DUCT TAPE HAPPY?

I INVESTED IN A CRICUT EXPRESSION 2, 5TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION A FEW YEARS AGO.  I COULDN'T STAND THE GREEN END CAPS AND WAS READY TO BUY THE PURPLE REPLACEMENT ONES.  I WOULD HAVE  BEEN "SETTLING" BECAUSE IT WAS CLOSE TO WHAT I WANTED BUT NOT EVERYTHING.(DON'T GET ME WRONG-I LOVE PURPLE BUT PURPLE IS NOT MY FAVORITE COLOR.  CRICUT EVEN CAME OUT WITH A  MACHINE THAT HAD TEAL END CAPS AND I SERIOUSLY THOUGHT ABOUT PURCHASING THAT ONE BUT MY HUSBAND POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT THE SMARTEST THING.I TRIED TO MAKE IT SOUND LIKE I REALLY NEEDED IT BECAUSE IT WAS MY FAVORITE COLOR! HE STILL SAID NO AND LOGICALLY POINTED OUT THE REASONS THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE-ESPECIALLY FOR ME!!)  MY HUSBAND SUGGESTED THAT THE LIME GREEN ENDS SHOULD BE COVERED WITH THE DUCT TAPE THAT I REALLY REALLY LIKED. THIS SOLUTION GAVE THE PERSONALITY I WANTED, INCLUDED MY FAVORITE COLOR, AND SAVED $$. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE I WAS "SETTLING". WELL, I AM NOW OBSSESSED WITH THIS.  I HAVE NOW COVERED MY TOOL CASE.  I DON'T HAVE TO STARE AT A LIME GREEN CASE THAT I HAPPEN TO USE QUITE FREQUENTLY.  WHY STOP AT JUST THE CASE?  ALL OF MY TOOLS ARE LIME GREEN-I'VE ONLY WRAPPED THE ONE I USE THE MOST SO FAR...I HAVE EVEN WRAPPED MY IPHONE CHARGER.  AND THE BEST PART- THERE IS NO QUESTION WHO THE OWNER IS. MY HUSBAND SAYS I'VE BECOME A LITTLE TOO DUCT TAPE HAPPY--WHAT DO YOU THINK??  HAVE I GONE OVERBOARD? I AM STILL ASKING MYSELF-"WHAT CAN I WRAP/COVER NEXT-I CAN'T STOP!

Resolve to...

HAPPY 2014!!!  I WAS ABLE TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE.  I BELIEVE THAT YOU ATTITUDE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.  MOST PEOPLE MAKE RESOLUTIONS BUT THEY TEND TO OVER SHOOT AND REALLY MAKE A "WISH" FOR THE YEAR AND WHEN THEY FALL SHORT THEY THEN BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE FAILED.  YOU HAVE NOT FAILED!!  LIFE IS FILLED WITH SET-BACKS(little or big).  ISN'T THIS WHAT MAKES LIFE? WHAT ARE(hopefully) MY ATTAINABLE GOALS?  WELL.... I HAVE BROKEN MY GOALS DOWN NOT ONLY TO BE MORE MANAGEABLE FOR ME BUT ALSO SO I FEEL MORE SUCCESFUL. SO I WANT TO BE SOME KIND OF CREATIVE EVERYDAY USING MY CRICUT(MY CRAFT  BLOG CAN BE VIEWED HERE) IN ORDER TO MAKE ME FEEL MORE SUCCESSFUL I WILL SET THIS FOR 1 MONTH.  I AM HOPEFUL TO DO MORE BUT THERE IS THIS THING CALLED LIFE(you never know what might pop-up) BEING CREATIVE(to me) IS DOING SOMET KIND OF CRAFTING. WHETHER IT DESIGNING IN CRICUT CRAFT ROOM, CUTTING THE DESIGN,PUTTING IT TO TOGETHER-THAT ALL COUNTS!!(be sure to follow my craft blog to see how I am doing obtaining this goal. again it can be viewed HERE) JUST LIKE MOST OF THE WORLD-I TOO WOULD LIKE TO LOSE WEIGHT!! (that is a tall order and too much of a goal for me!!) SO I WILL SAY I WOULD LIKE TO LOSE AT LEAST 10 POUNDS BEFORE FEB, I HAVE BROKEN THIS DOWN A LOT...SO WHAT DID I DO? WELL I DIDN'T DRINK ANY KIND OF SODA FOR MANY MANY YEARS-I STARTED 2 YEARS AGO(I wonder why...?)IT IS NOW TIME TO STOP! I WENT COLD TURKEY ONCE SO I WILL DO IT AGAIN. I KNOW THESE SEEM LIKE SMALL GOALS AND IT ISN'T VERY MANY BUT I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE ROOM FOR DISCOURAGEMENT.  WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?-DO YOU BREAK THEM INTO SMALLER OBTAINABLE PIECES OR DO YOU MAKE IT FOR THE WHOLE YEAR? I AM INTERESTED TO KNOW HOW EVERYONE ELSE DOES IT!!

Celebrate!!

TWO YEARS AGO I GOT A FEW MRI'S OF MY BRAIN AND SPINAL RIGHT AT THE BASE OF MY NECK.  MY BRAIN OR CEREBELLUM RATHER WAS SMALLER THAN IT SHOULD BE. I WAS PUT ON MONTHLY B-12 SHOTS AND DAILY B-12 SUPPLEMENTS TO HOPEFULLY SLOW DOWN OR STOP ANY FURTHER SHRINKAGE. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I REPEATED THE MRI PROCESS SO THAT A COMPARISION COULD BE MADE IN EACH SCAN. I WAS SO OVERWHELMED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FACING MORE DETERIORATION THAT I WAS DREADING THIS SIMPLE SCAN. WELL TODAY I WAS TOLD THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO SIGNIFICANT BRAIN SHRINKAGE. I IMMEDIATELY FELT A GAZILLION POUNDS OF WEIGHT BEING LIFTED OFF OF MY SHOULDERS. THERE IS STILL A LONG ROAD TO GETTING ANSWERES BUT WITH THIS RATHER LARGE OBSTACLE OUT OF THE WAY I AM SPORTING A VERY POSITIVE ATTITUDE. I WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE CONTINUED PRAYERS AND SUPPORT. I AM SO READY TO PARTY.....

TO BREATHE OR NOT TO BREATHE....

FOR QUITE A WHILE NOW I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SWALLOW MY FOOD PROPERLY.  WHEN IT HAPPENS-AND IT HAPPENS WHENEVER I EAT- I FEEL AS THOUGH I HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN BREATHING OR EATING.  LET ME EXPRESS THE DREDD I FEEL KNOWING THAT I WILL MOST LIKELY EXPERIENCE A DROWNING SENSATION.  I KNOW ALL OF YOU READER ARE JUST TAKE A DRINK TO WASH YOUR FOOD DOWN. WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING-TAKING A DRINK WILL ONLY MAKE THINGS WORSE.  MY HUSBAND POUNDS ON MY BACK, HE YELLS FORCEFULLY TELLS ME TO RAISE MY ARMS, EVEN GETS A TRASH CAN READY.  I HAVE ENJOYED VERY FEW MEALS THESE LAST FEW YEARS.  I KNOW THIS SOUNDS AWFUL BUT THERE IS HOPE.  I AM GOING IN FOR A MODIFIED BARIUM SWALLOE TEST TOMORROW.  AS I EAT AND DRINK THEY WILL BE USING AN X-RAY TO SEE THE INNER WORKINGS OF MY THROAT.  MY SPEECH IS PROGRESSIVELY GETTING MORE INTERMITTANT AND KINDA WEAK. MY THROAT GETS REALLY STRAINED AS IF I HAVE BEEN YELLING FOR A LONG TIME SO A SPEECH THERAPIST WILL ALSO BE PRESENT DURING THE TEST. I AM SO HOPEFUL THAT THEY WILL HELP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM!

Let the Chillaxin' Begin

My New Year's weekend was spent in the wonderful outdoors. Chris drove us up to the cabin where we met up with my mom and dad. Later Friday night, McKay and 2 cousins arrived. We played card games much of the night. Saturday morning was dedicated to "playing in the snow". There wasn't a lot of snow but we defintely made use of what was there. There were only a couple of trips to the store or restaurant this time. We always have so much fun on our Chillaxin' weekends. I am almost positive that there will be many more this year.

What's for dinner

Sorry it's been so long-It would be too easy if my computer ran the way it supposed to, the cable lines were accesible, and on and on-well needless to say my life has been full of interesting obstacles.

• I got the extreme privilege to actually craft with my mom this time. She emailed me a picture of a menu board that she'd found(I so love surfing PINTEREST!!) We each got the supplies that we wanted. We had so much fun!! I bought the new CTMH Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge a few months ago and I wanted to use it on another project. I now don't even have to ask myself-WHAT SHOULD I COOK FOR DINNER-Dimensions for my board are 13"X16".


• I used small clothes pins-mom used magnets(Wish I had a picture of hers **ca-ute**) thanks for taking time to craft with me!!

Hoppin' Ready, almost

I am almost ready for Easter and it's not even April yet. Whoop Whoop!! This adorably fun wreath was made very simply-- First the green flower wreath was wrapped with decorative Easter garland.(I'm not sure how long 3 or 4 feet maybe??) I used my hot glue gun to seal it as I wrapped-6 or 7 different places**BE SURE TO USE LOW TEMP SETTING ON GLUE GUN**My hot glue gun has both the high and low temp settings. I prefer using the low setting just because touching the glue is tolerable(still uncomfortable) and my skin doesn't blister. Both settings will work but I don't want anyone getting hurt. A package of about 40 plastic eggs with a couple to spare was then glued to the wreath. Small "happy spring" ribbon was added to fill holes. (I've seen some with flowers to fill in-) I found a suitable wired jelly bean ribbon for the big bow-I can't tie a bow worth beans-hahaha-but my mom graciously helped out in that department-THANKS. I attached flower wire to the top center and then had the hubby feed the wire through the screen to hold it up....Now if I could get motivated and finish my banner-well at least the outside of my house is festive!!

Weekend project

I'm not a big fan of the color orange but my hubby loves Harley stuff. I needed this project to suit me with the perty bling while keeping it somewhat manly for the hubby.

The ingredients:

*mug *mini glass marbles(sorry for the picture quality-playing with camera settings)(these are very small)the marbles were clearanced at the craft store for $0.99-yeah buddy *pens and pencils(found at the dollar store. i even managed to find coordinating pencils)

when you open the tube of mini glass marbles you want to make sure you have a container ready(big enough to set your pen in) as the mini marbles will fly all over because they get really charged with static. Wrap a small piece around the ink core inside the pen-my measurement 1/2" x 3". I did a pen with the paper inside and some without(i prefer the paper). Put pen back together. Add two sided tacky tape(i used red liner tape) being careful to NOT leave gaps; all around the outside. Don't cover the end and make sure the marbles will stop where there is plenty of room for the cap to do the off/on thing. Remove red liner to expose sticky tape. Roll in marbles making sure to get complete coverage. While pen is in container, use your hands to press the marbles into the tape to ensure that it is stuck. Also run your hand over the completed pen to knock the loose marbles off of your pen(you don't want a big messy pile of glass marbles everytime you use your pen).

I added a little bit of ribbon to the handle of the mug. I am not quite sure if I like the ribbon and I might remove it-please help me decide...

Ca-uteness!!

The following is a list of supplies used for this adorable project:
* Valentine's paper pack
*George and Basic Shapes Cri-cut cartridge
*ribbon(dollar bin)
*eyelets,crop-a-dile,ink,sponge,xyron,and scissors all on hand.
(oh and to thread the ribbon through the eyelets I always have some dental floss threaders. i use them for EVERYTHING)

this is the finished product: (i only have a picture of 1 of the 2 banners)

Snow Rash

This weekend was a snow-filled chillaxin' one. We had SO much ridonkulus fun. We started out Saturday by eating a warm breakfast at a near-by cafe. You can't top biscuits and gravy!! Upon returning to the shack we decided to do some sledding. Dad got out the 4 wheeler and with McKay helping they got everything set-up. McKay was the track guinea pig and got the course nice and worn for us. Everyone (except my brother Chad) got a turn. We are still trying to figure out if sittling while sledding is easier or harder than laying down. Fortunately we were able to get video of most everyone. (Those can be viewed on Facebook). Dad's video can be viewed from this post.

after sledding for awhile-a family snowman was added to the agenda....

Gingerbread Madness-You Decide

Over the weekend my family decided to have a gingerbread house battle. It was quite the showdown with 6 people in the ring. Participants included Mom(Rhonda), Dad(Morris),Chad,McKay,Brandi, and Chris. Now for the rules....
*each team will consist of 3 builders-we'll draw names
*You can only use the contents of your kit-ok you can have scissors and dad had the genius idea of a bigger piece of cardboard(glad for that one)


House #1...Front and back
This lovely home features- The words "pick me" in front and "winner" in back. It comes complete with Santa's sleigh and a nice pile of "yellow" snow courtesy of rudolph. It has a very colorful flowerbed and plenty of trees for those "hide'n'seek" moments. The roof features scallop type shingles with plenty of icicles. It boasts a sweet smelling chimney too!!

House #2-front and back...
This small cottage claims a good size front door. It comes with christmas light around the roof and "xmas" spelled out for your enjoyment. It has a small walkway and heart shaped flowerbed. It comes with a beautiful fountain and christmas tree. Thr backyard has a gumdrop forest for playing games. It also has a sweet smelling chimney. It's mailbox really add character.

Now which house would you choose and why....(bonus if you guess the builders (3) on each team.

Note: The picture is NOT necessarily divided into teams-its just a family photo.

Why do I do this to myself

I am constantly reading something. But why don't I give myself a break? I feel like I have to prove something to myself....Note to self: ths is not a thereapy session!! Anywho-I have a current list of books requested at the library. 5-10 books is usually the norm. I almost alays have 4-5 books at home. Always books and more books.

This is what happens when I read................
Page 1:each line is 2 lines because I have some beer-goggle thing minus the beer.
Page 1: i either read this page or i'm having strong feelings of deja-vu
Page 2: i have reverted back to page 1 due to the eye twitching
Page 2: ok this is where i was before the twitching started-oh wait here comes deja-vu again
this process goes on and starts again several times for each book. It like i read 2 book instead of 1. i think ill double my book quota-instead of reading 35 books the # should be more like 70.

Im sorry this post is so short, but the keyboard is now becoming 1 button

Weird?!?

Chris and I went shopping at the farmer's market last week in order to satisfy my craving for a killer salad. While we were there I figured we should get some fresh corn. Ears of corn were only 12/$1 so why not. We decided to get six-it was only$0.50 cents so it wasn't like we were breaking the bank or anything. Well, we got home and only to discover....

yes-we got seven ears of corn. Have you ever seen something so....different? I was definitely taken aback by this little discovery. WEIRD!!

Happy Happy

Happy Birthday to the most amazing mother. We have had many fun, crazy, serious and wonderful times. Celebration has begun and will continue for many more years....I love you...Happy Birthday!

REALLY!!

So I have ordere a total of 2 goodie boxes. I received the 2nd earlier this week and have had several people ask about the contents:
STAMPS SETS-
*Whimsy Caps(i was going to order this)
*Celebration Blocks
*Heartthrob(i wanted this)
*Calendar
*Around the block
(these stamps alone would have cost me the same as the whole box)
*Sassy Satrands-white daisy
*Love Letter Rub-ons(bulk Chocolate)
*Love Story rub-ons
*additional stickease-notebook and sweet home
*lvl 1 paper- notebook and sweet home(including lvl 1 stickease)
*Heartfelt-Whimsy (felt embellishments)
*Magic Moments kit
*Felicity kit
*6x6 album protector
*9x9 snapshots-you rock
*8.5x11 black cardstock
*Black grosgrain ribbon(i have so wanted to order this)
*Colonial White grosgrain
*white daisy organdy
*Colonial white brads
CAN YOU SAY WOW!! WHOS SAYS CHRISTMAS IS ONLY IN DECEMBER!!

Mother/Daughter Fun

Last night was our mother/daughter R.S. Activity. My mom was able to join me and I was really excited. The decorations were absolutely beautiful. The purse and pinwheels theme was a great idea. We had chicken salad sandwhiches and fruit kabobs. We filled out bingo cards and played purse bingo after we ate. This paper bag purse was also one of our activities. I was really glad my mom was there to help out because there were too many projects being worked on for just me to help. The purses were well liked-there was a lot of praise for the idea. I was glad that the idea was a successful one. My mom and I weren't able to complete the the other projects, but i heard lot of compliments on those also. Fabric pinwheel bows for your hair-beautiful!

We were able to have our picture taken in the photo booth that was set-up. The big flower props were a very cute addition to the pictures.

Overall we had a wonderfull time. It just goes to show that you're never to old to party with your mother. So-thanks MOM.

It's here...It's here..It's here..It's here

Just in case you haven't heard...IT'S HERE!!! I can hardly contain my excitement. Last week I ordered a goodie box from Close to my Heart. It was delivered yesterday. I tried to get a picture of the box but was so excited all the pitures were blurry-darn shaky hands. This goodie box had my face lit-up like a kid at Christmas. I need new stamp sets. The newness has wore off the other ones. Who doesn't love rub-ons. They transfer on to just about everything. (not pvc pipe)I was starting to run low on white paper flowers-POOF!! All the other goodies will definitely be used-so thumbs up!! (pictue taken by the impartial hubby)

Memorial Day Chillaxin'

Attendess: Morris, Rhonda, Chad, McKay(Simba), Brandi, Chris--
not pictuered: Willie & Barbara Angle

We had a great time over the weekend.

Stunningly beautiful(and green) views. A nice set-up around the campfire. We had side-stitching laughter--


We even managed to have a lot of fun riding the golf cart and the quad!!

after the ride was over I became certain that I wouldn't fall off, but wasn't so sure during the ride.....


There was one hill that only McKay attempted and after it was over he said that we would NOT have stayed upright if there were any passengers with him.

riding the quad was a whole different story and Simba was willing to do it!!

Why was McKay named-Simba?? He has decided to grow out his hair and chooses to "fluff" it with his fingers. He was looking like a young lion cub.

It all about the "X"

The fam. started P90X about a week ago. I have to make a few modifications because of my MD, but I am plenty sore. Chris and I don't have the workout videos so we really get a lot of exercise when we use the Wii. We are having so much fun with the "X". I have learned a lot about exercise-especially about rags soaked in kerosene. When achieving your levels of soreness-one has to consider if they are having to much fun. I am hoping to acheive my goal of losing at least 5 lbs. I might have more success if I would stick to the diet plan that comes with the program, but that wouldn't be as fun!!!

Dye

it stars with these....

add this..(but not to the pink)...

say what??...oh-SOLAR ROCKS(yes it does)

what a cool flower-Mckay.....

what year is it?? oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh-perty

see how pretty the speckled egg is? That's what happens when you add vinegar to the pink tablet...Can you tell we had a wonderful time??