING all better!
I realized what having a daughter is like...thanks Crystal
I realize that life is just to dang short....so my word for 2011 is SIMPLIFY!

Life as I Know it Today...

2010-11-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

My days are always crazy busy...have several fund raisers going on for some very worthy causes! I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving and spending time with my family.

I'd like to scrapbook sometime in the near future....however I don't see that happening!

Jacob has been serving in Afghanistan since August 2010. Crystal and Peyton are staying with us and I am eating up every single minute of having them around. I feel so fortunate to have this time with both of them, seeing them grow together as mom and daughter...learning as they go, gosh I am blessed! I would have never imagined that I would get this precious time with them! Thanks Jake for the sacrifice that you are making for your SUM (this is a long lived joke in our house that oddly enough stems from the purchase of the Super Ultimate Towlet Bowl scubber. Russ is SUD and I am SUM...Super Ultimate Dad and Mom)...sorry thought I should explain!

Peyton is four months old...trying to sit up all by self and had her first taste of cereal this past week. That went ok....but she likes her pacifier dipped in lemonade much better!

Wesley is head over heals in love with Breanna! They have been a couple for 11 months so many days, so many hours and so many....well you get the just! They are very cute together... kinda like an old married couple without the old part!

Pickles has recovered from his knee surgery and is challenged with sharing his kingdom with Copper (Jake and Crystals puppy). I think they came to some agreement at their last meeting at the tree...one agreed to pee on one while the other one gets the other side...whew, problem solved!

Russ and I are doing what we do best....work , work and more work oh yea, and we are the family ATM!

I wouldn't do a thing different...love my life, miss my friends and would love to have more girl time! Let's make it happen girlies!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone...

Busy Times...

2010-08-17T19:32:00.001-07:00

Busy times...always rushing...things to do,people to see, places to go!

I fall into this category EVERY DAY...

So this note is to all my friends:

I miss your smiling face

I miss our talks...of FOOD and everything else!

I miss seeing pictures of your families

I miss talking about children and what unmentionable thing they did this week

I haven't felt baby boy Taylor kick...and did Imiss the announcement of his name?

I miss our Twilight/Team Edward conversations

I miss scrapbooking with friends

I miss photos of the fun places our toes have been

I miss us, I miss you...my friends, my scrapbooking buddies, my life lines...

You are missed and thought of daily!

Peyton...meet Agnes

2010-07-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Waitin on Peyton...

2010-07-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

Crystals due date was July 10th...and still no Peyton!

this lil' girl is establishing that she is the boss before making her entrance...this way, it is clear to mom and dad just who is in charge! And watch out Copper bear, she's takin over your spot as well!

When she decides to make her guest appearance...she will be loved and her Geeemaa is going to call her Agnes. Agnes because, that lil girl on Descipable Me is adorable..."it's so fluffy". And when I think about her going "to die" if she can't have that darn unicorn...well, that's how I feel about wanting to hold Peyton...I'm just gonna die if I can't hold her soon!

Random thoughts...

2010-03-14T18:31:00.001-07:00

The VHS Concert Band attended the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) yesterday and walked away with a rating of "excellent" across the board. Mr. Riddle, Wesley's band instructor is amazing! Wesley is so blessed to have Mr. Riddle's instruction and enthusiam! Wesley, you are an amazing young man...don't let the woes of the world take that away from you!

Bre spent the night Friday and went to MPA's with us...Wes was thankful for her support!

I'm gonna be a Gee-ma in about 117 days...can't wait to get my hands on that lil girl, can't wait to smell her!

Anxious to get out in my yard and ready her for Spring!

Thankful for the past, thankful for the present, thankful for the future!

Thinkin' about Kristy...hopin' that all is good. Haven't heard from her in awhile and know that life is a bit crazy! Remember, don't sweat the small stuff and it's all small stuff!

Yvonne celebrated 16 years of marriage this weekend...Congradulations!

I see the light in Nita's eyes again...remember your priorities and all else will fall into place. Be the person that you want your children to grow to be...leadership be example!

So proud of She and what she has become. Thank you Yvonne, Colleen and Amanda for making my dreams come true, EVERYDAY!

Peyton Renee...another dream come true

2010-02-05T14:38:00.001-08:00

Another dream has come true...I am so blessed!

When I was a young girl I can remember dreaming of:
A man that would love me and all my faults...Russ is amazing!
A healthy baby boy...I received two healthy beautiful boys!
A healthy baby girl...but I really didn't understand them all that well, even though I am one!

I believe that God doesn't give you more than you can handle...so I understand the part were he didn't give me a daughter. The hair bows, drama and all that pink stuff would have been wasted in a home with 3 boys! HOWEVER, I'm more than willing to figure out the hair bows and try to understand the drama that goes along with all the pink stuff for a GRAND DAUGHTER!

Peyton Renee, I can not hold you in my arms yet, but you should know that you are loved and prayed for each day! You are another blessing in my life and I can't wait for the day I get to hold you in my arms and play the silly games with you that I played with your daddy!
Love your Gee-ma

2010 Word...

2010-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't had much time to blog, FB or tweet lately because I have been so busy with work, the shop and fundraising...this leads me to the birth of my 2010 word! It is important that we all know our limitations, our boundaries! So with this in mind, I set out to find a word with a more positive spin...and found BALANCE fits the bill!

Find your balance and have a healthy 2010.

Goin' Gray

2009-12-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

Guess it's about time to bring everyone up to speed on the life and times of Steph...

I'm gonna be a g-ma (pronouced gee-ma)! The official date is July 12th...I'm hoping for a girl but will take healthy any ole day! One gray hair okay maybe two, but happy gray hairs!

Wesley is driving...at least five gray hairs with this news!

She Scrapbooks is thriving...tons of gray hairs!

Russ is well and has recovered from building gondolas'...minus two gray hairs!

Saw my hair dresser today...washed those grays right outta my hair!

YEA!

Ain't life Grand!

2009-10-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been so long since my last blog....here's the update on our lives!

I was so happy to spend nearly 2 weeks with Jacob while he was in transition from tech school to North Carolina where he'll be stationed for the next 2 to 6 years! They found a cozy home 3 minutes from base...they aer so excited to begin their lives together!

Golf season is ending for Wesley and Russ however, Welsey is busy preparing for Marching MPA competion in November!

She Scrapbooks celebrated her Grand Opening on October 10th with the ribbon cutting ceremony just prior to opening the doors! We have put so much time into bringing The Villages a "WOW" paper crafting store that it was great to meet our fellow paper crafters and share the store with them.

What a wonderful day...my dream has come true and I was surrounded by family and friends when it happened! Life is WONDERFUL!

Rundown of the week

2009-09-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Monday SHE
Tuesday SHE
Wednesday SHE
guess you get the hint....alot of SHE going on!

Thanks to all of you that have given of your time to help get SHE up and going. We are so close now that we can feel the inspiration that SHE will be offering to everyone very soon!

She made her debut in the Daily Sun...great article!

Big annoucments this week! Keep an eye on the SHE blog!

Jacob came home from Texas on Thursday...and I was so so so glad to see him! Crystal, Jacob and Copper (my grand dog) are spending the weekend...love having them around!

Founder's Day Festival on Friday was a success.....

Russ, also known as GM (gondola man) is so happy that his efforts in getting this store opened are about to be complete.
Wesley will be happy to have a weekend and Pickles just wants someone to come home and play with him!
Stephanie wants, well Stephanie is looking for that EASY BUTTON that so many people talk about!

What happen to August?

2009-09-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

Where did August go?

Did we even have a month called August this year?

I think not!

Here's the scoop on my life (apparently without the month of August)...

Jacob's graduation was very rewarding for this mom

who's doubted she did her best for her son!

Enjoyed spending time with Crystal last week...

looking forward to more quality time with her this weekend!

Wesley entered his sophomore year at the Villages High School.

The band played at the first football game last week and they ROCKED!

Golf is going well ...Russ is the assistant golf coach so the two

of them are getting in some quality son/dad time!

We took possession of She Scrapbooks September 1st.

Remodeling began the next day.

Painting will be complete tomorrow.

We move in fixtures and product on Saturday

Yahhoo, yippee, woohoo!

My last day with Farner Barley and Assoc. is this Thursday.

I move my offices to Arnett Environmental on Friday.

I've joined forces with a long time friend

so that I may continue to serve The Villages and it's predecessors.

So a sad week of goodbyes to the Farner Barley gang!

I'm on an emotional roller coaster this week...

pray that Russ and Wesley make it through the week with me!

Graduation Memories

2009-07-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Airman Jacob L. Vaughn

Jacob's graduation ceremonies were without a doubt a life changing experience for me! I get choked up over traditional things....weddings, funerals and ceremonies! Jacob went in a boy with little motivation or goals and has come out a man well on his way to greatness, at least in his momma's eyes!

The things that you hear about the military bootcamp are true...it is a grueling 18 hour day, with little sleep and often a very short amount of time to shovel grub in your face. They must drink 12 canteens of water a day and drink 3 glasses of water with each meal. Your pride goes out the window with dignity following behind it! Only after you have hit rock bottom do you get to believe their is light at the end of the tunnel. One of Jacob's Training Instructor's(TI) was a women...and she was about 5'-4"! Each time she spoke to anyone taller than her, they were made to bend their knees until she could look them in the eye and they had to remain in this position until she told them they could stand tall again. That stunk for Jacob because he is 6'-4"...he spent alot of time slouching so she could yell at him!

Jacob left Lackland Air Force base Monday at 3:45 AM for Sheppard Air Force Base where he will spend the next 8 weeks in tech school for munitions. Sometime around the middle of September he is set to graduate from tech school and will have earned leave.

Jacob has already put in for me to cook a couple of his favorite meals when he comes home!

He sure knows how to make his momma feel good!

Week of new experiences

2009-07-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

This week we will flying out to Texas for Jacob's graduation from Air Force Boot Camp. He is graduating with Student Leader honors (which also allows him to march infront of his flight) and 3 ribbons for Markmanship (one for the M 16). Needless to say, we are excited to see him and tour the Lackland Air Force base. The Air Force graduation ceremonies are made up of the Airman's Run and a Coin Ceremony on Thursday and on Friday the Airman join in a parade where each Airman carries the flag from his State. It is quite the ceremony with 750 Airman participating.

Below is the Airman's Creed:

“
I am an American Airman.

I am a warrior.

I have answered my nation's call.
I am an American Airman.

My mission is to fly, fight, and win.

I am faithful to a proud heritage,

A tradition of honor,

And a legacy of valor.
I am an American Airman,

Guardian of freedom and justice,

My nation's sword and shield,

Its sentry and avenger.

I defend my country with my life.
I am an American Airman;

Wingman, leader, warrior.

I will never leave an airman behind,

I will never falter,

And I will not fail.
”

This is where I will be...it will be emotional because I know that my son has finally become a man! What a proud moment in a person's life!

A must have tool!

2009-07-10T18:42:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this new tool...it is amazing, can't wait to get my hands on one!

http://www.imaginiscescrapbooking.blogspot.com/

Disappointed doesn't even come close...

2009-06-21T08:01:00.001-07:00

Before you read this please understand that I haven't been ready to talk about this till now...

I spoke to Jacob for the first time on June 11th. I was thrilled to hear the enthusiasim in his voice as he told me about being chosen as one of the Element Leaders for his flight. He has approximetly 20 airmen under his leadership. Jacob's leadership skills are being tested and so far, his unit is succeeding bybreaking KP (kitchen patrol) records all while being pushed to their absolute limit! On top of this, he has 2 women TI's (training instructors) and has been told that they are the hardest TI's at Lackland AFB. He is scheduled to graduate on July 16th and 17th however being the Element Leader could have it's drawbacks, if an airman in Jacob's unit does not graduate, he will not graduate!

Now here is the big news...Jacob and Crystal went to the courthouse on April 3rd and got married! And no, I didn't know anything about this until that long awaited for phone call from my son on June 11th, 2.5 months after this blessed event.
Upset? No! Disappointed? YES Very much so!

I went online and discovered that her mother was the witness to the blessed event...
Disappointed?Doesn't even come close! Upset? Oh no...madder than H_ll...

So I offer this advice to you...

give your children all the love they deserve,

respect their desicions/wishes,

teach them respect for others,

teach them respect for self,

give them faith in tomorrow,

and love them unconditionally!

most importantly...

know that even when you have given them all of this,

they will still break your heart!

For 2.5 months I have been decieved and it is the most awful feeling to know that as a parent there are some things that you can't fix for your children... I hope this isn't one of those "I told you so" times!

The hardest part of this is knowing that I missed out on my first borns marriage...even if it was a courthouse, with no family members present to witness and bless their future. All that is gone, in the blink of an eye...no memories captured, no fabulous story to share with your children.

They are planning on a ceremony in October...and I guess that is still the case but who knows, maybe that is a lie too!

And to answer the question on everybody's mind....I don't know if she is pregnant...I haven't asked!

Thoughts

2009-06-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

When I was a child... I looked for faces, animals and freedom in the clouds

I can't imagine my life without... my boys, all 4 of them (Russ, Jacob, Wesley and Pickles)

If I could be anywhere, I'd be... right here where I am...life is good, even on those days when it's not so good!

My least favorite chore is... raking leaves or cutting vegetables.

If I could be on any TV game or reality show, it would be...any one of the dancing shows

If a mystery package arrived on my doorstep, I'd hope it would be... scrapbook supplies.

My guilty pleasure is... macaroni and cheese

I thought I would never...own a scrapbook store

If a genie granted me three wishes, I’d wish for... painfree days for all, wisdom and inspiration

You would never guess it, but I...have a strong faith that God will guide SHE Scrapbooks.

My thoughts for the day...

I am excited about the opportunity to bring She Scrapbooks to The Villages but I am more excited about the opportunities that SHE will bring to those that work and play here. I am fortunate to have many talented girl friends and I see SHE as a way to allow them to inspire me while inspiring others.

My week has been a roller coaster...the details aren't important but how they have affected me and how I have dealt with them has been enlighting. In some cases...I didn't think I had it in me to remain calm, keep a level head and not burn any bridges! And then I have to stop and wonder, if you don't let another person know how their descisions affect you, are you really serving yourself and others,for the good??? Will this person continue to treat people as you were treated? Or is this where having faith comes in?

I'm turning this one over...Faith don't fail me now!

To you girls that continue to inspire me...thank you and keep it coming!

Love ya, Steph

This is what I needed to begin my week!

2009-06-01T09:44:00.001-07:00

OMG......a great kiss

2009-05-31T17:07:00.001-07:00

http://twilightguide.com/tg/2009/05/31/mtv-movie-awards-tonight-and-new-moon-trailer/

today.....

2009-05-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Okay Kristy....you did it again. I began reading the first book in the True Blood series at 2:00 on Saturday....finished it before 11:00! On to book #2...you were right, they are good. These books are a good "tied me over" till New Mooon releases. There are so many similarities...but I don't see myself going to Team Bill!

Jacob is beginning his 3rd week in boot camp....5 and half more to go! I haven't talked with him since the day he landed in Texas. I did call the base and got his address...biy talk about uptight people there. Everything is yes or no and there is no small talk with these guys! Assuming no delays, Jacob will graduate on July 16th and 17th, so it's off to Texas for us! After graduation, he goes directly to Tech school for 10 weeks.

Wesley's last day of school was Friday May 29th. He is already bored and wishes that school didn't end... I'm wondering what is wrong with this kid????? He is hoping to go straight into volunteering so he can keep himself busy.

Russ and I have spent some time this weekend doing yard work....uggg! I love the way the yard looks when it's done but getting it there is another thing entirely!

Things are on track for the store to have a soft opening late September. I have the storage secured and I'm waiting to hear back from Cheri.

Awwww....a reason to be excited (kristy, this may help your mood!))

2009-05-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

OMG...."heart beating very quickly, panting, sweating" I love it!

New Moon Movie Poster and New Moon Movie News

2009-05-08T08:44:00.000-07:00

If you guys want to see an amazing performance of Grease...go to the Villages Middle School tonight or Saturday night. The play begins at 7:00!
Here are a couple of photos.....the kids and the band did an AMAZING job!!!!!!!!

Yea...I survived!

2009-05-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

I survived my eighth BBQ Bash with achy feet, a sore back and a great need for rest!

I was up at 3:00 am Saturday morning and was back in bed at 9:36 pm Saturday night.

We had 40 different BBQ's in the competition.

I ate 2 ears of corns...yum!

Tasted several different BBQ's.

I drank enough water to well, float a boat!

And best of all...we raised around $35,000.

I survived my eighth BBQ Bash!

So here is what is going on with SHE!

She Scrapbooks, LLC. was officially established as a company on April 30, 2009.

I hope to have the FEIN no. next week, then SHE can become a CHA member!

The lease is still pending till we have an exact date that we can have the space.

Kristy's cousin prepped a great layout for the shop...I'm hoping she can work our icon " dress form" into the logo .

The store colors are looking like red , black and white or off white or beige!

Russ and I went to Griffin's tonight for another load of grids and hooks and paper trays.

I reorganized my storage to allow for more hooks and paper trays and such!

Wesley is playing his tenor sax in the high schools play "Grease" this Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

It's time for awards ceremonies and spring concerts and summer volunteer hours!

Jacob leaves for boot camp on May 17th...this is finally starting to hit me!

He wants to get married this October when he returns from tech school...Russ and I wish that he would wait but he is dead set on it....we'll see, maybe time will work through this one!

Pickles just had a bout with fleas because he took his scrawny toosh under the porch...bad dog!

And just in case I don't have an opportunity to get back on this week...to all you momma's out there...Happy Mother's Day!

Crazy days

2009-04-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

I know....what happened to me and my blogging...Life, that's what happened!
This next month will be crazy so you won't hear much from me but know that I'm thinking of each one of you!

The New Moonies!

2009-04-08T14:03:00.000-07:00

For you New Moon fans....click onthe link below to see the music being considered for the movie....Kristy I know that we have talked in length about the Twilight music and how it was just perfect for it....It sounds like they are on the right track with New Moon.

http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/nm_playlist.html

Nita....you were correct! the posters are perfect...November will not come soon enough!

The day that we Twilighters have been waiting for is here!

2009-03-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

my Mental Flipout...when will it be over, this time?

2009-03-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

I went through this thing that I like to call a "Mental Flipout" with Jacob when he was only 4 or 5 years old and again in his teens...and now I am experiencing the same thing with Wesley and it is driving me REALLY TRULY flippin' insane!

Here is the just of the cause of the "flip out" (at least I think this is the cause): when I was in elementary school, my mom and dad were friends with a family that consisted of mom, dad, 2 girls and Mikey, the baby of the family! Mikey was truly the sun, the moon and the stars rolled into one little being. Everyone, I mean everyone loved Mikey...one day the family had to move their flat bed trailer so the kids jumped on the trailer for the "ride". Mikey was about 5 years old at the time, was loaded on to the trailer too. Going down the dirt road, Mikey's little legs got too close to the edge and was pulled off the trailer by one of the tires and run over and needless to say did not survive. As the news spread about Mikey, all anyone could say was that he was "loved too much and that maybe that is why he was taken from his family so early". Everyone was devastated for the family!

My mental flip outs come around when I'm involved more with my boys for a special event or happening in their life and I realize that I am soooo proud of them and their accomplishments or so proud of the young men they are becoming and so on.....I'm afraid, or at least this thought crosses my mind, that if I let it show that I love them too much that they may be taken from me like Mikey was. It sounds crazy but this is so real to me...when I drop Wesley off in the morning, we exchange the same words each morning that we have for the 9 years that he has been in school;the difference now is that when he turns to head to class and gives me that "Wesley wave" behind his back...I have tears streaming down my face because I can't stand the thought of life without him in it!

So if you talk to me and I seem somber,all is really okay...I'm just a little consumed with this "mental flip out".

By the way, the VHS concert band, deck out in formal wear, guys in tuxedos and girls in formal gowns, will be competing tomorrow at Eastridge High School in Clermont...keep them in your thoughts as they create yet another first for VHS by competing with the first ever in the history of the school, tada ...VHS Concert Band! on a side note...I'm following the band down to Clermont to cheer them on (and to make sure that Wesley arrives safely). This is so not like me to stress but this mental flip out is making me do weird things!

Life

2009-02-24T17:23:00.000-08:00

My random thoughts...

Life...it's fun , it's boring and sometimes it isn't what you thought.
Today, life is good, it's exciting and 2009 will be a good year.
I'm in a black, white and red mood.
I'm hoping for good results.
I'm postive! Life will be good in 2009...for ALL of us!

Stop what you are doing when you read this and ask yourself this question:
Am I doing right by ME!
If the answer is yes, then hooray!
If the answer is no, then make a change today; because today is the first day of the rest of your life!
We get one chance, we will make mistakes, we should laugh everyday, we should make descisions that allow us to look at ourselves in the mirror and feel good. We should above all...do right by our children and make them our priority!

Russ and I have strived to make Jacob and Wesley our #1 priority. We aren't done yet, but we feel like we have succeeded at this requirement of a parent!

SHE is getting closer!

Change

2009-02-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

I feel like there is sooooo much "change" going on in the lives of those that mean so much to me!
Change isn't always a bad thing, in fact sometimes, change is needed to return you to the life you should be living!

Change is something we encounter everday but unless we stop to consider how we have changed, it goes unnoticed because some changes are so suttle.

We change each day as moms, daughters, sisters and friends. We mature, we love, we discover!

Change isn't always a bad thing; it's how we emerge from the change that matters...always emerge in a way that would make your grandparents and your children proud (because they are our toughest critics).

One of my favorite quotes:
The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and , if they can't find them, make them.

For each of you experiencing CHANGE; know that you are in my thoughts and prayers each day! And in those moments when you feel that you are alone, know that your BFF is there for you!
Hugs!

What up?

2009-02-02T19:06:00.001-08:00

Life for the past week....

2009-01-28T09:29:00.000-08:00

Saturday: Yvonne and I flew into California via US Airways with plane switch-a-roo in Vegas. We tried our luck at slot machines, I spent $6.00 and won $17.50. I was determined to buy Russ a Harley shirt. This meant having to go through security check again with only 15 minutes....but I made it!

We made it to our hotel, ran for a bite to eat at Bubba Gump's

We made it back to the hotel around 6:30 (CA time) and we both fell out!

Sunday AM we arrived at the Convention Center and stood in line so that we could be one of the first in line to do Teresa Collins make n takes. Her new line is awesome...did you notice the fork?

We visited with Tim and did his make n take. I tried to steal his shirt but with no luck!

I was the lucky winner of Litle Yellow Bikes give away...ain't she a beaut!

We ran across this booth that used a chain link gate with a piece of glass as a table (it's in the back ground of this pic) and a modified shopping cart for a chair in one of their displays! And aren't the pink "doo-dahs" just too cute!

Monday AM...we were allowed on the floor early since we went to EK's booth with Scarlet to do some buyin'.

One of our new favs is The Daisy Bucket...see pics below

Yvonne and I are affectionatly calling this a "ball tree"! This is a new trend and they were being used in many layouts by many companies!

Another trend..owls! or as I like to call them...hooties! Couldn't help but think of Kristy when I saw these Hooties!

So many pics to show, so much new stuff to teel you about... I suggested to Yvonne that we needed a debriefing with you guys!

Tuesday AM...we arrived at the airport early so we enjoyed a sit down breakfast and then boarded the plane for our long journey home. We made it home around 10:00

It was a great trip...thank you Yvonne and Griffins for letting me tag along!

I had a very unusual experince onthe plane ride home....I'll tell more later!

California or bust!

2009-01-26T19:59:00.000-08:00

Okay girls...here is your giddy phone call...
Tim Holtz, as usual is/was amazing!
Teresa Collins is down to earth and totally WOW!
OMG....The Daisy Bucket....OMG...OMG!
Another OMG goes out to Pink Paisley!
Technic Tuesday and Ali's stamps are awesome!

And my new love, The Little Yellow Bike Company!
I can't wait to sport around on my new Yellow bike... IT EVEN HAS A BELL!
I won a yellow beach cruiser with yellow and orange flowers!

Wait till you see the Shopping Cart Chair...My ultimate favorite, gotta-have-one accessory!

More later with Pics!

K, try this, to infinity & beyond!

2009-01-23T17:00:00.000-08:00

i gave some of you the impression that i am nervous about flying...
well i'm not...i'm nervous about the plane falling out of the sky! hahaha

i haven't flown in 14 years (sad i know) but I'm really not scared about tomorrow
i'm quite excited!

i broke down and packed breaking dawn...i just can't leave home without him!

nita, not sure if yvonne and i will have quite the exciting driving trip south to the airport without your "cullen" driving but we'll try to stay away from the concrete barriers!

to the end of the world and back, hopefully!

2009-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

wish us well...
yvonne and I are off to see the other side of the world for a couple of days.
i'm hoping to run into Rob (yes, he and I are on a first name basis after
all the late night rendezvous, hahaha) i'll give him a kiss for each of you, all what???? 100 of my nearest and dearest friends...nothing is too good for my BFF'S.

i'm off to pack and fret over packing too much or not enough or whatever!

i'll be thinking of each of you and if our plane goes down, you guys can split my scrapbook supplies....love ya, Steph

back to basics...

2009-01-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

basics being the monday morning blues

my weekend was better than great

spent it with my bff's scrapin' and stuff

almost finished russ's 50th birthday album

i unpacked everything from the weekend

so that i can pack again for

CALIFORNIA

if you have any pointers for traveling to california

send them my way

the world traveler is on her way for now!

Hump Day

2009-01-14T17:16:00.000-08:00

Wednesdays are for the most part just another day...
but today, Wednesday, January 14th is much different than any other Wednesday.
It's two days before January 16th the date of our crop!
I'm looking forward to crop time, girl time and food.

By the way, do we know what we are having for diner Friday night?
Gotta love me, my priorities are inline...kinda!

Sunday Twilight...I'm there

2009-01-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

12:55 is the first showing!

my day...

2009-01-08T17:16:00.000-08:00

i wish i could say that i'm enjoying the new year but i'm not! maybe it's just the "goin' back to work blues"?

we had to lay off 17 people this week, not a good week. this just makes you sad and in a fog...i hate to think about what is in store for these folks that i worked with and consider my friends...??...

its back to pride fundraisers, one is at the end of the month, one in march and one in may...lots to do for each one to be successful. not sure where i'll find the time to make each one happen????

lookin' forward to scrap retreat, stoked that kristy will be staying. lookin forward to girl time.

twilight is still playing in ocala, maybe i should go see it one last time. maybe edward can pull me out of my stupor! eclipse is just as awesome the second time around!

i created a facebook account to reconnect with high school friends. all week i've had dreams involving my high school friends and our mischievous ways. way cool

i'm off the watch the....here it comes.....GO GATORS, COME ON GATORS GET UP AND GO! KICK BUTT.

My word for 2009 is...

2009-01-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

I just read Yvonne's post and SHE has inspired me to join in Ali's word for 2009.

My word is SHE!

SHE awoke to a world full of possibilities...

SHE will thrive in 2009...

SHE will create in 2009...

SHE will inspire in 2009...

SHE will begin a new and richer life!

To all the special SHE's in my life...Happy New Year!

Best Wishes for a Blessed 2009

2008-12-31T19:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Comments

One last Twilight????

2008-12-30T19:08:00.000-08:00

Anyone up for one last viewing of Twilight? Movie times for Thursday are 10:20, 12:40 and 6:55. The other days there are only 2 shows per day, one at 12:40 and one at 6:55.

If we go again, I'd prefer the Thursday show at 10:20...

I've seen it once or twice before (HAHAHA!) so if no one is interested I'll survive!

Weekend Recap

2008-12-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

Friday was spent shopping for the after Christmas sales...I found a couple, no biggy!

Saturday...Nita and I saw Twilight for the 10th time, okay Nita, where is your movie review?

Sunday... Yvonne's Birthday!Russ and I worked in the yard, ALL DAY! The yard looks good until the next wind comes along and then everything goes to pot again!

Happy Birthday Yvonne!

2008-12-25T18:42:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

This weekend?

2008-12-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

I haven't heard a definite from Kristy but it sounds like this weekend may not work out for all of us to go to Rubon Rouge...should we plan something else?

The Weekend Recap

2008-12-21T19:06:00.000-08:00

Enjoyed our company party Friday evening at my boss's house.

I got my hair done...I'm now a red head!It's different and growing on me!

We traveled to my mom's on Saturday to celebrate Christmas with my mom and Ray and my brother's family.

Mom and Ray served fried turkey and venison along with all the fixin's...we stuffed ourselves.

Miranda and Joshua were so excited to open gifts...the men were so excited to take a nap and my mom, Kristen and myself were just happy that it was all over with!

We traveled back on Saturday evening and I met Nita for our 9th veiwing of TWILIGHT!

It was just like seeing it for the first time...it hasn't lost it's "sparkle" (girls...couldn't help myself !!)

Sunday, decided to put Wesley behind the wheel of my 6 speed car and teach him a thing or two about driving a stick! He did really well, that is until the time he was turning onto the road in front of our house and stalled the car IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC! I remained calm, well, I remained calm once I could tell the driverssssssss of the oncoming carssssssssss acknowleged that we were stalled in the road and they avoided hitting us! I thought Wes was gonna bail on me...but after stalling the car for the fourth time, he finally got us out of the intersection and into our driveway where I took over parking the car!

He did well for his first time, but you won't find him out of our neighborhood for SOME TIME!

I spent the remiander of the day wrapping the gifts for my family and thank goodness that task is complete!

Went to Chili's for diner tonight with Jacob and his new girlfriend Crystal! She is a very nice girl and seems to have a good head on her shoulders!

After Jacob and Crystal leave tonight, Russ looks at me witha puzzled look on his face and says hmmmm, I wonder what your grandchildren will look like? Let me explain, Jacob is 6'-5" and she is maybe....maybe 5'-0"tall!

I don't want to think about it!

I hope eveyone has a fun and safe Christmas week!

I'll be thinkin' of you girlies!

Christmas hugs,

Steph

Twilight #9

2008-12-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so siked about Saturday!

The movie times for satruday are 6:50 and 9:50...I should be back in town for the 6:50 show if this time works best for everyone. Once you guys decide, please text or phone me because I may not be back on the computer till after Saturday and the service at my moms is completely unreliable!

To all you sickies...you need to feel better....we have Rubon Rouge ahead of us!

Steph

2008-12-17T18:40:00.000-08:00

Random thoughts from my day...

I finished Twilight and have moved on to New Moon...

I want to see Twilight this Friday or Saturday...

I feel like the true meaning of Christmas has been lost

Too many presents

Too many presents to wrap

Too many presents to wrap by myself

All my baking is complete

Some has been delivered to my neighbors

I ordered a smoked turkey and ham today

We are going to mom's on Saturday

We are having fried turkey and venison

I'm hungry already

Excited about Rubon Rouge on the 27th with the girls

I need to begin scrapbooking now that my Twilight excitement has subdued.

I'm ready to organize my scrapbook room

I'm anxious to take downthe Christmas stuff...ALREADY!

Looking forward to organizing my storage area

Looking forward to Wesley's Winter Concert Thursday night

Happy that he is working so hard on his grades

Wesley is looking forward to Christmas break

Jacob is considering the Air Force

He will go to boot camp as early as March

I think this is a good thing

maybe?!?!?!?

Sarah is reconsidering the Air Force

I think this is a good thing

maybe?!??!?!?

Russ still has a cold

Can the air be any more muggy????

Twilight on Friday? Are you in?

2008-12-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Does Friday work better for everyone to see Twilight?
The movies are at 6:50 and 9:50pm on Friday!

OMG!

2008-12-15T18:16:00.000-08:00

i'm in a bad mood and can't figure out why and then, i remember ...

this may be the last week that we can see TWILIGHT!

worst case, we can go on wednesday at 5:30 or 8:10..OMG what will we do without our weekly dose of the ed-miester,mr. hunk, team edward, eddie baby,the vampire of all vampires?

guess we are about to find out...this is not fair!

I'll call tomorrow and report to the many twilighters out there!

Hey Twilighters!

2008-12-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

On a side note...Twilight may not be playing at Hollywood 16 after this Wednesday...I'll check back with them tomorrow!:(

A recap of my weekend

2008-12-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

friday:

had lunch with kristy at panera, saw twilight for the 7th time with kristy and nita...it just keeps getting better; scapbooked with kristy, nita, breanna,yvonne and gay at priceless (by the way enjoyed chatting but didn't scrap a thing) and i enjoyed the newest member of the ocala scrappers, stickles the giraffe.

saturday:

christmas shopped with sarah till mid afternoon, russ and i met nita and jordan to see twilight for my 8th timeat 5:30...the audience was young and they added humor to the movie by spouting out one liners such as "score" and "you go boy". russ had very little to say about twilight, nita and I expected more but nita figures that he is wise enough to keep his real comments about the movie to himself; went home and watched wanted.

sunday:

i baked from 9:00 till 1:00, went to angela's cookie exchange where i ate too much and brought home way too many cookies, returned home to bake from 4:00 till 10:00. i then passed out from smelling too much sugar!

Goin' to see Twilight and I'm, gonna be haaaaaapppppy!

2008-12-11T18:38:00.000-08:00

So did we decide on seeing Twilight at 2:40 tomorrow?

I have a 10:00 meeting and then I'm coming home to bake the green bean casserole and then I'm off to see TWWWIIILLLIIGGHHTTT and scrapbook maybe!

jingle bells jingle bells

2008-12-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

i'm looking forward to friday with the girls

scrapbookin and chattin' will be fun

seeing Twilight for the seventh time will be AWESOME!

i'm in the christmas spirit

yvonne is getting into the christmas spirit

nita is bah hum bug

kristy, where are you? in the spirit or not?

we should go elf ourselves!

kristy...what is your schedule for friday?

Twilight showtimes are 11:55, 12:25, 2:40, 3:45

nita has a commitment till 11:45

yvonne is trying to reschedule a noon appointment

i'm available anytime

priceless is having their christmas party this day, bring a dish

2008-12-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

Go to http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20162677_20164082_20244003,00.html and Vote Twilight as Best movie of 2008

2008-12-07T11:38:00.001-08:00

I finally completed our Christmas Tree and managed to wrap a few gifts!

Our Christmas pictures have been taken and uploaded for printing and mailing labels are complete...this feels good!

Now it's on to baking and a few final gifts need to be purchased...I'm getting close to having the holiday hoopla behind me!

Bow Chica Bow Wow!

2008-12-07T11:29:00.001-08:00

First off...Happy Birthday Nita!

Enjoyed having lunch yeterday with Yvonne and Breanna...and then it was off to see Twilight for my 6th time with Yvonne, Breanna and Nita. No Kristy this time, she took her husband to see it Friday not....by the way Kristy, didn't it feel weird taking your husband to see your boyfriend?
The movie only gets better no matter how many times you see it.

Oh yea...I'm a thief...I got a pedi yesterday afternoon and stole the copy of Newsweek that has James and Kristen on the cover.

This morning Russ and I took a Concealed Weapons class and as Nita pointed out, if I was a vampire I wouldn't be forced to carry a GUN! Edward....bite me NOW!

Now it's on to the not so much fun stuff....laundry and such!

I'm really looking forward to Friday. Yvonne if Trish needs to know, I'm bringing a Green Bean Casserole!

wIthDRawAL!_!@<

2008-12-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

Give me Twilight...

I can't survive without my daily dose!

It has been 5 days since my last hit...

hit of Twilight that is, and I'm surviving,

at least that is what I am told here in this padded room where everybody knows my name!

Nita called tonight to tell me there is a light at the end of the tunnel...

Saturday 1:05 pm is my next hit!

Again, of Twilight!

So till then...

I'll "play nice" with my new friends here on the funny farm!

Give me Twilight...

I can't survive without my daily dose!

Top 10 reasons to see Twilight more than once

2008-12-02T18:51:00.000-08:00

10. So you can fool yourself into thinking you’re only doing it for Summit. (Yeah, right.)

9. You have an excuse to buy more Twilight tees so you can wear a different one to each showing you go to.

8. Because whether you loved the movie or hated it, you know you have to see it at least twice to be totally fair.

7. So you can point out each and every goof that IMDB and MovieMistakes.com has listed.

6. Because Charlie is a heck of a lot funnier in the movie than in the book.

5. So you can imagine it’s you with Edward in the meadow scene (again).

4. So you can get your fill of James’ bare chest now since he won’t be back.

3. Because no matter how many times you see it, you still reach for the Twizzlers every time James asks “You brought a snack?”

2. 5 words: Jasper and the baseball bat.

1. The kissing scene. Enough said.

Habitat for Humanity Tree

2008-12-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

This is the tree that I decorated (with Tracy's help) at Veranda Home Design Center for Habitat for Humanity Tree Auction.

It is different than any others that I have decorated! I wish the picture wasn't so dark...but you get the jest!

My Twilight Review

2008-12-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

Now that Yvonne and Bre have seen the movie twice I can give you my view after seeing the movie only five times...here goes

The book was without a doubt Awesome! The movie was so much more "Awesomer" (yes Nita, I know this isn't a word) and for this very reason; how many of us read the book and wondered what the touch of Edwards hand on our cheek or his kiss would feel like? I'd lay bets that every female that read Twilight would have their hand raised in the air right now!The movie gave each of us an image to play over and over and over and over in our heads!I am satisfied with the movie and while I am rereading Twilight now, I have an even better sense of Edward! Guess you have figured it out that I am a "Team Edward" fan!I would highly suggest that everyone reread Twilight after seeing the movie...you'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you do!

I can't stop listening to the Soundtrack and the Score...both are worth having in your Twilight collection!

The best part of the movie for this Edward fan is without a doubt the bedroom scene and the gazebo scene...but that rascal Jasper sure has a way with a baseball bat...what a memory!

Kristy and Nita,
Thank you for bringing this Obsession into my life and when are we going to see the movie again?

Breaking Dawn

2008-11-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

This book has certainly been worth the wait! I have 200 pages to go to complete the Cullen saga and I must admit that I am a little sad because I don't want it to end! The last 2 weeks of my life have centered around this book series and frankly...I can't imagine what life will be like once I complete them :{ I have begun to "live" in their world and I absolutely love it!
Girls...I'm sooooooo stoked about the movie tomorrow night!

Someone choose food...I'm good with anything!

Good bye Eclipse hello....

2008-11-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hello Breaking Dawn.....I completed Eclipse at 1:00 this morning. In my excitement, I text ed Kristy! And Kristy...I can smell the romance between them...
Today will not go by quickly enough so that I can get to my comfy spot in my scrapbook room and plunge into Breaking Dawn.

Till Friday girls....I'm in Breaking Dawn heaven!

Can't wait

2008-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

I can't wait till Friday... I'm so excited!
Girls...we didn't decide on a spot to eat and you know, this must be decided on! I have to admit, my excitment over reading these books has SO tamed my need to feed!
I am on page 400 in Eclipse...and I am so anxious to finish this book so that I can go on to Breaking Dawn.
Girls,I can't wait till Friday!

Yvonne call me tomorrow so that I can take care of the January crop!

Runnin' with Vampires!

2008-11-15T10:59:00.001-08:00

We are an inspiration!

2008-11-15T10:32:00.000-08:00

Really enjoyed getting together at Nita's last night..REALLY enjoyed watching the Twilight trailers.I think that we should look at ourselves as an inspiration to the younger Twilight obsessors out there....there is fun after husbands and children!
Gotta go for now...I have 2 more books to finish!
Can't wait till Friday!

Twilighten'

2008-11-12T05:42:00.001-08:00

Made it home at 6:00 pm last night, changed into my pj's and read until 11:00....for those of you who know me, this will come as a shock......but I NEVER EVEN stopped for FOOD!I made it to page 300 in New Moon and I can not wait to get to the point that Edward is back in my life...well, I meant of course to say back into Bella's life...slip of the tongue! OOPS!
My husband is convienced that I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY sick because he too knows how important food is to me!

TWILIGHT

2008-11-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

I'm done with Twilight and on to New Moon....I can see why Nita and Kristy are so "entrenched" in the book.....IT IS AWESOME! CAN"T PUT IT DOWN! Haven't Slept in days!Can't wait for the movie... CAn't wait to get home tonight to READ!

Yea, I'm still alive!

2008-10-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

To love, honor and cherish...it's too bad that we did not include "to provide my wonderful wife with time to update her blog" to our wedding vows!HAHAHA!

Well, here goes, our crop was as usuall - FABULOUS!the weeks after it have left me wanting more scrap time and less work time! But enough about my needs!

Good news for me...no stuffy party next friday...I'm going croppin' with the girls! I can't wait! I need to know where we decided for lunch! Call me!

Here is the whirlwind update on Wesley...interim report just okay, needs some help in Honors Math, learning to march in the VHS first marching band, he hates the hat, the sax sounds great, on the JV golf team, improving, attended Homecoming dance with Kayla his best buds older sister, had a great time, has other girls chasing him, lovin the attention!

Russ is working, hating it, wanting vacation, coaching JV golf team, working in the yard, loving fall.

Sarah is working, hating it, wanting vacation, anticipating her brothers visit later this month, hangin' with friends, loving football, has the midas touch!

Jacob is working, hating it, wanting vacation, geting into trouble with freedom!

I'm working way too many hours to complete Engineers Reports for three projects, shopping at the new Kohl's, got a pedi!, lovin' fall! and missing the heck out of the croppin' girls...Yvonne, Nita, Kristy and Gay, you guys ROCK! I'm fortunate to have each of you in my life to Make Memories with!

Will the rain ever stop?

2008-08-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yea...you could say I'm just a little cranky over all the gloom, doom and RAIN!

I have a great weekend getaway planned for Russ's 50th birthday but FAY is getting in my way!

This is the first week of high school...Wesley had Tuesday off but school was in for him all other days. Did I mention that I'm sick of the rain yet?????

Okay..I'm done with the complaining!

I talked to Gay earlier in the week...she is looking forward to this Friday's crop, ya'll keep an eye on her, she's a wild thang! Sorry I can't be there...I may or may not be organizing my husbands getaway. I'm excited about the retreat on the 12th and looking forward to hangin' out with everyone.

Nita/Kristy ....are you staying at the hotel??

Hopein' everyone is safe through this wet weather...call if you need help out of the flood waters!

Steph

My Family!

2008-06-25T18:50:00.001-07:00

Woo Hoo Wednesday!

2008-06-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just returned from Zumba where I shook my "groove thang"....I love this class!

Wesley had another day of computers and volunteering his time! go baby go!Wesley is still buzzin' from the Wii that we finally found for him this weekend. He is startin' high school out with a 3.5 GPA and we couldn't be prouder of him. Wesley is determined to make his mark on the world in a big way and I love watching him grow into a fine young man!

Russ's day seemed to be prety typical....sh_t ran down hill and the trash was picked up on time...without injuries. And he considers this a great day...I'm not sure that I can ever compare to his "lively" day!

My day, well, our planning team has taken on the task of compiling the statisics for EVERYTHING in The Villages. This information has been compiled in one form or another since 1986 and we are putting it in a top-notch presentation booklet. I know, it doesn't sound like fun, but I tell you, I'm extremely proud of the last 18 years with The Villages and this task is something that I have worked long and hard on! I'm excited to see the finished product.

And then there is Jacob...he is moving out this Saturday...not Sunday but Saturday! I got a call today from the apartment that he is moving into and the gentleman on the phone started his conversation off like this..." Jacob can not move into the apartment", then he hesitated long enough for me to say, "what? You don't understand, he must move out and he must move out this weekend!" He then goes on to say that he can not move into the apartment until after 4:00 tomorrow! Okay, now we're talkin'. Wheeeeew! that was close. You guys won't understand any of my ramblings until your little "cutie patootie's" turn into independant (or so they think), non dish washing, okay with wearing dirty underwear, okay with sleeping on dirty sheets, taller than the mom, back talkin', know-it-all children get their drivers liscense. Then you are livin'...livin' to give them money for this and money for that! Yes...this weekend...this weekend will have many moments of me, the mom with the biggest grin imaginable on her face and a tear in her eye. I will move my first born child, the one that refers to himself not as the # 1 child but the # 19.5 (or whatever his age is at the time); one day he'll figure out that he is the #1 son...no matter what age he is!

Life is good.....our health is good and it rained today!
Can't ask for anything more!
Tootles till later!
Steph

It is simply only Tuesday!

2008-06-24T16:05:00.000-07:00

Okay...it's been awhile, I admit that but it is just Tuesday so I'm off to a good start, this week anyway!

To bring you up to speed on my life... Jacob will be moving out of the house this Saturday. I'm excited and nervous for him all at the same time! He is moving into an apartment in Ocala to be closer to work and school (if he decides to go).

Wesley is getting a head start on his required community service hours this summer by working at the Villages Charter School campus in their Information Systems Department....he loves computers so this has turned out to be a learning experience as well!

Russ is working as usuall and me, well I'm working too! Some things never change!

It is only Tuesday and it may be too early to predict the outcome of the week but my hopes are high that it will be a good one not only for us but for you as well!
Tootles,
Steph

what a week!

2008-04-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

tgif...this has been one bad week!

work has been more than hectic!
i searched VERY hard to find something positive from the past week...and here it is:
pickles still greets me with puppy kisses no matter how late I come home from work!

Yea, it's been bad!

but as ali says...it is okay!

next week will be better

Steph

the last day of my vacation :{

2008-04-13T11:44:00.001-07:00

today is the last day of my vacation and the last day of Spring Break for Wesley...needless to say, we are both bummmed out!

I had a successful week off:

I created our family tree for the boys. I'm still in need of ALOT of info but atleast I got it started!Wesley and I visited several cemeteries, taking pictures of the head stones of family members.

Wesleygot his braces on Thursday!

I met the girls up at Priceless for some scrappin'!

Russ and I worked in the yard all day Saturday. He built a pegola and was replanting flowers in the flower beds! Pickles helped by "watering" my plants!

All in all...it was a good week!

The pot roast is cookin' so I think that I will go lock myself away in my scrap room!

Too-dles,
Steph