Merry Christmas

Have a blessed holiday, everyone.

Recent Layout

A layout I did the other night. I really love this picture.

I used Bohemian Spirit Kit from Scrapbook Graphics
Stitches are from Gina Miller.

Tuesday

Tomorrow Sarah has her Christmas Breakfast at preschool. I signed up to bring bananas. We usually have a pretty good time. The kids sing a few songs and we do a craft.

I got most of the Christmas shopping done today. All I have left is to take Cora out to get Sarah's gift from her. Feels good to be mostly done. Sunday is creeping up pretty fast!

Aunt Betty Jo called last night, and we made plans to go to their house on December 30th to visit with them. They're really close to Tony and Deanna's house. Can't NOT go see them. I'll also get to see my cousins who I've not seen since I was two. It's supposed to be in the 60s the week we're in Fort Worth. SO nice!

Monday Blog Challenge

"Since we're right in the midst of the holiday season, I thought I would ask all of you to share your favorite holiday memory for this week's Monday Blog Challenge."

Thought I'd participate in this challenge from Digi Chick.

My favorite holiday memory....hmmm...that's a toughie.

I remember the Christmas of 1994. I was in AIT(army school), and we got to come home for Christmas. Being home with my mom and dad after being away for a few months was heaven. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I saw them. The pride in my dad's eyes as I got off that bus as an adult was so evident. I'm glad I made him proud.

[Friday night]

Arbor Mist rocks. That's all I have to say about that. And, if ther are any typos in this post, you know why. :)

Busy weekend. Cora has practice for her church Christmas Program tomorrow from 10-12, then she has her Bow League Banquet at 1.

Sunday is Sunday School, maybe sledding, then her Christmas Program at 4. Phew. Luckily she gets out of school Thursday afternoon for the Christmas Break. I think we ALL need a break.

Less than two weeks...

Until Christmas! I can't believe how it's snuck up on us like that. Cora gets out of school on the 23, then we have a full day of seeing family on the 24th, then we're leaving for Texas on Christmas Day after we have our family Christmas. I can't wait to get to places where it's NOT 8 degrees outside. That's how I grew up, and I'm still not used to these snowy winters. In Louisiana, if you got a bike for Christmas, you actually got to ride it THAT DAY. Wearing shorts, most likely.

Alas, I'm not in the south any longer. We're in for a yucky snow storm around noon today. I might have to go pick Cora up from school early, depending on the roads. I HATE driving in the snow and ice. Southern girl coming through!

The first holidays are hard after losing a parent. I miss my dad SOOOOOOO much lately.

Brrrr!

Man, it's cold outside!

I just got a call from Cora's teacher and she said that Cora's not feeling well. Cora didn't want to ride the bus home, so I'm going to pick her up in a few minutes. Poor kid. She wasn't feeling the best this morning, but insisted she go to school. I may keep her home tomorrow just to rest. That kid goes a mile a minute and never stops. It takes a sickness to stop her in her tracks.

I went to the library this morning and picked up Labyrinth of Evil, which is the "prequel" novel to Star Wars III. I'm such a geek. I also got The New Year, by Pearl Buck.

I Am An Archer!!!!

Well, sorta.

I went to a women's instructional class last night at the bow club. I had a really good time, and might decide to pursue it further. My arms sure are sore, though. Definitely not as easy as it looks.

Taught Sunday School this morning. After I got home I went to Frankenmuth for some shopping and some alone time. Too bad it was COLD!!!!!! I forgot to wear my hat, too. So, I had to dodge into shops every few minutes to keep from freezing. By the time I was done my back hurt like crazy.

I made a digital layout the other night. Paper by Holly McCaig, element by Christy Lyle of The Digi Chick.

That Girl!

I was chosen to be December's That Girl at Scrap That Moment! Pretty cool! Although I haven't scrapped in a while, I still love to go there and read about the latest scrappin' stuff. They also have a great Photography section. After all, what's scrapbooking without PHOTOS????

Tuesday Morning...

Got my coffee, and am just sitting here. I registered for classes for next semester. Since it's my first semester at UM Flint, I had to wait until the 29th to register. Unfortunately, most of the classes I need are full already. So I figured I'd get my remaining Humanities requirement out of the way while I wait to get in those other classes.

We're getting ready for our trip to Texas at Christmas time. It'll be SO nice to see Christmas withOUT snow. I HATE SNOW! I HATE WINTER!

It's like pulling teeth...

Heh...

I actually did get a tooth pulled today. It was a baby tooth that was on its last legs. It finally had to come out. It was bothering me so much I couldn't chew on that side of my mouth. So, it's out and my mouth is STILL numb. I was surprised at how easily the little sucker came out. I'll be getting my dental implant put in in January. Then the crown will be put on top of that, and I'll have two new teeth once the crown is put on the existing implant on the other side of my mouth where the OTHER baby tooth was. What's with me and baby teeth??? Apparently it's not as uncommon as one might think.

Cora's Parent/Teacher conference is tonight. I'm excited to see what her teacher has to say about her.

I'm now an admitted student at the University of Michigan - Flint. The Nursing Program Waiting list was just way too long at Mott. At UM Flint, I can have my BSN by the time I get IN the program at Mott. Sigh. Anyway, I'm geeked about going there. Andrew and I are now students at the same school. How sweet!!!! :)

It's SNOWING! Not a lot, but enough to show a little white on the ground. I guess winter is inevitable. Sarah's already out playing it. Little crazy child.

...

Ah...the holiday season is almost upon us. Things always get busy this time of year. Everything is crammed into a month.

The girls and I talked about Christmas this year. I suggested that instead of them getting a lot of gifts this year, that we would go out and buy gifts for kids who don't have as much. They were really excited about that. I'm sure Santa will bring them something, but it won't be a gift fest this year. Keep it simple. Plus it will give them a sense of the world around them. Not everything revolves around them.

Sarah's preschool class went to the fire station this morning. The kids LOVED it! It was really informative.

They're forecasting snow tonight! EEK! Luckily it will melt Friday, but I'm not looking forward to it at all.

Friday!

Woo hoo!!! I am SO going to sleep late tomorrow! Andrew will be home eventually tomorrow. Cora has her bow league, but other than that we're just chillin'.

It's been a beautiful couple of days. Gorgeous weather. Unfortunately, that won't last long.

I'm getting the house straightened up. Getting rid of a bunch of stuff. We have so much crap cluttering the house. Time to purge.

Woah, it's Cold!

Cold and rainy. Not much else to do except stay inside and clean the house. Laundry is getting done, and kitchen is almost clean.

Andrew goes hunting next week. I hate hunting week. It seems to drag on forever. Not sure what we're gonna do to keep ourselves occupied while he's gone. I know I'm going to rent a bunch of chick flicks that I've been wanting to see. It's become a tradition. :)

...

Andrew flight is delayed. He'll be home about an hour and a half later than expected.

Loverly.

[Grrrrr]

I spent two hours at the doctor's office. I was getting SO mad just SITTING there. I don't have strep, but apparently I do have acute pharyngitis. So, I have antibiotics for that. Took two hours to tell me that. Sigh...time to find a new doctor. I haven't been impressed with that office at all.

Tomorrow is Cora's Apple Orchard Field Trip. Gonna be a chilly one, but I think we'll have fun. Sarah gets to hang out at Aunt Nikki's for the day. Sarah had a hard time letting me leave this morning at preschool. Not sure what was up with that, but she was fine when I got there. One of the moms who stayed said that she was "out of sorts". Hope she's not getting sick.

Andrew will be home tonight around 10 PM. We've all missed him.

Beautiful Day Today

Today is gorgeous. Sun is shining and it's very mild outside. I love Fall in Michigan. I know that Winter is not far behind though.

I had my annual eye exam this morning, and my eyes are 20/20. I got a new pair of sunglasses with my frame allowance. In the morning I go to the doctor since I've been feeling crappy for a few months now. Gonna finally get checked out.

Cora's got Karate tonight. She's a bit nervous, but once she gets there she has a blast.

Andrew's out of town until tomorrow night. I miss him. He's in Bloomington, MN, right by the Mall of America. We went there last year as well, but this year I wasn't able to go. He's there on "business"...heheeh...last year there didn't seem to be much work going on.

Finally

The end of a bad week.

Andrew hit a deer on hiw way to work Tuesday morning. It was dark and he didn't see it coming. The Saturn is most likely trashed. It's at a shop in Howell, but Andrew is going to get it tomorrow. It might not be worth fixing. He went back to see if the deer meat was salvagable, but it wasn't. Andrew took the antlers as a trophy. It was a pretty big 4 point. Andrew's ok, but is still pretty sore. Scared him half to death.

Also found out that our roof pitch isn't what we thought it was, so now if we want to move onto land, we have to rebuild the stinking roof. What a mess.

I'm glad this week is over.

Lara and Darcy

Homecoming 2005.

Go Cats!

Tonight is Grand Blanc's homecoming game. The girls and I went to the Homecoming parade this afternoon. It was C O L D! Then or course it starts drizzling as soon as the parade starts. We had fun despite all the shivers!

Almost There...

It's almost Friday...not that that is any special thing.

Our heat wave is over. Today will maybe hit 70. Guess October is meant for cooler weather. Sarah's preschool is going to the apple orchard in the morning. That should be fun. They always have a great time on the hay ride and stuff.

I have SO got to get this office organized. I can't find anything in here. Once it's done I'll feel so much better!

Monday

I'm so tired! We went to watch my SIL Lara's Powderpuff Football game tonight. She's a Junior and they lost 14-0. It was a good game though. After that we went for pizza.

I can't believe our weather. It was 85 today, and tomorrow and Wed will be in the 80s as well. Thursday is going to be cold though. Guess it IS time for the chilly weather to set in.

Saturday I had a senior session. She is a teammate of Lara's. We had so much fun! I got some really nice shots too. I was pleased.

Sarah

Testing my new 75-300mm USM lens today. Love this shot.

Autumn is here!

It was 48 degrees when we woke up this morning. I don't mind autumn, but winter is entirely another matter. I HATE SNOW! I HATE COLD!

Anyway...enough whining about the cold. The leaves are starting to change and are very pretty. Sarah and I might go take a hike in the woods today and see what we see.

I have a Senior Portrait Sesson on Saturday. I'm SOOOOOOO excited. I found a really old and beautiful Bed and Breakfast house in Fenton. The owners said that I call them and we'll set something up so we can use the house and grounds for some shots. I think it would make for very unique portraits. I told the clients that I don't do backdrops or lights, and they sounded pretty excited about that. I'm hoping I do a good job for them. Lara is doing a great job of recommending me to her friends and teammates. I might have to pay her! :)

TGIF!

Geesh..are the hurricanes EVER going to end??? I guess not for another two months. I'm so glad I don't live in MS anymore. Hurricanes SUCK. I was a junior in high school in Louisiana when Hurricane Andrew came through. It wasn't as bad as Florida got it, but it was bad enough.

Andrew's out getting popcorn and coca cola at the moment. I plan on having a few Rum and Cokes tonight. Nothing wrong with getting a litte tipsy, eh? Girls are in bed, and we might play a little Halo on the Xbox. We haven't played in almost a year, so it's about time we got our Melee on! We used to play every night after the girls went to bed. We'd get online with a friend of ours and we'd play against each other all night. So much fun. Or we'd get on the Super Nintendo and play a raucous game of Dr. Mario. That was dad's favorite game. He'd sit there and play for hours. Missing my daddy.

Wow, it's already 11 PM. Luckily I don't have anything to do tomorrow except sleep in. The girls were up late tonight so hopefully they sleep in as well. If not, it's cartoon day!!!

Cora got an A+ on her very first spelling test today. She was SOOOOOO excited to come home and tell me.

The new lens I ordered finally shipped today. Can't wait to get it and play! I want to take it to the sports games and get some good shots when my niece and nephew play soccer.

A Rarity

Sarah actually allowed me to take pictures of her. What fun this was!!!!

Cora Belle

Cora doing homework.

Woah, Nelly!

Ok, so how did my house get so destroyed??? I just got done cleaning my laundry room. I was on my hands and knees scrubbing the floor. It looks and smells MUCH better now! Next project is to organize the tupperware drawer. Wow, what a disaster area THAT is.

I didn't sleep well last night. I was up at 1 AM watching "Soul Food" on AMC. Great movie. My allergies were bothering me. I'm ready for the cold weather JUST to get rid of all the stuff making me sneeze!!

[Ho Hum...]

Monday morning. Got the girls off to school, then proceeded to hit the library. I read the current copy of People, and then checked out a couple books for myself. The good thing about me not taking any classes this semester is that I can read 'til my heart's content. I got a book by Larry McMurtry called Some Can Whistle. I didn't know he did other books besides Westerns. Looks like a good read. I've been re-reading books that I know are good, but I wanted to try something new this time.

End of The Weekend...

This weekend has flown by. Yesterday we went to James' and Darcy's soccer games. Andrew helped his brother repair his roof. This morning was the first day of Sunday School at church. The girls were really excited for that. Cora is in my class this year, but my Co-Teacher taught today while I went to the service. We'll alternate between teaching and being off. Sarah was in the 4 year old class downstairs near my room. She liked that. She's really becoming more outgoing. Last year I could barely get her from around my leg, but not anymore. I'm so glad she's not so clingy.

Cora went to Toys R Us and got a scooter with a gift card she got for her birthday. All the kids bring their scooters to the bus stop in the mornings and ride around while they're waiting. Cora expressed interest in doing the same in the morning. Where has my baby gone?

A Quiet Moment

Cora enjoying a book in her room.

Yuck

I feel like poop on a cracker. My allergies have been going full force for 6 weeks now. Hopefully by the end of this month I'll feel better.

It's pretty chilly today...high of 66. Guess summer is really over. The weekend should be nice though. We're going to my nephew's soccer game, and then to my niece's soccer game. Andrew gets to help his brother install a new roof on his house. We shall see how big of a project THAT turns out to be! :)

My room is 98% clean. All it needs is a good vacuuming, and it's done. Did you know there was a floor in there??? It's funny how fast stuff just gets thrown on the floor. I'm such a slacker when it comes to hanging laundry. Folding is easy, but I have a brain block when it comes to HANGING. I HATE HANGING CLOTHES! However, all our clothes are hung now, and I get to start all over again on Monday. I need a maid.

Cora's Trophy

Cora shot in a bow league this fall. She got third place.

Thursday

The girls and I went to the dentist this morning. Cora did a wonderful job, but Sarah wasn't thrilled with the prospect of some lady digging around in her mouth. She ended up not doing it. Sometimes they're fine, sometimes they're not. Took Cora to school around 10:30 to finish out the day. She really loves school.

Sarah are I are on our way to go look at vacant lots of land. We really want to get this house moved and then sell it. I'm not sure if we can get stuff done before the snow, but we're going to try. We would have to pull Cora out of her school to transfer. She would be alright, but I remember having to change schools, and I never liked it.

I started an Ab class at the gym on Monday. I've been twice now, and my muscles are SCREAMING! It feels SO good to work out though. I really hope I can keep going. If I can lose a few pounds, I'd feel SO much better.

Silly girl

What a goofball...

[Am I crazy?]

I'm thinking of auditioning for a part in our local theater company's production of "The Nerd". It's the same company that Cora did Sound Of Music for. I think it would be a hoot. I've never done anything like that before, so would be a neat experience for me. No singing in this show, which is a GOOD thing! Auditions are next week. We'll see how things go. The rehearsals work around Andrew's school schedule, so that's no problem.

Lots of rain this morning. The electricity shut off for a few minutes. Almost didn't make it up to get Cora to school. Luckily my internal clock kicked in just in time.

Hmmm...what should I do today? My poor scrap room is in shambles. Since I haven't scrapped much in about 6 months, everything gets tossed in there. I think I'll get it cleaned up today. I'm half tempted to actually get a page done. That would be a feat!

Update on My Sister

I heard from my sister on Friday, Sept 2. She and her family are ok, but their home is destroyed. A few trees fell on it, splitting it into pieces. Not sure what's going to happen.

Ahhh...

Both girls are in school now. Sarah started preschool. Three days a week for 2 1/2 hours. I plan on going to the gym while Sarah's at school.

I went to Big Apple Bagels and had a large Caramel Latte. I felt like such a grown up! Funny how such a simple thing can make you feel so different.

Not much else going on today. My allergies are kicking my butt. I called my doc to get an appt, and won't get in until next Wed. I need to find a new doctor.


Aren't WE excited to be goin' to school???

Stupid Hurricane

My sister lives in South Mississippi. I haven't heard from her since Monday afternoon, when she text messaged me about Katrina being the worst she's ever seen.

Communications are knocked out down there, so I can't get in touch with her. I'm a bit freaked out.

Sunday!!!

Tallman Family Picnic today. I was in charge of pictures. I think we got some good ones.

Also got some shots for Lara.

Saturday!

Cora starts school on Monday. I can't believe I have a 1st grader. She'll be in the 1st/2nd grade combined class this year. From what I've heard, it's a good thing. I think it can only benefit her.

Tomorrow is the Tallman Family Picnic. I've been charged with photographing the day. Not that I wasn't going to anyway, but it was requested of me. Should be a fun day.

It's been a week and a half since dad died. It's still so hard to believe. His urn finally came yesterday, so Andrew will go to the funeral home next week to pick up his "cremains". What a funny word!

I've been having a lot of trouble falling asleep lately. Guess it's normal. I hope that when school starts and I'm forced to get up in the mornings I'll get my internal clock back on track. I'm SO not a morning person!

Anyway...summer is almost over. Flew by pretty fast, with everything going on. I'm very grateful of the time I had with my dad though.

I love you, dad.

Watchin' Sponge Bob

Miss Attitude...

My dad is gone

Dad died on August 17 at 11:30 PM. No matter how much you think you prepare for it, the moment you hear the news you totally lose it. I know I did. Going to the hospice and seeing him after they called me was really hard. I didn't think I would be able to do it, but somehow I had the strength.

He's not in pain now. He's with God. I'm comforted by that.

Sarah actually let me get a picture!

Some shots of Cora today. She's so natural in front of the camera.

My brother and the girls.

Saturday.

Was pretty hot today, but feel pretty good now. Lazy day. I went to visit my dad for a while.

I'm still feeling like crap, but not like as much crap as yesterday. Hopefully I'm getting over this cold.

I've spent most of the day on this blasted computer. Not doing much, but just piddling. I should be folding clothes. That's not as much fun though.

Did get some cool shots of Cora. She's always up for letting me play.

Wow, I'm sick. Woke up this morning with a sore neck and a stuffy nose. I think it's the weather changing; I get a cold/allergies this time of year. Guess fall is on its way. Summer went by way too fast.

I'm going to get to church this Sunday if it kills me. I've not been able to get there all summer. Things always seem to pop up on Sunday.

It's weird not having company in the house. Very quiet.

Got all the laundry done. Man there was a lot. It's amazing how much clothes the girls have. Their drawers are full of stuff, their closet is full of stuff. Guess I need to purge. They can WEAR it all, but I guess they don't NEED it all. I'm a sucker when it comes to girls' clothes. I love to buy them something when I see a cute outfit.

Welp, off to get the house clean.

I think I'm getting a cold or something. I woke up this morning with a sore throat and a stuffy head. I feel like poop! :)

The girls are at Aunt Jen's today. Andrew is going to be picking them up around 4. He's thinking of taking them camping this weekend. We'll see how that goes.

It's HOT and HUMID today. Supposed to get some much needed rain. I've got the windows open to let in some fresh air. We've had the A/C on forever it seems. Need some fresh oxygen circling around.

Visited my dad for a while today. He's doing ok. I walked in and he gave me a big ol' smile. Love that.

Welp, not much planned for today other than getting the girls' room clean while they're not here to destroy it immediately. I don't know HOW they can tear that room up so fast. Geesh.

Wow, it's early in the morning. My sister and her family just left to drive back to Mississippi.

It's been a hard month. My dad was diagnosed with Cancer. He's in a hospice now. It's been so hard to see him lose strength. He was always such an independent man. Cancer sucks.

I did get some shots of my sister and her family before they left. They had never had any portraits taken before.

So, summer is winding down here in Michigan. The girls start school on August 29th. Hopefully things will settle down once school starts. I will add more to this post later.