Somewhere Along the Way...

2012 Resolution

2012-01-02T21:02:00.000-06:00

One of my resolutions for this year is to blog regularly. I even have it added to my to do list each week. Life is changing now...work is changing and I'm getting more hours. I finished my Accounting Assistant Certificate in December, so I no longer have school. Ry is active in 4-H and took on four projects this year. Since I'm determined to spend more time crafting and playing with my cameras, this gives me a place to share what I'm up to. So, here's to a more active 2012!

Why Must the Wind Blow So Hard???

2010-04-28T15:50:00.003-05:00

All I really want to do right now is fish...as much as possible. I want to be able to use my new big rod and reel to catch the elusive catfish that I've seen off in the distance at the watershed. But, when the wind is blowing 90 mph (OK, so not that fast) it's impossible.

I shouldn't complain. I've been fishing several times already. I even caught my first catfish on my favorite little lure! But I want more. I want to catch as many fish as possible. That's catch and release by the way...I have interest in cleaning a fish...at all!

I think I have a fishing addiction. It relaxes me like nothing else does. I'm perfectly happy to hang out in the fishing aisle at the store and pick out lures. Who knew?! Dave must be one of the few guys out there who can say that their wife gripes they don't get to go fishing enough...

That being said, don't get me wrong, I still love to scrapbook. However, now I have an addiction for all seasons. When it's too cold to fish (or to windy as is the case way too much of the time right now), I can scrapbook. However, give me $50 to spend and that's a tough one! Please let me split it in half and spend a little on each of my addictions!

Yes, I'm a horrible blogger...

2010-03-22T13:57:00.002-05:00

I know it. I need to post more regularly, but life just keeps getting in the way. I think about it late at night as I'm shutting down the computer, or as I'm running out the door to go somewhere, or while I'm at work. Putting it on my to do list hasn't worked. I'm a lost cause!

Here's what I have been doing, though:

Watching Dave try to teach Rylee how to do a headstand. Learning that Dave can do a headstand. Watching Rylee try and try and never succeed. I spent a lot of time scared to death that she was going to break her neck!

Attending Rylee's 3rd Quarter awards assembly. This is her running up to get her AR award for meeting her reading goal. She also made the A-B honor roll. Go Rylee!!!

Grandma and Papa went with us to the Prairie Fair at the school. We had a fun evening. Rylee enjoyed playing all the games and chasing after boys. I was very upset that I didn't win the fishing basket that Rylee's class put together. My mom was bummed that she didn't win any basket. My dad spent $11 on a generic brand bag of potato chips just so Rylee could raise her hand and bid. Overall, it was a great evening!

And last, but not least, I scrapbooked! Here's just a few of my latest creations!

Here's a little about what's been going on in my life. Hopefully next time I'll have some fishing pictures to share. That is, if it will ever warm up and stay that way!

"Blah Blah Blah"

2010-02-07T19:00:00.000-06:00

"Blah blah blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah...Mom? Are you listening to me?!"

I've heard this way too much over the last several days. I have come to the decision Rylee talks just to hear herself talk. And if she doesn't talk, she sings...loudly...songs from The Nutcracker that was done for the school Christmas program. It unnerves me, then I get to the point I can tune it out fairly well. Then she leaves the room for awhile and comes back. And the process starts again.

I was asked why I wasn't watching the Super Bowl with the rest of the house. I looked at my husband and said that if I watched it, no one would get to watch it. Why? Because Rylee follows me everywhere, chatting non stop. She'll stand outside the bathroom door and talk the entire time I'm in there. Argh!

My mother says I should enjoy this and treasure this time because I'll soon be begging her to talk to me. I know she's probably right, but right now some quiet would be wonderful!

Style School Update...Still Behind!

2010-01-31T21:03:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I'm still behind...but I did finish a few things and have more in the works! See my previous post below for added photos!

I also complete the Quote Pillow project. Still about 1 1/2 weeks behind. Yikes! I've got a lot to do this week!

Style School

2010-01-20T09:59:00.002-06:00

Ah, Style School. I was so excited about it, but now I'm just very far behind. I didn't count on Rylee wanting to do each project too...and wanting hers done first. Let's see where I stand:

Style File (Inspiration Binder): Done! (But the cover is not...haven't been happy with what I've done, so it's a work in progress.)
Project #1 - Wreath: DONE! It's wrapped, but I need to dig out the paper I want to use for the flowers. I changed my mind after the wreath was wrapped with yarn.

Project #2 - Photo Wall Art: Rylee's is done. I need to print my photos.
Project #3 - Studio Tool Belt: DONE...Twice! Did you see that??? Done!!! Beautiful, aren't they? I haven't used a sewing machine since my senior year of high school. I picked mine up from my mom and dad's, brought it home, and went to work. I'm proud to say my mom didn't have to drive over once to bail me out with it. Now, I'm not saying I didn't have to dig the book out and read it, but I figured it out myself.The turquoise tool belt is mine. The little pocket on the front is for my iPod...must have the iPod handy. Works great for a number of things...helping me concentrate, blocking out the rest of the house, blocking out Rylee's constant chattering and singing to herself, the list goes on. Now I won't have to put a jacket on so I have a pocket to stick my treasured iPod in...I just have to put on my tool belt.The pink number would be Miss Rylee's tool belt. She also has a pocket for her iPod Shuffle. She had to have one because I did. Unfortunately, Rylee must sing, quite loudly, when she listens to hers. Thus, then need for my iPod...at a loud volume.
Project #4 - Necklace: I tried to make a fabric pom-pom, but it didn't look pretty. I didn't like the size either. Maybe I just need to practice and play with them, but I want a bigger pom-pom maker, which I can't buy in town. Can you say ROAD TRIP???
Project #5 - Sketchbook: DONE! Not done...maybe today.

Now, please note that this is week one projects. Which was last week. Which means I have week two projects already. See how they aren't listed? That would be because I haven't touched them. I've looked at them. But I haven't even thought about beginning them. So, it would be appropriate to say that I am behind. I am so glad I'm not graded on this! I hate being behind!

Busy First Week of 2010

2010-01-09T14:24:00.000-06:00

Wow...2010 got off to a busy start! Everyone was home for Christmas...there were some happy little girls running around. We had a happy little boy too, but he wasn't sure what was going ;) Our house was full for almost a week, so I'm not going to lie...we've enjoyed the peace and quiet of the last several days!

Then, Rylee lost her other front tooth. I have to admit...I love listening to her talk now!

And last, but not least, I had knee surgery. It turned out much better than expected, but I'm still on crutches. I'm moving slowly, but not in a lot of pain. My recovery will be much quicker than anticipated. I can't wait to be rid of the crutches!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-01T17:02:00.001-06:00

I'm not exactly sure what happened to 2009...it went by so fast! 2010 has to be a better year. Sure, getting married was a high point of 2009, but at the same time I also went through some pretty low points as well. I experienced things I never thought I would ever have to deal with and was left with a lot of questions. I had my strength tested. But I found out who my friends were and that no hurdle was too great for them to jump. I found out that, once again, I had people around me who were going to make sure I landed on my feet. I'm ready for a fresh start!

My biggest goal in 2010 is finding a new job. One that has decent hours. I'd love to find a job that I could walk away from at the end of the day...not one that I have to bring home with me as well. A job that makes me happy and that I look forward to going to each day. A job that doesn't take away from my family. I'm not asking for too much, am I?

Otherwise, I want to spend more quality time with my family...enjoy my new husband and have more patience for my daughter. I want to spend more time creating in my scrapbook room and step outside of my comfort zone and try new things. There are more things on my list, but I'm not going to bore you with them.

For now, it's time to enjoy my first Christmas with my new family. Have fun being a grandma. (YIKES!) Style School starts January 10th and I can't wait. I have a few more supplies to collect for the first few weeks. And then there's always the job hunt...

Rollercoaster Ride

2009-12-22T20:33:00.000-06:00

Between Rylee being sick and my sinus infection, things just haven't been going the best. I finally think things are getting better when I get the call...the store is officially closed, don't go to work tomorrow. Don't worry about making arrangements to be at the family Christmas. Wow. I knew it was coming, but we had been told January 3rd. Better tweek the good 'ole resume now...

My Weekend Has Arrived!

2009-12-13T20:28:00.000-06:00

Because of the new hours at work, my weekend is Monday and Tuesday. Not to convenient for me and the family since they aren't home on my days off, but there's nothing I can do about it. I need to make one more trip to Topeka to finish a Christmas gift and to purchase a frame I need for a project. Don't know which day that will happen, but I'd sure be glad to have things finished! Otherwise, Rylee has her program tomorrow night and I have picture frames to finish painting for the living room. And there's always knitting dishcloths to finish gifts. Looks like my weekend is pretty planned out for me...

Second Chances

2009-12-11T21:49:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I failed miserably at my first blogging attempt. Life got in the way and well, blogging wasn't too important. So here goes attempt number two. Somewhere along the way I got engaged, lost my job and got married in the same week, and have experienced all sorts of ups and downs along the way. And the ride is going to get fun again...maybe this will be good therapy!

Wish me luck...

Patience, Please!

2008-05-26T19:14:00.000-05:00

I've been told that I need a blog by numerous people. It's taken quite some time, but I have finally decided to bite the bullet and just go for it. Be patient with me while I figure things out!