update on the Queen....

Okay. I have to tell you all this, my mom is in Hawaii this week relaxing on Maui.....
she just told me that she is on her way to get a TATTOO!!!!!!!!!

OMG!!!!!

I will keep you posted

What are you reading?

I know there are the "Twilight junkies" out there but what else is everyone reading. I am looking for a new book.... I don't do violent or gory... but most anything else goes.

Randi Jo will be at the store on Friday.

Mention this post and get 10% off your purchase...woohoo!

pondering

I was reading today on Brandi's blog, her question for the day..

"What does it take to be a good mom?"

I thought a lot and didn't know what to write, then the store filled with fun girls and their mom's and they just hung out for awhile.... and it made me think...

"What does it take to be a good scrapbook store?"

Chime in.... I will then pick a winner out of your comments and will get a gift certificate! woohoo!

unbelieveable

For many of you readers, you will not believe this story..... it just goes on with our lives lately..... the princess finally decided to take her drivers test..... last week she showed up but they turned her away because I wasn't with her. So this week I took lunch at the appropriate time to match their odd hours... and set out to get this done...... we took a number and waited, after awhile it was our turn.. woohoo! She gave them her learner's permit, her drivers ed completion certificate and then her birth certificate. THEN, they needed my ID, I handed it over with a smile, thinking heck I still might have time to grab lunch on the way back to the office. Imagine now the awful music, doomsdayish..... getting louder in the background. "oh who are you? you aren't on the birth certificate" "no I am the step mom" "oh" (BIG DRUM SOUND) almost like the floor just fell out from under my feet. "you can't sign, you aren't her parent" I calmly protested, "her father is committed to a mental hospital, and I am her person. I am on the medical records, the school records, I can authorize surgery, heck I pay all the bills and yet I am not her person?

They wanted to know if I had guardianship? She is 17 and 8 months, why on earth would I have guardianship? They couldn't help, they couldn't tell me the law or code but I wasn't good enough. I am good enough to provide health insurance, buy the groceries, ballet shoes, pay the $365 for drivers ed, but nothing more. They told me to talk to a judge.

As you can imagine this is how I felt.... but well I am opposed to going to jail since they don't serve diet coke there. So I did the next best thing and called my folks, they were in Maui drinking margaritas poolside (rub a little salt in the wound) Dad told me to call our attorney, (the dmv wenches told me to talk with a local judge) a judge? The attorney told me to give it a shot and let him know what happens. By the time I talk to a judge she will be 18. This is so not the fairy tale I signed up for...... and they don't sell new lives, husbands or drivers licenses at Costco.... geesh

On a better note, MckMama is hosting a cruise in 2010. I am so there, want to come along?

Tuesday's random thoughts.

okay. I am totally computer challenged and I can't get the fun random Tuesday button to work... but here is my list anyway.

-does anyone have spring fever? I mean I don't plant anything but I am in the mood to just enjoy some sunshine, and have a new something or other....
-we want to make our own scrapbook paper line. but we don't know what we are doing or how to go about it. there just isn't enough dance, gymnastics, or sports stuff...
-i have the nicest friends who do the coolest things for me and savanny. like this week 'manda made us dinner, how thoughtful is that?
-i got new shoes this weekend, now savanny wants to know if I am going to the gym. yikes
-we should be getting the new Prima line this week, I can't wait to play with it and their hybrid computer programs.
-i asked my friend to check into getting my very own coke fountain machine in my store, now that is heaven in earth
-is is bad to throw away mail you haven't even opened yet? I mean really, it comes every month why open it?
-do you twitter? I love twitter, I like the easy updates and tidbits. It makes me laugh.
-i need a laundry fairy... I need someone to take all my laundry and bring it back clean and folded oh and put, now thats the clincher.

Maui and a sale

My mom is in Maui this week with my dad for their "annual get out of town and relax week!"

Therefore, we're having a SALE

stamps 25% off

Hunting, Fishing papers 25% off

Great GymFest Coeur d'alene

Saturday Savanny and I went to our friends to Cd'alene to watch 'Livia and Taylor compete in Level 6 gymnastics. It was a huge meet, there were team from all 14 Western states. It was amazing. Taylor and 'Livia competed in 4 events. Sorry for the poor quality pictures, I was pretty far away. Its fun to watch these athletes do something they love. We were bummed we couldn't see Abby this round but another time we will be there cheering for her as well.

Savannah made really fun signs on the Cricut for the girls and after the meet we went to Tito's for dinner with the team. Thanks ladies for letting us tag along, we had a GREAT time.

fun new product

we have so many fun new items in the store. These layouts done by Cori showcase, the new printed chipboard we have, the great tags, flowers and more. You have to come in and see all this new eye candy!

AmAziNg WoMen in My LiFe

a GrEat NiTe out with cherished FrIeNds.

It is the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter.

~Marlene Dietrich

A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world. ~Lois Wyse

I am incredibly blessed with friends. My friend Holly -----------> and I share the same birthday week, we are blessed with an amazing group of friends, and daughters that celebrate birthdays together. We had an amazing nite out this weekend. I am so blessed and thankful. These girls mean the world to me. We've been friends thru so much and truly if I needed anything, anytime they are there. Love you girls!

fun shots from sunny California

I finally downloaded some photos from our trip to Cali recently. My friend Lauri owns a store in San Jose, and we love hanging w/her at the shows!

We went to the Rain forest Cafe for dinner one nite and mom loves the elephants there!

Random fun on a Tuesday

I love this whole random Tuesday fun...
I have shoes, I mean shoes, lots of shoes....but I wear the same 4 pair all the time, and there is no way I am getting rid of a single pair.
I want to change around the rooms in our home. I have slept downstairs since Mike went into the hospital and Savannah has been sleeping in my room, but I don't actually have the motivation to switch it up for real, its just fun to talk about.
Savannah still doesn't have her drivers license, what 17 year old girl do you know who has a car and refuses to drive. I cannot for the life of me figure out a way to make this happen.
I have a life coach and I drive 30 minutes each way to see her. I always cry. I don't know why. I don't ever cry... what is the deal with that?
I have a really good dear friend going thru a tough tough marriage, why is it that I have all the faith in her decisions and not in my own?
My folks are going to Maui this week w/my brother on vaca. I hate it when they travel, I have horrible dreams, get anxious and secretly always wish they would cancel their trip. I count the time till they return. But I really want them to go and have fun.
I am hosting a fun party at the store tonight w/some girls making letters. Its great seeing new faces!
I think that Fazzari's pizza should be on everyone's dinner table at least once a week. The thin crust, very little sauce and the random toppings make me smile. There is just a comfort there. I am sure you think I am whacky but its true.
so much for some random nonsense...

fun no way, did not and wouldn'ts

Welcome to Not Me! Monday!
This blog carnival was created by
MckMama
/">http://www.mycharmingkids.net">
herblog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not get flowers twice this week. I am so not loved! ha
I did not download a new book to the ipod to listen too at work, I love a good distraction
I did not think about cleaning the house and doing laundry but played on the computer instead, nope not me!
I did not dream of new landscaping by talking with a landscaper about sprinklers and sod when its just February
I did not wake up with a migrane on Friday and drink 3 diet cokes in hope's it would go away! NOT ME!
I did not have an amazing birthday dinner with some great girls and love every minute of the amazing brownie sundae we all shared. I wouldn't!
What didn't you do this week?

my mantra

I love this cartoon, It is me too a tee. The one thing that I really truly miss about my husband is his ability to "keep our home" He loves to grocery shop, clean, do laundry, etc. It may not be perfect but at least it gets done. I used to have a "house fairy, aka housekeeper" but when Mike went into the hospital there was not enough money to keep her around. I tell ya.... my house shows it. Anyone have any great ideas to change my mind?

Valentine's day sale

We're having a fun sale

come see what we love

look for the red hearts

for great discounts

Fun FAMILY nite at Centennial School

Dawn and Tami hosted an amazing craft nite at Centennial School.

People made GREAT frames

we love partnering with our local schools

random thoughts on a thursday

every once in awhile I am reminded of someone who is MAD talented and I want to remind you of who they are..... Michelle Wolf is a talented girl, she is able to capture just that look, and really gets to the heart of those she photographs.

and if you know me well you know that I always need a plan, somethin to look forward too, right now in this season I am waitin for Women of Faith, its not just a weekend of girls and talks, its downright fun, you will laugh you will cry you won't want to go home. I love this event.

tomorrow I have to go see mike and his treatment team, this is a really difficult think to grasp. the last two times I have gone I have been literally eaten alive and barely survived. they are harsh, horrible people... but I was asked to give them a second chance. a place I go for refuge and a reality check is Without Wax, Pete is doing a series on Paralyzed by Worry. I never thought myself as a worrier but in reality I am a control freak and I do worry, in fact I am often up at nite and can't sleep and its things I need to leave at the cross and stop trying to fix..... go see this site and watch some podcasts. its a great place to hang out and check in.

ONE WORD

One WordShare

Not as easy as you might think! Now copy and paste this to a note and tag your friends to see what they can come up with! Enjoy!


~ Where is your cell phone? table
~ Your hair? blond
~ Your mother? home
~ Your father? asleep
~ Your favorite thing? SCRAPBOOKING
~ Your dream last night? bizarre
~ Your favorite drink? dietcoke
~ Your dream/goal? peace
~ What room are you in? livingroom
~ Your hobby? SCRAPBOOKING
~ Your fear? depression
~ Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
~ Where were you last night? store
~ Something that you aren't? LUCKY
~ Muffins? yum
~ Wish list item? money
~ Last thing you did? facebook
~ What are you wearing? pjs
~ TV? dvr
~ Your pet? boxers
~ Friends? amazing
~ Your life? confusing
~ Your mood? sad
~ Missing someone? YES
~ Drinking? dietcoke
~ Your car? minivan
~ Something you're not wearing? socks
~ Your favorite store? target
~ Your favorite color? red
~ When is the last time you cried? today
~ My favorite place to eat? FAZZARI'S
~ Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? CRUISE
I tag James, Erin, Kaylene, Michelle A, Randi Jo, and Jamie P

Tuesday Random thoughts

I am so glad that On the Verge stopped by and then I stopped by her place and found a fun new carnival....
The UnMom hosts a Tuesday blog carnival, some of the lists were hilarious! Check them out!
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb9/superkeely/randomtuesday.jpg" width="200" alt="randomtuesday"

*I work on computers all day long and I can't seem to figure out how to post a video or You Tube song on my blog to save my life.
I have the nicest personal banker ever, but I HATE HATE HATE the overall bank, did you get *that I don't care for them at all?
*I prefer my pets over most people, no offense friends but my dogs make me laugh, they love unconditionally and and are always excited to see me. If I could have a whole ranch or farm, I would !!!
* On the other hand today is my 40th birthday. I don't even know what to say. I asked my brother for a new life for a present but he was thinking something that he could buy at Amazon. com rather than a miracle
*Its supposed to snow today. I am not really into snow that much, it normally means I have to wear socks/ or Uggs and I don't want to do that. Afterall I was just in California and wearing sandals a few weeks ago
*We are starting a new bunco group Friday nite. I am excited. No drama mama's and fun new girls to play with.

NOT me Monday my first try

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to My Charming kids her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Here goes, its my first time...
*I most certainly did not pull the covers over my head this morning when the alarm went off, I looked around and both dogs were snoring, what is the use of getting up....
*I didn't drink 3 diet cokes and skip lunch on Friday 'cause I was just too steamed to eat
*I am not thinking of making my own birthday cake and taking it to work tomorrow
*My head did not spin several times last week when Dish Network took $500 from my bank account and have not called 5 times a day thus far and still don't have my money, no that doesn't happen to nice people like me.
*Mike was sick today and I did not calmly call his nurse and ask why he has not seen a doctor yet, and when the nurse told me they didn't know anything about it and would check into it, I smiled and asked for a phone call back, I didn't swear outloud when that nurse told me they wouldn't be calling me back when they found out an answer. I did however hang up and call back and speak to his bosses boss about the rude way I was treated.
*I did not walk around the store after Tami and Cori did a clean sweep and take back of the items they marked for sale and put them in my secret hiding place.
*I did not agree that Cori could work a Saturday coming up just so I could sleep in
*I do not think about calling in sick everyday only to convince myself I have no real good reason to stay home
*I am not going to have take out for dinner tonight 'cause I am lacking the creativity and gumption to make something good and healthy...
I would not, I did not and I would deny it if you asked me....

mom's new toy PAZZLES

My mom went a little crazy and bought something at CHA, she has been thinking about,
researching and just generally lusting after a PAZZLES, pictured is the consumer version, but mom thought if you are going to do it... GO BIG or GO HOME and bought the commerical one.

The Creative Cutter is a professional computerized paper cutting system, using your home computer you can cut custom shapes, images, and words out of cardstock, vellum, chipboard* and more!. Now with our online image center, you can download cutting images quickly, and easily. Imagine never waiting for another steel die just to find out its too big, too small, or isn't quite what you were looking for.
Now you can have images on demand, as big or small as you want, you can even change the image to meet your needs! With a Creative Cutter the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. Use your home computer to automatically join letters! Add images and create custom titles, overlays, even boxes, bags, embellishments and more! With the Creative Cutter, your craft projects are more enjoyable than ever before. (from their website)

Watch out now, she will be a die cutting fool. It should be here in a few weeks

just another day..

woohoo! we were swamped today. The sun was shining and the girls were crafting.
A lovely named Lisa came in and made some letters w/ a little help from her sister in law Dawn, Dawn's girls made darling hearts for their folks, Melissa a newby made an accordian album for a Valentine's gift and two other girls came in and made layouts for a Mother's day gift album. Melissa and her mom came by to see the new stuff that just arrived, Randi Jo and Addy came in for some eye candy. It was such a great time.
Now off to the play Cat on a hot Tin roof at the civic.

Teresa Collins FAMILY book

More than ever I am thinking about the value of family in my life. What would I be without them, who would I have become with my folks influence? Are my children going to be good adults? This book is a great jumping off point for families. We are thinking of offering a class. Tell us what you think.....

MORE FANCY PANTS from CHA

Bright colored journaling cards to complete your layouts

pretty ribbon with lace and velvet in fun colors

a Sassy new 12 x 12 album in red

NEW ARRIVALS from CHA

We love it when the UPS driver has to make 10 trips into the store with boxes!

Do you love the printed buttons? There are bright albums? A huge array of 12 x 12 chipboard and

Rub-on's

Fun birthday party

This was such a fun party! It was Ethel's birthday
we had amazing cupcakes and make such gorgeous HOME letters.

We love hosting parties!

Teresa Collins

Here is a a GREAT new line from Teresa.. we made the most darling recipe books, of course we ordered them all!

The other darling girl pictured is none other than Teresa Collins. How can not love her smiling face and GREAT designs. Her hubby Ty was working in the booth with these two girlys... I tell ya I stopped by each day just to say hi and be blessed.

I was so blessed at CHA... by these two girls...

Steph is all smiles... she truly is a light in this world. I love her website, her heart for Jesus and her creative flair.... and she makes MAD cookies, which she gave me a bag the first day. ROCK ON Friend!!!

see that cute pink bind it all... its coming too

We R Does it again... the chomper

Following in tradition of the amazing Crop-A-Dile™ tools, We R Memory Keepers is pleased to present the Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper™. Now you can easily add perfectly rounded corners to paper, cardstock, chipboard, leather, plastic, acrylic/poly and more! ™ also gives you two corner options, a 1/4" and 1/2".
The Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper

Best Creation, SEI

We loved the new Easter line from Best Creation. They bring a whole new meaning to glitter paper....

We had a GREAT time at the Hilton Saturday nite at the SEI launch party. They have wonderful lemonade and gave us a huge tote full of fun! We ordered this whole line to start off with. I can't wait for Spring.