Life and Times of Me

Today I am thankful for...

2010-11-01T13:08:00.002-07:00

November 1, 2010

Today I am thankful for a quiet house, time to myself and an ice cold coke zero!!

What are you thankful for today?
Hugs!
Janice

November 1st...

2010-11-01T09:04:00.003-07:00

Hi Friends...
Well, I didn't do very well getting back to blogging for Karen's October challenge but I DID start off well! I am just moving on...

I did some GREAT coupon shopping the past 2 weeks now that I am using the Coupon$ense program again! Last week my bill was $146.00 I saved $68 with my card and coupons - $78 then I got $75 returned to my bank account for opening an account at a new bank... grand total = $146 worth of groceries for $3!! Oh YES!!

Yesterday's shopping trip wasn't THAT good but still pretty good! My bill started out @ $237.. with my club card, coupons and specials I only paid $96!! This trip included 4 frdge packs of soda, 12 packages of assort. meat, 3 pks of lunch meat, 5 bags of goldfish 6 pks of frozen veggies, 3 pizza's , 8 bags of Halloween candy, 2 loafs of bread, 3 pks of hot dog buns, fresh fruit, 6 pks of FREE gum, 1 gal of milk, 1 pks string cheese, 3 boxes of cereal, 4 bags of tortilla chips, 2 24ct pks of water, 1 pkg sour cream, 4 bottles of nyquil, 3 toothbrushes and kids cough syrup! A total of 74 items!! :) We fed 15 people last night for Halloween BBQ and still have lots of food left!!
I am a happy camper! I can't wait to get to the other stores this week! :)

Happy November Peeps!!
Hugs,
Janice

Day 25...

2010-10-25T23:26:00.003-07:00

Wow... when I posted last time I thought I would just miss a day or 2 because we went out of town! I never thought that I would have so much life in my life!

First... here are a few photos from our fun weekend at our friend 74 acre ranch!

When we got home on Sunday afternoon we found out that my family had suffered a tragic loss! Sgt. Ian Tawney - my cousin's son in law was killed in action in Afganistan! He and Ashley are expecting their first child in a few months - baby Claire! It is always sad and heartbreaking when you hear about a loss in this STUPID war... but it is totally different when it is your family! I pray that you don't ever know what I mean by that!! Ian was only 1 of 10 men that were lost from his Unit in just a few days!

On Wednesday, my mother in law was taken to th hospital with chest pains. As it turns out she did have a very minor heart attack. That sounds like a crazy thing... there is NOTHING "minor" about a heart attack... right? She was in horrible pain and the drs discovered that she also has a horrible UTI. Thank God she was able to go home on Saturday morning!

This weekend my BBFF came out to play baseball for the week! We are looking forward to watching his game(s) during the week! Jack is really excited to have his "Uncle Pete" here so he was watch him play ball too! He also like to have him "around"!! It's very cute!

Sunday was all football in the house!! Chargers and Cardinals both lost their games! It was a huge bummer! Jack spent the night with his Didi & Papa and they all went to the fair on Sunday! I got a call from a "neighbor" and had a photoshoot schedule for the afternoon! I took a peek at them and they are AWESOME! It was a really fun shoot!

And finally... I am so excited to announce that I am a member of the Ready, Set, Create Design Team!!I am so honored to be part of this great team!!

Until tomorrow...
Janice

Day 14

2010-10-14T18:37:00.002-07:00

I had a busy day today... again!! :) I say that with all smiles! This morining I scrapped and chatted a bit with Jodi & Betty. Then cleaned the house and got out the Halloween decorations! Before I knew it I was on my way to Jack's class and decorated it for "Fall" for his teacher! That is a Room Mom duty I really enjoy! Got stuck with a little sinus headache so I decided to just order pizza and make salad for Bunko tonight! I don't like pizza but the girls will eat it and so will Bob and Jack!! No biggie!! Bob was awesome and offered to go pick it up and all the snacks I needed as well! He rocks!!

Going to do a little homework with Jack while I am waiting for everyone to arrive!!

Have a great night!!
Tomorrow.... TGIF!!

hugs!
Janice

Days 12 & 13

2010-10-13T22:12:00.002-07:00

Yep...I am totally double dippin' here!! I was so tired last night after a full day of prep and 1 coat of venetian plaster on Mary's kitchen wall I was wiped out!! It felt so good to be back in the painting mode! I love, love, love to faux paint... it's my true passion! I did it for just about 10 years and had to stop due to an injury! I am better now (for the most part) and I hope to start to do more. I have another job planned for Nov. which makes me really happy!! Also, I am designing a "teen boy" room for a friend too!

Yesterday 10.12 was the anniversary of Bob's and my first date 18 yrs ago! We went to Chili's then and actually did for many years to "celebrate" our date! ;)

Today... I got a good (early) start at Mary's house and stayed unitl I was complete! My friend picked Jack up from school for me. I think I worked about 10 hrs today but it was so worth it! The kitchen in just beautiful and Mary is VERY happy! I am pooped and surprised I am still awake! Tomorrow is shopping, prep dinner for bunko, decorate Jack's class and clean house!!

Photos tomorrow if they turned out! :D
Hugs!
Janice

Day 11

2010-10-11T21:24:00.002-07:00

It's Day 11... and I really am Lovin' this challenge! Thanks Karen!! :)

Today Jack had the day off from school and Bob was also off of work! Jack's pal Ryan had spent the night but he was out the door to a play day with his Mom early! We hung around the house a bit. Jack put together (with help from Ryan and Dad) his NEW lego Halo ship! It's really BIG and they did a great job! (Pics tomorrow) I cleaned and organized a few more things in prep for this month's Bunko which will be at my house! (Friday's post will be Bunko Babe's!)LOL

I had a nice conversation with my DEAR Friend Jen who is celebrating her Birthday today!! Happy Birthday to YOU Jen!! Hugs! We can't wait for their family to come out in November for a visit! :)

Jack and I had some "game" time today. We took turns kickin' butt on eachother playin' Connect Four and War! Chilled out and watched some kid TV and I made him a super special ice cream treat! We will NEVER have to buy another McFlurry again! :)

Dinner was Super YUMMY and the whole family had a part in putting it together! Jack set the table, Bob grilled the chicken and I made the sides and did the dishes!!

The boys are in bed and now it time to chill! I am watching TV and playing Scrabble online with Autumn! I love playing this game and I LOVE her for turning me on to it!! I have a few other friends who I have hooked now too!! lol

Well... back to the game!! I am winning 340 to 188 but we still have 6 tiles left! ;)
I am sure she will kick my A$$ next game!!

See ya tomorrow... excited for my painting day!!
Janice

Day 10 and its 10.10.10

2010-10-10T21:50:00.003-07:00

I was ready for some football today! The Chargers weren't on TV here but The Cardinal's were and boy was it a good game! Max Hall got his 1st start and 1st win as an NFL Quarterback! He is a "local boy" from Mesa... it's really cool to see him shine! Well, I don't know if I'd say shine... cuz some of the game was ugly and luck.. but a win is a win! He did make a few good plays! Things just worked out for him and the team today!

While I was watching the game this is what I did! I just LOVE the Happy Halloween Kit from Scrapbook Doodle!!

I have a busy week ahead! Jack is off school tomorrow, I am doing a fun Faux Finish in my friends kitchen, Bunko at my house on Thursday and I NEED a haircut!

See ya tomorrow!
Janice :)

Double Darn it... I missed Day 9

2010-10-10T09:41:00.002-07:00

I had a super busy day in and out of the house! I will catch you up on what I did!

Slept in which I really needed!
Organized some coupons for a bunch of great FREEBIES/GREAT DEALS at CVS!
Took truck for some warranty work.
Went to bank to open new accounts.
Lunch with Bob.
Completed a candy bar wrapper order.
Went to pick up truck.
Stopped to shop at CVS! - My GREAT Deals - 3 bottles Revlon nail polish sale $3.99 each, $1 off coupon each, $3 Extra Bucks back for each bottle = $0
1 Schick Hydro razor sale - $4.99, -$4.00 coupon and $4.00 Extra Bucks = +$4.00 bouns = coupon on razor for FREE bottle of shaving cream - $2.99 = 0.
Then P&G deal - buy $25 worth of product get $10 in Extra bucks. Puffs tissue was on sale for $1 x 25 boxes less coupons = $14.25 for the tissue which made it .57 a box. Great deal - stocked for the entire winter and can donate to classroom!

When I got home I got ready quick and we were off to game night! Which ended up just as dinner and relaxing time with our friends!!

That was my Saturday! I was tired when we got home and didn't even turn on the puter like I thought I would!!

Hugs!
Janice

TGIF...it's a "TOE"tally awesome day! Day 8!

2010-10-08T16:39:00.006-07:00

Happy Friday!! It's a really gorgeous Friday here in AZ! The weather is perfect and the skies are blue!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER ANITA!!

Today I finally took my DEAR Friend Lori out for her birthday pedi!! Her birthday was only 2 months ago. Well... anyhow, we had a nice lunch proir and a very, very relaxing time! The massage chairs are really comfy and Lori and I both almost fell asleep! LOL Lori decided to go with a deep dark purple and I picked a med. purple... check them out below! Not that anyone really NEEDS to see my tiny feet but.. my toes are sure pruty!!

Jack is spending the weekend with his Didi & Papa. I think they are going to the fair. Jack loves it and it's something special they have done for the last 4 years! He is excited to spend time with them... he loves them so much... we are VERY blessed to have them as part of our lives!

Dinner tonight... out at BJ's!!

See ya tomorrow... ;)

It's Day 7

2010-10-07T22:23:00.006-07:00

Ok... Ok... I know this post is even later than yesterday's but it is still October 7th here in AZ!! LOL

Jack had early release day today at school and got out at 11am! We worked on adding the captions to some of the photos of Flat Stanley that my nicec Lisa sent! Jack thought about what we he should type on them and did the typing! I went in and sized it and added the color font... he picked the fonts!! So cute! One of his homework assignments is to type all of his spelling words in the computer and use a "fun font"! He loves this... this gave him the idea of how to do his "title" on the project and do the "journaling" on the photos! I think it is GREAT!!

Here it is...

We sent Flat Stanley to my niece in Oceanside, CA! Which as most of you know is my hometown! They took him to several of MY FAVORITE places! The Harbor Fish & Chips, the beach, a Padres game and even found a Fire Fighter to give Stanley a ride in the truck! So cool that they did all these things... it will really mean a lot to Jack in the future when he "gets" it! The only bummer is that Stanley didn't get to visit my Mom! He did get to see all of our other family member who live in that area!! I love this project can you tell?? LOL

Jack and I did try to to go shoe shopping today! Well, we did go shoe shopping... we were just unsucessful!! He wants slip ons but Vans don't come in half sizes. The 4's are too small and the 5's way too big! The Tony Hawk shoes looked cool but are too hard to get on! He got too frustrated so we will try again on Monday! (NO school!)

My sister in law had surgery last night. She had to have 1 of her "tubes" removed. She had a bad infection and it fused itself to her appendix and intestine. She is recovering and will be released in a day or 2. Also, my DEAR friend Mike has very early stages of colon cancer. He had surgery on Tuesday and is recovering well. He has 5 holes in his belly which is way better than being cut totally open! The suspect he will be fine with limited treatment! He is a deputy sheriff in CA and will be out of work for 4-6 weeks. Please keep them both in your thoughts and prayers!

More tomorrow...
Hugs!
Janice

Day 6... what the heck??

2010-10-06T22:39:00.005-07:00

Hey (Again)... It's Day 6 of the blog challenge and I did blog this morning but it's here! I HATE that... totally hate that!! :( I really didn't post that much but still... it was done! LOL So... here we go again! I will make it though cuz it's only 10:45pm! :D

So... here are a few things I did today! Made a fun new profile avatar/photo thingy for by Creative Crew Party Favors... and more FB page! PLEASE tell me what you think!

I added photos on my facebook page from yesterdays storm:

Here is the list of friends from Scrapbook Doodle http://www.scrapbookdoodle.com/ who are playing along in the blog challenge! It's been great and interesting reading! :D

Karen: http://www.thelopezlife.typepad.com

Tricia: http://momentstosharewithme.blogspot.com/

Sherri: Blog: http://myordinarylifemorrisway.blogspot.com/

Christina: http://www.christinachrushch.typepad.com

Jodi: http://scrapsofpaperinthedesert.blogspot.com

Jill: http://brought-to-you-by-the-letter-j.blogspot.com/

Alecia: http://scrapmepink.blogspot.com

See ya in a few hours!!
Hugs!
Janice

October 5th = Day 5

2010-10-05T09:07:00.003-07:00

Dear Fall... I have missed you! It is so nice to see you again! I hope you stay around for a long while. I sure do like it when you are here. You are one of my favorite seasons! Please extend your stay until January if you'd like!
Love, Janice

Hehe... I'm a dork I know!! But... I am SO enjoying my doors and windows open this morning!! Here is a little idea of what Fall brought us yesterday!

Ok... off to enjoy the weather and get scrappy!!

Hugs!
Janice

Day 4.... who's ready for more blog fun!!

2010-10-04T16:30:00.004-07:00

Yahoo... I am so excited to be bloggin' here on Day 4 of the 31 Day Challenge!

I am going to start off today's post with some GOOD NEWS! I am saying GOODBYE to my old cell phone! I had this orange env for a few years and it is the reason why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to text! I love the full keyboard and Jack love the camera!!

This is my new little beauty! It's the Samsung Intensity II in Metallic Blue! It should show up via FedEX tomorrow and in use my mid-day! I love the bigger keys and the bigger screen... the fact that it's a really pretty blue doesn't hurt either!! Haha... and like my orange phone it will stick out in my purse and not get lost! :D

A bonus with this phone is it is one of the few phones left that doesn't require a media package! I don't need email or internet on my phone! I know I'd like it but to pay another $30 or $40 a month is not what I am willing to do... mostly cuz I am not out and about much! I am home with my laptop!! I know those who love their media and cant' live without it... cheers to you! :D

I am off to go read and post on a few blogs!!

Enjoy the rest of your day...
Hugs!
Janice

Day 3.... Yahoo!!

2010-10-03T11:26:00.002-07:00

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL??? I sure am today! My San Diego Chargers are hosting the Arizona Cardinals!! It's a game that I won't miss a minute of for sure! My husband seems to think that I will be torn today as to who I want to win... he is INCORRECT!!! GO BOLTS!! I do enjoy watching the local team - AZ Cardinals don't get me wrong! I really do like Larry Fitzgerald and am happy that they have the new Quarterback - I won't comment on #7!! ;) Trying to keep this on the + side today! LOL

I am in my scrappy room with the TV on and working away! I am really enjoying creating again! It's been WAY too long!

Hubby is doing some work around the house. Getting the upstairs office/guest room organized and the bed put together! We will have a house guest at the end of the month! Looking forward to watching my good friend Pete play "old man" baseball! LOL Hubby just vacuumed the entire house - shocked me a bit to hear it but am happy I didn't have to ask! He is going to but the security door on and hang some pictures and then he can relax and watch the game! :) I am going to pick up Jack in a few. He has had a great weekend spending time with his bestest buddy Ryan!

Happy Birthday today to our good friend Scott! May this be the beginning of a NEW and BETTER year for you! I hope you set your goals high and reach them with ease!! We love you!

Finally... we had a GREAT time last night @ The Richter's house! The Corn hole Tourney was so fun to watch! Wish I could have played... but couldn't take the chance with the back not at 100%! Jeff aka Me did pretty well for his first time! Although, "I" aka Jeff may have thrown the bags a bit better if "I" aka Jeff would have either had 1 or 2 more drinks or no drinks at all!! LMAO!! We also played Loaded Questions - which is the funniest game for this large group!! We laughed so hard... I couldn't breathe!! Good times!!

Go BOLTS!!! GO PADRES ~ Kick the Giants ASS!!!

Have a GREAT Day!

Oct. 2nd ~ Day 2

2010-10-02T12:50:00.002-07:00

Well... here we are at Day 2 of the 31 day blog challenge! I am at 2 in a row!! Woohoo... that's pretty good since I went for months without blogging! I had jotted a little list down of things you may or may not know about me!

Here is goes!

*My favorite color is purple - and it is purple because that was my Grandma's favorite color!

*I could live without chocolate forever - but I might just have to hurt someone if you tell me I can't have chips and salsa!

*When I go to the movies I HAVE to have popcorn with butter (in the middle too) and a soda! It's just the way it is and will always be!

*I grew up in Oceanside, CA ~ where my mom still lives today! I always thought I would live there for ever. I want to move back SO badly!!

*I love the ocean!

*I love dolphins and have ever since I was 14 and body surfed side by side with them (or them with me) at the O'side Pier beach! Life changing experience!

*I once jumped off the pier with a few friends (all girls) the boys chickened out! Yes, we could have been killed or arrested... totally stupid!!

*I don't like to drink anything while I eat - unless it's coffee with my breakfast. Other meals I wait until the end!

*I love and admire my Mom more than she will EVER KNOW!

*I am a true creative spirit - which to me means that I can't "just create" I have to be in the mood!

*Being a Mom is my biggest and brightest joy of my life and am grateful for it EVERYDAY!

*I was named after my "Aunt Janice" who died when she was 6 months old of pneumonia. She was my dad's younger sister. There was never a photo taken of her but my Grandma always told me that I have her eyes!

*My eyes are one of my favorite features! ;)

Well... that's it for today! :D
I'd love to read your comments and what your thought are on my post today! Did you know any of this information? Are you surprised by anything? Tell me... I want to know!
Love ya bunches!!
Janice

Day 1... Let's get started!!

2010-10-01T08:40:00.003-07:00

It's day 1 of the 31 day blogging challenge! I am so excited to be blogging again! I hope I have enough to say! LOL If you know me... I will!! Hahaha!!

I am having a lot of fun with Creative Crew Party Favors! Here are a few goodies I made this week for my friend Tracy in CA! I just LOVE them!

Happy October!! Looking forward to the next 30 days!!
Have a GREAT day!!
Hugs!
Janice

31 Days of Bloggin' Fun!!

2010-09-30T21:25:00.002-07:00

Hello Friends...
My good friend Karen posted a challenge for the month of October! The challenge is to post EVERYDAY for the month of October!! That's 31 day in a row... oh, I hope I can do it! I don't know.. what do you think? LOL!

"I think I can... I think I can... I think I can!!!"

Some of the girls at Scrapbook Doodle said they have made lists of things to write about. Some of them are just going to "wing it" and see what happens! Me... I made a small list of ideas and also thought about doing a photo a day too! I haven't done that in ages!! So... this is just a warm up for tomorrow! I would count it but don't think that I will be up past midnight tonight and I want to play by the rules! ;)

Lookng forward to posting some fun things!

Have a great night!!

Hugs and Kisses!!
Janice

Happy Blog Hop Friends!!

2010-04-30T20:50:00.002-07:00

Hi...

Thank you for visiting my blog. As you can tell I am a really bad blogger! I am either all or nothing! I really hope that you are enjoying the challenges for the Scrapbook Doodle Birthday Bash Crop! The entire Creative Team had a blast putting them together! I hope Bingo is fun too! Are we even close to a winner? Guess I better have Jack pull a few more numbers! Good Luck!

Have a SCRAPPY Weekend!

Hugs!
Janice

Oh Holy Horrible Blogger!!

2010-04-05T18:32:00.003-07:00

Boy oh boy am I an awful blogger!! I can't believe it has been over 6 months like since I have last posted here! Wow.. so much has happened since then!

Sept 2009 - Jack turned 7 and we had a fun trip to Disneyland with Nancy & Pascal!
October 2009 - My sister Anita's birthday and a super fun Halloween!I also started working for Beginner's Edge Sports Training! My friend Peter was out for his "Old Man" baseball league! He was injured and got a concussion - it was NOT fun!
November 2009 - Bob's birthday and the job searching continued for him! Thanksgiving Day with The Schwartzman's!
December - Christmas vacation for Jack. Interviews for Bob and finally a job that started 12/28!! We had a small Christmas at home then dinner with some great friends. We missed my family in CA so much!
January 2010 - Happy New Year! Back to school and Bob is working!! :)
February 2010 - Celebrated my birthday and started an exercising program again!
March 2010 - My mom turend 82, Spring Break and a 7 day vacation in Oceanside with Jack! Fun beach time and awesme family time!

Whew... ok, all caught up... next post will include some photos... I promise!!

Be Blessed!!
Janice

Jack's Shoot Photos....

2009-08-14T16:00:00.004-07:00

Ok... so I had some fun a few weeks ago. I had a photoshoot and decided I need to do to some test shots. My dear friend Autumn shared a fun technique with me... using a "glass" surface to get a cool reflection. I also decided to fill the floor with balloons for the 1 yr old. Jack was my "test model" for lighting in all the different spots! We had fun!! Here are a few... I will post the "baby" shoot when I finish them!! Let me know what you think!! FYI... for the "real" shoot I did remove the framed pictures from the wall for reflection shots!! Thanks again Autumn... you rock!

Hugs... Janice

Summer's end and the start of 2nd grade!

2009-08-12T09:18:00.004-07:00

Here we go again... another exciting year of school! We are so happy that Jack will be having the same teacher that he had last year... it's awesome that she moved up to 2nd grade! He jumped right in on Monday and got to his work... all his teacher had to say was "morning page is on your desk"!! LOVE IT!! Here are a few photos of Jack and Ian and Jack at his desk! We are excited that Ian is in Jack's class this year... finally!! LOL

Do you see the fun penguin on the desk next to Jack? Well, his teacher made 30 of them over the summer! She made them for each of the kids to take home and read with each night! She does an awesome reading program and "Waddles" will really help out! She Rocks!!

I will be back later to post some of my "test" shots of Jack from a photoshoot I did almost 2 weeks ago! They turned out pretty cute... I think anyhow! LOL

Until then...

Hugz!

Janice

What happened to June???

2009-07-01T17:24:00.005-07:00

Wow... did June fly by or what? We have been busy here with the Vistancia Vipers Swim Team. It is so much fun! I am so proud of all the kids who have learned all the proper swim strokes, dive starts and even side breathing! Amazing!! Here are a few photos: the coaches, the 6 & under crew, a few friends and Jack!!

Have a wonderful day! I will post my June creations soon!!
Hugs!
Janice

Happy May...

2009-05-07T12:54:00.005-07:00

Hi Friends...

I know.. I know... I am BAD at updating my blog! So, let's get caught up!!

The Birthday Bash Crop was a GREAT success! It was really fun to do a challenge a day for an entire month! I actually got 28 projects completed in the month of April! Including 4 Creative Team projects! Yahoo!!

I have been super busy as "room-mom" for Jack's class! This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We had sometime special planned each day for his teacher! The BIG surprise will some tomorrow afternoon - I will post a photo and spill it then! All the kids have done such a GREAT job of keeping the secret I don't want to take any chances! But... it's awesome!! ;)

We are looking forward to summer! Jack will be playing basketball with the YMCA team and also be part of the Vistancia swim team! We will have a fun filled summer!!

Update on me and my allergies/ear issues! My allergies seem to be getting better with the new meds... the only issue is that it make me really tired. I am hoping that when I get back to working out on a regular basis this will help! My ruptured eardrum is almost healed as well! I can tell because I don't hear myself talking inside my head so much!! LOL! Finally, I hope to get back to the gym and my home workouts on a regular basis this month! Boy, can I feel the difference!!

Hugs! Janice

Scrapbook Doodle is turning 2...

2009-04-02T22:01:00.004-07:00

Come join us for a month full of FUN!

We will host a NEW challenge EVERY day of the month! We have games and prizes too!!

Hope to see you HERE!

Janice

http://scrapbookdoodles.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=36

Again... it's been too long!

2009-03-01T11:26:00.011-07:00

Hello friends... it's March already and I didn't post a single thing in February! Doh!

Well... it was my birthday month... I celebrated my 45th with some of my dear friends for lunch and then we had a fun get together at our house that night! Here are a few layouts I did to celebrate it!

February 14th was also my dear friend Kimberly's birthday and she was here in AZ to spend some time with her kids. We were able to meet for a quick hello, hug and of course a photo!

Last night I was hangin'out skype with Jennifer and Kimberly chattin' and scrappin'! I finished my B-Day layout while we were chattin'... well, I think we were mostly gigglin'!! LOL!!

Love you Girly's!!

That's it for now!! More VERY soon... promise!!

Hugs!

Janice

Happy Days...

2009-01-21T21:53:00.001-07:00

and I'm not talking about the tv show!! I'm talking about the wonderful winter weather we are having her in AZ! The last week has been just beautiful... in the mid 70's - to the mid 80's! I think we just might be getting some rain tomorrow though! Which will be great too... we need it! I'd also like to wear my jeans because all of my capri's pants and shorts are WAY too BIG!! ;) Yahoo!!

We also have A LOT of celebrating to do... The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!! It's a darn miracle I tell ya... and it's a bunch of fun too! The whole city is just buzzing! Kurt Warner and company will be playing the Pitts. Steelers... it should be good!

I hope to get back to some scrappin' here this weekend. We have had a long crop going on and all the girls are having so much fun! I really need to get to more challenges myself. We have been doing a little "winter cleaning" around here. We cleaned and rearranged DH's office, took down Jack's bunk beds and made them into 2 beds... his room looks so grown up now! We need to touch up the paint, get some new bedding and he will be all set!

continuing my story...
it was rock bottom, that's for sure but I wasn't going to stay there for long! I continued to go to WW week after week. Some weeks were 2-5lbs lost some were a mere - .4 to gaining 2 lbs. I learned the program, counted my points and slowly lost. But what I didn't do was change my activity level at all. The WW program "rewarded" you for exercise by "allowing" you to eat more. This never made sense to me but I didn't question the program because it was working. Spring was on its way... it was going to be bathing suit weather soon.... ut oh! What now? more to follow! (after photos too!)

Blessings to you all!
Janice

Shine in '09

2009-01-06T19:33:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends...
Today, I started back to the gym! Its so important for me to keep myself as a priority in the busyness of life. I so easily can get caught up in other things and leave myself out. Do you have this problem too? I have focused a lot on myself and my weight loss goal over the last 2 yrs. But... even though I have done well I know there is more I can do and people I can help along the way. Telling my story is going to be just 1 of the ways I "Shine in 09"!! This is an emotional journey so it will come in segments! I will also add hints, tips and healthy eating choices along the way! This is for my Peeps!! ;)

This is my story... I was just so tired of where I was at, how I felt and what I thought I looked like in clothes... not to mention the "at risk" health issues that were very apparent! I wanted to do nothing, go nowhere and least of all in the summer. I hid my pain and self disgust well! I got a little nudge from a friend and that was all she wrote! I decided that I AM WORTH IT! I am worth the effort to try... I am worth the effort to possibly fail... I am worth it no matter what the outcome. I decided to be take it slow... have patience and be happy with whatever I accomplished... no matter how big or how small the success! I did take it slow... but I was full committed! I started with Weight Watcher's... weekly meeting with some neighbors. I am ashamed to say that when I went with them I felt comfortable because I was "smaller"... so to me.. "not as bad" as them or others. Who knew I was so shallow?? I sure didn't... but was really ashamed at my thoughts. When I got on the scale and it read "the deadly number" I was physically ill. My heart was in my throat and I don't know how I held back the tears. I couldn't believe what it said... but I knew it was true. I also knew that the next week would be better... it had to be... this was ROCK BOTTOM!!

Love to you all... I pray you find a way to "Shine in 09"!
Janice

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T18:04:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year to my friends and family! I really wish you all the best in 2009!

I have decided that I am going to "Shine in 2009"!! I'm not really sure what the means yet but I like how it sounds! :)

2008 recap:

I am finally back to a size 8 in pants and just about a M top!! I lost a total of 28 pounds.. and still loosing! Went shorter and darker with my hair. Traded in my BIG truck for a super cute Chevy HHR. Traded in most sweets and junk food for fruits and veggies. Gave up regular soda for diet. I worked out an average of 3 times a week for most of the year! I feel better than I have in over 10 yrs!
I went to CHA for the 1st time... met some of my FAVORITE scrappy friends EVER! Continued to be part of a wonderful scrapbooking site and a Creative Team member - Scrapbook Doodle! Grew as a photographer with the help of my mentor Autumn. Thanks Girl! I took about 6,000 photos too! Learned a little in PSE 6.0 - thanks #2 Autumn!

Jack lost 4 teeth, grew 6 1/2 inches and gained 8 pounds. He finished Kindergarten reading well. Started playing organized sports with the YMCA and in now doing really well in 1st grade. His reading and math skills are 2nd grade 4 month levels. His favorite thing to play is his Wii game, he loves Star Wars movies, Indiana Jones and learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He is still as silly as ever...

Bob worked hard to get into good shape, loved to help coach Jack's sport teams. Taught Jack how to ride his bike, pulled out 1 of the 4 teeth... literally! Left his old (bad ) job and started new (very good) one with a 6 week "break" in between! That was no fun! He traded in some bad eating habits for some better ones too. He worked out an average of 3 days a week and really increased his flexibility. He played golf, cornhole and cards for fun with friends!!

Some extended family highlights...
Bob's mom was moved into a care home which is a wonderful thing for her. Her Alzheimer's doesn't seem to be getting worse but she really needed supervision. My mom lost her beloved cat of 18 yrs and took it really hard. She spent 3 weeks with us here in AZ to help get over it... Simone will be missed. My older sister's found their father that they have NEVER known or seen in their live. Our mom and him divorced when they were very young. It turns our Martin lives here in AZ and I was able to go with 1 sister for their meeting.. it was amazing and very special. He is a wonderful man, has a great family and is like a father to me too! We also had a few very close friends move out of state but our relationships remain close. We miss them all VERY much.

That's our year in review... now, on to 2009!!

God Bless YOU all!!

So much to catch up on...

2008-10-12T15:59:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends...

I am off to the gym in a few minutes but I have been asked by several gals to post my latest sketch (I actually created it a few months ago but who's gonna tell?) ere on my blog! It's part of my October challenge @ Scrapbook Doodle just go to the Monthly challenges forum for my full challenge and lots more! Here 2 of my latest creations as well! Lots more to catch up on.. and I promise I will soon!!

Hugs!!

Here are my latest Scrapbook Doodle Creative Team layouts! Basic Grey Archiac line.

"Good Stuff x10"

2008-09-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Jennifer posted a list about some good stuff going on in her life. It inspired me to do it too!! I agree with her... God is so good!

My Good Stuff x10... in no particular order:

1. The last Skinny Cow from my freezer.
2. Creative thoughts making their way to paper!
3. Cooler temps... coming soon!
4. Family Feuds... avoided.
5. Standing firm in oneself... always
6. The feeling of true friendship
7. Birthday parties
8. Capturing a special photo
9. Late night TV
10. Eating right and exercise

Thanks for the reminder Jennifer of how we need to list our good things too... no matter how big or how small!! This was really fun... now to all who are reading it... TAG... post your list on your Blog too!
Hugs!
Janice

It happened... it really did!!

2008-09-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

Finally, after sooooo long!! I met my dear friend Kimberly's fiancee' Todd!! Can I tell you... in all honesty... she traded up!! He is a perfect match for her, he loves her unconditionally and he is a real man!! I already knew how deeply in love with him she is... sigh! What a couple. :) Here are a few photos I hijacked from Kimberly's blog!! Sorry Girly... I waited as long as I could for you to email me some and since we didn't really have time to take any while you both were here. I didn't have a choice! But... I am giving credit where credit it due.. right? LOL!!!

Aren't the just adorable? I think they are and I love them both!! We have a special friendship and a special bond. XOXO

Now... on to other news! Jack's 6th birthday is this Wednesday Sept. 10th... I can't believe how fast time is flying by!! He made me laugh the other day when he said "Mom, I am going to be old enough to show it on 2 hands now!" Wow... that really put it into perspective for me. He is just growing up so fast! He doesn't know it yet but he is getting a Wii for his birthday. He is going to faint! He asked for one last year but we weren't ready for that leap yet!! You know... the leap into the video game jungle!! LOL! Anyway, I don't think he has any idea that he will be getting it... I will have my camera in hand for this for sure!! Maybe even the video camera too! We are going to have a party for him on the 20th when some out of town family will be here. Check out this invitation I made for him!! He loved it!!

Ok... well, I think that's it for now. I'll have a few more photo's to share when they are processed. Have a GREAT week!
Hugs!
Janice

Jack lost another tooth!!

2008-09-04T22:43:00.001-07:00

Oh my gosh... I am so happy!! It's finally out!! LOL... I don't know about you but when I was a kid I remember wanting to get my teeth out once they became loose! I'd wiggle, twist and turn them until they'd hurt too much or come out! Not my Jack... he wants nothing to do with pulling them out! He has had this top tooth just hanging there and finally on Sunday night while he was at his buddy Jack R.'s house it fell out at dinner! Here are a few photos of Jack & Jack the next morning at our house!! Aren't they just the cutest ever?? Jack R recently lost his tops... so what a pair they are now! Hehe... good times!!

These boys just crack me up! They are so funny... they will sit for pictures as long as I let them make some silly faces!! Well... that is fine by me!

It's Jack's 6th birthday in a few days. I am working on making his invitations. We are going to have a party here at the house with friends and maybe a bouncy house! We are still working on the details! It will be fun for Jack!

More soon.. I promise!

Hugs!

Here I go again....

2008-08-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

It's been way too long once again and so many things have been going on! Here's the nutshell version:

Our good freinds The Pizer's & The Williams both moved to Texas.

Summer went by way too fast!

I didn't scrap nearly as much this summer as I thought I would.

I went to the gym way more than I thought I would... I'm down 15 lbs and 2 sizes so far! :)

We had a couple of quick trips to CA...

Jack was a ring bearer in a wedding.. and so cute!

My mom came to stay with us for 3 weeks... we played Phase 10 almost everyday!

Jack started 1st grade and love it!

Bob is hoping to change jobs here VERY soon!!

I'm getting back to scrappin' and bloggin'!

Here are a few random photos!!

Bye for now!!!

Once again... its been too long!

2008-07-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ok.. so really... summer is going by so fast! Does it feel that way to you? I just can't believe that we have only 4 weeks until school will be in session! Which means 1st grade for Jack! He is super excited to go back... he has been doing a little summer "homework". He got this really fun spiderman math book that he just loves doing... he is so proud of himself when he finishes the pages!

So, I haven't been scrappin' too much the past few weeks. Here are a few that I haven't posted on my blog. They were really fun to do! I really need to get to my next challenge with my friend Jennifer... we are going to do a mini! That's super exciting!

I have been taking a ton of photos... playing with my settings on my camera and even taking a few classes. But.. my real improvements have come from finally watching my teaching dvd for my camera and from my fabulous photographer pal Autumn. She is a great friend and so sweet in helping me with my PSE 6.0. It makse a ton of difference!! We have VERY similar tastes in photography. Here are some photos that I have taken lately!

Love and Blessings to you all!!

More to come soon... I promise!!

Hugs!

Janice

Happy Saturday....

2008-06-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well... I am feeling a little better but also a little worse. I know that doesn't make much sense... but my throat is a lot better.. but now my lungs are burning when I cough... oy!! I slept in this morning until almost 10am... it was so nice... and SO NEEDED!! I am doing laundry today and just hanging in my scraproom! I am finishing my challenge I started a few days ago. I just love that I am doing them again with my friend Jennifer! I just LOVE her!!

Here is my last layout! I just LOVE how it turned out... there is just something about it that makes me really happy! You know.. that just happens sometimes!! I used some yummy Paper Trunk papers... they ROCK!!

Ok... well, that it for now... I'll post a few more layouts and some pictures soon! Have a great weekend!!

Hugs!! Janice

A fun Card give-a-way....

2008-06-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

Check out my friend Karen's blog here for a chance to win some awesome cards!! She's a rockin' hot scrapper and is kickin' some creative booty... better hurry its only on til Saturday!!

In other news...

Our 1st monsoon started a fire that has been out of control for a day now. Of course, fires are always bad.. but this one is hared to reach. Its not really close to us but its close enough for the smoke to be killing me... its mostly because what's burning is what I am the most allergic to! Uggg... my chest is killing me, the throat is raw... its so NOT fun!

Well.. that's all I've got for today!!
More later.. and maybe some new layouts too!
Hugs!!
Janice

Jack lost his 1st tooth!!

2008-06-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

Yahoo!! It finally came out!! Jack lost his first tooth early this morning. It was 5:30am when he walked into our bedroom and said... "Dad... I lost a tooth! It was just out... look, it didn't even hurt"! It was so GREAT! He was very excited.. and we were relieved that it was finally out!! Its been loose for months... now, for the one next to it to go!! LOL! Its not that I want it to happen fast.. its just that his "adult" teeth have been in for months! Daddy calls him shark tooth all the time!! Here are some pictures I got tonight! He is excited that the tooth fairy will be visiting tonight too.... its already under his pillow in his "tooth holder" his Aunt Lori made him when he was a baby!!

Congratulations my sweet boy! You are growing up so fast!! I love you!!

Thanks for sharing our memories!!
Hugs!
Janice

Hey Friends...

2008-06-22T19:57:00.001-07:00

Just stoppin' in here to update a little! I'm really trying to get better! Here are a few layouts I have done lately! I've had a little scrappy mojo going on! Thanks to my friend Jennifer and some awesome challenges too!

A couple of my Creative Team creations for June! Rockin' the Junkitz and Basic Grey... it was super fun!

I am lovin' Libby's AWESOME 6x12 challenges that she gives us @ Scrapbook Doodle!

I had a BLAST playin' with the Pink Pailsee Office Lingo... love it!

It doesn't seem like we have been on summer break for a month already! But... we have had some summertime fun! We went to CA to visit family for 9 days, had a few pool parties and even several sleepovers! I'd say for sure summer is HERE!! It also shows in the Arizona weather which today read in my car as 117... holy cow!!

More soon... love to you all!

Janice

Another Update...

2008-06-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

I added a photo slide show! I'm still trying to get a look I love but here it is for now! These photos are of baby Ryan... my dear friend Anne's new daughter! She was 6 days old here. I will add more as I get them processed! I've had a ton of fun playing in Photoshop with them! Let me know what you think!!

Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Hugs!
Janice

Photos....

2008-06-08T17:08:00.001-07:00

Jack's Kindergarten Graduation photo...

Melissa's 8th Grade Graduation

Drew's High School Graduation

Jack's Baseball Team... The Dragon's

Adrian's 1st birthday!!Ryan Elizabeth Montgomery... Ryan with her Mama Anne!!

Thanks for looking!! Next time... photos from the beach!!

Hugs!!

Janice

It's been soooo long!!

2008-06-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have been a bad blogger! I really want to be better.. but somehow it just seems to slip my mind! LOL!!

So... what's been going on since my last post? Well, Jack graduated from Kindergarten, Melissa from 8th Grade and Drew from Greenway High School! I had a blast doing photoshoots for them all!!

Jack's Baseball Team The Dragon's finished up their game schedule and we've been in California for over a week now. Adrian's 1st birthday, the birth of baby Ryan and a goodbye to Ma's cat - Simone has kept us busy here! We are going home tomorrow and getting back into our summer plans - which include lots of playdates with friends, bbq's and swimming!

Well.. I just spent the last half and hour trying to load picture here with no luck! I'll try again later.. but that's what's been going on in my world... besides Scrappin' and hangin' out @ scrapbook Doodle of course!!

I have to send a couple of shout outs too before I go:
#1 to my friend Manny seriving our country in Iraq... Love you friend... be safe... God is on your side!
#2 Kudos to my friend Jennifer who ran a 5K race last weekend.. her 1st ever!! Way to go.. I'm so proud of you!!
XOXOXO
Janice

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2008-05-11T12:13:00.001-07:00

I hope you have a wonderful day full of love, family and presents!!

I FINALLY have a Slide Show!!

2008-05-11T12:08:00.001-07:00

Thanks once again to my friend Jennifer... who helps me all the time with things "technical"!! I love it... check it out and tell me what you think... look down on the side.. not at the post where it shows it!! ;)

Hugs!

2008-05-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

It's Time for a CROP!!

2008-04-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook Doodle is celebrating its 1st birthday with a Birthday Bash Crop! Starting April 23 - 30, 2008! Join us for some creative Challenges, fun Games and Special Events! We have TONS of wonderful PRIZES from our AMAZING SPONSORS! All you have to do to join the fun is reigster as a member and sign-in here to play along! We will be chattin' and scrappin' together all week long! Yvonne has even made a special offer in the Scrapbook Doodle Shoppe! The galleries will be rockin'! So, come... what are you waiting for... You don't want to miss all the fun now do you??

Special Thanks to our Sponsors!!

See you at the CROP!!

Disneyland & California Adventure... was a BLAST!!

2008-04-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Ok.. so I know its been a few weeks since our visit there. I also know I am a BAD blogger!! But.... here we go anyway! Keep in mind I had my little point and shoot camera too! ;)

We didn't tell Jack we were going to Disneyland until the day before! Bob thought it would be better to surprise him with it. I on the other hand would have loved to use it for "good behavior" for several weeks!! LOL! Jack was so excited to hear we were going... no matter when he was told! He was also very excited to stay in a hotel room and super excited that he had his own room with 2 beds!! He felt so special! He is a roller coaster & thrill ride kid for sure! He loved all the BIG rides! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Star Tours and Indiana Jones @ Disneyland and California Screamin', Mulhollan Madness and Soarin' Over California @ California Adventure! We also of course loved Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted House (the 2nd time), Buzz Lightyear, Jedi Training Mission show & the Jungle Cruise. These are pretty much all the rides we did for the 4 days we were there!! These rides over & over as much as we could fit in!! We didn't even walk into Toon Town and he called Storybook land the "kiddie" area!! He did think that the Cinderella's Castle was cool to see! Here are some pictures too!

This last photo is California Screamin' @ CA Adventure... it has a loop that takes you upside down!! Jack loved it.. he said "that was totally Wicked!" when we got off the ride. This was also a total accident that Jack looks like he has on "Mickey ears" too!! I didn't notice it at the time... I just had him move so some other people were not in the photo!! LOL!!

Hope you have a GREAT day!!

Hugs Friends!

Janice

Spring Break 2008 Part 1

2008-04-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends...

I have been gently nudged by a few friends to get back to bloggin'! Its not that I don't want to share with you all its just taking the time to go through my photos! So, I am happily posting today ( Nancy ) and I hope you all enjoy the photos!!

Our trip started off with a few days with my family in So. Cal. for Easter. We spent 2 1/2 days with my niece and the boys just loved playing together!! The Easter Bunny brought goodies to the kids @ home and then us Auntie's, Cousins, Grandma's and Great-Grandma's spoiled the kids a little more!

Matthew with some fun goodies!

Jack with his awesome "baseball basket"!

More goodies for the boys!!

The Hunt is on...

My sister's backyard where we party all the time!

We all had a great time together!! We had 112 plastic filled eggs for the 4 boys!! Our family is all about holidays like this and doing it for the kids!! We BBQ'd chicken and carne asada... enjoyed our family traditional foods like chips and homemade salsa, beans, rice, Grandma's pink panther, Carissa has taken over "that damn pasta salad" - it used to also be something my Mom made but one time she said "I don't want to make that damn pasta salad anymore!" so that's how it got its name! It will be in the family recipe book that way too! Fresh Fruit & veggie's along with some yummy treats round out our meal!! I loved Easter this year so much!!

I will continue with our Spring Break trip in another post! I need to scrap for awhile!!

Have a GREAT day!
Hugs!
Janice

Creative Update!

2008-03-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Well... I finished a fun little creation for Scrapbook Doodle Creative Team! A Rusty Pickle mini album! It's called "Lucky Me" and it was created by my dear friend Libby! Honestly, I struggled a little because when I first got the kit I had a plan to use it for my Mom's 80th Birthday photos... and it just didn't work out! I wanted to use that special album created my by friend for the special birthday... but, I moved on... found some new mojo and I think Libby created the mini just for these photos!! A super fun day at the park!! What a difference from the major event of my Mom's 80th birthday... but in reality an even more perfect memory to capture! A regular, normal, everyday kind of thing! I am very happy with how it turned out... Thanks Libby! ;) Here it is:

Please let me know what you think!

More soon!! Hugs!!

Janice

More CHA photos....

2008-03-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

So, I didn't get back to this the other day and we had a really BUSY weekend! I thought I'd take a few minutes to share a few more photos. Here are more of my Scrapbook Doodle buddies!

Megan & Tanya @ Bucca de Peppo's havin' a great dinner... and a little dessert!

Tanya divin' into the CHOCOLATE mountain!! ;) LOL!

Tanya & Janice... I think this was "before" the chocolate mountain cake!! I wish we would have had more time to hang out... but we all were on our missions!! Fun, fun, fun.... I know we will all remember EVERYTHING about this fun time together!! LOL! These ladies (along with Miss Libby) are just the sweetest gals ever! I am so happy to have them as my friends!! ;)

and... my Dream Street Pals... I just love Tara! She is a sweetie for sure! Her designers are not only some of the most talented but some of the sweetest Gals ever!! I had a BLAST in the DS booth!

Ok... top to bottom... darling Tara (the Owner) & Me, the amazing and very funny Amy Teets & Me, the equally funny and talented Alexis Hardy & Me, the super sweet Dana Miron & Me and finally, the fabulous Tracey Whitley & Me... I just love all the DS Gals!! They were so sweet and I was lucky to have these lovely ladies sign a little autograph book too! Which I will add these fun photos to!! ;) Thanks ladies!!

Enjoy!!

Hugs!

Janice

Waaaaaay OVERDUE!

2008-03-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ok Friends...

Its been so long now its finally time! Time for me to post my photos from CHA! I know, I know... that was a month ago! But, I think I was so overwhlemed and I wanted to savor it all! I am going to make a few different posts because I have to get Jack from school soon!! LOL!

This is my dear, dear friend Julie & I at dinner with the Fiskars group. It was BIG fun! Julie and I have known each other for about a year and a half now and "chat" all the time online. We have been wanting to meet for such a long time. Well, we did more than meet... we were roomies! Which was wonderful to have the extra time to get to know one another. She is an amazing woman... as I already knew! We had a blast together!! Love you Al!! ;)

Speaking of "special friends"... this Libby & I... or is it Libby and Libby? LOL!! I can only talk a little bit about out time together because "what happens @ CHA stays @ CHA"... right girls? We didn't get to spend as much together as we would have liked to but we did have a few laughs! Seeing her in action at the booth, holding her gorgeous creations was just so inspiring! I am so very blessed to have this amazing woman as my friend, Creative Team mate & IM pal! Hugs Girly!

This was some of the 1st fun Julie and I had... taking a photo with Jon the warehouse guy from Cosmo Cricket!! He was almost the most popular thing at the booth!! He's a sweetie... and pretty cute!

I was Tagged!!

2008-03-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

By my sweet friend Melissa! Here are 7 "facts" about me!!

1. When I wear shoes and socks I put on 1 sock then the shoe, then the other sock and the other shoe... never both socks and then shoes!
2. I don't like my food to touch on my plate!
3. I love to DVR and watch soap operas!!!
4. I freak out if dirty dishes are left in the sink... they NEED to be rinsed at least!!
5. I love to ride a roller coaster but do not like rides that spin around!
6. My favorite color is purple because it was my Grandma's favorite!
7. I talk to my "cyber" friends more that I talk to my sisters!

Ok.. so Melissa's blog said to "tag" others.... but her list are most of who I would have picked too!! So, if you read this... consider yourself tagged!! LOL

Have a great day!
Hugs!!
Janice

I can't believe its been so long...

2008-02-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

since I have updated my blog!! Well, my excuse could be that earlier in the month I did turn another year older!! Yep... on the 6th I celebrated my 44th birthday. We had a nice dinner with our friends @ Texas Roadhouse.

First... here is my favorite creation (of mine) so far for 2008:

Thanks for the beautiful photograph Kimberly!

I have been scrappin' a little this month too.. here are a few Creative Team creations:

I'll be back to add more in a little while... have a great day!

Hugs!!
XOXO

Love is in the Air!!

2008-02-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness.... that is all I can say!! I was visiting my friend Kimberly the other day.. a visit that was long overdue by the way! Jack and Olivia are BEST of Friends... and just love to play together! Actually... they are pretty smitten with each other! It has just grown over time! Well, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity for this expression of love!! ... and they are only 5 years old! Kimberly got this darling "First Kiss" shot of Miss O and Master Jack!!

I'll be scrappin' this one very soon! Kimberly posted her gorgeous creation on her blog! It's fantastic... you've gotta check it out!!

Hugs!

Janice

I am a Pickle-Addict....

2008-01-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Libby and her awesome challenges/contests @ Scrapbook Doodle ! January's was so much fun to do... even if we did have to post something we created the 1st year we scrapped!! LOL!

Here's the challenge:

Here we go again ladies with a super challenge for you from Rusty Pickle!!!! I started thinking how we always say Jan. is the month where we say "Out with the Old... In with the New"! It is a month where we always focus on changing for the better. I think we wll have been doing a lot of that. So.. here is my Challenge for you this month!: **Find a layout from the first year you started scrapping. (tee hee... this is going to be fun! ) **Then I want you to re create it..and make it a 2 page layout! **It can either use the same pictures... or a simialar sketch...or the same theme or what ever. **I want to see how your style has changed over time! **The older layout you choose to restyle can either be a one or two page layout but the one you are creating must be a two page layout! **Remember to use 80% Rusty Pickle Product!!.. They are sponsering this contest!

My Original:

My NEW creation:

Tell me what you think....

I had a blast creating this month!!

I hope you are well... tell me what you have been up to!

I off to put my things back in my scrap room... Bob installed some upper cabinets in my scrap room this past weekend.. I have to organize now! Pictures to come... I promise! ;)

Hugs and Blessings!

Janice

I've been tagged....

2008-01-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

1. Name your two favorite scrapbooking topics:Jack and my family
2. Where are the two best places you've been to?Home & Maui
3. Name two things you do every day:Pray & Hug & Kiss my Guys
4. Tell us two things that pretty much everyone knows about you:I speak my mind & I Love my MOM to pieces!
5. Tell us two things that everyone DOESN'T know about you:I don’t like pizza & I love to watch soap operas.
6. Tell us two things that got you into the hobby of scrapping:
Kimberly & my passion for being creative.
7. Tell us two things that you want to accomplish in the next six months:Learn more about my camera and loose 15 pounds.
8. Name your two favorite scrapping tools:My black Zig pen & all my cutting tools.
9. Name your two favorite sources of scrapping inspiration:My photographs & Scrapbook sites and friends!
10. How has your scrapping changed since you started?I am not afraid to ruin anything… I can always buy more or print another photo & I do more single page layouts where I used to do double!
11. What scrapbooking project have you yet to try but would love to?Clear album!
12. What technique do you use the most on your pages?More than 1 photo on a page & inking

I'm not going to tag anyone but if you read this... TAG... your it!! ;)

Hugs!
Janice

Project of the week!!

2008-01-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

I made this fun "Party" mini album by Bo Bunny ! It was a blast to play with too! I used the awesome January Kit from Scrapbook Doodle...more yummy Bo Bunny products! I created a little "step by step" on how I did it and how I added fun extra pages! You can check that our here!

This week I also created 5 layouts for a great cause! Check out my friend Melissa's Blog and read under Miracles DO Happen for details! If you'd like to bless this family with memories create you layouts as soon as possbile and contact Melissa (or me) for the mailing address!

Blessings to you all!

Janice

Scrapbook Doodle Creative Team Projects

2008-01-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share my 1st projects for Scrapbook Doodle ! I am in LOVE with the January kit too!! It is full of yummy Bo Bunny products that are perfect for Jack's 5th birthday party photos! Here are 3 of my projects... my last one I am adding the finishing touches to and will load soon!! LOL... I just couldn't wait to share these!!

So, what else have I been up to since my last post? Well, cleaning up the house from Christmas and getting all the decorations put away for one. Back to helping in Jack's classroom on Tuesday mornings its so much fun! Processing the many, many photos I have taken over the holiday and still a few from Jack's gymnastic party! Also, I scanned 4 old photo albums for my friend Barb! Which was a HUGE job... 255 total scans and I will be restoring and/or altering most of them! Although this is a big job it is so fulfilling. I know what this will mean to my friend and their family!

Today, we have 2 birthday parties! Jack's good buddy Jack R. is turning 6 and having a bowling party... should be a total blast! Photo and scrappin' opportunity for sure! And, my Goddaughter Katie turned 7 on the 10th! We are having a family dinner! So, a nice fun Sunday for us!

I hope you are enjoying whatever it is that you and your family are doing today!

Hugs... and more soon!

Janice

Scrap-A-Thon was a BLAST!!

2008-01-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wow!! What a fun weekend we had scrappin' @ Scrapboook Doodle! To start the year off right we held a Scrap-A-Thon! It was super fun and the idea of using just scraps... wonderful! Here are some of the creations that I made from the Challenges!!

Enjoy!

Have a Wonderful Day!
Hugs!
Janice

Welcome 2008!!

2008-01-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year to you all!

I wish you all a wonderful, healthy, happy, fun filled and prosperous 2008!

Love you!!
Janice

December Photo Challenge - Conclusion!

2007-12-31T23:26:00.000-07:00

Ok... so this was a great idea but almost impossible to do and post everyday in the month of December! But... here are my updates:

My boy the goofball!! Lovin' his Pirate outfit from his Auntie Nancy and Uncle Pascal!!

Daddy & Jack decorating the tree... up the tall ladder and time for the topper!

Christmas Day... Silly Jack and our stockings all filled by Santa!!Surprise... it's a plane!!

Marbles? Santa how did you know??
Our tree on Christmas morning!!

A movie from Santa!

Jack had a sport themed Christmas this year... Golf clubs & a baseball glove from Santa, soccer ball, frisbee's, marbles... so much fun!

Finally.... our little family!!

From my family to yours... Happy New Year and may God bless you in 2008!

New Year... New ways to have FUN!!

2007-12-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oh My Friends... you have GOT to check this out! Each week Yvonne @ Scrapbook Doodle will be having a Weekly Sale ! You do NOT want to miss out on this... check in EVERY week! The customer service and fast shipping she provides is amazing!! She has a Rockin' What's New section too! I promise... you will LOVE this shoppe!!

This month we also have a Super Fun Scrapbook Doodle Kit ! You will also see some wonderfully inspiring creations from our very talented Creative Team Gallery . Lots of fun and creative contests & challenges as well! We also have some of best games as well!

So... whatcha waitin' for??? Come on.... CHECK us out!! Let me know when you register too!!

Happy Scrappin'!
Janice

Wanna shed some SCRAP for the New Year?

2007-12-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a BLAST!! Let's start the New Year off by getting those "scraps" we all have piled up used up! I know I have so many bits and pieces that I just can't throw away and I don't always use them for card making - but this IS one of my 2008 goals! The Creative Team will have lots of fun in store you!
See you there!!

Catchin' up on my Photos!!

2007-12-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

December 17th choice: I got an early Christmas gift... a new flash for my camera! This was taken tonight at 8pm... in total darkness in my backyard! The "regular" flash on my camera wouldn't even register in this dark! I'm lovin' this already! ;)

December 16th choice: Jack's 1st photo in front of our still to be decorated Christmas tree! He just couldn't wait to stand next to this 9 foot multi colored light beauty! We all love it! December 15th choice: A special bond between the 2 buds! Jack & Sam. Even though Sam has not been in this country for long, doesn't speak much English... yet... their friendship has no language barrier! One of Sam's favorite things to say is "Jack Geeeee"! That's how he says Jack G.... with a huge smile! I love it!

December 14th choice: Ok.. so not the BEST photo I have ever taken.. but you can see Jack in the back row center! Don't they make cute reindeer? So fun! December 13th choice: In processing my photo shoot pictures I just keep going back to this one! I just love the set up and they all are smiling!! Yay!! These are our dear friends The Bower Family!
Thanks for sharing my memories!! Love & Hugs!

It's a NEW me!!

2007-12-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

Yes... this is really me! LOL!! I decided it was time for something new... so here it is! I think its fun, fresh and.... brown!! Tell me what you think! It's my choice for mt Dec. 12th photo challenge photo!

Last night I got caught up in doing this and that and just didn't get a chance to post this one of Jack! He happily did his homework last night... and then a few extra writing and math problems for me! The "I don't like homework" is already starting here! Oh boy! Ok Friends.. so short and sweet today! But before I forget there is a super fun Scrap-athon planned for the first part of January. Check here for the details!

HUGS!!

What a WONDERFUL Monday!!

2007-12-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

I had the BEST day today! I got the GREAT news that I have made the Creative Team for a wonderful scrapbooking site Scrapbook Doddle . Yvonne is wonderful and I can't wait to work with her! I am honored to join NEW CT members Melissa & Jodi along with the entire Creative Team! I couldn't be more excited!! We have already talked about a few really fun events! Keep your eyes here for more! I am so excited to not only be working with these wonderful scrapper's but I am looking forward to the fantastic kits that Yvonne puts together! Woohoo!! They really get the mojo flowing!

Ok.. so my photo for today is a little sneek peek of some cards I made today! You'll get to see the rest soon enough! ;)

Have a wonderful night!

Thanks for sharing my memories!

Hugs!

Janice

Photo Challenge Update!

2007-12-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday December 8th: Today Jack and his teammates "The Squid's" had their first game! It was the cutest thing ever!! I was almost in tears watching those little sweeties! Some of the other team didn't show up so they split up our team to play. They also ended up playing 2 games! What fun!

The Squids:

Then, on Saturday afternoon I had a photoshoot. My neighbor's The Bower's. It went really well. As soon as the photographs are processed I will post some. Here is one I took of me while setting up! Not too bad!

On to Saturday evening... we went to a holiday party at our friend's The Herrmann's home in Scottsdale. This was our 6th or 7th year attending I think! They always have a special guest show up for the kids... yep... Santa and his helper Snappy! It's the BEST!

Jack & Santa:

Sunday: Bob and Jack hung out and put up a few decorations. Jack loves his snowman! I hope to have the rest of the house done this week!

Thanks for sharing my memories!

Hugs!
Janice

December 7th...

2007-12-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

TGIF!!!

We started this morning with a little visitor for a few hours! We watched little Cali who is 15 months old. She is our across the street neighbor... and a total doll! Bob had fun playing with her for a few hours then , I took over! Of course this meant I had my camera out! I love how I caught her up on this storage box... getting Jack's firetrunk!! She was up and down here for about 45 minutes!! So cute! And... before you ask... no, it didn't give me the "urge"!! LOL!!

We have a busy but FUN weekend! Jack has his very 1st basketball game with the YMCA! You can bet $$ on what tomorrow's photo's will be!! ;) We also have a Christmas party with some wonderful friends... Santa will make his anual visit as well! We donate gifts for Santa to take to the Children's Hospital for those kids who are not able to be at home with their families. This will be our 6th pr 7th year attending! I hope to get some scrappy time in as well!

Until tomorrow....

Hugs!

Janice

There's something to say about the Arizona sky!

2007-12-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things you can say about Arizona... like.. Damn its hot , Cowboy's... seriously?, or... it's more than just a big hole in the ground... really! But, regardless of what you think about Arizona... we do have some of the prettiest sunsets in the country! This is what we get to see a lot during the Winter!! Just thought I'd share a little of my world! Awweee... isn't it lovely!

BTW... this photo was taken right outside my front door!

This is my photo for today... December 6th!

Hugs!

Janice

December 5th...

2007-12-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

We thought all was lost last winter when the freeze took our 5 ficus trees. We didn't have high hopes for any of our friut trees either. Well, it just goes to show you that you never know about Mother Nature! Here is living proof! Our first navel orange from our dwarf tree. This baby is good size too! We have been watching it grow in hope it would become ripe... well, I think it's time to try it! I'll let you know how it works out! I'll have Bob try it as I HATE sour fruit!! LOL!

Anyway, other than that just a regular day around here! I created a card and a layout for a Challenge @ Scrapbook Doodle. I really love them both! Here's a look!!

Have a wonderful day!!

Hugs!

Janice

December 4th Photo!

2007-12-04T23:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our neighbor Todd! He is 16 today! Driver's License.... tomorrow! Oh Boy! He is a great kid I do have to admit... he watches our dogs and takes care of our house when we are on vacation! I did a little photo shoot of him and his sister!! So fun!

Have a blessed day!

Photo A Day!

2007-12-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Jennifer offered up a fun challenge! So, together with Kimmie we are taking a Photo a Day for the entire month of December. Then, at the end of the month we will either have a bunch of photos ready to scrap or the opportunity to scrap them all together in a mini album! I have decided I am not going to plan a thing! My shots will be whatever they happen to be each day. Then, I will decide what to do with them at the end! I will also post them on my blog - everyday if possible!

I am offering this challenge up to you all as well! It's not too late to get started... you are off a few days.. no biggie! Let me know if you take this challenge. I'd love to follow your blog too!

So... here I will get caught up to date!

December 1st: Advent Calendar - Day 1

December 2nd: What a look!

December 3rd: Playdate

A Little Sneak Peek!!

2007-12-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

Last week I did a painting job for a past client! I couldn't say no when she called because she is just the best!! Besides, it was her youngest daughter's bedroom... and I love Shelby.. she's a doll!! So, she told me she wanted Zebra on 2 of her 4 walls... I smiled and said "sure, I can do that"!! I took her bedding piece home created a practice board.. I was still not sure how it would really look. Even after about 9 years of Professional Faux Finishing and Decorative painting... this threw me for some reason! So, I did what any "Pro" would do... WENT FOR IT!! Here is a little peek. I will have full shots when the room's decor is complete!!

Please, tell me what you think!! LOL!

Hugs!

Janice

It's a Birthday Crop @ Scrap4Life

2007-11-29T08:16:00.000-07:00

Join the FUN as Scrap4Life turns 3 and we celebrate with a Birthday Crop! Dec. 7, 8 & 9th! Great challenges, classes and awesome prizes! Click here for more details and a COOL pre-crop challenge!!

See you there!!

A Great Check -Up!!

2007-11-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

What better day to schedule a dentist appointment but a school half-day which just so happens to fall on Bob's birthday! So, we picked Jack up from school even a little earlier than the release time. We made our trek to Scottsdale to see Dr. Mike & Vicki! Jack & I had cleanings appointments. Bob went along for the ride... and lunch afterwards! Jack has a NEW tooth coming in but his baby one isn't loose yet! Dr. Mike says it totally normal and not to worry at all.. it will push it's way to where it needs to be and the baby one will eventually loosen. He also most likely has another one coming now too but is under the baby tooth.. as "normal"! I talked to Dr. Mike about how sensitive my teeth are lately. We took some Xrays and he didn't see anything wrong. I am using a temp mouth guard to see if that will relieve any possible pressure I might be putting on my teeth during the night. So, I just have to chew things that are a little softer until the pain goes away.

Here are a few shots of Jack!

I can't wait to scrap the fun photos!! Jack just love Mr. Mike.. and Vicky too! Thanks for sharing my memories!!

More very soon!! :)

Janice

Becky's Pebble Art Project

2007-11-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Oh Friends...

I am offically in the holiday mood!! I spent the morning at a Craft Event with some friends and made this gorgeous creation with Becky! She had the entire kit put togehter for us and all we had to do was assemble it! It was a blast!! I even gave her a little "tip" about the bow! LOL! Anyway, I wanted to share it with you as I LOVE it and I know I will be making many more of them as gifts!! Sorry about the bad photo... I couldn't wait any longer to post this!!

Wildlife World Zoo

2007-11-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to the Wildlife World Zoo a few weeks ago. I had a great opportunity to have a photo shoot with some of Jack's buddies! We had a great time! There were 10 boys and 5 Mommies!!

Thanks for sharing my memories!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

2007-10-29T08:19:00.001-07:00

I have to take a few minutes to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of you who supported me and my family last week. The fires in San Diego County were some of the worst in US history! Happily, thankfully and very gratefully I can say that my family are all safe and well. They were surrounded by fires and were involved in "ready status" for evacuation for several days. My Mom (79) lives by herself and was calm, cool and collected as she prepared herself and belongings for evacuation. She had some neighbors who checked in on her from time to time as did my local family memebers and myself. My closest family lives about 15 minutes from her and they prepared themselves as well. It was so scary for me being here not seeing for myself what was going on there! But, we had several plans in place so we could keep track of our family members. I think my biggest comfort was my DEAR friend Anne offered to do whatever she could to be there to help my Mom... and her cat! It meant the world to me to know she was just minutes away... thanks honey... love you for that more than you will ever know! My Mom said that the air quality was bad but when the Santa Ana winds died down and the moisture returned to the air it was a lot better.

We will continue to pray for those who are still threatened, for those who lost their lives, homes, businesses, for those who are safe, for all the firefighter's, their families, the police and military who serve to protect us and for the media who did their best to keep us all informed!

A NEW Bike for Jack!

2007-10-26T16:48:00.001-07:00

Jack is so excited to get a NEW bike for his birthday present from Grandma and Mommy & Daddy! He hadn't wanted a thing to do with a bike at all until he was at a play date at Jack R's house! Greg (Jack R's dad) got him on the bike and off he went. Then, all he could talk about was getting a better bike! We are so excited and he loves it! We did try without the training wheels but had to get them for him. We want to encourage him to continue! Here are a few shot of him having a blast!

I'm so Excited & Honored!

2007-10-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

I found out a few days ago that I was picked to be October Guest Creative Team Member at Scrapbook Doodle! There are so many really fun and friendly Scrappy Gals there and they have opened their arms to me! A few of the Gals I have seen other places and I am pals with Anne of course! The Owner Yvonne is amazing and so very talented!! I love all the games and challenges and the chat... it's so much FUN!! The Shoppe has so many of the lastest and greatest goodies!! This is the yummy Kit I got to play with for this month. It so yummy in person too!! I look forward to getting to know everyone more this month and playing too.... oh yeah, and the scrappin'.. .can't forget the scrappin'!!

Here's the LO I sent in for the GCT call! Thanks for sharing in my good news!!

Jack turned 5!

2007-10-03T12:59:00.000-07:00

I know it was a few weeks ago and I am behind! But here are a few photos from his Oceanside Beach party! Also, a few other fun shots from that day!!

Jack got a new Bible from Cousin Gary!

The Cake and a few gifts!!

I also got this amazing shot of Matthew. He was playing inside the Pirateship playhouse/swingset. Its really cool in color but I just LOVE it on B&W! Yep.. I made a 8x10 for my niece and her husband!! Thanks for sharing my memories!!

A little walk down memory lane

2007-09-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today I was searching through some "old" pictures of Jack from when he was 2... he's 5 now ya know, so they are really old! Well, that's what he told me anyway!! I came across some really cute ones that I haven't looked at in a long time. It got me thinking that I really need to focus on getting more pictures scrapped. I need to focus on why I scrap and not just create for the sake of creating. I think I have gotten a little off track! But, I have a plan to get myself back on track and in gear! I thought I'd share a few of these adorable shots you will be seeing scrapped very soon!!

Thanks for sharing my memories!

Hugs!

Janice

It's already been a week!!

2007-09-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I can't believe it has been a week since I went to the CK Convention! AND... I didn't get to posting my exciting time here until today!! I had a great time taking only 2 classes but they both ROCKED!! The first class I took with my good friend Shelly! We always have a great time together! We created a mini tin CD album! My next class and really the reason I went to the convention was to take Becky Higgins Sketch class! It was all I thought it would be and more! Not only is Becky the sweetest ever but the class was truly wonderful! I learned a lot and I am more in love with sketches than ever!! I bought her newest book that has 200 of her sketches and 200 NEW layouts to go with them! A fun note: my neighbor Karen and her family are featured in several LO's!! Just a perk of being pals with Miss B. So fun!

Here are a few shots! Becky also signed my book too! Thanks Girly!!

Look who I also ran into in the convention! Lisa is also real and super sweet!!

Here are the LO's I did in Becky's Sketch class!! My printer is out of ink so the journaling will be in the "white" space on the 2nd page! And the strips of paper holding the vert. photo is a place to so just that... hold extra photos!! Love this idea!! ;)

More soon!!

Hugs and have a great weekend!!

How did I miss posting these??

2007-09-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it... well, I guess I really can since we have been so busy for the last month! With Kindergarten starting, Nancy & Pascal visiting, our trip to San Diego, and Jack's 5th birthday!! All that in the matter of 1 month! Phew... no wonder I'm tired! LOL! Here are pictures of Jack and friends from the 1st day of school! I love that he neighborhood kids who all walk together every morning!

Jack's first "new" friend is Jack R.... they are in class together and love to have play dates!

We had to learn about lucnh boxes too! Jack thought he should bring all his "leftovers" home to me!! He said he had fun swinging his bag all around.... but oh man what a mess! LOL!!

Thanks for checking out my blog!! Anothe entry later!! I had a fun weekend!! ;)

A few photos to share!

2007-09-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from our Baptism. The 1st 2 are of our good friend Ty, the 2nd 2 are my DH Bob and the last 3 are of me! Our thanks to Pastor Jackie Allen and all of our Encounter Group friends for a great night and a fun fellowship party!

Coming soon...... photo's from Jack's 5th Birthday Beach Party! :)

Remembering 9.11...

2007-09-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Remembering 9.11 brings tears to my eyes. It is something that I will NEVER forget. The horrific events of that day 6 years ago still fills me with fear, shock and questions. That day and the days, weeks and months afterward were life changing. I am proud of how our country came together. How we shared our grief and began to heal. Here is a layout that I did that really explains some of the many ways my life was changed!

The journaling reads:
I have so many feelings today. It Sept.11, 2002. I year after the horrific attacks on the United States by terrorists. It devastated our country as we lost over 3000 lives. It changed the world! It changed me. I was broken & lost. My heart was empty. I felt scared and alone. I didn't know if or when I'd ever feel "normal" again.We have had so many changes in our life since then, The most significant change happened within the last 24 hours. You were born! As labor progressed we wondered if the time would be 9:11pm or if you would hold off until 9.11.02. But no, you came into the world on 9.10.02 @ 9:32pm as God planned. Then, the most amazing thing happened. The nurse put you on the scale and it read 9.1.1 ...which is 9lbs 1.1ounce. Normally, the last .1 is not noted but to me this was a sign from God. It told me to move on but to never forget and that He would take care of the rest. Now, my life is full & blessed. I am no longer lost, broken or alone.

This day continues to be Life Changing! Tonight, my husband Bob, our good friend Ty and I will be Baptized in our backyard pool! We are so excited! Our Small Group from North Pointe Church will be here to share this time with us too. We picked this day for many reasons and it will give us something positive to remember on this day. So, pray for us tonight around 7pm! I will post pictures in the next few days!

Thank you for sharing my life! Your comments are always welcome! :)
Hugs!
Janice

2007-09-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

As many of you know in January I started theWeight Watcher's program! It was a decision that I just had to make.. I was to tired of feeling "ugly" and "fat"! Even more sick of big baggy clothes that made me look and feel even worse! So, the journey began!

This photo (me in the PINK)was actually taken in February by Kimberly. It's a nice photo too because she just got done doing my hair!! She's a Rockstar!! But, it does show "me"!!

Fast forward 5 months to July. I had the opportunity to join a "Group Fitness Study" at a local World Gym. It was an 8 week program. We were required to workout a minimum of 3 times a week under specific guidelines! It was the BEST thing ever!! The classes were wonderful and still are by the way... I decided to join the gym and continue!!

Fast forward another 2 months and here we are to date! I have lost a total of 22 pounds and still going down!! I have also lost 2 pants sizes and 1 top size so far! (I even lost a bra size which makes me very happy!) I feel the best I have in over 10 years and I have increased my health my 85% according to my Doctor!

Sorry I can't get the picture the way I wanted them.. but I'm sure you get it!! Nancy you will have to help me with this sometime!! :)

2007-08-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been a few weeks since I've updated my blog but hey... what can I say? The past few weeks have been an adjustment for us! Jack loves school and thinks it great! These photos are from the 1st day of Kindergarten! We walked to school with Jack and the Bowers Family. Of course, I walked behind and got shots of all the kids as they walked!! Jack was so excited to take his backpack, buy lunch and play at recess!! He learned on the first day that he doesn't like to wear his sandals to school either! "Too much sand in them for me Mom, he said"!! So, it's his "skater" shoes and socks everyday... even in our heat! Jack was also VERY happy to see his first "official" friend... Jack R! We met Jack R. and his family at orientation... they have become fast friends! So, lucky Ms Carskadon!! She gets a pair of Jack's! Jack G. & Jack R. as they are now known!! :)

When "the parents" dropped off all the kids we had the day to play! So, Ty & Janice, Bob & myself went out to breakfast and then to a movie! We had a nice 1st day of school ourselves! Things have been going ok for the past few weeks. We are all adjusting to the newness of Kindergarten. Jack is participating in class and really likes his new friends. This week he had his 1st show & tell... he took a few of his matchbox cars! We couldn't get him to tell us what he said about them though! I guess that's normal!!

More soon!

Hugs!

Janice

Kindergarten ... here we come!!

2007-08-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

We are now less than 24 hours away from Jack's first day of Kindergarten! I am so excited for this new adventure for him! I know he is ready and that he will do very well! He loves to learn new things and he will love having many new friends! I hope the large class size doen't freak him out... he only had 7 at preschool and now has about 25! I am excited to see all the changes in him and watch him learn how to read and get better with his writing!

Check List:
A few new school clothes = check
backpack = check
lunchbox = check
supplies from supply list = check
note from Mommy = in process
camera ready = check, and double checked
tissue's for Me = check
first day outfit = still deciding
Dad taking the day off = check
spots picked for photos = check

I hope I haven't forgotten anything!! I will post pictures for sure!!
Hugs friends!!

I've been tagged!

2007-07-28T16:51:00.001-07:00

I've been tagged!! My dear friend Nancy tagged me (and my Blog) as a Rockin' Blog Girl! This is so cool! Now, I have to Tag 5 other girls who I think are Rockin' too!! :)

Here it goes:
1 Jennifer - http://www.jenniferbehmer.blogspot.com/
2 Kimmie http://kimberlygarofolo.typepad.com/capturing_the_moments/
3 Anne http://annemontgomery.blogspot.com/
4 Julie O http://joverby.blogspot.com/
5 Tillie http://www.offthewalldesigns.blogspot.com/
It was hard to choose just 5! Now it's your turn to Pay it Forward! YOU choose 5 and keep the love flowing!!

(btw... can someone please tell me how to post the link here without showing the whole link? I did it the way I would on a scrap site but it didn't work!! Thanks! xoxo I know.. I'm blogged challenged!!)

Thank you Nancy!! I needed some cheering up to day! Love you my friend!!

Note: Check back in a few days I have a something SPECIAL to share!! :)

I'm so Sad!

2007-07-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

I have had a very emotional week. Today was the last day of preschool for Jack... he was fine while Candi (his teacher and full time daycare provider for the past 3 years) and I cried! We have a relationship that I cannot put into words! She is an amazing teacher and friend! We had a great party and Candi and the kids made a scrapbook for Jack!! He is off to kindergarten in 2 weeks.
Then, when I got home I heard the sad news of the deadly helicopter crash in downtown Phoenix. The crash site was only blocks from my DH's office! His co-worker's witnessed the crash. Bob was not there at the time! My heart is broken over the loss of 4 of our local news photographer's and pilots. The loss of the men from Chan 3, Pilot Scott Bowerbank and photographer Jim Cox is very personally felt... this is the station I watch on a daily basis! "Our little local morning show" here in Phoenix is like watching my friends on tv. I am so sad and angry at the man who caused this tragic crash!! So, please pray for their families, friends and co-worker's and our city as we mourn this loss. We will be downtown this weekend volunteering help for the news stations and families! Thank you my friends! If you haven't heard about this here's the link: http://www.azfamily.com/

Summer is in Full Swing!

2007-07-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

Ryan was over for a sleepover and boy oh boy did he and Jack have a blast! Even in the Arizona heat they were playing in the yard. They actually were playing "golf" with the ball & bat.. it was so funny. Ryan kept yelling "fore"... then Jack would yell 5, 6, 7, 8... too much fun! After running around for a while we went back into the pool!

Here are some fun things we like to do here during the summer: Eat watermelon - cantelope - honeydew - all fresh berries and fresh corn on the cob! Swim, bbq and play games. Have lazy days in our jammies. Eat lots and lots of otter pops and skinny cows to keep cool! Enjoy time with friends and family!

My blog got a facelift!!

2007-07-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Today my blog got a little make-over! All the credit goes to my friend Nancy! She spent time creating her new blog today and then made a few changes for me! Now, I really have to learn how to do these things myself! I will try to add back in the fun slideshow I had before (thanks to Jennifer!) and also I will post some sites I love to visit! My FAVORITE part is my new Music Video!! I love Vince Gill and this song makes me want to dance!! He's my "Coma Guy"!! Ok... dont' laugh... I know you will though... it is kinda crazy! Why do I call him my "coma guy" ?Because if I am ever in a coma I want headphones on with all of Vince Gill's songs playing in my ear's! I love the sound of his voice and his fun personality... therefore I will either be healed while listening to his amazing voice or if the worst happens I will die with the sound of heaven in my ears!! Hehe!! Crazy I know... LOL! This is a photo I took of him at a concert in Oct. 2006! It was my 3rd time seeing him! Hehe... Thanks for checking in!!

More soon! Love you all!

What do you think about my "new look"? Please leave me a comment!!

CROP IT...

2007-06-19T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hehe... I am so excited!! It was time to renew my license plates so I decided to change my personal plate! I just love to try to figure them out when I see them. Bob & I usually try to figure it out before the other! It's fun! Anyway, I looked up so may different things to do with scrapbooking and this is what was availble of the few I liked! My first choice was Scrap It was taken.. imagine that!! LOL! I really liked the fact that I could get one with the "it" on the end... my old plate was "IFAUXIT". So, as you can see I have moved on from the Faux Painting to scrappin'!

So, that's a little news for the day... actually, I got my plate a few days ago.. I just keep forgetting to post things here on my blog! I need a lesson on this blog thing... hint hint -------------->>>>> Jennifer!! :)

Hugs and Blessings!

Janice

Welcome Baby Adrian

2007-06-14T12:08:00.001-07:00

We have a new family memeber!! Adrian Jeovanni Druan was born June 2, 2007! He weighed in at 7lbs 13 oz and was 19 inches long! Mom and baby are doing well. I got the call at around 12:30pm that day. I was lucky to get a flight out right away and was there in time to be with my entire family for the birth! We all were with her during labor then made our way to the waiting room for the pending delivery! Since this was her first baby we had no idea just how long it would be. Well, we were all called back in about 20 minutes later!! It was so fast!! My sister is a very happy 1st time Grandma! My Mom is a 3rd time Great-Grandma - to all boys too!! :)

In other news:

I am so exctied! I am taking an online photography class! It is a 10 week course so be prepared for many photo uploads here!! Also, I am ordering 2 new lens and a few other goodies today for my camera!! I'm so excited... I've beenmeaning to do this for a few weeks now!

Well, that's it for now!! Much love and blessings!

Hugs,

Janice

Fun Questions!!

2007-05-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

20 Things

1. regular or diet soda: Love regular but I drink diet... with fresh lime!
2. salt or pepper: a little of both
3. hot or cold weather: hot... duh, I live in AZ :)
4. dogs or cats: dogs, totally dogs!!
5. dieting or exercise: exercise... even though I don't do too much of it I really love it! I am no WW but it's not like a diet to me.. it's a lifestyle!
6. cooking or doing dishes: either
7. sleeping or shopping: shopping!
8. Red Lobster or Texas Roadhouse: Texas Roadhouse
9. classical or hip hop music: hip hop to dance to and classical to put me to sleep!!
10. dancing or playing sports: dancing!
11. back rub or foot rub: yes please!
12. fruits or vegetables: both
13. csi or law and order: CSI... all of them!
14. coffee or tea: coffee.. with flavored creamer!
15. curling up with a good book or a night out on the town: night out
16. straight hair or curly hair: straight... I promise I will never get a perm again... EVER!
17. skirts or shorts: shorts
18. burgers/hotdogs or Mexican food: mexican
19. vacationing in Europe or Mexico: Europe, then I could see my friend Nancy!
20. sports car or SUV: SUV - hybrid

So, I don't really remember how to tag someone so, if you like... you can answer them here!
More soon!!

I've been Tagged!!

2007-05-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Ok... so my friend Kimmie tagged me! I didn't know what the heck she was talking about at first... yeah, I'm a little slow sometimes!

So…..here are the “tagging” rules:
Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

Here are my little quirks!

1. I put each piece of silverware in the dishwasher in a different holder! This means no sorting when I unload!!
2. I put on 1 sock, then the shoe, next sock, next shoe! Never sock on both , then both shoes!!
3. I hate when people touch my head! Don't pat my head, don't touch my hair... unless you are massaging, cutting my hair or coloring it! Otherwise, hands off!!
4. When I call my middle sister on the phone I always say "Hello Sister" but I say sister more like "Ceeesissterrrr"! Even on her voice mail!
5. I can whislte about 3 notes... but you wouldn't really call it whistling!!
6. I need 30 minutes and 1 cup of coffee with flavored creamer to get me started in the mornings!
7. I have been known to sing "Happy Birthday" to most everyone I know..... In an "Opera" sort of way!! If I haven't done it for you yet... don't tell me when your birthday is.... cuz you're next!! Oh yes, I would totally do it in public.... while dancing!! :)

I have no idea who else to send this to! I will have to Blog hop to see if anyone I know hasn't done it yet! Thanks Kimmie... this was fun!

Weekend Crop @ Scrap4Life.com

2007-04-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Wow... I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted here! I really need to keep this up! Hehe.. oh well, here I am now! It's a FUN weekend for me this weekend!! I went to the CK Convention in Mesa yesterday with my friend Ann. We had fun, but honestly it will be my last one. It's just not that good.... not much new and it's a small building so it's crowded!! But... I did pick up a few special goodies ;)

This weekend I am hosting a Crop with one of my Design Team members Anne @ Scrap4Life! We had such a blast at the last crop that I just had to try my hand at hosting! This was too, Jodie can scrap too!! We came up with some fun challenges. I will post some pictures and links as they come up!

I hope you all are having a fun weekend too!
Talk to you again soon...

With much love!!

It's SPRING!!

2007-03-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

Well, last week I spent a good amount of time scrappin'. I have had so much fun "cyber" scrappin' with Jennifer and Kimmie too! Jennifer and I gave each other a few challenges on Friday afternoon... it was a blast! I finally finished the 6 LO's I did of the park from last Fall. (above are the last 4) I like some more than other's but... I'm movin' on! I am working on my April DT assignments already along with a few challenges and some LO's for my sweet friend Anne! I am just lovin' to scrap lately.

We had out first pool paryt & bbq yesterday. It was a blast! The pool is still pretty cold but most of the kids did still go in. We had the neighbor's over... almost 20 people total. The men played the washer game and the kids played tetherball and were in the pool for hours. Ton's of fun and neighborhood fellowship! I believe this will be a regular get together.

Bye for now!

Happy Monday Morning!

2007-02-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

We had a pretty good weekend! Friday night we went to dinner with some friends to finally celebrate my birthday! We went to our favorite birthday resturant - Texas Roadhouse! It is so yummy and the kids just love it! Ryan spent the night with us and on Sat. morning I did a little photoshoot of him. Jack and Ryan had a blast playing together for almost the entire day! After church on Sunday, we finally exchanged our Valentine's Day gifts! I know, I know... but it was fun! I gave Bob the Love notes box and he loved it!! He gave me a few Christian cd's and a gift card to the Christion bookstore!! Jack of course got lots of little goodies, a Monster Truck from Bob and a Skateboard from me!! Our neighbor friend Jarret who loves to teach Jack things, helped Jack with his skateboard! It was so cute!

2007-02-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to have my NEW blog! Thanks so much JENNIFER!! YOU'RE THE BEST!! I wouldn't have this up and running if it wasn't for my DEAR friend Jennifer!

So, what have I been up to lately? I have been buys scrappin, doing DT assignments for Scrap4Life and playing on all the other sites I love! I know, I know, I'm a scrap-o-holic... and proud of it!

I will be sharing my world with you all... so come back often!! Love ia all bunches!!