Quiet Morning

Gosh, I didn't realize that it had been so long since I had written. My "me time" has been slim to none lately, but it is quiet now. Jay and Christina spent last weekend with us. Christina had to take her P-CAT for pharmacy school and Jay brought her to town. They spent saturday night with us then we headed to Bill's family reunion on sunday. MAN, it was seriously cold and windy. Here is one of my favorite pics from last sunday . . .

I don't care if I am his Mom, they are pretty! We were at Oak Mountain and the wind was just plain wickedly cold. I worried about Bill's Mom getting too cold, but she left early.

Bill and I have his daughter and her husband with us this weekend. Got to love football season, we have guest. We have had a lot of fun. We all went to eat at Mexican restaurant on friday night to celebrate Bill's 65th birthday. Here is my absolutely most favorite picture, I call it "Birthday Bill"!

Typing is no longer fun

Since I started working another part-time job where all I do is type, I am not enjoying the computer blogging as much as I once did. Everyday I rush home from school and start working on entering data. The money is fun but the total lack of TIME is not fun at all. There seems to be no time to breath and with the holiday season fast approaching, I'm not sure how I'm going to do everything.
Okay, enough complaining, the money is good and Bill is definately helping by doing more than his share of data entry.

The rain is still falling and more is in the forecast for through the weekend. The sun is actually out with now but I think that just irritates the rain.

Bill's daughter and son-in-law are coming up for the weekend. It is weird having people in the house. Bill and I are use to it just being us.

Got to head off to school. More later . . . .

Busy, busy, busy!

Wow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I wrote. The start of school makes a huge difference in my computer time. Bill is the computer whiz at our house and the only time I have to write is early in the mornings and that time is short and precious with the start of school.

Speaking of school, I have survived the first two weeks. The first week is always one of two things; (1) a lot of children screaming or (2) dead silence. This year I was lucky to have #2! It seems most of my little ones were scared (seriously, no one is ever scared of me!). But unfortunately, week 2 started and now the fun has begun. I am extremely lucky this year, all my students speak English and they all love to come to school. I would love to post photos of them but it is against all the rules so you will just have to believe me when I tell you they are dolls! I have a big class this year, 4 girls and 6 boys. I may add another student (a girl I think) in a week or so. They are very energetic and the best part is the parents so far seem really great. I only have one who may turn out to be a handful, but I think it will be okay.

Bill and I spent a wonderful Labor Day weekend at the lake. We arrived on Friday afternoon and worked in the yard. After dinner a neighbor came by and we all went out for a sunset cruise in their boat. Saturday was a total wash out with all the rain but Bill and spent the evening watching Alabama football, so it was perfect. Jay and Christina joined us on Sunday along with her Dad, Jerry. It was so much fun. Jerry is a wonderful, down to earth guy. He is really easy to talk to and everyone seemed to be very comfortable with each other. Jay is nuts about him, which is great. It seems the three of them have dinner a lot together. Jay's puppy, Trooper, enjoyed his trip to the lake, he spent most of his time in the water.

The last few days have been kinda yucky for me. September 11th is hard for me to handle. Not only with the anniversary of the bombings in New York, but also because that is the day we buried my Dad. Two of the saddist incidents in my life, both on the same day and year. I will never be able to handle this day. Mom was sad yesterday too. She wants to talk about it and get sympathy. Me, I'd just as soon not.

Tomorrow is Bill and my 24th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe that we have been married that long. August and September are always big months for me, first my birthday then our anniversary.

I found a sketch that I really like over at http://unscriptedsketches.com and I'm going to try and do a card for my sweet friend Lottie. Her cancer is reoccurring in the fluids around her lung. Hopefully, my silly cards cheer her up. Okay, downstairs I go to create. I will post my card in a bit.

SCHOOL!

First day of the 2009-10 school year!!! Wish me luck!!!

Sunny Monday

I woke up feeling much better but Bill is still sick. I hope and pray that he didn't wait too long before he went to the doctor. I'm really afraid that pneumonia has set in. His doc didn't do a blood test, so I worry.

Looks like I will spend the day getting ready for school. I've got a few more things to print off and I need to organize my clothes so I won't be such a wreck in the mornings. I really want to clean out the basement today but I don't think I have the energy for it, I will see.

Soggy Sick Sunday

Looks like today will be a very rainy day. On a happy note, Bill and I are feeling somewhat better. Good thing I don't start school until Tuesday. I don't think I would make it tomorrow. This is the first time Bill and I have been sick at the same time. I don't like it. I can't be nurse maid and patient at the same time. Yesterday I literally spent the entire day laying on the couch. Today I am determined to do something, not sure what, but something.

Meet the Teacher Day!

All is ready in my classroom and I will be heading out for the big "Meet the Teacher Day". This is an exciting day for most of the students but truly it is mainly for the parents. We changed our hours for the big day. Today I will be there from 11-1 so that more of the working parents can participate.

Bill is still very sick. I am pretty sure he is battling the swine flu. He doesn't have a really high fear but besides being grumpy, he has all the other ucky symptoms. I've tried since Tuesday to go to a doctor but he won't hear of it. Hopefully, things won't get worse.

I'm off to do some silly stuff before I head to school.

Almost school time!

I am finishing setting up my classroom for the new year. I've been busy over the summer finding new ideas and getting ready for my new class. Speaking of class, I've got a big one! Since I teach Pre-K and I do not have an aide, our class size is limited to 10 but there are so many on the waiting list this year I agreed to add one more AND I've got a mess of boys! I'm really excited because I have always enjoyed a large class, there seems to be less fussing with more students. Our "on the clock" hours have been reduced this year. That basically means we get paid 1/2 hour less each day. Many teachers, including me, are not happy. To be honest, I'm not a volunteer, I'm an employee. I personally don't see the situation staying this way for long, I think it will be changed. Okay, off the school. I hope to take some pictures of my classroom when it is all done and I'll post them.

Great Day!

What a wonderful day this has turned out to be! I was having my very own pity party yesterday (yes, turning 50 does that to you) and then this morning I wake up to this . . . .

My layout was voted Design Team Layout of the Day over at Treasured Scrapbooking!!! http://treasuredscrapbooking.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22345 I know it is not much to some people, but this is the FIRST time that it has happened to me!!! Oh, I am doing the happy dance!!

Here is the layout they picked

Bill also treated me to an amazing dinner last night at the Bonefish Grill. It was so very good. Turning 50 looks like it might be okay after all!!!

I can't be 50!

I seriously cannot be 50 years old. That is 1/2 of a century YUK! It's just me and the dogs up this birthday morning. Trooper greeted me with a good morning "pee" in my floor. I guess he really did need for me to get up at 5:45 this morning. Oh well, I'll clean the carpet (again) when Bill gets up. Jay called and wished me a "Happy Birthday" this morning, that was nice. I have totally mixed feelings about today. On one hand I wish Bill would make a huge fuss over me and on the other, I wish no one would say a word. OMG! I sound like a total idiot. Maybe I need more coffee? Who knows! Bill's Mom sent me money for my birthday so I may try to run by Old Navy and Hobby Lobby today. There is a huge sale at both places and of course I want more scrapbooking stuff. Okay, I need to get busy and start my 50th year.

New Blog to Play with!

Oh my!!! Look at the blog I just found http://thecraftyden.blogspot.com/
This woman is seriously talented. Looks like I might have to stop work and just enjoy computer time.

Yikes, it's Monday

I've been away from my blog for much too long. It took us a few days but we finally got the lake looking good again. Then home in time for me to clean up the front and back yards on saturday. Jay arrived Sunday with Trooper. The first couple of hours were "strained" to say the least, then poor Trooper decided he wanted to play with Maggie. Maggie is eight years old and not use to a puppy. She has put him in his place many times, but bless his heart, he keeps trying.

I was very disappointed that I didn't get to work on any of the challenges during the crop at http://treasuredscrapbooking.com/forum/ this week. I was really looking forward to joining the on-line crop. Oh well, there is always next time and I am happy to say that this crazy scrapping hobby is not going anywhere.

I'm heading off to the "dungeon" (a.k.a. know as my downstairs den with my scrapping desk) to work on this week's challenge at http://practicalscrappers.blogspot.com/ Do a layout using scraps!!! I can do this.

Tuesday!

What a day already! I got up with a bee in my bonnet and a raging headache. So, what to do??? I know, let's go outside in 100+ degree heat and wash and wax the van! Yep, that should do it. Well it did for a little while. Bill is down at the social security office trying to get all set up for his retirement. When he gets home he wants to head to the lake for a couple of days. We really need to, we haven't been up in over a month and I am sure that the yard needs a good cutting and cleaning. Here is the main reason I love being at the lake. . .

the view. These were taken at about 7:30 p.m., right before sunset. I love it up there. Very peaceful and quiet.

We will be home by friday so that we can keep Jay's puppy, Trooper, while he is at the beach.

Cleaning up the mess

Monday again. I've got to get moving and get the downstairs cleaned up. I have made a lovely mess down there this summer. You can really tell that I have done a lot of scrapbooking and card making. I can't let it be like this any longer and there are no more excuses. Down I go to clean and I can't come back upstairs till it is done.

I'm a busy scrapper!!

Here are a few more challenges that I completed over at http://treasuredscrapbooking.com/

My first is my sweet girl Maggie . . .

Next is really one of my favorites. It is an altered frame I did for Jay's girlfriend, Christina. She is moving into a house with several other girls. The frame was plain unpainted wood and then I spray-painted it gold. Yes, I mistakenly painted it a bright gold then after a small panic attack, I started adding all kinds of ink and paint. I love the way it turned out but the picture doesn't really show the small hints of blue and green.

And of course, no postings of my work can be complete without a layout of Jay. This is by far one of my favorite pictures, it was taken last summer at one of his friend's wedding.

I'm now off to do another challenge. Whee!

Here is my submission to this week's challenge at http://practicalscrappers.blogspot.com/ . The cleats are paper pieced from a clipart picture I found on the internet. I hope they like it.

First time project

I'm so excited! I am waiting on my first altered frame/scrapbook page to dry. I've already made the page and the frame is SLOWWWWLLLLYYYY drying in this humid place. I am doing it for Jay's girlfriend, Christina, and I can hardly wait to post it. Okay, got to run to check on it!!! But, I have to remember to keep my fingers off of it. . . . keep my fingers off of it . . . . keep my fingers off of it . . . .

Tuesday

I just finished registering as a follower of http://practicalscrappers.blogspot.com/ I'm so excited! The first assignment . . . eyelets!!! I have to use 5 on a project. HMMMM . . . now where are those eyelets????

Quiet Sunday

Hopefully, this day will stay as quiet as it has started out. Not much happening but I am very excited to start a few scrapbook challenges over at Treasured Scrapbooking. Looks like I'm going to finish Jay's scrapbook on time with their help. Oh, and I found another great blog http://practicalscrappers.blogspot.com/ is a blog that helps me use up my old scrapbooking supplies. I desperately need this!!! Off to work on my layouts.

Saturday!

It has been a few days since I actually posted anything, but I have been very busy. I actually have been scrapping some of Jay's baseball pictures!!! YEAH! Hopefully, this trend will continue so I can make my December deadline. Here is my favorite picture.

Every now and then I actually do a layout that I like, okay, in this case LOVE. I didn't take the picture, that credit goes to my favorite photographer James Harkins http://jsufan.com/

He takes alot of pictures at Jacksonville State University and he does it for the love of sports and photographer. Truly, the guy knows his stuff.


Here is my other favorite layout that I completed this week.
Again, it is a picture that James took and it is fabulous. My layout is simple and masculine but that is pretty much the way I like to scrap Jay's baseball pictures. When you are as big as Jay, you don't want or need fussy/girly stuff around your photos.

More pictures

I can't resist adding more pictures! Sorry, the Mom in me just can't help herself. The first one is my Bill with Jay. Gosh, they look just alike and most of the time they act alike too (LOL). The second one is Jay and his sweet Christina. I really think he is dating the sweetest, nicest and most lovable young lady. We are truly lucky to have her as part of our crazy family.

Hump Day

It is another rainy day in Alabama. Seems like the lake will have to wait until Bill's back is feeling better. This is about day 6 or 7 with him being in a lot of pain. I've stopped suggesting medical help, now I'm just here to help.

Here is my favorite picture from Sunday's early birthday party. The tall one is my sweet Jay and the other gorgeous children are (left to right) Jack, Alex (we were celebrating his birthday too) Megan in the back (gosh is she beautiful or what?) and Ross. We had a wonderful time. I miss my sister already. I think I would really like just one day alone with her to do nothing but talk.

Early Birthday Celebration

My sister has decided that we all need to get together for my nephew's and my birthday. Alex's was a week ago and mine is not until next month but this looks like the last time we can all get together before school starts. I'm not looking forward to my birthday, so an early celebration isn't that exciting. I do look forward to seeing my sister and her family, I don't talk to her or see her nearly as much as I would like too. Plus, I get to see Jay, Christina and "Trooper" so that just makes today even more special. It is gonna be funny to see how Missy's dog, Rex, will act around Trooper. I hope they get along. Of course, I will drive everyone crazy taking pictures, but I don't care. Who knows, I may even get a few decent ones. Bill doesn't feel well, his back is bothering him and he isn't sleeping. I think he got into bed around 4:30 or 5:00 this morning. I hope he feels like going.

Wednesday

I joined another scrapbooking group today. http://www.treasuredscrapbooking.com/
It seems like a great group of ladies and I'm really looking forward to it. I don't scrapbook as much as I make cards lately but I need to get going so I can finish Jay's scrapbooks by December.

Not much going on around here today. I have hoping to get outside and work in the yards but the rains came early today. Maybe tomorrow.

I'm on my way to get a haircut. Hopefully, Bill will give his approval on this one.

Friday!

I'm not as excited about this friday like I usually am. Looks like I'll be at my aunt's funeral most of the day. She's my Dad's sister and they were very close. She has faught a very hard battle with bone cancer.

Tomorrow will be a crazy day. We are hosting a 90th birthday party of my mother-in-law. What started off as a small, intimate party is now up to almost 20 people. I'm hoping she will enjoy it. On a good note, Jay and Christina are coming to the party and they are bringing Trooper! Not that he is going to the party, he is coming to stay in our backyard with our Maggie while we are at the party.

Oops, it's late. Gotta go get ready.

Rainy Days and Monday

I guess I'm showing my age on my post title. "Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down" is a song title from the '70's by The Carpenters. WHOOO???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPmbT5XC-q0&NR=1

I guess it will be a quiet day around here. I've got to put the final touches on my mother-in-law's 90th birthday party. We are having a family get together on saturday. Hopefully, Jay will be able to make it too.

Have a great day.

Nothing

Absolutely nothing going on. I feel icky so today NOTHING!

Wet Wednesday

Looks like it could pour rain outside but I doubt we will get any. Just another hot and sticky day here in Hoover. I actually have NOTHING to do!!! Seriously, I would love to head downstairs and do a little scrapbooking this afternoon so that may be my plan. I did the few layouts posted a couple of weeks ago and realized that I have need some new supplies. Not much mind you, just adhesive and few different papers. Probably not any baseball papers because I do believe I have every one made. I need to get my bottom moving if I am going to get Jay's scrapbooks ready for his graduation. Looks like he will graduate in December!!! I am so proud. Did I mention that he took the Alabama State Troopers' test a month or so ago??? He did and looks like he did extremely well (okay, he was really #1 in the STATE!). Now, let's just hope there is a job out there for him.

Have a great day!

Jay and Christina

I guess I should know (or learn) how to put a picture in the extact place I want it in a post, but I have no clue. So . . . here is my Jay with his girlfriend Christina. They were attending a wedding in Guntersville, Alabama last Saturday night.

It's July!

Bill and I have been at the lake for a while now. It is nice up there, really nothing to do but relax and do a few home improvement projects. Jay, Christina and "Trooper" joined us yesterday. We all had a blast. Here is one of my absolutely favorite photos, Bill and Jay down by the water. . . .

Trooper and Maggie ended up playing in the water too. Maggie really just got her toes wet, but not Trooper, he was in up to his eyes!

I've done well keeping up with my workouts. Today was rest/stretch day so I get to pretty much take a day off!!!! I'm doing good on the workouts but according to the diet section, I'm terrible. I'm not sure I want to loose much weight, I just need to tone up.

Okay, enough goofying off. I've got to get busy with fun stuff like laundry and grocery shopping (oh joy!).

Monday!

Steamy and hot here in Hoover. I can't believe I didn't get around to posting yesterday but I was busy scrapbooking!!! YEAH here are two layouts I did for an on-line crop at Justscrappin' It was great to be downstairs crafting for a change.

I finished day 20 of P90X!!! Tomorrow is stretch and rest then I start my first recovery week. Only 67 days to go! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I see results.

Finished the yard work for today. I got an early start because it is already 90 degrees here in Hoover and the humidity is terrible. Have a great day!!!

Finally it is friday!

Jay and Trooper arrived at the lake yesterday. I wish we had been there to be with them. Maybe we all can get together soon. Here is Trooper when he was visiting our house a couple of weekends ago.

Again, why do I say finally friday??? I'm out of school for the summer, I have no schedule other than what I want to do. Just finished shoulder and arm exercises AND that dreaded ab ripper. Shoulders and arms are great but that dang ab ripper killed me today. Looks like a pulled a muscle in back yesterday and doing those crunches were murder. But I got through it.

Too pooped to pop

That's what my Dad use to say, he was too pooped to pop. Not sure what it means, but it keeps popping into my head this morning. My sweet Maggie woke me up way to early this morning. Not sure what she heard, but she was barking at something outside. Didn't really want to start my day at 6:00 a.m. but oh well. Our cat, Little Cat, doesn't seem to be doing very well lately. She is 17 years old and never been a real fireball, but the last few days she hasn't eaten much and just lays around all day. I'm getting worried.

On a good note, I don't have to do any yard work today!! WEEEE! Just clean up the house a bit YUK. I did my cardio workout this morning and I think that is why I am so tired. Believe it or not, it is not a lot of jumping up and down or running, but dang it will wear you out. The crazy part is I know I'm not eating correctly. I am suppose to be eating 6 tiny meals a day with this plan but I just can't or don't want too. I'm determine to do this. A 90 day committment is tough for me. I like instant gratification and 90 days is not instant. I am working toward a goal, my birthday. I can do it, I can do it, I can do it . . . .

Wickedly hot Wednesday

The temp today in Hoover is suppose to hit 99! YIKES, and the first day of summer is not until saturday.

Okay, just started my 3rd week of P90X!!! Did core today and it is brutal. I can't even start to do the Drya Rolls, but I keep trying. Seriously, I know I must look like something is wrong with me when I do some of these exercises. Luckily no one is around to see me. I'm sure if there was, I would not do them. I will do the entire video by August! "Do your best and forget the rest!"

Out to cut the back yard. Bill got me a new fancy lawnmower yesterday. Our old one is retiring to the lake. Got to get busy before the temperature rises anymore.

Manic Monday

Bill and I decided that after all the storms saturday and sunday, that our yards were in desperate need of some TLC. We headed out around ten this morning and finally got done. It probably wouldn't have been so bad but I spent the first part of my day doing P90x kenpo. OUCH! Makes your whole body feel like it has been worked over.

Got to get some house stuff done. Other than that . . . nothing!!!

Stormy Sunday

Wow, the thunderstorms have just started rolling in! Looks like today will be another stormy day in Hoover.

Here is a little tip for all the P90X people . . . don't stay out partying, then get up early and workout. AAHHH! Of course today was back and legs, my favorite, but then came ab ripper. I'm not sure if I am still shaking from the workout or the no sleep.

Rainy Saturday

I just finished the YogaX portion of P90X and it is the hardest of all the workouts. I will no longer be laughing and making fun of people who do yoga. Jay told me last week to NOT skip the yoga, wow was he right. I seriously need to work on my flexibility, mainly because I have none.

It is pouring rain here and it is expected to continue all day. Good day to stay in but of course I have to do a couple of errands. Oh, well that is just my luck.

Finally FRIDAY

I don't know why I say "FINALLY", it is not like I have been at work all week (LOL!). Bill and I have fun plans for saturday and I have really been looking forward to it.

I finished my 10th workout of P90X!!! It was the back and shoulder/ab ripper workout and my arms are still shaking. I am determined to be in better shape by my 50th (AAAGGGG!) birthday.

I think I'm heading downstairs to get my scrapbooking desk in better order. I've been making some cards and it is a mess. Then hopefully this afternoon I'll get to play and make some layouts. I say that keeping my fingers crossed.

Got to go, need more water . . . .

Still doing the P90X

Ok, I have officially finished day 8 of the program. Pretty darn good for me. I'm not near as sore as the first week so I am hoping that is a good thing. I finally got enough nerve to take my before pictures. I know I should have done it before I started, but it took me this long to be brave enough to ask Bill for help. Luckily, he didn't make fun of me. I am determined to see this through. It is more fun than most programs because no day is the same and I don't have to see other people and most importantly other people don't have to see me. I do feel like a wounded pelican doing some of the exercises. Graceful is not my middle name, but I did notice that the second time around, I could do more of the exercises longer. "At least I am trying" that is my motto!!!

I'm hanging in there!

Day 6 of my "summer makeover". YUCK! I've got to call it something else, that doesn't sound positive enough for me. I somehow managed to work out again today. Six days and no cheating, a new world record for me. I have such a problem sticking to things, maybe this time. To be honest, parts of me hurt. My hips are almost to the burning stage during the work out. I hope that means things are slimming down.

Yesterday I started cleaning out Jay's closet. It was a very emotional time for me. Man, I kept a bunch of stuff and all of it is wonderful. Guess I better finish today. I'm really expecting to get some stuff done here at home during the summer. I have several things on my list that I really would like to see done. The problem is, Bill doesn't seem to think my list is important. So, one day my stuff will eventually get done.

Okay, on with my day.

Where have I been?

Good heavens! I knew that keeping a blog would be difficult for me. I have an extreme problem updating and maintaining stuff. Okay, I'll try one more time to be better.

I probably should change my blog title to "Diary of an ex-Baseballmom" since Jay has completed his college career. I think his junior/senior seasons were disapointing to him. Time to move on.

New challenge/goal in my life. I have started working out each day with the P90X program. It is a butt kicker to be honest. It plan 'ole hurts. The is only my 5th day and ouch I have several very painful body parts. This is my very bad attempt at adjusting to the fact that I will soon be 50! YUCK, I don't know which is worse right now, my achy legs or my ego for actually writing the number 50. Oh well, life goes on.

On a great note, I actually scrapbooked friday and saturday!!! WEEEE! I did a little quickie scrapbook for Jay's little puppy, Trooper.

I'll post pictures soon.

Have a great day.

Snow in Alabama???

Yes, you read write, it is snowing here in central Alabama. We have about 2 inches already and more is coming down. Luckily, we still have electricity and that is the important thing to me. I just talked to Jay (JSU is playing Middle Tennessee State this weekend in Murfreesboro, TN) and today's games have been cancelled. The team is on their way home! He promises to keep me posted.

Bill has another doctor's appointment on thursday. This is some fancy "cancer doctor" that was recommended to us. Hopefully, we will find out what the next step is and we can get started.

I'll be posting snow pictures soon!!!

Rainy Monday

I didn't realize that it had been so long since I wrote. Our January wasn't as busy as I had hoped, but Bill seemed to be playing around on the computer more than usual and I didn't get a chance to write. Maybe this is why I need to keep a journal written my hand. Last week things got kinda rough around here. Bill's doctor found an unusual "thing" on his kidney. We spent friday at the hospital having a bioposy. Since then he has been in terrible pain. I've tried to keep him still and quiet, that seems to work. We are headed to the doctor's office today to get the results. I'm not sure what time, I'm waiting on the office to open. Waiting, something I'm not very good at and neither is Bill.

Changing the subject, Jay starts his senior year of college baseball officially today. They start practice today with coaches (not that they haven't practiced every other day, but this is considered the first day). Unfortunately, with all this rain we are having they are probably going to be inside.

More tomorrow.

Wedding photos

Only in Alabama can you have an outdoor wedding in January! Jay and his former high school teammates at Bill's wedding saturday. They all looked so grown up and handsome. It was wonderful to see everyone. Since Jay and I don't get dressed up that much, Bill wanted a picture of us. I have to admit that I really didn't mind although I acted as if I did (of course). I sure my Mom will love this picture.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY!!

Today is Jay's 22nd birthday! He is spending it at home with us and I am thrilled. As I was falling asleep last night I could not help but think and be thankful for the wonderful time we have had this last 2 weeks. It is as if God was telling me to enjoy this time with him because next Christmas he will more likely than not be on his own. College graduation is actually a reality now and he won't need us or come home as much. We spent yesterday at his friend Bill's wedding. It was wonderful to see everyone and we had a great time. I've got to ask Bill to get the pictures off my camera so I can post them (I guess I should just learn how myself, but expensive pieces of equipment scare me). Jay finally told us yesterday that one of best friends is having grade problems at school. He didn't pass several classes and may not be able to play baseball come spring. I never realized how hard it was for college athletes to go to school, practice and play a sport until Jay got to college. His schedule is brutal and I don't know how he does it. Maybe that is why I try and spoil him when he does get home. Today will be a Mom day but tomorrow and Tuesday will be organizational days so I can get ready to go back to school Wednesday UCK!

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY JAY!!!

Rainy new year

Yesterday was a blurrrrr! It started really early because we drove to Chattanooga where Jay had Lasik eye surgery. So far it looks like things went really well and he is already commenting on how well he can see. Today, we have a misty rain all day YUK. A good friend of Jay's is getting married at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon and we all are going. To a scrapbooker a wedding is just another reason to take pictures!!! Hopefully, some of Jay's teammates from high school will be there and I can get a few good shots. Other than that, it is a quiet morning in Hoover.

HAPPY 2009

Happy 2009! I can't believe it, where did 2008 go??? I am looking forward to leaving it behind and having a great '09! Our New Year's Eve was rather quiet. Poor Bill is as sick as I have ever seen him. Fever, chills, the whole bit so we stayed in last night and watched a James Bond movie and football. Besides the fact that Bill didn't feel well, it was a perfect night as far as I was concerned. Jay is due back home today so I will be getting our southern New Year's meal going in just a little bit. Black-eyed peas, turnip greens and lots of corn bread! It is the only way to bring in the new year. I plan to get the rest of the work done today from Vision Research (our second job!). That way we can relax the rest of the weekend, wedding on Saturday, Jay's birthday on Sunday) and Monday I can get my scrapbooking area all cleaned and ready. I miss scrapbooking, it is more than a hobby, it is a way for me to express myself and relax. I need it!

Okay, my New Year's resolutions for 2009 . . . no, I'm not going to say "loose weight" this year!! I'm finally down to a decent size (again) and I've changed my life style because of allergies, so weight is no longer an issue (did I just really say that???). My #1 resolution is to start my Christmas shopping no later than June! #2, try and get back to exercising. That I do need to do more consistantly. And #3, try and scrapbook more often. In other words, do something for me again. One of my biggest faults is NOT doing anything just for myself, just because it makes ME happy. I do need to change that, but I'll start small with exercise and scrapbooking. Once again, I'm not making more than 3 resolutions, if I do I will forget them.

Okay, let's start 2009 with breakfast and then work!