tearoses

Great Day!

2012-01-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

Kelli Sue and I cleaned most of the morning/early afternoon! Now it is time for Downton Abbey and Boiled Dinner!

In Texas!

2012-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Arrived Thursday and spent the day with my BFF, Kay! Met Mike at the apartment around 6 and got a tour. It looks great, so funny to see some of our furniture there. His new favorite stores are Target and IKEA...that cracks me up also! Salad that night.
Friday, I was allowed to drive Penelope and drove Mike to work, then to meet Kay as we shopped for ProGrad at BB & B. Also enjoyed a great lunch at Sweet Tomatoes...OMGoodness Delicious! Then back to the apartment to get ready for Holiday Party at the Houstonian. Great evening and enjoyed meeting new folks and seeing past pals like Nancy, Lamar, Luke, and Janie. Chatted with Janie for quite awhile realized I hadn't seen her since Ryan was born, back in Egypt. Great food as well and was glad Kelli could attend.
Saturday, had the best breakfast ever at Pecan Creek Grill. Shrimp and Cheesy Grits was my choice, Mike enjoyed an Omelette, and Kelli had beautiful french toast! Hashbrowns were yum too and the coffee was a delicious cinnamon house blend. Hope to eat there again soon! After some errands were run, we visited with the Cooke family...some of our favorite people! Mr. P produced his ever fabulous fajitas and we were a happy group! Also able to join Kevin at the pre Sadie Hawkins picture taking. So much fun!
Today...slept in, watching movies, drinking slimrite and Mike & I visited the workout room! Found some clothes and scrapping supplies that I had shipped this direction. Nice! Watching football soon!

Mike gave me an article about 5 fat burners...cinnamon, hard-boiled eggs, apples, pinenuts, and oatmeal...luckily all favorites of mine! Have them all every day! OK!

Michigan Tomorrow

2012-01-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Kelli Sue is heading to Michigan tomorrow. She is only there for 5 days to visit friends and then heading back here for a week in Houston and then 2 more weeks before leaving for Australia! I am sooo enjoying her company! We are now in Quail Creek with my parents. Had a great dinner at their grill and then played cards with Dad. Mom is out playing pony canasta. Kelli Sue won at "99" and wants to know where her money is! Ha!

Friends watching Sarah's Key!

Mom and Kelli at Judy's for Sarah's Key!

May have posted this before...too cute...made by Kadie Labadie!

Ryan and Kelli at Cheesecake Factory

Birthday Cards made by Kelli Sue...and Theo

Amber and Arran

Downton Returns!

2012-01-08T20:48:00.000-08:00

Watching Downton Abbey on PBS! Second season began tonight...yay! Had to fill Kelli Sue in periodically on who's who, but it is all coming together! Maggie Smith is fantastic as well as the rest of the cast.
I played the first 9 holes of Saddle Brooke Ranch today with Bill & Sandy Saey and Pam Davis. So much fun! It was chilly initially, but by the last hole I was FREEZING!

Red Riding Hood

2012-01-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

Theo and newest Nacimiento from Mexico.

Moon over the Ranch.

Kelli Sue and I fried rice and shrimp stirfry!

Kelli and I recycled our tree today! Thanks Kiwanis Club of Oro Valley! We then checked out The Foothills Mall over on La Cholla. We were going to see a movie, but bought some Levis instead, then headed for Saddlebrooke Ranch! We both got pedicures at Regal Nails and then headed home to see Theo, Amber, and Arran. Went on myfitnesspal.com and started using that amazing site again...now watching RRH. Kelli Sue went to Skype Rachael Jenkins (Olsen) and I am sitting here typing and eavesdropping just a little bit. Best friends for so long and they are still hysterical to listen to.

Mission Impossible Tonight

2012-01-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Mike, Kelli Sue and I went to the movie after a day of running errands! Great Movie and I ate a ton of Kettle Korn! (along with a gallon of cherry coke!) We all worked out this morning, talked with Greg about the morning room niche, picked out stone for the morning room niche, and made plans to return some of the excercise equipment! After a few other stops, then went to the movie! Picking up three pails of cat litter and a short grocery stop at Bashas' were the last errands before heading home!

Just a few pictures from NYE at the Ranch!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

SPARTANS IN QUAIL CREEK!

Mike, Kelli Sue and I went to my parent's house in Quail Creek to watch the Outback Bowl yesterday. Lots of fun and Oh My Goodness...Michigan State was victorious! There were lots of Happy Spartans ! We celebrated by then coming home and stopping at "It's Greek to Me" for a fabulous dinner.

In the world of resolutions, 2011 was pretty darn positive for me! Yay! I wanted to get back to blogging and I surpassed my previous number of posts/year by 4! 2009 I posted 86 times and in 2012 I posted 90! Yay! This is even going to be a bigger year...I am going to try and keep up with Kadie! Don't plan on one a day, but with recipes/photos/and fun paper projects, I hope to double my current record of 90!

End of the Year!

2011-12-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

Moving furniture, visiting friends, and traveling to and from the airport!

Mah jongg

2011-12-22T21:54:00.000-08:00

Penguins in the park!

Played Mahjongg with my girls!

Decorated the tree!

Ate Taco Soup!

21st...almost Christmas!

2011-12-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

There was a snowball fight in Kensington!

And "Right Now" , Mike is running around the house changing air filters and light bulbs cuz that is what I had on his list! Kelli and I got the tree lights on last night...little on the bottom and big on the top.

JYC 14-17

2011-12-20T22:15:00.001-08:00

20th of December~~~5 more days!

2011-12-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

And on entering the house they saw the child with Mary, his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Matthew 2:11

It was gingerbread decorating today at the sweet shoppe...I did a girl and a cat! 3 left, who will get them done?

Journal Your Christmas prompt #20 is "happy surprises"! Will have to work on that one.

Mike pruned wildly today with little help from Kelli Sue or I. We 3 had lunch at the Bistro, after I worked out for an hour and Kelli Sue had her facial. Tonight we went to see "Sherlock"...fabulous as expected. All sorry to see McAdams not survive the first 30 minutes.

Chelsi arrives Wednesday!

2011-12-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

JYC prompt #19 is "Write a Letter to Santa"... I will be doing a page about Saint Nick instead! Watched Santa Clause 3 last night with Kelli Sue and Mike.

And behold, the star that they had seen at the rising preceeded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9

Kelli Sue brought her's home and behind door # 19 it said, "Cut a snowflake out of paper." I love her's cuz it is full of activity at Christmas time!

We left London today and went to a duck pond!

18th already! Are you Prepared?

2011-12-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all of Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:3
Listening to The Shack while driving in the car. Interesting! Thanks Mary Lou!

Took at trip to the National Gallery in London!

Prompt #18 is "Christmas Dinner" which we will be eating at My Mom and Dad's, just like last year!

Made it in time to church to see the 4th candle lit! This one is to have us think of Joseph. Also portraying faith galore...to say Yes to God !

Mike today and Kelli Sue tomorrow!

2011-12-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

JYC is the perfect gift for someone else....
Bellringing Bears in London! Yesterday was a doggy and a dinosaur!

"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising." Matthew 2:2

16th is here!

2011-12-16T23:28:00.000-08:00

Lunch at Macaroni Grill with Ryan and my Mom and Dad! I am eating way toooo much!

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem. Matthew 2:1

Gettin' Closer to Christmas!!!

2011-12-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Luke 2:20

The tree is up!!! Ate Greek and took 2 carloads of stuff to the storage place! Thanks Ryan!

Decorated on the Wild Side in London!

JYC prompt #15 "Visitors"! My visitors will be my family...and I am so glad that is true!

Barcelona Nacimiento con tres reyes y camelos!

Jalapeno Jelly from Pat and Louis!

Tag Exchange

Gift Exchange!

Stampin' Buddies!

Deer Surprise on the way home!

Happppy Birthday JoeAnn!

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

Day 14 in London took me to the Palace! ...and the dogs had the last laugh! (me too!)

The shepherds said to one another,"Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place." Luke 2:15

Kelli Sue finally was accepted at Monash University in Australia...I will get her for 8 weeks starting this Sunday! Then she will leave here to attend a semester there, staying with our friends from Aberdeen. Yay! Yay! Yay! Congratulations, Kelli Sue!   ...and thanks Jessica H. for taking her in!

JYC prompt #14 is?????                      OK, I 'm back and #14 is "gifting", in the past I have talked about who gives out the presents, when we open presents, who gets/gives great presents, etc. This year I think I am going to journal about the fun homedone gifts I have received...like the oh so yummy molasses cookies from Colleen and Paul...the adorable red bauble box from Alyce at book club...the festive jar of jalapeno jelly from the Hartgroves...the thanksgiviing treasure from Kadie...the afternoon of techniques from Jan...oh so many very special gifts from the wonderful people in this area!

And a very very Happy Birthday Wish to my MIL, JoeAnn! Let's Skype soon!

This afternoon is the Saddlebrooke Stampers Holiday Luncheon! Chicken Salad at their clubhouse, and then an afternoon of gift and tag exchange!!!   Going with 3 other crafty Ranchgirls and meeting up with a room full of crafty Saddlebrooke girlfriends! Can't wait!

Off to the gym! Later Tater!

Today is the 13th!

2011-12-13T12:13:00.000-08:00

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace." Luke 2: 13-14

My visit to London led to a visit for a young man to the North Pole!Prompt #13 for Journal Your Christmas is "Music, Music, Music!" Usually my least favorite page, but love my entry for this year...especially my wee jingle bells! So here are pages 10-13!

12 Day 12 Day 12

2011-12-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

JYC prompt is "Christmas Past/lessons learned/or how the Season has changed"! Hmmm...will have to think about that one!

Oh Theo! You have already ripped off door 12, let's see if I can read through the teeth marks! "Now there were sheperds living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock." Luke 2:8

Chelsi's song was sung be a beautiful bear in Prince Albert's Hall...in London town.
Busy week...something everyday and my family starts arriving on Saturday! oh yeah!

Tried to eat Greek last night but it wasn't open, so we headed to Amarsi instead for Italian...yum!

Journal Your Christmas Day 1- Day 9

2011-12-11T15:34:00.000-08:00

Finally scanned pages 1-9! The last 2 years I went digi and or hybrid and this year I am going back to paper cuz I have a craft room to play and make a mess in!!! The main colors are red, grey, mint green and sky blue. I am trying to stick to the Martha Stewart pads and embellishments that are in those colors. Of course using a bunch from my stash as well. Numbers are punched from my new banners/pennants SU set! Also used it for making my cards this year.

11 it is! 3rd Sunday in Advent

2011-12-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Today's candle at church signified Mary and the story of "the Virgin of Guadalupe" was printed in the program. When I was a Junior in High School, my Spanish class went to Mexico and we went to that cathedral and saw the robe of the peasant boy who saw Mary. I was impressed then and still am. Mary signifies the willingness to gently do what God wants you to do. To say "YES" to God!

My window read, "And Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger." Luke 2:7 In the wee picture Mary is shown behind the straw filled manger, and the baby is smiling up at her. (On a side note, Theo is enjoying ripping off the opened door and chewing on all other papers as well! Is he teething???)

Visited Westminster Abbey (one of my favorite places ever) today on my desktop calendar!

JYC prompt #11 is "Oh Christmas Tree"! Mine is not even up yet...is your's?

transperancy made from pic of Steve&Judy's tree..to overlay

Theo and I reading Jeanene's 2nd book...to put on her webpage!

Happy Birthday Julie, Janie, & Karen!

2011-12-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Happy 10th of December to One and All!
And Joseph too went up from Galilee to Bethlehem, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Luke 2:4-5
Spent a fun afternoon with Jan and Betty in Jan's new craft room! Jan has soooooo many stamps and they are all organized! Amazing!
Finished the white chocolate cherry shortbread late last night and it was just as yummy this morning as I thought it was last night! Easy too!
This morning while visiting London, I watched the elf chimney sweep do his thing! Too cute!
Journal Your Christmas Prompt #10 is "All about the Wrapping"! Love this prompt every year! Still haven't posted pictures of my pages...will do so soon...promise!

9th of December

2011-12-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. Luke 2:3
It is all about TRADITION on JYC!
...and today in London, we celebrated a tropical Christmas!
Just finished making my new Christmas recipe. "White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread" Oh My Yummy!

Your View of All Things Christmas!

2011-12-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

JYC Prompt 8 is "What do you see that is all about the Season?" Love this prompt each year cuz I have lots and lots of photos of what I see and what I love! This year as probably last year is the cacti wrapped in lights and then wrapped in blankets with a Santa hat on top! Gotta love the season and the necessity to keep our plant life warm and cozy!
All Saints' window reads, "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled." Luke 2:1
Nelson and the pigeons were visited and the tree was lit!
Chelsi arrives on the 21st! Mike arrives on the17th! Kelli Sue arrives on the 18th!

The sun is shining on DAY 7!

2011-12-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Warmed up just a bit...might get to unwrap the plants...not sure though cuz the wind is picking up!
Verse 7 reads, "Shout joyfully to God, all you on earth; sing of his glorious name, give him glorious praise. Psalm 66.2
Weather was the topic in London today...Made 5 fantastic snowflakes that then filled the sky!
I haven't checked JYC prompt yet, though I am all caught up through yesterday. Will post some of those pages later this week. Prompt 7 was, "What Else Needs to Be Done!~To Do List"
Just back from 50 minutes on the elliptical...too much cake, pie, and cookies at Colleen and Paul's. Happy Almost Birthday to Karen!

~Day 6~

2011-12-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

"The holy Spirit will come upon you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God." Luke 1:35
Took a bus ride across London Bridge!
JYC prompt is "Memories"!
Another freezing night with all my cacti and citrus covered and lit and wearing hats!
Yesterday was great Staff Appreciation Event! Very festive and fun!

Yes! I know my eyes are closed!

Countdown to Christmas Continues!

2011-12-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

December 5!!!!!
Stopped in for a bite at the local restaurant...am loving the Jacquie Lawson Advent Calendar sent by Sara!
Behind door #5 are the words, "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus." Luke 1:31
Already worked out and made candy cane bark for the staff here at SBR. Party today at 3pm and I have the raffle baskets all loaded up in the car!
Need to get Kelli's Christmas College Box off in the post!
Happy Birthday Raleigh! You're the Best!

The best ever Molasses Cookies delivered by the Irish Elf! Thanks Colleen and Paul!

Snow in the mountains!

Freezing again this am. 30 degrees!

2nd Sunday in Advent, December 4th

2011-12-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Kyle!
While in London I visited the Flower Market!
My fourth window read "then the angel said to her,"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Luke 1:30
This morning awoke to 31 degrees and snow! Good thing I covered everything yesterday and wrapped the rest of lights on the citrus! Went to early church, great service as usual! Shopped and then came home to wrap baskets for "Staff Appreciation Even"t tomorrow. Had the hilarious help of Linda, Nini, and Judy! Mom and Dad stopped by for a cup of chai while their house was being shown. We then drove to Carabba's for a great dinner, we all went home from there.

Bird Bath Party

Kelli and I started early with the PWM!

Ryan making our Sonoran Hotdogs

Hotdogs wrapped in bacon and then topped with grilled onions and quacamole! Oh My!

JYC prompt #4 was "What is your idea of a Peaceful Christmas?"

Window #3

2011-12-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

...and today in London, I rode the EYE !
JYC prompt is "CARDS"! Better go work on them so I have a page to do!
34 degrees, overcast, and windy/rainy at 6:08pm! I went out and did the fairy lights in the citrus trees and then wrapped them in frost blankets! Happy Saturday!

3rd of December

2011-12-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

12 Drinks of Christmas ~~~Party at the Ranch~~~Huge Success!

Door #2

2011-12-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

"The angel Gabriel was sent from GOD to a virgin betrothed to a man named Josseph, and the virgin's name was Mary." Luke 1:26-27

#2 in my desktop snowglobe was decorating your tree...FUN! Thanks again Sara!

Completed Day 1 in JYChristmas!

Check out the adorable FREE Download a Day at DivineDigital...for the next 15 days the theme is Holiday Cooking!

When I got out of bed, it was Rainy and 38 degrees in lovely SaddleBrooke Ranch!
Cloudy and 41 at 1:11! oh yeah...the sun just peeked out for a minute.
Prompt today for JYC is WEATHER!

Merry Merry

December 1st Advent Window 1

2011-12-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Received the coolest Advent Calendar ever today! Sara and Grahm Nicol sent me a desktop(on my computer) Advent Calendar of London. #1 was on Big Ben ( my favorite sight in London) and featured a family in a clock serving turkey and a figgy pudding ( my favorite sign of Christmas in the UK)! LOVE IT!
#1 on All Saints Calendar reads..."The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Isaiah 9.1

Finished my numbering for JYC2011 last night and am ready to start that as well! Oh, Boy!

Journal Your Christmas 2011

2011-11-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for my 5th year! Paper is cut and I am excited to start JYC2011 with Shimelle Lane.

I love these cats!

2011-11-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

Amber, Arran, & Theo
Do you know the poem, "Sandpaper Kisses"? All of my children learned it in 1st grade at Christ Episcopal School.

We LOVE Halloween!

2011-11-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

This first picture is of my brother's office in Cheboygan! Obviously they have some Halloween Spirit! (He is the Spy on the right!)

Pumpkin latte and treats from Kadie! Love them!

Scrappin' girlfriends!

treat from Kelli Sue!

TV was broken in the house, so my adaptable girlfriends watched "Practical Magic" in the casita! As I say every year...best Halloween Movie ever!

Pumpkin Pie

Debbie's Gumbo

Fab-uuuuu-lous Halloween! Time to put up my feet and relax! Boo!

Happy Happy Birthday!

2011-10-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Golden to Chelsi Ann! What fun you have been! xo
Happy Birthday to Therese Marie and to Jared also! Two other favorite people celebrating this great day!

I LOVE MICHIGAN!

2011-10-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Was in my beautiful home state for a week...lucky lucky me! Saw most of my family and some friends. Watched MSU whomp on U of M. Celebrated my Momma's 80th birthday for most of the week. Enjoyed "Jersey Boys" with Kelli Sue and Mom. Saw beautiful fall color! Witnessed an exceptional sunset. Drank great coffee! And saw addditions to my parent's house. Can You Say ..."FAB-U-LOUS!"? (Interesting trivia...Mom born 1931 turned 80, Kelly born 1961 just turned 50, Kelli Sue born 1991, just turned 20!)

Cruisin' is sooo much fun!

2011-10-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

Loved my time with my BFF, Kay! Great weather, new friends, good food, and fun excursions!

National Coffee Day

2011-09-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

In Texas and heading to Starbucks! My BBF Kay is picking me up later and then we are consolidating/shopping/planning/packing for our Scrapbooking Caribbean Cruise! We will be visiting Cozumel, Belize, Isla Roatan, and Costa Maya! Scrapbooking classes will be at night with lots of fun in the sun during the day! Neither of us have cruised before....Oh My Goodness! We have 3 shore excursions booked and plan on enjoying our ship, The Carnival Dream!

HAWAII

2011-09-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Mike and I met in Phoenix, survived LAX and are now in HAWAII! Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Eating macadamias and drinking a longboard island lager. Oh boy! Learned to make a ribbon lei...new craft! Yay!

HaPpY HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY to Us!

2011-09-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

TWENTY-SIX YEARS! Met in Casper, WY...Married on Mackinac Island...Honeymooned in DisneyWorld...set up housekeeping in Cairo, Egypt! Established 1985...additions made in 1986, 1989, and 1991! (and most recently Kyle in 2011!)

September 11, 2011

2011-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

I am Proud to be an American!
Glad to see the flags flying at half mast today in Catalina. Also saw many "Old Glories" waving throughout the Ranch! God Bless the USA!

More Wedding in Calistoga Photos!

2011-09-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Everybody but Kyle!

Utsler Girls-prewedding!

Jelly Belly tour--post wedding!

Prewedding "Kid's Table"

Rehearsal Dinner

Kelli not quite ready!

Amanda and Kelli Sue---neckup done!

Nana giving her ok!

Handsome men!

Utsler Girls!

"Sistas" dancing! Aunt Sue and Mom!

Ryan, Snoopy and Anne!

SEPTEMBER, 2011........how can that be?

2011-09-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Lots of thunder and beautiful lightning the other night. Amber, Arran, and I watched it! Though I took tons of pictures, I didn't get much! Dinner last night at Grimaldi's on Campbell...it was delicious!

Can you say "lonely"?

2011-08-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Put Kelli Sue on the plane yesterday...boohoo! Glad I have friends and neighbors to keep me busy. Sat by our lovely pool with Colleen and Paul yesterday afternoon. Stopped by Pat and Louis' for a chat on the way home! (and to share a kiltlifter beer...could be my new favorite) Heading for papercrafting this afternoon. Talked to Nini via phone and messaged with Chris...I am blessed!

Back in AZ! What a Beautiful Wedding!

2011-08-21T23:25:00.000-07:00

Ryan...Team U is complete!

2011-08-10T22:58:00.000-07:00

Family dinner at Karen and Lyall's...13 Coopers, Utslers, Fahdens, Buchers and Normans! Fun and yummy! Then off to pick up Ryan at the airport!

Calistoga

2011-08-09T22:08:00.000-07:00

Mike and I are here! Met Chelsi at the Santa Rosa Airport! Picked up Debbie in Napa and then we visited with Aunt Carole. My parents arrived today also, but haven't seen them yet. Ryan comes in tomorrow as well as the Cooke family! Kyle arrives Thursday! Yay....we are about to begin!

Seattle

2011-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

In Seattle for the evening...heading for Calistoga tomorrow. Mike had a fun time at the Ranch, we were able to do lots of festivities and he was able to meet and remeet lots of folks! Yay! 5 more days!

A Week From Yesterday

2011-08-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Heading for California tomorrow with my husband! There is going to be a wedding next Saturday! Our oldest daughter is getting married and we are all so excited! Rest assured, I will be posting pictures!

Sunday Day 7 End of My Week with Ali

2011-07-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

Up early and in the shower! Headed for church. Great sermon from Meghan T about the loaves and fish. Then over to Home Goods for Grand Opening! Met shopping buddies there and then to Saddlebrooke for brunch! Yum! Finished restuffing pantry, played with new stampmaking machine, and folded placecards! Arran and Amber kept me company on the couch!

Day 6 in Week of the Life

2011-07-30T21:20:00.000-07:00

It was a hot one today! I worked out for about an hour on the eliptical, treadmill, and lifted a few weights. Headed up to the pool in the afternoon and chatted with friends for about 5 minutes before the lightening started. And now at 9:18 pm there is a massive thunderstorm going on outside! Kind of cool but scarey too! Amber is not happy and I don't know where Arran even is! Still loving my new Panorama program!

Day 5 Week in the Life

2011-07-29T22:37:00.000-07:00

Playing with a new program for...PANORAMAS! So Cool!

Flowers from birthday bouquet given to me by Ryan. Ezio came with Ryan for a visit, but always spends most of his time under my bed. Worked out at La Hacienda and captured MSU for my album. Made some appointments. Alarm people checked out the alarm. Saw some texture and color work on some friends' interior walls...liked them both a lot! Went to "Steak Out" at the Bistro. Excellent meal of steak, garlic mash, salad, and pecan pie! Fun night!

Day 4 Happy Birthday to ME! (Yesterday)

2011-07-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

Didn' have time to post this on the 28th!Treadmill for 30 minutes! Text from Kelli Sue, calls from Chelsi, Mike, Ryan, Mom & Dad, Kyle, Julie, Kelly & Cymbre. Sung to by the mahjongg group and various others (Julie, by far has the best voice!) Ryan and Ezio came to visit. Had a few meetings, played mahjongg, was taken out to lunch and dinner, and absolutely positively had a wonderful day. Thank you everyone! And check out my crafty friend, Kadie... http://kardsbykadie.blogspot.com/ She posted on her blog a birthday wish and special gift! Love it!

Day 3 Week in the Life

2011-07-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

Slept in and loved it! Spent 30 minutes on the treadmill. Cleaned up and then headed to Wildflower with Nini and Pat, met Doreen, Beth, Betty, and Colleen there and enjoyed a wonderful Birthday Lunch. Happy July birthday to Beth too! My pasta dish was oh so yummy and then Jacob (adorable) brought us a Happy Birthday Dessert plate! The butterscotch pot de creme was my favorite...served with caramel and sea salt! Shopped at Chico's and Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Volleyball from 6:30-8:30. That is always fun! What a Great day!

Day 2 with Ali Edwards

2011-07-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

Door fixed in the garage. Worked out and watched the History channel, learned that 3 of the characters in ZORRO were real, though opposite to what was portrayed. Nini and Doreen came over to restuff the pantry and then we played in the craft room...pleased to say that Doreen finished her next recipe and started next month's! Yay! Then down to Carlotta's for Tuesday Taco night and then shopping at Wal-Mart with the girls....hilarious!

Day 1 Week in the Life

2011-07-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

Pickle ball, Facebook, crafting with Kadie & Betty & Nini (Kadie gave me these adorable candles and cute card), calls from Kelli, then Ryan, and finally Chelsi, also my Dad, restuffing Pantry, watching TV! How was your day?

Pantry today and Ali next week!

2011-07-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Alejandro is arriving in an hour or so to redo the very stuffed pantry! Yay! Can't wait to have pull outs and a spice rack! ...and to unstuff my stuff!
And next week Ali Edwards is doing her "Week in the Life" . I am going to try and do it also and have already downloaded the free daily pdf journal forms. Since it is MY BIRHDAY WEEK, I think it would be a FABULOUS week to keep track of! Find more info at http://www.aliedwards.com

Harry and Crafts

2011-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

Anne and I after yogurt and seeing HP! Ryan is the photographer! Loved it! Anne and I both cried...Ryan was disgusted with us! So much fun!

Decided to have a crafting day while I sat around waiting on workmen and phone calls. Working on my Michigan trip back in April. Have completed 8 pages and loving this SEI kit called Winnie's Walls...even though peach is NOT my favorite color! I guess I was inspired by our Crafting Club meeting yesterday up at the Hacienda. Kadie, Betty, and I got a lot done, chatted, and watched the storm that was brewing outside! Thanks ladies for a fun afternoon! (& that INSPIRATION!)

Views and fun found pics!

2011-07-17T11:29:00.000-07:00

Rebloomed due to rain...I missed it the first time.

Hilarious shot of my 2 Nija Turtles!

Great pic of Kyle and Chelsi!

Addition to my parent's home!

"Beverage"---recipe for August

2011-07-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

Working on August's Recipe for my SBR papercraft club recipe book. Having fun trying new things. Had peridontal surgery yesterday and am enjoying a "baby food" existance. Loving slim fast shakes, naked juices, and cottage cheese...oh boy!
Today went to Stamp Club meeting at SaddleBrooke and turned in my 2 patriotic cards that will be sent to our troops. Forgot to take a picture though. Great ideas from the other stampers...such creative ladies!

Lots of birds hanging out in my back yard. Big and little! Saw 4 humming birds at the feeder at one time, but could only get a picture of two. And here is Kelly, my brother, reading his wife's newest book. Congratulations, Jeanene!

Happy Birthday Kelli Sue!

2011-07-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

No more teenagers in my house! Happy happy day to my youngest! You are such a great daughter, fun friend, and sweet person! Love you tons!

Dieting

2011-07-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ate way too much over the last two weeks and didn't excercise a bit...so I found this site... myfitnesspal.com . I was looking for a calorie counter on line and came across this great site. I now have a food diary, excercise diary, and it allowed me to add my own recipes and then sorts out the calories per serving. Love it! Heading for skinny M of the B in a month!

Looking left out the back door!

Looking right out back door.

Best Bird Bath in Town!

Looking left again the day after the rain and rainbow. The ocotillo is leafing out, the marigold is beautiful along with the firestick and white flowered covered bush. I lost 2 big bushes and 1 marigold with the freeze. Now I just need something pretty in those 2 pots!
Can hear the thunder in the distance...maybe more rain today!

Monsoon Season

2011-07-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Arrived in Tucson last night at about 9 pm. Anne was waiting for me and whipped her cute little red bug around to pick me up...glad we managed to get the faithful lilac suitcase into her trunk. Amber and Arran were waiting at the door and seemed very happy to see us. All the "cherry" items made it, as well as a jar of Saunder's Hot Fudge and my 4 Cheboygan brewery glasses! Yay!

Now sitting in my room listening to the wind, thunder, and rain! The sky went from bright sunny to a bit of a haze to a impenetrable curtain of rain. Very interesting. I think I got a rainbow picture before the rain really started to pelt down.

Had a great time in both California and Michigan!

Happy Birthday Beautiful America!

2011-07-03T23:22:00.000-07:00

Swam in Mullett Lake today with my mom, brother, oldest daughter, and nephew. Made a rhubarb cup o cobbler and went down the river to have ribs at my brother's house. Then we all piled into the boat and headed out to watch fireworks off of a barge. After being attacked by teeny tiny fishflies, we watched a spectacular display. The 4th in Michigan...heaven!

Let Me Repeat...

2011-07-03T10:52:00.001-07:00

ahhhhhh...BEAUTIFUL MICHIGAN!

Ahhhh...Beautiful Michigan!

2011-06-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Chelsi and I arrived yesterday! We flew into Traverse City and were picked up by Aunt Nini and Nana. Beautiful drive home to Mullett Lake and then a boat ride down the Cheboygan River. Ahhhhhh! Love it!

Calistoga, CA

2011-06-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Met Chelsi at LAX, flew to SFO, and then drove to lovely Calistoga. What a beautiful country we live in!!! Staying with my Aunt Carole, my dad's twin sister for our time here. Have visited with Karen and Lyall and Kelli Sue, who is currently interning with them at Hans Fahden Vineyards. Chelsi in her usual efficiency has lined up meetings with Tamara, the hair person, Carter, the photographer, Christian, the baker, Constance, the florist, the innkeepers...we have driven to San Rafael, Martinez, Santa Rosa, and through St. Helena about 5 times.
What a great place and what a great time we all will have at the wedding of Kyle and Chelsi!

Chelsi and Tamara

Chanric Inn

Kelli Sue, Christian, and Chelsi

7 wonderful mini cakes that we had to taste for Kyle's Groom cake

Old Santa Rosa...home of Charles Schultz.

Driving down to Calistoga

Chelsi and Constance from Sunshine Florists

Hans Fahden vineyards

Kelli Sue, Karen, Chelsi, Cheri, Carole and a few bottles of wine!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T01:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Hope it was wonderful! And to the father of my children as well...love you, Mike!
Spent a great day with Ryan and Anne. They drove out in the afternoon and we sat out in the hot AZ sun. Swam a bit and had an excellent lunch at the Hacienda Bistro. Then to the theatre to see "Green Lantern". Fun movie with cute Ryan Reynolds! Yoghurt at Blue Banana and Anne got her's for free cuz she correctly guessed the weight of her concoction!
Also got going on the built-ins for the pantry and craft room...Alejandro came out after church and did some drawings...yay!
Getting excited about trip to MI and CA with Chelsi!

This pretty tree/bush is a "Chaste", I think! I have 2 of them and they both are gorgeous...so happy they came back after the freeze. Just put in 2 ocotillos and another saguaro. JC Coe ripped out 2 of my dead trees and then planted the new stuff for me. He also thinks that Bert and Ernie are looking fine! JC talks just like John Wayne and is a real cowboy too!

Tucson Zoo

2011-06-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

2 Hummers Video

2011-06-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

Challenge Card

2011-06-09T21:06:00.000-07:00

My contribution to the Saddlebrooke Stampers Challenge Card. We had to use the red glittery disk and black and white cardstock. Haven't done many challenges, but think I am going to like this and other opportunities offered by the Saddlebrooke Stamp Club. Fun! The inside is stamped with "What's up?" I am sooo funny!

Bisbee, AZ

2011-06-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

Cochise County Courthouse~ 1931

Flight to Egypt...each halo different...gorgeous!

Saint Patrick's Church...with a ton of beautiful windows.

Plaque over door of one of many antique shoppes.

7 beers to taste at the Old Bisbee Brewery...loved 4 of them. And they had delicious brats too!

Rootbeer for Kelli Sue.

Movies

2011-06-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Kelli Sue and I have watched all the "Harry Potter" movies and enjoyed them all. Our favorites being one, three, and seven. So fun to see the famous 3 growing up...Ron is hilarious!
We also have gone down to the Oro Valley theatre to see "Thor", "Bridesmaids", "Hangover II", "Pirates 4", and tonight we saw "X-Men, The First Class". All were great! Eating way to much buttered popcorn this summer!

Trip to Mt. Lemon!

2011-06-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Drove up to The Cookie Cabin with Ryan, Anne, and Kelli Sue. Beautiful drive and yummy pizza and cookies!

TEXAS with friends and family!

2011-05-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Kevin, Mike, Amanda, Bobi, Kelli, Chelsi, Cheri, Sherrie, Pat

ahhh! Kelli Sue is here!

2011-05-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Took a Copic Marker class with Chris!

Bloomin' prickly pear!

Mother's Day cards I made with the fashion doll dies from Lifestyle Crafts. Also taking an online class with Christine!

My dessert pages for the SBR recipe exchange!

Sticky Toffee Pudding
Kelli arrived last Friday and that makes me very happy! It makes at Amber and Arran very happy too! We have shopped for cactus at Bach's! We of course have eaten at "It's Greek to Me"! Watched THOR and Bridesmaids at the Oro Valley Theatre. We have played mahjongg at the Hacienda Club and worked out every day but one. So much fun!

Royal Wedding

2011-04-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

I am watching the Royal Wedding...are you?

Fashion Doll Class at Scraptime

2011-04-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

Received my fashion doll dies today. I am starting Christine's class on May 1. Can't wait...check it out here... http://scraptime.ca/blogpage/?page_id=2286s

Michigan

2011-04-20T01:49:00.000-07:00

Mullett Lake~ice on our drive in, but most of it was gone at the mouth of the Cheboygan River.

Momma in front of Campbell Hall~MSU

5 Spartans eating sushi at AI Fusion on Grand River!

3 generations of Spartans enjoying Les Gourmets 2011!

Recipe Swap

2011-04-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

Ten of us are participating in a recipe swap. Each of us is making 10 8x8 recipe pages and then exchanging them. This time we did salads and entrees. Next month we are doing desserts!

this & that

2011-04-04T23:59:00.000-07:00

Ocotillo at dusk~Green Valley Almost finished with the Mardi Gras journal/diary/album! Yep! It says "93"! This was last Friday!

Arran yawning! Too cute!

Crafting and cards!...and I have a cactus flower!

2011-03-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

Love it!

2 shots of my wonderful Monday Crafters!

and what we were making...need some pictures and more decor!

A baby shower card and birthday card for someone special!

and here are some of my favorite family shots that I found for the foliofold card above. I love my family and I could spend hours looking at photos of them!

Guadalahara Grill & The Stamp Expo

2011-03-20T00:11:00.001-07:00

Nini and I~with the musicians.

Dinner after shopping with the girls from the ranch!

Chris, Alice and I making gorgeous western cards at the Expo.

One of our "sparkle, glitz" cards for our class with Judy.

So much fun and so much to see, do, and of course buy!

After coming home. relaxing and putting things away, Priscilla called to remind me to come down for hot cocoa and s'mores, so I jumped in the car and was there in 5 minutes. We all sat around their fire pit and toasted the biggest marshmallows I have ever seen. S'mores never tasted better!

Did you know that the moon is closer to the earth than normal...it was full tonight and looked huge!

Busy, busy, busy!

2011-03-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Shopping for a "mother of the bride" dress today. Spent 4 1/2 hours in the dentist's chair yesterday, and going to the Stamp Expo tomorrow! Whee-haa!

Red Beans & Rice

2011-03-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

Made Red Beans & Rice this morning and am enjoying it right now! It must be Monday. When we were at the Zoo, I had RB & R at the swamp kitchen and they were sooooo good. I had forgotten how good! So that is what I made today!

Made 6 fun cards with the Sophia Kit from C2MH this afternoon with Chris and friends. 2 new girls joined us from Saddlebrooke and once again I am amazed at how much crafters have in common. Time well spent with great people!

Mardi Gras 2011

2011-03-12T20:32:00.001-08:00

Across the bridge for brunch at "The Broken Egg"! hmmmmmm!

Drago's for charbroiled oysters! The BEST!

Kelli loved the sleeping white tigers!

Janet, Kelli and I spent a day at the Zoo!

Kelli Sue on spring break!

Just got back from a week in NOLA! So much fun! Saw friends and family!

Feathered Challenge from My Pink Stamper

2011-03-02T08:30:00.000-08:00

April (Happy Spring) name tags for my daughter's dorm door.

I Love SCRAPTIME!

2011-03-01T10:29:00.000-08:00

Look what I received in the post yesterday! Thanks, Christine! I love viewing her podcasts/videos/blog! http://www.scraptime.ca/

Anyone know what this decal is?

Also had a visit from Stephen and Austin...and they brought back my pub table and recaned chair! I am so very happy!

Projects and SNOW!

2011-03-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

We got 3-4 inches during the night and woke up to this beautiful view on Sunday morning. Both times Mike has been here it has snowed!

Chelsi and Kyle's savethedates! Thanks to provocraft and costco...they are finished!

Kelli and Meghan's Nov. name tags! This is before I stuck on cute turkey stickers!

January name tags...worked on by Kelli and I over Christmas break!

February name tags...wearable art!

DMV

2011-02-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

Arran and Amber

Ezio and Legatus~now buds!
Walked around my back yard with my coffee in hand and harvested 3 golf balls! I am now officially an Arizonian...got my driver's license today! Ryan was with me and we also transfered the car and registered it, then on to a late lunch at The Bamboo Club!

Played 2 hours of volleyball with the Saddlebrooke Club up in Oracle. Love that game! 2 hours goes by really fast when you are having fun! Funny too how the two hours at the DMV seemed like twenty!

Almost March

2011-02-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

Adorable! $1.00 photo cube (Michael's) with index picture of Amber, added a bitty bow and ta-da...Kelli gets a gift in her March box!

March Name Tags for Kelli Sue and Meghan! Used my gypsy!

Just spent the afternoon scrapping with friends!

Swam this morning...how I am loving the pool so close! Trying to swim for 30 minutes at least twice a week.

About 5 minutes out of the shower and the fire alarm goes off...out into the parking lot...dressed but soaking wet!

Sunset

2011-02-19T12:56:00.001-08:00

My parents are coming to dinner. We are having BBQ shrimp and onions over wild rice, cauliflower/olive salad, and chocolate cranachan with bramble jelly!

MJ at SBR and I got my box!

2011-02-17T18:44:00.001-08:00

Mahjongg today at the Hacienda Club. Won twice with the same hand! Love the game!
Just went to Donna's blog and http://www.peachycheap.com/ is offering a giveaway to one of Donna's readers. Check it out at her blog listed to the right->-> "Simply Me"! I am going to go check out http://www.peachycheap.com/ right now!
Also received my order from Donna today in the mail...so excited to start painting again!

Congress/Tucson

2011-02-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

Great time with Mom and Dad down on Congress! Had lunch at the Cup Cafe in the Hotel Congress. mmm mm mmmm! Then across the street to the Rialto to see the Titanic Exhibit! Amazing stories, amazing ship, and I am very glad we saw the exhibit.

I am here in Arizona!

2011-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

Amber and Arran saying "Hello" to their new friend.

Making Memories Unforgettable-Tucson

Donna Downey, me, and Momma...and we were NOT scrapbooking!

Sunset at our house!

Bert in the front. (ernie is in the back)

Looking out over the 13th hole and have already found a golf ball in the yard this morning. Life is good! 60 degrees or so and will probably get up to 75. 2010 is finally over and I am really really enjoying 2011! Miss my friends in Alaska and those that also have moved on to other places, but SBR is very welcoming and I have made lots of new friends here too. Sorry to have left Chelsi and Kyle in Anchorage as well, but it is so very nice to be within driving distance of Ryan and my Mom and Dad. First time since leaving college that I am this close to my wonderful parents, and I so appreciate this opportunity!

Took 3 fun fun fun classes with Donna Downey over the weekend! Mom attended one of them with me and we had so much fun.

Raining Again!

2010-08-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

What a long summer! Normally I don't mind some rain...actually love a good storm even, but this summer has been too damn wet! I have heard all sorts of numbers. 8th wettest summer, 7th wettest July, etc.,. All I know is I am over it! really over it! Ha! Probably even longer, cuz Mike has been in Louisiana since April 27th. Kelli Sue and I went down at the end of June to see him for 4 days. And then he surprised me for my birthday in July, for 5 days. So in total, he has had 2 breaks for 14 days, of which 2 of those days were travel to and from AK. WOW! Kelli Sue has been here in AK, but working on the slope and loving it. She has had 2 -3 week shifts and is now up there again for 2 weeks, and then 1 week here and then back to wonderful Michigan State University. Ryan has been here for a little less than a month and OMGoodness, it that a good thing. Poor kid has been such a help and such good company for his old momma! Chelsi is here too, but working a 2 week shift on the slope too. ( As well as Kyle, who has also been a great help.) Lots of changes for us and our friends. And it is still raining!

Summer

2010-07-15T00:49:00.000-07:00

It has been a very long Alaskan summer...

Road Trip to Girdwood

2010-06-08T01:11:00.000-07:00

So hard for me to get pictures of our state flower!

Beautiful Day! Saw a black bear, 2 eagles, 2 mountain goats and finally stopped at Bird Point! Thanks Michelle and Maria!