Photo Editing Class at Scrap Girls

So, I know I'm the biggest blogging slacker around. I have about a dozen blogs started, but it'll be a while before I get them finished. So, while y'all are waiting with bated breath, I thought I'd prove that I actually AM doing something productive (please don't look at my kitchen floor or the pile of clean laundry waiting to be folded).

I'm teaching a class at Scrap Girls!


Online Class - Photo Fixes You Need to Know: PSE - Wednesdays, November 2 and 9 - 7:00 PM MT

If you are interested in learning more about photo editing, this is a great class to check out. And since we switched to the new Webinar system, it's a lot easier to SEE me work and HEAR me talk. No more chat room. :D

The Difference Between a First Child and a Third Child

When Megan was a baby, we were pretty careful to feed her all the yellow and orange veggies first, then all of the yellow and orange fruits. Then all the green veggies, etc... When her paci fell on the floor, I washed it. When other little kids were around, I hovered over her.

Fast forward 8 years and two more kids:

Kate is 4 1/2 months. That is Magnum Double Chocolate ice cream. Chocolate ice cream dipped in Belgian chocolate. (Just for the record, when her paci falls, I do usually check it for large debris before giving it back to her. And when little kids try to pick her up, I reassure their worried parents that she is durable.)

Megan had to pose for the camera

Since I had the camera out taking pictures of Jared in his scarecrow costume, Megan wanted to pose for some shots as well.

Jared the Scarecrow

Every year, the kindergarten has a Scarecrow Day, complete with costumes and a parade. Jared was pretty excited to get to wear his costume(which I put together, aren't you all impressed?) to school. Kate and I went to watch the parade. All of the older classes line the halls to see the little kindergarteners march by. It's pretty fun.

Friends and (Chocolate) Make Life Better

Today has been kind of a sad day for me. Not terribly sad, mostly because I don't have time to breathe, let alone sit and think, but sad all the same. As of today, it's been 19 years since my mom died. And although I miss her all the time, it's more apparent on anniversaries (like today) and special occasions where a mom or grandma would normally be involved. Like baby births and blessings and baptisms and birthdays.

But today was made a lot easier by a couple of wonderful friends who have kept me busy, plied me with ice cream and chocolate, talking on the phone and IM, dinner, and bowling. It's good to be busy. Keeps me from thinking. Kate and I met some friends at Ritters. And then we went to the Thomas's for dinner and went bowling with them. And some sweet friend left flowers on my porch (I know it was you, Jen! Don't try to deny it!). I didn't get a "Grateful Tuesday" post written this week, but if I were to write one, it would be about my friends.

As a little side note, Megan asked me last night to tell her stories about Grandma Julia. And I was shocked at how many details I don't remember. 19 years is a long time, especially for a little girl's memory. It reminds me just how important it is to write down stories, to create a personal history. Time to get scrapbooking!

Grateful Tuesday: October 4, 2011

(Yes, I know it's Wednesday, but I was just too drained last night to finish writing this. I wrote bits and pieces last night, and more today, so if the timeline seems off, that's why. Be nice to me - I haven't eaten much chocolate yet.)

Cancer sucks.
I know, I know. I'm not supposed to say that word. The kids would lecture me if they heard it. But really, that's how I feel. "Cancer is lousy" just doesn't cut it. "Cancer is less than spectacular." Nope. Not gonna do it.  

Cancer sucks. Really.

19 years ago next week my mom lost her fight with breast cancer. Last month my sister tested positive for the BRACA gene mutation. My other sisters are getting tested. Today, I had my yearly physical, and had to have some serious, grown-up discussions with my doctor. Frankly all this scares me. Like A Lot. I really don't like grown-up discussions. At all. So yeah, I've had better days. But, I've also been reminded just how blessed I am, how much I have to be grateful for. Tonight I am especially grateful for people and the time I've had with them.

Last night I started making a list of individual people that I am grateful for, but I woke up in a cold sweat several times, remembering people who should be on the list who weren't. Because I don't want to forget anyone, I'm going to just pick one. I'll write about the rest of y'all another time. 

I am especially for my four beautiful, wonderful, amazing sisters. We don't say it very often in words, but I love you. And I'm grateful for you.

As I was leaving the Dr's office, Count On My Love started playing (not surprising since it's one of my very favorite songs and the cd just happened to be in the cd player, cued up and ready to go, but still!) and it made me think of all of the times that we've been there for each other.

Today I'm giving you a challenge to go tell someone that you love them.

Don't know where we'll be tomorrow
But we'll beg and borrow everything we need
You are standing next to me, Where I want to be
Is anywhere you are

Some day if we never said it
We might live to regret it
Come on, don't let us slip away in a daze

You can count on my love
An umbrella when it's raining
When you feel your hope is fading
You can count on my love

Blue eyes, bluer than the blue sky
Smiling down like sunshine
Everywhere you are
For you, I only want the best
You only have to ask
And I'll be there for you

Some day if we never said it
We might live to regret it
Come on, don't let us fade away in a haze

You can count on my love
An umbrella when it's raining
When you feel your hope is fading
You can count on my love
With me you'll feel protected
And you'll never be rejected
You can count on my love

You go through your whole life waiting
But you don't know what you're waiting for
One day you'll meet somebody
And your whole world now is an open door

You can count on my love
You can count on my love
An umbrella when it's raining
When you feel your hope is fading
You can count on my love
With me you'll feel protected
And you'll never be rejected
When you need a friend to lean on
You know you never need a reason
To count on my love
Count on my love
You can count of my love