Cumulative Rak and other random stuff

It just dawned on me that I haven't thrown anything into the cumulative rak box for the month of September. Soooo.....

I'm leaving this morning on a Women's Retreat with my church. I'll be back Saturday night. We're going to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks so I hope I'll get some shopping done while there. I'll be on the lookout for something to put into the box and let you know what it is when I return on Saturday. If you want to know more about the cumulative RAK look here.

I guess I never said much about a couple things. First, over Labor Day weekend, we took the boys to Six Flags. It was the most beautiful day and the best time I can remember we've ever had doing something as a family. For the past couple years, Ryan hasn't wanted to spend much time with the family. I know it's the age he's at and most kids want to hang out with their friends. We forced him to go with us because he wanted to stay in bed and sleep (another teenager thing). While there he thanked me for forcing him to go because he was having such a great time. Before we went to the park, we stopped at White Castle for lunch. Then the guys went and rode the scarey rides. After persistent begging and guilt tripping ("Mom, we may not ever have this chance again to ride a ride together" and "Please, Mom, do this for me") I agreed to ride Batman. I made the mistake of closing my eyes the whole time and screaming so when the ride ended I was sick and almost threw up. In case you don't know what it is, Batman is a floorless roller coaster that flips you upside down and every which way. We had to remove our flip flops in order to ride. Here's what it looks like. These are not pictures of me. I pulled these off the internet. We actually didn't take many pictures because we were too busy having fun!

There's a funny story that goes along with this photo. Ryan is such an awesome basketball player, that we kept giving him $2 to win the little kids some basketballs. Every time we'd give him money, he'd come back with a bball. Here he is with 3 of them. We sent him back to win a 4th one and the lady kicked him out after he won for the 4th time and told him not to come back. LOL!!

I haven't told y'all about soccer yet, but I'll wait until next time since this post is so long already.

I'll miss you!

Challenge #1- Color Theory at badgirls.com

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The big day...

Today was my BFF Debbie's husband, Dennis's, surprise retirement party. I feel truly honored to be a part of this wonderful family. I can't even find words to express how much I love Debbie and her whole family. I'm gonna tear up now so I'll leave you with these photos I took of today's celebration.

You can click on each photo for a better look.

Enjoy!

Dennis approaching the party. "Hhhhmmm, what's going on here?"




Dennis: "Who's responsible for this?" Naturally Debbie points the finger at their 5 kids! Deb and I cracked up at this picture cuz it looks like he's about to backhand her with the water bottle! LOL!






The five kids.




John, Colleen, Matthew, Beth and Mark


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Here's the t-shirt Bethy bought her dad. Dennis made sure everyone knew the shirt was wrong and should say "FULL" time pain in the butt! LOL!







Someone put together the most touching video of Dennis and Debbie's life together- photos of their ancestors, of them when they were young, photos of their kids as babies and finally their grandchildren. This is where I almost lost it. Here they are enjoying the video.















There were plenty of good memories shared by all. I'm so glad I got to see it all.

Here's my big boy's picture on his first day of pre-K

I can't believe I didn't cry. Especially when I was trying to linger and say goodbye and he just rolled his eyes and said very abruptly "Bye!" like "get out of here!" Ha ha! The funniest thing about today is the lunch box. See him carrying it like a man going to a jobsite? OMGosh, it's so hilarious to see how proud he is of that silly lunch box! I think the lunchbox was the most important thing to him about going to school. LOL!

It was nice having my niece, Dezi, in the same class as Connor. I think that eased the transition for him. He looks so cute with his new haircut, new belt, his shirt tucked in and his little dress shoes. When I picked him up and sat him in the truck, I almost started to cry because he looks so much like Josh, I had a flashback to when Josh was little like this and how much he reminds me of Josh. I was sad for the way time passed so quickly! I guess that's why I savor this baby so much.

And the winner of the Piggy Tales birdie book is......

First, I put everyone's name in Connor's little hat.

Then Connor pulled out this name

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Congratulations, Kelly!

Which one do you like best?

Eric took some updated photos of me for my Piggy Tales bio. I can't decide which one to use. Which one would you chose?

Photo #1





Photo #2



Photo #3

My Piggy Tales DT Submissions

Thanks for looking!!

This one's for Amy

First of all, I want to congratulate my friend, Amy Birch, for taking the grand prize at The Scrapbook Site's 8 week long challenge contest. You can see Amy's beautiful work here.

I met Amy during this contest and we became fast friends. We have alot in common. She works for a pharmaceutical company (so did I) as a chemist running tests on some of the same instruments I used to run.

We exchanged photos for each other to scrap. I was so excited to be able to scrap girly pages as Amy has two daughters.

Here is the layout I created for her. She also created the cutest, most perfect layout of Connor ever! I can't wait to show it to you. As soon as Amy emails it to me, I'll post it here for you to see or you can see it on her gallery link above.

Enjoy!

Piggy Tales Celebration RAK!!

In celebration of becoming a member of Piggy Tales' Design Team, I'm giving away this cute birdie chipboard mini album. Norma had a good idea of doing a "Birds of a Feather Flock Together" mini album about your closest friends. Connor will draw a name out of the comments posted.

I just wanted to also offer a word of encouragement to those of you who've tried out for Design Teams and such and received a no. Please keep trying! I've been rejected so many times and with that comes hurt feelings and doubt. But thanks to my friends who encourage and support me, I kept trying. You can't get anything accomplished if you don't put yourself out there, so never give up!




Here's the finished book:




Thanks for stopping by!

What celeb do I look most alike?

Ok. So I look like an Asian man. I knew I shouldn't have cut my hair!! LOL!!

Who does Connor look most alike?

I know y'all think Connor looks exactly like me, but now I have the proof that he looks like both Eric and I equally. Now you've been tagged. Who does your child/children look like? Click on the link below to find out!

Can you hear me screaming from there???

Insert big smile here!!!!!

http://www.piggytales.com/designteam.php

Well, it's over (insert big sigh of relief)!!

We sold our home as of yesterday at 10:00 a.m.! It's such a load off our shoulders to be past all that now. So now we can focus on getting our house built. I still have alot of unpacking at the apartment to do, but I can take my time on that.

Another hurdle behind me is the Piggy Tales Design Team tryout. I finished my entries last night. I'm always a last minute scrapper, but this time I actually beat the deadline. I have no excuses this time. I had plenty of product to use plus I completed my projects on time. If I don't make the team, then I'm giving up!!

I think we're actually going to do something normal tonight, like go to the movies! It's so nice not to be constantly packing and moving. Whew! What a relief!!

I have Kelly Hair!! LOL!

My hair looks like Kelly's now! Ha ha!! Sorry for such a bad photo. This was taken after a day of packing and yet more moving. I don't hardly have any make up left except my eyeliner and mascara. I feel like I got an appendage, like my arm or my leg cut off! It's so much lighter and cooler. Now that I got my hair cut off, the heat wave will end. I had so much hair that Patty had to separate it into two pony tails before cutting it all off. I left my pony tails in the car so it'll be tomorrow before I show you them. Can you believe I forgot to take my camera to the beauty shop for a before, during and after shot?? Norma was there taking pics with her camera phone but she is technology challenged (sorry Normie but you know it's true. Well so am I) and didn't know to save the pictures so they're gone. Oh well. Here's the after.

It must be hair week!!

Wait til you see Debbie. All I can say is, Oh! My! Gosh!!!! She's one hot mama!!

On Wednesday, I'm getting all mine cut off. I'm donating to Locks for Love. I'm ready for a new do.

Stay tuned for photos!

enabler!!

This just in from my friend, Mary Beth- owner of just let me scrapbook


Announcing the EXTENDED Super Top Secret Sale!

It's all about who you know...

Since you are on the JustLetMeScrapbook.com Design Team,
we are offering YOU 35% off your order with the coupon code JLMS35

AND you can share the code with your friends so THEY can get the same deal!

MAKE SURE you let them know to put your name (THERESA TYREE) in the message box during checkout! This offer has been extended through AUGUST 31!

The DT member with the most customers sent as well as the member whose friends purchase the most, will EACH receive a special $50 gift certificate to our store!! The customer who purchases the most will all also receive this same prize!

What are you waiting for? Start contacting your friends!....

Hugs!
Mary Beth
www.justletmescrapbook.com

Ryan's First day of School- Sophomore Year

Well, my baby started back to school today. He was supposed to start yesterday but school was cancelled due to the heat. It's just as hot today but they're still having school anyway.

Notice the, "That's enough already, Mom!" look on his face! HA ha!

Well, we're supposed to be in our apartment already but as you can see, we're still at the house. We chose to go to a revival last night at church instead of packing and moving which set us back a day. We should be really close to being out by today.

A new meme, thanks to Liz!

My girlfriend Liz tagged me on a meme. Plus, Liz posted a picture of her and her Jeep, so I had to do the same. This was taken 5 years ago when I was a single mom of two boys, age 10 and 13. Just for fun I bought them this monster Jeep with a 12 inch lift kit. It was so big, I was scared to death to drive it so I got rid of it right before I moved to Missouri. It was sad but also a relief.

"The rulz:"
Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.
The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog,"

Eight facts, you say? I don't wanna bore anyone!!

1. I once had this monstrous Jeep that was totally over the top and my boys loved it but it was too scarey to drive so I got rid of it.
2. I always have my hand touching my face when I fall asleep.
3. One reoccuring nightmare I have is not being able to open my eyes. I hate it when I dream this dream. It's like my eyes are super glued shut and I try to pry them open with my fingers but they won't open.
4. I LOVE the harmonica. I can play one song on it. Oh, Susanna. (I hope you're laughing by now).
5. I busted my knee really good while ice skating a couple years ago and now my knee crunches and crackles when I walk up a flight of stairs.
6. I embarrass my family with my loud, uproarious laugh.
7. I can never prank call anyone because I have a very distinctive voice.
8. I still got carded when I was in my late 30's. I don't get carded anymore, I like to think, because I don't drink anymore. Hee hee!

If you're still with me, you must have no life. Ha ha! Just kidding!! Really, I love you for sticking it out this far!

Time to tag 8 people. Do I know 8 people? OK, I will tag Amy, Kelly, Carla, Jude, Cheryl, Detta, Margie, and Jen.

PS- don't tell Eric I'm goofing off here and not packing!!

RAK winner

Who's name did Connor pick today??

The winner for the Lasting Impressions notecard make-n-take is....


Karlynn!!

Email me Karlynn. I don't know how to get a hold of you!!

More RAK stuff tomorrow!

I'm still alive!

Hi friends,


I'm still alive in case you're wondering. We've just been incredibly busy packing and moving. In fact, I can't believe I managed to complete Challenge #6 this week at thescrapbooksite.com

This week's challenge:

The Power of 3
Basics:12x12 or 8.5x11 page size
Must be paper page not digital
Manditory:
3 pictures
3 buttons
3 different ribbons
3 different patterned papers (can be from same or different manufacturers)
3 word title
3 extra embellishments of your choosing (this can be ANYTHING not listed above and also can be 3 of the same things or 1 each of 3 different things just as long as it is not something already listed).
Cardstock/vellum is up to you. You can use as much or as little as you like.
Title can be made up of any item you choose. The rule of thirds does not apply here.
Ink/paint/pens are unlimited.
Also added in this challenge is journaling. I want some good journaling here please. More than just the basics of names, date, location. Tell a story.

So here is my take on the challenge.

3 pp- Basic Grey

3 buttons- button photo corner

3 different ribbons on my hidden journaling tag.

3 Extra embellishments- brad photo corner

3 word title: Circle of Life

I took my inspiration for this layout from the sun on the rug in the photos.
Hidden Journaling tag:
For your fourth birthday at Montessori the ritual celebrating each year of your life was performed. You carried a little globe around the circle of life rug. For each year since your birth you took a walk circling the sun on the rug symbolizing the revolution of the Earth around the sun. After each time around the sun, a candle was lit. The four years of your life was celebrated with 4 walks around the sun, lighting four candles and singing a special song. It is an awesome ceremony.

Click on the layout to get a closer look.

I will have Connor pick a name for that CHA Rak either today or tomorrow. About the only thing left to pack is the garage and my scrap room. I dread packing the scrap room!

Moving, moving, moving

This is just one load!! There are at least 25 boxes on this 16 foot trailer. We've already made many trips to the barn. Today was the first day we moved stuff into our new apartment.

This is the next CHA RAK. It's a cute notecard folder set made with a Lasting Impressions stencil. I LOVE stencils for embossing. I can't wait to try this technique on cards. If you'd like to have a chance at winning this little notecard set, just give a shout out and your name will go in a hat for Connor to pick tomorrow.

Here is August's Cumulative Prize!! It's a nice set of Prismacolor pencils. Why am I giving this away? Because I really just wanted the sharpener in it, so sorry folks, the sharpener is missing but you get the awesome pencils. They are the creamiest, highest quality pencils made. They're great for coloring in stamped images. Hope you'll play along! Every comment post will get a chance to win in the end!

RAK winner!

Well, I'm so tired today. I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. last night working on my Piggy Tales DT entries. I finished one layout and started on my altered project. I'm going to email Debbie J., owner of PT, to ask her if I can show off my project on my blog when I get it done. If not, then you'll have to wait until after the call to see!!

I can't play much today. Eric is home for one, plus I have to put my face on and go to work. I did have a minute to have Connor pick today's RAK winner and the winner is......(drumroll, please)

AMY!!!

Congrats Amy! I'm glad you won b/c now I can send this, plus the card scraps I owe you AND your layout (once I get it done) all in one box!!

A little later today I'll post the next CHA RAK along with the next goodie going in to my cumulative prize RAK vault!! It's a cool Prisma color pencil binder. But first, I'll have to wipe Debbie's drool off of it. She was here last night helping me pack and I showed it to her. She tried to pull the guilt trip on me saying I owe her for helping me pack, but don't worry y'all! I was strong and didn't cave in. Ha ha ha!! Just kidding! She didn't really say that. You have to know Debbie. She is one of the sweetest, most caring, nurturing people I've had the priviledge of calling my (BEST) friend. Since she's so sweet, it makes it so much fun to tease her. Sorry, Deb. You know I love ya!! Hee hee....

Have a scrappy day!

Our challenge last week at The Scrapbook Site was to do a layout inspired by a song. I chose the song, "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.

Every time I hear this song, I get a little teary eyed thinking about my three sons. The words say just how I feel about their future and the men they will some day become.

Here is a sample of the song.

http://www.amazon.com/Me-My-Gang-Rascal-Flatts/dp/B000EHQ7OC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/002-4882655-9016019?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1186024092&sr=1-3

The main lyrics to the song are listed first. The chorus appears at thebottom of the page and is repeated twice throughout the song.

Lyrics-

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow, and each road leads you where you want to go. And if you're faced with a choice and you have to choose, I hope you choose the one that means the most to you. And if one door opens to another door closed, I hope you keep on walkin' til you find the window. If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile. I hope you never look back but you never forget, all the ones who love you and the place you left. I hope you always forgive and you never regret and you help somebody every chance you get. Oh, you find God's grace in every mistake, and always give more than you take. But more than anything. Yeah, more than anything...

Chorus-My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, your worries stay small, you never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too, Yeah, this, is my wish.

Supplies:Bazzill cardstock Urban Lily Urban Rock Star Collection patterned paper; Ranger ink in licorice

Misc.- Tulle that I pleated and stitched to my page; Embroidery floss.

RAK winner!

Drum roll, please. In case you can't see the name, Connor picked Kelly! Which is great b/c I owe Kel some card scraps plus the other day when I was at Archivers I saw something that reminded me of her so I'll mail the whole shooting match together to her. Congrats, Kel!

Here is today's RAK. Dude Designs is a new company out of Illinois. This is a little mini album on a ring. Their bold colors and graphic designs are perfect for boy pages. Also, the little box is a business card holder, but you can use it to hold anything. If you'd like to win this RAK just leave a little hi in the comments and Connor will pick again tomorrow!

Who wants a quick CHA RAK?

Connor's latest fetish is guns. We watched "Shooters" starring Mark Wahlberg (Deb thinks Eric looks like Mark W. and I have to agree) and ever since then he's been obsessed with guns. He fell asleep with his new shotgun in his bed. When we woke up the next morning, we discovered he had crawled into our bed in the night and brought his gun with him and fell back to sleep. He is too funny! We asked him, "Connor, why do you like to sleep with your guns" to which he replied, "Because they're comfy and cuddly and I like them". What ever happened to teddy bears being comfy and cuddly?? So every time we go to Wal-Mart he begs for a new gun. Eric tells him, "No Connor, you already have guns." His reply: "But I don't have enough guns". He's the same way with his guns as I am with rubber stamps. Oh boy! I'm teaching my son well, aren't I? LOL!

Here's the Make-n-Take I made at Elsie's booth. It's so cute. It's a mini album made with playing cards using her paper. If you'd like to have it, just post a comment saying so and I'll have Connor draw names out of a hat tomorrow. Stay tuned for the rest of the RAKs to be given away during this week.

It's a new month. Let's shake things up a bit

Here is a photo of the make-n-takes I'm gonna RAK. I'll try to get a closer up picture and have everyone who comments name put in a hat for a drawing. I'll try to get that done w/i the next day or so.

Ok. About my cumulative RAK. So that others don't get discouraged since the comments seem to be dominated by two of my lovely BFFs how about this. For every post, your name will go into a drawing. At the end of the month, I'll pull two names. Those two names will go in to the hat for the BIG drawing at the end. It still works to your advantage to post alot cuz the more you post, the more chances you get to win. Plus, I know y'all are busy and can't post every time, so to encourage you to post (ahem, Carla, Kim), you'll still have a chance to have your name picked even if you only post once.

On to the good stuff. I'm putting in the binder of Prisma Pencils this month. I'll get a picture of it soon.

What's happening in our lives right now? We are MOVING. Eric and I have been bickering over the importance of my scrap supplies. He thinks it should all be packed away for 6 months while we build our house. He doesn't understand that I need to scrap like I need air to breathe! Sure, I know we're going to a 900 sq. ft. apt. But surely there's a little teeny tiny spot somewhere in there for me to bring along some supplies??!! What am I gonna do? If I have to go 6 months without scrapping, I will be one crabby girl!

Happy August!!

I have made so many incredible friendships through this hobby! I think somebody needs to organize a blogger's convention so all us bloggers can gather together to meet in real life. Who wants to organize this? Isn't it great to form friendships without even touching the other person? I guess we touch hearts and that's what counts. After we get our house built, I'd like to plan a weekend for a scrapping retreat at my house. Wouldn't it be fun to meet in real life? I hope to some day do that and meet all my friends in real life. These thoughts were inspired by my friend Jude who was able to meet up with some of her girlfriends in Denver last weekend.

I'm at work right now but when I get home, I'm gonna try to post pictures of those make-n-takes to RAK.

So for fun, here is a meme I'm starting on my own.

1. Who said "I love you" first? You or DH?
Ans: My DH said it first.
2. Where did you and DH meet?
Ans: On a blind date at the Sullivan bowling alley. Romantic. Not.
3. Do you and DH share a special song?
Ans: Beautiful Mess by Diamond Rio
4. What is your favorite song right now?
Ans: My Wish by Rascal Flatts. I tear up every time I hear it. I think of my boys when I hear it.
5. Describe your wedding ring?
Ans: I love my wedding ring set. My engagement ring is a one carat princess cut diamond set in a platinum cathedral setting. My wedding band is a very simple band of tiny princess cut diamonds set inset into a platinum band. This is it for me. I'll wear this to my grave (unless my kids steal it off my hand before they bury me! Ha ha!)

Here's Da Man!!

What do you think of this photo of me and Tim? Is it just me, or doesn't it look like Tim wants me? I think he wants me. LOLOLOL!!! Just kidding! HA HA HA!! Seriously, he reminds me so much of my hunny, Eric. They have the same coloring- fair skin, strawberry blonde hair, deep brown eyes. I am naturally attracted to him. Too bad he's too busy for me or Eric might be in trouble. Ha ha. Just kididng, honey. Although a lifetime supply of Ranger products via Tim is quite tempting!

I spent hours under Tim's wing at CHA. I was completely captivated and mesmorized by him. The beautiful things he makes with his hands are unbelieveable. I'm so glad I was able to keep a few things from his demos. Here's a picture of Norma with the man.

Just looking at all the rings he wears, you know he's an artsy fartsy type. Hee hee...

I'm sorry I don't have a make-n-take to share of Tim's. I shamed myself into asking for two, I didn't have the guts to ask for more. Next time, if there is a next time, I'm going all out!!!