tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65883524600189732652024-03-14T09:48:59.329-07:00From Start to Finish and Everything in BetweenI used to write a journal as a kid. I really wanted to continue that but it has fallen to the wayside so here I will attempt to capture bits and pieces of my life. I will try to post 5 times a week with some post about the past, some about the present and some about the future!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-90010769174348379592012-04-02T14:16:00.000-07:002012-04-02T14:16:04.255-07:00Yipee for home internet!! Or We have all become slaves!!So if you follow my blog, you became acutely aware that I no longer had internet access back in October when I was taking part in the 12 weeks of Christmas Cookies blog hop! I was going strong then bang..... I was gone. Well, I had a bit of an issue with my isp and ended up cancelling my service! It took me many months of trying to figure out what my best option was.<br />
During those months I became acutely aware what a slave I was to the internet. My life began to revolve around trips to Starbucks and the library just to get my daily fix. I realized that I used the internet for meal planning, craft ideas, socializing, and this isn't even including the essentials like banking and email!! Slowly, I began to realize that as much as I liked my constant Starbucks runs, I needed to get home internet again!<br />
So I am glad to announce that I have joined the slave ranks again and now am sitting at my craft supply laden desk looking at all the awesomeness, that I will never in a million years have time to make, on pinterest! <br />
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Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-8895651879826702162011-10-06T08:09:00.000-07:002011-10-06T08:12:03.553-07:0012 Weeks of Christmas Cookies - Week 2So it is week two of the twelve weeks of Christmas cookies. I am grateful to Brenda over at <a href="http://http//www.mealplanningmagic.com">Meal Planning Magic</a> for inviting me to participate in this!! My kids and I have had a blast coming up with what to do and then preparing things. This week I wanted to try something that I had never done before!! However, it may not have been my brightest idea!! Sometimes things that look very simple can become ridiculously difficult!! Ok, so maybe it wasn't that difficult .... just mostly a sticky mess!! I used a recipe that I got from <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">allrecipes.com</a> I chose <a href="http://http//allrecipes.com/recipe/holly-christmas-cookies/detail.aspx">Holly Christmas Cookies</a>. I added the marshmellows, butter, vanilla and food coloring to the pan. Then once it was melted, I removed it from the heat and added cornflakes. Judging from the way mine turned out, I think that this recipes needs more cornflakes so it won't be as gooey!!
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These probably wouldn't freeze well so they would be best made right before you plan to serve them.
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Now you should go check out all the other cookies created just for The 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies Blog Hop!!
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</script>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-18922709543312887522011-10-05T13:55:00.000-07:002011-10-05T13:56:01.029-07:00Costumes.....So I have been invited to a few Halloween parties.....I am trying to come up with something that won't cost me a small fortune!! So here is what I am thinking......
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I think the sugar skull would be pretty cool and probably very different than anybody else. I think I have most everything that it would take to make this one happen. It could also be fun for a photo shoot or a car show or even both!! This could be done fairly cheaply and I am confidant that I could pull it off!!
However, one of the things I was invited to, has a theme!! The theme is Candyland. I think it could be fairly easy to do this......
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Which one do you think I should do?? or should I do both??
Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-2882313557798169302011-09-29T19:19:00.000-07:002011-09-29T19:19:18.896-07:0012 Weeks of Christmas Cookies - Week 1This week I made Peanut Butter Sealed with a Kiss cookies! These cookies look great and freeze well!! <br />
Here is the recipe I used:<br />
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1/2 cup creamy peanut butter<br />
1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
1 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/3 cup sugar for rolling<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />
1 and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 9 oz package chocolate kisses unwrapped<br />
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Preheat the oven to 375. Cream the peanut butter, butter and brown sugar. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Wisk together flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly combine flour mixture with peanut butter mixture. <br />
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Shape the dough into 1 inch balls and roll them in the white sugar. Place on parchment paper on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 minutes and remove from oven. Press chocolate kiss into the center of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Makes about 24 cookies. <br />
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Now who wants to come do my dishes?? :)
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=107647" type="text/javascript"></script>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-66609668310660566132011-09-28T21:29:00.000-07:002011-09-28T21:29:54.139-07:00Christmas on the brain!!I know it isn't even October yet but man, I have Christmas on the brain!! All the prep for the Cookie exchange, I guess! I have thought back to Christmases past and cherished old memories....like the one of Santa putting presents under the tree in his red bikini briefs...um, thanks dad!! LOL Seriously though, Christmas has been a treasured time for me, like most. A time for family gatherings and the smells of baking. Last Christmas was a little tough but I hope to leave it in the past. <br />
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This Christmas will be the first where my kids don't rush in and wake me at 4 am, so it will be a little different. However, I plan on making Christmas Eve extra special for my kids!! On Christmas, you may find me volunteering somewhere or maybe at the movie theater(that would be a first)! <br />
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What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Do you plan on starting new traditions?Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-74929378110425462222011-09-27T13:14:00.000-07:002011-09-27T13:14:03.206-07:00Fishing....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXjK3YjDMoe_RO19UBMXNocVJn_B8huCiXFnGi5Nt4aesoMwqne2vNCX0hrYB8c57xWNBzmpGOriH2z5B1x2qfVUT2cb9D0iJgP6FqIvqX28_WMuHijTwGjm44jvvWkY8vhi-JUd1JSc/s1600/216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXjK3YjDMoe_RO19UBMXNocVJn_B8huCiXFnGi5Nt4aesoMwqne2vNCX0hrYB8c57xWNBzmpGOriH2z5B1x2qfVUT2cb9D0iJgP6FqIvqX28_WMuHijTwGjm44jvvWkY8vhi-JUd1JSc/s320/216.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Lake, Washington</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">When I was a little girl my grandpa started taking me fishing. I think I was three when I became his favorite fishing buddy! We spent so much time on the lake and camping at places near rivers. I had my own special cooler for soda and I got to bring my favorite snacks. I remember being so impatient to catch fish. I would cast out and reel it in then start again!! LOL over and over cast reel cast reel! It is a wonder I ever caught anything. While I was fishing with my son a couple weeks ago, I remembered that I would lean over and tug on my grandpa's line to make him think he got a fish! LOL Some of my most treasured memories are those of fishing with my grandpa! </span>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-56955855727563671362011-09-22T22:39:00.000-07:002011-09-22T22:39:19.603-07:00Cookie Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to take part it this blog hop Hosted by <a href="http://www.meelplanningmagic.com/">Meal Planning Magic</a>!! It will be my first!! I have been wanting to try something like this!! There is still space available if you would like to join!!<br />
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Here is how it will work: each participant will post a Christmas cookie or candy every Thursday for 12 weeks!! So far there are about 26 bloggers participating....that is a whole lot of cookies and candy!! <br />
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I can't wait to see what everybody comes up with!! :)<br />
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</script>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-75717192751055310822011-09-13T10:10:00.000-07:002011-09-13T10:10:59.519-07:00PlanningWhen I was young, I thought I had a plan.....as I got into high school I forgot about "the plan" and took a new path. From that moment forward I have not had much of a plan and have not been very organized....sometimes I plan this or that .... sometimes I organize one area or one thing in my life....<br />
Slowly, I have been becoming more planned out and organized about things....it has taken some time but I am getting there! LOL Today, I plan meals and stick to the plan, I have binders for couponing, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and (ugh) unemployment! I am finding that these things help me more than I thought they would!<br />
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One day I just realized I had to do something (so I could find those important papers that I needed)! <br />
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How do you keep your chaos organized?Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-61583293281557907642011-05-03T21:56:00.000-07:002011-05-03T21:56:41.433-07:00PinupSo I started dabbling in pinup/rockabilly .... here are some of the results!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy62c2zmEjR952zAnXzGnSy3yo_bWfSdyAXYILQx23rIyzk6BJKyW7HwAExeZGA5mlWHmeg8zXJnyx5p85TG_8JeyiAHprClmDlydpockt3BjAxznrnCU8uu4HvSYxebLohe_e9Mj8HqM/s1600/Frankie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy62c2zmEjR952zAnXzGnSy3yo_bWfSdyAXYILQx23rIyzk6BJKyW7HwAExeZGA5mlWHmeg8zXJnyx5p85TG_8JeyiAHprClmDlydpockt3BjAxznrnCU8uu4HvSYxebLohe_e9Mj8HqM/s400/Frankie1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-27856648428884378672011-04-09T20:05:00.000-07:002011-04-09T20:05:12.050-07:00Life changes.....Change is unavoidable! Sometimes it is good and sometimes it is bad. Sometimes it can be a blessing. A couple months ago my boss (at the time) told his employees that he may need to lay off someone, as business had declined. I agonized over this, trying to think of how I would survive without a job. The stress of it was overwhelming. I thought of every angle of the situation. Looking back at it now, I know there is no thought I could have had that would have properly prepared me! For weeks it dominated my thoughts. <div><br />
</div><div>Then came the day of the layoff....somehow I was in a daze the day it happened. It seems foggy to me, even though it is still very fresh. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Things will be tight but we will get by. I know that I am a strong resourceful person and have already figured out that I can go back to school. Though it may be tight for a while, in the long run it will be way better for my family!</div><div><br />
</div><div>My kids have been very happy to have me home when they get home from school. They love baking with me in the afternoon and that I can attend evening school activities and not get there late!! </div><div><br />
</div><div>So I say this is a positive life change!! :)</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-72664487381682652622011-02-22T20:56:00.000-08:002011-02-22T20:56:14.659-08:00How I am.....since everyone keeps asking....I am just fine. I expected to be hurt when I heard that my ex was getting married again. I was wrong! I feel nothing about it. I feel as if I heard someone I hardly know announced their engagement. It doesn't affect me. It is nice to see the kids happy about it! <br />
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I feel good about my emotional stability! I knew before but had a shadow of a doubt, now I know without doubt I have moved on! I was a foolish child who didn't know what love was.....<br />
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I know the love I share with my children is stronger than anything I have ever felt, it is the most important thing in my life!<br />
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Someday, I would like to know a man who truly loves me for me and who I love just as much, who wants to share his life with me.<br />
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For now, I am content with what I have in my life and have no concern for what others do in theirs!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEa9wWTsCQJJWLoUT2D99msj6JD04heUi28jd9E5GjLrOm2U-7w4m5aIdAdi6h2C-1m6dj3M1KYkNCuoBIrGkQNf87ZkqwBl1BpLkcEbKxPW-0AAglSH4qLNMTYL0yiYRVKgP0EpYsBA/s1600/P1090222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEa9wWTsCQJJWLoUT2D99msj6JD04heUi28jd9E5GjLrOm2U-7w4m5aIdAdi6h2C-1m6dj3M1KYkNCuoBIrGkQNf87ZkqwBl1BpLkcEbKxPW-0AAglSH4qLNMTYL0yiYRVKgP0EpYsBA/s320/P1090222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-22645106115230656802011-02-03T22:07:00.000-08:002011-02-03T22:07:00.252-08:00Under Construction....I am sorry I have not posted for a long time.....After spending a brief amount of time in Connecticut with my best friend, April, I returned home to a plethora of holidays crashing down around me. <br />
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Thanksgiving came fast and furious with a snow storm. My kids were disappointed to be stuck at home with no family visiting.<br />
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December brought a major ice storm which left me with a 12 hour commute home from work one night. I rescued stranded bus riders and we raided a box of candy from halloween that I had hidden in my trunk. The company helped me make it through the storm! <br />
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It also brought my 32 birthday..... I have never much cared about getting older so I am not afraid to say it....I am now 32! :)<br />
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The day after my birthday brought a shock wave....David moved out. It still leaves me with little understanding and lots of heartache. <br />
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My Dad came to visit for Christmas which made the kiddos and I very happy!! He even made us breakfast on Christmas and dinner!! I love my Dad!! <br />
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January passed quickly .... and now we are here into February....<br />
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So as my life is under construction presently, I will try to construct more time for blogging! :)Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-27133240911439359182010-11-11T16:12:00.000-08:002010-11-11T16:12:45.105-08:00Donate button to the right.....In case you are unaware, my very best friend, April's husband was in a very serious collision on Friday November 5, 2010. He was on his way to work when a drunk driver crossed over into his lane hitting him head on at 60 miles per hour. He was cut out of his car and taken via ambulance to Hartford hospital in Connecticut. He was admitted and taken to the ICU neurological trauma center. He is stable now but still not conscious, his kids can't come see him because of all the wires and monitors. The doctors say they don't know how this will effect him in the long run but he will be hospitalized for a very long time and they are saying a rehabilitation center will most likely follow his hospital stay. <br />
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April and Chris work hard to support their family. They both work 2 jobs (April sometimes works 3)!! They barely are able to make it on the amount that all those jobs bring in! Now with Chris not working, April is going to have a very tough time of it!! <br />
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If you can make a donation, however large or small please do so by pushing the Donate button to the right! <br />
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And please please pray for my friend April and her family!!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-85094637690934330352010-11-07T23:27:00.000-08:002010-11-07T23:27:05.701-08:00Was just thinking......Man I haven't posted in a long time...I have been thinking about it and decided that I am going to add a feature....Mock up Mondays....While I have been developing the idea and cultivating my thoughts around it, I haven't had a chance to post. <br />
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Then tragedy hit my dearest friends life....in the form of a drunk driver. I got the call at 8 am Nov. 5th and was on a plane to Connecticut at 6pm. I am here now and doing my best to hold it all together. Please if you have a facebook page visit the page I set up <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-April-and-Christopher-Couillard/154586401251361">Help April and Christopher Couillard</a>, I will be setting up an account for them so that people can donate to help support the family in this difficult time. <br />
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Alright, in an effort to stay sane.....I am returning to the idea of Mock up Mondays. In it I would write a post detailing a fantasy trip, way of life or event. I think it could be fun to "pretend" that I had a fabulous trip to Italy, until I get to in real life! LOL Just the research alone will give me a chance to glimpse into things that I have no clue about.Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-40730017595320308892010-10-31T22:04:00.000-07:002010-10-31T22:04:03.425-07:00Happy Halloween!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmmPy0IiP1cZMR9SggPtqzSerpquz8ZYf62ebi4rXDGBuS7Z52m5BEjwqXtj-Qty6Qe4_74j-qf_1clZrBf68SooTm6jymrm0Gam__WnL5AsajTf6fwEbRzc16K9YapXOX9oksfTKgWM/s320/DSCN2894.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teddy at Jengo Fett</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmmPy0IiP1cZMR9SggPtqzSerpquz8ZYf62ebi4rXDGBuS7Z52m5BEjwqXtj-Qty6Qe4_74j-qf_1clZrBf68SooTm6jymrm0Gam__WnL5AsajTf6fwEbRzc16K9YapXOX9oksfTKgWM/s1600/DSCN2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfSFBj1aqojOwhy3_DjoZ12fj7C1ugn95aVVb2I9F6_fXWMDLIBLbIySSxZaiT9IQ5qcLIWd71qEfYEsYtDEUwjFIkS1CxyJ-dVCVKrJuu5VFcThKDAduBn3Q8M1EiQbn2rWavR8Z7_w/s320/DSCN2900.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as Blaine Princess</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfSFBj1aqojOwhy3_DjoZ12fj7C1ugn95aVVb2I9F6_fXWMDLIBLbIySSxZaiT9IQ5qcLIWd71qEfYEsYtDEUwjFIkS1CxyJ-dVCVKrJuu5VFcThKDAduBn3Q8M1EiQbn2rWavR8Z7_w/s1600/DSCN2900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1BsydbRY_KKHjmwrhpbNvdipGFVaTK0SKM9zPSYd3hB7z_C-q8CM5z16vAUiUMB3TVXxifjW3VEZ3q5L6h_4VfsGTC6drme54qRhvYWG_60bZPg_Kd5GEUU7cXUU1DlPZvMzNwx4E0k/s320/DSCN2913.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kiddos finally ready to go</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Went trick-or-treating with the kids tonight!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-59510758292228536102010-10-31T15:57:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:57:45.869-07:00December Daily.....Ok so the base for my December daily album is done! I am going to add some embelishments soon but the cover and pages are all set up. Here is a peek.....................................<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLqSfsILiG2OF2JZpaSRiy9w0HEDl6kt7uTbnDrd7kIw9ECyAvlXs2GeXZgutG-1xP1BuDaaSSHeyZ-z6qf88YfRwin1OEMs4TJhq_y7lqe2fyXiNp_vCcvsNJvwujvsg6FTFMksCF-U/s1600/DSCN2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLqSfsILiG2OF2JZpaSRiy9w0HEDl6kt7uTbnDrd7kIw9ECyAvlXs2GeXZgutG-1xP1BuDaaSSHeyZ-z6qf88YfRwin1OEMs4TJhq_y7lqe2fyXiNp_vCcvsNJvwujvsg6FTFMksCF-U/s400/DSCN2883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-26737408659628317172010-10-31T15:43:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:43:44.710-07:00The final week in The Glee Club on Dixie Pieces.I am sad to say that last week was the final week in the Glee Club on Dixie Pieces! Here was my final submission.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagooC8qDYyJ0y4h-D0YhISbbjeyCVDprztNYH29J4sP0bv7RgQow_-lVwJ9d7OiNm1dzajXfpAE62VKm4rqRuXW-TbhfXq1FGJTBDrmBT4aZF8RcaAT2cpdaPBp3ifnsULYyVCKj6mLc/s1600/DSCN2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagooC8qDYyJ0y4h-D0YhISbbjeyCVDprztNYH29J4sP0bv7RgQow_-lVwJ9d7OiNm1dzajXfpAE62VKm4rqRuXW-TbhfXq1FGJTBDrmBT4aZF8RcaAT2cpdaPBp3ifnsULYyVCKj6mLc/s640/DSCN2862.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Look at that darling little face! It is hard to believe that he is going to eight years old in May! It is my sweet little social butterfly, Teddy! Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-85635933817890523062010-10-31T15:40:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:40:10.863-07:00Challenge @ Buttons & Bows.....I really like doing challenges, it forces me to get some scrapbooking and or card making done!! For this challenge I used a Tiddly Inks digital stamp, Trick or Treat Echo Park paper, black card stock and a few other things I had laying around. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgCnfttqIzEYUn_sWrqbiy1TQtvPY1i5ioVUEPqsJK7U3zLJomXSOvvQ_ClEQEBQv9bkGPZHdYGIq4NcsB8jdukTUixw9pNEEMIPvRRYF7cDhrRxC_HOf-JpW9mVbzXHfCP5OHoEsR9M/s1600/DSCN2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgCnfttqIzEYUn_sWrqbiy1TQtvPY1i5ioVUEPqsJK7U3zLJomXSOvvQ_ClEQEBQv9bkGPZHdYGIq4NcsB8jdukTUixw9pNEEMIPvRRYF7cDhrRxC_HOf-JpW9mVbzXHfCP5OHoEsR9M/s400/DSCN2881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Boy, oh, boy ... did I make that mess? Hey, I was having fun, so I am not too concerned with the destruction left in my wake! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx2dFeSCBiEFQ7_DXVx7gQ8pO-dQ5JNOjV2qs-MFRL5bVkiTOegzRbeyzPEzfk71oZUpE-Emi0ICm7PfovXdqBVTuCDCWJBuC3OrjLMwuZeoyDA19NWMOi6GWzPoVoogr78xu_Mpcfsc/s1600/DSCN2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx2dFeSCBiEFQ7_DXVx7gQ8pO-dQ5JNOjV2qs-MFRL5bVkiTOegzRbeyzPEzfk71oZUpE-Emi0ICm7PfovXdqBVTuCDCWJBuC3OrjLMwuZeoyDA19NWMOi6GWzPoVoogr78xu_Mpcfsc/s400/DSCN2877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Here is my adorable card!! Now if I only knew who to send it too! I guess I might have to put it away to send out next year! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F5EVfacqYmWQZSEy_8852TBpGn2XtxMEuc03X-XklsGcV50_oISuSLbf1eqM6PUIkF3QX0scgukgIX8-ZkMQ1pg1cL6I3YdrwhGs0gtsp7pmHc2gdsCAW_8HY2yF1tmhAzFLRJclOgo/s1600/DSCN2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6F5EVfacqYmWQZSEy_8852TBpGn2XtxMEuc03X-XklsGcV50_oISuSLbf1eqM6PUIkF3QX0scgukgIX8-ZkMQ1pg1cL6I3YdrwhGs0gtsp7pmHc2gdsCAW_8HY2yF1tmhAzFLRJclOgo/s400/DSCN2878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Another angle.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxSULNLB1UlZPT3T8YBk59eRVYrNNdibrMC7n16ik6U4oJ094VZo5HCTs3WSpErNhzLn6G8TEEgiQoGTV4H-X5YGScfVAsGvbevmhsk6WXHtXVsiyA37K_hbYZVZhn1-Hihda4eXQTAQ/s1600/DSCN2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxSULNLB1UlZPT3T8YBk59eRVYrNNdibrMC7n16ik6U4oJ094VZo5HCTs3WSpErNhzLn6G8TEEgiQoGTV4H-X5YGScfVAsGvbevmhsk6WXHtXVsiyA37K_hbYZVZhn1-Hihda4eXQTAQ/s640/DSCN2879.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xRb-MIigkZoZ9V9lQiYT2PaKaGVxRx5t9umGgMuaScaR9hRPBkVI1PApPNaRS2dJq4ur5I2LQrsaMYwEpJrhRctp2V3g6-uoCNQ4mWvxCCa4YFgYCAIuvXP5dajRDs78zyfT-xi7Y0Q/s1600/DSCN2880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xRb-MIigkZoZ9V9lQiYT2PaKaGVxRx5t9umGgMuaScaR9hRPBkVI1PApPNaRS2dJq4ur5I2LQrsaMYwEpJrhRctp2V3g6-uoCNQ4mWvxCCa4YFgYCAIuvXP5dajRDs78zyfT-xi7Y0Q/s400/DSCN2880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Finished products always make me happy! Now what next?.....Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-65535859413885530002010-10-31T15:31:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:31:16.397-07:00Knitting....I have wanted to know how to knit forever. I have tried once or twice but could never quite get it. I can crochet but knitting is a whole different story. The church I go to is having what is called, Celebrate U. They have all sorts of different classes. One happened to be knitting. I had to try again! I have been practicing and practicing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3wWvCAvyMZpTF1EkNNs3qLPrm0CgWkFqB_YQoV-K0VWLzy60gi5vej0Ayo1Y4-hwRbkixDDE762Ek5qvMm7yOX_hqyCXoUTpeFdI7Sm61Z9girfFqZd0MTw9BMfanG0wzNW6nQAAQ5E/s1600/DSCN2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3wWvCAvyMZpTF1EkNNs3qLPrm0CgWkFqB_YQoV-K0VWLzy60gi5vej0Ayo1Y4-hwRbkixDDE762Ek5qvMm7yOX_hqyCXoUTpeFdI7Sm61Z9girfFqZd0MTw9BMfanG0wzNW6nQAAQ5E/s400/DSCN2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I am so proud of myself!! :)Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-41826630722736969342010-10-31T15:24:00.000-07:002010-10-31T15:25:49.952-07:00It has been too long....I have been very busy.....here is a photo of a visitor we had at our house today!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKZAJ0Xeo9nTULAyfKuEKJrmJNNOTQq4LozKmHTjTwcVY96EtsTavHWe-uYyfoAVAIobVX9xvbvNu_DviVcCj-nuZGGmB3gsSJyU7dewRBdxg1WJtSEtvUqx_pzN77MhqFkX_UsqzMzA/s1600/DSCN2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKZAJ0Xeo9nTULAyfKuEKJrmJNNOTQq4LozKmHTjTwcVY96EtsTavHWe-uYyfoAVAIobVX9xvbvNu_DviVcCj-nuZGGmB3gsSJyU7dewRBdxg1WJtSEtvUqx_pzN77MhqFkX_UsqzMzA/s320/DSCN2873.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have been trying to feed the squirrels but they really don't seem interested!Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-23988936972657797482010-10-15T12:05:00.000-07:002010-10-15T12:05:37.900-07:00Tiddly Inks: Blog Candy!<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have been very intrigued by digital scrapbooking and digi stamps. It wasn't until recently that I decided to try out digi stamps. My first purchase was at Tiddly Inks! I love the designs and was very happy with the purchase. I am sure my digi stamp collection will be growing more than my actual stamp collection! Once I start digital scrapbooking, I swear, the flood gates will open and I will lean towards everything digital. I would love not having to have all my supplies taking up my desk and walkin closet!! LOL It would be nice just to have it all stored in files on my computer! </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On to the candy....I saw that Tiddly Inks is having this huge give away, and not to be stingy or anything but I WANT, I WANT, I WANT......so now I am sharing it with you. :) Just remember to leave the winning to me! LOL</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><a href="http://tiddlyinks.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-candy-continued.html" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is the link to Tiddly Inks Blog Candy</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eFNPLPoKNMG4E09-fOhStdk8EvUEheaHKnYQkKf5ew298L6Z09b68gWbynRBVj-8tNDTsNmiQnclgoKllt-_9Hh2FU0uvkfsWhYxe7iSUhp0osV5t4tF61vxaDAmsmxzZNn6Mr7ziEs/s1600/blogcandybadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eFNPLPoKNMG4E09-fOhStdk8EvUEheaHKnYQkKf5ew298L6Z09b68gWbynRBVj-8tNDTsNmiQnclgoKllt-_9Hh2FU0uvkfsWhYxe7iSUhp0osV5t4tF61vxaDAmsmxzZNn6Mr7ziEs/s640/blogcandybadge.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That is the blog candy and here is a list of what is included:</span><br />
<div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">3 sets of acrylic stamps</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">stacks of paper</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">cardboard</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">bits and pieces of goodies</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">mirrors and magnets</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">some cardstock and envelopes</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">a few finished cards </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">CD of Tiddly Inks images worth $50....you pick the ones you want up to $50</span><span><br />
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<a href="http://tiddlyinks.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-candy-continued.html#ixzz12SJocrK2" style="color: #003399;"></a></span></div></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Go check it out!</span>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-11886898218887747282010-10-14T22:03:00.000-07:002010-10-14T22:03:44.204-07:0016 & Pregnant<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Have you ever seen the show 16 & Pregnant? I have watched a few episodes and while I was doped up after a dentist appointment today and home alone, I watched one. In it the girl was having issues with her boyfriend, the babies father. He was feeling like he was being held back and like he was sacrificing everything for her. This kind of brought back memories of when I was in high school and pregnant with my oldest son, Tristan. When I told his dad that I was pregnant, the first thing he did was suggest an abortion. I couldn’t do that as I have very strong feelings about that. I told him that I would give the baby up for adoption if he really wanted me to. He said no. I wonder now if he felt like I held him back. That night, when I told him about the pregnancy for the first time, I also gave him the opportunity to walk away. I told him that I wouldn’t hold it against him and that I could raise the baby on my own if he didn’t want to be a part of it’s life. When he said he wanted to be there, I never considered that maybe he had just said that. Having a baby in high school is hard. I had a lot of support from my in-laws but it was still hard.<br />
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I had Tristan in May of my senior year. I was lucky enough to be doing running start (going to college and getting credit for high school and college at the same time). Also, my mother in law worked at the high school that I attended so she helped me with Tristan when I had my high school classes. I even had one teacher that would let me bring Tristan with me to class. I graduated with my class, had the whole ceremony and everything. I am proud of myself for completing high school but I was so focused on taking care of Tristan and graduating, I never thought of how his dad was effected by it all. <br />
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It doesn’t really matter now, it is all done and over. We got married in March of my senior year and divorced after almost 12 years. I realize I wouldn’t change most of it cause if I did I wouldn’t have my kids. I also realize now that if I had been smart I would have done things differently. <br />
</div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-11962695389770786032010-10-14T21:34:00.000-07:002010-10-14T21:34:42.335-07:00Family Photos<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So I got our family photos back on Sunday and there are some pretty cute photos. We drove down to Steilacoom and met our photographer, Kayla, at Pioneer Park. We were all pretty worried that it was going to rain and we did drive through patches of rain on the way. When we got there it was cloudy but not raining. We started at the gazebo area and ended up walking down to an old train station and then back up to the park. For the most part the kids were good and all got along. We had a few moments of tension but as you can see in the pictures, it all worked out in the end. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVkh_0bFh3ldpXXVJULtm3zhOPvTa3lP1RClSMLaLQCW5CAgKnHRWXC0tbQJlWzWFbtfc3iNpup9-l50PvN1pMbfq1FYtHEHLRG_AgiksBajYOqr_zOZTtzqjBi77E2sACvmLTkTaC_k/s1600/DSC_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVkh_0bFh3ldpXXVJULtm3zhOPvTa3lP1RClSMLaLQCW5CAgKnHRWXC0tbQJlWzWFbtfc3iNpup9-l50PvN1pMbfq1FYtHEHLRG_AgiksBajYOqr_zOZTtzqjBi77E2sACvmLTkTaC_k/s640/DSC_0675.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-11043667932315594582010-10-08T22:39:00.000-07:002010-10-08T22:39:11.834-07:00Another week in The Glee Club on Dixie Pieces.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6wBbvaASLMVVZQ5ixaMvhW5eHmsbpmWiQ1YoRIrTs4vmWJCwgGqwqBv0g1qhhPDaZqnYSP0zeuSbwbs4Fwnw-m_WVuN0mgQmp4WW0Qn8OHEomUkMe97q2vFDH0oTFd5ljlS2OfpJppY/s1600/DSCN2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl6wBbvaASLMVVZQ5ixaMvhW5eHmsbpmWiQ1YoRIrTs4vmWJCwgGqwqBv0g1qhhPDaZqnYSP0zeuSbwbs4Fwnw-m_WVuN0mgQmp4WW0Qn8OHEomUkMe97q2vFDH0oTFd5ljlS2OfpJppY/s320/DSCN2839.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>The challenge this week was based on the music of Rafi. I chose to use the song title "This little light of mine" I used a picture of Tristan that I took on the first day of snow. He got all his snow gear on and was begging to go outside. Tristan has a lot of medical issues but skiing has been a huge delight in his life so snow makes him light up.<br />
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Here is a little back ground on Tristan. He had low muscle tone when he was really little. I always knew there was something different about him and I never stopped trying to figure it out. I mean what two year old knows all the names of all the construction vehicles and all the cars on the road. He could say 100 words at a year old and could speak in sentences... We were finally able to get a diagnosis when he was nine. Aspergers or high functioning autism....honestly, I wasn't shocked. He was also diagnosed with OCD and turrets syndrome. It was hard to swallow all at one time but I never thought for one second that there was anything wrong with him. He is perfect the way he is! :) The doctor offered medications but I decided that I didn't want to medicate my sweet boy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrwmb6VNaVy0X7drIC8k_Ni7fcnPq_D-1aeSLwBqMlkisGVx6gI96m2zMI9XCRSoD7-Z2fnuhbyeghk80j9Ek9Fjc_bD-emrVCd8bK-kh7Ba1_WdJfhfkb9nxZzesrHz_qrM20i-v0UE/s1600/DSCN2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrwmb6VNaVy0X7drIC8k_Ni7fcnPq_D-1aeSLwBqMlkisGVx6gI96m2zMI9XCRSoD7-Z2fnuhbyeghk80j9Ek9Fjc_bD-emrVCd8bK-kh7Ba1_WdJfhfkb9nxZzesrHz_qrM20i-v0UE/s200/DSCN2841.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
I also was able to complete a birthday card for a mini challenge. I don't really like the way it turned out, wasn't what I pictured in my head....but it will do :) Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6588352460018973265.post-2317847455325895472010-10-08T22:23:00.000-07:002010-10-08T22:23:47.959-07:00Our outside visitors....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAvqxeXTsC3SHAjgSAeKxYf8gyyjNl8-7iu3tkLkYS2GBBd9V3gW1z27anMJ_TCQAnCObZob-w9TbpStMxcgqFg8saAejQEXsxW_FCLzq8xMxXsMASdBji8h0T6boasQ8EtCQCrysKjY/s1600/DSCN2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAvqxeXTsC3SHAjgSAeKxYf8gyyjNl8-7iu3tkLkYS2GBBd9V3gW1z27anMJ_TCQAnCObZob-w9TbpStMxcgqFg8saAejQEXsxW_FCLzq8xMxXsMASdBji8h0T6boasQ8EtCQCrysKjY/s400/DSCN2821.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Just in time for Halloween, our yard has been taken over by these giant spiders. I am ok with spiders but none of the kids are too happy....They all run. You can't tell from this photo but this spider is huge! This was one of the many webs we found around the yard! Tracihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14138926932291588722noreply@blogger.com0