~Simply Stacey, Simply Me~

Been a long time....

2009-08-16T08:19:00.003-04:00

So someone asked me last night if I have updated my blog lately..... obviously, NOT! I've been too busy with working 2 jobs, having only one day off a week, (sometimes NO days off) and since I joined Facebook, all my updates are there.

But anyway, here is a quick update for those that were wondering.

I finally signed up for Karen Russel's aweseome photograpy class . I was on the waiting list for a while and finally got in and I am happy to say that it is getting oh so close... I got my cute binder yesterday... It was empty, so I couldn't cheat and read ahead, but it gives me that little rush knowing that it will be starting soon.

We are going Jeeping in New Hampshire in September and again to Maine in October for the Jeep Jamboree. I am really looking forward to that. Hopefully we will get our new mud tires soon so we can keep up with the big boys.

So that is my life in a nutshell.... still boring! But sometimes boring is a good thing. ;)

2009 already?

2009-01-02T09:38:00.002-05:00

Where did 2008 go...? It went by too quickly... even more proof that you need to live each day to the fullest, tell the people you love that you love them, ask for help when you need it, admit your wrongs and know that you can fix them, treat others with respect. Just a few suggestions. :)

Here's hoping that 2009 is happy, healthy, prosperous and friend-filled (and better than 2008 was!)

Holidays

2008-11-27T08:36:00.002-05:00

Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy the company of your friends and family. This year, the Holiday season is going to be difficult for so many people. Very difficult.

It has been over 2 months since Lee left us, and some days it still feels like yesterday. I think about him all the time; constantly; every day. My thoughts consume me sometimes. I catch myself in a daze at work sometimes and I realize that I am thinking about him. When I am alone in the car, I find myself thinking about him. When I am going to bed, I find myself thinking about him. I still cry. Not just for myself, but for my bestest friends, his family, and those that he left behind with so many questions. I can't even imagine what they continue to go through every day. It still doesn't seem real.

Today is Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so many things. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am so blessed for those in my life. It is amazing how lucky I am in that respect. Amazing. I am thankful that i have not one job, but 3. Especially this time of year. I will be working my tail off this weekend, but it will help with those bills that seem to never go away. I am thankful for the roof over my head. I am thankful for the vehicles we drive. I am thankful for the neighbors we have. I am thankful for the unnecessary things I own.

Be thankful. Give thanks. Hug those you love and tell them so. Eat lots of turkey and pie!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Life lessons

2008-09-26T06:56:00.002-04:00

Friends are the family you wish you had.

Always tell the people you love that you love them.
You never know when it will be the last time.

People you care about most in life are sometimes taken from you too soon

My heart aches... my soul is bruised.

My best friends are broken into a million pieces... and I can't put them back together, and that hurts the most.

So what did you do this weekend???

2008-09-07T20:35:00.002-04:00

this is what we did.....

CLICK HERE

Oh yeah.... we broke it in...

I love mud!

=)

Its been a while...

2008-08-22T21:06:00.002-04:00

Not much to report on...

LOVING summer and having the top down.

Had a blast at Danielle's bachelorette party - boy, did I feel old though. Brought back many memories... some good, some not so good. (thank you to all those that "babysat" me when I had too much to drink... you know who you are... It was my turn this time, and I'm glad I could do it for someone else.........)

The olympics have been amazing. I have so much pride and admiration for all those athletes. I have never had the want to do anything like that. Never. The only thing I could ever get a medal in is probably dessert..... GO FOR THE GOLD, I always say! =)

Rocky is still Rocky. High maintenance, and even though he is now over a year old, he is still very much a puppy. We are looking forward to our anniversary weekend. We are trying something different... www.lazydoginn.com It is a B&B that allows you to take your dog with you... how cool is that?! Although, thank goodness they have a kennel as well, so if it doesn't work out so well in the room, we can banish him to the dungeon.

Only one week to go until Danielle's wedding. I can't believe it is here already. She will make such a gorgeous bride. I have volunteered my amature photography skills for the day. I hope I get at least one great one.... No pressure, though... right????

Speaking of cameras.... my little camera is broken. done... no more.... i loved the convenience of bringing it with me every where I went. I love my XTi, but I don't have a pocket book big enough for that... and I wouldn't want to. It cost me a kidney to buy it....

Well, that's all for now.
Enjoy summer - what's left of it anyway.

HOLY CRAP!

2008-06-22T17:35:00.006-04:00

Yup, I have had a lot of "holy crap" moments lately. You know the ones where you are sitting there and all you can think is "HOLY CRAP"...... It can be good; It can be bad. All I know is that I get this feeling and I just gotta say... "HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!"

First, it has been over a month since I blogged... "HOLY CRAP! WHERE DOES THE TIME GO?"

Next, we attended an awards ceremony for Emily. She made high honors all 3 trimesters of school this year..... "HOLY CRAP - WHEN DID SHE GET SO SMART AND SO GROWN UP?"

The next "EH-HEM" moment came last weekend when we decided to take Rocky on his first camping trip.

He actually did very well. We were both pleasantly surprised. Of course, prissy boy wouldn't lay down in the dirt, so we had to go to Job Lot and buy him a $10 rug! "HOLY CRAP - I CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS BEING SUCH A PRINCESS - ARE WE SURE HE IS A BOY DOG???"

His favorite spot is always with his daddy though. Check out this pic.... their legs are the same length.... "HOLY CRAP - HE REALLY IS LONG LEGGED"

Another eye opening experience came for Kathy when I went over to buzz the boys for the summer. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about it, and if she new well enough, I'm sure she would have said "HOLY CRAP - THAT IS SHORT!" But they both came out so handsome... Here is Grant for his first ever buzz cut... (holy crap - i love those boys!)

Of course, not to be outdone, on our way home I had a moment. We got to the end of the street and there in full view was a rainbow... "HOLY CRAP - PULL OVER, I NEED A PICTURE"

Now the most recent, and probably most life changing holy crap moment came yesterday... and today.... Look what showed up in my driveway..... I have always wanted one; before I even had a license, this was my dream car; most people dream of sports cars or overly expensive luxury cars... not me... THIS is what I always wanted:

But, I never thought I would want this color. I always had my eye on a candy apple red one. But this one just called to me. I love the green now. I don't see this color everywhere. It is very sharp. So anyway, guess what... "HOLY CRAP - I AM NOW THE OWNER OF A 2007 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DOOR" "HOLY CRAP - HOLY CRAP - HOLY CRAP". It was done totally the wrong way. It was a drive by. No intentions of purchasing. No intentions of talking numbers. No intentions of test driving. No intentions of bringing it home for the night. No intentions of any of it. But, the devil on my right shoulder kept saying "this is what you have always wanted. why not just go for it. you know you will love it once you get it. you know you want it. just DO IT!" While the angel on my left shoulder was telling me, "gas prices are going sky high. food prices are going up. most people are trading in for SMALLER vehicles, not bigger tires! the economy is really bad right now. you have no right even thinking about buying a vehicle." heh..... I always did hear better from my right ear....

Anyway, here she is. My dream car. The green machine. I am happy, scared, ecstatic, worried and elated all at once.

I can assure you without a doubt in my head, my next "HOLY CRAP" moment will most certainly be on July 22nd when I have to make the first car payment...... Holy crap is right.

Before I go I would like to send out great big hugs to Danielle... she is feeling a little "wired" today and I want her to know that everything will be OK.

Can I just say....

2008-05-14T20:01:00.002-04:00

The MAN is a genius.

Completely entertaining.
Mysteriously sexy.
Awe inspiring.....

I wish it lasted longer.
An hour and a half was not nearly enough time to take it all in.

Thank you Bruce, for going away and letting me use your ticket!

Happy Mother's Day....

2008-05-10T10:46:00.001-04:00

I love you, Shirl!

Hey kids....

2008-03-27T18:15:00.003-04:00

Long time, no post, huh?

OK... so contrary to what some may think, my last blog post had nothing to do with anyone in particular.... I have had a few people ask what that was all about. Honestly, I was annoyed at the CREEPING, SCARED, ANNOYINGLY SLOW people driving in front of me on my way to work that morning. It was exactly 8 minutes past the hour when I punched in, which technically made me 15 minutes late for work. So yeah, I was a little aggravated. no worries... I'm sure any hard feelings are those that you create yourself. Guilty conscience maybe? perhaps. whatever. anyway...

In Rocky news.... I have the craziest dog ever. I think so at least. We were eating dinner in our usual fashion when Rocky came up to Mike and stuck his nose right in his dinner bowl. He was not happy about that at all. Not even a little. And he hated it even more when I snickered about it. Needless to say, Mike told Rocky, in his best angry daddy voice, (you know the one...) and said "ROCKY – YOU'RE F$%^&*# PISSING ME OFF. GO LAY DOWN!" Well, Rocky being the smarty pants that he is looked directly at Mike as if to say, YOU go lay down, DADDY! , turned his head and proceeded to do THIS:
Do not ask me how a 50-pound dog fit into a small clothes basket. I WATCHED him get in and I still don't know. I'm sure he wasn't comfortable, because those long legs of his were up behind his head somewhere.

Now he didn't do this just once. Of course the first thing I did when he hopped in the basket was get up to get my camera that was in the kitchen. When I did that, he thought he was getting a treat (carrots seem to be his favorite) so he got up and out. When I sat back down on the couch, he went back to his new resting place once again and I got a few pics. Look at that face... I know I am biased, but doesn't he have the cutest face? Beagle, my foot! He is ALL coonhound. And he seems to have found his voice. I might have to invest in a bark collar, especially when the Foxboro Dog Park re-opens in April. We will get kicked out for sure!

Well, Mexican was fabulous the other night, and the Coldstone Creamery Oreo Minster was the icing on the cake! Of course, the good friends to share it with was the best part, even if the boys DID want to go... It wasn't that bad. It was great having everyone together... well, almost everyone! We missed you AK and DS!

Until next time......... whenever THAT is! =)

Snow...

2008-02-22T17:29:00.003-05:00

I think I'm tired of the snow... I know, it is winter, and it is New England, and our winter season doesn't really end when the calendar says Spring. I remember one year we had a heck of a storm on April Fools Day. Yup, April 1st... And i think it was over a foot! I remember looking out my bedroom window when I lived in South Attleboro and looking out onto Route 95 and the cars and trucks were just there. Stopped. Not going anywhere. Stranded.

I like the snow. I like to look at it in postcards, and photos, and from far away. I like to see the frozen snow in the morning when it looks like someone spilled an entire container of glitter on the ground. I like to see the tree limbs heavily weighted down leaning into the roadways after a good, heavy storm. I like snow. Actually, I don't even mind driving in it with my 4-wheel drive. OK. So I don't hate it. I think I am just tired of it. Actually, I am tired of living in New England with New Englanders that forget how to drive in a New England snow as soon as the first New England snowflake falls on New England ground... Maybe I am way out of line here, but if you live in New England, you should learn how to drive in snow..... Just my opinion...

Well, hey, when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade, right. So I guess the same is true for snow... When Mother Nature hands you snow, make a snowman.... or an igloo...(always a favorite with my brother and I)...

Enjoy the snow - and stay out of my way if you don't like to drive in it! please......

=)

What is a friend?

2007-12-31T18:04:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better in the world than sharing your birthday with good friends...

I always have fun when I get together with my friends... lots of laughs. My sides always hurt for a couple days after spending time with the girls, but this time was special; extremely special. Not just because of the surprise factor, but it made me realize who my true friends are.

What is a friend? To me, it is someone that you can tell your deepest, darkest secrets to, and they still like you anyway. Someone who welcomes each other's company and exhibits loyalty towards each other. It is someone that is there for you no matter what the time, the weather, the day and is selfless enough to be there no matter what is going on in their own life. It is someone that takes a small gesture and turns it into something bigger than you will ever know. It is someone that surprises you with "35" things that make you smile. I realized last Thursday that the 7 girls that came to enjoy a wonderful dinner and great company are my true friends and I will love them always.... no matter what.

So, to sum up our Thursday Girls Night Out...

Waiting for a table for far too long - Annoying
Having a mother and friends that know exactly what to say – awesome!
First round of drinks, 2 appetizers for the table and desserts for everyone - $0
Spending time with the people I love, Priceless!

And now to make plans with the other friends that love me....

Hey Michelle..... let's make a date, girlfriend - I miss you!

In other news....
HAPPY NEW YEAR! HERE'S TO A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PROSPEROUS, WONDERFUL, FRIEND-FILLED 2008!

a month later...

2007-11-28T05:59:00.000-05:00

Ok....
My friends tell me I don't update my blog often enough.
Truth is . . .

i
don't
have
anything
that
e
x
c
i
t
i
n
g
to
talk
about........

Thanksgiving was nice – spent time with our families... Enjoyed that.

Time to think about Christmas shopping.... That's only fun if you have money.

New Years is just around the corner... gives me the creeps knowing that 2007 is almost gone.... and not much has changed in a year...

Another trip to Anaheim planned for February... Very much looking forward to that again.... Have to save up my money for that so I can eat!....

(yeah.... OK)

See, I told you....
Nothing exciting here......

Lynette's having fun though....... good for your, girlfriend!

Updating with some photos...

2007-10-21T15:39:00.000-04:00

We had a great weekend in Falmouth!

The wedding was simply amazing. Loved the Coonamessett Inn. The waiter was hysteical! This is how he served the cake! He danced around the entire ball room this way, without a drop of spillage!

Congrats Kristen and Jason! Thanks for a great weekend!

We decided to take in a whale watch from Hyannis while we were there. I think it was the best one we have been on... So cool.... Makes you realize just how small we really are. Even when we feel big as a whale..... We saw about 4 different sets of a mamma's and their calves. It was spectacular.

On our way out to the open ocean, I fell in love with these cute little cottages on Sandy Neck Beach. Love the red one! No running water or electricity.... gotta love that!

Shirl and Bruce tagged along for part of the weekend too. We stopped at the JFK memorial park in Hyannis. This is her pushing up daisies! I think the photo came out great. Her personality is shining through. I love you mom!

We took the scenic route home, by way of the Christmas Tree Shop then on to Scusset Beach. As we celebrated Kristen and Jason, we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. There were some that thought we would never make it. Well, it's only been 8 years so far..... I love you Mikey....

I got together with a few friends last night and they were asking about Rocky... Well, he's getting BIG! These photos were taken yesterday. Big difference from the photo on the right, huh?

WOW!!!

2007-10-10T20:46:00.000-04:00

I am still alive.... I know you wouldn't know that from my blogging that I haven't done lately... It is hard to find 2 quiet minutes to myself when I have a dog that has turned into psycho puppy.... Don't know what happened, but we are very surprised that he got his diploma from puppy school! He has taken to biting – and biting hard – with teeth showing! He gets into this fit every night around 8:00 and just goes balistic! We have to stop this.... and FAST!

I would like to send out a GREAT BIG thank you to all who attended our 6-store bus tour this past weekend. I was a little nervous about handling an entire bus-load myself, but you all made it so easy for me to relax and just have fun. I enjoyed myself so much! I hope you did too!

Despite the unnecessary drama that occurred later in the day, I think the whole thing went off smashingly well. It's a shame that one person or group of people tried to ruin it for everyone else. Well, our bus certainly didn't let them get to us, RIGHT! Woo Hoo!!!!

Thanks again, girls! I had a blast and can't wait for the next one! I think there is another bus trip in the works for April 08.... We will keep you posted!

On another note, we are headed to the Cape for the weekend..... Kristin is getting married at the Coonamessett Inn in Falmouth on Friday.... I will have lots of pics to share.

Until then, enjoy your weekend....

I guess i am officially....

2007-09-05T18:22:00.000-04:00

A dog dweeb....

The only thing I can talk about lately is my trials and tribulations of dog ownership. Lots of work... that's all i will say today.

Instead of a long, boring story about how my social life has gone down hill fast, I will share some recent pics of the Rock Dog...... He might be time consuming, but he is worth it.....

How Cool is this.....

2007-08-28T06:22:00.000-04:00

Anyone like to sew? Need a cute camera cozy? Here is a great one.

Let me know if you try it out. I would love to see it! I just might take a jab at it myself!

We're Baaaccckkkkk...

2007-08-08T19:03:00.000-04:00

...From our most excellent adventure in North Conway. What a fabulous time we had. I wish I could have been there the entire week, but alas, I am a dedicated employee and didn't want to add any pressure to those that had to cover for me while I was gone. Think they noticed? Highly doubtful!

Mike and Emily left on Sunday morning and spent the first half of the week with the family going to Santa's Village, Story Land, etc. I arrived late Thursday afternoon and stayed until Sunday morning. It was so beautiful. I have said it time and time again... someday I will buy an Inn or B&B and move to North Conway. I feel so relaxed when I am there: like a warm blanket on a cold night. I can't describe it any other way. It just feels right. Someday... Guess I should start playing the lottery because I am certainly not going to get there on my good looks, huh?

We stayed in the cutest house off Kearsarge Street. I think there were 5 bathrooms and 8 bedrooms; 3 on the bottom floor, 5 on the top floor. There was a game room in the basement that included a pool table, air hockey, a sauna, a TV room, and more. We had fun with the family. There were lots of people there, but it never seemed too overwhelming to me. Thanks to Nana and Papa, Kathy, Glenn, Nolan, Grant, Kristie, Harry, Robert, David, Alicia, Spencer, Grace, Olivia, Leeann, Megan, Mike, Emily, Stacey = WOW... Did I leave anybody out? 19 people in the house at any given time. Amazing that we all came home still speaking! It was great to catch up with David and Alicia and Kristie and Harry, the "out of towners". The Clinton's always have a great time when we get together.

We splurged and took the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington. It was a very hot, hazy day, so the view wasn't as great as we have seen before, but it was Emily's first time going to the top, and she enjoyed herself, black soot and all, but that's the price you pay if you want the window seat! The weather on top was a balmy 65 degrees.... When we have gone in October, we were lucky to catch it at 30! Regardless, it was breathtaking.

We also did our "usual" NC things too like swimming at Echo Lake,
dinner at the Muddy Moose, mini golf at Pirate's Cove, ice cream at Ben and Jerry's, the walk downtown, shopping at Wal-Mart (I know, it's totally random but I ALWAYS forget something). We even took a wrong turn after dinner one night and ended up on a very dark, steep, winding road that led to the top of Mt. Cranmore. Don't ask... All I know is that we had the very distinct odor of automobile breaks on the way down the other side. Hmph. Guess who was driving? Not me!

We got this very cool copper double helix windmill. I have been eyeing these since we saw one in Chatham. It is such a pretty piece of art. Each helix moves separately and opposite from one another. I guess the picture doesn't do it justice.

Took a stroll to the pet store to get Rocky a new toy too. Got a coon-tail for the coon dog and another bully stick. Mike picked him up from the Red Dog Inn on Monday. He came back to us better than when he left. He got a bath, ears cleaned and nails clipped! He was like a brand new puppy. Someone said that we should have named him Stiltz or something. With legs like this, you can see why. Look at that face though. What's not to love about that? Now to get him to like me like he likes his dad!
He was so excited to see Mike! He is such a total Daddy's boy, still. Kinda makes me jealous. I think that Rocky knows that Mike and Emily are the play people and I am the disciplinarian... funny how that is always my job... it coincides with the kid too! For someone that isn't a mom, I sure get all the mom jobs! I guess that is my role in our messed up little family.

Oh! And for my fellow "love all things sparkley" friend, (you know who you are!) While we were waiting for our train to board to go up Mt. Washington, this VERY sparkley rock caught my attention. I took a picture just for you! Ok, so it looks more like a white speckled rock here, but trust me, it was entirely sparkley and very distracting!

So now it is back to the real world for me. Yup, it sucks. I wish everyday was a vacation day!

Don't forget to sign up for the 6-store scrapbook store tour on October 6th with SPM. Tickets are $65 and going fast. Check out the link for more info.

Deep thoughts......

2007-07-25T20:19:00.000-04:00

Just a little observation I made lately.... A life lesson of sorts... Pay attention people...

No one MAKES you feel uncomfortable. No one MAKES you scared. No one MAKES you sad. No one MAKES you feel anything, unless YOU ALLOW them to make you feel that way. Only you have control of your own feelings. I think that if you believe that someone else has made you feel uncomfortable, it is much more likely that your guilty conscience is nipping at you! So take that mirror that you are pointing at everyone else and turn that sucker around. Look at the reflection. The buck stops there.

Why is it that some people fear the act of taking responsibility for their own actions and then lie about it later? What exactly is happening in their minds that they justify this to be OK? It really makes me wonder. Were they taught this from their parents or their parents' parents? Did they never learn the importance of honesty and integrity and minding their own business? Is it fear – fear that someone will not accept you? Is it ignorance – not knowing or caring about right from wrong? Is it lack of self confidence – putting others down or back stabbing to make yourself feel better?

What do you think? Am I way off on this one? Let me know what you think.

On a much happier note.... :) We took Rocky over to the Foxboro Dog Park tonight for a "romp" around. He had lots of fun. He was the only dog barking. All the others were playing with each other. Playing fetch. Swimming. Chasing each other. Not our Rocky. Oh, he wanted to play, chase, fetch, all that.... but he wanted to be heard while he was doing it. What a great place that was. All the dogs were playing and running around in the open fences. It was great. It really tuckered him out. I think we will be going back there often. We actually saw a full grown hound..... OH BOY! Yup, he's gonna be big! He wasn't a Treeing Walker. He looked different. He was just black and white. Um, yeah. He's gonna be big.

Off to bed. I have some rest to catch up on. Going to North Conway soon. Looking forward to that. I will miss my brat dog while I'm gone though. Hes staying at the Red Dog Inn, so he'll be just fine......

Sianara!

And so here we are......

2007-07-19T20:43:00.000-04:00

A full week has gone by and Rocky is still here. Yesterday I was wondering if we made the right decision. Today, I'm glad he's mine. He really is a sweet boy. HOWEVER.....

The beagle mix that the shelter told us we were adopting....

Well, not so much.

Turns out that our "possibly 30 pound max" beagle mix is actually a "can go anywhere from 50-80 pounds" Treeing Walker Coonhound! DOH! What the.........? How on earth could you possibly mistake a Coonhound for a Beagle? I mean, yeah, the markings and coloring are the same, but come on! That's a 50 pound difference! They don't even look the same! We must have had "SUCKER" written on our foreheads. Hook, line and sinker!

Where are we going to put a 80 pound dog you ask in this teeny tiny little house? Well, all I can say is... Beats the crap out of me!

Good thing he's cute!

The cats appear to be adjusting a little better now too. They have actually gotten off the top of the fridge. They still wont walk near him, but if they are on the couch and he walks past them, they just sit there now and give a great big kitty hisssssssssss instead of scampering away. He just looks at them and wags his tail. Hopefully that will get better too.

After my little meltdown yesterday, I am trying to keep things in perspective. A friend told me not to give up; that it will get easier every day and the reward in the end is immeasurable. Another friend told me to keep my chin up and that once the puppy stuff is done it will be better. Thanks girls, for your words of encouragement. I really needed that. So I took a breath. Wiped my frustrations (and a few tears) away. Brushed myself off and pondered for a while..... Day by day.... week by week..... I am realizing that having a dog is a LOT of work. It takes a lot of time and energy. It takes a lot of money. (first vet visit was today.... WOW!) It completely changes your lifestyle and your social life. Change... Sometimes good, sometimes not. All that aside, there is nothing better than coming home to a good friend who loves unconditionally. And I got to say.... I really love him too!

Please let me introduce you...

2007-07-12T19:56:00.001-04:00

...to the newest member of the Clinton family.....

This is Rocky....

Rocky is a beagle/hound mix. Rocky is one lucky boy. He was brought here from Virginia where he was left in the wild to fend for himself. We rescued him from the Sterling Animal Shelter. He is about 12 weeks old. He is fixed and friendly. Exactly what we were looking for. Not too hyper but still has the puppy play.... He is a very good boy in the car. He crawled into a little ball next to me and took a little nap on my lap during the long ride home yesterday.

He is making himself right at home. He found my duster this morning. Totally rocked that!

I am loving him already. Look at that face. What's not to love really? He purrs... seriously, he purrs when you pet him. He also has quite the yelp going on. Trust me on this one. I heard it all night last night. And I am planning on hearing it all night tonight too. I know it will take a few nights for him to get used to his new home and for us to get used to him too. I can't give in to the cries. It kills me, but I must ignore it. I am just going to shut the doors and turn the AC on high so I can't hear it. I know he isn't afraid of the crate, probably just afraid to be alone.

We are not looking forward to the training part. We need to sign him up for puppy school. Although, we have had him for over 24 hours now and we haven't had an accident inside. Of course, he did leave his mark at PetSmart today.... =) Right now, he is in his crate which is right next to me, with the door open and sleeping, and snoring.... he has to be with me at all times. Where ever I go, he goes.

The only problem we have right now is the cats. Cali has been hiding behind Mike's bureau since we brought him home. I don't this she has eaten or gone to the litter box yet. Patches has tried venturing out a bit to check him out, but hasn't made any eye contact yet. I think she ate a bit. That's good. I don't think Rocky even knows that he's not alone here. It should be veeerrrryyyyyy interesting when they do meet each other.

I leave you with this spectacular photo I took at Colt State Park in Bristol, RI last Saturday night. The sunset was amazing. The photo is in it's original state - no photoshopping or altering of any kind. The colors are exactly as we saw them. Amazing. Simply beautiful. You gotta love Mother Nature and all her glory.

Keep your fingers crossed....

2007-07-11T06:01:00.000-04:00

We are going to meet Roxanne today.....

Pebbles already has an application filed. Figures.

Still waiting on info about Hannah.

But Roxanne is a cutie too!

Another One Bites The Dust....

2007-07-09T18:17:00.000-04:00

Sing it with me......

And say goodbye to Reed...

Another doggie adoption that didnt' work out. Not for lack of trying, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be, right?

Not all is to be lost though. I have a call out to 3, yes count them with me, one, two, THREE dog shelters about some other prospects.

Which sounds better?

Roxanne,

She looks so sad behind the fence!

Hannah

OK. Can you say sweetie?

or Pebbles?

Hey! Where did my ears go?

I don't know either. I am voting for Roxanne because she likes cats, and Hannah because she has the sweetest face ever. But Pebbles has that terrier look to her that I LOVE..... Now to meet them before someone else takes them............. AGAIN! I'm not giving up though. We want a dog and a dog we will get.

The Clinton household may soon be growing by one.....

2007-07-07T07:51:00.001-04:00

OK, it's not what you think. Not now anyway...

We had the opportunity to adopt the cutest little Cocker Spaniel named Glinda (i know, not the best name in the world) from a friend of a friend. He was getting divorced, selling his house, couldn't keep her, yadda yadda yadda. Unfortunately, the BASTARD gave her away to someone else after we had talked about taking her! BASTARD! Ugh..... He mad me cry! No wonder he is getting a divorce!

Soooooooooo, since we were all so upset by this (yes, even Mike) I decided to go onto petfinder.com. Here you can find lots of sweet animals that are looking for a good home. I filled out the application, have been in contact with one of the adpotion counselors, and found

him.......

And him.....

And, of course, him....

His name is Reed. He is a mutt, not sure what mix but some say part Cocker Spaniel, part Golden. One can only wonder, not knowing his background and such. He is about a year old and about 15 pounds. Just the right size for us! I have always been a big-dog fan, like Rotties, Mastiff's and Boxers, and I adore the faces of the Pit Bull Terriers, but I was so drawn to Reed when I saw his face. Plus, there is no way a Rottie could fit in this house of our! Doesn't it look like he is totally smiling in the photographs? He just screams - SCRAPBOOK ME! He also reminds me of a dog we used to have named Blackie, only she was white.......... Just kidding, she was black! I was just testing you! lol I kill myself!

So, hopefully we are going to go meet him Sunday and see if he likes us and if we like him. If all goes well, our family will be growing by one. I'm not sure when we would get to take our new furry family member home, but we are keeping our fingers crossed anyway. We have the new crate, cushion and chew bone just waiting for someone to sleep in it, and my husband won't fit, so we are going to have to fill it with Reed.............. or someone else that might touch our hearts.

Oh, and for those that know our past history with dogs, I told Mike that if he gets rid of another one of my animals, I would probably get rid of him first! Hmmph. So there! : )

Sharing some things......

2007-06-12T20:52:00.000-04:00

So since we didn't have Emily this weekend, we took a ride to the Cape on Sunday. It was so gorgeous. We drove down to Chatham and then back..... Stopped at Skull Island for a game of mini golf, that I would rather not talk about right now.... eh hem...... (I totally got spanked! Not on my A-game at all!)

Then we stopped at this cute little pier thingy... it was so cute. I walked down to the water and there were all these little holes in the sand... and in each hole was a crab! So cute!

We had a great time, just the 2 of us. We missed Em, but sometimes it is good to have some alone time too.

So in some scrapbooking news, the biggest rage right now is the clear albums. I see them on all the message boards. Well, I decided to give it a try too. This is what I came up with. The clear sheets are from Accucut, the paper and chipboard accents are Junkitz. The rubons are Bo Bunny. The silk flowers are Bazzill and the little beady things are Dew Drops. What do you think? No, really, what do you think? The others I have seek don't use any paper, just picutres,stamping with Stazon, transparancies and rubons. It was kind of difficult to position the pages always keeping in mind that I had to hide the adhesive on both sides of the pages. Creative Layering, I guess.

I love this Junkitz paper. I actually did a "about me" page with it too. I also realized that you must like something a lot when you buy it twice at 2 different store! Either that I have a problem...... NAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Well, it is almost officially Summer. Have fun, enjoy life and be safe!

As requested....

2007-06-07T21:10:00.000-04:00

Some pics of our PA trip.....

Amy Danielle and Me....

Some very yummy home made ice cream with a home made cone! Delish!

Danielle's baby bump.... Can you believe she isn't due until September!

An Amish family.....

Apparently you aren't supposed to take their picture....

WHO KNEW!

Sorry!

OK, Keanu wasn't there....... but I just wanted to throw it in.......

It's been a long time.....

2007-05-22T05:48:00.000-04:00

Since I blogged, and since no one can leave comments on my blog anymore, it has been nice and quiet around here.... No one yelling at me to "UPDATE!!!!!". But, I figured it was time.....

OK, so Pennsylvania was so awesome... I can't wait to go back. I travelled with the best girls on the earth... Amy, Danielle, Lucy, Barbara and Mary. I think my sides hurt for about 3 days after I got home from all the laughter. And once we stopped (OK, I stopped) pissing off the Amish people by trying to take their pictures... Who knew!!!!

Amy was a trooper. She drove the ENTIRE weekend, there, around and back. I have never eaten so much in my entire life! I GAINED 3 F$#@&*G pounds!!!! But it was so worth it... All of it. Fried Chicken, Shoo Fly Pie.... Oh, the memories of the twice daily buffets! The best Ice Cream and home made cones in Strasburg. Great shopping in Intercourse. (snicker, snicker) We even hit 3 scrapbook stores. Riding and shopping, riding and shopping, riding and...... I love you girls, Seriously! Thanks for making our trip so great. I can't wait for the next all girls weekend....

In other big news, SPM will be moving! Yippee! We are moving down stairs into the space that was once EJ Yarns. More room to spread out and fill with more product! Woo hoo! We are hoping to be able to keep the upstairs as a Crop Studio. That would be so wonderful. Doreen is hoping to be moved into the new area by July 1st with a grand Re-opening event in the works. I will keep you all posted as to the progress. We will definitely be having some "Sale-A-Brations" too for her One Year Anniversary.

Well, I think that is all I have in me right now. I will post some pics from PA once I get them off my camera.

Who will be winning Dancing with the Stars? I love Joey, but I think it will be Apolo... What a cute pair they are! Love how they broke out yesterday! Love it!

Ding Dong......

2007-04-20T05:39:00.000-04:00

He's Gone!

And I hate to say it....

OK, maybe not....

But, FINALLY!

I know there are much better things to talk about than the going's on of American Idol, but seeing that I have been sick all week, this is the most you will get out of me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

In more important news, please say a little prayer when you can for my friend Lynette and her mom Gerry. Gerry underwent her mastectomy yesterday. Before the surgery they thought that she may have had stage 3, but after months of chemotherapy it appears that she now has stage 4 breast cancer. They took the entire breast, but left the lymph nodes. Not good. She will now have to undergo radiation to try to get any remaining cancer. Please take a moment today to wish her a speedy recovery from her surgery, and strength for the future.

With that being said, please take care of yourselves. Visit your doctor regularly. Have your yearly mamograms. Gerry was so busy with her own life and those around her that she neglected an open wound for MONTHS! In this day and age, this is unacceptable. There is NO EXCUSE for this with all of the education and awareness that is out there. Not only did this decision affect her own body, but it greatly impacted those around her as well. What she thought was a selfless act, taking care of her failing husband, turned out to be a very selfish one. Her family has been turned upside down by this.

Lynette, please know that your friends are here for you always. This battle will continue to go uphill, and we will all be here for you when you need a little push. Stay strong, stay positive, have faith. I love you.

Hi, my name is Stacey......

2007-04-09T21:01:00.000-04:00

... and I am a camera addict!

Yup, I admit it... I just had to have this one... I still love my Xti, but this one will fit in my pocket book.....

AND IT'S RED! How could I say no to that .... It totally matches my cell phone!

Constructive Critisism...

2007-04-01T17:16:00.000-04:00

Looking for some CC from my crafty girls, and anyone else stopping by.

I don't usually show my work here.... kinda shy about that one.

but I thought I would show you what I accomplished during this past weekend at the Crop-tastic weekend at SPM. One of the benefits of working an entire weekend.... I get to play when I work.... (Thank you Doreen! You rock!)

So, please let me know what you think: Good, bad or indifferent, I want to hear it all.

OK, bring it on.... I want to know what you think.

3 words for a Tuesday night.....

2007-03-27T21:05:00.000-04:00

SANJAYA MUST GO!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Un-Birthday, Lucy!

2007-03-18T10:36:00.000-04:00

The party at Debbies was very fun. Mammie was hysterical! She can come to any party I have! Debbie and Amy did a wonderful job on the details. Can I tell you how difficult it was for me not to slip up....

Here are a few pics of our party....

Overy the hill, almost... and lookin' fine girl!

The party Queens.....

The life of the party!

We will celebrate once again when we go to Pennsylvania in May! I can't wait!

Lucy, I hope you enjoyed your surprise. You are a peach and deserve the world. You are a true friend in every sense of the word. Happy Birthday! I love you!

What color hair should I have? Hmmm, lets see.

2007-03-16T06:17:00.000-04:00

Your Hair Should Be Pink

Hyper, insane, and a boatload of fun.You're a traveling party that everyone loves to follow.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Gee...... Do ya think? Pretty ironic I would say, seeing how for most of my 20's I was in the pink! Go figure!

Thanks, Macmomma, for this link!

OK.... OK people.... Take a chill pill....

2007-03-12T20:03:00.000-04:00

I do have a life outside of "Blogdom"..... Most of the people that read this see me on a daily basis anyway. I didn't know that I had a certian "protocol" to follow when updating my blog. Can I just say, that if you notice that I haven't updated in a while, you have way too much time on your hands.... I'm just saying..... =)

So what, you ask, have I been doing for the past 2 weeks? Well, working, working out and working. That is my life in a nutshell lately. Of course I spare a little bit of time for creativeness too....

The good news is I lost 12 pounds and 10 inches in 2 months. I have joined Curves and have been trying to watch what I eat... Let me tell you, that is NOT easy! I think I am obsessed with food. I didn't realize just how much I ate until I stopped eating. Not that I stopped eating mind you, but I am trying to make better choices...... again, NOT easy.

I have taken a liking to the Quaker rice 90 calorie snacks. I love the cinnamon struesel.... I could eat 5 bags, but then that would defeat the purpose of the "90 calorie snack". So, I eat one, and think about eating 4 more.
I could probaly buy stock in Special K. That is my breakfast every morning. Sometimes dinner too, depending on if Mike has made dinner for me when I get home from Curves.
I have been going 4 times a week and doing 3 rotations. They recommend 2 1/2 time around, but I figure, what the heck. If 2 1/2 is good, then 3 must be better, right? With all these "good choices" I am making lately you would think that I could lose 12 pounds in a month.... Well.... I suppose I forgot to mention the trip to Wright's Chicken farm last week (thanks Danielle, it was scrumptious!), Dragon Garden for a poo poo for two this weekend, (no, i didnt' eat the whole thing myself... I had company on this adventure!) and then breakfast at the Cracker Barrell.... and...... Ok, I better stop there on the grounds that I may incriminate myself.....
So yeah, I am VERY happy with 12 pounds....

Here's hoping for another 12 pounds and another and another and another and another......

Oh, and I will be hitting some of you up anyway, but figured i would post something here. My sister in law is selling Tupperware again from North Carolina. I have decided to help her out again and will be having a catalog party. If you would like to order something (please..... pretty please... with sugar on top......) let me know. You can check out the product on her website, but don't order from there. Only look. You will have to email me (STaylor708@aol.com) with your order so that I can get credit for it. I really want one of those Mega Bowls.... Anyway, go to my2.tupperware.com/leechristianclinton to browse. You can also take advantage of the attendence special: 2 Commuter Mugs for the price of one. One purple, one blue for $18.50. I have one of these and they are really nice. If you have any questions, just let me know. Thanks to all of you in advance. And remember, unlike the cheapo yuckamaid things, Tupperware always carries a lifetime guarantee.

I am off to watch Prison Break now.
TTFN!

OK. Just a quick one...

2007-02-28T19:51:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post today because I haven't posted in a while and I don't want any anonymous comments from people (AMY!!!) saying that I haven't posted in a while. So here I go...........

First, I would like to wish my Daddy a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I miss you and love you. Actually, I don't know if you even read this, but I just wanted to give you a big shout out! I love you!

Second, I want to share some good news. I have been asked to re-join the design team for MS Paper Arts. The site had been down a while and things seem to be picking up again. Carrie wanted me back, and of course I said yes! I am really excited about that!

Thirdly, I am really excited about American Idol tonight.....

Fourthly, I have been really bad about going to Curves lately.... and tomorrow is weigh in day! YIKES! NOT looking forward to that one! I even had a sub for lunch today.... ugh - regrets! But I made up for it by having a bowl of Special K for dinner! I might move on to a fat free chocolate pudding.... um, um! (yeah, right!!)

And a final thought for today... I had so much fun this past weekend at the Crop-tastic weekend at SPM. It was so fun to re-connect with some people that I haven't seen in a while and meet some new friends too! I guess everyone else had fun too, because almost all of them signed up for the March Crop-tastic weekend too! Woo hoo!

Ok, that's all folks!

Friday the 13th - A lucky day???

2007-02-14T19:29:00.000-05:00

It certainly will be for me.

I am taking 3 classes by the alcohol ink king himself... TIM HOLTZ! April 13th.... a day I will always remember.

I am so freaking excited! I can not wait!

OK, so Mr. Holtz is such a super cutie and I am so totally taken by him.... (i wish!) I don't know if I will really be able to concentrate much on the class.... Maybe I will get my picture taken with him..... nahhhhh, just like in California for CHA, I am more of a stalker than a talker.... I get all goofy and stupid and mix words and act like a total blonde... But he is so cute. I love the spikey blonde hair, and the silver rings, that smile that would melt an iceberg and of course it goes without saying that I think he is one of the most talented artists I have ever met.... And, yes I HAVE officially met him.... I was lucky enough to take one of his classes when I attended the Sue Gilman show in Framingham, MA when I was working at RAHS.

Well, I will definitely update everyone after my class.... Can I wait 2 months????? Doubtful... HIGHLY doubtful....

I guess I should add that this was my Valentine's Day present from my husband Mike. (Mike, Mike who? I don't know a Mike? Are you sure his name isn't Tim? Because I don't know any Mikes...) Just kidding... I love my husband. I only really, really, really, really like Tim. =) And Tim doesn't make me cards.... MY HUSBAND DOES! I will post a pic of that later too! So freaking cute!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE! I hope you got to spend some quality time today with someone that you love. I know I did.

Brrrr...... 20 degrees and counting!

2007-02-05T18:47:00.000-05:00

OK....

I want to go back to California!

Palm trees..... pools...... perfect temperatures.....
Ahhhhhhhhhhh...... the memories......

Back from Sunny California......

2007-02-01T20:28:00.000-05:00

... and I want to go back! I hate the 20 degree weather here. I was walking around without a jacket for a week! There is something so not right about that!

Just thought I would share a few pictures that I took while at CHA. I had the best time! What an amazing thing it was.... I am extremely exhausted, though loved every minute of it. It was simply amazing. There are no words to describe just how enormous this show was. 2 floors of paper and craft heaven! I am so thankful to Doreen for giving me the opportunity attend. It was amazing... Did I say that already?????

OK, so here are a few things that I wanted to share...

Some cute new stamps from Ink-A-Dink-A-Do...

Here are a couple more....

Here are some new Technique Tuesday stamps...

And a layout using the cutest bugs I have ever seen!

Here are some of the new lines of Bo Bunny... I think I need it all! Loved it!

... and Provo Craft introduced the NEW cricut machine! It is now going to be available in a larger format - 12" wide! Good news for those of us that didn't get the older one yet, not so good for those that already have the smaller one! They also got the licensing rights to Disney. Be on the look out for the new Disney font cartridges....

I loved the new Love, Elsie line... have to have that one! Basic Grey rocks yet again! Maya Road and WeR Memory keepers rocked it and I can't wait to get my hands on some of the new Fancy Pants 6x6 and 12x12 clear stamps and chipboard!

Saw Heidi, Ginger, Marah, Cheryl, Donna, Adrienne.... oh, the list goes on.... Oh, and my favorite alcohol ink God.... I have his picture!

Took a great album class with K&Co. Met Angelia, Lynette and some other faces that I had met before. Oh, and Brenda Walton signed each of our albums. How cool is that?

There is so much more to talk about, but my jet lagged head needs to go to bed.

Hello from CHA!

2007-01-28T22:42:00.000-05:00

We have seen lots of great new product. We have taken lots of cool new classes....

Hoping to share some of the wonderful things we have seen.

Keep watching for updates.... You never know what you will see!

HELLO FROM SUNNY CAL-I-FOR-NI-A!

2007-01-28T22:23:00.000-05:00

Can I just tell you..... As if you had any other ideas about this.... I am having a BLAST at CHA Winter show!!!! While you were dealing with 7 degree weather the other day, I was contemplating having a dip in the pool.... YUP, I did just say that! CA is wonderful! I can't believe I am actually here. Missing my hubby... just feels like something is missing... like I shouldn't be here having this good of a time without him......... and how sweet is Doreen's husband? So sweet that he surprised her with a trip here to see her! Yup, that is worth like, 5000 points in my book! Lucky girl!

And the new product! OH MY GOODNESS! Just you wait!

Fancy Pants clear stamps, 12x12 and 6x6, simply beautiful!

Cosmo Cricket lacing card kits, so very cool.

Doodlebug - love it all!

Adornit by Carolee's Creations - Gorgeous!

Ink-a-dink-a-do - so freaking cute! Love the clear stamps!

Basic Gray.... What's not to like there!

I haven't even seen everything yet! There is so much to look at, so many people to talk to, so much product, I just didn't know where to start! Lots left to see. Still haven't made it to the Flair booth to visit with Donna or the Creative Imaginations booth to see Cheryl, although I did get a quick hug from her... that was nice!

I have taken some great classes too, some of which will soon be offered at SPM. Took lots of pictures too. I will be sure to share some of those later....

Well, I am off to the pool, or should I have a dip in the hot tub??? Geesh, the choices I have to make! =)

Happy News, Not so happy news......

2007-01-24T20:46:00.000-05:00

First things first.... I'M GOING TO CALIFORNIA! Anaheim, CA that is! Yup, I'm leaving on a jet plane on Friday. (at 6:00 in the morning! YIKES!) Doreen from SPM and I will be attending CHA Winter convention together. I am too excited for words. Of course, at 6:00am, there wont be many words coming from this chick! I am hoping to be able to post some pics of the new things I will see while I am there. Stop back here to see what's new. Hoping to meet Martha..... Yup, the one and only Martha Stewart will be there. Too exciting!

On the not-so-happy front, I was offered the job with the magazine publisher tonight. Great, right? Well, yeah, REALLY GREAT! However, it would be a latteral move in pay for me and I couldn't justify leaving Harrington House for that and less benefits. That is the hardest decision I have had to make lately. I'm still not so sure it was the right one. It felt so right when I was there. I almost feel like..... I don't know....... sad I guess. Hard feelings. Of course, i would have felt bad if I left Anne and HH. 6 of one, half dozen of another, I guess. This too shall pass. C'est la vie.......................................................................

Hi Annie!!!!

2007-01-16T22:37:00.000-05:00

Yup, you found me... :)

Now be nice.............

A friend said to me tonight that I should post pics of the Patriots game that I went to so, here they are. I am feeling lucky for this Sunday night.... 2007 AFC Champions! I can feel it in my bones!

Think good thought for me tomorrow. I go in for my 2nd interview... I hate this really. Is there life after Harrington House? Will I make the right decision? What IS the right decision? I will get a better feeling tomorrow night.... I'm sure of it. ...... . . . . . . . Sort of...... . . . . . .

Interviews.......

2007-01-09T06:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I have two down. Well, one and a half.... I will explain.

The first one was for a magazine publisher looking for an Office Manager. The environment was great, right up my alley. The interview went very well too. I felt very comfortable with her. The only drawback that I can see right now is the money and benefits. Because it is a small office, they don't offer the large benny's that I get now, like life insurance, disability, 401k, etc. She also doesn't think she can get me the money I need. So, I weigh my options and wait for a call. She said that she was very impressed with me and that she would call later this week. Still holding out hope though.

The second "meeting" was last night in Mansfield. And I mean meeting. It wasn't an actual interview. It was a meet and greet session. The strangest thing I have ever seen, but oddly enough, it was rather ingenious. The company is planning on expanding to over double it's current size so they are in need of LOTS of different positions. Their thought is to bring in all the current employees and also the candidates for the open positions and have them mingle together; meet and greet. Now, for those that know me, you know that when I first meet someone I have a rather shy side to me, so this environment was rather challenging for me. It was hard to say, Hi I'm Stacey and I am here for the Office Admin. position. You need to hire me because........ UGH! Anyway, this is the best way they found to get lots of people together at once. There was a sign up sheet and if you liked who you talked to and it looked like a cool place to work and you wanted an actual interview, you would write your name on the sign up sheet. That way, there was confidentiality and no hard feelings if you didn't want to come back. Well, I put my name on the list for a follow-up. We will see what happens from here.

I think if I was to move from my current job and got more money and benny's and everything, this would be the natural choice for me. Although I love the creative environment of the magazine...... but there is probably more room for growth in a company this size than the 6 person team at the other job. And I'm sure I can make more money here...... Plus it is only 15 minutes from my house! BONUS! No more traveling 40 minutes to work! Yippee! I digress....

So now I wait...... Fingers crossed.... feeling badly about wanting to leave Harrington House..... I guess it is my 7 year itch..... Think good thoughts for me.

Just another SPM update.....

2007-01-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

I wanted to invite everyone to a new message board that I am "running". It is on the SPM website or you can go here to see it. I hope you stop by and say hello..... I am feeling kind of lonely there.......

Well, I also need some good thoughts and positive energy coming my way. I am interviewing tomorrow for a new position as an office manager. I am very excited but nervous and anxious at the same time. It isn't that I want to leave my present job... I LOVE my boss.... I couldn't ask for a better person to work with. What I don't like is the mileage that I am putting on my car, I would love more responsibility and of course, more money. However, now that my boss knows that I am interviewing, she has put in a request for more money to keep me.....quite a bit more money. It would really help out. I am so flattered and hate the thought of leaving her, but the challenge of starting something new and meeting new people and wanting to better myself is very intriguing to me. I have been there 7 years, and well, I guess I am starting to get that itch. Anyway, think good thoughts for me tomorrow morning at 8:15. I have another interview Monday night too... not sure about that one, but it is worth the shot. Fingers crossed that if it is meant to be, it will be.

2007 ~ Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T16:59:00.000-05:00

What did you do to ring in the new year?

This is what we did.....

What an amazing little B&B. We hope to go back again soon.
Much better than staying home and eating chinese and renting a movie.... although I would have been happy doing anything, as long as I spent it with my hubby.

Calling all SPM Shoppers.....

2006-12-27T19:44:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick note here to let everyone know that we now have a new website. We now have a SPM forum! Yup, that's right. A honest to goodness, no bones about it message board! Yippee! Now you can register and post comments about our classes/crops, scrapbooking and stamping and anything else you feel like chatting about! Be sure to visit our website, www.scrapbookingplusmore.com, to see the new look and join in on the fun. Can't wait to meet some new folks and get reaquainted with some old ones too!

Here's wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Let's get cheeky on Christmas Eve.....

2006-12-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

Just something to make you smile, as if you needed an excuse!

CLICK HERE for a holiday grin... Don't forget to type your name.
If it is the Holiday spirit you wish you were in.... then you wont find this lame.

A spinning Santa is what you will see... he is sure to make you smile.
for when it's over, smiling you will be... and it will last a while.

Merry Christmas!

I want a hippopatumuseessssssss.....

2006-12-21T06:47:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all

Click on the link for a holiday treat.

Scrapbooking Plus More

2006-12-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

This just in.....

For all you SPM shoppers, we just got a shipment in just in time for the Holiday.

Cosmo Cricket is here!
There are more Dot N Rollers in stock. Better hurry.... they disappear FAST! The refills are on the way!
Got some Heidi Swapp clear acrylic stamps. - Baby, Family, Cherish and Love
Vanishing Ink pens are back too - Great tool for journaling!
Thomas the Tank Engine paper and stickers.
Finding Nemo and Disney Princesses stickers.
Recipe stickers and paper from American Traditions.
Some winter theme paper and cardstock stickers from Bo Bunny and Pebbles.

Many more things too! Be sure to stop in and see what's new.

There will be some great classes and crops coming up in January. Be sure to check out the website calendar for dates and times!

All Scenic Route paper is 40% off!

It's beginning to look a lot like.....

2006-12-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

Yup. It's that time of year.... The lights are displayed, the music is playing, the gifts are bought.... well, almost. Ok. Not even close.... but I have been thinking about it. So much to do, so little time to do it all in..... Dare I say Bah Humbug? Nah.... Next to Halloween, Christmas is my FAVORITE! So I share a few recent pictures that celebrate the season. The absence of snow is definitely not putting a damper on things - trust me! That is the one thing I can always do without.....

Here is my tree topper. I have had him for quite some time now.... Actually, a really long time... YES, it IS an angel. I know Michelle will appreciate him. OK, so it might not be your typical angel, but he is an ANGEL! ...and he makes me smile. Do you really think that I would have a normal angel.... heh... right.....

Even Patches is getting into the holiday spirit. By the looks of her wet nose, it seems that she has spent too much time at the cat nip bar...... Oh, and if you look really closely, REALLY closely behind her left shoulder (do cat's even HAVE shoulders????) you can see the "typical" Christmas angel. She just happens to be on my end table instead of the tree. But more importantly, do cat's have shoulders?????

And this is a photo of one of the houses in our town that decorates to the MAX every year. I have no clue how many lights there are here (a LOT) but let me tell you, you can see the glow about 3 streets away! It is such a site to see! We always make it a point to do a drive by though. It too makes me smile. I have never been a huge fan of colored lights, especially the BLINKING type, but this is really fun.

Well, I leave you with many well wishes for the upcoming holiday, whatever that holiday may be. Whether you are lighting your candles for 8 days or you are attending midnight mass, or you are opening 85 presents in just under 7.2 minutes at 5:30 am, Whatever way you choose to celebrate the upcoming holidays, I hope you are spending it with the people that you love.

Scrapbooking Plus More

2006-12-10T17:25:00.000-05:00

Scrapbooking Plus More will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 10th and Monday Dec. 11th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will re-open at our usual time on Tuesday, Dec. 12th. Thank you for your understanding.

THIS JUST IN..... Have you discovered the newest craze in Digtal Scrapbooking? Memory Mixers from Lasting Impressions is HERE! Stop in and check out the great kits we have available.

Attn: All SPM Shoppers!!!

2006-12-09T08:53:00.000-05:00

My blog will now be featured on the Scrapbooking Plus More web site. Please stop by often to see new product, sales, classes, crops and more. Leave us a comment and let us know what you think about the new website. Can't wait to see our old friendly faces and meet some new ones too! Happy Weekend....

Doreen and Stacey

It's here!!!!

2006-12-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

THINK

I AM

IN LOVE......

Camera update.....

2006-12-01T19:40:00.000-05:00

OK, so it isn't on a plane. It is in a truck! I hate this ground shipping! It takes too long. That's what you get when you are too cheap to pay the extra shipping charges! Ugh!

It is so close, but yet so far away. ETA is Monday, but here is the kicker... It left Willington, CT at 7:04pm tonight! I could freakin' drive there in less than 2 horus to get it! Think anyone has ever intercepted a FedEx guy? I just might do it!

Working at Michael's tomorrow and SPM Sunday. Probably will go to Bill and Amy's house to watch the end of the game on Sunday. Maybe, just maybe I will have a little treat to show off.... just maybe.

Oh, and one more thing:

CONGRATULATIONS, LEE!

I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!

(He passed his driving test today. Pretty impressive if you ask me. I failed the first time I took my driving test!) Now, a word of warning to everyone.... STAY OFF THE ROADS! (just kidding)

How do you keep a blonde in suspense?????

2006-11-29T19:12:00.000-05:00

Let her get a new camera,

but order it online

and make her wait

like over a week for it!

Ugh!

Oh, yes..... It will be mine... any day now!

It is in the big bucket of bolts in the sky.

Hopefully by the weekend...

I will have a new toy to play with....

he he he he he.....

(evil laugh!)

Too bad I will be working all weekend.

Not too much time to enjoy it.

Like Disney World, I'm too excited to sleep!

It is Thanksgiving time.....

2006-11-20T20:10:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. 3 more days to be exact. This is a time to reflect on what you are thankful for. It can be on an emotional level, a spiritual level, a selfish level. Whatever it is, be thankful... for something, anything. If you are alive, breathing, living, walking, riding, climbing, hurting, caring, seeing, hearing, touching, crying, laughing... you have every reason to be thankful.

thank-ful – adjective - feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative
thank·ful adj. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful. Expressive of gratitude: a thankful smile.
thankful·ly adv. thankful·ness n adj : feeling or showing gratitude; "a grateful heart"; "grateful for the tree's shade"; "a thankful smile"

What am I thankful for....?

I am thankful for my family who supports me in everything that I do. They may not always agree with my opinions and decisions, but they support me and love me. There are many that don't have family to love. I do, and I appreciate them. For that I am thankful

I am thankful for my friends who are there for me always. Like family, they may not always agree, but they always support. They love me for me and don't ask me to be anyone other than myself. There are many that don't have friends or don't know how to be a friend. I have both. For that I am thankful.

I am thankful to have not one but two jobs (sometimes 3 or 4)... I find my mind wandering at times; looking for the next best thing, when it is right under my nose. There are many that are on their last unemployment check wondering where the money for their milk and food will come from. I have a FT job that I don't hate and a PT job that I love. For that I am thankful

I am thankful for the superficial things as well. I am thankful that I have a scrap room filled with lots and lots (and LOTS and LOTS) of paper, ribbon, glue, too many to name. It is there for me when I get home and there when i wake up and there when I just want to be alone in my own little world. There are many that don't have a hobby to keep themselves busy with. I have a hobby and plenty of things to keep me busy. For that I am thankful

I am thankful for my step-daughter whom I love dearly. I am thankful for the car that I drive and the roof over my head. I am thankful for the big yard that I have and the gardens in the spring and summer. I am thankful for my 2 fat cats. I am thankful for nice neighbors. I am thankful for Panera Bread and Uno's. I am thankful for low-carb bagels from Dunkin Donuts. I am thankful for my camera so that I can capture my life and those moments and people that share in it. I am thankful for my glasses so that I can see. I am thankful for my clothes so you DONT have to see....... Most importantly, I am thankful for..............

YOU
Thank you for being you.
I wouldn't be who I am today if you weren't in my life

it was a cold and foggy night........

2006-11-13T21:38:00.000-05:00

But we had a BLAST!

Gillette Stadium

Foxboro, MA

11/12/2006

NY Jets - 17

NE Patriots - 14

Our team may have lost, but we felt like winners because we were there amongst the best football team.... 3-time world champions.... the New England Patriots! and Tom Brady.... and Troy Brown...... and Tedy Bruschi...... and Troy Brown.... oh, did I say him already.... Did I happen to mention Tom Brady? The wet sneakers and the impending sinus infection are well worth it!

They didn't play like champions, but I am OK with looking past that...... Did I happen to mention Tom Brady and Troy Brown???????

Oct. 21st....

2006-11-04T07:11:00.000-05:00

So I got a call from a friend yesterday saying.... October 21st...... I'm thinking, thinking, thinking, and then I was like, yeah, what's so special about October 21st? She said that was the last time that updated my blog...... Oh, geeze.... I didn't even know that people were really reading (stalking) this thing........ Ok. I give in.... So here is my update, OK, Amy!!!! Now shut it! (just kidding! I love you!) :)

Not too much to talk about. Seriously. I'm pretty boring. But here is an attempt to sound "exciting".... yeah right!

Went on an interview last week for an HR Asst. position. Obviously I sucked, because I didn't get the job. I really wanted it too. Not that I don't love my job now, because I am very lucky to be in a job that I like and work with a boss that I can honestly call one of my best friends. Not too many people can say that. Not too many people can be a boss and a friend at the same time. It takes lots of respect on both ends and the ability to put the small stuff aside and not take things personally. Not easy, but when it works, there is nothing better. Anyway, I think the prospect of starting something new, being closer to home and making more money was very intriguing for me, and I it made me really want to be there. I have some experience in HR but don't have that paper from a college saying that I have the experience. So, I think that I am going to do some online courses and try to get my associates in Human Resources. It is going to take a long time, because I certainly can't afford $20000 for school, so one class at a time, when I can afford it. I don't know. Just something I am thinking about. It certainly wouldnt' hurt. Thankfully my FT job offers up to $1000 a year in tuition reimbursement. That's my push to get this going.

I have been working at SPM quite a bit lately while Doreen is away. Worked on some class samples. Here is an all occasion card class that I will be doing... I used some of the older Chatterbox papers. Love the Chateau line. You can check out the SPM website for dates and times of all the upcoming classes. Oh, and for those that don't know, she accepts the Michael's, Joanne's and AC Moore coupons! Woo Hoo!

Papa should be coming home from the nursing home today. That is something to celebrate! Pray for a safe return! We love you Papa!

It is SATURDAY - another reason to celebrate!

Doing a Xmas card class at Michael's on Monday night, and I have 2 people signed up! - that is definitely something to celebrate!

I love my friends and family - yet another reason to celebrate! Speaking of which, I think we are due for another margarita night, ladies! (I could celebrate margarita's any day of the week!)Lets pick a date and time.......

OK. I now have to get ready for work. I will expect a few comments on here, especially from you, AMY!!!!
xoxoxoxo
Stacey

I couldn't have said it better myself.

2006-10-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Read this.

Do what you love. Love what you do. Don't let others decide your happiness. Don't let others dictate how you SHOULD do things. Your life is your own. Be happy with who you are. Change the things you don't like. But mostly, just be.

Fall has fallen...

2006-10-10T20:37:00.000-04:00

Home again, home again, jiggity jig... from a wonderful weekend in the country. We stayed at the Sturbridge Host Hotel located on Cedar Lake for the wedding of Scott and Brooke. It was just beautiful. The bride and groom and the families and friends enjoyed each other immensely. Nothing better than a fall day in New England; add a gorgeous wedding to the mix and it is just perfection. No wedding pics to share just yet, but I do have a couple others to share.

This was the view from our 2nd floor balcony

and the covered bridge in Sturbridge Village.

The autumn colors are simply amazing. It is just about peak here in MA; maybe by the weekend. We didn't get to go for our annual trip to NH this year, but Sturbridge was just as beautiful.

I leave you with a prayer request. My friend Lynette got some horrible news today. Please say a prayer for her mother. She was diagnosed with breast cancer today and will undergo emergency surgery in the morning. Although I am very worried about Mrs. Bison, it is Lynette that needs the prayers. I don't know how much more sadness she can take right now.

Also, it just happens to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month. PLEASE be sure to schedule your annual breast exams. We want to keep you all around for a while longer. Cancer is no laughing matter.

I have a DREAM....

2006-10-05T19:41:00.000-04:00

Today's blog challenge from Jozzie at STM was to write about your dreams.

Well, my dreams are in no way suitable for the open public forum. I scare myself sometimes. If people could get that far into my head, they would probably have me committed. I am guessing this is where my "thing" for skulls comes from...... Anyway, I wouldn't do that to you!

So with that being said, this is what my real dreams are at this point in my life.

I dream of a day... that I can walk down the street and not wonder about the unknown.

I dream of a day... that I can walk into a home that isn't the size of a closet.

I dream of a day... that I can walk in front of a mirror and see all of me!

I dream of a day... that I wont be afraid to look in that mirror.

I dream of a day... that I wont be second guessing my questions of motherhood.

I dream of a day... that if I do become a mother, that I can be HALF as good as my mother is!

I dream of a day... that I will be free of unnecessary debts.

I dream of a day... that I can stay home and SCRAP all day - (that is a dream!)

I dream of a day... that all people, of all colors, all shapes and sizes, all races, all religions, all humans can live on this earth, together, in peace.

I dream of a day... that I can be happy with the person that I am and not worry about what others may think.

I dream of a day... that I will have a better relationship with my family.

I dream of a day... that I can win the lottery, pay off my bills, build a bigger house, go on a wonderful vacation, just me and Mike, have a child or two of my own, help my mother retire, so that we can open a scrapbook store together.... and live happily ever after....

I DREAM.... THEREFORE I AM....

Well, we are off to Sturbridge this weekend for my Boss's Son's wedding. It is the same time of year that Mike and I got married. 7 years on October 2nd. Where has the time gone? I leave you with a wedding pic. There is love in the air. For Scott and Brooke. For Mike and I. For many others. I am glad that I married my best friend. I hope that we don't find that 'itch' that everyone talks about!

Every Now and Then...........

2006-10-04T19:53:00.000-04:00

... The blog challenge for today. Then and Now. Blog about it....

OK...
7 years ago I was a single woman. Now, I am going into my 7 year itch. (let's hope not!)
2 months ago it was warm. Now, it is getting cold and the leaves are changing.
3 weeks ago it was still light at 8:00pm. Now, it is 7:30 and it has been dark for a while.
4 hours ago I was wishing I could go home. Now, I am wishing I could stay home.
6 weeks ago I needed new tires. Now, I have 2 new ones. Have to wait for the other 2.
15 minutes ago I wanted icecream. Now, I am wishing I didn't eat so much!
24 hours ago i was wondering if the blueberry margarita was a good choice. Now, I'm wishing I could have another one!

Secret's Revealed.....

2006-10-01T09:38:00.000-04:00

OK, so it isn't some huge life-changing secret. I know that I have kept lots of you in suspence all weekend.... So I will let you in on my little "secret". Do you know the secret handshake????

I interviewed at my LSS and was hired - ON THE SPOT! Doreen seems to be a wonderful person and I think we will work well together. I am getting some projects ready for my first classes and will be working in the store soon. I can't wait to start. It will feel so good to get back into the LSS groove again. I have missed the interaction with the customers and the feeling of belonging somewhere. Let's hope that I can work up to her expectations and do things correctly. (That was an issue elsewhere....) She has a tricky location, so the foot traffic isn't huge yet, but with some good advertising, new classes and crops and a new sign, hopefully it will pick up more.

I will be slowly reducing my classes at Michaels while I spend more time working at the LSS. I liked working at Michael's very much but was very frustrated with the number of students. I don't think people go there for scrapbooking classes. It is more of an "arts and crafts" store rather than specifically scrapbooking store. I will stay on as long as they let me and fill in as needed. Laura was an amazing boss and I would hate to leave her, so hopefully I can stay on "per diem".

So that's it. Nothing earth shattering. Just some really good news for me. Something that I have missed and can't wait to start again.

I will keep you informed of any upcoming classes and goings-on at MY NEW STORE!!!.... Ok, it isn't mine, but it feels like home already!

I leave you with some pics of our Margarita night on Friday. Thanks, Donna, Lucy, Lynette, Rosemary, Debbie, Amy and Danielle.... I always have a ROCKIN GOOD TIME when I am out with you! Love you all!

STM Blog challenge

2006-09-28T19:08:00.000-04:00

OK. So today's blog challenge from Jozzie is:

If you were a cartoon charachter, who would you be...

There is only one real answer here....
Hyacinth Hippo from Fantasia

I might look like Hyacinth, but I REALLY wish I could be like this.......

Ahh, Jessica Rabbit. She made grown men enjoy cartoons again!

Waiting for good news....

2006-09-27T21:45:00.000-04:00

I have a secret...... and I can't tell.......

I am hoping that I will have some news on Friday night when I get together with my girls...... Just keep your fingers crossed for me....... If all goes according to my plans, it will be worth it, I promise!

Until then,....

Look at my banner!!!!

2006-09-26T22:10:00.000-04:00

Got instructions on STM on how to do it.... I actually took that picture of one of my echinacea plants this summer....

So the blog challenge on STM today was to write about your daddy... or hubby... whatever you call him...

For that, I refer you back to my blog post in July.... Here you go.... My hubby... I just can't get enough of that picture!

My girls, and then some!

2006-09-23T18:08:00.000-04:00

Spent some quality time with my girls on Saturday morning. Helped out a bit with Amy's Stampin Up! calender class. Lucy was there too... missed my other girls, but I guess they have a life! I will forgive them this time! I am really looking forward to some margaritas and quesadillas on Friday night. I can't wait to see everyone and WHOOP it up. We always do!

Now, I love getting together with my girls and just hanging out.... and I especially love spending some alone time with my husband....

but......

I REALLY love looking
at him.... <-----------

and him..... ---------->

OK, so this was a blog challeng from what? A week ago???? Better late than never, I say!

Just had to share my favorite hotties.... Sorry, Mikey.... maybe next time! Don't worry, you will always be my hottie! xoxox

OK. So I didn't get on the STM design team. Soooooo not a surprise! You should see the talent that was there. No, really, you should see it! Just amazing. I am not giving up that easy though. Although I think that STM would have been a great fit for me, It aint over til the fat lady sings....... and I haven't sung yet! (ROTFLMBO!!!!!) I noticed that there are many more DT searches out there right now and I just might give it a shot again. It has been REALLY slow over at MPA. I think I am the only one there somethimes! Maybe it was something I said... anyway, I would love to have more company over there. Come on over and keep me company! I am starting to get a little lonely!

Well, I guess that is it for today. I am going to put on my pj's, pop some corn and watch Point Break.... or Prison Break.... HEY! I see a similarity here...... ;)

Good fortune....

2006-09-18T12:33:00.000-04:00

OK. So today's blog challenge by Jozzie at STM is this:

If you had a fortune cookie, what would it say today?

Well, I am thinking that my fortune would read... "You will receive a long awaited message from a new friend tomorrow"..... kwim????

I really want to get on the STM DT..... I am certainly not trying to minimize the feelings of the other girls that are trying out too..... There is some amazing talent there! I am inspired every time that I click on that gallery! The people there are as awesome as they come! There are great challenges that actually make you think outside the box. They are all so accomodating, passionate about their craft and willing to help in any way possible. I have made some good friends already! Wish I found it sooner!

So with that being said, yeah, I hope I get my fortune - and I hope it is covered in LOTS of chocolate!

September 11......

2006-09-11T19:46:00.000-04:00

September 11th was always a day to celebrate in my family. We always had wonderful memories associated with 9/11. Lots of great pictures too! That would all change on September 11, 2001.

A day that was filled with love, elation, laughter and happiness was changed to sadness, anger, unknowing and tears, all in a matter of minutes. A day that we celebrated my Mother's birthday is now a day that we mourn the loss of 3000 people; a moment i will never forget. It was a beautiful day... sunny and bright. It quickly turned black and dark. My heart was full of anger for the sick individuals that decided the fate of those innocent people that day.

Where were you when you heard? I was at work... in front of the TV in the Activities room.... I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to go home and hug my husband. Work was the last place I wanted to be, but I stayed. For most of the day, we were either watching TV or listening to the radio. For weeks, I could not pry myself away from the television. I am still drawn to the stories of that day.

I am one of the lucky ones. I didn't lose a loved one that day. There are families of 3000 people that can't say the same.

I would like to extend a special thank you to all the service men and women that are continuing to risk their lives for our freedom. I am proud to call my Dad a Marine, and I am proud to be an American.

Where were you....

2006-09-10T10:48:00.000-04:00

When the lights went out?

Well, here is a picture of us scrappy girls from last night's crop.

What? You don't see anything???? Well, THAT is because the LIGHTS WENT OUT!!!! Yup, that's right. We were planning on scrapping till the wee hours, but just around 8:00pm, the LIGHTS WENT OUT! We were searching through spiders and webs and stuff to get to the breaker box, which wasn't tripped..... so we just hung out in the dark for a while and finally left around 9:15ish. Did I happen to mention that the LIGHTS WENT OUT!!!!

Oh well, at least we got calzones, i mean, to see each other!

Off to scrap with my chicks!

2006-09-09T10:46:00.000-04:00

Saturday night's the night for scrapping, I guess.

I woke early and went right to my table.... I made a new creation. Will share later.... tee hee...

Anyway, I am now getting ready to work 2 demos at Michael's and then off to Amy's Crop Shop to scrap with my chicks! I am so excited for calzone's, I mean, to scrap with the best scrapping buddies anyone could ask for! (inside joke) There is nothing better in the world than good friends, good crafts and of course, good food; and the combination of all 3 together is just priceless! The best thing is, we are bound to find them all tonight! Hopefully I will bring my camera with me and we can get a group shot so I can post here later.

Have a great weekend everybody! Scrap the night away, I know I will be!

xoxoxo
Stacey

a blog challenge from STM....

2006-09-06T18:53:00.000-04:00

OK..... So I have been challenged by STM to post in my blog. The challenge is this....

If I were a T-Shirt slogan, which one would I be and why....

Here is my slogan for today.....

"IF YOU HAVE NOTHING NICE TO SAY, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL".
Why? Well, I think it is pretty self explanitory!

Prayers are needed for Mike's dad...... He is still in the ICU...He is pretty much in a "low sodium coma" but is slowly waking up and trying to communicate..... seems to be making progress very slowly.... I hate hospitals! Nothing good ever comes from being in the hospital, unless it is to have a baby.... and by the looks of things, that aint happening any time soon! I grew up watching my dad in the hospital constantly. I even did some candy striping at Sturdy in Jr. High..... hated every minute of it! I hate hospitals!

OK, Lynette, I updated my blog, now it's your turn!

A family that scraps together......

2006-08-21T19:43:00.000-04:00

...well, stays together.... Even when some of us are a whole country away.

It was such a thoughtful act. My Uncle Herbie that lives in San Jose, CA is out to visit the family for my grandfather's birthday. We are very lucky to be celebrating this birthday - last Christmas was very stressful for our family. Anyway, my Mother, my Aunt, Emily and I were planning on going to Auntie Debbie's house on Sunday to "scrap". Now when I say scrap, I mean more guide them on the steps to creating some cards..... It was rather comical at certain points of the day.

Now, everyone in my family knows how much a part of my life scrapbooking is and how important it is to me. Not a day goes by where I don't somehow interact with scrapbooking essentials. Well, to my surprise, when we finally got settled at Auntie Debbie's kitchen table, low and behold, Uncle Herbie sits down too. Our goal was to make a card for Bubba's birthday. Well, I am happy to report that we ALL, yes even Uncle Herbie, made a birthday card! Now, I just have to point out just how much that meant to me. So many people look at this hobby with questions - they just don't get it! And yet, here is my uncle that I don't get to see hardly ever, showing interest in what I do and wanting to learn about card making and rubberstamping! Amazing! Thank you, Uncle Herbie. I love that you did that for me, and I love you!

And now, I am off the the tv to watch FOX - The season premier of Prison Break! Oh yummy! I just LOVE this show! It has been way too long since it has been on!

Oh, and I found another great scrapbooking/photography gallery/message board. The people are way awesome and so supportive. (and they are looking for DT members!) Just thought you might like to know. Every Tuesday night they have an open chat. I'd love to see you register and join me. (get your refresh button finger ready!) Check it out and let me know what you think.

Well, my long weekend is officially over now. Back to work tomorrow...... Have a great week!

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

2006-08-17T21:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Little Man....

2006-08-07T21:37:00.000-04:00

Just thought I would do a really quick post today and share some photos of my God Son's birthday party.... Boy, where has the time gone????? Nolan and Grant - brothers, and my favorite boys on this earth!

Summer...

2006-08-05T10:25:00.000-04:00

I realized the other day that it is August! AUGUST, PEOPLE! Do you know what that means?!?!?!?! Summer is almost over! I can't stand it! No more camping, so more flowers, no more warm sunshine! The thought of having to deal with snow once again is enough to make me crazy. The good news is that we have to get through the short season of fall first. Next to summer, fall is my favorite. We always plan a trip up north to see the foliage for our anniversary. The crisp morning air of fall is very comforting to me. Being in the mountains of NH feels like home. Waking up and seeing snow on the tops of the mountains is beautiful. But.... I still hate the fact that summer is almost over.

Here are just a couple reasons why I love Summer so much.

Thunder Storms

2006-08-02T18:14:00.000-04:00

I love them. The louder, brighter, windier, the better! I don't know why really. Just love them. Hopefully this storm that is rolling in right now will cool things down a little. It was even a little warm for me today, but that didn't stop me from sitting outside at lunch..... I just LOVE summer! Everything about it! Especially the thunder storms!

Tuesday's......

2006-08-01T19:39:00.000-04:00

Nothing special about Tuesdays. It is just another day in my life. Not good, not bad. just another day. But today, Tuesday, was a little different for me. You see, it was my first day back to work from the weekend. I took a few days off so that we could go camping... a long weekend of sorts. It was a great time.

My weekend started on Thursday night this week. BON JOVI! Let me just say that this man is still a fine piece of man after all these years. Although the trek up to the concert from the parking lot of the End Zone left me dragging both feet in exhaustion the concert itself was amazing. I have always liked Bon Jovi. Not a huge fan, like Melissa that went with us, but I have always loved their music. I have to say, that after all these years, (since 1986) this group of men can still rock! I was very impressed with the show. He even made mention of our hometown hero's. "The brains of Belechick, The looks of Brady and the strength of Bruschi....." ugh. It just tugged at my heart strings and made the goose bumps appear!

Friday we headed off to CT for our weekend camping trip. We were not anticipating a very good weekend. Not only was the campground something to see, but we were camping alone (just the 3 of us... Our favorite camping family was in ARUBA instead of with us! The nerve! no Amy.... No Billy..... No Danielle..... No Lee...... Just US!) Emily was joining us for the 1st time in our new pop-up camper and I had visions of fighting and annoyances... but I must say that I was very wrong. She did very well for herself. Mike and Emily went up to the pool after we got settled in on Friday. That didn't last too long because there was a pretty bad lightning storm that came through. We made dinner and went to bed around 7:30! We were all so tired. On Saturday, we did a little shopping then they had fun at the pool while I read my book (the 5 people you meet in heaven..... a MUST read for sure!) Later on that night they had fun watching the other campers make fools of theirselves at Karakoe. I stayed and read some more. Made some smores and went to bed. Sunday was a full day because we went to the Paw Sox game. The best part was at the end... They let all the kids run the bases after the game. I hope I got some good pictures. We stopped for a Del's and then took Emily home from there. We stopped home for a quick shower and off again to CT for our last night. Played some cards.... and that was about it. I drove home with the camper for the first time.... Not such a big deal.....

And then today, Tuesday, back to work. Payroll day tomorrow....... Working at Michael's in Smithfield with Donna B. on Sunday for a scrapbooking festival with free make n' takes. Stop in and try the Xyron Design runner and lots of other great items!

Well, I am signing off for now. I don't have any pictures to share because my digital camera is giving me grief! Maybe next time!

Welcome home...

2006-07-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post today......

I get home at 5:00 from a long, hard day at work, get the mail, put my things down, fling my shoes off, get a drink of water, pet the kitty, pet the other kitty, quitely tip-toe into the bedroom to give Mike a "good morning" kiss, (because for him, it is morning....) I slowly and quietly open the door as to not startle him, and this is what I am greeted with! HA! I just had to grab my camera! He never knew I did it!

I know we drive each other crazy, but I do love this man!

Weekend over..... What now?

2006-07-23T21:13:00.000-04:00

Well, I can only reflect on my weekend right now, because I can't stand the thought of waking up at 5:30 in the morning to get ready for..... W-O-R-K...... Just can't do it.....

Friday night - date night. Mike and I actually had some alone time together. This is an unusual occurance for us. We went to Providence Place Mall. Took in a movie (You, Me and Dupree) and got some grub at Dave and Busters. The movie was pretty funny even though it got some not-so-great reviews. Dinner was good. Had something new.... Something I have never tried.... something in Mike's salad that HE didn't want to try. It was called hearts of palm. I have heard of it but never had it before. Not bad.... not good, but not bad.

Saturday was girlfriend day. I got to "work" with Donna at Michael's. Now, it wasn't so much work as it was playing. I got to use the Cricut (LOVE it! Soooooo much better than the Quickutz. Not as portable, but lots of other options. I hope this ends up somewhere in my house!) From there, we went to AC Moore in Warwick and then to the SB store in Pawtucket, which we missed by 1 hour! Who knew they closed at 2:00??? Anyway, here is something that I know she would never share, but I am proud of her and want everyone to see it! This was an article for the local RI paper, the Valley Breeze. Check it out if you are in RI any time soon. I found mine at The Ice Cream Machine (my favorite!) in Cumberland. Congrats Donna... No matter what you say, you will always be a star in my eyes! Donna, I had such a great time with you. Laughing, sharing, talking. I love you! Thanks for always supporting me!

Sunday we went to Slater Park for a cook-out that was put together by one of Mike's supervisors. His co-workers and their childred/grandchildren were invited. We had a great time there. Mike had a good time "playing" with the boys. Jimmy and Mike were the reigning horseshoe champions; a title Mike takes very seriously. Especially since he hasn't really played since he hurt his back. But he took a pill and was feeling fine, beating everyone that played against him. We went to Uno's for dinner. From there we came home and I sat at my table for a little while and did a page with some of the new things I got at AC Moore. It didn't come out good enough to share here.... sorry.

... And now, I sit at my computer with eyes glassing over from complete exhaustion. I don't know why I am so tired lately. It isn't like I am doing much. Maybe it is from all the fresh air I got today.

So, with that I will sign off. Have yourself a wonderful week. Long weekend for me.
Thursday is BonJovi and Nickelback. Friday we are off to Conneticut where we will be camping. Sunday is the PawSox game.... Home on Monday. Boy, another busy weekend..... What is a girl to do? Take pictures of course!

Is it Friday..... Again.....

2006-07-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

Here I go again. Wishing for Friday to come..... Wishing my life away..... I decided today that I want to win the lottery so that the bill collectors will stop calling and so that I can stay home and craft full time. I don't like going to work. I don't like it when people blame me for errors in their paychecks. I always tell them that 'YOU PAY YOURSELF... ONLY YOU CAN PUNCH YOURSELF IN AND OUT". They just don't listen. No one ever wants to admit that they are wrong and take responsibility for thier own actions. It is very tiring..... very.

Well, on a happier note, I did get a little scrapping done the last couple of nights. Here are 2 things that I have completed recently for my DT assignments for MPA. You can see the picures better at the MPA galleries. What do you think? This is a twist on the basket that we made at Amy's Stampin Up Crafty Girls last night. I changed my design to be just a plain square box and then put a handle on it. I thought it would make a cute gift bag.... Or just a cute "what do I do with it now" project. That is usually what happens to most of my projects. They end up on my shelf.... Sad really. All that heart and soul gone into them to only collect dust. See! i need to win the lottery so I can build a bigger house and have a studio where I can create AND display my work.... Ahhhh... and then I woke up!

Here is my other project. If you saw my previous post, you can tell just how excited I was to get picked for the MPA design team. Well, what is a scrapper to do? Take pictures and scrap it! Here is the Thank you layout that I did to showcase all the FREE goodies that were sent out to the DT members. Just had to do a page about it.

Ok, I will share one more project. This is a coupon holder that I got in the $1 bin at Michaels. I covered it with Paradise and added a couple little touches....

Well, I am getting a little tired of looking at a computer screen right now. I think I will sign off. But first I will leave you with a quote. Since I spent some time with some good friends last night, this goes out to them... I love you, girls!

~Friendship isn't a big thing - it is a million little things. Author Unknown~

Well, I guess I am a glutton....

2006-07-14T20:08:00.000-04:00

Hey! For punishment, I meant!

I actually applied to 2 more design teams. I don't know if I did it for the challenge, or if I did it because I really wanted it.... Both I think.

I don't want to give too much away... for fear that I might jinx myself.... but ..... I am really excited and crossing my fingers once again!

So, I got home from a long day at work and after receiving some very sad news from my mother......and on my front steps was a quite substantial package! (in the voice of Pepe' Le Pew... Por Moi???? Ahh, oui, oui! Are you SURE it is for moi? Contrair, mon frair..... or however you spell it....... IT IS! YIPPEE! I never get packages in the mail!!! This is just too exciting for words! At first I thought it might be the next circle journal that I am participating in.... but, non, non.... not so speedy... I slowly and delicately... TORE OPEN THE BOX....... and low and behold.... When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but an entire box of scrap goodies from FLAIR! (Hey, that kinda rhymed!.. think about it)... Look at all this AWESOME stuff..... And that's not all! Look at this one! Rub-on, people! I got rub-ons! Merry Freakin' Christmas to me! Unfortunately, I have now come down with a case of Scrap-phobia! I am afraid to cut it! I don't want to open any of the packages... I just want to take pictures of it! I am home alone tonight because Mike went into work early, so I have no excuses! I can sit at my table for as long as I wish without getting that evil eye, and I can't touch it! None of it. Can't do it.....

Can I just again say how wonderful I think MPA is? I mean, the really hooked me up! What a great paper line to start my DT assignments with. I have always liked Flair product, and I am awfully fond of one of the flair girls, who will remain anonymous at this moment in time.... OK, Donna Marie Cissio Bryant Durand, I mean DMCBD, I love you girl, but you knew that!!!! (See, DS, no one is safe! he he heeeeeeee) Anyway, I am really excited to be a part of this....I hope they like what I do............. (the goodies helped a lot too!) just JOKING!!!

Well, I wont bore you any more. Have to pack for our night away tomorrow. We are going to Gloucester for my nephew's birthday. Can't wait. I will have to take some pictures while I am at the beach for my new goodies.

Please say a little prayer for my mother's "significant other"... (boyfriend just sounds so... ugh.) We learned that his Dad passed away today. I love you Bruce and know that you are in my thoughts. I am here for you if you need me.

Have a great weekend everyone. It is going to be beautiful!

xoxoxox
Stacey

Well, can I just tell you....

2006-07-13T20:25:00.000-04:00

...I had the best time out with my girls last night! It is always so much fun when we get together. You know, there is a saying that I just love.... A true friend really know you, and loves you anyway. The only part that was missing was Amy. She was away in Salt Lake City, UT (the scrapbooking and stamping mecca of the WORLD......) for her Stampin' Up convention. It was really weird not having her there, but Danielle filled in for her, so it was a little better. I can't wait for her to get back and share all the new techniques with us! Oh, and can I just say too, that the raspberry margarita was ROCKIN'! If it was a Friday night, I would have had 2! Mmm, Mmm, good!

Anyway, A closet scrapper friend of mine, who will remain anonymous at this point in time, recently sent me an email that included a list of 45 things that bring comfort and joy. Ok, I can't remember the real title of the email, but comfort and joy seems to work here.... I decided that I would include my top 10 from that list. Are you ready? Are you sure? Ok. here I go...... These are the best feelings in the world... to me.

1. Laughing so hard your face hurts (yup, do this one ALOT!)
2. Spending some quiet, peaceful, non-talking, alone time with just my husband (don't do this enough)
3. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer
4. The beach - any season....
5. Laughing at yourself (I think I do this one every day, not because I want to, mind you)
6. Running through sprinklers and jumping in puddles (ok, I added the puddle thing)
7. Accidently overhearing someone saying something nice about you. (I'll let you know when this happens!)
8. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply (I love my Scottie hugs!)
9. Making new friends and spending time with old ones. (um, yeah, I think I covered that already)
and the #10 thing that is the best feeling in the world..... to me anyway, is..................................
10. Knowing you've done the right thing no matter what other people might think.

Taaaaa..... Daaaahhhhhhhhh! There, do you feel better? I know I do.

11. Ok, I just had to add one more...... anything CHOCOLATE! That REALLY makes me happy!

Thanks for the inspiration, Donna S...... I luv you, kid! Now get your ass out of that scrappers closet! We all know you rock!

Oh, and for those looking for some great message boards/galleries to brows, please go to MPA, because I will be one of the DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS (geeze, I still can't believe it! Breathe, breathe,....) for the next 3 months. Oh, you should go to Luv2 too. The ladies there are a real class act.

Here is a little picture of a visitor we had a little while ago. Don't worry, the slider was closed. But the dumb thing just sat there while I was flashing pictures all over the place. As you can see, Patches thought he was pretty cool too!

Well, until next time.... Enjoy the weekend. It is supposed to be beautiful in NewEngland.

Oh, and one more thing..... Drive fast and take chances!

Buh, byeeeee!

Pinch me!

2006-07-10T20:02:00.000-04:00

OK. This is the picture in my brain this morning when I saw the winners of the Mississippi Paper Arts Design Team members! Ok, so it is just a picture of the fireworks we saw this weekend at kid's day, but I really felt like this is what my brain was saying! I can't even begin to explain just how happy I am to be one of the winners! ... and I am in some good company too! Donna B got in too! I am so happy for us! I am on cloud 9. I am happy as a pig in s*&$..... I feel so happy, oh so happy,..... OK. I have my moments, but I am OK after a while. Anyway, i will keep you posted as to the progress of my newest assignment..... Just too cool!

Here is a picture of a class that I will be teaching at Michaels in August. Know what it is???? Come on, take a wild guess.... still no clue???? It is an AOL mailer! You know the boxes that they send out and they inevitably get thrown away??? Well, I have a collection of like 9 of them, so I decided to do a class with them. Tell me what you think, honestly, OK. I made some cards too. Here they are... The cards are hard to see, but the use the same paper. It is actually one of the ProvoCraft Slab's, the Rob and Bob Studio. I love the bright colors. Reminds me of Doodlebug.

Another weekend gone.....

2006-07-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

It always seems like I am wishing for the weekend and now that it is officially gone, because it is Sunday night already, I am looking forward to next weekend..... A vicious circle, I tell ya!

Spent some time with my friends on Saturday at Amy's open house. I am so lucky to have such great people in my life. I have been blessed with people in my life that mean the world to me. I truly wish we got together more often. However, when we do get together, it's like we start right where we left off last. That is a sign of true friendship. I love you girls!

Well, I will post some firework pictures later. Not sure how good they came out.... We had a great time at the parade though. Sat at Ocean Fresh parking lot right on the street. Mike and Em went to the fair afterwards and rode all the rides. I sat this one out this year. So glad they had fun together.

Mike finally bought a self-propelled lawn mower today. I have been telling him like FOREVER to bite the bullet and get one. He has always had his eye on a rider, but our wallet won't allow that. With the state of his back, it was really hard to walk and push the mower, and today it finally died anyway. It was like a sign.... So, needless to say, he was very happy for his new toy.

Well, it is 9:45pm and I have to wake up for w-o-r-k....... tomorrow..... Ugh..... I can't wait till the weekend!

2006-07-07T17:50:00.000-04:00

OK. So here I am on a Friday morning, at my desk, at work, in my office, typing an entry for my blog instead of WORKING! Can you say... FOCUSING PROBLEM! Ugh.... I am so not here today. Ok, well I am physically HERE, but definitely not MENTALLY here.....

I have a very busy weekend ahead of me.... First, tonight is the first night of Fireworks (a teaser, of sorts) at Kids Day. This is an annual event for North Attleboro... Instead of having our Independence Day celebration on the 4th, we incorporate a little "kids" fair, complete with rides, games, dough boys and blade meat sandwiches, and 2, 2, two days of fireworks. (I hear an echo!) Well, it actually started on Thursday night, but since I didn't go, I don't count that day! This is put on by the North Attleboro Fire Fighters every year and every year it is a great hit! Kids day has always been special to Mike and I. When we lived on Freeman St. we would have our annual cookout and walk to the field for the fireworks. .... And..... it is when Mike actually proposed to me! (insert giggle)... 8 years ago! Boy, that was a lot of years and a lot of beers ago! We will be married 7 years on October 2nd. Where has the time gone????

Saturday, we continue the Kids Day celebration with a fire truck parade in the morning... I love the parade, although they keep changing the route and it really pisses me off! ... and MORE fireworks at night! Woo hoo! Amy is having her Stampin Up! catalog release open house from 4 – 8 in Woonsocket, RI. Ugh! The new stuff is AWESOME! They even have chipboard now! I so need to win the lottery! I just want EVERYTHING! Click here to browse the new Stampin Up! catalog, and check out her art gallery while you are there too! It came out pretty good, if I do say so myself : )

Sunday, I am "working" at Michaels... Not sure what time or what exactly I am doing. Demo and samples, I think. Then, maybe, just maybe, take a ride to Hayward field for the Attleboro fireworks that were cancelled because of "RAIN" on the 4th (gee, big surprise there, huh?)

OK. Well, I should probably get back to work now. Let's see if I can post this and not get caught.... Ooooooo.... the drama!

Thought I should post a photo too... I am still learning here, so go easy with me.... I did the wedding canvas that I made, since i was talking about my proposal earlier.... Some of you have already seen this, so look away!

Have a great weekend everybody!

OK.... I'm very confused....

2006-07-05T20:04:00.000-04:00

Is it Monday or Wednesday???

Having a day off on Tuesday really threw me for a loop today. Other than the fact that it was payroll day at work, which I know is Wednesday, it felt like a Monday all day. I guess I should be happy that I only have 2 more days until the weekend and not 4!

I think it is funny that I started this blog. I don't have any funny things that happen to me that I can talk about. I don't have my own children that I can brag about. It is just me and my husband. Just the 2 of us. Boring, simple us. No one has been here. That is how boring I am. I am afraid to tell people that I have this blog. I am afraid that they would come here to find a witty, funny, bright story about this girl from Massachusetts that is completely addicted to scrapbooking and paper crafting, only to find that I am nothing.

Well, I thought I would brighten things up a bit by changing the color of my font.... Wooaaaaaa! (holding hand over my heart) Big step there, I know.

Anyway, our 4th of July was pretty mundane. (Big surprise for the boring girl!) We did some work around the yard. I planted my flower boxes finally. Went to Lowes to get a cheapo patio set that folds up and the chairs and umbrella store in itself. It was on sale for $98. When we got home i realized that it rang up at $68! What a bargain! The good girl in me said I should go back and tell them. The devil in me, which usually wins, said, Awwww, hell with it. The stupid shall be punished! After all the things around the house, we went to Kathy and Glenn's house to catch the fireworks in Bellingham. Had a great time with the boys. I just love them so much. Had some dogs and burgers and it started to pour! Needless to say, the fireworks were cancelled. We came home, got an ice cream and lit some sparklers instead. We made the best of it.

Well that's it for tonight. Looking forward to Kids day this weekend, Amy's open house and working at Michaels on Sunday. Very full weekend ahead for me!

buh bye!

Where has the day gone?

2006-07-01T16:06:00.000-04:00

I have been over Amy's house working on some Stampin' Up projects since 9:30 this morning. I JUST got home. I feel like I have done nothing all day. Helped her with her website. Check it out - it came out pretty cute... Amy's stampin up site and worked on some card samples for her display board. Got the new catalog too.... OMG! I so need to win the lottery!

Haven't had much time to work on my own stuff. I have been getting really distracted with TV at night lately. I sit down to work on something and that's it.... all creativity is GONE in a matter of seconds.

No Emily tonight. Not sure what we are doing yet.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July.......

There is a first time for everything....

2006-06-29T20:24:00.000-04:00

.... Even blogging!

OK - so I was beginning to feel a little left out of the loop here. Everywhere I go I see people that have their own blog. At first, i was like, OK. Why would I want to read about someone else's life, see pictures of people that I don't even know and what was going on in their lives when my life is so mundane and boring? Then... I said.... Why WOULDN'T I???? That is the reality TV addict in me. I guess I am just a little nosey by nature. I like to see what others have on their mind, see what creations they are up to, just being nosey, I guess.....

So here I am. This is my first "real" blog. Bear with me. This could be ugly.....

So, in the scrapbooking world, I have been trying to further my ambitions. Recently, I have submitted some of my work to try out for the Design Teams (DT) of CherryArte and Paper House Productions and scrappindeals.com. They are both really great lines of paper crafting merchandise and scrappindeals is a wonderful website that sells anything paper crafting. Well, good thing I didn't hold my breath too long, because I didn't make it. (this time.......... but my fingers are always crossed) Then, on one of the message boards that I frequent, I saw a posting that the website is looking for another DT member! So, after all the disappointment from the other 2, I was like, should I or shouldn't I? You know me, I am never one to give up THAT easy. So I did it. I submitted some of my work to Mississippi Paper Arts. Again, my fingers are crossed. You should see some of the talented work that is out there.... There are probably some names there that you know. I probably haven't got a shot in the dark, but I will keep taking that chance. Rome wasn't built in a day.... Patience is a virtue.... hold your horses????

Anyway, I guess that is it for today. Thanks for reading. I hope to be able to post some good news soon....... but then again, not holding my breath.

TTFN!
~Stacey~