Eddie's Valentine Card Creation

I did not make it too mushy or too frilly. If you know Eddie, that is just not his style. He will probably say that this one is too mushy for that matter. He will roll his big, handsome, brown eyes at me, shake his head and say, "Women!" LOL

Another scrap-page completed

I think I have figured out what I don't like about my pages from looking at Renee and Adrienne's LO's. I should put color background paper to cover up the white. My last two pages I created show too much white background. I will try to correct that on my next LO.

I rubber stamped the snowman and used watercolor pencils to brighten him up.

"Firsts" Personal Quiz for which I got tagged by Renee!

First time you got kissed. How was it?

I was 13 at the time and practically lived at the roller skating rink. My crush's name was Scott Williams. He kissed me on couple's skate and then proceeded to tell everyone I kissed like a fish. What's wrong with kissing like a fish? And besides, have you ever tried kissing someone while on roller skates? At least I puckered up good.

First time you drove a car. What kind of car?

My dad decided he would teach me to drive, by just putting me behind the wheel and telling me to drive. We went around the block, the first three turns were okay, but the last turn was on a hill and I floored the gas so as not to be hit by a car coming over the hill. I got one of my hands caught in the steering wheel (manual steering) and the car kept turning to the left. I got scared and did not put on the brake. My dad reached over with his foot to put on the brake and hit the gas instead. We ran into a tree in the neighbor's yard. Needless to say, my mother took over the task of teaching me how to drive. The car was my dad's, it was a 1971 Chevrolet Bel Aire.

First time you scrapbooked. When you look at your page do you love it?

In 1995, when we moved back to Alabama, my sister-in-law had a Creative Memories scrap. My mother, daughter and I went. My first page was pretty standard CM fare since I copied a page from one of the idea books. It certainly looks plain compared to some of the pages I create now.

First time you went on a date. Where did you go and with who?

I was 15 and not really allowed to date yet. Wayne Murray who was 20 or 21 had asked me to go with him to the Bee Gee's concert. I begged mother and daddy to let me go and they finally relented and said yes. We went to the Boutwell Auditorium. It was a very special date for me, I will never forget it. First date, first concert.

First time you fell in love. How did you know?

I thought I was in love with Skip, but I was actually just in love with love. When I fell in love for real I knew it was special because I couldn't eat, sleep, or do much of anything, except pine away to be with Mike every second of the day. But none of that compares to the love I have now for my husband, Eddie.

First time you cooked for someone. Was it yummy? What did you make?

My mother was in the hospital after having my younger brother. I was 12 and I decided to make supper for my two older brothers. I made fried breaded pork chops. I burnt the outside, but the inside was still pink. My oldest brother turned up his nose and wouldn't eat it, but Don (he's like Mikey, he'll eat anything) ate all four of the chops I cooked. He told me later that he realized then and there what my cooking potential was going to be and he didn't want to cause me to quit trying, so he ate them anyway. He said they weren't that bad.

First time you got on a plane. Where did you go? Were you scared?

My first airplane flight was in 1989 when I was coming back to Alabama from Texas to see my family for Christmas. I was scared on take off and landing, but when in the air I really enjoyed it.

First time you shaved your legs. Did you cut yourself?

My mom tried to tell me not to press down too hard with the razor. I was probably around age 13. I really didn't have that much hair on my legs at the time, but hey, everybody else was shaving so I felt like I needed to do the same. I cut a long plug of skin off my shin which bled and bled. I almost passed out.

First time you put on make up. Looking back how did you do? Did you look good or like a clown?

I was 14. I used some of my friends make-up. She was nicknamed "cake-up make-up," so you can just imagine. I actually looked more like a raccoon because I used to much eye liner.

First time you moved out of your home. Was it an apartment, house, etc?

I moved out into an apartment when I got married. I was only 18 years old, just out of high school and stupid. I was only there for about 6 months before moving back to my parent's house. It was not a good time for me.

Trying to be creative! Three projects I did this weekend.

I made two greeting cards by rubber stamping and filling in with watercolor pencils. The one with the girl on the beach is a little hard to see. I had already placed the card in a vellum envelope and sealed it before I took the picture. I think both projects turned out okay, since I have just started stamping.



















I then decided to do a scrapbook LO. This is what I came up with. This is a pic of my DD before she went to her High School Valentine's dance several years ago.













I did not fully inherit my mother's creative gene. I think it's a little watered down, but I try to make do. LOL

My birthday dinner was a blast!

Below is a picture of the whole gang at Jim-N-Nick's B-B-Q. Will, Shannon, and me one one side of the booth and on the other, Chad, Jeannie, and Eddie. Our waitress Jill took the picture.













The next pic here is of Chad, Jeannie, Eddie and I.













And then there was Eddie and Jill, our waitress. Eddie had fun aggravating Jill, by asking for watermelon, and then when the meal was over and we had stuffed ourselves, he asked her, "What's for supper?" I think she enjoyed serving us. She seemed like she had fun anyway.













As always there has to be one in every crowd. It never fails I have one stinker who makes a face in my photos. I told Chad to not make a face for the pic and so Jeannie did it instead, the little rascal. Oh well at least this time we have a good pic of Chad.













Next comes the newly engaged couple. Shannon and Will. Don't they make a handsome couple? Just so long as they make me some pretty granchildren after they get married is fine by me. LOL













And to save the best for last, the "Birthday GIRL" with her beautiful daughter. I'm not gonna tell you how old "she" is, because "she" might get mad. LOL













All in all I had a wonderful birthday dinner and weekend. My daughter and her fiance were here to help me celebrate. My presents included some perfume, a Books-A-Million gift card, some mixing bowls, an "Enya" CD, and some CD cases. It just can't get any better than this!!!!

Annie Get Your Gun!

It was more like Shannon get your gun. Eddie got his 357 magnum out and we used 38's (bullets) so as not to have so much kick when you were shooting. I didn't really want to scare Shannon, so she would never want to shoot again.














I certainly like to target practice.














This was the first time Shannon or Will had shot a gun. Now get this, Shannon and Will shot the can, but Eddie and I didn't. We had not practiced in a while and the sights of the gun were a little off.















Don't they both look like pro's?
But we had fun anyway and I hope the kids did too!

VISITORS

My daughter and her fiance, Will, are visiting this weekend. They came down to help me celebrate my birthday. We are going out to eat to celebrate.

The jewelry I posted on the blog earlier this week was found by my daughter and she has now claimed it as hers. Actually, I made the items for her in the first place, so no problem there.

I made my first rubber stamp project. It was a little card with a Palm Tree and the word "Palms" stamped on it with a raffia bow at the top. That was given to my daughter as well. Her room is totally "Palms." Last night I made another rubber stamp card, hopefully I will get good enough soon to share one on the post.

It is raining here and it is really pretty warm for this time of year. We are not supposed to have thunderstorms or tornados, but with the temps being so high (in the 60's), it's not out of the question. Our weatherman says no bad weather.

I have to print out my niece's wedding invitations today, so I guess I should get started.

Until we meet again...-

The perks of being a federal government worker includes:

...being off work on MLK day.

I spent my day sleeping late; shopping for scrapbooking supplies; and making jewelry. I also had a special day because I spent it with my husband, Eddie.

Below are pictures of the earrings and bracelet that I made today.

Here are pictures of my finished fireplace and mantel, which my hubby built for me!

When taking a picture of the fireplace on a downward angle, isn't it funny looking, how the fireplace looks like it is narrower at the bottom. I am very pleased with the outcome and it produces a very warm and cozy fire. When the weather cools down again and we are able to light a fire, I will take a pic with a fire blazing and post for all to see.

Here's the news!

I am now the mother of an engaged daughter. Yep, that's right, my daughter was asked by her boyfriend to marry him last night and she said yes. So she is now engaged and has a beautiful engagement ring. I have yet to see it, but she says it is gorgeous.

Now mind you, she is still in college. I asked her to wait until she was out of college and has gotten her a good job before they get married. I want the same for him as well.

I asked them to have a long engagement. We will see.
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Next, my niece, Rachael, is getting married February 18th.

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Thirdly, my younger brother called and said that he found out the baby his wife is carrying is a little boy. They have come up with the name "Jackson Davis Clark." I love it, I have given my approval.

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And last, but not least, my oldest brother called to talk to me and he said that his daughter, Leah, is pregnant and having a little boy.

To say the least I am a little overwhelmed...

Have you stopped to consider "The Little Things" in Life?

As you might know, the head of a company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One went back to answer the telephone.

One had a child that dawdled and didn't get ready as soon as he should have.

One couldn't get a taxi.

The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work, but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone, all the little things that annoy me. I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment..

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can't seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you.

May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose.

Just a thought!

I finished working and since I organized my scrap space yesterday, I am gonna go scrap a little and mess it back up.

I will post pics of my LO, if it turns out alright.

Wish me luck...

January 2, 2003 to January 2, 2006

I still miss my Mother terribly, everyday.

I still think about her at different moments during the day, everyday.

I still want to call her up and hear her voice, everyday.

I still look at her picture and remember her beautiful face, everyday.

I still long to have her alive and well and with me and my family, everyday.

Today is the third anniversary of her death and I still miss her so. However, the excruciating pain that I felt three years ago has ebbed to a dull ache when I think of her. I know she is much better off in Heaven, than when she was here on earth, especially those last four months she was alive. I am also aware of how selfish it is of me to wish she were still here, but I am only human and miss her so.

I can only hope that with time the sweet memories of my life with my Mother will erase the painful ones I have of her after she became ill.

I wanted to let all of you who read my blog know a little of how it feels to be me and living without Anita. All of you who know me have heard all this before, but on this date I had to remember her all over again.