Sunday, April 19, 2009
Weekend scrapping
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Ch-ch-ch-chia!
Chia Obama
You can click on the "TV spot" link to check out the commercial.
I heard the radio spot yesterday - it starts out SO serious then you hear it...."ch-ch-ch-chia". I seriously almost fell out of my chair at work laughing!
Ch-ch-ch-cheers, Mr. President!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, April 09, 2009
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 06, 2009
Monday gratitudes
1. My husband & kids
2. My family
3. My friends
4. Opening day
5. Caramel chocolate bars
6. My crafty projects
7. Day trips with my family
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
HUGS!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Ok...
The REAL season starts on Monday!
Friday, April 03, 2009
TGIF!
Here are a couple of digital layouts that I've done the past few months.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009
1,2,3,4 & a tag
I love this song and when I saw the video - I liked it even more. It's nice to have a sweet video - no sex crap.
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A tag from my blogging friend, Emily:
Go to the photos folder on your computer.
Go to the seventh folder of
photos.
Go to the seventh photo.
Put the seventh photo on your blog
along with a description.
Invite seven friends to join

These are my "babies" in November, 2004 (ages 11 and 9 months) - at Thanksgiving. I still can't believe how much they've grown!
I tag anyone who reads this.
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5 days 'til Opening Day.... :D
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
This is tacky!
These is a GREAT series of children's books written by Helen Lester. VERY funny with a good lesson. Tacky may be a little different from the other penguins but he gets them out of trouble!
I read this to DD on Saturday - threw in some voices and a little drama and it was a hit!
Photo from http://www.houghtonmifflin.com/
Have a "Tacky" day!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday gratitudes
1. A healthy family
2. I have a job and that I love it
3. That my kids are great!
4. That hubby is the best!
5. Good books to read
6. Time to scrapbook
7. Nice blog comments
8. Baseball season is ALMOST here!
Have a super week!
HUGS!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Excuse me....
Apparently you haven't checked your calendar in a while. The first day of spring was over a week ago, yet I can't help but notice that there is sleet and snow flying around. Could you possibly correct this obvious error?
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Concerned Citizens
PS: Cubs opening day is in 8 days, so hopefully you will find some sun and 70ish degrees to send our way.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Tourists - part 2
This was one of our stops along Route 66 a few weeks ago - the Gemini Giant at the Launching Pad Drive In. It wasn't open for lunch yet when we passed through but it looked fun!
If you want a nice drive, we have done most of the Illinois portion of Route 66 (more pictures coming in future posts), it was wonderful!!!!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Randomness
After:I know there are days at my job where I get a little frustrated with people but then remind myself "How would I want some one to treat my grandparents or parents?" So young man, THANK YOU!!!!!! You went above the call of duty today.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Spring?
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Bad blogger
DS started tennis practice this week. He's hurting! :) He's looking forward to it though and got his "number" yesterday.
DD starts pre-k on Monday. I'm looking forward to her getting back into her routine.
We took the kids to the HS basketball game last Friday. DD was infatuated with the scoreboard and the cheerleaders. She preferred the purple cheerleaders (the opposing team) because "purple is prettier than orange". I got to see DS in all his basketball fan "splendor" - I can't believe the voice on that kid!!!!!
I have been scrapping - just not much posting going on. I am WAY behind on my book reviews here - I'll make that a goal for this weekend...
It sounds like a nicer day temp wise today with some rain. Sounds like spring to me - I'LL TAKE IT!!!!!
Hope you're all having a good week and I'll try to blog more often and hopefully with a little more content!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
36 days
The Cubs are 4 - 0 in spring training so far. I just hope they don't use it all up now and forget that the regular season is still coming....
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Go Cubs Go!
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Tourists - Part 1
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DD turned 5 yesterday - I can't believe it's been 5 years! Quiet birthday but her "bash" is Sunday....wish us luck!
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Last Sunday (and yes, it was a little chilly!), we visited Lincoln's home in Springfield Illinois. (This is us in his "backyard" - by the way, if you visit, check out the outhouse - the Lincolns had the "deluxe" model) The home has
recently been refurbished and cleaned up. It was a very nice tour and we enjoyed seeing his "neighborhood" too. We learned after we were there that many sites are closed on Sunday - thank you FORMER Gov.... Many of the employees at the sites that were open, openly expressed their opinions on
that situation. They seem rather upset that things aren't open on Sundays and the tourism is down considerably because of that. Think about it.... Anyway, we did visit the Lincoln Museum gift shop (there are penny smashers there). This photo of DS was taken there - it is his "audition" to be on the penny next... hope he does something great so they'll consider him. I was afraid he & I might get kicked out of the gift shop because he got me laughing about the "writing instruments" that they sell there (it was a pack of pencils). DH just walked away & I have no doubt he wouldn't have claimed to know us if we had gotten kicked out.Thank you to the wonderful lady in our tour group who took this photo of all of us!
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On a non-touristy note.....our HS boys' basketball team was recognized on tonight's ABC World News Tonight's "People of the Week" - along with the team they played 2 weeks ago. DS said the high school has been a media circus this week but I'm glad to see it for something good!
http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6926639
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Snow is on its way this weekend - hope you all have a great weekend!
HUGS!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Come on...
Grab your camera and take a walk or a drive - even in your own town. It's fun!
Stay tuned for the adventures of "The Tourists" :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Ahem....


Katy Perry - ummmm....you forgot your Carmen Miranda fruit hat to go with your dress!
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Churches!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Come on spring...
It was GORGEOUS today! We took DD out for a walk/bike ride about 11 and it was sunny and 55. I can see the grass. :D It was really hard to go to work this afternoon with it being so nice outside.
The flu is passing through our house. KNOCK ON WOOD - there is only one of us who hasn't had it this week... Everyone seems to be on the mend. Thank goodness!
Tennis starts in a few weeks for DS - so hopefully the weather will get warmer real soon!
Hope you're having a great weekend!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
More reviews
Monday, February 02, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Whoa!
"Stop examining the group tension so closely -- and try to put it out of your mind."
I should probably listen to this one today. :D
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ok, winter...
It's not supposed to be above freezing all week....it snowed a little last night...
I am tired of the cold and the dirty, yucky snow!!!!!
I am ready for flowers, sunshine and warm (I would even take 40 right now!)
Sigh.....
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A week in quick recap
DD - has cabin fever (I wish it would warm up!); had last day at daycare & preschool screening for district's pre-k program
DH & I - same as usual...we're pretty boring!
I finished a book (I'll add my review soon); got a little knitting done; did some writing. Yeah, that's about it!
Hope you had a great weekend and your week is going well!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Will Rogers' Wisdom
1. Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.
2. Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
3. There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman...neither works.
4. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
5. Always drink upstream from the herd.
6. If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
7. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.
8. There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
9. Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
10. If you're riding' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
11. Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.
12. After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
ABOUT GROWING OLDER...
First ~ Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. Second ~ The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for. Third ~ Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved. Fourth ~ When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra. Fifth ~ You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks. Sixth ~ I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. Seventh ~ One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Eighth ~ One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been. Ninth ~ Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable. Tenth ~ Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today it's called golf. And finally ~ If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.
Hope you enjoyed and are having a good weekend!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Tuesday night misc. post
with politics but "big" events like this require a mention. May you have a successful 4 years...I don't envy you! I will say, however, that I have enjoyed watching those 2 little girls be little girls - they seem awestruck by celebrities but can be calm and collected in front of a huge crowd. (photo from Yahoo)
Third, if you like guitar music - you have to check out Brad Paisley's PLAY CD. It is FANTASTIC! He is an amazing guitar player and the songs are easy to listen to. He is joined by B.B. King, Andy Griffith, Keith Urban and others on a few of them. It is a rockabilly music style - just so you are warned. (cover picture from cduniverse.com)Sunday, January 18, 2009
Another book review

Friday, January 16, 2009
When did I sign up for this????
I have a co-worker who jumps on my last nerve. Today was a "silent treatment" day. I have no idea what I did but decided that I would just smile and realized it was better that way than when she has her "other" days....
Then, I walked to my desk this afternoon, where one of the guys was talking to a client and Mrs. Client asked if I had a piece of candy and I told her to help herself to the candy jar. Mrs. C said "No, in your mouth. Do you have one?" Me: "No I don't." Mrs C: "You must just have chubby cheeks." I know my jaw dropped for a second, then my hands balled into fists at which time I just sat down in my chair and pretended to do something on my computer. If I had opened my mouth, it would not have been pretty. When they left, the VP apologized and I just said "You didn't make her say it." She will have a long road to travel with me for that....
On a good note - we almost made it out of negative temps today. It sounds like maybe tomorrow - but snow. It's been a brutally cold week and I am ready for some warm and melting snow!!!!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Two days....
Other than that - winter is back with a vengance! The snow is getting deeper - the winds have been bitter and today isn't going to be nice at all.... The cold - I don't even know how to describe that! The high for tomorrow is supposed to be -3F. Yes, that is a minus sign in front of the three.... I'm thinking palm trees, sun and 75 - maybe it will work!
I hope you're having a good week!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Observations from the library
After watching this couple, I realized I have learned a few things in the 2+ years that I have worked at our library.
1. The library attracts MANY different kinds of people! The scholary and the eager to learn; the avid reader; the beginning reader; the movie watcher; the music listener; the rich and the not so rich. The one who wants to read the paper in quiet for 30 minutes; the one who wants to check their e-mail. The student who wants to do their homework surrounded with resource materials. The one who wants to enjoy some quiet, a cup of coffee and a good book.
2. I get the privilege of working in 3 different departments - adult services, youth services and tech serve. I enjoy each of them for different reasons. I can carry on conversations about books and life with many adult patrons; I love helping kids find what they are looking for because most of the time they are eager to have it; I enjoy the "solitude" of my night of repairing, cleaning and processing the library materials.
3. Nothing makes my husband smile more often than seeing one of our patrons when we are out somewhere other than the library and being referred to as "the lady from the library'.
4. I love the excitement on a patron's face when they find the item(s) they were looking for or when they discover a "treasure" from their childhood. It always makes me smile!
So please, patronize your local library - there's lots to see there. : )
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sorry!
Work is crazy busy right now. It snowed about 6 inches from Friday night through last night. I had a scrap night on Friday night and actually got some scrapping done and had a great time with the ladies who were here!
I finished a book this weekend.....
If You Could See Me Now

by Cecelia Ahern
This book was a bit puzzling to me at first and took 4 or 5 chapters to mentally sort out what was going on. Once I did, I enjoyed it. It makes me want or wonder if I have an imaginary friend following me around. Ms. Ahern is a great storyteller and enjoyable to read! I hope you'll pick it up and enjoy it too. (cover photo from Amazon.com)
I see Fergie (pop singer) & Josh Duhamel (actor) finally got married this weekend. DH & I were just talking about celebrity couples the other night (thanks to an on-line article) and I asked if they had gotten married yet - well, I guess they have now.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll try to check in a couple of times this week!Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Is this thing on?
Dear Chicago Cubs Management,
What are you doing? Have you lost your minds?
1. DeRosa! Why are you trading him for minor leaguers???? REALLY?! DeRosa - you know, the guy who played a HUGE part in getting us to the post season last year?
2. Milton Bradley! What the hell are you doing? Do you realize the problems this will probably bring on?
3. Marquis....sigh. Ok, so he was hot or cold all season but he won 11 games!!!!
All I can say is this - these better pan out for the good.....
Signed,
Disgruntled (at the moment) Cubs fan
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Book review

Thursday, January 01, 2009
A little purple
2009!
I hope you all have a wonderful new year - may you & yours be healthy and want for little. :D
I haven't made any "official" resolutions - but am hoping to get in shape, get organized and actually do some scrapping this year. (tee hee!)
HAPPY 2009!!!!!!!!
And now for a moment of randomness (you know how I love those) - a little color....

I took this in a store window when we were in Vegas in November.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Aaaand, it's almost over
We had a VERY nice Christmas! We are trying to make room for the new toys and stuff....always the challenge. The rooms will be cleaned over the next month and donations made!
The weather at the beginning of the week was bitter, snowy and all around wintery! Today, rain, fog and mid 50s....craziness!!!!!
I hope you are enjoying your holiday season!
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
But not for me....
For those of you with a snow day today - enjoy! :D
Sunday, December 14, 2008
"MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!"
It was on last night and I got my husband to watch most of it with me. Sorry, I know it's kind of corny but I love it!!!!!!And of course, what Christmas movie viewing is complete without:
"This here is a quality item, Clark!"
"I want a Red Ryder an official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time"
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Catch up time
Our upstairs tree (snowman theme):
Our mantel:
Our downstairs tree (Hallmark, homemade, misc ornaments):
Yesterday was DD's holiday program at daycare. It was lots of fun and the kids were VERY into it!!!!! I realized as I was taking pictures, it will be her last program at the center. I can't believe she's off to kindergarten next fall....Here she is with her antlers during the program:

It's fortunately been a pretty uneventful week!
The Survivor finale is on tomorrow night - it should be interesting! I'm rooting for Bob...
I hope you had a good week and enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Thursday
I know I promised pictures last weekend, but OBVIOUSLY THAT didn't happen....still on my "to do" list - I promise!
Hope you're having a good week. Don't forget about my cyber crop starting tomorrow at my other blog.... http://challengeu2.blogspot.com/2008/12/cyber-crop.html
Friday, December 05, 2008
TGIF!
Well we got a little more snow Wednesday and yesterday. Hopefully we'll be done for the winter now....
Been a pretty uneventful week and looks to be a pretty uneventful weekend. Sorry nothing real great to report.
2 Peas Friday Challenge - How did you meet you closest friend? I can answer that 2 ways....

I met my DH at our friends' wedding - best man/maid of honor....the rest, they say, is history.
Next weekend - I am having a "cyber crop" on my other blog: http://challengeu2.blogspot.com/2008/12/cyber-crop.html So I hope all you scrapbookers will check it out and hopefully be inspired.
Enjoy your weekend - and I am REALLY hoping to get some pictures posted this weekend!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Tuesday again
The trees are up, decorated and lit. (Pictures to come) DD can't understand why we don't have outside lights. :) Call us the neighborhood Scrooges, if you want - they are a lot of work...
Saturday night, we went to Famous Dave's for dinner after I got done with work. It was SO yummy! We ate like crazy too - shame on us... :D
We got about 5" of snow Sunday and yesterday. Due to the fact that there is a salt shortage, there wasn't a lot of salt on the roads yesterday, thus making it very interesting driving. Not that our county is notorious for having great roads in the winter anyway...BUT! So winter has arrived! The temps have taken a nose dive!
I will try to get some of my weekend scrapping/card making posted this week. Yes, I actually did some!
The Cubs have "officially" parted ways with Kerry Wood and Bob Howry. I can't say as I'm real destroyed over this fact. I just hope they are wise in finding their "replacements".
We are debating what our family Christmas outing will be this year. We are kind of tired of Navy Pier, so we are searching to see what is available in the area. I am still on the hunt of DH's gift - he once again bought himself what I was going to get him - but have come up with some ideas. So, hopefully I can get that taken care of in the next couple of weeks.
Hope all is well and that you have a great week - thanks for stopping by!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thankful!!
*My family!
*My friends!
*My jobs -- and I actually enjoy them
*That we have food on our table
*That we have a roof over our heads
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have much to be thankful for also!
It was Black Friday/Buy Nothing Day today. I thought I would be celebrating the Buy Nothing Day but alas, not so. DH & DS went out at 4 this morning to get in line at Wal-Mart. Then after they got home and we had breakfast, he decided to see if Menards had any more shop vacs and since it was about 8, I decided to go with. No shop vacs but we got 4 gifts taken care of! :-)
Whatever you did today, I hope you enjoyed!
Oh and did I mention...I got some scrapping done today!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
No more!
Sorry for the bluntness I'm just tired of one-sided friendships....
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I will update more after the holidays, but I wanted to wish all my blogger friends - a VERY Merry Christmas! I hope you and yours have a joy...
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...DD is up at 4 a.m. after you stayed up late on Sunday night to watch a movie. ...DS asks if you remembered to get treats for his after s...
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Let's see how I do with these this year... 1. Exercise at least 3 times a week. 2. Write at least 5 pages each week. 3. Cook more!!!!...

















