some Friday eye candy

I couldn't resist this...

Jenni Bowlin's May kit. So pretty. I had to have it!

So wishing I could go here. Scrapbooking and Hawaii...what could be better??

Really wanting to get my hands on some of this yummy fabric from Heather Bailey...

not sure what I'd do with it. And it's a bit pricey. But it's so pretty that it makes me want to learn more about sewing than just the basics :)

And I so wish October Afternoon would get this out soon...

And they've teased us with it for long enough! I want me some Cherry Hill!!!

Ok, that's enough eye candy for now. Back to your lives people ;)


oh, and one final thing to all the Survivor fans out there....SO glad Coach is GONE!!! I mean, seriously, the guy's ego was taking up too much of my tv!!

Today Show - Miss America Controversy (4/21/09)

I'm sure most of you have heard about the Miss USA pageant controversy. I am absolutely floored at this "judge" (and I use that term very loosely) and his comments about Miss California.

First of all, that question was out of line, plain and simple.

But...

Since when in America are we not entitled to our opinions?

Since when in America are we not entitled to stand up for our beliefs?

I'm sure Mr. Hilton feels that it is his right to stand up for his "beliefs" (whatever those may be). So why can't anyone else? Just because they don't agree with his??

I think it is SO great that Miss California has stood up for her beliefs, her morals and her faith. That she didn't waver. That she realized that this was a test from God on whether or not she succumb to pressure or stand up for what she believed in. Good for her.

And Mr. Hilton, the names that you called her simply because she didn't agree with you show just exactly what kind of person you are. There is no "perfect" Miss USA Mr. Hilton.

I think she passed with flying colors, don't you?? I wish more people were like her.

What a difference a week can make, DWTS and a video

Ok, first off, Dancing With The Stars. I missed part of the beginning putting the kiddos to bed. But I was SO excited to see Melissa!!!! (from The Bachelor) Definitely a good choice for a fill-in. Jason eat your heart out! Makes you believe that some things really do happen for a reason. Had The Bachelor not ended the way it did, do you think she would've been picked for DWTS?? Probably not. But I'm so glad she was!

And, Ty (the cowboy), how cute was he?? I mean, you could tell he was SO nervous to dance and even though he wasn't technically that good, it was still fun to watch him cause you could tell he had fun. And Julianne and her boyfriend, could they be any cuter? Steve (the Apple guy), oh that was just painful to watch...And Gilles, what can you say about him. He's just yummy ;)

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And what is up with the weather??

In just 1 week we went from this

to this
From 30s/40s to 70s/80s. So strange. But I'll take the flip-flops weather any day! Now I just need to repaint my toenails :)

And I'll leave you with a quick video I took of my daughter's hip hop class last night. Not sure how I feel about the music but I'm just not gonna think about it. Now, keep in mind, she's only been in this class a few weeks. And this particular routine they had just learned yesterday. So, well, they're still workin' on it. But clearly my daughter has spunk and energy and is really into the class!! (she's the one with the yellow shirt & black skort) Enjoy ;)

ugh, would they just go away already!!

I was in Target today...because we literally ran out of toilet paper

Sorry kids, no more going potty today! Just hold it!

...anyway, as I was checking out I saw the latest People magazine and our favorite Bachelor is on the cover. Honestly, do we really want to reward him?? And then there was the Octomom a few weeks back. Don't even get me started on that one. Now I'm sure People pays for their interviews.

Yeah, I didn't buy it...just out of spite ;)

By the way, I have pics from my trip to Atlanta and some other stuff that I'll share in a separate post,

why did I stay up for that?

Yep, I stayed up for the ATFR part 2. Why? I don't know. Glutton for punishment I suppose. They didn't say anything new, no new revelations. I already pretty much knew what they were going to show from Reality Steve. They spent half the hour showing clips. Clips, by the way, that we just saw the night before. BORing. I get it that he screwed up. But for once it would be nice to hear him say that. Rather than "I hate that I had to hurt her BUT I had to follow my heart"

Yeah, whatever.

And whether or not Jason or Molly were in on the whole "shocking end" we'll never know.

And even though Jillian, who I really like, is going to be the next Bachelorette, I probably won't watch. This whole scam, I mean show, has really just lost the appeal for me. So I'll stick to Supernatural, and Smallville, and maybe that new Castle show next week. I still love Survivor but that's more for the challenges. Those are always fun to watch.

On to better stuff...

what a letdown...

4 words...


The Bachelor finale sucked


Sorry, but there's just no better words for it. I mean, the actual finale was good. Melissa's reaction was just priceless. I loved it!!! Oh, and the whole Deanna thing, can you say "set up"??? I mean, come on. It takes like a whole day to fly to New Zealand. And I'm sure she didn't get there on her own dime. The show couldn't have given him a heads up?? And then her half-hearted attempt to get him back?? So lame.

But the whole "After the final rose" part was just awful to watch. First of all, you don't break up with someone on national tv. He couldn't have given her a heads up ahead of time?? And for him to say he fell in love with 2 people, quite honestly, I think is kind of a crock. I'm not saying that it's not possible, but I mean, if he truly loved both of them, he wouldn't want to let Melissa go so easily. And if he loved Molly that much, then why didn't he propose to her?? Melissa has to be feeling quite humiliated at this point. Wouldn't you?? Yep, not a fan of Jason anymore. There's nothing more unattractive than a guy who's so wishy-washy and doesn't know what he wants. And it makes you wonder if part of this was set up. I couldn't quite tell. I know there's been rumors that the show put him up to this. And if he did that then he's an even bigger shmuck.

And there's another "After the final rose" tonight?

Part 2??

What else could have happened??

Didn't that one just happen?

Maybe Molly and Jason are engaged. Who knows.

Even my husband was disgusted the last hour. Even he was surprised that that happened. I don't think I'm gonna watch this show anymore. I've kinda lost interest.

Boy what a letdown.

I think I'll stick with my fantasy world. Edward would never do that :)

What????

Molly didn't go home?? (from The Bachelor for those of you that aren't obsessed!) Totally didn't see that one coming, especially after the overnight dates. I thought Jillian was for sure going to the last step. I bet she thought so, too. Man, that was just cruel!! I just don't see it with Molly. Do you?? Nope, I'm betting on Melissa.

Oh, and as if I didn't need any more shows to be addicted to, the new season of Survivor started last week. Boy that Sandi is a hoot, isn't she?? Can't believe they didn't send her home. But I've stopped trying to figure out why people do what they do on that show. I just love watching the challenges more than anything on that show.

Aside from tv, I've finished reading all 4 books from the Twilight series. I'm *totally* addicted. My husband doesn't get it. I think I'd get less crap from him if I started drinking!! lol

Nothing scrappy to share in this post. In a funk. Can't get out. Maybe cause the kids were a bit sick over the weekend and they've been home yesterday and today for winter break. I've just felt so tired the last few days. Tomorrow is back to "normal" for the most part. Plus, my scrap room is a mess so that just adds to the "non-inspired" feeling. Gotta fix that...soon!

Goodbye Jon & Kate

Ok, several of you asked for this! Who knew you were all sitting on pins and needles waiting for me to post my rant!! (well, all 2 of you! lol)

So here goes...

I used to be a huge fan of the show Jon & Kate plus 8. I mean, who wouldn't love those adorable kiddos?? I know everyone judges Kate for how she is to husband. And yes, she goes overboard at times. But haven't we all been a bad parent or spouse from time to time? I know I have. The big difference (one of many) between Kate and I is that I recognize my mistakes. When I've acted out or said something I shouldn't have to my kids, I've always apologized. Kate justifies her behavior which is ten times worse. The whole "gum episode" had me in tears. Why would you threaten to take away a child's security toy/stuffed animal and act like you don't care? "Too bad!" you said as your child is crying for his beloved toy.

What else bothers me? The whole potty training episodes. That is so NOT for public view. I'm sure the kids will enjoy their friends being able to download them pooping on the potty when they're 16 years old. Won't that be fun! Then they alienated their family. You know, this same family who watched all 8 of your children so you could have a date night or to New York to get hair transplant surgery. Oh, and did I mention that your kids were sick at the time as well as their own 4 kids. Not too many people, even family, would do that. But yet we don't see them anymore. Hmmm....

Then we start hearing about "love offerings" at churches. And did you hear about their new house? Their million dollar house. Oh, and don't let me forget to mention the new condo in Utah. Yeah, they're struggling. Well, that's what they'd lead you to believe. It bums me out. I really liked them in the beginning. If you watch the early episodes, you see how they used to be. You know, before all the money and "fame". I liked getting a chance to see into a house of 8 kids, all age 6 and under. How do they do it? How can they afford it? How do they shop? Well, now they do it with a nanny, housekeeper, landscaper, personal chef etc. You get the idea (this was all in the Good Housekeeping article). And don't get me started on the whole privacy issue with the kids and having the cameras in their house 4-5 times a week. Yes, they've said the cameras are in their house that often. Where's the "down" time for the kids? Do they ever just get to enjoy being a kid in their own home without cameras watching their every move...including your sister kicking you repeatedly while a cameraman keeps the tape rolling, and does nothing. What is that teaching these children? It would teach me that I'm alone and there's no one to stick up for me.

And after watching the latest episode with the new house I am just thoroughly disgusted with Kate. Kate, is it possible for you to NOT be a witch when talking to your kids? I mean, to tell your children that they are *never* allowed in your bedroom? I understand telling them they need to "knock before entering". We all have those issues with our kids. I have long forgotten the days of privacy while in the bathroom, in the shower, etc. But to say they they are not to *ever* come in there is just ridiculous, as if they're already being scolded for something they haven't done yet. What if they have a nightmare? What if they're scared (as they probably will be in that GI-normous house? What if they just want mommy or daddy? Well, daddy anyway. Great mothering there Kate. You're all soft and cuddly, aren't ya?

And how many "love offerings" paid for this house? You know, the ones you accepted from thousands upon thousands of guests at your speaking engagements that thought you guys were pinching pennies?

What you fail to realize is that your show was successful because of your kids, not you, not your husband. And it's those children that paid for your lovely house. And now that you have all the money you could possibly want, they just seem like a nuisance to you.

You don't seem grateful for all the people that helped you SO much in those first few years. You don't seem thankful at all. In fact, the 2 of you act as if you deserve everything you have. Remember Kate, when one of your daughters asked if the new house was expensive you said "yes, that's why mommy and daddy work". Wow, really? I didn't realize that neglecting and exploiting your kids was considered "work". Hmmm, I'll have to look that one up. The guidance counselors in high school never told me about that one.

And you're supposed to be a role model for the rest of us moms? No thanks. Nope, not what I signed up to watch. Jon & Kate, you disappoint me. You've taken a lovely snapshot into your lives and turned it into a circus at the expense of your children.

So you just lost a loyal viewer.
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As a side note, there was a comment on a blog I read about the Gosselins that stated exactly what I was thinking:

Last night's episode was the last straw for me. What started out as a show about the day to day lives of a large and adorable family has turned into a pathetic and sickening weekly display of greed, excess, and distorted sense of entitlement.

Kate's rant about the master bedroom was cruel and beyond bizarre. I can only imagine those children on the first night in that enormous new house, frightened by the unfamiliar, but even more frightened to knock on their parents' bedroom door for some reassurance.

Kate harped on about how their bedroom in the old house had turned into a TV room, playroom, etc. where the kids frequently gathered. It makes sick sense now that she plopped poor sick little Joel on the laundry room floor - she didn't want him invading her private space and surely resented Jon when he scooped the little guy up and took him to the master bedroom to watch TV when he was sick.

I'm certain the former owner of the new Gosselin house created a beautiful home when they lived there. Last night, however, with Kate's shrill voice echoing from one empty room to another, it seemed like something out of The Shining.

I've had it with Kate's whining when she should be full of gratitude. I'm sick of seeing sweet little Cara and poor little Mady treated like outsiders in their own family. I've had enough of seeing innocent and trusting four year-olds divided into categories - 'Icky Boys', 'Girls who are 'Disturbers'', and 'Girls who are Mommy's Helper' and must be favored over others. I'm fed up with Jon's simmering quiet desperation when Kate scolds him like her ninth child. In fact, I'm sick of the whole thing and am pleased to inform TLC, Figure Eight, and the Jon and Kate gravy train that my Monday nights will now be devoted to something more spiritually uplifting than watching the self-esteem of eight beautiful children crumble before my eyes.

One day the Gosselin children will be adults and they will ask their parents why they let this happen to them. They may also ask the viewing public, who were once so enamoured with this family, how they could continue to watch this happen to them. Out of respect for Cara, Mady, Hannah, Alexis, Leah, Aeden, Collin, and Joel I for one will not continue to support this sad mess by tuning in. Good bye Jon and Kate.

may the force be with you

The birthday party was a success. The kids seemed to have so much fun! When they turned out all the lights and the black lights came on...along with louder music...I was actually a bit jealous that I wasn't bowling, too! One of the moms (who was Olivia's preschool teacher 2 yrs ago) told me that we've created a monster cause her daughter had so much fun!!

It was really hard to get any good pics because it was so dark, but you can kinda get the idea here

This is a quick little video I took of Ben


Cool, huh?? (excuse my "yelling"...it was loud in there!) My kids thought it was so cool that their clothes were glowing!!

And the cake was a hit. Ben *loved* it which is all that I cared about. And what's funny is that 2 of the dads immediately knew what it was. I lifted the top off and they said "Star Wars Episode 3?" Yep!!! Here's a couple pictures. Keep in mind, I am SO the amateur when it comes to cakes!! (one of these days I'm gonna take a class so I can *actually* know what I'm doing!)

And the kids got to sign a bowling pin that Ben got to take home :)

That's it for now. Oh, and Virginia, I promise to post my rant about J&K+8 this week :)

And as for The Bachelor, is it me or was the episode last night a bit deflating?? Or maybe it's cause I've been totally enthralled with the Twilight series that "reality" doesn't seem as exciting anymore! It just seemed like there wasn't a whole lot exciting about the show. We all knew most of what was coming. And I could see that Naomi was going home. I just didn't see them together. My guess is that it'll be down to Jillian and Melissa. Things seem a little fizzled with Molly. I mean, she walked up to him so casually the first time she saw him in her hometown. C'mon girl, aren't you excited??!!!

this and that

Not much to "report" here.

We've been busy with dr appts and stuff. Ben's 5 yr check yesterday was stressful to say the least.

I'm still trying to figure out what to make for the kids' Valentines for next week.

Nothing too exciting to report in the way of funny comments from my husband with regard to The Bachelor the other night. Although, during one of the commercials I went in the kitchen to get something to eat and I hear him yell "Oh my gosh, I can't believe he did that!!!" Of course, I come running out "WHAT??" and he says to me "just kidding!". I tell ya, I wonder sometimes if he should be watching with me! lol It was another good show. I wasn't surprised to see Stephanie go home. She's so sweet but just doesn't seem like his type. I'm rooting for Melissa, although all the girls that are left seem nice. Molly and Naomi just seem too young emotionally. The other girl, who's name is escaping me at the moment (the one from Canada, eh!) seems more his type than those 2. So I'm thinking her or Melissa. Like he's taking my advice!!

The last 2 days I've been totally obsessed with this:
I know, I'm probably the last person on the planet to start reading this but hey, better late than never! I started reading it 2 days ago and I'm halfway through already. I just can't seem to put it down! I now see what all the hype is about.

I just got an email about a great program called Chemo Angels. How neat! Click on the name to read about it. Such a great program!

And have you been reading blogs about CHA?? Holy cow, lots of neat new stuff coming out!!!

Tonight is Smallville and Supernatural. Yep, the kids will be in bed by 7:45pm!

favorite commercials from the Superbowl

In case you missed them (or want to laugh again), I thought I'd share some of my favorite commercials from yesterday

I always find these commercials funny



You gotta love a good animal commercial :)





This had me cracking up!



And, of course, my kids' favorite. Yes, shameless butt scanning will get my kids laughing each and every time!



Although, I think if we go see that movie I might have to cough really loud during the "code brown" part. Yeah....don't want my kids saying that!

There were, of course, other funny commercials like the Pedigree & Mr. Potatohead ads along with others.

happy Saturday :)

As usual, it was a pretty lazy day here. I was up til about 3:30am this morning scrappin'. Like I said in the last post, Friday nights are the only night I can stay up late. I was able to sleep in a little, but not nearly as much as I wanted to. I'm really looking forward to winter break in 2 weeks. I know we only get 2 days off but that's 2 days when we get to sleep in and don't have to be anywhere!

Anyway, while the hubster was outside chopping up the tree that came down a week ago, I sat and scrapped while my son played on the computer. It was really fun being in here with him. He's such a computer nut! Amazing what these little ones can pick up...and how fast! My daughter was busy cleaning her room after we moved her bed around to try and give her some more floor space to play. Unfortunately, her room is the one stuck with the double bed for company. However, I'm really reconsidering that since we only have company about 2-3 times a year. Just not fair for her to give up that kind of space for such limited company.

I managed to get my 20 layouts uploaded to Two Peas to get my $20 credit. Yippee!! Since I can't really buy scrappy stuff right now (saving my pennies!) that'll come in handy.

BTW, just got done watching my last episode of Jon & Kate plus 8. I say last because her behavior has just become disgusting to watch. I can't even believe that she's supposed to be some kind of roll model for the rest of us lowly moms who only have a couple kids. Whatever. I may have to post a separate post about that. Y'all know how I have to voice my opinions! I've never been known for keeping my mouth shut! lol

Anyway, here's a few of my favorite layouts I did last night. I dug into my kids' baby pics. Oh how they make me smile!!
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This was one of my absolute favorite outfits when Olivia was a baby. She was only 4 mos old in this photo. Yep, she was a chubster!

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Another cute picture of Olivia. What can I say, she rocked the baby hats!! Oh, and the shades to match, too!

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As you can see, I put hats on her a lot ;)

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Ok, finally, a picture with no hats! lol Yes she's sleeping. Yes, there's food all over her face. Yes, she nodded off in the middle of eating!

And no, I'm not playing favorites. I did some layouts of my son. I just have more pictures to catch up on with Olivia than I do for Ben.

That's it for now. I'll share some more on Monday. Tomorrow we're going to a Superbowl party. A couple from church called us this afternoon and invited us over. Apparently they put a big movie screen out in the backyard and everyone sits outside watching the game. Should be fun! I still can't get over doing stuff like that. Hey, I grew up in the north. You know, where it's cold and snowy in February!

Ok, I need to catch up on some sleep tonight if I'm gonna stay awake at church tomorrow...

Why you don't watch The Bachelor with your husband

...because you'll hear comments like these

Ok, she's just a stalker

Are we gonna be able to hear them slurping in the tent?

They haven't even kissed yet?

Now, which one was the one with the nice rack?

Hubby: When's the bathing suit competition?
Me: Oh, he already saw them in their bathing suits on the first episode
Hubby: But I didn't get to see it!

Yeah, that's what every guys wants, is to be told what to do.

She needs to go home.

When do I get to sign up for The Bachelor?

She's a NUT!

Ok, that dress is awful! It's so frumpy looking.
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He stayed up and watched the whole thing, all 2 hours of the show. He's gotta get some credit for that! Yep, I love your comments sweetie. They always crack me up!!

A good episode this week. Now that we've weeded out all the loopy girls it should get pretty interesting!

work in progress

Still working on my scrap room. The room has been painted and most of my stuff is moved back in and getting organized. Just a few things here and there to finish up. Didn't get a whole lot done today since it was the last day of Christmas vacation. So I took the kids out for the afternoon. Then after they went to bed I was planted in front of the tv for the new season of The Bachelor. Yes, I admit it, I watch. But come on, who can't watch this season? Jason's such a cutie. Then again, I'm a sucker for a good looking guy with dark hair...if you've seen my husband then you already know that :) Should be an interesting season. There's always a few characters on that show!

Back to my room, I'm almost done. I'm hoping to finish up some stuff over the next day or 2 and share pics with you. I'm very excited! It's so nice to have a freshly painted room, don't ya think?? Makes me want to stay in here all day (not that I need a reason to stay in here all day!! lol) I'm getting everything organized and in it's place ~ FOR GOOD this time! It's so hard for me to stay organized in here. Not because I'm not an organized person, but because I don't have enough places to put my things. I mean, I'm organizing my room on a budget of, umm, $0. Not to mention my room is small. So I have to use what I have including snatching a bookshelf from my son's room or using an old table my husband made years ago. Hey, it works. We can't all have a dream room. But it's mine and I love it!

I'll share one thing with you. This is what I'm working on right now....

I'll share more pics/details of my room when it's all finished :)

As usual, I've stayed up way too late. And with the kids going back to school tomorrow 6:30am is going to come way too fast!

Bob won!!!!

Ok, if you don't watch Survivor then you have no idea what I'm talking about! I don't think I've ever thought the winner of Survivor was more deserving than Bob. It's nice to see good guys win!

Woohoo!!