Whispering In Silence

Moving On

2010-01-22T00:28:00.004-06:00

I've been meaning to do this for some time now, but I've been too lazy to do all the work associated with it. However, I took a few days off from the office and decided to get it done.

When I created this blog it was because I hated WordPress. I thought about keeping the same name (How Sweet It Is) but for some reason decided against it. At that point in my life I wasn't in the best state of mind, I suppose, so out came a name that gave the impression of being dark and alone. I'm stepping away from that, and it all starts with making changes.

A few months back I created a blog specifically for digital scrapbooking. I found that I really didn't want to keep up two blogs. One is plenty to keep on top of, so I let it fall by the wayside. I loved the name of it because it's cute, and cheery, and it makes me smile. I've decided to move my blog there. I'm not starting over, because I am transferring everything over to it (thank you Blogger for making this as easy as a few clicks), I just need a new niche. A happy niche. I hope you will come and visit me sometime :)

My new little niche---> Freckled Whimsy

Much Love!!

Beautiful Ice

2010-01-17T13:09:00.002-06:00

I, begrudgingly, woke up this morning and began toodling around the house getting things done when I looked outside. The trees were covered in, what I thought to be, ice. I thought maybe it rained in the night and then dropped so cold to freeze it. I wanted to capture a photo of it for my 365 days of photos. I was so surprised when I got close enough to see what was really on the trees. I have never in my life saw anything like it in person. I can't even figure out how it happened but it was beautiful. Mother Nature amazes me yet again.

After I was done admiring, I snapped a few photos of the quilt I had been working on and completed. I had worked on it a good part of the day yesterday so I wanted to finish it. I was up till 2 am sewing on the binding but the movie I Love You Man, kept me company..lol. I personally thought the movie was funny, despite reviews I had heard. Every now and again you need to watch a nonsensical movie like that. :)

Much Love!!

Cozy and Warm

2010-01-10T21:54:00.003-06:00

The weekend of Thanksgiving we went to my dad's and he keeps things a bit...um...chilly. Thankfully they also keep blankets handy, a few of them being crocheted. There was one in particular that I really liked because the stitches were dense instead of full of holes so it was warmer. This silly blanket piqued my interest back into crochet again. (Now I can't seem to stop!) I've known how since I was 10 or 11 but I've never really worked in it much. I did make my son a blanket that he's used for the last 7 years, but that's it for me and crochet.

Once I was back home I went on a hunt for the pattern (since the blanket had been a gift, a pattern was not known). It took me a week but I did find it. I was also thankful that it was an easy pattern and I knew it wouldn't take forever to complete.

December 04, 2009 this project was begun. January 10, 2010 it was completed using approximately 50 ounces of worsted weight yarn and a size I crochet hook! In just over a month I have my very own warm, soft and yummy blanket to keep me toasty! Yay!

**This was me earlier this afternoon working on the last skein to complete it :)

**This is after it's finished, just a close up

**Even closer. You can really see the "tweedy" look of the yarn here

Want one for yourself? HERE is the pattern :) I didn't use Red Heart yarn because I think it's too scratchy, but I did use "I Love This Yarn" which you can only find at Hobby Lobby. It is soooo soft! I can't stop touching it..hee hee!

Much Love!!

What The French Toast!?

2010-01-09T20:27:00.002-06:00

My kids were watching Holes today and this commercial came on. I had forgotten how funny it was...

Lint licker?! LOL..

Much Love!!

Fun Times!! Oh Yeah!!

2010-01-06T22:09:00.005-06:00

I can't believe I am going to post this but I can't stop laughing at it so I'm going to share it with you.

Remember when I said I was going to be happier this year and I was going to spend more time with my kids? Well, we had a bit of fun tonight playing with Photo Booth on my Mac for well over an hour. I don't know how many pictures we took, and we even did one movie. No, I'm not sharing that, however there was a reference to the guy in Goonies who loved Baby Ruth candy bars... LOL. This was the photo that we got the biggest kick out of and each time I see it, I start laughing all over again. Fun times!!

Have a giggle at my expense. We sure did. Notice my kids in this picture, if you can look away from my "toothy" grin... :D

There are a few more that we took HERE. They aren't quite as funny, but I thought they were cute :)

Much Love!!

Put Your Happy On

2010-01-05T19:49:00.002-06:00

I get an email each day from Daily Motion of "must watch" videos. I have to say, most of them are not really worth watching. Todays email was pretty much the same but it led me to this video which I thought was pretty neat. I can only imagine how long it actually took to put this together.

*If you like that one, here is a miniature version --> Click Me

Then I stumbled on this video. I was hesitant to click on anything that said "Whack-A-Kitty" but I braved it, ready to call the ASPCA....then found myself giggling :)

I hope you enjoyed these as much as I did :)

Much Love!!

Three's A Company? No Way!

2010-01-03T17:15:00.004-06:00

I know I said that I would try really hard to complete projects before starting new ones, but with all these yummy yarn colours I have, I can't help but to play with all of them. Clearly that means I've started another crocheting project. I know...what was I thinking?! This one is really fun and works up fast so it shouldn't take me too long. :)

I'm making a giant granny square blanket for my daughter. I began working on it last night and have worked on it today some and have 20 rows already!! She loves it and I have from now until I complete it to figure out how I am going to part with it... lol.

What do you think?

Now, honestly, no more crochet projects until I complete one of the 3 I have going. Which means I am going to have to stop looking at Flickr! Ack! One can lose themselves there if not careful :)

Much Love!!

****Edited to add pattern instructions:

I've never written up pattern instructions before and I didn't use a pattern to create this afghan but I'll give it a whirl in writing it out :) Please let me know if you have any questions!

Begin by chaining 4, then join with first loop of chain to form a ring.
Ch 3 (this will count as your first DC)
DC 11 more times in ring for a total of 12 DC.
Join with a slip stitch at top of first DC

At this point I am using two rounds of each colour, but if you want each row to be a different colour, change your colour here.

Ch 4, this will count as your first DC and Ch1 space. DC 3 more times in the same space below your Ch3. (You will have 4 DC in this space)
Ch1
*Skip 3 DC and 3 DC in the next space
Ch 1
3 DC in same space
Ch 1*
Repeat between ** twice more
In first corner space, DC 2 more times, then join with slip stitch in top of your first DC and finish off
Each of your corners should consist of 3DC, ch 1, 3DC for a total of 24 DC.

Join new colour (method of your choice) in one of the Ch 1 space corners and Ch 4 (first DC and Ch 1 space).
DC 3 more times in same space, Ch 1, 3 DC in next Ch 1 space along the side, Ch 1, 3 DC in Ch 1 corner space, Ch 1, 3 DC in same space, Ch 1 and repeat around, making sure each corner consists of 3DC, ch 1, 3DC and each ch1 space on the sides consist of 3DC.

When you get to the last corner, after your ch1, 2DC in first corner and then join with a slip stitch in the top of first DC.

If you do 2 or more rounds of the same colour, after your final slip stitch to complete that row, ch 4. This will aways be your first DC + ch 1 space, whether you change colours or not.

Each round increases one ch1 space on each side.

Repeat until size desired is reached :)

A New Beginning.........Again

2010-01-01T15:42:00.003-06:00

Just a quick post to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I must say, so far so good too...lol. Actually it has because for the first time in weeks there is nothing I *have* to do. It's nearly 4 pm and I am still in my pa-gee-jays and have done absolutely nothing except for cook lunch and crochet all day. Oh, I did snap some photos along the way too. It has been soooooooo nice. Today, the couch is my bestest of bestest friends! :)

I've found that avid crocheters commonly refer to this art as "hooking" and say things like "time for a little hookey" or "happy hooking". It makes me laugh every time. It is a literal term for the art but I think our creative minds got away with it and made it even more fun for us. With that being said (man, I started this sentence with "so"....pshew. Glad I caught that..lol) if you ever see me refer to "hooking" I am in no way speaking of the illegal act of selling my body. Just to be clear... lol.

Now for show and tell of my newest hookey project. Remember when I said that I am drawn to colour this time of year.....yeah...well...ummm....let's just say I can't help it. Colour! Colour! Colour!! This project is full of it!

This....

Will turn into these.....

Which will turn into these....

Stay tuned for its progress. Today is it's official "start date". Lets see how long before I can say it's completed!

One last thing to share today. I found this video and was immediately drawn to it. Very unique. Creative. Amazing. Have a look...

Emilie Simon - Desert (french version)

La Fin

2009-12-31T22:58:00.000-06:00

So comes the end of another year. Three hundred and sixty five more days under our belts. Why does it seem that each year that goes by, moves along faster than the last? Time slips away so quickly as of late, it's a bit scary. I remember being a child and not being able to wait until I was older and grown up so I could do whatever I wanted to. Now I can only wish that I could stop time or at least slow it down a bit. Mom was right. She always said don't wish your childhood away. One day you'll wish you hadn't.

Looking back, I have learned a lot of things that I will take with me into the new year. One of the most prevalent is to trust my instincts more. They are usually right and even if they are wrong, you learn from those mistakes. Bad things happen and we make the wrong choices sometimes. Along with that comes the reality that that is how we grow. It's what helps make us who we are and builds on the mold of who we will become. I am also trying to grasp the ability to stop holding onto those dark days. Nothing good becomes of that and after a while, you realize it's a lonely world when you are sad all the time. 2010 will be a much happier year, *that* I am going to count on.

Resolutions are big this time of year. I'm not for them nor am I against them, really. Although it seems that they are made only to be broken. I am not trying to be cynical as I know that there are people out there who actually follow through, it just seems, more often than not, they are broken. I don't establish a resolution per se, but I do make a wish list of the things that I'd like to accomplish. I suppose it's sort of the same thing. It's only a degree of seperation by saying "these are the things I'd like to do" versus "these are the things I am going to do". Less room for that feeling of failure, I suppose.

So with out further babbling (well not much anyway..hee hee), here is the start of my incomplete "wish list" for 2010:

Be happier and smile LOTS more :)
Spend more time with my kids.
Complain less. What good does it do anyway?
Finish projects that I begin!!!
I have two quilts in the making already that I want to finish in 2010
This may be far fetched, however I would love to begin to learn French. It's a beautiful language....
I've seen a lot of people take on the "photo a day for 365 days". I'd like to do this. Have a peek at my Flickr along the way. (that sounds a bit dirty...lol)
Oh....! Stop starting sentences with "so" or "ok"...stupid bad habit and poor grammar. I see I've done it twice in this post alone... lol

Well that's just a few of the things that have been swimming around in my head for a spell. I'm sure the list will grow. Do me a favour? Keep me in check with these things, will you? ;)

I hope all of you had a great 2009. Thank you for tagging along with me on this journey. I wish you well in the year to come and may it be filled with many happy memories. Just remember to live life to the fullest, love much, and laugh often. Remember to be good to your friends and keep them close, they are a part of your foundation. Most importantly, remember to be happy!

Alright, time to put on my pa-gee-jays and curl up with my hook and yarn and slide in a good movie. Ahhhh...the little things in life that make me smile :)

Before I go, I will leave you with this video. It's not your typical Pearl Jam song, but I love it so.....

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe

Talk to you next year. Ya'll be good now, ya hear? ;)

Much Love!!

In The Works

2009-12-27T19:34:00.004-06:00

I haven't done a post in a while for anything crafty so I thought I would take a minute and share a few of the things I've been working on. I've been so busy lately but somehow I've found the time to keep my hands busy. I guess it's one of the things that keeps me sane. It's my yoga, so to speak :)

First is a photo of a quilt I've been working on. I actually put the top together in one day but now I need to actually quilt it, then bind it, and then to complete the look, it must be washed to fray the edges. I'm hoping to finish it this week. I will post a photo of the finished product to see the difference.

Fabric is called Cotton Blossoms made by Moda. Blocks are 10" with 5" squares on top of that, then a 2.5" square on top of that. I used two Layer Cakes which is enough for the top and binding! Easy peasy :)

While browsing Flickr I ran across a photo of a crochet block of a daisy and thought it was cute. After some research I learned that the woman who designed it, Krystal, has people mail her completed blocks in exchange for the pattern. She then takes the blocks and completes afghans and gives them away to charities. What a wonderful idea! I joined her Yahoo group, received the pattern and made one up today. I don't see myself making my own afghan with it but I will definitely send her some blocks for her to use! If you want to do one yourself, check out her blog HERE to get the details.

It's in the blocking stage right now, hence all the pins, but you get the idea :)

Last but not least is a preview of what I am working on now and a project that will be next. The preview of what I am working on now is actually what the bright colored yarn is sitting on top of. You can't really see it (that is on purpose) but once it's done, I'll post a picture. It's been in the making for about a month and I'm almost done! Yay!

I am drawn to bright colours in the winter time. Winter here is very colourless. It's all white. Not that there is anything wrong with white, it just gets boring after a while. These yarns will be used to crochet a bag and then it will be felted. I can't wait to start it but I have to finish my other project first. It's going to be sooo cute! :)

I know you noticed the turtle!! I was at my local yarn shop last week and when I was checking out I happened to glance towards a basket on the counter and squealed. Yes, literally. The owner was giggling at me when I asked her if those were turtles....lol. He is actually a tape measure. I'm not too keen about pulling his wee tail to make the tape come out but then I get to push his belly to retract the tape....lol. I just couldn't resist!

Much Love!

Winning Isn't Everything

2009-12-26T22:30:00.003-06:00

"Four out of five dentists surveyed recommended playing hockey." ~Author Unknown

I went to my first hockey game of this season tonight and I had so much fun. I had forgotten how exciting and intense those games were. I missed it.

The best part was that I finally got to see the Ice Hogs beat Milwaukee while I was at a game. Every other time I've been to a game where Milwaukee was our opponent, we lost. I was beginning to think I was bad luck for them...lol! No, not really. Milwaukee is a great team who is freaking fast and they play awesome defense. Even though we won 4-2, they had twice as many shots on goal than we did. Yikes!

There was only one fight though because the refs kept breaking them up before they could really begin. Then all of a sudden Rabbit and Hobson dropped gloves and went to it. Hobson got a few good punches into Rabbit but it looked more like a hugging match than a fight...lol.

Another interesting thing I noticed tonight was while I was watching the fans. It was kind of along the same lines of what I noticed while at the Shinedown concert as well. I am what you would consider a "people watcher" I guess. People are fascinating because everyone does their own thing. Everyone participates differently. Like at the game. There were people there that cheered full on and held nothing back, yet there were those that even though they were decked out in team garb, they only sat and watched. Not a clap, or a cheer or a high five. Just sitting quietly to take it all in. I don't quite understand those kind of fans because I'm one of the ones screaming and cheering and yelling at the refs, but just the same, I find it interesting. Just like I'll never understand why people go to a concert and just sit there. They don't sing or dance or even stand up. I suppose it's their way to be "in the moment". Everyone appreciates things in their own way and I can respect that. It was just something I noticed that always seems to pique my interest...

Much Love!

Eve Of Tomorrow

2009-12-24T16:02:00.005-06:00

I cannot believe that Christmas is tomorrow. This year flew by so fast that it seems like we just celebrated last years. It's odd because even my daughter commented that this year went by so fast. I never ever remember being a child and thinking that time went fast. Time is supposed to go slow for kids. She's not the only child that I've heard that from either. I'm not really sure what to make of that.

Even though it came upon us extremely fast, I'm ready for it. The ground is covered with snow, my home is all spiffed up and smelling like cinnamon and apples. The presents are all wrapped and under the tree filling the kids with wonder on which gifts are theirs. I always choose two different papers and wrap each kids in a different one but do not tell them which wrapping is on their gifts. It keeps them guessing...hee hee! I also realized this year that either I need to buy bigger stockings or smaller gifts for the stockings because they never fit..lol. My kids know about the secret of Santa but still enjoy the surprises left in the stocking. I think it is because its the one thing they can open before I get out of bed...lol.

I hope all of you are ready for the big day tomorrow, and if you don't celebrate, take a day off and put up your feet and enjoy the day :)

I will leave you with a bit of music that I've enjoyed very much. I heard these guys on the radio this morning and made a note to look them up. I'm glad I did because they are amazing and entertaining too :)

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days of Christmas

Better Than Fruitcake?

2009-12-21T21:31:00.004-06:00

I can't say that I'd want any of these things on my Christmas list, but its a fun jingle just the same. Who knew you could mold Spam (ew ew ew) into a car and that Jeff would look so hot in those striped tights?! Hee hee!

<

Cold beer and pickled eggs?! No wonder Santa only comes around once a year!

The Past Is Your Future

2009-12-09T19:40:00.005-06:00

"What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now." ~Author Unknown

Well, we all survived the snow storm. All in all there was about 12 inches or so that fell overnight and the kids got their wish. School was closed. I would have taken some more pictures, however with the wind blowing and the kids footprints all over, it was just a mess..lol.

I ended up staying home with the kids, which made them happy so they could play outdoors ALL DAY LONG. I can't believe how quiet the house is when they are not in it..lol.

The quiet time was nice. I was able to finish up a few tasks and also finish the book that Zee has been begging me to read. She insisted that I would love it. She was actually right.

The book is called The Invention of Hugo Cabret, written by Brian Selznick. He was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 2008. This was up for dispute during nominations if I remember correctly because the Caldecott is an award for illustration in a picture book. However, it's quite clear that this book, with a total of 533 pages, is not only a picture book. Yes it has many pages with illustration, 284 to be exact, but it also carries a wonderful story, set in Paris, about a pioneer film-maker and how Hugo changes not only his own life, but the life of that film-maker. I feel they did right by this author in awarding the Caldecott because the pictures are just as important as the words that were written. Without one or the other, it would not have been the amazing book it is.

It is a children's book, but if you get the chance, I encourage you to read it. It really only takes a couple of hours. I'm glad my daughter was such a pest about me reading it..hee hee!

Much Love!!

Snow, You Say?

2009-12-08T20:04:00.008-06:00

"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." ~John Ruskin

I never really pay attention to the weather. Well, I should say the weather channel. I get the weather by going out doors and looking up! That's one thing I didn't get from my mom. She used to watch that silly channel hours at a time. Why, I will never know, but it was one of her quirks and we always teased her for it. She would just laugh it off and go right back to it. It makes me smile to remember....

So all day yesterday and today the "weather guys" were saying that we were going to get a bunch of snow dumped on us this afternoon, and tonight, especially. They say 12-15 inches, which is a hefty amount of snow..in one night! I was like..blah blah blah...I'll believe it when I see it.

Well, um..I'm starting to see it!! I took Bug to his Boy Scout meeting that lasted an hour and a half. My car was clean when we went in, as was the pavement. When we came out, I had at least 2 inches of snow on my car!! Ack!

I tried to take a picture of a tree in my front yard, but with it snowing so hard I took it from in the garage so as not to get my camera wet, so it's not a great pic, but you get the idea...

Note: Click image for larger view :)

I always love the first snowfall of the year, despite the horrible roads and the cold. It's a beautiful sight when your world is covered in a white blanket. You can see it in a million pictures and oohhh and ahhhh and appreciate the image, but until you see it for yourself, in real life, you are missing out on an amazing act of mother nature.

If it continues to snow through the night I will take more pictures and post them. I'm actually kind of excited to see how much we really get, or if it will just taper off. As of right now, it's still coming down quite hard and the kids are really hoping for a snow day tomorrow. They even got a text message that said to wear your pajamas inside out to help the schools to be closed tomorrow. Superstitious or not, they went to bed with inside out p.j.'s... lol.

Much Love!

That's My Secret

2009-12-01T17:14:00.003-06:00

I was emailed this video today. Lots of mixed emotions with this. Some are cute. Some funny. Some of these are sadly pathetic and some are just plain sad. It also portrays how men and women are so different. One man admits to (I assume) his girlfriend that he ran over her cat, and she admits that she won't let him read certain books because they are full of love poems about him...?? Yikes. Mars and Venus I guess....

The one that hit home was the woman who said, "I'm a lot better before you really know me". I stopped breathing for a moment because it's like she stole the words from my own lips.....then again, that's my own fault and I'm working on that.

I Won't Cry For Yesterday

2009-11-30T19:23:00.004-06:00

Well, this is it, my last post of 2009 NaBloPoMo, but I made it. The badge is kinda cute, but I thought the "I blew it" badge would have been much funnier..heh. =P

Congratulations to anyone who completed the challenge of posting each day for a month and especially to anyone who met the goal for NaNoWriMo!!! It's not always easy, then again, if it was, what would be the point? It's nice to have a goal, even if it is just a small one because when you do fulfill it, it still gives you a sense of accomplishment and perhaps the push to shoot for something bigger next time. (It's all about the size, right?)

I would still love to do NaNoWriMo....and I keep saying, "maybe next year". Man...do I sound like a Cubs fan or what? Yeah yeah.....now shursh! =P

Anyways, I may even miss this just a little bit because it was a constant and with all the changes, a constant is reassuring sometimes. However, I assure you, I will not continue to post everyday. I will save you from that boredom.

So I will say goodbye to November, to NaBloPoMo, and a few other things, and carry on with a smile on my face and an extra one in my pocket. I hope to see you along the way...

Duran Duran - Ordinary World

Something New

2009-11-29T19:10:00.004-06:00

They say you learn something new every day. I agree with that and now there's a source to guarantee it. A Twitter friend posted this link today and the first thing I saw was a pair of turtles....and a very interesting fact that I did not know about them to go along with it.

This was yesterdays "something new"... hee hee :)

Want to follow along with me and pack your brain with "interesting" information? Go HERE. I know you wanna :D

Hush My Darling

2009-11-28T09:10:00.003-06:00

"One step short of crazy, what do you get? Passionate." ~Ben Gates - National Treasure

Just a little something short and sweet today. I thought this was cute. That silly little dog keeps stealing Hippos thunder...

Can you pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time? ;)

Protect Your Blindside

2009-11-27T10:42:00.005-06:00

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." ~Theodore Roosevelt

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving and has recovered from the over-stuffage!! Or perhaps it's a weekend long process for some of you..hee hee :)

I know that I ate at least three times of what I should have but it was soooo good!! I love Thanksgiving food!

After we were all stuffed to the gills and beyond, someone suggested going to a movie. At first I didn't think I wanted to go because I thought I would fall asleep from being so full, but about 20 or so of us decided to go see The Blind Side. I am so glad I went. What an amazing movie of courage and selflessness. This is a movie that I will be watching over and over....

If you get a chance, go on and watch it. You won't regret it.

What are the odds...Chances played at the ending credits of this movie! :D

Too True, Too Often

2009-11-26T10:42:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving dear ones. Everyday is a day to be thankful and appreciate what you've had and what you have now. I am thankful...today and everyday. Thank you..

****

Too True, Too Often

Too often we don't realize
What we have until it is gone
Too often we wait too late to say
"I'm sorry - I was wrong."

Sometimes it seems we hurt the ones
We hold dearest to our hearts
And we allow foolish things
To tear our lives apart.

Far too many times we let
Unimportant things into our minds
And then it's usually too late
To see what made us blind.

So be sure that you let people know
How much they mean to you
Take that time to say the words
Before your time is through.

Be sure that you appreciate
Everything you've got
And be thankful for the little things
in life that mean a lot.

- Author Unknown

No Matter What...

2009-11-25T18:47:00.002-06:00

I'm thankful for those that care enough to stand by me, no matter what.

Woof!

2009-11-24T17:37:00.003-06:00

I enjoy most of the people on my team, but there is this one person that just never shuts up. I like her and most days I can tolerate her but today I was ready to tape her mouth shut...or something of the like. I remembered this video and thought that this little device would have came in quite handy today.... that and it makes me laugh till I have tears in my eyes :D

Boys will be boys, and thank goodness. Who else would be dumb enough to try this? :D

Keep Your Eyes Open

2009-11-23T18:24:00.002-06:00

Twenty two days and counting...

Sometimes goodbye is a second chance....

Easy Does It

2009-11-22T19:35:00.002-06:00

"The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before." ~Good Will hunting

I had to make an unexpected trip to the Apple store today because my iPhone wasn't sounding so well. It sort of sounded like it was talking to me underwater. Um, it's never been near the water. So, I did all the technical stuff that they tell you to do when you call for support and nothing fixed it. I made an appointment at Apple and made the hour trip. I was 3 minutes early (I hate to be late) and within that 3 minutes I was telling the gent what was wrong with my phone. He looked it over a bit and with in 15 minutes I was out the door with a brand spankin' new phone at no cost. In and out, just how I like it. Well, sometimes. :)

Just one more reason I {heart} Apple. They recognize an issue, take care of it with out the rig-a-marole and you leave satisfied. Granted, I am a bit partial right now because I am still loving my Mac. I can't believe I waited so long to get him. It's simple, easy to use, it's fast, and it works. I wouldn't trade it for a PC for anything. I even named him, because I was told I had to..lol. So I call him MacDreamy, because he IS so dreamy... LOL :D

Ok enough of my blabbing... I'll leave you with my newest love. He keeps me company when I get lonely.

David Gray - Fugitive

David Gray - This Years Love

Draw Me A Sheep

2009-11-21T19:13:00.002-06:00

"One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." ~The Fox

I picked up The Little Prince while I was out today. I've heard that it was a good little book. I had no idea...

This book was written for children, as they say. Perhaps that's true, but I think it was written for us "grown-ups" to remember what its like. To remind us what is important.

It's not just a good little book, it's quite amazing, really. I urge you to read it. I think you'll agree and it won't take much of your time, about an hour. What is an hour, to teach you something so wonderful?

In case you were wondering, yes, it made me cry...

"If someone loves a flower of which just one example exists among all the millions and millions of stars, that's enough to make him happy when he looks at the stars." ~The Little Prince

Free Hugs

2009-11-20T19:54:00.003-06:00

"Everyone has problems and for sure mine haven't compared. But to see someone who was once frowning, smile even for a moment, is worth it every time." ~Juan Mann

I was going to be lazy in this post because I've been sick today. So sick that I nearly would have preferred death to what I experienced this morn. However, in my laziness of finding a video using the keyword "sick", I found a much more powerful one. One that left me with with eyes welled up with tears and a swelling heart.

It really is amazing how just one hug can make you feel so good. No wonder I love them so much...

Sick Puppies - All The Same

So, what are you waiting for? Go give someone a hug, and while you're at it, don't forget to give me one too :)

**HUGS**

Just One More Chance?

2009-11-19T18:01:00.003-06:00

Back in September I posted a video that was a montage for Five For Fighting's new Chances song until the real video was released. As promised, they released an official video, of which was posted in September and I hadn't seen it until now. Mostly because I kept forgetting to look.

This song makes it into my top 10 of favourites right now because as I said before, life is full of chances. Chances to be taken, chances to be given. Where would we be with out them? Lonely and bored, I'd say.

My favourite line in the song is: "Chances lost are hopes torn up pages...". When we think that we've run out of chances, we can always hope that we can be given just one more....it's not an expectation, but still a possibility, even if you don't know how to ask for it.

Five For Fighting - Chances

Sofa King

2009-11-18T17:11:00.003-06:00

I would really like to vent about how I suffered through 8.5 hours of incompetency on a conference call today, but I'll spare you, because it was really THAT bad! Ugh.

Right now, I just need to laugh and this will do it. If anyone else wants to help, I'll gladly accept :D

Please be mindful if you have small children around....but this is pretty much what I thought about my conference call today....

Sofa King We Todd Did

It's Gonna Rain

2009-11-17T17:30:00.004-06:00

"I was banging on the door, then I realized I was knocking from the inside." ~Rumi

Up until today I've always run into something to blog about. I didn't have to "dig deep" to come up with something.

Today, I got nuthin'.

Besides the fact that it's raining tonight, this song seems fitting. It's just been that kind of day...It's been that kind of month, really...

On a good note, my daughter just told me she made the high honors list at school. Great start for 6th grade!! Mum is so proud!!!

WTF?

2009-11-16T19:54:00.003-06:00

Remember this video? It still cracks me up and makes me wonder how 4 guys can be so coordinated that not one of them fall on their face during the making of this video. Talk about unique and imaginative!
Here It Goes Again

...and their newest video that is brilliant and abit more psychedelic! :)

WTF?

**edited to replace video with one that hadn't been removed... (hmmmpf!)

I Ain't Givin' Up

2009-11-15T18:52:00.003-06:00

I saw the movie 2012 today and it was pretty good. I think I expected it to be better, but movies like those are too predictable to be really good. At least for my taste. The graphics were amazing and left me holding my breath more than once, and yes, I even cried a few times, but I don't have the urge to go out and see it again.

They always play a song while running the credits and this time it happened to be a song by Adam Lambert, a runner up in American Idol. (For the record, I think he should have won over Kris Allen!) Adam has a very unique voice and I wasn't disappointed at all.

Have a listen with me...

Adam Lambert - Time For Miracles

You Can Change. So Can I.

2009-11-14T21:37:00.002-06:00

I did today, what I should have done 3 months ago. Next time, I know to go with my instinct. It's usually right.

I purchased a new laptop almost three months ago because I was having issues with the one I was using and was told that it was the video card and you can't replace those in a laptop, or not very easily anyway. So based on the information told to me, I made an informed decision to get a new one even though the one I had was only a year old. Again, based on information that was presented to me, I bought an Asus. I was told it was one of the better brands and a high performer. Maybe it is, normally, but the one I got was awful. That's putting it nicely. In 3 months, I've had to restore it back to factory settings three times because it wouldn't boot up or it would just freeze. I was supposed to keep dealing with this for the life of the computer? Um. No way.

So begins my journey...

I checked the receipt where I purchased it from (Best Buy) and their return/exchange policy was only 15 days. Well, that was shot as I had had it for 3 months now. I figured I was up a creek, as they say. Then again, it never hurts to ask for something, even if you don't think you'll get it, because you can't be any worse off. So.... I called Best Buy and told them all the issues I was having and said that I would really like to see if they would exchange it for me and would they be willing. I didn't just want to return it, I just wanted to exchange it for something that would work and be better for the money I paid. I almost cried when the woman I spoke to told me that normally they would send it out to see what was wrong with it, but in my case she would make an exception and let me exchange it for something different. OMGoodness!!! Well, then I confirmed with her that I wanted to exchange the brand I had, for a completely different brand. She told me they didn't carry that brand. *heartbreak*

Again, my brain went into motion and I thought, hm, why not call another store, advise of what this Best Buy was going to do and see if they would do the exchange as well, since I KNEW they had what I wanted. I called. Again, almost cried when they said that on an exception basis would accept the exchange. I took her name and her managers name that approved it, packed up my laptop and I was on my way to Madison.

All the way there I kept thinking as soon as I go to do it, they will say sorry, no can do. Boy, was as I wrong! I walked up to the service desk and the Manager that had approved it was there and was completely understanding (not to mention really cute) and took care of everything. He advised the gal at the desk that it was ok to exchange it and then he put me in the hands of a rep to go over the laptop that I wanted in it's place. To make sure it was what I wanted. This guy spent over an hour going over things with me!! I had his complete attention and was sold. Well, I was sold before I walked in the door, but he put the cherry on top.

I can say that I am ecstatic with my purchase and the way that Best Buy handled something that they normally would not do. I never expected them to even consider an exchange, let along actually doing it, especially in this situation. I guess it pays to take a chance on something that you think might not happen. You just never know....

Thank you!!!

So...I am now the proud owner of a Mac Book Pro and I LOVE it so far!! I am shutting the door on the PC because I've had enough and I've been promised that I will love this machine so much that I will want to make out with it. Ok..that's a bit far, but I think I will love it nearly that much ;)

In honour of change...

Tears For Fears - Change

Forever In My Never

2009-11-13T20:01:00.003-06:00

I am one of the devout "Twilight" fans and have read each of the books, (and want to read them again) so when I saw this video, I was pleasantly surprised. Blue Octobers music is played over and over on my iPod as they are one of my favourites. This song played while I was at the office today...

Blue October - My Never

Just one of those that hits home...

Walk Away

2009-11-12T21:15:00.002-06:00

I run across new music all the time, sometimes in unexpected places, sometimes not. This time not so unexpected.

I've been playing Tap Tap Revenge on my iPhone for a spell now and I LOVE TTR3! When I can't play Rock Band....I have my Tap Tap...lol! Most of the music in the game are from bands that I've not even heard of, however, I've found that I'm liking quite a few of them! Each week they list a new download that's free, and as of late, they are from well known bands like Foo Fighters, Metallica, Owl City, Fall Out Boy and Dashboard Confessional. This week was a band I had not heard but liked it immediately. They don't have an official video for this song, so I found one that was bearable to watch. Besides, it's not about what you see, but how you interpret the words and music into your own life, how it makes you feel when you hear it....

Once the song ends, it goes black...its over at that point.

Five Finger Death Punch - Walk Away

Armistice Day

2009-11-11T19:50:00.003-06:00

"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die." ~G.K. Chesterton

The eleventh hour in the eleventh day in the eleventh month. Armistice Day. Remembrance Day. Veterans Day. No matter how you name it, it's a day to recognize the bravery and and sacrifices of our Veterans. Past, present, and those yet to come. A day to honour those men and women who fought for what they believed in and gave to our country unselfishly. A great deal of gratitude goes out to those special people. I hope each of you has given pause to remember, to say thank you to the real heroes of our country.

This song always brings tears to my eyes because of the meaning behind the song, because it's a father/daughter duet, because it's real.

Pink and Mr. Jim Moore - I Have Seen The Rain

Much Love!

Here Kitty Kitty!

2009-11-10T18:40:00.004-06:00

Ack! I can't believe I missed these videos! I LOVE Simon's Cat!! Kudos to CuteOverload for posting it and bringing it to my attention! Thank you!!!! :D

It always cracks me up on how he nails it on the head with feline behaviour each time!

Thanks for keeping me entertained, Simon :D

Simon's Cat - Fly Guy

**I love how he gets his claws caught in the curtain when he slid down...Happens to Kallie all the time!

Simon's Cat - Hot Spot

**Hm. Wonder if my cat knows how to ring the doorbell...hee hee!

Want to see more Simon's Cat? Click HERE...fast :)

Much Love!

Fly That Bird

2009-11-09T19:33:00.003-06:00

I'm not really in the mood to post anything worthwhile, but this video just seems fitting today.

I love the part where she kicks the ass of her mugger. Oh, and the bird at the end, especially.

Take A Picture. It Lasts Longer.

2009-11-08T11:43:00.006-06:00

I will never understand why people purposefully make an ass out of themselves. Maybe they like the attention. No matter, it's entertainment for some of us. Case and point...literally.

*click on photo to view original post*

I've been following WebUrbanist for some time now and I find myself amused with each entry. Full of creativity and some really weird shite sometimes! Check it out.

On a completely different note...Just a video that I've played too much of lately...

I've become what I can't be...

Even A Chimp Can Do It

2009-11-07T16:01:00.005-06:00

A few days ago I posted a photo of a project I was drafting. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I'm not sure I realized just how much work it was going to be. No, I'm not giving up, because I will finish this now that I've started it and in all honesty, even though it is and will be a lot of work, I have enjoyed it so far. It's just going to take a while to finish it..lol.

What am I talking about? Well, I happened upon a blog, an amazing blog called Don't Look Now and saw that she was going to be doing a quilt along. She would post materials needed and tutorials along the way, promising that even though it looks incredibly difficult, that even a monkey could do it. Yes, she said that HERE and it went like this--> "Now before you all bork at the notion of turned edge applique, the method I will be using even a chimp could master!!!!" She's quite the comic too, which is another reason I love her blog!

It's not too late to join if you want to. You just have to go to her blog and click on the Quilt Along link and sign up :)

Here's a snapshot of my first block, each of the 12 petals cut out (twice really because you have to cut the pattern out of fusible webbing AND the fabric) and hand sewn down.

One block down...48 to go! That's only another 576 flower petals to cut out and sew down! :D

******OH OH OH! Even better news....remember my niece? She went in for testing and they didn't find anything! Meaning they didn't find anything wrong. Which, from what we are being told, means it's nothing to worry about and she will grow out of it!! *sigh of relief* Thanks to all of you who were concerned. It meant so much to me! It means so much to me.....

Out Of The Mouths

2009-11-06T20:46:00.003-06:00

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. " ~Walt Streightiff

My little Bug loves Spongebob and he begged and begged to watch Spongebob:Truth Or Square tonight. Of course I gave in even though his sister gave me looks that could kill...lol.

I wasn't paying much attention to the show as I was busy doing other things, but towards the end they were saying something about how Spongebob wasn't always going to be Spongebob or the shows name wasn't always going to be that. I don't know if there was any truth to it I just remember rolling my eyes. I'm not a big Spongebob fan either, even though there is some humor in it.

Anywho, stemming out from there was a part where it showed how Spongebob "evolved" and how he would have looked a loooooooooooooooooooong time ago. Like Mickey Mouse when he first came out in cartoons? Remember? When they showed the clip of how Spongebob would have looked then, Bug looks at me very seriously and says, "Mom. I'm sure glad I wasn't born then.". He couldn't figure out why I was laughing so hard! :D Apparently he didn't like Spongebob "old" and told me that a cartoon like that would be boring to watch. LOL!

My little man sure keeps me on my toes and always has me laughing :D

Wishes

2009-11-05T20:44:00.002-06:00

"Look... in my opinion, the best thing you can do is find a person who loves you for exactly what you are: good mood, bad mood, ugly, pretty, handsome, what have you. The right person is still gonna think the sun shines out your ass. That's the kind of person that's worth sticking with" Mac MacGuff - Juno

I've seen Juno about 10 times or so and I find it amusing each and every time I watch it. It's kind of like watching Forrest Gump. You catch something new each time you watch it.

I was channel surfing the other day and it happened to be on. That part where Bleeker is coming out of the house and he sees the message Juno wrote for him in chalk to check the mailbox. Then he opens the box and a hundred orange tic tac boxes fall out. (I love surprises!) That's when the song Tree Hugger was playing by Kimya Dawson. I can't believe I didn't catch these lyrics before...

The turtle wished that it could fly
Really high into the sky,
Over rooftops and then dive
Deep into the sea.

And in the sea there is a fish,
A fish that has a secret wish,
A wish to be a big cactus
With a pink flower on it.

Then I found this video. It just makes me smile :)

Much Love

She Will Be Ok, Right?

2009-11-04T19:35:00.004-06:00

I just found out that my little niece (who will be 2 in 2 weeks) is having seizure-like activity. I guess a few months ago she had a fever that was pretty high and she became unresponsive at one point but the doctors said it was because of the fever and that it was common. It happened one other time, briefly, but then I guess last week she had another episode where she was unresponsive for 20 minutes. She was breathing and there were no signs of distress but totally unresponsive.

She goes in tomorrow for observation where they will keep her there for 24-36 hours to do a multitude of testing to make sure her heart and brain and other organs are ok and to see if they can figure out what is causing this. They said it may just be something that she will grow out of, but hopefully the testing will tell us more and that she is ok.

I'm trying really hard not to freak out about this because I know that it does no one any good, but I am terribly worried about her. She's just a baby....

I don't normally ask for things on my blog, but please keep her in your thoughts and prayers and send plenty of well wishes her way. Hugs would be good too....

I will keep you posted on how she is doing when I hear more.

Much Love

Shine Your Light

2009-11-03T19:28:00.002-06:00

Just a little something to share that makes me smile when I see it. Maybe it will make you smile too. :)

Why does it make me smile?

1. No matter what, you can always start over and begin again fresh.
2. Someday is better than never!
3. Hope is always in the wings.
4. I {heart} that bus!! :D

Much Love,
Turtle Quilter™

Jump Around. You'll Feel Better!

2009-11-02T19:21:00.003-06:00

I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but a few weeks ago I signed up for something that is a bit out of my comfort zone. (Did I just say "a bit"? Oh my, much more than that, I fret). I guess that's part of the reason I'm doing it. I need to be able to step out of my comfort zone to grow, right? Right. Just agree with me here. It will make me feel better :) I mean, I tortured myself enough by sitting here deciding if I was going to do it or not for about an hour before I actually hit "enter" and then I cursed myself for doing it because I have too many things going on already! Sheesh! (You think I had a full on conversation with myself don't you? I plead the 5th here =P). I'm still a bit leery about it but I'm going to give it a go anyway and see how it comes along.

You're probably wondering what on earth I am talking about, huh? Well, you'll see as I move along with it. Probably slowly. Probably slower than a turtle. A Turtle Quilter™....HA! Now that describes me to a T! I need to trademark that! (oh lookies..I did it..lol)

Well, now you know it has something to do with quilting so here's a sneak peak of what I've started already. :) I drafted this yesterday after running to the store twice, because I purchased the wrong size compass the first time. Doh!

Now, as I was thinking about this pattern and the length of time this will take me to complete, this song just so happened to come on the radio. Mind you, this is not the typical style of music I like but I do like this song. Mainly because even if you're in a "mood" it makes you want to get up and "jump around"! It makes you feel so much better when you do! Try it. Go on! Try it =P

Anywho, I thought it ironic that it came on at that moment because of all the "screaming" in the song. I only hope as I move along in this feat, I'm not screaming too much. Then again, I can always get up and jump around..hee hee :)

Much Love,
Turtle Quilter™

It's Never Goodbye

2009-11-01T10:41:00.003-06:00

Time passes so quickly it seems. It's been two years already. Two years today. How is it possible that mom has been gone that long already? I suppose it doesn't seem possible because the pain is still fresh. The tears still creep up unexpectedly and my heart hurts so much that I can't breathe.

People always tell you that it will get easier. It doesn't get easier. I still miss her. So much. I still catch myself thinking that I've got to call mom to tell her the exciting news....then I realize that I can't. It doesn't get easier. The moments that catch you off guard and break you down may not come as often, but the feeling is just the same when they do come. It doesn't hurt any less. It doesn't make me cry any less. It doesn't make me miss her any less. It doesn't get easier....ever.

This song has always touched my heart. Even now, it reminds me of all the things my mother helped me through, the things that she taught me. I was lucky to have a wonderful relationship with my mom. I know that not everyone has that and it breaks my heart for those that do not.

Although this song speaks of saying goodbye, I don't see it that way. It's never really goodbye, but it's I'll see you again....someday.

Today is a day to remember. One of the many days to remember her. It's a day to smile at the memories and let the tears fall at the loss.

Always in my heart. Always a part of me.

I miss you....

Down

2009-10-28T22:54:00.002-05:00

I came across this song while watching Vampire Diaries (please don't throw such things as pickles at me, I can't help it! =P). Anyways, I was immediately taken with it. Now I can't get it out of my head. I just love the duet!

Here. Have a listen...

Jason Walker & Molly Reed - Down

I don’t know where I’m at
I’m standing at the back
And I’m tired of waiting
Waiting here in line, hoping that I’ll find what I’ve been chasing.

I shot for the sky
I’m stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I’m going to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it’s coming down, down, down.

Not ready to let go
Cause then I’d never know
That I could be missing
I’m missing way too much
So when do I give up what I’ve been wishing for

I shot for the sky
I’m stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I’m going to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Never know why it’s coming down, down, down.
Oh I’m going down, down, down
Can’t find another way around
And I don’t want to hear the sound, of losing of what I never found.

I shot for the sky
I’m stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I’m going to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
I never know why it’s coming down, down, down.
I shot for the sky
I’m stuck on the ground
So why do I try, I know I’m going to fall down
I thought I could fly, so why did I drown?
Oh it’s coming down, down, down.

Red

2009-10-21T21:40:00.003-05:00

I have inherited that nick name (Red) and it goes back as far as I can remember. I used to hate it. Now, I still don't really care for it, mainly because it's not original. I mean, I don't go around calling people that have black hair Black, or those with brown hair, Brown. There are much better things that you can call me :)

Anyway, I ran across this poem and saved it a while back as I didn't really have anything to go with it at the time. Now I do!

What Is Red?
~Author Unknown~

Red is a sunset
Blazing and bright.
Red is feeling brave
With all your might.
Red is a sunburn
A spot on your nose.
Sometimes red, is a red red rose.
Red squiggles out when you cut your hand.
Red is a brick
And the sounds of a band.
Red is hotness
You get inside
When you’re embarrassed
And want to hide.
Fire-cracker, fire-engine
Fire-flicker red –
And when you’re angry
Red runs through your head.

Red is an Indian
A Valentine heart,
The trimmings on
A circus cart.
Red is a lipstick
Red is a shout
Red is a signal
That says, “Watch out!”
Red is a great big
Rubber ball.
Red is the giant-est
Colour of all.
Red is a show-off,
No doubt about it –
But can you imagine
Living without it?

Just a little sneak peek on what I'm working on. I'm really starting to like red work!!

Stitching Up Loose Ends

2009-10-18T21:43:00.003-05:00

As any other quilter I've ever met, I have a few UFO's laying around. No, not little alien saucer like space vehicles, but something similar. Un-Finished Objects. :)

Anything I begin as a gift, is a sure fire quilt to be completed. However, when I work on something I like for me, sometimes those get put aside for one reason or another. So I've decided to go through some of those and tie up the loose ends, or stitch them up, rather.

I took a class a year or so ago on a square in a square quilt. One of the women who worked in that shoppe had developed a ruler to make creating this type of block much easier. When it was finished, it was intended to be a wall quilt but I never got past piecing the blocks and sewing them in rows. Last weekend I dug it out and made new plans for it, then when shopping for more fabric.

Bugs favourite colour is blue so this was pretty much a no brainer and he absloutely loves it!! :)

I think he approves :)

Kallie checking it out to make sure it's ok to give to Bug...lol!

Piece By Piece

2009-10-11T21:02:00.003-05:00

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again." ~~ Flavia Weedn

Quilting is something I have enjoyed for many years. I remember the first quilt I ever made. I was 10. I asked my grandma to take me to Wal-Mart and I bought a yard of fabric for the top, a yard of fabric for the back, batting, and yarn and thread to match. When I got home, with no direction, I sewed it together by hand, turned it right side out and put yarn ties all over it to keep the layers from separating. When I was done I showed my grandma and said that I wanted to give it to my cousin who was just born. She was so amazed that she took me back to Wal-Mart to buy more fabric so I could make her one too. I remember that she took a nap every day with that quilt I made her for nearly 20 years. I don't know what happened to it after she passed. I wish I knew so I could get it back.

That's how it all began. Actually I think that is what started me with crafts in general. It wasn't long after that my other grandma taught me how to knit and crochet. I've carried that with me as well. Now, if I only had more time in the days to be able to do these things.

I do squeeze in time when I can, especially for quilting, because I really love it. It's relaxing and usually I'm making them as a gift. On July 28th my nephew was born and just like I made one for his sister, I was planning to make one for him. I just had to know he was a "he" first and I didn't know that until he was born. I went shopping for the fabric just as soon as I could and I knew that I wanted something that didn't scream "baby" because I wanted him to be able to grow with it and enjoy it for more than just a year or so.

Here is what I came up with. I hope mum and dad like it, and of course Callaghan, when he gets old enough :)

Here is the quilt I made for his sister, Madison, in November 2007 :)

Scattered Keys

2009-10-08T19:49:00.003-05:00

No matter how long we exist, we have our memories. Points in time which time itself cannot erase. Suffering may distort my backward glances, but even to suffering, some memories will yield nothing of their beauty or their splendor. Rather they remain as hard as gems. ~Anne Rice

Memories are funny things. There are some that you hold on to with every breath of your life and there are some, that no matter how hard you try and forget, they continue to sneak up on you. There are memories that are not necessarily forgotten, but get lost along the way, and with a gentle reminder they are brought to the front of the line.

Each memory has a different lock, so each one requires a special key. A song. A dream. A movie. A book. A familiar face. A picture. A quote. A smell. A touch. A name. A sign. A story. A poem. A joke. A letter. A smile. I could go on forever...

Today's key was a simple note. Six simple words written. Six words that resembled my mothers handwriting so closely, that my heart stopped. My heart ached and I couldn't stop the tears from welling up. Just like that I was flooded with memories. For that, I am thankful. I am thankful for those unexpected brief moments that bring me closer to what I've lost.

Mullet With Headlights

2009-10-06T18:56:00.003-05:00

I get bored sometimes and this leads to random clicking around on the net. One thing leads to another and I usually end up in BFE* but sometimes I happen on something worth sharing. Here is a part of one of my ventures.

I came across this...

(credit to original poster of chart)

So then I got the urge to see the original video and I wasn't sure if I should be scared or not. It's kind of a creepy video, but the song is good. I remember doing a skit to it in High School. Maybe that's why I like it. Hmm.

Then of course while doing a search for that, I saw a previous search for the 'literal' version and checked that out too. I remembered seeing this before and I think I even have it as a favourite. I can't help but laugh, as well as appreciate the work that went into this version. Perhaps its not right to pick on a video, but it's all in good fun with no harm meant.

Hope you enjoyed or at least smiled a bit :)

*BFE - Bum Fuck, Egypt

Make Up Your Mind

2009-09-26T14:23:00.007-05:00

That's what I try and tell myself anyway.

A while ago I had posted that I was going to keep a digital scrapbooking blog separate from here. I started one and posted some pages there, but after a while, I just cringed at the thought of keeping up two blogs. Mainly, though, is that this blog is me. It's who I am so why should my pages not be a part of that same blog?

So I've changed my mind, yet again, and will not be keeping up Freckled Whimsy (even though I think the name is adorable..lol). Maybe someday there will be a use for it, but for now, I'm retiring it. My pages, should I choose to post them, will be here among all my other blabberings.

If you are interested in seeing what I've completed, please scroll down and look to the left. You will see a slide show of all my pages. If you clink on...um...click on "view all images" you can see them all with out waiting for it to scroll.

Thanks to all of you who put up with my scatterbrainedness <--- yes that's a word. Webster just forgot to add it to his dictionary :) Anywho...Here are a couple layouts I've done recently. There would be more if I hadn't been having so many computer issues as of late. We won't talk about that though.... Purr-fect

Two Sides of the Same Heart

2009-09-19T19:37:00.005-05:00

Today I had the pleasure of listening to my children read me poems by Shel Silverstein. They would each choose one of their favourites and then in their turn, read it to me. I must have heard 50 poems by the time we were finished. It still makes me smile.

I read Shel Silverstein as a child and I remembered a lot of them but the one that always made me laugh was called Sick.

"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut--my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

Although most of his work makes you smile and chuckle, he can also make you cry. Well, he can make me cry anyway. I know there is some controversy about this story, but just like anything else, its open to our own interpretation and I can relate to this story.

It doesn't make me cry because it makes me sad, not really. It's just that this "tree" loves this boy so much that she would do anything, give him anything, just to see him happy. His happiness was what made her happy, even though she knew that after she gave him what she could, he would still go away. She would still be alone but she was always happy to see him and he always came back. Just when she thought she didn't have anymore to give, he reminded her that she did...

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

All Of Me

2009-09-15T19:59:00.002-05:00

Lately I've been drawn to black and white videos. Not sure why. It's the same with photos. I think it's because there is less distraction. You see what's important. What's meant to be seen.

This song is one I listen to often and I had forgotten that the video was done in B&W.

Have any favourites of your own? I'd love to see them.

Always Midnight

2009-09-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

This just goes to show you that you don't need to have a flashy video to be amazing.

Simple. Brilliant. Beautiful. Perfect.

Pat Monahan - Always Midnight

Always Remember

2009-09-11T18:26:00.005-05:00

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. -Leo Buscaglia

It was difficult not to be sad today. Thinking back to eight years ago when nearly 3000 people lost their lives and the family and friends that were left behind. It's heartbreaking. They all thought they would have a tomorrow to look forward to. It just goes to show you that we can't count on tomorrow. Today is all we really have. We shouldn't take today for granted. We shouldn't take any day for granted.

Tell the ones that you love, that you do, every day. It's important.

In remembrance of September 11, 2001.

Where we fall, we will rise. Always remember.

The Impossible Is Possible

2009-09-08T20:54:00.003-05:00

I was on Facebook and a friend shared a video that just had me in giggle fits. (Thanks Randy!)

Said video:

My daughter heard me giggling and came over to see what the fuss was about so I played it again so she could see it. Listening to her giggle made me laugh even harder. I love moments like that!

When it was done playing, she asked me to do a search. Usually when she tells me to do this, its some really strange, yet funny, video where we both end up laughing so hard we nearly pee our pants. (good thing for plastic couch protectors...lol! *just kidding*)

When she told me what to type I thought she was kidding or that she wanted me to see someone just doing a funny skit. She had asked me to type in "man with no arms and no legs". I wasn't prepared for what I saw. I wasn't prepared for the emotional roller coaster it took me through. He made me laugh, then he made me cry, but not because I felt sorry for him, but because he made such an impact, because he is right. You have to watch it to understand it, to appreciate it.

Nick Vujicic

I've seen a lot of motivational speakers, each with their own special way of getting their message across, whether it be from personal experience or they are just good at what they do. Either way, their intent is to get their point across and put you into action. To motivate. In most cases they do, but in how many cases do you really remember what they said six months later? A year later? Do you remember what their point was? Most importantly, did you practice what they preached? Did anyone have that deep of an impact on you? I can't say that anyone I've seen has. (I take that back. Sam Glenn did. His specialty was making you laugh. I always remember that....)

Anyway, when I saw this video I was in awe. Not because he had no arms and legs, but because of his attitude, his courage, his message. Everything he has become or accomplished was because he made the choice to do it. He never gave up. He never let anyone tell him he couldn't do something. He's not afraid. He wasn't even bitter. Not now. Sure, he was, but he changed his own life around, even when all the odds were stacked against him. If Nick can do anything, imagine what the rest of us could do if we shared the same attitude as he.

He is one that I will never forget.

Want to see more? Here is his website -> http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/index.php

Zero to 200

2009-09-04T20:48:00.004-05:00

Every Friday I receive a humor of the day email at the office. Most times they are cute and generate a smile but are nothing to speak of. The email I received today made me laugh out loud, leaving my neighbours wondering what was so funny.

Some gifts should never be given! Anyone seen Bob? ... hee hee!

--------------------------------------------

Zero to 200 in Six Seconds

Bob was in trouble. He forgot his wedding anniversary. His wife was really mad!

She told him, "Tomorrow morning, I expect to find a gift in the driveway that goes from zero to 200 in six seconds. AND IT BETTER BE THERE!"

The next morning, he got up early and left for work. When his wife woke up, she looked out the window and sure enough, there was a box gift-wrapped in the middle of the driveway.

Confused, the wife put on her robe and ran out to the driveway. She brought the box back in to the house.

She opened it and found a brand new bathroom scale.

Bob has been missing since Friday.

Chances

2009-09-03T19:43:00.003-05:00

There are certain artists that always capture my attention because of the uniqueness of their voice and Five For Fighting has always been one of them. It's that raspy, sexy sound that you'd recognize anywhere.

I had the radio on one day coming home from the office and a song came on that I hadn't heard before but I knew it was FFF. I hadn't realized they released a new single and boy is it a goodie. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song called Chances. I love it because life is full of chances. You take some. Some you let alone. Amazing things happen when you take a chance on someone or something. Things you never expected. This song reminds me of that. To not be afraid to take a chance....

Their new album "Slice" will release on October 13th and supposedly an official video will be releasing for Chances as well, but until then, this is their montage they put together.

Chances are when said and done
Who'll be the lucky ones
Who make it all the way?
Though you say I could be your answer
Nothing lasts forever
No matter how it feels today

Chances are we´ll find a new equation
Chances roll away from me
Chances are all they hope to be

Don't get me wrong I'd never say never
Cause though love can change the weather
No act of God can pull me away from you

I´m just a realistic man
A bottle filled with shells and sand
Afraid to love beyond what I can lose when it comes to you
And though I see us through yeah

Chances are we´ll find two destinations
Chances roll away from me
Still chances are more than expectations
The possibilities
Over me
It´s about the two to one
Lay your money on the sun
Until you crash what have you done?
Is there a better bet than love?
What you are is what you breathe
You gotta cry before you sing

Chances chances

Chances lost are hopes torn up pages
Maybe this time
Chances are we´ll be the combination
Chances come and carry me
Chances are waiting to be taken
And I can see
Chances are the fascination
Chances won't escape from me
Chances are only what we make them
And all I need

Magic Happens

2009-08-28T21:27:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month I posted a video of a musical arrangement that Jon Schmidt did with Taylor Swift's Love Story and Coldplay's Viva La Vida mashed together. I fell in love with it immediately and couldn't stop listening to it nor could I stop watching it. I didn't think it could be topped but I believe that he has just proven me wrong.

Last weekend I received an email announcing that he was going to release a different version because permissions to sell Love Story Meets Viva La Vida (click to watch) hadn't gone as planned. As I was reading the email I though it was to say it had already been released and much to my dismay, they said it would release today. What a tease! Ha!

Sooooo...I've been waiting all week for this video and it was definitely worth the wait. Phenomenal is all I can say to describe it. Not only is the arrangement amazing but just watching how much heart they put into the song and to see how much fun they have doing it, is inspiring. I especially think the little bootie shake at the piano was fun!

Thanks to you Jon, and your friends, for amazing music that can make a girl smile at the end of a very difficult week! I hope there is more to come....

Now, if I could only play the piano so I can have some of that fun....I guess it's never too late, something to shoot for.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

2009-08-27T23:57:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness! Someone needs to peel me off of the ceiling!! I love love love scary movies and I hadn't seen one in a while. I mean a really scary movie. Those ones where you are watching and you can feel in every being of your body that something scary will happen. You put your feet up and underneath a blanket, you stop breathing, you can't blink or look away, and you feel like your heart is going to thump out of your throat and you have no idea you probably just wet yourself! No matter how much you try and prepare yourself, you are scared shitless and scream like a little girl when it happens!! Yeps! That is what I call a gooooood scary movie!

My heart is STILL beating hard after watching Mirrors. I just happened to be flipping the channels and the title caught my eye because just yesterday I started to write a piece about mirrors. Ironic? Who knows, but I thought what the hell! I surely was not disappointed! Kiefer Sutherland did an amazing job, which I expected. I've not seen a film/series that he was in that I didn't like.

Anyway, watch this clip. It in itself is scary as hell! Then go watch the movie. In the dark. No, you can't turn on a night light!!

Can't say that I care to look in any mirrors anytime soon....

What Are You Gonna Do?

2009-08-26T22:05:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon this group about a year or so ago and have enjoyed them ever since. The song that caught my attention originally is called This Is Your Life. (click the song title to listen). Their songs stick with me because of their vocals, but mainly because of the meaning behind their songs. A lot of life lessons to be learned by listening to them, especially in This Is Your Life.

The other song that I've repeatedly played as of late is called Dare You To Move. It urges you to get back on your feet after being knocked down. Bad things happen. No one can prevent that. It's how you deal with it afterwords that matters. Do you lay down and let the sand get kicked in your eyes or do you get up and move in a better direction? It's your choice. There's always a choice, difficult as it may be.

I dare you to move....

Introducing...

2009-08-23T20:02:00.005-05:00

I know that I said I would no longer post my digital scrapbooking layouts here, but this one is an exception.

I'd like to introduce to you Callaghan, my baby nephew that was born on July 28, 2009. He is the little surprise that I was told about at Christmas by his sister wearing the "big sister" t-shirt :)

I can't wait to see him. I wish he didn't live all the way in Arizona.

Chasing Pavements

2009-08-15T23:37:00.002-05:00

I've always loved this song because it pulls at my heartstrings. It's happy. It's sad. It's powerful.

Not to mention that the video is amazing. I love the creative sidewalk play. It's unique and something that kind of sticks with me...

Should I give up, or should I just keep chasing pavements?

A Story About Love

2009-08-14T21:35:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while I like to watch a good love story but I don't dwell on them like I used to. They get kind of depressing after a while so I gravitate towards comedies, action, or scary movies. However, a movie that has caught my eye is 500 Days of Summer, which technically it's not a love story, it's a story about love, so I'm good.

One of my favourite actresses is in this, Zooey Deschanel, which is one of the reasons I'd like to see this. I first saw her in Failure to Launch where she played a quirky roommate and then in Bridge to Terabithia she played Ms. Edmunds, a super sweet teacher. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her in the 3 part T.V. series, Tin Man, back in 2007, and then she played in Yes Man. She always seems to play these out of the box charachters and she just makes me laugh. I guess that's why I like her so much.

The other thing that caught my eye, was the artwork for the movie's cover. Wow! I'm going to have to figure out how to replicate this using my own pictures. I really don't think it will be that difficult, it just might take a bit of time. No, probably a lot of time, but that's ok, it will be worth the time spent. I better start taking pictures now to fill it up...lol!

Here is the trailer. I can't help but laugh at the part that goes like this::

(Day 8)
Tom: In college they used to call me perfectly adequate Hanson.
Summer: They used to call me anal girl. (Tom spits out his champagne...LOL) I was very neat...and organized.

Come on...you know you laughed too ;)

Second Home

2009-08-09T18:01:00.003-05:00

I've posted here a few times with regards to digital scrapbooking and I realize that I'm hooked on it. Anytime I can get away I'm plugging at a layout or playing with techniques in Photoshop and I want to share what I create.

I've created a new blog dedicated just to digital scrapbooking. I did this for two reasons. One, for those of you who do read my blog and have no interest in digital scrapbooking won't get bored to tears by my multiple posts. Two, because I fear that if I didn't, this blog would become mostly about that and I don't want it to. This blog is for my rants and raves. I want it to continue to be full of my usual randomness and quirks.

This should be fun keeping up two blogs...what have I gotten myself into this time? LOL!

So if you're interested, head on over to Freckled Whimsy and check it out :)

Totally like whatever, you know?

2009-08-05T20:11:00.001-05:00

I am so glad that I follow blogs where people post stuff that keeps me laughing! For one, I'm just lazy and it's easier when other people find the cool stuff. Two, it gives me something to babble on about here on my own blog and will hopefully also peak your attention and in turn, make YOU laugh too. That's a "two fer", as they say! We both win...hee hee! It's refreshing to know that sometimes being lazy pays off. (Yes, I'm kidding) :D

Diving head first back into digital scrapbooking has led me to some amazing blogs and one of them is Jessica Sprague's. She is an amazing designer and teacher. It's no surprise that she found and posted this video that is full of creativity! The typography is fantastic but its the poem and the reading of that makes me laugh!! The title of the poem is called Totally Like Whatever, You Know? by Taylor Mali. When I was younger (many many many many years ago..heh) my dad used to tease the heck out of me because I always said "whatever!!". He still does to this day, even though I don't say it nearly as much so this made me think of him.

At the end of the video it gives a website... www.taylormali.com. So of course I wanted to check it out since he is the author of the poem. Again, I was plesantly surprised. I love little quirky creative things and this one just made me giggle....a lot!!! Check out the site. Do you see all the links? Yeah...roll your mouse over each line and see what happens. Pay attention now. Did you see it? The words changed, right? Mr. Mali is a clever man to take each link and make an anagram out of each one!!! My favourites include: "Um, barely a strap on", "stop his whacker" (OMG...still giggling here...hee hee), and "softer squeaky delinquents"! I also thought it was pretty neat that as you scrolled over the links, his photo changed, like an animated video :)

There, I hope you have your giggle for the day now :)

A Little Piece of Happy

2009-08-03T20:40:00.006-05:00

It doesn't take much to capture my attention when it comes to music. It's one of the constants that I hold on to every day. I mean, I even sleep with ear phones in, well one, anyway...LOL! However, every once in a while, when poking around the net, I run across something that not only catches me by surprise, but completely and utterly amazes me. Today I found that something and I cannot stop listening to it. There is just something about the arrangement and the fact that its only instrumental (piano and cello with a bit of percussion) that makes me smile as wide as the day is long. It even makes me want to get up and dance around the house!! :) It's just....happy, and I could use a little more happy in my life!

The arrangement/video is just over 8 minutes long, but it is so worth it. Give it a go and see if you like it and if you do, head over to Jon Schmidt's site where you can hear more! It indicates that the arrangement I've posted below will be available on mp3 soon on his site. I hope they hurry up!! :D

Jon Schmidt - Love Story Meets Viva La Vida

The Greatest

2009-08-02T22:59:00.005-05:00

You always hear the term "soccer mom" but it's coming to light that I'm definitely becoming a "softball mom". It's all Zee talks about lately. I mean we can't even go to the grocery store with out her walking around practicing her pitching wind ups!

Her summer league ended already but her coach chose her to play in the All Star game, which was yesterday! We had to be there at 11a for her practice, the game began at 12:30p and was over at 2p. Even though her team lost, they played a hard game and gave it their all! An hour later they were holding skills competition for pitching, batting, and running. That lasted another two hours. Let's just say after 6 hours of sitting on metal bleachers, my butt was ready to go home. Literally! It was a really fun day though, for both Zee and myself!

(**Zee is in the black visor in front of the dude with the yellow shirt**)

Today she had her try outs for a competitive fast pitch team. I tell you what, those coaches worked those girls to the ground! Two and a half hours of hard work and not one of them showed any sign of giving up. It's amazing to see that much determination despite the heat and drills, on top of the pure sense of competition. I don't know how the coaches will decide who to choose as every girl did a great job. I am crossing every body part possible that she makes the team. I am incredibly proud of her no matter what happens because she put her all into it and kept a smile on her face!

Zee's passion and dedication to fast pitch always makes me think of one particular song. I know that it's more about a boy and his baseball, but its the same concept....determination to be the greatest at what you love most!

Kenny Rogers - The Greatest

Close to my heart...

2009-07-26T23:00:00.005-05:00

With both kids in softball and baseball, the past few months have been crazy busy and I haven't been able to work on my digital pages like I had intended to. When I think about it, I really haven't taken the photos I had intended to take either. My original goal was to do at least a page a month on each of the kiddos (more if I could) because they grow up so fast. Bug just turned 8 and Zee is now 11 and pretty soon they'll be moving out....eeks!!! Yes, I know that it is a few years down the road, but if those years pass as fast as these last ones have, it will feel like tomorrow.

So after the hustle and bustle of the tournament this weekend for Zee, tonight I finally was able to sit down and put together a few pages. Mind you, it takes me forever to do one page, even in digital where it is so much easier, because it has to look just right or it's a no go. I think that they call that being anal...heh!

Anywho....I was able to complete three pages. Yay!! Have a looksie :)

The first one is from Bug's last game of this season. He has improved so much this year and just loves the game!!

The second and third ones I had so much fun making. They just make me smile. The story behind them was that the day I got my new Nikon camera I was taking a ton of photos. We were just finishing eating dinner that night and I was taking some candid shots of the kids. They started to make goofy faces so I took advantage of the situation and kept snapping. Zee started with it and then Bug is like, "Mom Mom Mom..take MY picture!!".... LOL! Hence the two goofy layouts that I am sure will bring smiles for many years.

Oh, and for the record, both kids said that they loved them (the layouts)!! We'll check back in about 10 years and see how they feel then! Ha! :)

And The Thunder Rolls...

2009-07-18T19:30:00.005-05:00

Zee is in her third year of fastpitch softball and loves every minute of it. It's the one thing that she has really latched onto and she's incredibly good at it!! Last year her favourite position was catcher. The pitcher and her had an amazing connection and she was spot on 90% of the time. However, last year she really wanted to try pitching, but because so many girls already had the position, she didn't get the chance. This year, she has and loves it. She starts just about every game pitching and she gets better and better at it. If she's not pitching, she's at first base. Personally, I think she should strive towards first base because it's the position she is best at, but she has to find her niche and passion on her own. I feel she will have a tough time deciding between first and pitching. I am just so proud of her that no matter where she is put on the field, she does her absolute best to learn the position and to help her team in the game and she has fun, which is the most important part of the game!!

We have a local Pro Fastpitch team, The Rockford Thunder, that Zee just loves. She's constantly begging to go to the games. She even told me that one day maybe she could play for the Thunder! It makes me smile to know she is thinking that far ahead and that she has that much heart for the game. So when I saw that they were going to be hosting a clinic, I signed her up. She was so excited because a few of the girls from the team were actually doing the training. Megan Willis (catcher) and Chelsea Spencer (short stop) were the ones that Zee worked with most. Of course she got their autographs and she even got a picture with each of the girls.

Pictures: Zee and Chelsea then Zee and Megan

Terrible Ending

2009-07-11T22:22:00.004-05:00

I went to see My Sisters Keeper today and was truly disappointed. The book was amazing and I know that they cannot possibly fit every thing that happens in a book into a movie, but I was speechless at the end. They completely changed the ending. I mean black vs white, night vs day. What happened in the movie did NOT happen in the book. I just don't understand why or how they can do that. I don't know how much involvement an author has over a movie that is based off of their book, but you would think they would have some say to make sure its true to the novel, and in this case, it didn't happen. If she did have some control over it, then shame on her. So many things were left out. Main charachter traits were not protrayed the same and some main charachters were left out completely. The movie was choppy and did not flow very well. That's just my opinion based off of reading the book. Take it for what it's worth.

I'm not saying the movie was horrible but I'm wishing that I hadn't wasted the money to see it. I should have waited until it came to DVD. I really should know better when it comes to books versus movies. I'm hoping Harry Potter will be the exception to the rule.

My daughter went with me to see the show and it was a nice time to spend together. I think part of the reason she wanted to come along was to tease me because she knew I would cry. She, amongst others I know, always pick on me because I cry at everything, especially sad movies. I told myself that I wasn't going to cry this time because I already knew what happened and what it was about so there would be no reason to, right? Gah! I tried really hard and still soaked three napkins with tears! I don't know how people do it. How they can watch a movie like that and not be affected, or if they are, how do they hide it? I wish I could be more like that. Keep more to myself. Be strong and not so vulnerable. I'm working on it, but it's not an easy task....At least I wasn't the only one in the theater who didn't leave with dry eyes!!

Slow Food

2009-07-07T23:04:00.005-05:00

It's no surprise that I love turtles so when I happened upon this photo on Cute Overload I almost squealed!! Too cute! The photo originated HERE :)

Oh Oh Oh...this flicker user also had this photo too.. heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Painted Faces

2009-07-06T21:16:00.001-05:00

I could use somebody. There's just no one to notice....

Scrumptious

2009-07-05T19:43:00.003-05:00

"I know my choices will be creative so long as I follow my heart." ~~Huey Lewis

One of my most favourite treats of summer is strawberry pie!! Of course you could make it during the winter or fall but it's just not the same, so I only tend to make it in the summertime. Today was such a day for a treat! No reason in particular. I just had a massive taste for it! :)

It is such an easy recipe so I thought I would share it here with you in case YOU had a taste for it too!!

Now depending on how in the mood for cooking I am, sometimes I will make my own crust, but today I just used a store bought frozen pie crust and followed the directions for baking the crust first. So you will have to choose what is easier for you.

While your crust is baking, combine 1 1/2 cups of water, 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch, and 3/4 cup of white sugar in a saucepan and heat on medium heat, stirring constantly. Mixture should come to a boil. Still stirring, boil for about two minutes. Your mixture should be nearly clear. Lower heat and add one 3 ounce box of strawberry jello mix and stir until completely dissolved. Turn off heat and set aside to cool. NOTE: The mixture should be a thick consistency.

While that is cooling, wash and de-stem your strawberries. I like a lot of strawberries so I used 2 - 1 pound containers. De-stemming probably isn't the technical term, but the way I remove the stem is to use a straw. Yep. A good ole straw. I hold the strawberry, stem side up, and push the straw from the bottom up until it pokes through the top. This Removes the stem easy peasy! :) After all your strawberries are de-stemmed, slice them. Again, I take the easy way out and use an egg slicer to slice my berries...hee hee. Super quick and the slices are even! Oh, and it keeps the knives out of my hands, because that can be dangerous sometimes!

Making sure your crust is cool and your jello mixture is cool, place your strawberries in the bottom of your crust. Again, me loving strawberries, I pack them in and have a nice rounded top when I'm done. Once placed, take your mixutre and pour over the strawberries. Use it all if you can.

Refrigerate for at least an hour and serve with Cool Whip! (If you're like me, you may want to buy two tubs of Cool Whip as one may not last until the pie is ready..hee hee!!)

Viola! Mmmmmm.....Enjoy!

P.S. Happy Birthday Huey Lewis!! :)

Independence

2009-07-04T22:55:00.002-05:00

Today means different things for different people. For some it's an excuse to party or to get an extra day off of work. It's a chance to stock up on fireworks, get together with friends and act like foolish kids again. Of course, all of this is fun and part of the holiday but hopefully in the midst of all the fun, we stop to realize what today really means for us. The day that we adopted the Declaration of Independence. Freedom that did not come easily. Freedom that we still have because of the men and women who have fought to earn our freedom. Never forget that we still have to fight for our freedom, that it will never be handed to us on a silver platter because anything worth having, is worth fighting for.

I always think of Martina McBride's song, Independence Day this time of year. I know that it is not necessarily about our country's freedom, but it just goes to show you that no matter what kind of independence you are looking for, it comes at a price.

New Divide

2009-07-01T23:00:00.004-05:00

Ever since it's release I've been addicted to Linkin Park's new song, New Divide, that was written for Transformers : Revenge Of The Fallen. At the time there wasn't a video and apparently I missed the release of it in early June. Hmmpf! I happened across it as I was on Blip and pulled up New Divide to listen to and saw that there was a video for it. Yay!

If you like Linkin Park, have a look. It's a unique piece of work with a bit of the movie reflected in it too.

Oh, by the way, the movie is really good too!! No, I didn't cry. Ok. That's a lie. :)

Definition of Adorable

2009-06-29T21:36:00.004-05:00

"There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face." ~Ben Williams

The above statement could not be more true. You can be in the saddest of sad places and what a little puppy love won't bring you out of. Even if it's just to make you smile for a moment, and then they grow and grow and grow and you can't imagine living life with out them. I mean, who else would listen to everything I had to say and never grumble about it? They are just happy you are there with them, just...being. A never failing form of unconditional love.

A couple months ago my black lab had to be put down. She was just getting too old and she gave up eating and drinking. It was one of the most difficult decisions but it was what was better for her. She was the best dog that I had ever had. She was just so sweet. Always by your side and never a complaint out of her, and no matter what the kids did to her when they were little ones, she never snapped. She was just happy to be by you. When we got her the previous owners called her Candy. We never did change her name even though we thought it was kind of dorky. I guess it described her to a T though :)

There was never any intention of getting another dog. It wasn't even a thought. My daughter was asked over to a sleep over and she told me, "MOM guess what!! You gotta see the puppies when you drop me off!!". I said "puppies?!". "YES!! TEN of them!!". So of course, being the animal lover that I am, of course I wanted to see them. So when I dropped her off we had a look at all of the puppies. Oh my gosh! Talk about a frenzie of 10 german shepherd puppies. They were so much fun. We were just about to leave and Bug says, "Here mom, hold her. She's cute.". I took her from him and I think I literally melted to the floor right there with her. A week later I brought her home with me.

So with out further ado, meet Niko (Nee-koh). She is a long haired german shepherd who just turned 8 weeks today! Isn't she adorable?

My Sisters Keeper

2009-06-26T16:28:00.002-05:00

"There are some things we do because we convince ourselves it would be better for everyone involved. We tell ourselves that it's the right thing to do, the altruistic thing to do. It's far easier than telling ourselves the truth. " -My Sisters Keeper

There are so many things to say about this book I don't even know where to begin. I have never read a book that took me through so many emotions as this one did. I had seen the previews to the movie and knew that it would be a tear jerker, but man, I was not prepared for the roller coaster this novel took me through.

One of the things I tend to do while reading (well with anything, really) is to over analyze what is going on. Bad habit, yes I know. Lately my friend and I have been reading the same books and she yells at me all the time, "Stop trying to figure out what is going to happen before you get there!".. LOL.

Jodi Picoult writes in a way that it is almost impossible to figure out what is going to happen, which was, for me, frustrating and exhilarating at the same time. You would be laughing your ass off in one paragraph, and in the very next line, you're brought to tears. I don't mean those tears that well up and go away quickly, but the kind of tears that you let well up for so long because you can't supress them, and they fall like giant rain drops down your cheeks. The kind where you have no choice but to put the book down because you can't see to read any longer. Many a pages have my tear tracks on them. Next time I read one of her books, I'm carrying a box of Kleenex with me :)

One of the things about her writing in this book was how she wrote her chapters. At first it was annoying and confusing, but after a while, I realized the benefit behind it. She writes each chapter in a different main characters perspective. There are seven. Most books that you read share only one view point and the dynamics are very limiting. Reading a story where you feel what each character is feeling, gives the book so much more depth and fulfillment in the story itself.

I don't want to tell about the story here, because I hate spoilers, but I highly encourage you to read this book. Even though this is not a true story, it very well could be and it stops you in your tracks and makes you think about what you would do if you were faced with such a situation. It's full of bravery, honesty, truth, reality, love, compassion, and so much more. I believe it will be a book that you will not want to put down, even when you've finished the last page. It tugs at your heart strings like no other book I've read. I will openly share that for the last hour of reading this book, I cried.

"One fire burns out another's burning, One pain is lessen'd by another's anguish." - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Harmony

2009-06-14T21:28:00.003-05:00

Peanut: It's a tiny little car isn't it?
Jeff: It's small.
Peanut: I bet to get in and out, you gotta use a lotta lotion

I'm so disappointed that I missed the opportunity to get tickets to go see Jeff Dunham in person. Once I realized he was in town, he was sold out :( No matter how many times I watch his videos, I still laugh almost to tears. Peanut is my favourite and I think, has the best lines. Like the one above and this one: "Once you go purple, you never go back"...LOL!

I chose to post this video because in this one he picks on the Toyota Prius. Even though he picks on the car, I have to admit that the commercials they have come up with are pretty darn clever and creative. Not enough to make me want one, though. I mean, I live around too many hills to have to push the thing up them all the time...hee hee!

If you look close, I think it nearly has to stop for a breather at the top of the bridge :)

Give It A Whirl...

2009-06-10T23:06:00.002-05:00

There really isn't much to say along with this video. It's pretty self explanatory and it made me smile. I hope you smile as you watch it too...

Enjoy :)

Get It On...Heh...

2009-06-03T21:21:00.002-05:00

There are times when you see something and you KNOW its wrong but you just can't help but click on it to see what it is.

Confession #1: Yep. I did it. I couldn't help it. I have a problem. I know this but it had a TURTLE in it so I really had no choice but to click it to see what it was. :)

Confession #2: I cannot stop giggling at this video, even when I'm not playing it. The sounds he makes...OMG...I didn't even know turtles made sounds!! LOL.

Just watch for yourself. Maybe you'll get a laugh or two out of it as well. Even the guy laughing in the background cracks me up!! Maybe you won't laugh and just think I'm some kind of sicko....well, that's partly true, so no harm there either. ;)

Her Morning Elegance

2009-06-01T20:57:00.002-05:00

I was poking around You Tube as I do sometimes when I'm bored. I was looking for something new and I came across this amazing video. It caught my attention right away and I think I've watched it about 10 times now. Partly because the video is brilliant and partly because I really love the song that goes with it. I have a feeling I will be listening to a lot of Oren Lavie.

Reading up on it, this was all done in still shots, about 3225 of them. Wow! Sounds like it would potentially take weeks to do, right? Well it took 4 weeks to do the animated storyboard but only two days to do the actual photo shoot.

Very fun. Very clever. Absolutely brilliant!!

I hope to see more in the future!

Who's Heart?

2009-05-31T20:26:00.003-05:00

The wind is not always your enemy....

Memory Keepers & Smile Makers

2009-05-28T22:41:00.016-05:00

"Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty." ~ James Russell Lowell

I came to the harsh realization that up until this point in my life, I haven't taken nearly enough pictures of what is truly important to me. While getting back into digital scrapbooking, trying to find that "just right" photo for a lay out, the lack of photos became sadly prominent, especially when it came to my mom. She never was very camera friendly as she almost always turned away or stuck her hand out at the camera, so there just are not very many photos of her. I am grateful for the photos I do have of her, looking back, though, I wish I had taken more. When all that we have left are memories and photos, those photos truly keep those memories alive and strong.

Unfortunately this realization came too late to get more of my mother, but I made a decision to not let that happen again with anything that is important to me. Family. Friends. Silly stuff. Serious stuff. Any and all things. You can regret not taking enough pictures, but not by taking too many.

With this decision, I made another one. I wanted a new camera, a dSLR. I had been using point and shoot cameras for the past 10 years or so and they have been wonderful, but the dSLRs are amazing and the photos come out beautiful! I did my research and ended up going to a local store that specialized in these cameras. The answered ALL of my questions and then some. I think I was there for almost two hours. After all that I said Happy Mother's Day to me and I went with the Nikon D60 and two lenses: 18-55mm VR and the 55-200mm VR (a multi-purpose and an action lens). This isn't the basic dSLR camera but it's not the top of the line either. I wanted something that wasn't going to overwhelm me, but also something that I wouldn't want to replace after a year of using it. I think I made a good choice and I love love LOVE it!! I think I've taken more pictures in the last three weeks than I have over the last year!! I can't seem to put him down...lol!

I took a few shots today so I thought I'd share :)

This is the tulip tree that is in the front yard and I was looking for blooms and I happened to see this bubbly bit and thought, how odd. I'm not really sure what is going on here but how neat. Just a ton of tiny bubbles. It reminds me of the bubbles in the sink when doing dishes!

This is just a simple shot of what the leaves of the tulip tree looks like. They are so unique and soon will have big yellow blooms on it. Last year there were only a few so I'm hoping this year there will be more. I'll post a picture of the bloom later :)

This is the clematis plant that gets bigger and bigger every year!! The blooms are just starting to pop and I had to grab a picture before they completely unfolded. So pretty!

Growing Up

2009-05-23T22:28:00.003-05:00

Eleven years ago today (at 3:46 pm) I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Nine pounds, 10 ounces and stubborn from the get go.

I will never forget that day. My parents had been living in South Carolina at the time and my mom wanted to come up to visit for two weeks so we were trying to plan when would be a good time and guarantee time with her first grand baby. We had decided that she would come one week after my due date because if I went early, she would have the full two weeks and if I went late, the doctor would induce me a week after mom got there. So either way she'd have time with the baby.

I had a doctors appointment the same day my mom was due in and I told her I'd be done in plenty of time to pick her up from the airport. Well, they ended up wanting to do an ultra sound that day so I was running late.

I was so worried about being late because there was no way for me to contact my mom to tell her and I knew she'd be worried. When I arrived at the airport (finally) I ran across the parking lot. Yes, imagine the picture of a big ole pregnant lady running across the parking lot. I'm sure I was quite the sight. Funny thing was when I reached my mom, she was laughing so hard watching me run across the lot holding my belly and it still bouncing up and down.. LOL.

Apparently running induces labor because that night I went into labor. This was still May 22nd. So after a long labor, 3 hours of HARD pushing, she wouldn't budge. See what I meant about stubborn? They ended up taking her by c-section.

Now today I have a beautiful, grown up little girl who's 11. I don't know where the time went. All that I know is that it's going way too fast.

Happy Birthday, baby girl!! Mommy loves you!!

Ironic?

2009-05-22T21:14:00.002-05:00

All this time you were pretending...

*I can't believe this was edited for swear words. I guess it's easier to edit something then show the real feeling. Hm. Seems familiar.

I'm Up

2009-05-21T22:36:00.002-05:00

I've always been a night owl and have hated mornings since as far back as I can remember. Like the day I was born...hee hee. So when I saw this cute picture, it made me laugh because that s so like me in the morning!

And The Winner Is...

2009-05-20T21:39:00.002-05:00

Well, much to my dismay, Chris Allen won American Idol tonight. *sigh* He is ok, in my book. Nothing phenomenonal. Hell, most times I heard him sing, I had no idea what he was saying, unless I already knew the words to the song. He's cute and will probably do well with the young crowd but he didn't do anything for me.

My bet had been on either Danny Gokey or Adam Lambert, with top dibs on Danny. Unfortunately he didn't make it to the top three. Of course, all three of them will get record deals, as well as others from the top 13, so maybe it's a good thing that Danny and Adam didn't actually win Idol. Perhaps their ties to Idol won't be as long as the winner's term and they can go on about their own thing much sooner.

Congrats to Chris, just the same. :)

Age of Innocence...Or Not

2009-05-19T22:47:00.003-05:00

I never have a camera in my hands when I really need one, but tonight created a mental image that I will not soon forget.

I was sitting on the couch with Bug and we were watching American Idol. As always they run rampant on commercials so between songs I'd go back to working on my laptop. I had remembered something I wanted to tell Bug so I looked up and started to tell him but I was stopped short. He had a curious look on his face and his eyes were locked dead on the t.v. I followed his gaze and saw what he was looking at. What else, but a Victoria's Secret commercial... LOL. I started laughing and said "Buuuuuggggg!!!". He reluctantly pulled his eyes from the t.v. and looked at me, his cheeks turning bright red and an "I got busted smile" on his face! Even funnier was that his eyes kept drifting back to the t.v. even though I was trying to keep eye contact with him.

I'm in so much trouble with this guy...he's only 7!!

Boys will be boys, I suppose =P

Waiting For Change

2009-05-18T23:03:00.003-05:00

This writing every day stuff is starting to get to me. I've been sitting here for an hour trying to figure out what to write about and the only thing that comes to mind is the exhausting day I had. I couldn't sleep last night so if I was lucky, I may have gotten 2 hours of sleep. Too many things on my mind. Too many things that needed to be said. Then I had to get up and get through work. I didn't get much accomplished there either. The things that were weighing on me were expressed and dealt with as much as they could be. I probably said more than I should have but when you're angry, things just seem to flow. As I sit here, I don't really feel any better about what happened or the end results. I keep waiting for change...one day I will quit waiting.

I've Got Nothing

2009-05-17T21:59:00.002-05:00

I've got nothing tonight. I'm empty. Just a few videos to share that I find of interest to me.

Videos by the Foo Fighters rarely disappoint and always keep it interesting and unique...

Foo Fighters - Times Like These

Foo Fighters - Walking After You

Foo Fighters - Best Of You

**sigh**

What's All The Buzz

2009-05-16T23:31:00.003-05:00

I've cut my sons hair since he's ever even needed a hair cut. Grab the clippers and buzz away. He loves it and it's easy enough that I can't screw it up!

His hair started getting long and he was in need of a hair cut so I told him we would cut his hair over the weekend. Mind you, this was about a month ago. He said, "no mom, I want to grow it out". I just blinked at him not knowing really what to say. I have nothing against longer hair on men, and actually prefer it on some, but the look the kids have around here these days, is just pure shaggy and mussy. Not really what I wanted for Bug but....it IS his hair and what harm can being shaggy do? Nothing, so I said ok and he let it grow.

A few days ago he was scratching at his head and he says to me, "Mom, I wanna cut my hair now. It's buggin' me". I tried to stifle a laugh but he caught me and gave me a goofy look.

This weekend we cut his hair like we normally do and he was thrilled. "Much better, Mom!" he said. LOL!

I've added the before and after pictures. In the "after" picture he looks as though he was in some sort of pain that I didn't see when I took the photos originally, but the sun was just in his eyes. Bad photographer! :)

Before - Isn't he cute here? I have to admit I kinda liked it :)

After - What a difference a haircut makes!!

Toad-ally Cool

2009-05-15T20:14:00.005-05:00

I was on my way home from work tonight and I was thinking about what I would blog tonight and coming up empty handed. Then I pulled in the drive way....

My son comes running up to me with the neighbor girl (Erin) saying "Mom! Mom! Look!! We found toads!" You can't help but smile when you see the light in their eyes at their discovery. They were laughing and giggling and even squealing when it tried to jump out of their hands. I was laughing right along with them.

I snapped a few shots of them and then asked them where they found it. They led me to the window well on the side of the house where they started digging for more through the leaves that had found their way there in the fall. They pulled out one more, then another, and another, and yet another until they had I think 10 of them... LOL. So Bug, Erin, and Kyle (another neighbor kid) were having a good ole time with these toads. Erin (I think she is 5 now) is so cute because she isn't afraid of anything. She wanted to go hunting for spiders! **shudders** At one time she held 4 or 5 toads in her wee little hands and just carried them around all proud!

Keep scrolling for some photos :)

The Three Musketeers - Erin, Bug, and Kyle all holding their toads

Say Cheese Mr. Toad

Umm...alot of toads...hee hee

Erin and a handful of toads

Erin and the largest toad...ew ew ew..lol

This is Bug "freaking out" while the toad hopped up his arm...lol

I had to capture this shot because just before this photo, the toad jumped out of Bugs hands and fell backside down on the pavement...ouch! Bug felt so bad. He gently picked him up and carefully examined him to be sure he was ok. He kept saying, "are you ok toady? are you ok? ok, mom. He's breathing now!" I told Bug that he probably had a headache now and we should put him back.

So thanks to boys being boys (and girls too), I had me a blog post tonight. Yay!!

I Love...Part 2

2009-05-14T22:20:00.003-05:00

Whoops. I'm a day late on this because I totally forgot yesterday was Wednesday and "Love List" day. Better late than never, they say, so here goes, in no particular order:

Love List Number Two

* I love peppermint sticks in my hot chocolate
* I love to curl up with a warm blanket
* I love to gaze at the stars on a clear night
* I love long walks
* I love when the house is quiet and all you can hear are the birds chirping
* I love big fluffy clouds
* I love my friends. Where would I be with out you?
* I love ink pens. I may need a 12 step program.
* I love footrubs
* I love babies feet
* I love surprises. Giving and getting :)
* I love the movie P.S. I Love you (my kids give me shite, so you be quiet...lol)
* I love long, hot showers
* I love roller coasters!!!!
* I love butterflies. That whole cycle of life amazes me.
* I love four leaf clovers.
* I love pulp in my orange juice. LOTS of it :)
* I love vampire books.
* I love .... this song and video.... **soft smile**

Just A Phone Call Away

2009-05-13T22:00:00.002-05:00

Ever since I had heard Mat Kearney's Breath In Breath Out, I was hooked. When I heard his newest single Closer To Love, it was no different. He has a very distinct voice and his songs are amazing. It's been a long wait for his new album, which still doesn't release until the 19th. I'm waiting....sort of patiently..lol!

So until then I will just keep playing this over and over again..... :D

...and of course, this one. Not only for the music and words, but for the creativity of the video. I love the photography pieces in this...

Slow Motion

2009-05-12T23:05:00.003-05:00

I have been so engrossed in the Red Wings game that I haven't put much thought into a blog post tonight. However I do have something I really really want to share that made me laugh!

Sweet Geebus!!

2009-05-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

I have been totally engaged in hockey the past few months and now the NHL playoffs are in full force. The Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings are the two teams I've been following in the Western Conference (NHL). I keep track of the Blackhawks because they are the parent team to the Rockford Ice Hogs (the local AHL team that got me into hockey in the first place) and I enjoy the Detroit Red Wings because they are a fantastic team and I used to live in Michigan...lol. I have a feeling they are both going to win their series and go head to head in the Western Conference Championship Series!! I can't decide who I want to win (leaning towards Blackhawks) but I think the Red Wings will go on to the Stanley Cup but either way I will be geeked out!! (that means really excited..lol)

So anyway I was watching the Red Wings play the Ducks on May 1st and had unfortunately missed the first period. After the Red Wings took the game they did the re-caps and I can't believe I missed the hit that Hudler took that night! Ufff!! Bam! Blood everywhere...Yah! Ok, so no, I'm not happy he got hurt but WOW, what a hit!! I was suprised that he actually returned to the game.

I know this is like 10 days later but I had totally forgotten about it until it was mentioned again during the Red Wing game I watched last night, so I had to try to scrounge up the video. If blood makes your stomach squidgy, don't watch it!

Happie Mudders Day!!

2009-05-10T21:21:00.005-05:00

That's how my kiddos say it: Happie Mudders Day :) A couple of goofballs they are but definitely sweeties! They came in and woke me at 8:15 a.m (anyone who knows me knows that I do not get up anywhere near that early on the weekends...lol) because they were excited to give me my Mother's Gifts that they made for me at school. This is the best part of Mother's Day. The hand made gifts and the thought that went into each one. This is what I hold dear. I don't wish for a monetary gift or a dinner or anything fancy like that because that is not the intent of the day, despite what Hallmark says. I just wanted to enjoy my kids.

My little Bug made me a little planted pot with purple flowers in it. He also made me a sweet little card that had things that I liked or wished for on it and he filled in the blanks. The one that made me laugh was the one that said "Who (meaning me) is proud when.....we pick up around the house"...LOL. I am constantly getting on the kids to pick up after themselves so at least I know he hears me...hee hee! Another one along the same lines was "Who wishes she could.....keep the house clean". Can you tell what I nag about around the house.. LOL! He also decorated a bag that the flower was in and he put "don't open till Mother's day" and "hi mom, smell the bag". This still makes me laugh!

My daughter also made me a little pot but it was filled with candy! It had Life Savers (because moms are lifesavers) and Hugs and Kisses. How cute is that? The best part was that she painted the pot green (my favourite color) and decorated it with...can you guess? Turtles!! She also made me the cutest pocket card that was full of all the things she loves about me such as: I cook wonderful meals, I make her happy, because I love her, and I give great big hugs. She also did a page on the things I do for her. I giggled when she put "buys Ice Hog tickets".. LOL! There was also another page dedicated to turtles!

These things totally made my day....Thank you my dear little ones! I love you both dearly!

Even though I don't have my mother with me here, she is and always will be in my heart. I remembered her today by putting together a page for her. I only wish I had more pictures of her....Happy Mother's Day Mom!