We made some Memories....

My grandma Onie spent Christmas with our family. How lucky we were! I know that after 89 Christmases that she must have some kind of memory as to Christmases as a child. On Christmas morning I crawled into bed with her, and asked what she remembered. She recalls her "Pa" only buying one toy and placing it under the tree for all four children to enjoy-It might have been a wagon, or bicycle according to Gram. It made me realize how simple life used to be. The world we live in has become so complex and materialistic. We went to church on Christmas morning, and during the sermon I looked over to see Gram grab hold of Taylor's hand and hold it....Tay caressed her hand and fingers......it was a sight that made my heart skip a beat. This Christmas wasn't about the gifts we exchanged but the moments that we spent not only as a family, but with my dear Gram.

Somewhere along my journey...in an email or blog post I came across this and wrote it down- This sums this Christmas all up!

"Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."

It's beginning to look alot like ....

CHRISTMAS! Now, this is how I remember it to be here in MN when I was a child! Saturday we recieved several inches of snow, and my "snowblowers" were at work!

We played a little in it as well! I have not had my boots on in 3 years for fear of slipping and falling and putting my back in worse condition than it already is! But, Saturday I put them on and and plopped into a snow bank and took some fun shots of my "boys!"

I have also beeen at work with some fun "Snowy Jo" goodies from Imaginisce! I just love this line!

Hoping that you all have a wonderful Christmas-Be safe!

Happy Birthday Jesus! :)

Wondering?????

Where I have been? Well, the next season is upon us.....yep, sitting in the bleachers watching my 6 foot one inch freshman play a little basketball! :)

Change....

is sometimes hard to accept. I know myself that I have had difficulty accepting certain change in my lifetime. But, sometimes change is a good positive thing! I have ALWAYS used Creative Memories albums, but guess what .......they changed them to true 12x12........how AWESOME is that! No more trimming off a certain portion to make my layouts fit just so! They have also come out with the most awesome (is that proper english?) lines of pattern paper....oh, and I can't forget to mention the Swirly and Monogram alphabet stickers! Check out the changes that CM has made or is in the process of making! You WON'T be disappointed, I Promise!

I have LOVED creating for Creative Memories over the past 6 months! The team there is wonderful! I find myself to be truly blessed! It is my passion, and so lucky to be able to do something that I truly LOVE! I LOVE the direction this company is going, and so glad to be going in that direction with them! I was reluctant at first, as I hadn't previously cared for what they were producing, but now I don't only use their albums, but their WHOLE line of goods! I am finding out the designs are perfect, the quality is top notch, and the people are wonderful! Take some time and browse through their website, and tell me what you might like to see, and I will do what I can to show you that product, and how it can be used!

Here is a little card that I recently put together using all CM product, and misc. ribbon from my stash!~

Enjoy!

30 Days of Christmas.....

I can't believe that I am talking about Christmas already! The Design Team at Creative Memories has been busy busy working on ideas for the Holidays, and starting last Saturday November 1st, began our 30 days of Christmas, where a new idea will be posted DAILY here...
http://projectcenter.creativememories.com/projectcenter/30-days-of-holiday-projec.html

Enjoy! :)

Family Fun....

was what we had last weekend in northern MN! Life has been kinda hectic in our house........football fever had hit! One got home at 6 from football, and the other started at 6! So, our family time was pretty rare! Thank goodness that they both turned in their football gear this week! Tonight we actually ALL get to sit down to the dinner table together at the same time! I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it will be!

Dennis and I decided to take advantage of the MEA weekend , and the kids not having school.......so, we took them on a little get away! Of course at 12 and almost 15 it is NOT cool to stop and pose for the camera! So, the boys had to take goofy shots! We missed out on fall colors by about a week, but the park was still beautiful! It felt very cold (about 50)...but the boys insisted on walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi!

One hi-light was that we stopped in our favorite little town.......Nisswa! They have the BEST little candy store around(The Chocolate Ox)!~ Hubby gets sour balls by the pound and the kids get whatever tickles there fancy on that day! I got to *taste* everyone's pick to make sure they made good desicions! lol

Make sure to take time once in while with your family.......make memories and HAVE FUN!

Seeing Purple.....

No, NOT the MN Vikings......

For the last 6 months I have been involved on the committee for the Memory Walk. So, last Saturday morning was the BIG event here in Central MN! With just under 600 walkers, and a BEAUTIFUL fall day, there were alot of families that came together to walk in memory or in honor of a loved one!

I had the best job of all..........photographer! As much as I would love to, I am not able to post any photos, as they are for the Alzheimer's Organization! When I think back to the day, this adorable little couple comes to mind. A man and woman guessed to be in there early 80's started out the walk by her pushing him in a wheelchair. The confused look on his face spoke volumes about the disease. However, when I went to the end of the walk to take photos, there they both were walking side by side and HAND IN HAND. -that is the only way one can get through this nasty disease........side by side and hand in hand.

Do you know someone who has been affected by Alzheimer's or dementia? If so, I challenge you to reach out to them and their family.......walk beside them........and hold their hands when they need it!!!

Saturday morning I got Josh outta bed and told him he was going to come with me to be my "assistant". He was a great help, but more than anything.......when we got in the van to come home, he said "mom, that was a fun morning". Coming from an almost 15 year old about spending the morning with mostly elderly, that was HUGE!

Homecoming....

This weekend was Homecoming here! Despite the bronchitis, I pushed myself to go to the game. It was a great football game, with an even better halftime performance by the marching band (of course I am biased).

It was unseasonably warm (85 degrees), so we sat under the stars with only t-shirts! Of course, our home team WON!! Following the game was the Homecoming dance for the high school .....so, Josh had his first BIG dance night! When I was in high school Homecoming was a semi-formal affair, but now-a-days it is not anything like that! They all went wearing their Homecoming t-shirts! Josh had a date, and tells us it was great FUN, but that is all the details he will share with us!

His friend Brittany is a total sweetheart, and spent the day hanging out with our family yesterday! Today we were back to FALL.....with cool temps, and a heavy sky. The trees are really changing.....I love this refreshing time of year!

Accomplished....

When I get into projects like this one, I feel so much accomplishment when I am done! I don't know what makes me feel that way. I do know, however, that we will have plenty of salsa goodness to enjoy during every college and NFL football game this upcoming winter! My "mater" plants STILL have loads of fruit on them, so I am thinking about putting my Gram to work when she comes to spend some time with us later in the week! I remember when I was a little girl, and I would go with Gram to the basement to pick out a jar of beans, or pickles, or peaches, or pears! I loved her cellar with all of her canning goods in it! Mine will never look like that, but the idea of canning brings me great joy!

Michelle St. Clair found me out....

so I have to share with you my WONDERFUL "official" news......

I am absolutely THRILLED to be designing for Creative Memories!!! It is not like you remember it to be! Trust me! The product is awesome, and I am having the time of my life with it! I never thought I would be a digi scrapper, but have been dabbling with the Storybook Creator! Check it out ladies!

Where did the summer go?

It seems almost as though the summer just got here, but then on another note it seems like all the parades and marching band was forever ago! Today was a big day in our house. Taylor started his first day of middle school, and Josh started his first day of high school! (holy cow, I am getting old) Of course my photos had to be quick as they are close to too cool for taking photos on the first day of school!

Last spring Josh took his math placement test for this year, and was reccommended by his 8th grade advanced math teacher for IMP2 placement, but missed the score by ONE point. They agreed at the high school to allow him to retake it today, as we didn't want him to be bored in IMP1, as much of it is a repeat of last year. So, Dennis took him early this morning, and he took the test. We are thrilled that after a summer of no studying, he passed and will be placed into IMP2!!!! He did have a few glitches in his schedule that will be worked out today, but is on his way to a great school year! (I think I forgot to mention that he is entering high school at 6 feet on the nose!)

Tay had the upper hand on entering the middle school! He has been there so many times with his brother that he already knows his way around, and knows alot of the teachers! He got into the same "house" as his friend Spencer, which made him extremely happy! I am sure they will both be exhausted tonight!

As you can see, Champ is being spoiled rotten. We decided over the weekend to see how he would do outside of his kennel at bedtime. We he snuggled right in, and now spends the nights on on of our beds!

Dennis and I did have an opportunity over the weekend to go out on a "date". We went and played miniature golf, and then went for nachos and a beer at the local watering hole! The date came to an abrupt halt when Dennis got a migraine, but we enjoyed some quite time together while we could

!

Fall is definetely in the air. We had some rain, and will only be in the 70's for the rest of the week! Along with spring, this is one of my favorite times of year!

a 1, 2, 3, 4 vacation....

1 mini van, 2 kids, 3 states, 4 days.........worth of vacation! We had a blast visiting the streets of Chicago, ate yummy Chicago style pizza, toured museums, went to Navy Pier, took in a Cubs game and visited Lambeau Field in Packerland (Green Bay)! It was so refreshing for all of us!

It's been a LONG time.......

I could list a ton of excuses, but let me just say I am sorry that I have abandoned my blog, for those of you that have been checking!

Of course summer not only brings with it beautiful weather, but all those activities like soccer, softball, and the like. To sum it up......Dennis made 2 Canada fishing trips. Josh marched in 14 parades, went to Mt. Rushmore for a week with the marching band, then a week in northern MN teaching bible school on an indian reservation. Tay and I made a very last minute trip to Boston to meet my sister, my mom, and my nephew. Nolan was seeing a specialist there for his eye disease! We also enjoyed several days at a friends cabin with Dennis' brother Doug and his family! It was great fun!

The biggest news in our house, is that we added a furry four legged friend to it! "Champ" came to our home on July 2nd...and is totally spoiled! Not ever having had a pet in all my years, I am quite shocked at myself at how much I enjoy having him here. He is part Beagle and part Rat Terrier. Therefore, we don't let him off his leash, as he will never come back! He is a year and a half old, and is spending his spare time burying his bone in the hostas!

We are leaving next week for a few days to Chicago, then onto Green Bay for Packer training camp. My cheesehead is beside himself!!! We are looking forward to some enjoyable family time.

I hope that you are all having a great summer! I will try to update again SOON! (not 2 months)

Mish Mash...

This month at Scrapbook Doodle I got to play with some Junkitz. I scrapped this layout of my neice when she surprised us last month for Josh's Confirmation. This weekend Libby has a fun Memorial Day weekend challenge posted, so pop on by and check it out!

Last Sunday was Josh's friend Taylor Strand's Benefit dinner. Taylor was badly burned in a fire pit accident 7 weeks ago! She has undergone several surgeries, and will be in the hospital for months, maybe even a year! God bless her and her family! At the fundraiser, was the highlight of my week! Watching the boys Sumo wrestle! It is not the greatest photo, but they had me in stitches! They paid the fee, and got into these outfits! The funniest was when they fell to the ground and couldnt get up without help! The smiles on their faces was worth it all! I am sure there were smiles on Taylor's families faces as well, as the 400+ silent auction items brought in $21,000! This community has certainly come together for a great cause!



My nephew Nolan is preparing for his trip to Boston to see a Uveitis specialist for his eyes! To read more you can go to his blog at www.nolansnetwork.blogspot.com !!! He is nervous, but has high hopes that Dr. Foster can help, in hopes of keeping him from experiencing any blindness.

Have a wonderful and SAFE holiday weekend!

Where have I been?

Last weekend Josh celebrated his Confirmation. It was a wonderful weekend with family and friends here! Josh did excellent with this questioning and testimonial! He has always had such wonderful FAITH, so I knew that he would do wonderful!

The Wednesday before we all had a wonderful surprise! My neice Alix flew with my mom! She is 8, and we all just adore her! Of course it meant a little spoiling on her "Annie's" part! She let's me braid her hair, curl it, we had pedicures, and the best part.......the first thing she said to me when I picked her up from the shuttle...."Annie, can we scrapbook?" (She and her brother call me Annie because when they were younger, they couldn't say Aunty, so it was Annie, and it just stuck!) Even with all that I had to do to get ready for Josh's big day, how could i say NO to scrapbooking? We got several simple layouts done, and she went home with her very own pink bubblgum colored album!

Of course yesterday was a BIG day........NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY! Of course I celebrated it! I finished 8 layout challenges between Scrapbook Doodle and Scrapbooks.com.

Take a peak at a few!

God's Plan...

This morning the phone rang at 7:30, and both Dennis and I looked at each other with concern. The phone usually doesn't ring that early on a Saturday morning! It was my dearest friend Jenny, who was with her son Griffin ....in the hospital. Now, let me back up to last weekend. Jenny is my scrapping pal-and we have been friends since elementary school. Last weekend she and I were at a retreat scrapping. That was the first time that we had been together since my diabetes diagnosis! So, she learned all about counting carbs, checking glucose levels, and what I couldn't eat! She asked alot of questions, which made me feel good, as I felt like she truly cared about what I was going through. We try to talk on the phone almost daily, so yesterday during our phone converstaion she was telling me about Griffin being thristy all the time, and going potty alot. She said after hearing me talk about how my diabetes got started, she figured they better get things checked out, and made an appointment for Monday.

Now, let me tell you a little more about Griffin....he loves Kindergarten, and is one of the most intelligent 6 year olds you will meet. He loves his Webkins....too!
Last night little Griffin ended up in the hospital, and guess what the doctor's told him?

He has Type 1 Diabetes!

My heart breaks for Rich and Jenny, but at the same time I feel this overwhelming POWER in all of this. They, too, will get through this like I have. There is alot to learn, but they are wonderful parents, and will conquer this obstacle. Jen told me on the phone this morning "there was a reason I got this!"...to help her understand this disease before this news they recieved today. She said she didn't feel quite so "clueless"!

So, as I reflect on my past 5 months of living with this Disease....I realize how this was all part of God's plan for Griffin and I! I am so glad that I can be there for Jen and her family! We will walk side by side, just like we have in so many other parts of life throughout our friendship!

I know that God chose Griffin and I to be his special Diabetic Warriors! I know this was all HIS PLAN!

Griffin........you are special..........(so is your mom, dad, and Logan)...but, you are really special to be chosen by God to live with Diabetes! We love you! Sending great BIG hugs to all of you!

It's a GIRL thing....

Last weekend I went with 3 friends on a scrapbooking retreat up north. I have not laughed that hard in a long time! It is always so refreshing to get away. I come home and feel like a much better mommy, wife, friend, but a very tired one, as we don't get much sleep! We have good intentions, but always end up staying up half the night giggling! These are my friends that SPARKED the weekend up a bit!

And boy, we know how to make one heck of a mess!

Springtime Snow....

It was 50 degrees a couple of days ago, and we were looking at some green grass in the yard, but mother nature decided we hadn't quite had enough of winter, and added a few inches of the "white stuff" over night last night. So, Taylor and his friends decided to make the best of it! They built a little snowman, who is melting very quickly, and built snow walls to hide behind in their snowball fights! They are having a blast! We just hope that these white flakes don't scare Peter Rabbit away!

Yesterday....

Was my dear Gram's 89th birthday! Just look at her...she doesn't look that old does she? She is still so spry and active! She gets up and exercises there at her apt with all the other ladies 3 mornings a week! She worries about her mind, but gosh, she does so well for 89! Love ya Gram!....Bunches and Bunches! Josh was happy to bake Gram her cake! ....and boy was it sweet!











What have I been scrapping? This layout I did for Janice's monthly challenge at http://www.scrapbookdoodle.com/. Something old (the pics), something new(Dream Street PP) and something blue (chipboard alphas). Well, this cute kid happens to be my husband when he was little! I am having so much fun scrapping his childhood for him. Most of his photos are in the form of slides, so I have been taking them little by little to have them converted! Isn't he just the cutest kid?

The Iditarod Dog Sled Race-Alaska

Our family has dove into all things Iditarod over the past week! Taylor's teacher has a brother who lives in Alaska, and has raced in this race. So, he educates the kids on this race, the mushers, dogs, etc. Each student had to pick a musher to follow! Taylor chose Lance Mackey! He has taken his 24 hour break and is the first to check in this morning at the Ruby Alaska checkpoint! If you would like to follow with us....http://www.iditarod.com/!! Lance Mackey was last years winner! Things started out kinda iffy for him as his dogs were sick, and had to stop alot to change their booties! We have become obsessed, checking his whereabouts many times a day! What a fun event this has been for Taylor (and the rest of us)!

Playing the game of TAG!

I was tagged by Aimee ,
who was tagged by the amazing Paula, who was tagged by the amazing Celeste, who was tagged by the amazing Tina, who was tagged by the amazing Angie and that's as far back as I know. ;)Here's what I have to do:* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I will eat ketchup on anything, including eggs! Yum Yum!

2. I am the most organized unorganized person according to my husband (with which I won't argue).

3. I won't leave the house unless my socks match my outfit! (Unless I am wearing sweats, then it is okay to wear plain white ones!)

4. I married my darling husband when I was just a mere 21! And here we are almost 16 years later!

5. I organize my closet by short sleeves, long sleeves, pants, etc, and then by color! Oh, and they all have to be facing the same direction!

6. My 89 year old grandmother is my best friend!

7. I wear socks to bed at night!


and now I will tag:

Janice
Pat
Autumn
Tracey
Jaime
Lucy
Lissie

Leap Day Challenge at the Doodle!

I just wanted to share my layout that I completed last weekend for the challenge at scrapbookdoodle.com! This is my nephew Nolan last summer at his fundraiser for the Uveitis Foundation!

Interested in LEAPING into some fun?

The Team at Scrapbook Doodle has some fun planned for this weekend! Check it out...we would LOVE to have you! Click on the title to take you there to check it out!!

Playing Catch Up...

We are trying to warm the toes here in central MN, with temps well below zero the last couple of nights! Along with that comes the crud! I have not felt well for almost 2 weeks, but managed to feel well enough to make dinner for nearly 120 people at our annual Youth Valentine's Dinner at church! Beef Burgundy, Garlic Mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner salad, punch, and Mousse was served! It was a wonderful night!

I was to see the neurosurgeon today to see where I stand on re-entering the work world, but I didn't get out of bed all day! Josh and I commiserated about all of our aches and pains, as he didn't go to school either. Hopefully I can get that appointment re-scheduled some time in the near future!

Today my sister lost a dear friend of hers to cancer. Hard to see a young mother of 3 taken to such a disease, but Stacy was a woman of faith. Her and her family are at peace with her passing. Thank you to all who graciously served completing page layouts for her and her family. My mom and sister said the layouts were beautiful! To see more about Stacy and her family you can view her http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stacyhirschman. They are an inspiring family!

This weekend I hope to feel well enough to make a trip to Ikea with some girlfriends! Gotta get me some organizational items!

Hope you are all having a great week!
God's Blessings to you!

The Face of FOURTEEN!

Hard to believe that it was fourteen years ago that you came into our lives! Hard to believe that learning to ride your bike, your first day of kindergarten, and playing chalk in the driveway is a thing of the past for you! I miss those days! BUT, I welcome the days ahead! You are such a bright, gifted young man. You are so strong in your faith! I can't wait to see how God is going to continue to use you in his kingdom! I know I am posting this a few days late on my blog, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY SON! Mom loves you!............to the moon and back!

Reflections, and being accountable!

It has been almost 2 months since my Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis! And, as I sit here and reflect on what has all taken place, I am in shock, awe, disbelief and blessed all at the same time! It wasn't until I was talking to my Gram on the phone yesterday that the blessed part really struck me! I could be in denial, but why? I could be angry, but why? I could be sad, but why? I could have a pity party, but why? I told Gram yesterday that I see this as a TOTAL blessing! Our family is not the best with our eating habits! I see this as God telling me to 'get it together' if I want to see my grandchildren grow up! Better yet....do I want to see my children graduate from high school?

So, over the last 2 months my days have been filled with medical appointments-learning how to eat, what to eat, how many times a day, how to give myself insulin, how to count carbs, what to eat when we go out to eat, etc. I found that I was NOT eating healthy at all. We always had chips in the house (that was my total downfall!), we rarely had more than a couple of apples, or carrot sticks, and we ALWAYS had ice cream treats(thanks to the bi-weekly Schwans man!)! So, I vowed to eat more veggies, fruit, and cut the junk! Well, that isn't specific enough!

I need to be accountable! I need to set realistic goals! and I need to set time frames! I figure that if I tell you all this.......I am accountable to not only myself, but YOU! After reading through the Diabetes website this morning I learned these keys!

How long will you try this goal? Keep it short.
Is it easy to do in your regular daily life? Keep it realistic.
Is it limited in scope? Be specific.
How often will you do this?

So, here goes!

Eating: I will eat no less than 2 pieces of fruit daily starting today, for the next month. One piece with breakfast, and one other.

Eating: For the next 5 times that I eat out, I will order salads instead of fries and a hamburger.

Physical Exercise: For the next month, I will walk 4 times each week for 15 minutes after breakfast. I will complete my Physical Therapy exercises daily before lunch. (I started Therapy for my back this week!)

The girls at scrapbooks.com have started a weekly thread about our eating healthy. It is different for each of us! But, you are welcome to check in, and share your venture!

On a lighter note.......we had our friends children for the weekend! Dan and Sherri enjoyed a weekend away! I was in heaven as I got my fix of having a little girl for a breif while! Tay lor and Mitch spent the weekend playing Legos-imagine that! So, I leave you with a picture of one of their prized creations!

Thanks for following my personal goals, and let me know if you have any of your own...I would love to cheer you on!

God's Blessings on your week!

My first month at Scrapbook Doodle.....

and I got to play with this wonderful Bo Bunny Kit! Here is what I created!