Holy smokes!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, FoUr days til ChRiStMaS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My house is a disaster but tomorrow I am cleaning again.
My kids are home for two weeks. I have all kinds of fun things planned.
Jesus is the REASON for the season. Praise you, Lord for the joy I have. You are
all I need.

Let It Snow..........?

Okay, something strange is going on around here.
I am ok with it snowing.
I am ok with colored lights on the house this year. In fact, I feel more festive !
I am not stressing out over every little thing.
I am determined to have fun this month.
I have a date with Bob this afternoon. He is so excited!! And I am too.
He is such a little lover.
Ian is doing GREAT!!!! Thank YOU, LORD!!!!!!
I feel God in control and I won't let go of that promise!
Yay for Christmas! Yay for Jesus!
God Bless Us, Every One!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, that time of year again!!!! I am thankful that we are going to Deb and Bob's for dinner tomorrow! We never get invited anywhere! I hope we know how to act.
I am thankful for my family, my friends, my health. God is so amazingly good to me and mine.
I hope you all have a wonderful day surrounded by people you love!

childhood

I have a new friend who had a very challenging childhood. It has caused me to reflect a bit on my own childhood. I have to say I have mostly good memories. My dad was strict and sometimes unfair. My mom always gave us the ominous "wait until your dad gets home" speech.
I remember my dad whooping my butt with a hair brush once and I feel the shame and degredation of it to this day. I also remember him slapping me full across the face for mouthing off at my mom once. I deserved that. I did not deserve the hair brush whooping.
I remember my dad tucking me in at night. I remember him calling me to take his dirty socks to the hamper. I remember him sleeping on the couch until one of us turned the channel on the tv.... we had 3 choices, you know. then he was suddenly wide awake.
I remember him being very suspicious of me and always thinking I was up to no good.
I thought he must have been a rotten kid cuz he was always sure I was doing something bad.
My dad used to take my pillow and warm it in front of the fireplace and run it back in to me while it was toasty warm. Gosh, that felt good.
He took me fishing. He took me to the dump. He took me visit relatives like my Uncle Ike who was my grandfather's youngest brother.
I remember my mom screaming at me. I remember her comforting me. I remember her covering for me. I remember her seeming very uncaring when I was crying over a boy. I remember her there comforting me when my oldest son was born with a heart defect and we thought he might die.
Man - love, hate, dislike, distrust, contempt, rage, tenderness, empathy, sympathy, an ache that love brings to our hearts, the millions of emotions that a person small or big can experience.
And yet, the love wins out. For me.
I have no ill will towards either of my parents. I know they did the best they could. I know they loved me then and love me still. I know I am shaped by not only them but by their parents and their parents' parents and so on . We all have our stories to tell. Our failures as a daughter and as a parent. Our need to be accepted and loved. We are all looking for someone to love us just as we are.
I am doing the same with my own children. I am doing the best I can. I hope they look back and remember a loving mom. I know they won't remember me as perfect. My parents were far from it and so am I. But may LOVE win out.
Thank God for loving parents, wether they are those that contributed to your birth directly or stepped in because your own parents couldn't do it, as in the case of my friend.
Let's all do the best we can and stop beating ourselves up for the times we fail.
The only parent that will never fail is our Heavenly Father. And He makes up for all our shortcomings. Thanks for reading my ramblings.

My Handiwork!!

Please check out my blog www.paperexpressions.com for inexpensive gifts. I have teacher and assistant gifts and will have more to come.
Thanks and please tell your friends!!

Friday Stuff..................

1. I am waiting for...............The Frog Princess to come out!!
2. I am most bummed about................us needing a new dry well and therefore my trip to England is in jeopardy. :(
3. This weekend I.......................will help Doug finish the leaves, clean out one closet upstairs, maybe dabble in getting out some Christmas decor.
4. I wonder if..........................anyone is still reading this boring blog. If so I challenge you to comment so I know it. :)
5. I am praying about.......................my friend Sarah and her husband getting an important paper so they can travel to China to get their new daughter, my son, Ian to continue to do well on his meds, for things to work out for my England trip and other things that I pray all the time.
Have a good day, people and comment if you read this!! Seriously, I may ditch this blog if no one is reading it!!!!

Halloween 2009

Well, we flew by the seat of our pants.......but everyone was happy and that's all that matters.

Costumes were worn, candy was collected and eaten. Another halloween over.........onto the important Holidays!

Hello, remember me?

Man, do I need to blog.........pour out everything to people who care enough to read it......but.......
I am too full of "stuff" to even set it out in words. I just know that without God holding me up, I would surely fall. Sin, pollution, sickness, this world oppresses me and makes me long for the next.
I do have joy, don't get me wrong.......I have beautiful children. Everyone's kids are a challenge, right? Why should mine be different?
I have great friends who love me and pray for me and listen to me and trust me with their cares too.
Don't get me wrong..........I'm not without joy. Just don't know how people do this thing called life without help from God.
Prayers appreciated. :

Fall Banner

Hi, just wanted to share the FALL banner I made to hang on my baker's rack in the dining room.
I will take orders for these........the price is $10.
I can also do custom banners for birthday parties with child's name.
More to come!

Friday Fillins...............8/28/09

And...here we go!
1. He was a one eyed, one eared, flying purple people eater.
2. The colors, crisp air, back to school is what I look forward to most this time of year.
3. My best friend didn't recognize my voice on the phone yesterday!
4. I am ready for the kids to go back to school, to be honest with you.
5. Appearances can be misunderstood.
6. The last person I gave a hug to was one of my kids.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to time alone, tomorrow my plans include opening the store and working til 3 and Sunday, I want to go to church and then relax!

Friday July 31st 2009

Oh, my goodness August is tomorrow!
To me August means FALL is right around the corner. WOW!
I need to talk about my kids today............I love my gorgeous, funny, naughty, sweet, rotten, selfish, thoughtful kids.
They are a demanding bunch. Thank you, God for entrusting them to my care. That you found me worthy of the job is AmAzInG to me.
Jake is so tall, he will be an adult in less than 2 years. Where, oh where did those years go? I hope that I instilled in him a love for our Lord, honesty, integrity, kindness, good manners.
Ian and Dylan - my twinnies. I never dreamed in a million years I would be the mother of twins.
They are so different, yet there is that twin bond. Thank you, God that they are mine.
Lindsay, my little surprise package. She wants to be just like me, Help me, Father to be a good example. I know that I have failed many times to do that. Forgive me and help me do better from now on.
The biggest dream I have for all my children is to love the Lord and become his children.
I love our church. So thankful that God led us to Rothbury Community Church. Jake is starting the youth group next Wed. Brand new youth pastor, good time to get him going........only two more years that we have a say in his spiritual habits.
I have another daughter now, too. My SIL said that she is my daughter of the heart. I like that so much....now I call her that all the time. Her name is Jasmine and she is a beautiful girl, inside and out. She is a huge help to me with the little kids. We do things together, her, me and Lindsay...girl stuff. She plays star wars with Dylan and shows a genuine interest in what Ian likes ....... computers! She is a gift from God. She has also been Jake's friend since 4th grade.
And I want to say that my husband is the best in the world. Perfect, uh.....no! But for a man, pretty close for me. He supports us, loves us, yells at us, forgives us, encourages us.
Summer ending is going to be sad this year. My children are growing up way too fast and it can be depressing. But I have to thank God that they are growing up.... Jake could so easily have died on the day he was born had God not chosen to heal his heart defect. The twins are strong and healthy and Lindsay is a spunky little girl. So many people have lost children at a young age, so many people cannot have children. I was one of those once and God performed 4 miracles for me.
Life is fleeting. People live and they die. People matter. God has woven a tapestry that is my life. He chose every strand, every color, every fiber a long time ago and with great thought. He does that for all of us. He tests us, refines us, shines us up and one day we will stand before him and he will have one question for us............"Why should I let you into My Glory?" I know my answer, in all my imperfection........I have the answer.

Poor Little Blog

I have been neglecting my blog so badly. My name is Janine and I am addicted to FACEBOOK!

Summer is going fast! I am working part time at the Mears Market. It is really fun and gets me out of the house a bit and I have some more money!
The kids are doing pretty well with it.
Ian is doing ok.
Dylan and LIndsay love the pool.
All 3 took swimming lessons this summer.
Jasmine is here alot. She is a HUGE help to me!!
Jake has his green permit...........and is a good driver.
Doug is still working and we are very thankful. In fact he has been getting lots of overtime even.
If you read here, Thank you and don't give up on my blog............I'll be more faithful!!!

CaN't BeLiEvE iT's FrIdAy AgAiN!!!!

FIVE FOR FRIDAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING!
2. WE BUILT THIS CITY ON ROCK AND ROLL!
3. WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE, SWEET LOVE!
4. BUSY HANDS, BUSY FEET, BUSY MIND, GO TO SLEEP!
5. ALL I NEED IS THE AIR THAT I BREATHE AND TO LOVE YOU!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, jAkE!!!

Jacob Douglas Eitniear

16 years ago tonight I was nervously and excitedly contemplating giving birth to my first child....... didn't know if it was a girl or boy and didn't care. After 11 years of marriage and 5 of those spent with doctors trying to figure out why we couldn't conceive we had done IVF and were pregnant and it was almost time to meet our baby. After going to bed every night for several months with baby lotion rubbed on the back of my hand so that I could smell it as I fell asleep, I was about to see him.
After smoothing tiny sheets and blankets every night in his crib, soon he would be laying there, my baby....after lullabies and books.....yes books! I read to my babies in the womb and as soon as they came out. After years of waiting and dreaming I was about to become a mom............and Doug a daddy.
Doug and I prayed together for a good nights sleep and a safe delivery of our baby the next day.
We fell asleep with sweet anticipation of holding our own long awaited gift from GOD...............

FuNkY FrIdAy FaCtS..........................................

1. Ian is excelling in school and doing much better at home.
2. Lindsay had a wonderful recital and will be back with Miss Abby next fall.
3. Dylan is looking forward to swimming lessons.
4. Jake will be SIXTEEN on June 2 and has his party on Sunday May 31!!!
5. Doug is blessed to have a job.
6. I am looking for a job (other than the many I already have but don't get paid for).
7. I'm going to TN in less than a week to see my Aunt Eve and cousin, Shari and her family!!
8. I can't eat ice cream anymore. :(
9. I have lost 74# now.
10. I want to lose 10 more (all from my middle)!!

Recital 2009

FrIdAy FaCtS....................

1. God is Good all the time.
2. The sun is shining at 8:10 a.m. in New Era!
3. I am blessed beyond belief.
4. My weight loss is up to 70 # now.
5. I have booked my flight to TN in FOUR weeks to visit my dear aunt Eve and cousin Shari!
6. My Jakester will be SIXTEEN in just a little over 3 weeks!!!
7. My house is a mess.
8. My windows need washing.
9. I love Jesus Christ.
10. I totally have adult ADD........ooh, did you see that birdie? What exactly is butterscotch, anyway?

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

THANKS, EVERYONE!!!

Thank you to everyone that donated to Autism Speaks during my virtual walk:
My niece, Steph and Liz
My niece, Tif
My friend, Wendy
My friend, Heather
My niece, Rachel
My aunt, Norma
My brother, Rob
My sister in law, Sandi
My cousin, Jodi
My cousin, Kristin
My friend, Cindy Fodor
My nieces, Ella & Hayden
I met my goal with $40. extra!!
Thank you so much for supporting us and all families living with autism.

FrIdAy FiLlInS~~~~~~~~~~~~~4/24/09

1. Apparently there's some sort of global warming going on which explains the short, warm winter we had and of course, the early spring.

2.It is a gorgeous sunny day.

3. 2009 is going by way too fast so far.

4. So, that was it.

5. For too long I've been a horrible housekeeper!!

6. I am not obsessed with FaceBook; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to not having to do anything special, tomorrow my plans include doing some cleaning; going to Tif's for a PC party and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Ian.................

Just had to share a little anecdote about Ian.
Today I went to listen to the first graders read. I do this often.
Dylan is always the first to come and read to me but Ian never wants to.
He always has some excuse. Well, today I caught him in just the right mood, I guess.
I said "Aw, come on buddy, I really want to you read me a book." Dylan had just read
"On top of spaghetti" to me and he handed it to Ian and said "read it to mom, buddy."
So Ian takes the book, sighs and says "Ok, I'll do it, but I'm not gonna like it."
And then he read the book to me and we laughed and it was awesome. Thank you, Lord.

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father...."
James 1:17

Autism rocks.........?

Ok, maybe I 'm weird or just an optimist........ok, maybe both.
But I have to say that while Ian is a real challenge he also has so many attributes that he might not have without the autism.
He is so honest.
He doesn't flatter or boast.
When he laughs it is total music.
When he says "I love you" it is heartfelt, not just habitual.
He is not mean or nitpicky just for the sake of it.
He is a quirky little kid, but I love him and enjoy him for all his qualities. I wouldn't change him, only make him happier and more comfortable in the world.
PLEASE GIVE TO AUTISM SPEAKS IN HONOR OF MY IAN TIMOTHY.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, April 10

Well, we just got home from GR. Ian had a therapy appt. and Dr. R. said that he is doing so well that we don't have to come back for a month!!!! That's awesome, we've been going every week.
Also, the results from his echo came back totally normal!!
We went to Chuck E. Cheese on the way home. Jake didn't come with us today and it was just weird for all of us. The kids really missed him and so did Dad and I. It must be hard for him being almost 16 and having 7 and 5 year old sibs.
The weather has been gorgeous today.
All in all life is good. God is good all the time.
Please give to Autism Speaks at my personal page http://www.walknowforautism.org/waadwalk/walkingforian
I want to raise $500. for autism research in honor of my Ian.
Thanks!

I love someone with autism

It's that time of year again, autism awareness month!
I am doing the virtual walk again and hope to raise $500. towards autism awareness and help for families dealing with autism.
Thank you all for donating last year and I hope for your support again this year. For Ian and all the other children with autism.

FuNkY FrIdAy FaCtS..........................................

l . I put ketchup on homemade macaroni and cheese.

2. I cannot sleep with my hand or anything else hanging over the side of the bed.

3. I have wanted to visit England my whole life and am finally doing it in May of 2010!

4. My favorite thing about my personality is that I am a good encourager, a good friend and I am not afraid to reach out to people.

5. I am still freaked out by those flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz. Seriously.

6. I love to read but don't much any more because once I get my nose in a good book I am useless for anything else.

7. I was 30 when my first child was born and 40 when my last was born.

8. The thing I hate most about my personality is that I am very easily hurt.

9. I have lost 64# in the last 4 1/2 months.

10. I am happiest when my whole family is together and everyone is happy and getting along and laughing.

Just stuff

Ok, I am determined to get back to my blog. It is therapeutic for me. If I don't take the time to talk or write about things I get overloaded.
First of all, Dylan and I had a wonderful time on Friday.......we headed for Muskegon and had supper at Logan's . Dylan was quite intrigued with the idea of eating peanuts and throwing the shells on the floor. He ate exactly 3 peanuts and gleefully threw the shells on the floor. It was so darn cute. We ordered one meal and shared it and still had to bring some home in a box. Neither of us are big eaters so he was a cheap date! He said "Mom, after we are done eating , can we just sit here and talk?" to which I replied that of course we could. He is so funny. The things a 7 year old wants to talk about are a hoot! Dylan craves Mom time. He is a good natured, funny little man. He is very loving and tactile.
After we were done talking we left and went to Target. I let him pick out something just because. I never do this with my kids so it was a big deal! They only get toys at Christmas and birthdays, never just because. He was thrilled. He thanked me several times and rubbed it in with Doug that he had taken his woman out on a date!
Lindsay, oh my.............she is getting so big. She is reading, thanks to a great teacher and she is such a little woman. She wants to be in on everything. She loves to cook. She likes to take care of her dolls and me. She loves to sing and her dance classes are really paying off. She is very good.
Recital coming up in mid May. Can't wait to see it!
Ian is doing better. We have had a rough patch. I have had a hard time and so has Doug. We were blessed to get away the first Saturday in March overnight! Doug's sisters Laurie and Deb did shifts and took care of our brood for us. We holed up in an awesome suite in Ludington and never left until check out time on Sunday. We had a blast. Total privacy, relaxation and quiet. We read, watched movies, took long baths and well, anything we felt like. It was awesome.
What a blessing! Ian is in some intense therapy and is responding well. We have had to change his medication again. He is doing ok on it. The therapy I think is what will be the turning point .
God is good and carries us along. Just when I think I can't take any more, God is there and I try to rest in Him and leave my burden at his feet. Not always easy for a "fixer" type like myself.
We also are blessed with a very dear church family. Our church secretary is very kind and will take the time to send out prayer requests when needed, no matter what time of day or day of the week. Thank you, Michelle. Our pastor is awesome as is his wife. We are starting to feel like we are at home again.
Jakester is chomping at the bit to start driver's training. His voice is so deep now . When he speaks I think who is that man? Where is my boy? I cannot believe he is going to be 16 in a couple months. He is so tall and handsome. If only he could get along with his little sister he would be perfect! LOL!
Doug is working steady for which we are truly grateful. I am trying to get my errand business off the ground. Still in the marketing stage, alot of interest but so far no actual clients. If it's meant to be it will be. I am excited to have a monthly stamp club going with 8 great ladies!! We are having a blast and making new friendships!
Well, I guess I have rambled on enough for now. I should be off to bed.
If you read here, thank you. And if you pray, please keep my family and me in your prayers.

Friday stuff about me............aka write something on this boring blog!!!! LOL!

1. I am child of the King, which makes me a princess!
2. I need to love and enjoy my home again.
3. I have a fantastic husband who I adore and can't imagine life without.
4. I have 4 challenging children...........and I wouldn't trade them for perfect ones.
5. I love the Lord and would be lost without HIM. He is my rock, fortress and the horn
of my salvation.
6. I love our new church, well not that new anymore but we are feeling more like we belong.
7. I have many dear sweet friends and feel blessed to know them all.
8. I spend entirely too much time on the computer.
9. My daughter is beautiful and my sons are handsome like their daddy.
10. My parents are both very special to me and I hope God allows me to have them here on earth for many more years.
11. I love my blog and pray for a desire and ability to impact people for the Lord.
12. I read Brenen Twiss' carepages and marvel at his mom and her amazing attitude and love and trust for the Lord. She has an amazing outlook and inspires me daily.
13. I am planning a trip to England in May 2010 with two of my sisters.......we are going to visit a little village in Somerset where our 8th great grandfather was born and lived until he came to America.
14. I can wiggle my ears and so can my dad, Dylan and Lindsay..........what else do we have in common? We all have brown eyes. My blue eyed siblings and kids can't do it!
15. I am going on a date this afternoon with a gorgeous young man named Dylan Robert, 7 years old.

Just Me- Janine

1. When I look to the left, I see all my stampin' up punches.

2. living room is the room that has the best view in my home.

3. Let it work out, please Lord.

4. Dirty deeds done dirt cheap!

5.voting is a responsibility that all qualified citizens must share.

6. If you have any magical cleaning fairy dust feel free to pass it on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to making mini albums with the ladies at RCC, tomorrow my plans include my monthly stamp club in the morning and then the Superhero party at 2:00 at the library and Sunday, I want to relax!

Bloggin' Blues

Man, I just have not felt like blogging. I love my blog and have enjoyed it so much......I don't know why I am in a funk. Maybe it's because winter seems never ending. Maybe it's because there is a lot of stress in my life right now that I just don't feel like writing about. Maybe it's because my life is pretty monotonous right now. I don't know, but please bear with me.........I will get over it!!
I do have one fun thing to report......we got a puppy. An itty bitty Chihuahua puppy. His name is Willie and he is so stinkin' cute. We all love him like crazy.

MIA

Wow, my blog has been pretty boring lately. If you read here regularly, I am sorry.
I thought I would share with you the cards we did at our monthly stamp club today!
Love, love, love this bird!!
I used the texturz plates with the Big shot on both cards, not sure how well it shows up.
And my camera is giving me trouble too. Might be time for a new one!

Four For Friday

Q1 - Hello and Goodbye: Do you wave at people on trains or boats as they pass by? SURE DO!

Q2 - Library Books: Do you think people who fail to return books to public libraries should face criminal charges? If they won't pay for the book, yes.

Q3 - Acronyms: If each of the letters in your first name combined to form an acronym, what would your acronym be?

J ealous; A type personality; N ice; I nteresting; N urturing; E ver optimistic that things will get better in time.

Q4 - Approval: According to a Gallup Poll conducted earlier this week, President Obama's approval rating is 65 percent, which is nearly identical as when he was inaugurated. Do you approve or disapprove of the job the President is doing? I ABSOLUTELY DISAPPROVE and am thoroughly disgusted with the man.

FrIdAy FiLlInS~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Please don't tell me that BO is going to be any good for this country.
2.Can you chew crackers and whistle in the morning?
3. The color pink makes me want to hug my daughter!
4. I have a craving for nothing.
5. If my life had a pause button, I'd pause it when Ian has a tantrum.
6. Eyes are the window to the soul.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Lindsay's little glamour girl party, tomorrow my plans include cleaning my house and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Lindsay is FIVE!!

I cannot believe my baby girl is FIVE today!
I still cherish the memories of nursing her and just watching her.
Her first year was one of the calmest, most peaceful years of my life.
She was a great comfort to me after the horrible post postpartum depression
that had gripped me for over 2 years.
She and I seemed to live in our own little world. She was a wonderful baby to nurse.
She was contented. She was (and still is) a snuggle bunny.
Thank you God for the surprise package that is my Lindsay Marie.
Thank you for knowing me and that I needed her in my life.
Thank you Dear God that she is healthy, beautiful and so smart......FUNNY! TaLeNtEd, loves to DANCE and sInG and most of all that she LoVeS JESUS.
Thank you God for miracles.

1. I'd really like to win the lottery right now.

2. YOUCH is the word you'd most often hear me say if I stubbed my toe.

3. Possession is 9/10 of the law.

4. I love Captain Jack Sparrow.

5. Marshmallows and fire go together like tasty and burnt.
6. Winter goes on and on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having Troubles to cuddle with, tomorrow my plans include dog sitting and Sunday, I want to go to church!

Thursday, Thursday...........

Well, here it is......Thursday and I am still in a funk. I just have so many things on my mind.
The state of the world, the economy, the government....it all has me down. I need to keep reminding myself that GOD is in ultimate control. Also, things have been rough at home with stuff, I hate to blame it all on Ian's autism, but it sure puts a strain on the family. I am messed up with some woman issues and I have had a headache for about 4 days now. Man, I am a mess.
Prayers appreciated. Thank you!
GOD is GOOD ALL THE TIME.

Monday, Monday............

Sigh..............
I'm having one of those days......you know, the kind of day where you have so much going on in your heart and mind that there just aren't words for it.
I feel like I should share it, but just don't have the energy to try to sort it all out.
Does that make sense to any one? I hope I'm not just totally weird.
My Love You Much Valentine Workshop on Saturday went really well!!!! It was a hoot!
Thank you to everyone that registered and came which was NINE of you!!! It was a bit crowded and a bit hectic but I hope everyone had fun.
I should post pics of the projects we did.......later.
Right now I am going to watch Bonnie Hunt. She makes me laugh so hard.

This is a dark day in America

Psalm 127:3
"Behold, children are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Give Me A Chance

Hey, Little Boy, what would you like to be someday?
Maybe an astronaut who zooms around in space?
No, I will be the one who finds a cure for cancer.
I will not rest until I've finally found the answer.
All I need is just a chance to live.

Hey, Little Girl, where in the world are you going?
It's hard to tell with one so small, no way of knowing.
I'm headed on an airplane for the Middle East.
I'll be the one to forge a treaty bringing peace.
All I need is just some time to grow.
Just give me a chance.

Hey, Mr. Politician, can you hear their voices?
Your deafness feigned to gain the vote of those with choices.
When I am home alone and shut off all the noise,
I hear the pleading of those little girls and boys.
All I need is just a chance to live.
All I need is just some time to grow.
Just give me a chance.

© 2000 karl kohlhase

Friday, Jan 23

1. Oh, I am so excited about my stamping event tomorrow!!!

2. I am not good with changes, big and little.

3. During my favorite tv shows, I fall asleep.

4. That person in the White House; are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be independently wealthy.

6. The internet is my favorite gadget.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to setting up for tomorrow, tomorrow my plans include stamping with NINE great people and Sunday, I want to relax!

Friday, Jan. 16

1. Enough with the hoopla over Barack Obama.

2. Guilt causes me to be conflicted.

3. I've been craving Mexican food.

4. Bonnie Hunt makes me laugh.

5. I wish I could go shopping next week.

6. Travel has been on my mind lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to quiet, tomorrow my plans include surviving and Sunday, I want to relax!

Projects are coming together!!!

Yesterday, I put my blinders on to everything around here and just created! I got 3 of the 5 projects for my Love You Much Valentine Workshop put together and they are cool! I would love to share them here, but that would spoil the surprise!
It feels good to be creative. I was still working when the kids got home and they all oohed and aahed over my projects............
Today is MOPS and we are going to make french memo boards today. I am glad it stopped snowing at least for now.
Hope everyone has a great day!

Friday, January 9

1. It's January; HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2. Organization; peace & calm in my home & my heart is what I crave most right now.

3. Cork and wine go together like hair and shampoo.

4. Soup is so nourishing.

5. Let us dare to dream, believe, put feet on our faith.

6. I need to clean and love my home again.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to quiet, tomorrow my plans include surviving the day and Sunday, I want to relax!

Getting excited..............

Yes, I am getting pumped up about my upcoming stampin' event here at my house!!!!
I went to Muskegon yesterday to get some supplies for the projects. I am planning some killer
cool projects. You won't want to miss it!
I am sending out invitations with more info tomorrow so you should have yours on Monday! In the meantime keep Saturday, January 24 from 11:00 til 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. (depends on how fast you work!)
This is my first BIG stamping event in a long time so I am so excited!!! It's gonna be AWESOME!!!
OH, and I want you to know that the group that attends this event will be the FIRST to get their hands on a brand NEW Spring/Summer catalog and idea book!!!!!

My mom...........

Wow, what a few days we have had!!
My mom was feeling unwell most of last week and finally admitted she needed to go to the ER on Saturday night. She is still in hospital! She ended up having her gall bladder removed on Monday. The surgeon wasn't able to do it through a laproscope so she has a huge incision across her belly. The doc said it was the worst gall bladder he has seen in his career and he has been a surgeon for many years. Mom has been our main focus (me and my 3 sisters) and so not much else has gotten done. Today I had to stay home and catch up my checkbook and pay bills. I also got some exercise in today.
I just want to give God all the glory for my Mom doing so well. Her heart and lungs are fine. She is walking the halls. Her pain is probably a bit worse today, but overall she is doing really well.
I am planning a special Stampin' Up! event and so am working on that today too. The house is a mess but I just don't see me getting much accomplished in that arena today. :(
Well, just wanted to post so you would know I am still here.

Stampin' Up! INVENTORY BLOWOUT!

FROM JANUARY 5 - 18 GET A GREAT SELECTION OF STAMPIN' UP! PRODUCTS AT UP TO 50% OFF............DON'T WAIT AS QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED.

These items are in the current catalog and are GOING to retire:


These items are NOT in the current catalog, they were in the LAST catalog and ARE retired. They've been brought out of retirement for a limited time:


These items are in the current catalog and will not be retiring, but they also won't be available at this pricing again! Even though they are not retiring, there are STILL LIMITED QUANTITIES at the discounted price:

Friday, January 02

1. I must go to England before I die.

2. You can't stop kids from growing up.

3. I wish I never had to buy pull- ups again.

4. Jesus has helped me change my life.

5. I know tons of songs by heart.

6. If I weren't so afraid, I would really market my errand business.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to quiet, tomorrow my plans include undecorating and Sunday, I want to relax!