Well this was from the wedding last weekend in Omaha.

The weekend was way too fast it seemed like we hardly saw the family with the hustle and bustle but Maria the bride was a beautiful woman and John is blessed to have her.

Today is Thanksgiving and we are going to my mother in laws to relax and eat. I will go see my family this weekend and help with Christmas.

I plan to knit a scarf this weekend and put up Christmas and design a card for a card swap. Wish me luck!

Where do I begin? Crop Camp has passed I spent last weekend with some good hubby time, this friday I leave for Omaha for a wedding. Umm what just happened? OH and I got my fingers wrapped in my hand held blender this evening so typing is just peachy fun right now.

I am about to finish the mitten to match the first mitten I knitted in October, hoping it all matches when the second one so the pair is matching.

Finished my 3rd made calendar from Crop Camp weekend, I would post pictures but I took 1! I just wanted to observe and enjoy and be in the pics I guess.

Promise to post pics of Omaha but gotta go rest the blended fingers and ice em again.

Hey Everyone. In 5 days we will all be at Crop Camp. Amazing thought considering I packed 95 goodie bags last night and finished my class, rode to Wellington with my dad on his motorcycle and did all the dirty laundry in my house cleaned my bathroom as well as scrubbing the tile grout. That was just yesterday.

Its a no wonder I woke up completly exhausted today, no big shocker there huh?

I did order some pics, went to the store, packed my breakfasts for the week and planned meals for the week as well. I partially packed my clothes and still need to get scrapbook kits together but its time to study now.

Thought I would share a pic of our whole family that went on the cruise with us. See the yellow dress my neice is wearing. My grandmother made that for Carlee to wear in Ryan and Is wedding 6 years ago :)

well where do I begin: ok the 1st step is admitting you have a problem right?

Ok Here Goes: I have managed to be terribly bruised by the dentist(not the prison one my regular one) which has left me looking like I got punched and feel that way too. Started an online Dental Assisting Class, celebrated Arkalalah, wrote and completed my class for Crop Camp and yesterday I left home at 9:15 and returned at 10:30. I think I should think more clearly like checking to see how far down it is before I jump. Not Good

So dropping in to say Hi then to bed, I have been studying for an exam for 3 hours and I am exhausted maybe a pic for you lemme see yep this is where I wish I was right now, thats how good and relaxed I am floating in clear water off a beach in Jamaica with Pineapple Juice and Vodka for breakfast. My kinda relaxing day.

Wow I may become a better blogger, NO SERIOUS!!

I am posting from my basement from a laptop wirelessly WHAT A CONCEPT!!

Should I mention instead of blogging I have been sorting close to 500 pictures with the Creative memories Memory manager 2.0 and i am sooo impressed!!!

I am in the process of 2007 pics and I know there is more to this program so I plan to corner Margaret at Crop Camp and have her show me some tips and tricks if you ladies want to you should check it with me!!

Hello? Anyone out there? Its Me, Gin and Tonic Girl thanks to Marissa!
So I am going to share some pics from our Eureka Springs trip here we go: This first pics is at Sparky's we had never eaten there and it was so relaxed and AWESOME food, Left to right and around, Ryan, Myself, Carole my mother in Law, Kenny my father in Law, Buzz my father in laws best friend since high school and Charlotte his wife. She is seriously like the cool tour guide of Eureka Springs you just wish you knew :)
The next one is of the Crescent Hotel, I went on a 3 mile walk with 2 ladies June and Chris and this was at the end of the trail going down, still recovering from shin splints on the way going back BUT worth the view. And the last may creep a few out but its a memorial marker of a 19 year old girl that we ran across while visiting a really awesome graveyard. No regrets really cool tombstones and tributes.
So Crop Camp classes are coming and there are going to be new faces of vendors I hope you all are as excited as I am.

For you Crop Campers I want you to know I have been SUPA Busy organizing and planning and emailing today. Vendors are coming along but we could use a few if you know any.

Yoder Haus girls my stuff is packed, ok little fib still gotta get the clothes packed but they are the comfy kind wont need to do laundry before then they are all cleaned and ready.

This was my last full weekend home for 2 weeks so you may hear from me may not. I still have lots left on my "Sunday To Do List" sheets have been on the line since 9 gotta go get em. Have to finish knitting a coozie, work on my bulletin board for work, OH and I soldered 4 necklaces this weekend SO COOL! Thanks to Renee and Jana I have yet to set anything on fire but I am just a beginner so there is still time!

So I have come to the realization that I do things in spurts. I scrapbook for a few weeks, then knit, then read, then repeat. I guess it keeps me busy and not bored. A few weeks ago I knitted and felted a small purse, not a perfect one but whose arms hang straight anway right?
Then onto a comission job then OMGoodness books. I dont brag unless I feel I should share I read "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls in 3 days!! Its based on a true story and you seriously should read this amazingly to even fatham that her life or anyones was this way and she is just so normal. Friday I started "Water for Elephants" bySara Gruen and finished it at 2 am this morning. WHAT? It was seriously that good!
So now I have started a koozie for the water bottles they gave us at work that sweat because its either really hot or really cold, stupid old buildings.
Bluegrass this coming weekend, Yoder Haus next weekend plus the Last Run Car Show then Corvette Weekend. The picture is looking up at the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka. Gosh its been a year since we have been, we used to go 2 times a year and I miss that place. I just realized at 6:30 on Sunday its my last full weekend at home for a month!! Seriously? What the heck I should have been more productive.
I hope all the Ganza Girls had fun looking forward to the Soldering Class with Rene and Jana on Tuesday!
XOXOXO

Yep its true seriously the 4th of September HOLY CANOLI!!



I honestly have been on the puter (computer) as Kathy, Shandra and I call it but I have been devoting my time to Crop Camp. Good thing since thats REALLY whats important right?



Lots of nice coupons and goodies and certificates coming so I hope the new bucket of emails you all likey the results.



7 Days ladies I am revamping this class, thinking about doing it FOR SURE in Andover and Fall Crop Camp, I cannot wrap my head around doing one at home with my life right now. We pulled 7 yes 7 teeth from one head yesterday that is the most in one sitting for me. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE BRUSH AND FLOSS the outcome isnt pretty. The Doc says if you wash between your fingers and toes its no different then flossing between those teethies!! ICK



Anyways that is my rant on proper oral hygiene this week, I didnt do anything crazy this time like sneeze with my mask on or suck my hair in the suction tube (and yes I have done this and it gives you the eebie jeebies when you realize what went down that tube before you sucked and pulled your hair out of it) DOUBLE ICKY!



So the 7 Days thing email me I am finalizing the design and hope to have Steffanie approve it for Andover and we will go from there. I HOPE I am signed up for the Soldering Class they are doing in a few weeks if you are too and wanna carpool call me 620-222-2580 cause thats the fastest or text me but put your name. I had to get a new phone and dont have everyones #'s. Sorry

For those of you who read and pray do a little for me for him

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tylergroom

He and his family our good friends of ours and they would appreciate all the love, prayers and support you can give.

For those of you who live in our area keep this event in mind:

On August 30th, there will be a barbeque dinner and DJ at BadenSquare, along with a silent auction, to benefit the Groom family. If you would like to donate anything to the silent auction, you're asked to contact Tammy Cooley at Community National Bank. If you'd like toreserve your spot at the dinner, you need to contact Katie Eastman at 229-3432.

And thanks for any prayer chains or time you have.

Hello Everyone. 16 days where does the time go, ya know I use to do most of my posts at my "old job" dont miss that place at all. Just miss staying up on the current events and blogs and friends. Today was an interesting day, lets just say it required stitching 2 patients up today, there is a first for everything and I have a complete understanding as to why it is neccessary to use a scalpel in a dental office. WOW

Anyways check this out http://asassyaffair.blogspot.com/ I love Summer and Amy and know those 2 brim with TONS O TALENT so keep em checked out.

And I changed my blog to accept posts but nothing, NADA I know I have neglected you but please dont neglect me I could use a hello from my blogger friends, the prison life gets lonely.

I know I am shocked as well it has been what like 27 days since I last posted. Very unusual for me but my heads been full of policies, procedures and protocols after that for 8-10 hours a day I cannot even think about typing.

Here are a few 4th of July pics I promised, we spent it with Poppa Jim which is Lena's grandpa in Cedar Vale and he smokes some SERIOUSLY mean ribs.

Next Friday, my sister, brother-in-law, dad and I are driving to Great Bend. After almost 81 years we will be moving my Grandma from her home there to Ark City to be closer to us. I honestly never thought I would see the day but once her best friend said she was heading to Nebraska Grandma said she was leaving too. We are soo glad, to have her 10 minutes away seems so unusual, its always been a 4 hour drive for us and we arent supposed to smother her? How is that possible we wanna soak up every minute with her!

I had better get to the task at hand, the reason I am up here on my puter is to start work on Fall Crop Camp, I know it doesnt seem possible but its 3 months away and I dont think I have done a darn thing since spring. These last 3 months have been creating a ton of change for me. The stress is less and all that I am learning is soo worth it!

I am hoping to share some designs with you that my friend Laura is working on some biz cards for me, please visit her blog Elephant Juice listed in my favs and if you need any stationary supplies check her out. A WHOLE lot of talent that girl has.

I know I know where have I been? Going down crazy lane as fast as I can and grabbing ahold of what ever I can as I round the corner screaming "WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING?"""

That has been the last 2 weeks, sure I was on vacation/in between jobs the 23-27 but that week FLEW by!! Tuesday we did the lake thing with Gina and Flower Kathy(different than scrapbooking Kathy) and just chilled I think I got home at 9:30 but didnt check because HEY WHO CARES I didnt work the next day. Then I pretty much worked on my bathroom the painting and measuring and my BIL came over Saturday and added plug ins I got 4 MORE! That was great considering I just had 2! We had 6 things plugged into a 2 holer with adapters nice huh? Monday I started my new job at the prison and the days are flying by, I have dental days for the next 2 days and they are 10 hour days but today I was off at 3, could have been earlier but I was too busy. CRAZY how can time fly while you are working its amazing how I will have PLENTY to do!

I hope to post pics of the 3 day weekend, I appreciate you ladies who still stay interested in me :) XOXO Love Ya All and I will miss Kathy she leaves Thursday and Shan has already left the state :(

Garage Sale Girlies!! Read Up

If you are interested in checking out the presale items please be at my house 1402 Cherry Street Winfield, KS at 7 pm this Friday night. That is Friday June 20th. Not only are there the scrapbooking supplies, but cool vintage stuffs from my grandma, tons of bedding all sizes, comforter sets, african violet plants, baby items(the big things) and tons of other stuff along with ladies clothing and kids toys and books. Feel free to come visit and chat and celebrate my last day at Husky Liners with me :) CU SOON!

So for those of you who dont know this is my dad. We started the day heading to Wichita with my mother in law Carole, father in law Kenny, sister in law Traci and brother in law Kenny (yes thats 2 Kenny's) and my niece Josie and nephew Dayne and went to the zoo in Wichita. There was a car show as well so it was very distracting seeing all these awesome vehicles PLUS seeing the animals. It had been awhile since I had been and had yet to see the penguins which Carlee knows TONS about penguins. We then had dinner at Applebees in Andover and headed home. At 6 my family plus my sisters father in law Jim came over and Ryan grilled some kick ass steaks and we had sides and just chilled. Busy day but SOOO much fun! I have more pics of the kids to share but wanted to give you a bit of a pic with me and my pops. Do you see a resemblence?

So yesterday was crazy busy, I had a meeting at Husky at 3 until 3:30 left there and headed to Dr.Parsons office and watched the end of a root canal and all of a tooth extraction. SOO Very cool. I learned alot, stuff books dont teach you, like the fact that if the tooth is bad enough it wont come out in one piece. I have so much respect for Dr.Parsons he had to work, dig, chisel, drill and repeat to get it all out. Crazy Stuffs

Carlee had a game at 6 which we won, she wasnt happy with her pitching I thought she did great but she is her own worst critic. The second game she was up to bat and dodging balls cause the pitcher was off a bit and they called it because of lightening. Then it just got uglier here from that point, rain, thunder, lightening and rattling the windows. NICE

Our AC got fixed yesterday and replaced due to the nice lightening strike, thank GOODNESS for insurance and fast heating and air guys cause it was starting to get sticky :)

A week I know, and I know alot of people arent reading as much now that they have to be invited. Its all for safety reasons and the last post explains that.

Lots of going ons, I will be having a garage sale on June 21st. If you are interested in the "private presale for friends" just email me. My grandmother has sent some really cool vintage stuffs, I will have clothes and scrapbooking of course, my sister in law has stuffs and we will have flowers too!

So I will be preparing that stuff for my grandma and cleaning out my things and preparing to begin my new job. Missing the scrapbooking world but my head is full of dental terms so it gets the back side for a bit.

Saturday night Lena stayed the night and the AC went out at her house and ours. Funny how that works, both my sis and I are without AC on our main levels of our homes.

Which TV Mom Are You?

My Result: Claire Huxtable

You are Claire Huxtable from The Cosby Show. You have high expectations for your children, just like you have high expectations for yourself. You've probably got your own life and your own career, but nothing is more fun than spending time with your family. You may be a professional woman, but you enjoy getting silly with the kids sometimes.


You want good kids, but you also want them to be successful, smart individuals who can speak their minds — as long as they do so respectfully. While you enjoy being the kind of mom that your kids can come to with a problem, you are not afraid to set them straight when they're acting badly. When it comes to discipline, you try treat your kids like adults, talking calmly and coolly. And that's ultimately why they're going to grow up with such unwavering respect for you — as both a mother and a successful person.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=tvmomogt&c=50652

Quite funny that Christie and Summer was Marge Simpson and I am Claire Huxtable. Crazy, I must really be the mean mom :)

So many of you may wonder why you rec'd an invite to visit my blog. On Thursday I gave my notice to Husky Liners and my last day will be June 20th. On June 30th I will begin working at the Winfield Correctional facility as a Dental Assistant and Medical Records Clerk. I have always wanted to work in the dental field and financially me not working for 2.5 years and driving back and forth to WSU isnt an option Ryan and I felt this was a good opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of things I can do. Its been a long 3 months for us to make this decision and difficult at times but for the health of myself and my family we feel its a good move for me. I am of course nervous as heck because in April I had been at Husky for 8 years, but I feel its time. That being said I have to keep a better eye on whats going on in my life therefore knowing who knows about me should be kept more private now. XOXO Alicia

some things that need to be said and I will clue you all in soon. Lots of changes and a sale coming up. Just wanted you all to visit this blog http://laura-elephantjuice.blogspot.com/ love the colors but most of all the decision Laura has made. The recently had a son and she has decided to stay home and be a momma. I have soo much respect for her, granted I will miss her at the Arts and Humanities council, who will get my donations now? But the fact that they are making it work for her family and son is an experience lots of us only wish we could do or could have done.

1st and foremost if ANYONE knows how to size my header please help me!! Its sooo big and I have no clue. Ok now that I am done whining Amy asked me what Big Picture Scrapbooking class I am taking and its "The Art of Becoming More" This is my second class with Kollette and I always get a positive experience with her so I decided to share a few layouts from her class so far, please enjoy.

I know its been over a week. And honestly I cannot tell you what I have accomplished but being a taxi for a green eyed 11 year old honestly. Sunday we did some dirt work (again) and pulled out ivy along the house. Along with the ivy we discovered our sewer pipes and a water spicket we didnt know we had. Wont much longer we decided to cap it because we never used it and we almost broke it off the house with the tractor, couldnt see it or the sewer pipes because of all the darn ivy crap. Later on that day my dad called to tell me that the Mini Doberman Pinscher we have had in our family for over 15 years passed away so we all took that hard, my mom was out of town on work so it was difficult cause she is the strong one, my dad and Carlee and I just bawled.
We have had softball practice 2 times this week and Carlee is digging this pitching thing. She has practiced alot and Blue retrieves the ball which totally helps her not having to run after it.
Hoping to repaint chairs over the weekend but they require power washing and at this point they are warning our area of KS for severe weather all weekend. Saturday night is UFC Ill Will and I WILL be watching it, some really awesome fighters going for what they want its a big mix of some good ones so its a not miss.
I am hoping to get up to date on my Big Picture Class. I do a little each evening, there is audio and papers to fill out and layouts to do. I hope to post if I can get caught up.
XOXOXOX

Ok Seriously. Someone explain to me how I can make money blogging. You gotta go here www.dooce.com and watch the morning show segment with Heather and hear about the software engineer who last year made 10% more than she ever had working. WTH? Seriously? I am sure if that was my only job was to blog I could be more consistent if a paycheck followed it.

ANYWHO! Last night was the 2nd game of a preseason softball tournament and Carlee pitched. No she has never pitched before and bless her heart a few times she almost did the baseball throw but she pitched a heckuva an inning and I couldnt have been more excited for her.

I am in the midst of a Big Picture Scrapbooking class called "The Art of Choosing Joy" a second in its series so its been my focus on my down time. What little of that there is lately. Will share as I get further in. it requires some serious self discipline which is difficult when I have my garden to tend to, chairs that need painted and a family to love and care for. Yep I am tired.

LOOKIE http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d7a49314e6a45324d513d3d0d0a&campaign=blog_playback_link Here is the slideshow from the Kenny Chesney Concert! Shandra was a darn good photographer :)

Ok if you wanna see the cruise pics they are down below, as more get shared with me I will share with you.

So I am sure you were wondering if seeing Kenny Chesney live was worth it friday night? HECK YA!! It was soo worth it, granted I would have like to get a picture with him or something but its all good, he puts on a heck of a show. And LeAnn Rimes WOW gorgeous girl and so down to earth and fun.

Saturday we did the parade for Kanza Days then at 1 Carlee went to the church and I went shopping at Flying Begonias and got the coolest plants and herbs EVAH!! That was a blast! Came home and planted then picked Carlee up came and planted more, took her to a birthday party and then Ryan and I did some more. Sunday my mother in law came over and we planted and designed and finshed the planters and I couldnt be happier. I will totally post pics the transformation from last years weed pit to now is soo amazing! I couldnt have done it without Ryan and my mother in law Carole they helped and worked so hard with me and I am thrilled!!

Sunday afternoon Carlee and I went out to a friends house in the country and she played got dirty we all took tractor rides and saw new baby tiny kittens and just visited. It was relaxing and nice and just overall a very accomplished fun and crazy weekend!

Well here are some pics, more later, lots of editing to do and some scanning but please do enjoy :)

Hey Everyone!! Miss me? The trip was amazing I plan to post some what of a slideshow this evening for you so bear with me. After 7 loads of laundry washed and put away I am still recovering a bit but looking pretty tan and looking forward to watching Kenny LIVE Friday night. :)

Yes I am going to surrender to my own demise.

I have 4 to-do/pack lists all piled up on the bar in the kitchen. If I forget something its probably because I am completly over obsessing.

I did pedicures for my mom and aunt last night took about 3 hours not too bad I was working tandem on em both. Carlee gets hers Friday night and I will just repaint mine. We have a so called "free night" tonight she has a Girl Scouts Meeting, I have nothing. Tomorrow night a performance for choir. I am off Friday plan to finish up laundry, pack, make a nice dinner for the fam and do some more toes.

I have all kinds of things spinning in my head that need to be done, now I just gotta get motivated, take some time and get it done. Huh?

OK I have to admit, it was a heckuva lot easier getting up this morning knowing that next Monday morning when I wake up it will be on a cruise ship in the ocean heading towards my first port. :)

The weekend was just crazy, Carlee got a lesson learned in not wanting to do what she was told. Therefore there was no skating, she was asked why she didnt do her chores "I didnt want to" Well guess what you arent going skating or anything else this weekend hows them apples.

Saturday we played with Lydia (4) and Jose (6 months) while there dad got some rest. He had a heart scare Friday and spent the night in the hospital so I relieved a friend of theirs and took the girls for the afternoon and made them dinner. Then went to visit the family in AC before the big cruise.

Yesterday was church, grovery store, big lunch and packing. And more packing, then panic set in. I cannot go 7 days not without talking to my husband so now I am trying to figure out what I can do. Its not going to work I have to be able to talk to him even if its briefly.

Well 4 1/2 days of work, thats it, then to 80 degree weather, good food, sand and sun. So Ready!

To My Aweso{me} Instructor Mrs. Summer Crook:

I read thru the Attic Blog today that May will be our last class together. I cannot thank you enough for the last year, I am always so proud and excited every time I complete a page, do my homework or finish a layout just for MOI!

Thank you, you are so talented. All the girls last weekend at Crop Camp loved your Aweso{me} talent and ideas and techniques. I appreciate you helping me leave a little bit of myself behind for my only child and letting her see the things that make me who I am.

I wont be there tomorrow, but I will be there in May so that I can get a picture with us together for my album because I never could have done it without you!

Hugs and Prayers and Best Wishes! I hope you once you get things sorted you will guide us again, I will miss you!

XOXOXOX

Loving all the slideshows of Crop Camp here is Tracy's

http://mom2cms.blogspot.com/

And Kathy's http://scrapn4fun.blogspot.com/ these are great!! Anyone else?

Seriously ladies you make my day so much better when I can get a little smile checking these out!! THANK YOU!

Just a quick note if you are interested in the wardrobe for the weekend:

Friday: Vintage Crop Camp T-Shirt, there will be a special one and if you are wearing it prizes are involved and no you cannot wear them all at once.

Saturday: The new one for this weekend, of course we have pics Duh!

Sunday: Fall 07 Crop Camp shirts the pretty turquiose and brown one.

Now doesnt that help you to know what clothes to pack for the weekend. Its ok no thanks needed here you can thank me tomorrow XOXOXOXO

HELLO LADIES!! This will probably be the last post unless the earth shifts tomorrow night and i have extra time somewhere.

I cannot tell you how great it is to read blogs and have ladies say that they are packing less and have page kits because of me. Its nice to hear that the research and rewriting again and again of classes pays off. Each and all of you whether you have been to Crop Camp or taken a class with me all mean so much to me. Each of you give me a different smile because of you talent and personalities and how you give and add something different in my life that I didnt have before you all became a part of it.

I got up this morning knowing we would be headed to the camp and 2 things gave me a BIG smile 1. STARBUCKS! Hello! Come to me and 2. Even though preparing and hosting Crop Camp does require time from all 3 of us its worth it. Its worth it because you ladies appreciate it and tell us you appreciate it, whether its in words or cards or just watching you all have fun over the weekend and laugh and sing, its all worth it. We love all of you and cannot wait to spend a weekend with you all.

OK My hope is that you all can read the image to the right here

and it helps you to pack page kits.If you cannot I will email it to you. Little problem with this, here is some advice. IF you plan to clean off your harddrive at work with personal stuff make sure you home computer can accept it BEFORE you delete it. That one was a freebie there.

So here is the golden key that we have worked towards. Post with questions and I will check daily. Monday is end of the month and end of the quarter at work for me. Tuesday is Violin practice at 5:30 pm then my Aunt and mom are coming over to finalize our "Fun Passes" for the cruise.

Wednesday, Kathy and I meet Shandra, Steff and Rocky at the Camp. Thursday is freak out and anxiety attack day along with a soccer game and packing etc. NICE HUH?

Email me too if you prefer not to post. Looking forward to Crop Camp and the garage sale and Maggies cooking and cool shirts CAUSE THEY ROCK THANK YOU KATHY!! And a big pat on the back for Shandra she is the most organized this year EVAH!!

Something to share in case you do not get the CK Newsletter http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/images/ftp_images/ck/downloads/04%20SK.pdf 30 days of sketches that will make it extra handy to pack page kits :)

So lets get organized. Sorry I have slacked, still doing lots of personal sorting and purging and trying to even things out right now.

THIS WEEK IS IMPORTANT!! Get all your pics that you want to take to Crop Camp out and sorted.
1st sort by page or theme, you know you cannot get more than 10 4x6's on a page so if you have 15 pick your favorite 10.
2nd make the piles of the page kits you are wanting to get together. Count the # of pics you have and make a note on a sticky or a page planning card along with the theme of your layout.
3rd find sketches to help you get a jump start on your layout. I always start by the # of pics and then onto the theme. If I have particular paper then I start by the # of patterned paper used so that I can get my $'s worth.
4th make a shopping list (so to speak) of how many patterned papers you will need, how many solids, whether you need ribbons, buttons, etc. Get at least 10 of these done.
Post here with questions and if I get enough who are going along with me I will post the next step early this week so we can be ahead before next weekend.

Well I have been tagged by Leslie and since not much else is going to occur on here this week because I have alot of sorting out to do in my head and I cannot do it publicly right now here goes:

1. I have a tattoo of Winnie the Pooh on my butt holding a balloon (dont ask I was 18)
2. I have what started as a smiley face on my toe is now a flower in honor of my best friend Dalana who died when I was 16 and then when I added the flower was when I met my soul mate and married him in 2002.
3. I HATE SHOES, I need to live where I can wear flip flops year around. My toes need to breathe.
4. I have to have a french pedi, no colors please, I like the clean look of it.
5. When having a milk and Reese's Eggs I always have 2 eggs and one glass of milk with 3 pieces of ice.
6. If I eat Oreos its 3 Oreos with 3 pieces of ice in the milk.
7. I always wash my feet before bed if I have been barefooted at any time during the day.
8. I sleep with flannel sheets, an electric blanket at 2, down blanket and quilt all in that order.
9. I will drink a bloody mary with a Bud Light any day over any drink
10. I would never free bush it no matter the consequences even if it meant wearing a thong which I hate those something fierce.

MY 5 are Shandra; Kathy, Roeder; Tracy and Liz

Hi Ladies~ Just a quick note that the organizational post will be coming later today I have some Crop Camp stuff that is taking 1st priority right now then I will move on to the organizational stuffs.



I met Shandra at Starbucks in Ponca yesterday and she is doing so well. We rarely get to sit down and just talk it always seems to go to the biz side and sometimes that is neccessary but not yesterday. I learned alot about her and her family and her background and I feel alot closer to her now, these are things I didnt know but am glad to.



Kathy, Michielle and I will be driving to Tulsa for the funeral tomorrow and plan to do something for her when she returns to Winfield on Tuesday. If you are interested in being a part of that email me so I can get that going.



XOXO

LADIES~

We would like for all of you to know that Shandra's (Shandri-La; DJ Jazzy Shandra) mom passed away this morning. PLEASE PLEASE say lots of prayers for Shandra, her girls and her family. She is in Tulsa with her family now and alot of us will be touching base with her. Things with Crop Camp may slow down or some emails may not get answered immediatly but please know that it is because we are spending our time supporting her. Please keep her in your prayers.

Only 42 days till our cruise!! Hello how nice is that?

Well I have to give a big thanks to Shandra, Kathy, Diann, Susan, Marissa, Mandy, Michielle, Liz and Tracy for the wonderful birthday dinner at Kobe's last night.
And to Steff, Sarah, Renee, Kristy and the rest of the Attic Croppers for a fun night last night and to ALL of you for the great gifts. Diann made a special coaster just for me that reads "Be nice to me, skinny bitches are people too!" Soo Fitting.

So to the organizational posts and I will throw in a few pics from last night. This week I will be working along side you. Its embellishment week. I have created a basket full that I did not hang back up on my Clip It Up I know naughty naughty. So what we do in class and what I do at home is dump out the basket and divide into categories. Alphabets, Bellies (such as brads, eyelets, button etc) Flowers, Girly (or boy if you dont have the girls) Holidays, Love (which could go into holidays) Quotes and Miscellaneous.

Next I sort all the stuff into these categories, you could go farther and sort all your alphabets by letter and group more than one letter together in a zip loc. ALL of my brads, buttons, flowers are sorted and grouped by color. This works best for me because when I go to embellish a layout I know what colors I want to do it with so I get those bags and dump em out and pick out what I want.

Set aside a good amount of time for this, I know this seems daunting but it will all lead up to getting our page kits ready for Spring Crop Camp!! I will post pics soon I have tried twice now and blogger is busy DARNIT!

Hello Everyone!! At this point we are going to hope that I can get my computer monitor fixed at home. It croaked sometime yesterday and I have class registrations stuck on there. Not good soo not good. I may or may not be able to post pics from my birthday party tomorrow but I will let you know or if you see em it will be a suprise!!

And lets hope the organizational post can be made pending I have a monitor that actually works and doesnt taunt me :)

Its show and share time. Everyone get into a circle now are we ready?

Here are the infamous socks, the blue is mine, snickerdoodle khaki is Ryans. I am about done with my matching one to complete its pair then on to his. Carlee will be next she wants BRIGHT colors so I will be excited to start those

Next is my scrapbooking room as of like 5 minutes ago. I have a pile for Aweso{me} class Saturday, a Crop Camp pile which includes all the stuff that needs to be sorted to go with me. Makes all of you who took my organizational class really assured right now huh? I KNOW I KNOW I will clean it AFTER my birthday.

And also the Crop Camp book I have spent at least 10 hours on and am still not 100% happy but thats ok. Right now all you get to see is the outside the inside will be revealed when I teach the class at Crop Camp and there are some fun elements in this little gem.

Organizational Tips For March:

I am posting now, because at 10 am yesterday morning I cut myself off from my studio because I had spent a good percentage of my weekend in there preparing my Crop Camp class and I am still struggling. I have to give a thank you to Liz because she made me repeat to myself "My work is not ugly, my work is not ugly" Good Karma that girl has.

Sooo. Crop Camp classes will start showing up periodically soon on the website www.cropcamp.com so check them out. YOU MUST register for them online, I have to have a print out and thats how I get it.

So your goal this week is to get your paper organized because on March 30th we will begin packing page kits. This week go to your paper stash and first organized all your solids by color. Trust me this will come in handy later. Next is your patterned paper, you can either organize by A) Manufacturer B) Color C) Pattern or D) Theme.
The way to determine this is how you search for paper when you need it. Do you remember the company or the theme etc. Set a timer and spend at least 30 minutes while you are watching your favorite shows or just quite time and start to sort. Use post its and mark your piles so if its a few days before you get back to it and you may forget what that pile was. This too will become important when we pack page kits so you arent hauling your whole room with you to Crop Camp. Please post on here if you plan to take this journey this month so I can email you with encouragement and get back quickly with ?'s too.

Lots of exciting things coming up and I hope to get to share with you all. April 4-6 is Spring Crop Camp of course. The night of April 26th we will load up and head to Galveston, Carlee and I are baording a ship with family and going on a 7 day cruise. We return on the 27th and on May 2nd I will get to see http://www.kennychesney.com/ him in concert. Thank you to Dave and Shandra for hauling me along, dont mind being the 3rd wheel if my view is of him.

Prayers Please:

Our good Crop Camp friend Brenda Rodda lost her brother suddenly yesterday and it has been such a devastating shock to the family.

Please say prayers for her family and his family. If you would like to send a card, email me and I will share that privately with you.

soo many things...

I am about done with my 1st pair of matching socks(key word here) so I promise to post those soon as I complete a whole pair that go together in this world. If we were in Dr Seuss world it would be fine.

Class descriptions are due to me this weekend so Kathy can get them on the website, so guess what my goal is Friday night. UMMM any guesses YES DING DING this DING DONG has got to get her sketches off of paper and actually into the Crop Camp Book for class. Nice huh. OOH and my description for the knitting class too!!

We are 9 days from my 30 again birthday, more excited about going to Awesome class. Ryan and I are heading to Wichita this weekend to replace the aquarium full of fish that got boiled while he was sick. And I need panties so that requires a trip to Vic Secret.

Hope everyone is digging the organizational posts, March will ROCK because we will be getting ready for Crop Camp together!! How COOL!!

This weeks post will be about cosmetics, why you ask? Well because I have an addiction. I know it doesnt seem possible for someone who barely wears any make up at all and loves the simple things but I cannot resist all of the beautiful compacts that come out with the array of colors like these http://shop.meetmark.com/shopb/product.asp?couponCode=&level1_id=300&level2_id=469&pdept_id=483&dept_id=488&pf_id=32842&level=4 simple and inexpensive too :)

So this week its a few things in the Powder Room; Bathroom or Tinklebox as Carlee calls it.

So the golden rule of bathroom organizing per our wonderful that has become my reference guide for these posts the Martha Stewarts Homekeeping Handbook.

Golden Rules of Bathroom Organizing

• Group like things together-store all cosmetics in a washable cosmetics bag or plastic bin (subdivide cosmetics into categories if you have lots) all skin care products on the same shelf in your medicine cabinet, all shampoos in one spot under the sink etc. I have a large cabinet with an expandable plastic spice shelf from Wally Word which makes it easier for me to see everything.
• Git rid of things regularly. Cosmetics have a finite shelf life, as do skin care products and medications. Every year take an inventory, and throw out those items that are expired, you no longer use or are damaged.
• Keep small items in containers. Hair accessories, bottles of nail polish, brushs and combs will all be easily accesible in see-through plastic bins with neat, easy to read labels.

Some Handy Expiration Dates**Mark with a permanet pen when you 1st open the product***

Moisturizer, Cleanser, Exfoliants and Eye Cream 6-12 Months

Foundation and concealer 6 months

Mascara 3-6 months

Powders (face, blush or eye) 3-6 months for eyeshadow; 6-12 for others

Lip Balm 1-2 years Lip Stick 2-3 years

Nail Polish 1 year (when I did nails this was important the state checked to make sure none had expired)

Fragrances 3 years or longer.

And my biggest question was on washing make-up brushes because I have 2 favorites and I dont want to replace them. Mrs. Marissa Steiner who also always has perfect make-up and is a Mary Kay consultant told me you can wash them with anti-bacterial soap and lay them flat to dry. You can also use what ever cleanser you use as well.

Soo.. Lots going on in the Crop Camp world.

Some amazing classes are being turned into me so I am pretty darn excited about that. And have you seen the shirt that Kathy designed? Its here http://www.shirtsplusderby.com/proofgallery.php?category_id=&parent_id=0&photo_id=261&countdisplay=&start=0 cant wait I plan to get 2 cause I like it soo much.

Ryan is doing much better yesterday he was 110% himself, much better plus 10 in a good mood and helped me out after a hell day at work so I just got to chill, totally love that he notices that and knows when I really need the help. Thank you for all your prayers for us I was really worried for him.

Carlee has her 1st lock in at the church this evening I am excited for her, an exciting and growing up thing for her.

I will either A.finish my sock and Ryans sock so we each have a pair or scrapbook. I will post pics of either when I get done. Wish me luck XOXO

Ladies: I just wanted to pass on the sad news that Mike Ehrstein has passed away. Please keep he and Jackie in your thoughts and prayers. The Attic's blog will keep us updated as far as funeral arrangements. Please pray for Jackie and the family.

Got something to say, and since this is my blog I can do that and if you wanna judge me thats fine cause this is how I feel:

Who ever made the assumption that Spring Crop Camp and Shandra, Kathy and I were going to crowd 5-6 people at a round table to pack people in for whatever reason you can stop. Or if you heard this please quit forwarding on incorrect information. #1 this is NOT how we do business, one of our rules for ourselves starting Crop Camp was to NOT have crops where everyone is shoulder to shoulder and if you tooted everyone had to clear the building this is INCORRECT!
The MOST would be 3 to a table and this is determined by how many sign up, it may just be 2 that will be determined closer to the date of the crop. We will not ever pack people in to make money we do not believe in that and wouldnt want to be treated that way ourselves.

That being said Thank you to those who are concerned about my hubby this morning was pretty rough especially after he noticed every fish in our aquarium was floating at the time. It seems the heater got stuck and invariably boiled our fish. Not a good smell for someone with a week stomach even worse if you got the flu bug. Nice huh?

I just thought things would be back to normal..

I woke up at 8 am to Ryan throwing up, morning 2 of this and I checked on him with plans of going to get my Sunday Eagle and Sonic stop and back home. No such thing, we checked into the ER at 9:30am checked out at 2pm. He was severely dehydrated took 2 pokes for an IV and a seperate one for blood. Not a good experience for a germaphobe anyways because they were full upstairs and full in the ER of sickees so you can imagine.

Anyways.. lets talk organization shall we? I am beginning to see why Martha is soo liked, anytime I research for this blog I get directed to her. This is from her book "Homekeeping Handbook"

I have scheduled one Sunday a month(because these are my at home days to do these things)

Kitchen: was ventilation hood filters(dont have one so I wipe down the inside of my fridge)
Discard food in the freezer that is past its prime

Living Room: Vaccum fireplace screen(dont have one so I replaced this with removing couch and chair cushions and vacuuming them..our couches and chairs eat crums)

Bedrooms: Launder duvet covers, pillow protectors, mattress pads and shams. This is a very good habit to have if you have allergy problems in your house and pets. This cuts down on that problem

Bathrooms: Wip down tub and shower surrounds; scrub grout(good to do with the toothbrush; wipe inside medicene cabinet.

Closets: hang up piles, fix shoes, vacuum or sweep out.

All thru the casa: Dust ceiling fans and portable ones (another good allergy helper) Wipe interior and exterior doors and trims (keeps em nice and pretty, grungy hands and fingers ya know?) Wipe down switch plates and phones with an antibacterial wipe (big germ catcher) and Flush drains with vinegar; boiling water and baking soda.

As you can see I mentioned how to elimate some germs but after my weekend it makes sense to avoid Carlee and I getting the dreaded bug that lurks around every corner. XOXOXO Alicia

Happy Valentines Day everyone!! Its kinda funny 4 out of the 6 girls here at the office are wearing red shirts. Kinda a way to show our celebration for the holiday.

These are my 2 favorite layouts of my DH. We have reservations for dinner this evening and I am excited. We havent gone to dinner for Valentines since we were dating and its kinda not the norm. College Hill is doing a special V Day dinner Italian style so I bets its FAB and a latte' afters. Hello!! Cant Wait!!

Not sure how often you read this Honey, I LOVE YOU, and thank you for the 8 years of happiness and fun and never a dull moment. XOXOXO Alicia

***ETA Before we left for dinner last night I found a pretty velvet black box in my chair, with a gorgeous marquise cut diamond ring inside. Totally unexpected, with taxes and other things looming in the future I never would have expected this at all. Total suprise but much adored and I love those kind***

Ok I am clueless!!

I just realized I didnt post an organizational post yesterday, I promise to do that tonight.

Yesterday morning was eventful see this http://www.newscow.net/story.php?StoryID=1470 I happened to be going down 9th to see the neighbor of this house point to smoke and run into his house I flipped a U-ee and told Carlee and her friend to stay in the car, jumped out and ran to the house. Both the husband and wife neighbors of this house and I started pounding on the door and windows hoping noone was inside. The hubby went into the back door and brought their dog out and we continued to try to get the front door open with no luck so we pounded on windows until the police came. They kicked in the front door with an extenguisher in hand and smoke just rolled out. By this time its coming thru every crack that house ever had and they came back out and the fire department went in. I left at this point, no need for me and the girls had Sunday school to attend but it really bothered me. What happens, does someone wait until the family returns back to break it to them or do you just come home to find out that every thing you owned is burnt and your dog is at the pound? How does it work? I would be thankful to have neighbors like these 2 who knew enough that you had a pet and went into your home to save him because you werent home. Ya know?

To the Crop A Ganza Girls:

I will miss you all and be so jealous I cannot be hanging out with you. I will miss the 2 moons I was able to witness and I am sure everyone will miss seeing my ribcage and 2 molehills.

To my McDonalds girls I know if I was there you would hook me up and I know you will miss having the skinny bitch bartend cause I know I am sexy in my pj's.

And I will miss smelling Shandra after a meal of mexican.

And trying to talk to Kathy with her music on; and Michelles funny laugh and cute shoes. I know Cheri has more to celebrate this time, and Ms Di, I will miss my preschool stories.

To the Attic girls I know its ALOT of work, but never think its unappreciated we all love what you do to give us the weekend away. Well Chickees have fun; shop alot; laugh alot until you snort, can't breathe and cry; eat alot and enjoy!

XOXOXOXO

February Week 1 Organizing

These are things to make your life a little easier. Even being organized in your cleaning schedule gives you a base to follow so that your big cleaning days dont take as long because you have less work.

We have 7 days in a week; we take off Sundays and schedule each room a day. Mondays: Wip down bathrooms and sweep floors. Tuesday: Wipe down kitchen and sweep floor and hallway floor. Wednesday: Dust living room and dining room and vacuum. Thursday: Dust bedrooms and sweep. Friday: Damage Control; for us this is getting everything in its place. Saturday is laundry day unless I am out of panties cause free bushing it isnt for me.

This schedule each day takes less than 30 minutes so while dinner is going or inbetween shows you can do the light cleaning just to stay caught up. Per Martha Stewarts Homekeeping Handbook there are 6 things to do everyday: 1. Make the bed; 2. Manage the clutter; 3. Sort the mail; 4.Clean as you cook(this one has been a challenge for me). 5. Wipe spills while they are fresh; 6. Sweep the kitchen floor (hint here Swiffer Sweep and Vac (my true love).

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers we are taking it one day at a time around here; with that and Crop Camps abrupt change of states its been hectic. We have a busy week so I can't promise alot of posts but you may be suprised.

XOXOXO Alicia

Enjoy ladies and assign a day

This is for your viewing enjoyment: I think its hilarious I hope you do too!

http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e129/aliciaday/?action=view&current=SANY0124.flv

My Apologies for no pic and on the Bloggage Sale. 1. I do have items left please email me if something caught your eye. I will be emailing the winners but it has to be tomorrow. We are having a bit of a family situation and it requires my full attention. She is in the shower now but not for much longer so I must go. Thanks for the birthday wishes and if you can a few prayers her way as well. Thanks Ladies XOXOXO

Before I start the organizational post a little birthday wish. 11 years ago today I was in a hospital bed, during a awful sleeting day outside in labor. Full labor, it was a Monday and the doc said his office closed at 5 so we better get a move on. At 4:41pm she gave in and got here, finally. Early but all 6 pounds 11 oz and 20 inches of her made it. I was only 20 years old and had no clue what God had in store for me but I love everything about my life now and would not change a single tiny thing. Preteen years and all she has been worth every second.

This week we are going to work on getting our cleaning kits together for our February challenges. I will post a picture of my cleaning kit tomorrow the only picture I wanted on today was of Carlee cause she deserves that. Per Real Simple Magazine; Martha Stewarts Homekeeping Handbook and a post I made on Two Peas in a Bucket these are the essential thing your cleaning tub should have. You can carry this from one room to another and have everything you need to accomplish that. We will be discussing assigning rooms next week.

22 Essential Cleaning Items:

1. Microfiber Cloths

2. Scrub Brush

3. Spray Bottle

4. Rubber Gloves(Sooo Important, no ickies on these fingers)

5. Toothbrush(for those hard to reach places $1 at Dollar Store)

6. Dry Cleaning Sponge

7. Squeegee(GREAT for shower walls trust me. I fell in love with it)

8. Disinfecting Wipes(I keep a bottle in the bathrooms and the kitchen)

9. Mild Abrasive Cleaner like Bon Ami

10. Vinegar

11. Dishwashing liquid (I prefer Dove, great for the hands too and smell)

12. An All purpose cleaner (I hear Mrs. Meyers is great but its a little pricey and I can only get in the big city so you can make your own with 2 Tablespoons of Ivory and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle)

13. Baking Soda

14. Caddy (I ended up with a basket, our WalMart didnt have a caddy)

15. Microfiber duster (its so so soft)

16. Handbroom with dust pan

17. Toilet Brush (or those throw away ones which I prefer I cannot reuse those ICK)

18. Broom or we like the Swiffer Sweeper (You can get $5 off one of these if you sign up for the coupon on line)

19. Sponge Mop

20. Dust Mop

21. Extendable Duster(if needed, if you cant reach your fans etc)

22. Vacuum, If you are like Steff you can name yours hers is Penelope she is a cute pink Dyson

There can also just be a simple universal clean kit that is scaled down compared to the biggy to use for daily tasks that we will cover next Sunday, They are your basic All Purpose Cleaner; Mild Abrasive Cleaner; Glass Cleaner(you can make your own with 1 part Vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle; Rubber Gloves; White lint free cloths and a medium bristled scrub brush.

I would love to see everyones cleaning kits as well so link me to your blog or email me a pic and I will post it here. Please have your cleaning kits ready for February because it will benefit you greatly to becoming more organized and having a clean always company ready home.

If you prefer more enviromentally friendly cleaners these websites seriously rock! http://www.mrsmeyers.com/ & http://www.ecowise.com/

I found a few more links to share last night, these are coupon sites: http://www.smartsource.com/; http://www.coupons.com/ & http://www.coolsavings.com/

And just a really cool informative one http://www.shopsmartmag.org/

Well post on here a Happy Birthday for Carlee if you have time and more to come! Thanks for reading :) XOXOXO Alicia

These as well I have a bag habit obviously. Brand new hauled em home from Crop Camp because the bug is SOO darn cute. I just dont leave home enough I dont think.

I also have a set of Plaid Clear Stamps there are 26 in the set along with an Alphabet they didnt scan well so no option there, but they are brand new and oh so cute!!

Please email all bids to raday@cox.net bidding ends at noon on Sunday.

Tonight we are starting with stamps.
And let the bidding begin, I think its fair to close the bidding at noon this Sunday the 27th because I will need to get the new organizational post up.

The 1st one you can tell has been used, for Christmas Cards obviously the others I dont think they have at all

A funny quote for the day "The statistics on sanity are that 1 out of every 4 Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then its you" --Rita Mae Brown

Garage Sale Items:
Plan to have these posted by this weekend I will pay shipping if you are not close to me and I will start at low prices and bidder with the highest price gets it. Is that fair?

Just another cold day...

Really is 20's really neccessary? Seriously I need my capri's I miss them and my favorite flip flops need some tootsie love ya know?

No recipe this evening we are going to try the Schwans Fajitas so wish me luck I am excited to try them. It helps to get Schwans they have great veggies and juice and my Schwans man is H-O-T because its my hubby :) The real Schwans guy comes to Ryans office so he is my hot Schwans man and fills the freezer for me and reduces some dinner stress.

Plan to work on painting this weekend some more, Carlee is gone so that helps. No Hannah Montana actions on the Wii distracting me :)

Well thinking of selling some stuffs that I dont use, would you all like me to post it here 1st or just skip and go right to Ebay?

Dinner This Evening:

Cola Barbecued Ribs
3 1/2 lb pork spareribs or loin back ribs

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon hickory smoked salt(I used Head Country Seasoning) A Staple in our home

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup cola

1 3/4 cups barbecue sauce(We prefer Head Country by the gallon)

Step 1. Spray 4-5 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Trime excess fat and remove membranes from ribs(not sure if mine had this I didnt do it) In a small bowl mix brown sugar, hickory smoked salt and pepper and rub into ribs. Cut ribs into 2-3 rib portions (I did this before the rub all the night before) Place ribs into cooker and pour cola around.
***I doubled all of this because we like seasoning***

Step 2 Cover; cook on LOW heat setting 8-9 hours

Step 3 removed ribs from cooker; place in shallow baking pan. Drain liquid from cooker and discard. Brush both sides of ribs with Barbecue sauce. Return ribs to cooker. Pour any remaining sauce over ribs.

Step 4 Cover; cook on LOW heat setting for about an hour longer or until ribs are glazed and sauce is desired consistency. (While this is happening I will be making the red potatoes :)

Menu For this Evening:

This can be done in the oven or the crock pot. Do to it being sooo cold this evening we will be firing up the oven cause I am a wuss :)

Honey Garlic Chicken

1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup ketchup
4 breasts (I slice these up into smaller strips, they cook faster this way)

Mix all ingredients together.

Place in baking dish and pour sauce over top to coat chicken.
This can be done ahead of time and refrigerated.
Bake at 350 for 3/4 hour with lid on, and 3/4 hour with lid off.
Serve chicken and sauce with hot cooked rice or with veggies on the side.
We have some new Schwans veggies I can't wait to try :)

Week 3 Organizational Post

Well Hello Ladies~

I hope that each of you are getting into the groove of your shopping lists and that you puchased your Sunday paper for coupons. On some holidays though there may not be but you can still get them online as well.

This week we are going to discuss the right side of your shopping list with the Meal Planner.

At least once or twice a week I try a new recipe which usually coincides with using the crockpot. Why? Because most crockpot meals can be prepared the night before and thrown into the pot and into the fridge. Then the next morning before you head off to work you can plop it in, turn it on and go and most if not all of your dinner is ready.

The key to trying new recipes for me is I have a file of new ones that I have printed off the internet, gotten from friends or from magazines. If its a big hit they got into the "Family Favorites" binder. Then we do not have any sad repeats of bad recipes. My family favorites also have moms and grandmas family recipes that we already know are do to stay. One of my favorite sites for recipes is www.recipezaar.com you can search by soo many ways its amazing what you can make.

I always A) Use the crockpot once a week especially on Tuesdays because that is violin nite and it would be 7pm before we ate if I cooked and B) 1-2 new recipes a week to build up our family favorites binder. This helps in the meal planning process. Planning out a weeks meals has unloaded alot of stress from my life. I am not worried at lunch time what to lay out, going to the store for just 1 more thing every day, and always having something to come up with thats not the same ole same ole. I have had the pleasure of literally going to the store once a week and not spending a fortune with just hodge podge stuff in hopes a meal will create itself.

SO plan out your meals for the week, enjoy the organized time for yourself of no stress and enjoy 2 of our favories quick and easy recipes from the Day House.

Cola Pork Chops
4 Pork Chops
1 Cup of Coke
1 Cup of BBQ Sauce
Lay chops in baking pan and mix coke and BBQ sauce together with some cajun seasoning pour over chops bake at 350 degrees for on hour

Red Potatoes(From my SIL Traci)
Slice 10-14 red potatoes into slices with the skin on and layer them into a baking dish and in between each layer throw some butter and seasoning on until you have the desired amount. Throw into microwave covered and cook 5 minutes stir, cook 5 minutes and stir until potatoes are soft. Take out sprinkle some cheese ontop, serve on to plates and add some ranch dressing. VIOLA!! My favorite!!

Ok I got a gripe...about panties. (and I am sorry to my Great Aunt Boo cause she reads this)

I consider myself somewhat hip in dressing for a 30 year old but PUHLEASE explain to me exactly how low are jeans gonna go? I have hip rise jeans right? Ok and hip rise panties from Victorias Secret but WHY WHY WHY is it that when I pull on my pants that my panties stick out the back like I have granny panties on? I didnt flippin buy granny panties I have hip rise jeans with hip rise panties that should = no panties hanging out the top right? WTH!!
I guess I could be like my 50+ year old co worker and not wear any at all. She hasnt in years, says no need to spend that money or worry about panty lines or having to buy thongs that you pick out of your butt every 5 seconds or if you sit wrong you feel like its going to split you in 1/2 like a cheese slicer. But I just cant do it, I cant really fathom the fact of the seam of my pants in contact with my area down there if you know what I mean. Thats hair pulling territory right there and not the kind I like. So I am done griping about my panties, have a great Friday and weekend you all, new post about organization and a picture of my latest accent wall on Sunday :)

So the last 3 days I by the end of the day start to sound like Darth Vaders wife and not in a sexy tone at all. Kinda frustrating when you field phone calls all day and people say "Are you sure its Alicia" last time I checked I was still me, a little worn out but yep still here.

My motivation is working in my head but no where else. I plan to paint a wall in my hallway this weekend, wish me luck I tend to slow down and go into hibernation mode like a coy fish when its this cold out, not enjoyable at all.

I hope everyone is digging the organizational stuff I have lots of things up my sleeve to go over with everyone and some of it is a journey for me as well.

Carlee got a Wii at her dads for Christmas and I played with her for the 1st time last night, I SUCK at bowling but can whip some Wii butt at Tennis, and we made Ryan a character on there and we had fun doing that, they have the funniest faces.

I know everyone is gearing up for Cropganza and I will miss not being with you all there, but you will see my smiling face at Spring Crop Camp and I am working on that stuff now and then 3 weeks from there Carlee and I are going on a cruise with my mom, and Aunts and Uncle and sister and BIL and my dear little Bo Bena. Pretty Darn excited this skinny girl needs some sand and sun and a little fun with the soon to be 11 year old.

For those of you ladies who loved my organization purse they are having a sample sale www.thebutlerbag.com OMG!! I wish I had known this when I bought mine.

Hello Ladies~ Here we are begining week two and this week you have a mission to complete. You must make your own coupon book. OOH No worries this is quick and easy and small enough to fit into a purse.

The 1st picture you can see is a cheap plastic photo album and on the outside it measures 6 1/2" X 4 3/4" overall. I believe I paid less than $1 for mine at WM

2nd is the cover (mind you I did this whole thing with scraps) Cut one piece of patterned paper to 4 1/2" x 6 1/4"

Next cut another piece of solid paper to 1 1/2" x 4 1/2" and print, stamp or handwrite "Coupons on it"

For the tabs I used a MacGill Tab Punch but you can use any cutting system or make your own. I saw some really cute ones made from triangles the other day. You will make exactly 18 and you have enough pages in your book to cover this. Each of the tabs catagories come from your shopping list/meal planner posted in last weeks blog.

Today is Sunday so if you havent bought your $1.50 Wichita Eagle or whatever big paper is near to you please do. Big reminder is Dillons and Kroger do double up coupons up to a $1 pretty often so watch for that. I am also giving you a link that you can register to be a member of its free of charge and they have great links to printable coupons. Did you know with Kroger and Dillons you can just load em onto your card? YEP YEP it rocks here is the link http://couponpeas.proboards56.com/index.cgi.

There are also sites like www.couponmaster.com and www.couponclippers.com. I would love to see everyones coupon books and hear how its working or not working. It helped me having the categories on my list match the categories in my coupon book.

Next Sunday we are going to go into detail about the meal planner and recipes. Please enjoy and post if you have questions or email me.

XOXOXO

A link to watch Ladies ~ Hints on being organized and saving $$$ in the kitchen

http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2459420

I wanted to share an example of how I made the grocery list/meal planner work for me. So here is the scan I apologize that its sideways and if you want the original emailed to you I would be more than happy to.

I hope that those of you have printed these off kinda get the jest of it because this grocery list will benefit you in our next 3 projects.

So bear with me, please enjoy and make your life easier with these little tips.

XOXOXO Alicia

Well I am back and plan to post some pics tomorrow. I didnt get to visit the store in Larned, my sisters fault but I did in Great Bend and they TOO GET THIS HAVE A SCRAPBOOK STORE/COFFEE SHOP!! It was amazing I got jacked up on latte's bought my daughter and niece hot choclate sat em at a table and SHOPPED AND SHOPEED!

I am not sure who all was waiting for this but here we go. I am only sharing things that have worked for me and made my life easier so if certain things dont work for you its all good. Our 1st month will cover mainly the kitchen part of our lives so there will be challenges and once you start it will make life easier.

One of my favorites sites is http://www.simplify101.com/ you all know that the Simple Scrapbooks Organizational book has become my bible and a big teaching tool and Aby is ahmazing.

So step 1 is to go here http://www.simplify101.com/hs_files/grocery-list.pdf print off about 10 of these and put one on your fridge and one in front of you.

Next plan out your meals for the next 7 days. Then go to your cupboards, drawers, boxes whatever and take inventory of what you need to make these meals what you dont have add to your list. This 1st week just plan the meals that are tried and true. Like for us Chicken Alfredo, Cola Pork Chops etc. And I will be posting my quickie recipes as I like to call em :)

The reason this has become integrial for me is that at lunch when I am home I know what to thaw out and I am not going to Dillons everyday after work. If it needs to be crock potted I can start some of that prep after dinner the night before, I am already in there whats another 30 right?

Next Sunday we will make our own quick and easy coupon books using the categories on the shopping list/menu planner. In the mean time visit Aby's blog http://www.creativeorganizing.typepad.com/ and get inspired.

Post any questions here and I will answer them publicly, as best as possible. Any requests please email or post I have things planned out until April but can always throw things in.

The most difficult part of this is now teaching your family that when they empty something to write it on the list and no more "What's for dinner?" Cause its all right there :)

*****If you haven't taken my Cropper Hopper Class yet this Saturday is our 1st of 2008 and my head has been brimming with new ideas and products the Attic Girls have been rocking for us**