Merry Christmas to me......

I know that is a little self serving but, I have not had any Christmas Spirt this year at all. I have been feeling sorry for myself because for me Christmas means family......and more that half of my family will not be here. I am excited for them with their own plans for their grown up lives but as their Mother, a small part of me wants them to be little again and have them excited about the tree, santa and church programs and all of the other things that go with Christmas. Also to see and hear that excitment is so contagious.





But, I did get to talk to Brayden & Kylie this week and did hear the excitment of them telling me what they want. (Yes, I will do anything possible to make sure they get it too! :). But the best Christmas present was going to my computer this morning and seeing a brand new picture of both of them together. Now you might not think this is too special, but it is the first time in 3 years that they have been able to catch both in them in a shot at a picture studio. I am sure you know what I am talking about-----usally one is crying or screaming the other is running around and refuses to sit still in the place you want them too for even a second. So we usually settle for individual shots. So that being said----Here are my wonderful Grand Children together in one picture.....

Merry Christmas..... now I need to go shopping!

justin timberlake and kermit

Just for Courtney :}

Havin Fun....At the Zoo

For Sure.....I am not the best photogopher, not even close. But, I so love capturing moments! I also like to play with the pictures and I love to scrap them. When Courtney brought her Brandon to meet us for thanksgiving we took over 500 pictures. Yep I love every single one of them even the blurry, what is it in that pic, photo. I mean it has to be something that was important at the moment or no one would have taken the time to shot it right? Also, My Courtney loves to goof off, so here is just a few that I would like to share:) These are from their trip to the World Famous San Diego Zoo.......PS....I did not go this day, so I am not the photogopher, but as stated before I had a great day making a edible fruit basket:}

You see Al can smile in a picture, of course they are riding the gondola at the Zoo and Courtney and him love being high and swinging. Now Matt & Brandon, not so much which really amused these two.

Self portrait fun of Courtney & Brandon.

Ok, just a little taste of how goofy Court is. She does fit in quite nicely at the Zoo, don't you think?

One of the many enterprisies named after my husband. This one is located in the middle of the Zoo.

I love it when my children will pose long enough while smiling for a photo (Matt & Court).

I will post more of our visit later..........because joy o joy I have lots of pictures!!!!!!

Later......

Creative Friends....

OK, I know this is totally out of order, but I still had to post it because it was so much fun. I had the best time making our own ediable fruit basket for the Thanksgiving Holiday with my two very creative friends---Margie & Cathy!! We met at Margie's house, Cathy brought all of the necessary fruit, and supplies and well I ran around getting a cookie cutter, lol.


I served mine Thanksgiving morning for our breakfast. It looked beautiful and Courtney even discovered that she liked blueberrys. Cathy told us she added some chocolate covered fruit with her arraignment, yummy.

Now if you look closely at the middle picture in the background you can see some flowers. Cathy arraigned these flowers for Margie and myself from flowers out of her garden. They were so fresh the centerpiece still looks nice with just a couple of wilted flowers that I just picked out of it today, that is 13 days since I received them...WoW.



I have the best friends........

And the rush is on....

This is the time of year that there seems to be a lot of hurry up and go, do, go, do and not much stopping to enjoy the festivities and soaking in the reason we have all the decorations, shopping, and a whole bunch of yummy food to make and buy and eat--LOL. So this year I will slow it down a little (mainly because my adorable little grandkids are not here to show me and infect me with their excitment). I want to hear the stories of the people I come in contact with and really listen. I want to smell and really enjoy the aroma of the baked goods the candles and fresh pine. I love all of the stories of Jesus and the celebration of his birth. I want to celebrate Family, Friends and life. This seems like a perfect time to be a little kinder, love a lot more and live with joy.

My good friend Margie let me borrow one of her cake pans, so today in our wonderful rain fall that we needed so badly I baked a homemade (from scratch) cake. The house smells oh so good. I did not trim the layers so they are sitting a little lopsided, but it still looks yummy. In case you can't tell it is a giant cupcake--it is really cute. Margie's was cuter but I still love the way mine looks. The Wilton cake came with a great recipe for a Chocolate Pound Cake that taste way better than this photo looks. It would look great as bundt cake too!


2 teaspoons instant coffee
1/2 cup boinling water
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teasooon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups butter, softned
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup fimly packed brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour or use pan spray with flour to prepare pan. In small bowl, dissolve instant coffee in water; stir in cocoa powder and mix well. Set aside to cool.
Stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, set aside. In large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla; mix well. Combine cocoa mixture and sour cream. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream mixture, beating after each addition until smooth. Flold in chocolate chips.
Bake 60 - 70 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 15 mins. Turn cake over onto wire rake to cool completely.


PS---I did not have any mini chocolate chips but I did have the rasberry flavor chips that I put a cup of into cake. The reamaining chips I Melted 45 seconds in Microwave then added Two Tablespoons of ready made icing to it for the filling. I then iced the cake with remaining tub of icing. This tasted great.
This cake would be fine with just a dusting of powder sugar over the top. Hope you try this in your house, I know you will love it

Happy Holidays......

Thankful......

There's No Place Like Home......

Wow, It has been a a really crazy, weird month. First Off--It really saddens me that Jeb's Mother and Grandmother lost their homes in the San Diego Fire. When the fire's first started Al said he had a feelin that this was going to be a bad one. There has been very little rain so everything is so dry!! Then the wind gust got over 80-90mph. You hear some fireman tales that the fire was moving over 50mph at it's worst.

When Al & I realized that this was going to be bad for so many....we also knew we were not really prepared for a full scale evacuation ourselfs. What do you take? How long to you have to pack? We do now have all the "important" papers in one place---I don't think I could really grab all of our pictures, but I could get most of them. But then I think of Jeb's Mom---she was away on a short trip---certainly could not grab anything, could she.

All of this really got me thinking---What is home, What did I crave during this stressful time?
I just wanted my family all together--so I called them all and told them what to do or where to call if needed. That is home to me, just knowing they are all safe. Ok--with that plan in play, and Al working long, long, hours ---You would think that I would have loads of time to organize and clean and make things pretty in our house----But no. At the dwelling we call home, I was glued to the TV, getting more and more depressed. So, I headed to My Local Scrapbook Store (It's About Time...). I always find peace and love there, no not from the paper, but from the people there. What a great place just to chill and do something I love---Talk and Create. Poor Amy, Lisa, and Mel, they got stuck with me because I don't have to call ahead and see if they are up for Company. And I do feel at home there. There you go---I have another place I call home! And of Course---where ever my Mom is, that is my home too! I also have a place on the internet a home of sorts because I love all of those people too. That is TallyScrappers, I always have that warm cozy feeling there. I know sounds strange but I truly feel love there. I also have to say that because of my LSS, I have truly met some of the nicest people that I believe I will have for a good long time. They are my home too!

So I have to say, no matter where I lay down to sleep that I will always have a home. Home to me is not just a roof over my head, but much more!

I am so Thankful for my Husband, Children, My Mom, My Sisters and My friends who always welcome me home! Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayer for All....

This is one of those times that I wish I could hug & kiss all of those that I love!! These Fires are going crazy. Anyone that knows me, knows this is one of my worst fears. Now there are fires that are threatening people I know & care for.

All of Chris & Jebs families in Ramona have been evacuated, with one of them seeing fire close to their home when they left. We do not know at this time if any of their homes have been caught up in this fire storm, if not they do have neighbors that are. Prayers are needed for all.

Al & I slept very little last night just glued to the information coming from the one San Diego station we get here in Temecula. We have found out that another fire close to Cal State San Marcos has started about 2AM and they have now called for evacuation for Several communities (3800 homes) in that area. They have closed a major freeway (15, the bridge over Lake Hodges) that is going to affect so many people. Now, Al called from his work and said there is a fire at Rainbow, which is just S. of Temecula. That is only about 8 miles from our house. He is not sure that he can come home, because of road closure and wanted to make sure I knew where the important stuff we need is, and to make sure I have gas in car. Wow, It is better to be prepared that not. It is crazy!

The wind gust are up to hurricane speeds (74 mph and up) in some areas. They are about 20 -40 mph in most areas. They did not die down very much though the night, like they do usually.

Ours thoughts and prayers are extended to all.....

Mothers job: You know I have said I am way far from being a good mother. But, I try. What I done wrong I try to fix. It seemed I would say wrong thing at wrong time, or not really understand what my child was going though because i would let all of the bothersome day to day things get in the way of me paying attention to one of the kids. But, though it all, I have the most wonderful kids ever in spite of my shortcomings. They bring great joy to me everyday, I love them so..

On that note, my friend Shirley brought to my attention a really funny video on things moms say to their children. After watching it and laughing I guess I did say and do a lot of things like other Moms.....enjoy------ http://www.viralvideochart.com/youtube/william_tell_overture?id=anSpBUxsgAU

Rain Kisses......

Kimberly was a beautiful bride!!! Kim is my niece from my youngest sister. She was married in August in Denver at a beautiful location. My sister posted this picture on our Family web site. It touched me so. For one the picture is stunning, for the other----she wrote the sweetest thing-----

"Isn't this beautiful? The sparkles is the rain falling--Kim described the rain as "kisses from her dad!" So sweet . .. "

Not only was I teary eyed from the beautiful picture but ===come on kisses from heaven!!!! I know John was missed but he was remembered in a wonderful way! I knew that the Paintable Prima Paper would be perfect for this photo! Loved doing this one, I used water colored pencils, very fun!

By the way----OMGosh, you should see all the photo's this couple have to choose from their wedding. They are all so gorgeous I could not choose. Congradulations to Kim & Josh!!! Sorry we could not attend. Love you.....

Anyway......

Sister's

The best thing about making scrapbook pages with pictures from your childhood and from your extended family is getting in touch with long ago memories. Also some with the stories told to you about your extended family---where you come from.

These pictures represent my childhood. I love them. I so remember parts of this time in my life. I am wearing my favorite childhood dress (I am so glad my parents got a picture of me in it). The dress was brown with a silly little primary colored clown. I would have worn this dress every day.

The funny thing looking at these pictures is my knees. Man I hated my knees as a young thin kid growing up. Even at a thin or normal weight, I have this awful fat pocket right at the knee. My knee alway looked gigantic. We always tease my mom about our bangs and our hair cut. But, I guess we just did not know how to sit still during the scissor sessions. I must have moved around a lot---there are pretty crooked. But look at my sister Pam, she is stylin. She has the cute little crop pant (I wonder if they were called clam diggers, or what then???, must ask Mom). She has the cute little polo shirt, but I wonder why it is buttoned all the way up? Did every one button polos all the way up. Now days that look a little stuffy, you usually have at least one button undone.

I know us women have come a long way since the early 60's. We can make choices like to be a working mom or if possible not and other things like most homes have two cars etc. But I have to say the whole non electonic, slower pace was a good time to grow up.

Ahhh....memories

Anyway.......

My Baby is Engaged.....

Courtney got engaged to Brandon a few weeks ago. We have not met him yet, but can not wait to do so. She is so excited! Chris took some pictures so that we may see them together. I did do a scrap page of the great pics Chris took. The pages are really cute but my photo of them is not very good this time.

anyway.....

Just Frustrated....

My day to whin :{

I have lots of chores to do, don't want to do them!
I have a phone call to make that I dread!
I have to plan dinner, do not feel up to it! Blah, seems I serve the same ole thing all the time.
I have some great pictures to Scrap, but can't seem to settle on what stuff to use to do it!
I have to wash car, grocery shop, pay bills----but have to wait until payday!
I have to finish cleaning the office/scrap/spare room/den (all one space, lol)! the bad thing is I started it 3 week ago.
Must shake off this feeling that has come over me. I must be careful or not feel overwhelmed or nothing will get done.

Ok, I feel better now----must get to work...........Later

Just checking though a few of my favorite blogs and came upon Stacy Julian's today, that spoke to me . She had a couple of quotes that sometimes I need to hear. I love to read quotes! I also love to read hallmark cards and short uplifting stories that you can find in the Chicken Soup books. (note to self: Look for the stories of scrapbookers, tee hee----Gotta have it)



realize how good you really are.
[Og Mandino]

I am larger, better than I thought.
I did not know I held so much goodness.

[Walt Whitman]


I really love things like this that seem to be speaking to you at that moment. I guess if you know me you will understand, if you don't then you just got another peak into the real me. Anyway....

Big Bear Lake CA

HI, Family-----Just wanted you see our get-a-way to Big Bear. It might be far for most of you, but way worth it. If not next year, maybe for a future family trip! I think that this was the most relaxing trip that Al and I have ever done. While there I thought "what a great place for a family reunion". I was thinking my 5 plus their family. But it would be great for all of my family. You guys would love, love, love it---but the travel would not be great. From Carlsbad you would go to Phoenix and take the 10 to CA and exit in San Bernadino (so probaly a little less than 5 hrs from Phoenix). Our house is just a little less that 6 hours to Phoenix. That should give you good idea. anyway......

Rock & Roll

Just had a 4.7 earthquack about 8 miles NNW of Lake Elsinore. I knew as soon as I felt it, I had better look for my phone, because my daughter Amy would be calling. She is terrified and fasinated with them and keeps the earthquake center on her list of favs on her computer. Yep, by the time I had located phone, she had called twice! She was fine but is nervous to sleep today (she works nights). Anyway......

.....Give it a Try

Well, I set up this blog so I could leave comments on other blogs. But I think I will try to post here a little more often. Hope it is not to boring, hee, hee.

This weekend has been so Hot--yesterday our temp. gage said 113 and it is very humid too. For the first time this year we ran our air conditioner all night. We have just been staying in and eating cool/cold foods with lot to drink. Al and Matt have been watching sports (first day of college football) all day so I thought I would try to scrap.

I Love this picture of Kylie. Such a silly face. Chris says she loves to play with the photobook on their Mac. This is one of those overlays that really just does the whole layout.

When Chris and family came for a visit in July they were able to make a trip to the beach. These shots gave me a perfect excuse to use this Rusty Pickle paper. One of my favs.

I really like this shot that Chris took of the kids on their Birthday bikes. It just brought to my mind that they are so little for just a short amount of time, then they are gone.....

Ok, here are two of the most wonderful kids on earth. Chris took the picture, but since they are in it together (which is hard to do) I decided to post it. I way love this picture so much, I scrapped it on a page all by itself. The picture pretty much took up the whole 12x12 page. I know, you do not have to tell me, they are the cutest ever......more later!

Just to get Started.......

Ok, I loved Chris's blog and thought I could do that, maybe. Sometimes I am not good at keeping up but I will try. I think it is a good way to keep up with happenings when your family is spread out, different than myfamily.com. Here is a picture of my family that was taken on Christines & Jebs Wedding day (5 years ago almost exactly). Of course this is before two of the most wonderful and beautiful kids ever had blessed our lives. People always told me Grandkids are the best things ever. My imagination was never as wonderful as living in the moment with them.

So this is my beginning. I am just getting started, more to follow.