10 Years..Its True

Ten Years Ago.. This month Ryan and I met for the 1st time at the Wichita River Festival. His sister Traci convinced me to come watch him and their dads construction crew compete in a Tug Of War contest. So I went, we both were looking for the same thing. Nothing serious just someone to hang out and have fun with. Well as the evening progressed we went to Traci's house and had steaks and drinks and we visited alot. I left because of other engagements but was glad I went. Ya it helped he was tan and super good looking and was confident but not cocky and polite but allowed me my space.

As time progressed we would just spend 1 night a weekend together usually at the bar after I took Carlee to her dads. The other night allowed me to be with my friends. He spent time with his friends the weekends I had Carlee. I never mixed boyfriends with her makes things more complicated than it needs to be. After 6 months or so it was all weekend. After a year had passed I would get very upset leaving on Sundays. I would be torn between seeing my daughter and missing her and leaving him. When I think back the time we spent was really only every other weekend and some days during the weeks of the summer if Carlee's stepmom didnt mind. She always understood because she too had been a single parent. So now here we are 10 years later and he still cracks me up and has taught me to relax. Ya know when we first started dating I never owned a tshirt or comfy pants. I wont admit now how many I own. Seriously...

XOXO

Happy Mothers Day

Here is myself, my mom, my grandma and my sister. 

We had lunch today at my sisters today. Ryan went to the Blatchfords for his mom and we got to see everyone for about 30 minutes before all of them left.

Today I am reminding myself to be appreciative, Carlee isnt of the age where she can go out alone and buy me a card or gift. Her and I had to have the talk about selfishness every time she talked to me today it was about what she wanted and as a mother I should realize once I gave birth that I could no longer be selfish myself I guess you just hope that for one day a year you can.

Off to start a week with no clinicals and just "normal work" whatever that is.

Many prayers to Leslie and her family as her husband recovers from back surgery and prayers for my BIL Kenny McNutt who had knee surgery Friday.

XOXO

Fun Times..Right?

I am officially finished doing clinicals at the hospitals. I am thrilled and thankful for this, granted I have learned alot but the extra hours a week have taken a toll on my family and life so it was time to cease it.

Happy Mothers Day to everyone out there. Even if you are a furbaby Mama you deserve it.

Tomorrow is lunch at my sisters, Ryan will be going to the Blatchfords for his mom. Wish we could all be together but it happens.

XOXOXO

Oh My Seriously?

Its Sunday morning and I had this big TO DO list for the weekend because I finally had a weekend off from clinicals and i have done nothing. Besides the 5 hours I spent yesterday trying to figure out why my dads laptop freezes. The only thing he uses it for is internet and thats when it does it. Seriously the last Dell guy had no patience with me and maybe I had none either I was just flustered.

So here I am thinking maybe Danelle (DC) should be here and BlogVideo that my scrapbook room isnt always perfect. Since Crop Camp its been a pit and not a good example for my daughter when I tell her to clean her room and mine looks like one little tiny tornado visited Kansas and left behind the carnage.

I did read the book Girls From Ames if you dont have this on your list you should. It just solidifies why girlfriends are so important in our lives. Its a true story of 11 friends there are ups and downs but please take the time to read it. Ive got a copy if you would like to borrow.

I started the Divine Secrets of The YaYa Sisterhood last night. I bought the 1st and 2nd for $4 each at Brace Books in Ponca. They have new and used so its great on the budget :)

XOXO

What got me here?

So do you ever set back and wonder what got you where you were today? I honestly remember growing up my dad sitting my sister and I on the counter in the bathroom until we brushed and flossed. I am pretty sure that explains my obsession with teeth and my observance with it.

But the blood draw phlebotomy thing? The 120 hours of clinicals I have less than a month to finish. Mind you I need like 50 more hours. UGH. Well last year I had to go get a breast MRI due to a lump in my left breast. The girl who gave me the IV wasnt so great on the right hand by the time she was digging and went on to the left I was sick and passed out.

I hope to never do that to anyone inmate or not. I stick once and try to be confident thats it I dont wanna hurt or make anyone never want to get another stick again.

XOXO

Picking the wrong season?

I have lots of loves. And maybe this love of reading has grown more over the last year. Maybe winter is the best time to have 5 books piled I am wanting to read. Kaitlyn has gotten me interested in several with her blog shout outs or her Good Reads list.

Today I went to Brace Books in Ponca City, OK and got lost in happiness. I have an on going list of books I wanna read. I bought a new and 2 used the used were $4 a piece. How nice is it to know that you will have to buy the book cause the Kansas Library system doesnt have it and you can pay $4 for one?

So poor Ryan deadheaded all my flowers while I got lost at the bookstore and his back didnt need it and then I came home and bagged it up.

So reading now is "The Girls From Ames" its about a group of 11 girls who are friends anywhere from birth or connecting in Jr High. Next will be the YaYa Sisterhood books. I have the first two and am excited!

Off to read now..

XOXO

80's baby So Shandra loves to party..so for her 40th she had an 80's theme party so please enjoy the pics

Upon DC's Request

Here are some of the layouts I completed at Crop Camp. I will add some more another day but for today please enjoy

Caturday!!

http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2980570

Enjoy will post Crop Camp soon!!

Hello..and Goodbye

Tomorrow morning at 10am the caravan will arrive at my casa and off to Spring Crop Camp 2010 we will go. A much needed break, no housework, no homework, no work, no clinicals. No me cooking, no cleaning for me, just me for me. Nice thought huh? If you havent ever gone to scrapbook for the weekend you should its good for the Mental Health. I promise

XOXOXO

Wait? Was that a week? Geesh

I cannot even begin to tell you what I did Monday Tuesday and Wednesday except for work and prepare.  Thursday was Taylor Swift and 208 pictures (OMG!) later I hope Carlee caught the memory digitally that she wanted to preserve. She was SUPAH excited and I LOVED Kelly Pickler. She had GLITTER SILVER HIGH HEELS. Yep its true sooo H-O-T!

Friday I went to work at the Correctional Facility at 7am took off at 2pm went to see Hubby cause lately I forget what he looks like. I kiss him in the morning while he is asleep and kiss him goodnight while he is asleep. I went to the hospital to start clinicals was there until 11 got home took a bath to thaw out IT WAS COLD in the lab. Then to bed at Midnight at 5:30 the alarm went off and even our dog Blue tried covering it up with his paw but he has no opposable thumbs so every 5 minutes I had to quiet it for him. He didnt even get out of bed with me he just scooted to my side! Nice so another 8 hours of work and then home to collapse. Its now 10pm on a Saturday night and I am done. Worn out and crashing for a long long sleep.

XOXO

Yep..No doubt a learning experience.

So Friday I did my clinicals in Ark City at the hospital from 7am to 3pm. Left and picked up Carlee and Rene' from school dropped Carlee off at the house, dropped off Rene' came back and grabbed Carlee to meet her dad at 4 in Ark City(yep back again). I came home for a bit then went to Susans for her and Diann's birthday home at 8:30 in bed at 9.
Saturday was my 7am to 3pm shift here at the Winfield hospital but I stayed until 5:30 to watch a heel stick on a little baby girl not even 24 hours old. Poor little thing. But I have learned alot and have a lot of notes to go over and rewrite. Went to the store took a bath, ate dinner and laid around with Ryan to watch the UFC Fights.
This morning at 7:30 I couldnt move to let the dog out and feed him. At 10:30 I finally got up tried to read but Crop Camp stuff to do. So I did and here I set to snack and be lazy.  Gotta gonna be another long week.

XOXO

Oh who me? Yep Im here

I am here in the midst of my house not looking like the 1st kansas tornado of the year hit it.
I am here to admit that Monday was my only "normal" day this week.
I am here to say "I officially am starting clinicals so look out if you need blood drawn in Winfield or Ark City cause clutzy Skinny Bitch may just be the one doing it"
I am here to admit that I am not a morning person so getting up and out of the house by 6:15 to be in Ark City by 6:30 so I can have Ikes Donuts and be at work by 7 may be scary. Like I may not get my donuts scary because OF ALL mornings friday is the hardest cause I have already worked almost 40 hours how can I get another 8 in? And be cohernent?
I got the ever dreaded Cowley County Community College ID can you say "EEEEWWW" after the 2nd take I gave up only a supermodel would look good with a paste white background. Well I take that back a Brazilian super model GAWSH!

XOXOXO

Good Books and Completed Projects

So I completed the task of getting Mrs Cheryl organized on to her Clip It Up. I added the last DYMO label a few hours ago. Not before I made No Bake cookies cause sometimes I work better on deadlines and I had until 7 before this starts Life On Discovery we have been excited about it.

I finished "Such A Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster. Here is her site Jennsylvania she is hilarious and so real life and it is a Memoir so ladies its real life and real damn funny.

Off to rewrite my Phlebotomy notes because I start clinicals this week. Lots to post I am sure we will see how well I do in hospitals with women and babies EEK.

Off to update my Moleskine and read as well

xoxo

Whoa Time Passes

It was a busy week with Spring Break and all. Not like I enjoyed much of it except Friday. I did do 2 pedicures on Thursday night for my mom and grandma. I also started quite a LARGE project. Because I love to organize and help people I had a nurse from work Cheryl who bought a Clip It Up (AHEM WE WONT MENTION HOW LONG AGO) and had never even cracked the seal. So she brought it to me as well as ALL her stickers etc and well lets just say it hasnt been a day project. I will be done today and will be able to put the cover on it and deliver it to work on Monday but its been a fun task. Not so much for my dining room table but for me.

Yesterday I took Carlee and Lena to Tanganyka Wildlife Park in Goddard and it was amazing. We did plan to leave by 9 but it was closer to 10 because someone "accidently" let her gecko crawl up under the cabinet and on top of the shell of the dishwasher and by the time I got to the kitchen I saw a tail slipping away. I had to call my Brother In Law Kenny to walk me thru removing brackets and pulling the dishwasher out and there she was snuggled in some white insulation. OMG Carlee was crying Lena was consoling her and I am thinking my husband is going to kill me when he hears about this. It has become a non discussable topic in our house. One day it may be a funny but today and yesterday wasnt that day.

XOXO

Organizational Video!!

Another Video of Me :) arent you excited? Check it out and post your comments or suggestions for her room :)

Yep so called life..

Did you think you needed to come over and make sure I was still alive? Hubby was ready to check that I was still breathing at 11:30 this morning as Blue and I were laying in bed discussing what we "Should" accomplish today and what in actuality will happen tee hee

Tuesday was my final and I am still stalking the online website for my final grade. It went well and now I am just having panic attacks about fitting in 120 hours of clinicals and working as well. So seriously I need to get some sleep now cause I wont be getting much within that time period. 

I finished the book Bright Lights Big Ass by Jen Lancaster. This is the second book of hers that I read and I LOVE THEM!! I laugh out loud histarically if you havent read any of these you should. Out local library doesnt have them nor do any of the Kansas Loan Libraries so I have had to purchase.

I went to Bingo last night with my mom, aunt and uncle and it was so much fun. None of us won but if you enjoy watching all types of very interesting people this is the place for you. It takes all kinds...

So today ho hum what to do? I know I NEED to do laundry, load and run the diswasher, pick up the house but I dont know. Its 12:30 and I am here in front of the computer and find out if todays Caturday on Two Peas in a Bucket is waiting on me :)

XOXO

So in honor of my 33rd birthday which is Monday March 8th we are kicking it old school style. Like the pics? This is the only way I have them. This Layout is from an Aweso"me" class I took at the attic. I cannot even remember how old I was we would have to check with the Mom on that one.  Had a great night with some girls last night, got an awesome handbag from Neiman Marcus from Cheri and the other girls pitched in and got me a gift certificate from Ebay to get a Coach wallet. Wonder how long it will take me to find "the one" Took me forever to decide on the purse and then make the INVESTMENT cause with those it is. But I am happily shopping this morning waiting to get ready. We plan to go visit Ryans dad today in Wichita so keep the prayers going for us we appreciate everyones thoughts its been a struggle for all the family.

XOXO

Yes 4 days!!

Cant believe I went that long and honestly so much has gone on. Ryans dad Kenny was admitted to Via Christi this evening we are hoping that him getting his antibiotics thru IV therapy will help him to gain his strength back to fight this ugly disease he has gotten.

Tuesday was my 2nd to last Phlebotomy class, I am a bit sad but excited about clinicals. I got my stick the first try, the girl who drew on me pulled the needle out with the plunger OOPS and so I went to sit down. Before long I got hot and shakey and the room closed in and....yep I passed out just a bit. I guess I am good at drawing just not a good patient. TEHE

SO Tomorrow night is the PJ Popcorn and Movie/Game night for my birthday so please come in your jammies and have fun with me. IF you cant make it I will post pictures so you will at least get to feel like you were here with us :)

XOXO

Layouts 2009

Now please do not go into shock, I know this is out of the norm for me. But some days I do get the urge to sit down and scan and stitch a bunch of layouts that needed this done and then I decide why not share?  So here we go:

Hello There!

Its been a few days. A busy few days, poor Hubby has been sick all week and at home. Pretty scarey considering what his dad went through. He did eat dinner this evening thankfully and it seems to be staying in the tummy.
I got home from work yesterday and completly cleaned the main level of our house from left to right. It smelled so nice and clean, I then ran Carlee down south to her dads.
Today has been homework day, getting ready for finals, getting my paperwork filled out for clinicals, a little bit of Crop Camp here and there.
Well I hope to be sharing another installment of the organizational videos so when I see it on the Attic Blog I will share it with you.

XOXO

Vampiress:In Training

I FINALLY got to draw blood on a REAL person today! Kathy the nurse at work who normally does the blood drawing allowed me to "practice" on her and I got her the first stick in the arm. Unfortunatly not so good on the hand. Our DON promised she would help me with that tomorrow cause we have lots of those types at our facility.

Wanna say thanks for the posts and comments it gave me the warm fuzzy I was looking for with such a stressful few weeks around the Day Cherry Street house. Ryans still awful sick, I felt bad leaving him puking into the trashcan on my side (TMI YES but did you catch I said MY SIDE) of the bed this morning as I was leaving for work. But it was 7am I had to go I did come home at lunch and bring him 7-Up for good wife measures.

I cant believe its been almost 2 years since we went on our Cruise with my family. Carlee and I talk ALL the time about going back but I have a feeling it will be around her graduation time. Thats 5 years from now but it will come fast and she will also be 18 so it may be one big party between my family and her dads family who all plan on going. But I am telling you I am so ready for my toes in the sand, little umbrella shaded drinks, coconut oil tan and SUN!

Get Organized Time

Organize 5 Here is a little short one of Kathy J's space! Post any questions you have :)

Remembering Whats Important

Sometimes I get discouraged when I dont have comments. Sometimes I think "I shouldnt blog everyday Honestly here at least every other day because what if someone misses something? Well whats really important is this is FOR ME! So its ok if noone posts a comment I guess because all that matters is that when my head is full and swimming it has a place to go. I know there is medication for this and I do take Buspar(thats to keep me from biting peoples heads off and spitting it back out) dont you wanna be my bestest friend now? I had considered writing them down in a journal, ya know cause my latest love is these Moleskine Love but then I would be typing it up for here anyways so whats the point of doubling up my already busy life. I guess now since I got the purse I love I had to find a new addiction, so I go to Flickr ALOT and look at everyones Moleskines and THEY R COOL!! Still besides a planner what else could I use one for? Oh dont get me started; dont EVEN get me started!

I do wanna give a BIG HUGE thanks to Brandy angels were with us when Carole my mother in law decided having Home Health would be helpful until she gets more comfortable with the peg feeding tube. Thankfully she was on call and came to visit them today and I am just so so happy it was her.

I finished the book Precious this morning and WOW. Not sure what else to say but WOW. Very hard core stuff. Amazing but eye opening, even for a girl who works at a Correctional Facility.

XOXOXO

Whoa Guess I needed that!

Since my post on Tuesday I read the book "Dear John" in 3 days!! Thanks for the referral Brandy C. I wouldnt have read it unless you hadnt suggested it.

I woke up at noon 30! Serious! I did get up and take the dog out to pea at 8:30 am and laid back down just for a few minutes. Guess a night out with the girls and sleeping in was in my unwritten agenda and so not planned. I had a blast with Kathy, Elisabeth, Danelle, Vicki Tuaca lol, Christal, Cherie and Ms Diann! Amazing that we all werent scrapbooking. There was TuTu making; posterboard making; computer work and cards as well!

And for my favorite part of Saturdays  Its Caturday! Click the linky and get some good laughs

Kenny was released from the hospital around 2 today and is at home walking and gaining strength back which we are super thankful for. Soon I will be getting him some BBQ! We are having dinner tonight with Lynn and Bryan Felts, and Joanne Romero ready for some good Enchiladas!

XOXO

Family and School

For those who dont know this is my wonderful Father In Law Kenny. I call him KG because my brother in law and the same side of the families name is Kenny too. Still with me? I apologize for the confusion LOL

He is back in the hospital this evening getting more fluids. He was diagnosed with Dissemented Histoplasmosis. Its like a Fungal Infection within your body. His Infectious Disease doctor began his antibiotics but orally and if anyone remembers he cannot swallow he recently has lost 17 pounds in 2 weeks. So now what? We dont know hopefully Dr.Davis; Dr Johnstone and the Infection doctor can help us to help him cause we miss his regular self the one who wants to go go go!

So class was supah fast we went over our homework got a take home study guide, we will take our test next week and get homework then stick some fake arms again WOO HOO!! I AM LOVIN IT!

XOXOXO

Organize~Are you ready?

Here is another installment. http://scrapfunattic.blogspot.com/2010/02/happy-valentines-day.html I hope to post again in the next few days but I got 2 twelve hour days to work plus school so no promises I dont wanna break anyones heart. Dont Cry For Me Divas I will be back!

I finished all the homework yesterday and thank you Dawn for being a member of the Homework Fur Picking Club. Its sometimes a lonely place ya know?

Dinner is done, Carlee is doing her laundry, I am preparing to double check myself for the 3rd time on my mid term test cause just in case I was wrong the first 2 times I gotta be sure :)

XOXOX

Thoughts~Ya its gonna be worth a read

Besides the basics of my weekends lately of Studying, oh and STUDYING and a little more workbook pages and STUDYING. I also spend time pondering as well. Now Now dont run off Im being very serious here.

So as it is does it really matter to anyone else but me that some days the dust puppies(most people like my mom call them dust bunnies but in my house they are made of dog fur) chase me and stick to my perfectly clean white socks and favorite pair of brown Old Navy comfy pants(correct word is lounge wear but not in our house)

Does it gross anyone else out when your dog sneezes on your feet or burps in your face? YEP Serious on this too! Maybe the whole feet thing is it because I like perfect feet and toes.

Speaking of perfect toes once my self given French Pedicure was dry I had to pick dog hair out of em. Yes its best to wait otherwise it screws up your paint job.

Ok so onto something more upbeat in honor of Valentines Day here is some Monkey Love going on in our house. who doesnt love Sock Monkeys?

ITS CATURDAY~

Sharing my favorite Saturday Love with you! http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2962900&pg=1

On a NOT so much lighter note someone in the "Hood" we live in chose to egg my car and the house. I just washed my car yesterday SERIOUSLY! So I got to hand wash it not my favorite thing. UGH!

XOXO

Family and Organizational

http://scrapfunattic.blogspot.com/2010/02/alicias-back-back-againtell-friend.html here is some more organizational treats for you!

Much ado for the prayers for my Father In Law KG. He was diagnosed with Histomitosis. Its a fungus that takes over your body. True we are thankful its not Lymphoma or Melanoma but its brutal on any body. Even a healthy body struggles to get better and the medication is very VERY expensive. But whatever it takes to save his life. That is our goal.

Kathy and I had a girlie night at the movies to see Valentines Day. I WILL BUY THIS MOVIE AND SOUNDTRACK!! It was a great movie and so fun and just a must see!! and buy and listen TEEHEE
SO please post Ideas for more videos, It would help me!

Still Waiting & Vampiress

We are still waiting for the results from KGs biopsy. I appreciate all the support and prayers that are being given. I know we have a long way to go yet, at this point its in Gods hands and we have to let him do his thing. My BFF Mandy always uses the line "Come to Jesus Moment" and I have had a few of those lately. Not just for KG, but Ryan and the whole family. He has a lot of burden on him now.

I got 100% on my first test in Phlebotomy and we drew on some fake arms tonight and that seriously ROCKED!!

Now to bed its 10 I am super tired and another long day tomorrow as well. And tons of homework!

XOXOX

Life..so this is how its gonna be?

I think we could ask Dr.Davis a million questions and still be confused and upset. So from what we understand is at 9 am KG (Ryans dad) will go in under local anesthia and get the biopsy done of the lymph node under his right arm. They will then do a porta cath on the chest of the left arm(because he is right hand dominate). By Tuesday we should know the type of lymphoma it is and how far along it is. This is important because we gotta kick this things ASS so knowing what it is helps.

Its been hard to concentrate on school, Carlee has been sick, Ryan sleeps off and on and I just keep concentrating on them and the pets and not me. The worry of Ryan and his family takes alot of my mind. OF course though business at House of Cabinetry and KG Day builders still continues. They had a meeting right there in room at the hospital getting the week lined out. LOL

I appreciate the prayers and the thoughts, most of the week will be consumed with starting the treatment and for the family to adjust and begin to heal themselves and know that its time to step up and allow his dad to heal and we will keep things going.

I should be posting the next organizational video link by tomorrow. Danelle was SUPA busy this weekend at Ganza and I LOVED the video of the vendors, too bad I couldnt shop from home. LOL

XOXOXO

Family and Prayers Still

Ryans dad was admitted to the hospital about 10am this morning. After a very rough nite and a rising temp Carole and himself decided it was time. He is receiving fluids and getting medication for nausea. Dr.Davis and Dr.Johnstone came to visit and pretty much said we are dealing with Lymphoma. A biopsy will be done first thing Monday morning and the results will come Tuesday. At that point we will begin treatment. Please help keep our spirits up. I dont know how many followers I have but if you have a moment to drop a card please do. Kenny Day 6 Leed Road Winfield KS 67156. Thanks
XOXOX

Family and Prayers

I want to thank everyone who have said prayers and kept my father in law in their thoughts and hearts. He went for his result from his kidney biopsy that they performed last tuesday. The results were negative thank the Lord, but he is still really sick. So now it comes to the point of still struggling to find out why is blood pressure is low when its always been high. Why is he still dizzy and nautious all the time pretty much since the beginning of December. So therefore he gets dehydrated and visits the ER to get fluids this has happened twice now once today. Carlee wants him on Mystery Diagnosis AFTER he gets better. He is the strong person who holds this side of our family together like my mom does on my side. I hope soon he can feel himself and wanna take the Vette out and have the energy to work on his motorcycles. Just gotta keep praying...

XOXO

New Look and Organization

You and I both can thank Laura with Elephant Juice Designs for my AWESOME! blog header. Isnt it gorgeous? I am more excited to blog to see this upgrade. She is an amahzing designer and photographer!
Here are the organizational videos for Scrap Funattic http://scrapfunattic.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunday-organization-with-alicia.html make sure you watch all 3 parts. The first one is red the other 2 pink and please let me know what you think and if you have comments or questions.  Thanks for your support!

XOXOXO

PS I AM ALWAYS FOR HIRE!

Well Hello There Ladies.

The WONDERFUL Laura has completed editing Miss Carlee's picture please check them out here http://elephantjuicedesigns.com/viewing/ click on Carlee 13 password miller. She is going to redo my blog like she did Danelles so I am excited to make this little piece of my life "me"

I have been preparing the ADay Studio in preps for Flip Video with Danelle tomorrow for Scrap Funattic. I have so many things to say I hope noone gets bored listening to me chat.

I went to the grocery store last night and had the next 4 days of meals planned. Today at 11 hubby decided that Chicken Salad sounded good. Well this requires ANOTHER trip to the store and an hour and a half of slicing and dicing. SERIOUSLY but its done should feed him for a few days and give me a break I guess.

Keep posted I will link the video when its up. If you have any things you will like covered over in organization please post here.

XOXOXO

Pictures of Carlee's Birthday Weekend in Stillwater! This is her cousin Morgan from El Reno. Both girls were such dolls. But seriously they laughed in hysterics all the way home playing with flarp that made farting noises. Their laughs were catching and such a breath of fresh air for me. I would take those 2 anywhere...

XOXO

My Beautiful Daughter
http://elephantjuicedesigns.com/viewing/ The pictures are Carlee 13 password miller
13 years ago tomorrow January 27 I gave birth to my only child. I actually started labor with her on December 27 but the doc decided it wasnt time. She needed time to grow. I am pretty sure all the shots they gave me to help develop her lungs are still working well.
at 4:54 pm it will be official she will be 13. I think of all the things her and I have endured. She has been a champion, course she was only 2 when her dad and I divorced but in 2002 she had to share me for the 1st time when I remarried. She is a resiliant little teen(eek) and her obsession with pets I hope stays strong. She is planning to attend Cowley(black and orange hello!) then on to be Vet at OSU(black and orange) following in her Uncle Shawns footsteps. There are days I get frustrated, but she is quite an independent child, and very resourceful at home for me especially with life being very demanding right now. Her name derived from her dads middle name Carl and my moms, grandma Gearhardts and his grandmothers middle name Lee. I wanted to do double "L's" but thank goodness I didnt its hard enuf getting "E's" as a scrapbooker :) her middle name Jean is my grandmother Strobels middle name is Jean, full name Donna Jean but she goes by Jean.  A little of worry sets in I am thankful to have her but wonder what it would be like to have a child with Ryan, but last check of the crystal ball it wasnt seen. I still pray every day that I am thankful what Carlee and I have been thru and am glad that her and I have grown and learned life together. Much Love to Miss Carlee and at 4:54 pm tomorrow she officially is a teen and you may hear me freaking out from the top of the hill at the Correctional Facility. Wish Me Luck XOXO

So yesterday I channeled a little Reese(Witherspoon) and did this Scrap Funattic 1st Evah Organizational Video I was a nervous wreck waiting to see this and how it turned out. The butterflies are gone and I am soo happy the ideas are a flowing and I should be a studying!

If you have questions or ideas please post em so we can cover them and I will always link this from my block that day as well.

Thanks for the support

XOXOX

I soon will be posting pictures from our Birthday trip to Stillwater yesterday. Carlee turns 13 on Wednesday which is pretty scary.  We did have a great time and I hope that Carlee loves all the new OSU stuff she found.
I got home around 7 and went straight to studying. I have one more chapter to get thru and prepare for Danelle to come visit today for something for the Attic's Blog.

C U Soon
XOXOX

Lesson Learned Today:Always Ask
I havent been able to find my tweezers for 2 days and there was some stray eyebrows that needed some attention before they looked like antennas. So on my way downstairs to borrow from Ryan I casually asked Carlee if she knew where my tweezers were. Silly me I thought I had them stashed in an organized way that I only knew they were there. Thats the punishment of being organized everyone can find your stuff TOO!
Anyways so she says "Ya hold on" and comes out of the living room with them. At this point I feel it is in my best interest to ask what they were being used for. Her reply "To feed Pete (the Gecko) his worms.
EWWW GROSS!! I couldnt use em. The thought of smashed meal worm guts connecting to my face did me in. I will be using burning alcohol on those before bed. IICCK!

OMGoodness have you seen these?  Cutie Pie Baskets I hope I am not still on bag restriction cause I am thinking that one at the bottom would be so DARN HANDY!!

Well just a little break from studying. I am starting Chapter 2 the reading is easy its the 22 pages of workbook that follow that are killing me and I have to have up to Chapter 3 done before Tuesday EEK!

I broke away for an hour to watch Carlee cheer this evening. I havent been able to watch her cheer at all so I knew it was important as a Mama to catch some of this and support her. Bless her heart her legs are like flamingos!

Saturday Carlee will be joining the talented Mrs. Laura Elephant Juice Photography for a photo shoot. She has changed alot in the last year and I wanna capture this, and Pete the Gecko and Blue our furbaby. Then Carlee and I some quality time for her 13th birthday. Pretty excited about that.

XOXO

well so much for renaming the blog. I guess I have become such a slacker that only Shandra, Laura and Danelle read my blog but not everyday.

Something will come I guess. SO I am working on Crop Camp stuff, I know I know dont panic its in April but me I am going OMGOODNESS ITS IN APRIL THIS IS JANUARY HOLY SCHNIKEES!! Check out all the info here http://www.cropcamp.com/ if you havent been in a while, check it out we offer different packages now.

So I am working on emailing vendors and getting donations. We have picked the Cowley County Humane Society so we all are SUPAH excited to get great things for them. Even pets suffer in this economy and are given up. I see some of these furry creatures at work and watch how patient and understanding the inmates are and how great they train them so it will be nice to reward those fuzzy creatures.

XOXOX

So how was everyones week? I have decided as I am about to begin a really hectic next few months I have decided to do a giveaway. I have quite a few really nice scrapbook kits. So I will give one away in a random drawing to those who comment on this post. I am going to rename my blog because obviously I am not scrapbooking as much as I use to. Not that I dont want to its just other things take priority. I miss the creativity no doubt.
Right now Ryan is 21 days smoke free he has avoided 419 cigarettes!! He has been a completly different person in an amazing way. He is using the new E-Cig he orders from here http://www.awesomevapor.com/ if you have tried quitting and couldnt PUHLEASE look into this. He has smoked since he was 18 and tried it all. He never went thru the grouchies thank goodness.
Anyways off to the giveaway you have until MIDNIGHT SUNDAY NIGHT! I need a new name for my blog so knowing what you know about me and my life I want something catchy. HECK I will do 2 prizes if there are 20 entries or more. 1 for the random and one for the name my family picks.  Feel free to share with your friends!!

XOXOX

So as always a busy week. Bout to chill for a bit to continue reading "Getting Things Done" I HAVE to finish this book before I start my Phlebotomy Class Tuesday.

For the book readers and DANELLE! You must read "Bitter is the new black" by Jen Lancaster I am out hunting for more of her books. The Winfield Library and the Kansas Library System has NONE of her books so a purchasing I will go but the FUNNIEST BOOK EVAH!

To Mrs Dusti:Girl I miss you out at the prison. Blah Blah days now even though you were only there 20 hours a week it was a better 20 hours cause of you.

We celebrated Kathy Johnsons 48th birthday this evening at Nieves I SO missed seeing the girls and we have the next 4 months planned with events for get togethers including my birthday PJ and Popcorn Movie Night at my casa, this will be happening in March so check back here for the details.

Off to read now.

XOXO

So I am going to be available to be viewed by anyone. I guess until the guys from I and I tell me I shouldnt make myself so public...again.

I miss being able to share with people that arent "approved" and I try to be funny I guess sometimes. So feel free to share. Lots to come, reading 2 books right now would love to hear what everyone else is reading as well.

Laura I am looking forward to pics with Carlee I have an idea wall to share with you http://rebeccacooper.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html  A dream I have always wanted to accomplish with this house. So we can chat. Tell me your thoughts.

XOXO

So here is new obsession. I am still tweaking my way of noting things on the sheet on the right, so as it evolves I will share. this my dear friends is a Moleskine Large Weekly Planner. As you can see by the first picture it is the outside generally they are basic and look like this http://www.amazon.com/Moleskine-Weekly-Notebook-Month-Large/dp/8862930518/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263099374&sr=8-1 So I am a scrapbooker did you expect for it to stay plain long? NAAA! SO there for the end result. A button and some rub ons and we ar ready to go. Next in the back I created 1 page dedicated to "Books to Read" and "Movies to see" with 2 tabs that I had from a Heidi Swapp kit. These have an accordian pocket in the back so I have a small address book slid into it. The reminder stickers are from http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Family-Facts-Calendar-Sticker-Pack/Pam-Socolow/e/9781402762963/?itm=2&USRI=stickers+family they are ok but I have several sheets I wont use like "car pool" but its all good.

After researching some hacks I used my handy dandy We R Memory Keepers Crop A Dile to make inverted circle to create a tab like a dictionary for each month. I am trying now to get through the book "Getting Things Done" parts of it are handy for me so I am pressing on. I have several books I never finished BUT NEVER an organizational type one and I WILL NOT let this one beat me!

XOXO

Seriously Funny You Tube "Crafty" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZlqkrg8lQQ
Take time to watch and enjoy. I decided to kick it old school and show Carlee how to make jello. Serious she thought it only came in little easy to serve containers. Mom showed her differently. After that we decided to have tomato soup and grilled cheese for dinner(a favorite comfort food for her and I) well one of the grilled cheeses was slippin off the plate I caught it at an angle on the botto part. The unfortunate thing is the top half slid onto my left hand, I violently shook it off but not before I burned 2 fingers. Not sure of the damage yet, the nurse(aka mom) says that will show tomorrow. FAB U LOUS!!

XOXO

So the word around my house that I have been a bit grouchy..

I slightly mentioned this to Ryan and he might have something about that he has been timid about talking to me about things in fear of biting his head off.

Little Me? OH why would that be.

Its either A:I didnt take my Celexa for over a week due the pharmacy closing early, and it was a holiday and they were closed and yadda yadda. Maybe I am a procrastinator and expect them to give me my medication the day I run out because WHY THE HECK DO YOU HAVE TO CLOSE EARLY WHEN I HAD TO WORK A 10 HOUR DAY? HUH?

Anyways be reassured friends I started it again monday and hopefully by friday i will quit having the desire to bite everyones head off and beat it with a bamboo spatula and throw it into the below freezing weather that lingers outside. Sound Good? Great! Glad we are on the same page.

Moving on, prayers for my FIL he has been ill and we are still dealing with 2 specialists and his physician to figure out what is going on. Its been very difficult for us to see him like this and support and prayers is all we can ask for.

XOXOXO

Independently wealthy or a Mob Wife?

Take your pick, because after seeing the FEE I owe CCCC if my company doesnt pay it, will kill me, almost $400 for 1 semester 1 class worth 3 credit hours.

So by the time Carlee gets to college I will have to be wealthy or a Mob Wife, or we will pray that being an American Indian registered Cherokee helps..lord I hope.

Went to Jane's office today due to my episodes of dizziness "no not preggos" so I gave some blood and started some Meclazine and its possible an inner ear infection. Its just gotta stop before I start driving to Mulvane for class, cuz being dizzy is one thing, but driving dizzy my friends is just DAMN SCARY!

XOXOXO

Moms on Strike

I have threatened. And when my life becomes increasingly more busy due to Phlebotomy classes. At 8:30 I was awake taken the dog to pee and feed him breakfast. Then to the grocery store for milk and meals. By 10 cinny rolls were done, fridge was cleaned, pantry cleaned out then Carlee wakes up. NICE at like 10:30 by 11:30 lunch was going and I was the only one getting anything done including sweeping and mopping the kitchen, bathroom and entry way. So after lunch I announced I was "clocking out" thats it I have accomplished more by noon then most will all day SO THERE! I am on strike thats it. No more nice Mom and Wife. Thats it I am officially ON STRIKE!

XOXO

So this is the Strobel Family the day after Christmas. We all gathered for the evening for our Christmas. We did the snackies and played Nascar Monopoly and did some fun gifts. I got the Lands End small bag embroidered to match my larger one. its similar to this http://www.landsend.com/pp/OpenTopLongHandleCanvasTotes~176375_1342.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::AEW&CM_MERCH=SRCH_00001&origin=search I have the large with the zip and now the smaller book bag type. They are great bags and hold up so well. Guess the book bag will come in handy with my class starting so soon. The snowman is a creation of Carlee and Rene and Carlee photographed it I thought it was a great picture I think. So today I am starting to figurre out how to keep this house organized I am looking at www.motivatedmoms.com let me know what you use and think.

Today was the DAY family Christmas. I left home at 10:20 to head to the state line to pick up Miss Carlee. Then I had to come home to get in Ryans jeep because NOWAY would my car have made it down that road, my FIL had to get the tractor out to clear drifts SHEESH!!

MY Inlaws got me the coolest sweater and you will see me in it with pics tomorrow from my families Christmas.

The pictures down below are just a few from Carlee's Scavenger Hunt to get her to her Taylor Swift Tickets. It was great and she loved every minute of it. The last few years Christmas with Carlee has been us watching her. It was fun for all of us to follow her around as she tried to figure out where the next clue was. She honestly couldnt believe she got the tickets. It was soo hard to keep this a secret. It was a blast! Ryan got me a gorgeous Love Knot diamond necklace and when I can get pics I will share. I just wanted to share her excitement.

So tomorrow is Christmas eve...and I am tired.

I went to work at 7am to observe how to draw blood for lab work. I will be starting Phlebotomy Classes in January and am excited. The company I work for will pay for it, our nurses just dont have time and honestly its one more thing that I can have knowledge of just in case my position gets cut, so I need to always be one step ahead.

Carlee had a Orchestra Concert last night and did amazing I was soo proud. Even more proud when my mom and I met Carlee and her dad for some mexican to see that she had a wet towel on her chin. Her dads comment"She bit beak in your high heel boots, I dont think she is ready for those type of shoes yet" DUH Ya think geesh, it wasnt large but deep to the bone. I butterflied it, gave her a kiss and her dad whisked her away to OKC until Friday.

So I am now just gonna crash, count my blessings, thankful for all the nice things people have given to me and done for me.

XOXO

How was my day spent? At 10:45 am I left to pick up Carlee from her dad at the state line then headed to my mother in laws for Grandma B's annual Christmas. We always get together the Sunday before Christmas. The top picture is my mother in laws tree. ITs completely covered in Santas and everything at her home is decorated in Santas. I hope to have a gingerbread tree some year just like hers and then another for the extra ornaments that were given not gingerbread ones. The second picture is pepper nuts, Ryans grandmother Gladys Day made them every year so Carole makes them every year for Ryan, Traci and KG my father in law. The 3rd picture is the cookies from Great Grandma Jansen, so they fit for Grandma B's side of the family, Carole said they were mailed to her and Donna Jo every year. They never came intact I guess but they love them and both cookies are nostalgic and hold memories for each side.

The fourth pic is me working on the craft with the kids at the annual cookies and crafts at Flower Kathys house. And the cookies are the completion of the day. I am tired, watching Survivor preparing for the week to come.

XOXOX

This is Tina's coleslaw salad recipe that Ryan and Carlee absolutely love so its a double batch for Grandma B's Christmas at noon on Sunday.

The delived eggs are going as well. They are my father in laws favorite and he hasnt been feeling well so he really totally deserves these.

Then these are the Redneck Turtles, I heard Ryan cracking into these this morning in the fridge. He was breaking them apart off the tinfoil.

Speaking of tin foil or aluminum foil did you know it came in different thickness? UM YA!! Oh my goodness I
just buy whatever is cheapest. I guess it would have been beneficial for my Brownies that my intentions were to use cookie cutters and the FOIL STUCK BAD!! Thats when Ryan asked my why I bought the weakest foil, UH DUH! I had no cookin clue!

So thats what you see on the second picture from the bottom . The bottom pic is my craft participation for Cookies and Crafts at Flower Kathys tomorrow afternoon. I will have pics from both events to post here.

XOXO

Guess what I have been doing? These my friends are called Redneck Turtles. Shandra renamed em from White Trash Turtles and I like her name better. I made 2 tray fulls for our family christmas sunday and hopefully have some left for Cookies and Crafts at a friends house Sunday afternoon.

Here are some pictures from our quickee trip to Branson last weekend. The first one is in front of the tree at the entrance of Dixie Stampede. The other is at the shopping district in old Branson but its old Branson with a really cool new mall.

Well I am working on the craft project for Sunday so if its successful I will share.

XOXOX

hmm today in the Day/Miller house.
I worked until 4:30 but the last hour was spent with the Dentist fitting in some 5-10 minute appt's so we didnt have to loose out on that time the next few days
picked Carlee up from Cheer Practice and then onto Pitch Practice.
I went to the store and am taking care of my sick hubby he has been puky since Sunday morning so we are trying to get healthy again on his end.
I did 5 loads of Carlee's laundry yesterday and like the ladies said at work maybe she has too many clothes and I am thinking they are right.
I hope that the new way to stop smoking the ECiggarette works for Ryan, it came into the mail today and you can gradually reduce the amount of nicotine to quit smoking. Say prayers...
XOXOX

So this past week has held so many things. Days of working as a dental assistant. Christmas party for the KDOC side. This includes everyone who works at the correctional facility not just contract employees like myself. I was asked to be on the Wellness Committee. As a rep for the contract side I just help to make things better for the employees and do things like send flowers when someone is sick or a loved one has passed. I just accepted this position 2 weeks ago so doing the party was an experience.

Carlee and I went to Branson with my family saturday morning and came back sunday at about 9 pm. Ryan had been throwing up all day but didnt want to tell me thats why he wanted to know when I would be home. He wanted me to have a good time which was so sweet but I felt bad him here all alone puking his tummy up.

I purchased a purse which I hope to share pics of, as well as saw the Christmas Dixie Stampede while we were there. Carlee got a charm for a Brighton Necklace her dad has started for her so I cannot wait to add something special when she turns 13 next month.

I plan to do some more Pioneer Woman cooking with the enchiladas this weekend so we shall see how it all goes. I dont feel brave enough to be a member of her cooking community just yet, but some day I hope.

I watched "Julie and Julia" the movie this evening and it was very awesome and inspiring. Its a must see if I might say.

XOXOXO

So a package shipped out, not for Christmas but another purse sold on ebay courtesy of Kathy. Spanx Alot!!

Came home and cooked Meatloaf from Pioneer Womans new cookbook. It was a hit thank goodness cause they are eating it tomorrow nite too. :) Its a dental day and I already know I will be tired.

Ryan got us these cool covers for our car windshields so hopefully it will be easier to clean off the ice crap we are suppose to be getting. Not my favorite, I seriously belong in a warmer climate SERIOUSLY! Just like in the picture thats what I need.

XOXO

So some shopping today with my MIL Carole and SIL Traci in Wichita. Holy Canoli!! How crazy and busy. I had one magazine I really wanted http://www.brainchildmag.com/and the bookstore we went to didnt carry it. UGH! So a few things for Lena and Carlee and a few basic tshirts for myself and I did some following around.

Next weekend is Branson and my ever loving pursuit to find THE PURSE. Its hard to fork over money for an OK one when I think thats the key THINK I know the one I want.

XOXO

So ya where have I been? Not alot of places and I think its time to get back to blogging. Not just for you but for me as well. Good head clearing therapy, I need lots of space to share so for a few pics lets begin. Anyone know this lady?

This is THE Pioneer Women you can visit her site here http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ I know some of you follow her so I want you to know I was at Ponca City Oklahoma Brace Books at 9am to get my number at 10 am then went back at 1pm with #25 to have her cookbook signed and personalized to me :) Yes I am proud.

Last night our Cheri had us over for dinner and a fun Christmas Exchange I will guarantee you there are great pictures of me floating about but I dont wanna mention why I dont have any on my camera :) Finished a pillow today courtesy of Brandy its a fleece OSU for my Carlee. Its a travel type for her to tote from here to there.

Glad to be back in the blogging world. Missed everyone and myself XOXO

To post or not to post. So Crop Camp ROCKED!!
Went to see The Christmas Carole today and LOVED IT!!
Ready to start a knitting project, gonna visit a very cool knitting store here in Winfield. When my arm was busted I spent an hour in there petting her yarn and she was nice enough not to call the looney bin on me :)
Getting into that mode of not wanting to leave home, cold wet weather does that to me.
Found out I will be visiting a Coach Purse outlet for Christmas, I almost peed twice!!

So whats up with everyone?

XOXOX