Twenty Years

Just a short post today, to acknowledge this special Man I was blessed to know for the first (almost) 24 years of my life. It's been 20 years tonight, since he left us and while the pain isn't as sharp, there is STILL a hole in our lives that he once filled.

Over the years, we've often wondered what he would think about certain things. We still think of him often, usually with a smile on our face now, instead of tears but it still makes us sad he is gone.

The last few years, I've not always remembered that it was the day of his death, till the day after he died, but for some reason, he's been on my mind more again this winter...so I just had to acknowledge him again. He's been in my dreams more lately, than he has been in a long time, which keeps him on my mind when I wake.

You are STILL loved and missed Uncle Orison!  I am so thankful for the wonderful memories you gave us! I am also thankful I could call myself your niece!

Rambles

I've been sick this last week, well I got sick and slowly got over it as the week progressed...and then had to try and finish up the beef broth and do a few things before the weekend hit again with me not having gotten much done.  LOL  Least the beef broth is done, now I just gotta find a place for all the jars...so I can find my sink in the soap room again and get some new herbal salve made, that I am needing.  I also need to start on some chicken stock...hopefully this week, if not next.  LOL

Last weekend, before I got sick, we went over to my parents house, and target practiced with my brother. It's been years since I shot a gun much...only two or three times I think since we got married. Growing up we had fun when my beloved Uncle came to visit, plinking around the farm, but then he (my Uncle) was buying the ammo, so we could. LOL

My Dad was very diligent about teaching us gun safety and to respect the dangers of a gun. He was a former Marine, and a wonderful father who wanted us to grow up and be able to protect ourselves, and loved ones should we need to...not to mention be able to hunt down some food if that's all we could afford to do for meat (as long as it was a clean meat that followed the food laws in the bible). He's long been a guy who wants to be "prepared" for anything, and taught us to be that way too...as much as possible.



I may be getting older...and haven't shot a gun all that much in the past few years, but I've STILL GOT IT!! Hitting the target was always something I was good at when I was growing up...and I still can. I may not be quite as good as I was, I have trouble holding a rifle totally steady, but I still hit the target, so I haven't gotten to much worse than I was growing up, even with all the years in between, without practice.  It feels good to know, the ONE thing I was REALLY good at is still mostly there!  :-))


We used the little swinging chicken target my Uncle made years ago, so we could see when we hit it. Course the first shot I sent it's way from the rifle killed it, so my brother had to go weld it back on...and I got teased about that, but once it was fixed and back in place, we all had fun making it dance.

The strange thing about it all was...I didn't realize till the next morning, that it was the anniversary of my beloved Uncle's death. He would have had so much fun plinking away with us...he loved to come visit and do that.

It's always amazes me the power of our subconscious mind. I probably wouldn't have thought much about it, had I dreamed about my Uncle the night after our target practicing, after all I had thought of him that day and how we always had fun when he came up to target practice, but this time, instead of dreaming about him...I dreamed about the fact that it was the anniversary of his death. When I woke up I realized that indeed it was...and that 19 years ago we lost our beloved Orison. He died late in the evening, but I didn't find out about it till the next morning...it's so strange, that even though I've had trouble remembering things this last year, and hadn't remembered that it was THE DAY...my mind still knew, and let me know in my dreams. I don't think I'll ever get used to that happening.

It was a quiet week...for the most part.  Nothing major went on, other than my brother came over and helped with a small plumbing problem, (much to hubby's thankfulness...I think he is so GLAD to be here where my brother can help with any small plumbing jobs we need done, since hubby HATES plumbing.  *giggle*)  

We had to go pick up an azurestandard.com order today (was suppose to be yesterday but the truck was late because of snow out west) so did our shopping for next month today too.  Nice to have that over with for another month...now to get everything put away.  LOL  Most of that's waiting for tomorrow though, cause it's been a long day and I'm tired.  Hope everyone has had a good weekend...and I will TRY to get back to blogging more, but no promises.  LOL

Thinking about my beloved Uncle

With Kali getting married, I have thought about how wonderful my Uncle was when I was getting married, and how he would have loved to be a part of Kali's wedding plans too. He loved her so much, and called her Kitten, because her initials spelled out kit...which he figured was short for kitten. I wish he could have seen her grow up.

Since he wasn't here to spoil her and buy her things, I thought I'd share some of my cast iron pans, with her, since Uncle Orison scoured the flea markets looking for a bunch of them for me. I had several I wasn't using...cause there are only so many I can use, and he had given me a bunch of them...so DH cleaned them up, and I packed them up and put Uncle Orison's name on them. It may have been rather odd to see a gift on the pile from him, since he's been gone for 18 years...but I think she liked her pans.


I didn't have time to season them, once DH cleaned them up, but I told her I could help her do that later...after we get moved...if she needs help.

Least that let my beloved Uncle have a small part in the wedding plans...and kept his memory alive for a little longer. He was such a huge part of my life, so while I've let the pain of loosing him, to soon, go for the most part...finally, I still love the memories, and love sharing his love with Kali too.

Always there...

Uncle Orison in Colorado. 1992
For the first time in 16 years, (since he died 17 years ago) I didn't wake up yesterday thinking...This is the anniversary of Uncle Orison's death. I didn't think about the date at all. Obviously my mind was else where...just where we haven't figure out yet. *giggle*

Usually I think about him on that day, and remember what a wonderful Uncle he was, and miss him all over again and when late evening comes (which is when he died) I think "it's this time of day he died".

But yesterday was all about cows...and half baked whole wheat moron bread...and about how much of an idiot I can be. LOL

DH DID mention Uncle Orison...but he gets thought of or mentioned a lot, he was a big part of my life, OUR lives, till he died. He was a wonderful Man, who had a lot of love for his family, and I was privileged to be a member of that family.

But finally after 17 years, I guess I had healed enough to not dwell on his loss on the anniversary of his death...and to not even think about the fact that it WAS the anniversary...

...but someone should have told my subconscious mind that!

Last night, he was in my dreams. He is now and then, that's nothing new...but it's been a while, several months in fact, since I dreamed about him. It wasn't as intense as it has been in the past....but he was still there, and I woke up and remembered that today is the anniversary of the worst day of my life (so far...as I didn't find out he died till the morning of the 20th).

Its strange how the mind knows...even if you don't actually remember it, your subconscious mind does.

I thank God for letting Uncle Orison be a part of our lives, even if it was for two short of a time...and for helping us through his death. I also am so thankful that FINALLY, after 17 years, I am healing enough to start forgetting the anniversary's. Maybe in a few more years I won't remember till they are totally past.

If we are lucky, (and I seem to be REALLY lucky, cause I have several of them in my life) there are a few people we meet in life, that are so special, that it seems to take forever to get over their loss...Uncle Orison was one of them.

Garth Brooks song, "The Dance" comes to mind. "I could have missed the pain, but I'd of had to miss the dance" and I would rather have the pain of loosing Uncle Orison all over again, than to loose those memories of him. He was more like a brother to me, than an Uncle, a close brother at that... (as I've discovered since I got married, not ALL brothers want to be "family") and he will always be in my heart.

However, I'm letting go, finally, of the pain, and holding onto the memories and the love. He would like that I think.

He would also have loved the Half Baked Whole Wheat Moron Bread from yesterday...or the story anyway, as well as all the other goofy things I do. *giggle*

So Uncle Orison...you are STILL loved and missed, but remembered with joy not tears, because you were ALWAYS there for us, in those short 39 years you were alive...and yes, I'm still that giggling, goofy, "blond" niece you knew and loved.

It is however WAY past time to let go of the pain...I'll keep the memories though, and visit you from time to time in my mind.

I LOVE you!!

15 years ago

It doesn't seem possible that it was 15 years ago, that this wonderful, loving, fun man who was my beloved Uncle died at the age of 39. I still think of him and wish he were here, and remember the fun times we had together. I'm so thankful my darling hubby got to meet him, so he too knows what a wonderful man he was, and can miss him right along with me. That may seem selfish, but at least that way he understands better, how I can still after all these years, miss him. Uncle Orison, while having faults (everyone does) was a wonderful man, who cared about family and had a lot of love to give, and I'm so thankful I'm one of the lucky ones who received a lot of it. I can't imagine my life not having had him in it, even if it was for to short of a time.

I've kinda been putting off doing these two layouts for Kali's book, because while I love thinking about him, and talking about him, I don't want to dwell on his loss for too long, or I can start getting a little depressed. However they needed done, so I figured today was as good a day as any, to finish them up, on this, the anniversary of his death, the day I'd pause to think about him a little more anyway. I wrote up the journaling a few weeks ago, and then didn't get back to the layout, but figured if I stretched out my working on these two layouts it might help my mood.

Kit Credit: An unfinished kit (no that's not the name of the kit) by Doxie Designs I've been working on this kit for a while now, and just not gotten it finished. Hopefully after I finish the kit I had to do for the digishophop, I can try to get this one done and in the store. It still could be a while, cause I have a lot of elements to make for it...once I figure out just WHAT it is I need to put in the kit. *giggle* I'm so bad, I chose the colors, and got the papers made...and a few elements, but am kinda at a loss as to what to add to it. LOL Silly me. I am thinking the first layout up there needs something gold in it, to tie it into the 2nd layout, but couldn't think of anything to make, to put on the layout, so I left it that way. Feel free to give me your idea's if you have any! :)

Journaling on the layouts:

Uncle Orison, the man in your distant memory, who always had a camera pointed at you, unless he was holding you or playing with you. He was putty in your hands, thought you hung the moon, and would have done anything for you. He loved watching you grow as much as I did, and documented your early years with photos. He would have continued, had he not died, of that I’m sure.

Orison was so proud of you, and loved the fact that he got to hold you the day you were born, because he got to the hospital in the afternoon, and the nurses on duty weren’t as strict. He started making little photo albums just for you, that he would give you at the feast, because you loved looking at his photos. He didn’t mind sharing his meal or glass with you, when you were little, even though you left him a surprise in the bottom of his milk glass, in the form of already been chewed potatoes. *giggle*

When we were told your name, Orison saw that your initials spelled Kit…which he figured had to be short for kitten, so that’s what he would call you. He loved his kittens, so it was totally understandable to us, why he called you kitten, because he loved you even more. Although he was only alive for the first few years of your life, I had to include a double page in your book of him, because its only because of him that we have so many early photos of you, and because he would have been a huge part of your life, had he lived.

I hope all of you have a wonderful week, I'm hoping to scrap some with Lara Payton's newest kit this week, but we will see if I manage it or not! LOL I seem to not have to much luck, getting to many LO's a week done lately, but if I'm lucky this week will be better. I'm glad you liked the photo I shared yesterday, it was to funny to not post, and I love the ones that make me laugh, like that one did when I first saw it. Thanks so much for your comments, both here on my blog, and through e-mails!!

Tire Swing

Its been rainy here today, so you would think I could have gotten a bunch done, but that's not what happen. LOL Go figure. Least I did manage to finish this this evening. I'm not sure if I like the pink paper or not, but I tried several different colors, and didn't like them either, so went with the pink, since Kali loves pink. The blue is for Uncle Orison, as this is a story about him. Journaling at end of post. This is Kali on a tire swing that Uncle Orison made for her.

Kit Credit: Fairy Kisses in Blue , Heartstrings Baby Girl Kit & Heart Strings Baby Boy kit by Blushbutter

Well nothing major going on here, didn't get much of anything done today, it was just an off day...or something. Can't even say I got any relaxing done, but with finishing this layout this evening, at least it wasn't a total loss. LOL Anyway, that means no news or anything, so I'll shut up now. Hope you all managed to have a productive day. Thanks for your comments! :)

Journaling:

Uncle Orison wanted
to make you a tire swing,
because you had lots of
fun on the swings in the
park. So one time when
we were all at his house
(you, your parents, Grand-
parents & Uncle Galen &
I) Uncle Orison, got a
tire, and some chain &
hung the tire from a
tree in the side yard.

He hung it on a
good sized red
bud tree, and
then thought he
better test it
to show it was
sturdy enough
so it wouldn't
break with you
on it.

He didn't just hang on it,
he wiggled his body through
the hole, so the tire was
around his waist, (which
took him a little while)
and then put his legs
out, so his full
weight was on the
tree. I'll never forget
the surprised look on his
face, or how fast he got
out of the tire, when he
heard the limb crack. We
all thought it was really
funny, and he found a
different tree for your
swing.

Finally got to work on my special project!!

Yep, this is the first page...well first page I have done, not the first page of the book....for that special project for my niece, and yes, its square!!! LOL Strange I know. I won't be doing the pages in order, just as I decide to! LOL These are several photo's of her, when she was 3 and under. I tried to pick some out, where she was with some of the many people who love her. This is a general one, Kinda for the start of a section on her younger years. I'm not totally sure how I'm going to set this up yet...I have some pages kinda figured out, but will just do most of them, as I go. It seems to be the way I work best! LOL Some of these could actually be used again, on a page with more journaling, if I want to do one, with more photo's of that kind. I have no idea how big this is going to end up....can't be more than 100 pgs! LOL I could have trouble, cause 100 pages, could add up fast!

Kit Credit: Gentle by Blushbutter

I really like how this page turned out! It took me long enough, so I should, but that doesn't always mean anything! *giggle* I love that gemstone heart I put around the title, I think it makes the page stand out more. The swirl that I put right on top of the background, doesn't show up all that much, but it did add something to the page, when I added it! I do love this kit!! The only question I have about the layout is...do the names and dates distract to much from the general layout? I like to have names and dates on all photo's....but when you have one like this with lots of photo's, it becomes hard to do it, and not make it look strange. If anyone has any opinions...or ideas how I could do it differently, yet still have them on this layout, feel free to let me know!

We got our enclosed porch back this weekend...after scrubbing (and scrubbing, and scrubbing some more) we managed to get it so I might actually go out there without shoes on...maybe....and then again, maybe not. Sorry to say, it was rather disgusting! However its nice to get it cleaned up...we are thinking about looking to see how much it would cost to buy paint that will seal the concrete though, so the stains don't show, and any smell left in it, will not keep annoying me. Once it totally airs out, we can get the daybed back out of the attic, and out there, cause Rascal used to love to sit out there on it, in the sun...and it was nice to be able to go out there and lounge at times. We need to finish the drywall...at least get it put up, whether we get it taped and mudded or not, so the drywall isn't sitting in our way. It seems there are always way to many things to do around here, but it makes life interesting I guess!!

Anyway, I better get this posted, so I can post it around and answer e-mails before its time to go to bed! LOL Thanks so much for your comments, and I hope everyone has a great week!!!!

Memories

What a week this has been. We have worried together, stood our ground together, worked together, played together, lived, loved and laughed together, and come out here at the end of it, happy, on the road to lower blood sugar, remembering the good times, trying to forget the bad, and thankful for the sense of humor God blessed us with, especially my DH! DH really should write a book, he is so good at remembering things, and laughing over and over again, at the silly funny things he has heard or seen, and making me laugh too, even if its something silly I did. (And boy are there a lot of those!! LOL) He brought up my silly "ghost" story again yesterday, and we had a good laugh about it, along with several other things, but it sure feels good to have that side splitting laugh together, even if some of it is at my own expense.

We have had a busy week, I about froze the past couple days, up and outside early (for me), in what has to be two of the coldest days so far this month. I don't know how it worked out that I had to be outside, when it was so cold, but I lived, and am really thankful to be inside where its warm again! LOL Especially since it got below 0 F. last night! Thankfully our plans for today, don't involve being outside so much! LOL

Even with all that has been going on this week, DH was good and took his blood sugar everyday like he was suppose to, and almost everyday it has gone down!! It was up almost to 300 a week ago, and this morning it was 150, and although 120 is his goal, and he hasn't reached it yet, with it just being one week I think he has done remarkably well. Maybe, just maybe his A1C will be down quite a bit the next time he goes and gets it checked. I praise God for this blessing!

I am also once again pausing to praise God for those memories I hold dear of my beloved Uncle Orison. He died 14 years ago but will remain alive forever in my heart. I have lost several loved ones over the years, but I think since Orison was so young, and we were close, his loss is one I feel the most, even now these many years later. Thankfully most of the time the memories bring a smile these days, not the tears, but the missing him feeling doesn't leave. I still wonder what he would think of this or that, and I know he would still love seeing his "kitten" as he called my niece. He would be so very proud of her and she would know it, just like I knew he loved me, and was proud of me. He was one of the few people in my life, who I knew loved me unconditionally, no matter what, we could disagree, or even fight...which isn't something we did much....but yet there was NEVER a doubt that he would be there for me. I knew, that no matter what, I could call him up, and ask for help, or cry on his shoulder, and I also knew I would never be made to feel less of a person, because I made a mistake. How often does that happen? I have been extra lucky to have several people in my life, who I knew I could ALWAYS count on, which is a wonderful blessing from God. Most people I've noticed can't be counted on, when the chips are down, so to have several of them that you can, is wonderful.

One of these days, I'm going to have to work on a book of my memories of Uncle Orison. I wrote some of them down, in a "story" shortly after he died, and put a few photo's with them, but I need to redo them, as they aren't on the computer, or in layout form, just plain white paper, with photo's and words. One of these days, maybe I'll get around to it, but for now, I just do one now and then. This layout of his 47 Chevy (journaling below), is just a quick simple one I did, but I wanted to do a quick layout, since I haven't gotten much done this last week, and figured doing one with him would be good for today. I used my latest kit, because the memories of him, ARE some of my most precious.

Kit Credit: Precious Memories by Doxie Designs. The photo is actually a Polaroid picture, so no the kit didn't have a Polaroid frame in it, sorry! LOL I kept the frame on the picture, because it has Orison's handwriting on it.

Journaling on layout:

One of the things I remember about
Orison, was his 47 Chevy Truck.
He drove it to Minnesota in the
winter, and used it to cart around his
mowers and tools he used for his
odd jobs in the summer.

He had restored it, and gave it a nice
pretty blue paint job. I enjoyed
riding in it with him, even though he
kept the floorboards full of tools, so
I had to step on them, to get in and
out. It wasn't a fast truck, but it
got us where we wanted to go, and
every time I see one, in photo's or
real life I think of Orison.

I'm really hoping to get back to scrapping a little more this next week, I have to do some planning for that extra project I was going to work on, and get started on it, and I would like to get last years pictures finished so I need to work on them too. I also need to start working on a new kit, with everything that has been going on, I haven't even managed to think about that yet. Good thing I don't HAVE to put out a certain amount! LOL That's the good thing about having your own store, it lets you do things at your own pace, and if something comes up, you can take a break. Course I never planned on doing lots anyway, so I guess that's ok.

Thanks so much for the e-mails and comments, I have gotten behind on answering e-mails, but I'll try to catch up later today, or tomorrow! Take Care, have a great weekend, and for those of you, who are in this Arctic freeze we have going on here, try to stay warm!!

Thanksgiving Memories

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I have always loved the traditions of family get togethers, and wonderful foods, most of which you don't get to have but once or twice a year. Even in later years, since I've gotten married, if we aren't having a family get together I enjoy preparing our traditional Thanksgiving goodies for my wonderful hubby and I to enjoy. The last few years, we have had trouble enjoying Thanksgiving to the fullest, so this year, I'm hoping nothing happens to ruin it. My wonderful hubby and I will be alone this year, to enjoy it but that's ok, there are a few family members I wouldn't mind having come join us, but as they aren't able to, I'm thankful we can have some time to spend to ourselves, and enjoy the peace. I hope all of you are able to have a great thanksgiving too.

Last thanksgiving we lost one of our fur babies, she was a wonderful companion for many years, and has been missed. Last year was also the last thanksgiving with my Grandmother, we didn't know that she would go downhill so fast, after thanksgiving, although we knew she wasn't doing so well. She was gone by Christmas.

The Thanksgiving that I am most grateful for, is the subject of these two layouts. Its the last time I saw my Uncle Orison alive. We lived in Kansas at the time, about a half hour west of Topeka, and that year we planned on having Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Several family members were planning on coming, along with my Uncle and Grandparents. However a winter storm came that week, so we thought all was lost, and we would be dinning alone. I was so disappointed, because I was really looking forward to it. Thanksgiving morning my Uncle Orison gets up, and decides to load up my Grandparents and head out to our house 2 hours west of theirs, because he didn't want me to be left disappointed for Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful to God, for getting them out there safely, and letting us have a good visit, especially since as it turned out, it was our last Thanksgiving with my Uncle, as he died in Minnesota early the next year at age 39. It was the last time I saw him alive.

So now all these years later, I still have to pause each Thanksgiving, and send my thanks up to God, not only for all the wonderful things he has given to me during the past year, but also for the wonderful gift he gave to me that year in 1993, of allowing me one last visit from my Uncle. One last hug, one last time of knowing he thought I was special, one last special day with one of the most wonderful men I have known. There's really only two other men that are as special, my Dad, and of course my wonderful hubby.

Kit Credits: A Vintage Season 1 and 2 and also the 2nd layout used a frame from Crumpled Framers All by Lara Payton

Well its a beautiful day today, so I better get these posted around and go out and enjoy it. It could actually snow later this week I have heard, so I want to enjoy it while I can. Hopefully I can do another layout or so tomorrow, before I have to buckle down and cook for Thanksgiving! :) Even though I have pretty much said all that's in the journaling on the first page, I will post it below. Have a great Day, and thanks so much for your comments!!!

Journaling reads:

One of my most precious thanksgiving
memories is the Thanksgiving before
my Uncle died. Its the last time I saw
him alive, and we almost couldn't get
together that day, because of a winter
storm. However even though my
parents couldn't make it as planned,
Uncle Orison loaded up my Grand-
parents and drove the two hours out to
our house, so as to not have me totally
disappointed that no one could make it.

I have been so thankful to God, for that
last thanksgiving together. Especially
when it was looking like it wasn't going
to happen, till Thanksgiving morning,
when they decided to chance coming.
I praise God for those last wonderful
moments I had with my beloved
Uncle. Its a memory that I have taken
out over the years, and held close to my
heart. November 23, 1993

Favorite Colorado Trip Growing up

I got a double layout done today, I didn't use near all the pictures from this trip, that Mom sent me, but I just didn't have room for all of them! LOL I'm sure I will be doing more layouts later, but for now, this will at least give an overview of the trip for their album. This was my favorite Colorado vacation! We got to see and do alot of fun things, and had a ball!! And thats even with having fallen and putting a big gash in my knee at camp, just before all the fun started! We went to Estes Park, The Garden of the Gods, The Sand Dunes and several places in between, and my Uncle was with us, so we have a LARGE number of pictures just for this trip!

Kit Credit: Northwest Casual by Misty Cato

I got a chuckle when I was reading Pickleberry Pop's newsletter this morning...ok skimming, LOL I didn't have time to fully READ it. They had a quote in it they called Scrapbooker's Eulogy which was contributed by Sharon Kenealy. "Now I lay me down to sleep, if I should die before I wake, please Lord, let them scrap my funerial great!" I thought that was kinda funny!

I have to get off the computer now, didn't get as much done yesterday, as I had hoped, so I'm off to do some of it today....hopefully! LOL Have a great day!!

Nothing very creative today

I wasn't real creative today, but did get a couple layouts done, with some old pictures of Mom and Dads. These are from a trip they took, the year after I was born to the black hills. My mind has been elsewhere today I guess, cause I couldn't get it into scrappin. Hopefully I will get it back to scrapping soon! LOL

Kit Credit: J3 Designs Camping Fun at Designs by J3

I actually was on a roll this morning, well maybe not creativly but I got several things done, and thought this afternoon maybe I would be able to work on a couple more layouts, but it just didn't happen. Don't you just hate that, when things are getting done, then bam, you stop and can't get going again. Oh well, tomorrow is another day...actually tomorrow is the weekend....maybe I should take the weekend off, and get away from my computer......ROFL yeah right!

I hope you all have a great weekend! I think its suppose to be rather warm here, we will see if we turn our air on for the first time this year. Its been rather nice, not having to, but I'm sure its comming!

Layouts and an early birthday gift

Well here I am eating lunch at the computer again! LOL I have 4 layout ready to post already today. So that means, I can get off the computer this afternoon, and do some other things I need to do. One of the layouts I actually finished last night, but the other three I did this morning.

The first layout here, is part two of the one I posted yesterday. It has two more pages from my Uncle's baby book, and a couple pictures of him. The 2nd layout is my Grandpa in his first year.

Kit Credit: Heart Strings Baby Boy Kit by Blushbutter

The third layout has photo's of one of my Grandma's sisters, when she was a child. I just love the lace, and colors in this kit. Those dried petals, and leaves are really nice too. The last layout, is my niece again. :) This is her school picture taken last fall. She is her Grandmothers treasure....but she is also her Aunt Deb's treasure! LOL

Kit Credit: Grandma's sitting Room by Tina Williams

I have had so much fun this week, trying to catch up on my scrappin! LOL I think I am managing to, I just have 4 more layouts, I for sure want to get done this week. So two a day, may do it. Maybe then I can get a little more done around the house! This poor place, gets what it has to have, and that's about it! LOL Good thing none of us are total slobs, or I would be in big trouble. While looking for a title for one of these layouts this morning, I happened across a poem, that fits me so well...well except for the fact that I have no children, but still...

It said it was a new version of an old poem:

Cleaning and scrubbing
can wait 'til tomorrow
For babies grow up,
we've learned to our sorrow...
So quiet down cobwebs,
Dust go to sleep,
I'm working on scrapbooks
so memories will keep.

Don't you just love that!!! It says it all for me! LOL Cleaning, is just not something I do a lot of, and cobwebs, well I hardly EVER manage to get rid of all of them! But hopefully I will have a lot of beautiful scrapbooks, that will tell our stories, (ours and past generations) for future generations. Even though they will be nieces and nephews instead of our own children. If I had children, I doubt I would have the time to do much scrappin. Although I wouldn't complain to much about that! LOL

DH gave me my birthday gift today (early as its not really till Sat). I had forgotten about the fact that I wanted what he got me too, so it was a nice surprise! He got me two more bread pans, to match the ONE I had. Red and white splattered enamel. I love that red and white enamel stuff, and need three bread pans, when I make bread, so have just been using my glass pans, but they were kinda small, so now I have three nice big pans to use, the next time I bake bread!!! Thank you Galen, I love them!!

Its cooler!!

Well after it being almost hot the past few days, its back to upper 50's today! I'm so glad!! LOL Isn't it strange how we can't wait for it to warm up, then when it does, we want it to cool off again! LOL

I have been having so much fun with Blushbutters Heart Strings Baby Boy kit again! Yesterday I did the cover to Mom and Dad's album, but today I have worked on a two page layout of my Uncle Orison as a baby, and also a page with my Niece. This first layout is one of the two page ones of my Uncle. (The 2nd half will be here in a day or two, I still need some info for that one!) The pages in the book are actually scans of my Uncle's baby book, that I made to fit, and then erased the edges, so it looked more like it was suppose to be in there. I really like how it turned out! I always think of Blue and Brown when I think of my Uncle. So the colors in this kit are perfect!! The book is so big, cause I wanted it big enough, when I print it, that my Grandmothers tiny writting, can still be read. It may not be real easy, but it is possible!

The 2nd layout is my beautiful niece. She got her picture in the paper earlier this year, and from what it said, she sounds really busy! LOL I knew part of it of course, but not all. She also got on the honor roll after that, so I added that onto the layout too! I loved all these pictures she sent me, so I used as many as I could! LOL I just couldn't choose 2 or 3, so the layout is kinda busy.

Kit Credit: Heart Strings Baby Boy Kit by Blushbutter

Well today I seem to have been really slow at getting things done, so I better get off here, and see about doing some other things. I have really enjoyed using this kit though! LOL I'm hoping to work on a layout with at least one of my Grandpa's baby pictures too. Probably won't till tomorrow or so though. If any of you regular readers ever have any questions, about how I did something, or anything, just let me know! Thanks for your comments!

Layouts and a Poem

I managed to get a couple layouts done today, with the help of some of my country music. LOL I love some of the older songs, and have a bunch of them on my computer. Sometimes its to distracting, but today, I needed it. The first layout is my niece on my shoulders when she was quite young. The poem I used is so true. I didn't give her the gift of life, but am so thankful God has her in my life, as she brings sunshine into it, when I get to see her. I have always loved her as much as I would my daughter, if I had been lucky enough to have one, so she is the next best thing. I love you Kali, and I am so proud of you, even if you hadn't just gotten into the national Honor Society!! Although I am really proud you did that too, I wasn't that good in school. Congrats!!!!

The 2nd one is my Beloved Uncle, and Grandparents in Minnesota. They really loved it up there (so did I, and I miss it) and spent as much time there as they could.

Kit Credit: Amid Memories by Lara Payton

I have been rereading the few Essie Summers books (I LOVE them, and sure wish I had all of them!!) that I have and just have to share this poem I found in one of them. I have loved it for years, and actually memorized it one time, when I had to have a poem for English class, in High School.

Planning

I had planned the meeting of us,
Glad beneath a starlit sky,
Swift compelling arms around me,
While enchanted moments fly.

I had thought of things to tell you,
Only you could understand,
As we walked our way together
In a rare enchanted land.

But you came an hour to early,
And the kitchen floor was wet,
I was elbow deep in dishes
And my hair was in a net.

As I wrong the soapy dishcloth
My romance was all a wreck,
And for one hot bothered second
I'd have rather wrong your neck.

~ Sonia Hardie'

Sneek Peek

I worked a little bit on the kit today, and then did a layout with some of what I have done. This is my Uncle and my niece. I just love this picture (ok I love all their pictures! LOL) because they look so happy!

Kit Credit: (It doesn't have a name yet) by Doxie Designs (LOL I am really bad at naming kits, so it always gets left to last! LOL) It will be on here as a freebie sometime in the next few weeks!!!

Well its really late, and I need to get off here and get to bed, plus I don't really have any news....so I hope everyone has a great night/day!

I Remember

Its been 13 years, today (well tonight) since Uncle Orison died. I did these two layouts yesterday and today, in his memory. If I said all the things I remember I would have a huge album full of layouts...well maybe anyway, and would run out of pictures of him, because we have several, but he was usually behind the camera, not in front of it! He was THE BEST Uncle, and he had a huge impact on my life. I guess I didn't realize just how much, till he was gone. But then thats not unusual. I just wanted to show he is not forgotten....I still remember. I still miss you Orison.

Kit Credit: Goodmen Kit by Blushbutter. I also used Blushbutters Display Album.

Journaling reads:

I remember all those times I would race my brother to be the first one to greet you, when you came for a visit.

I remember your smile and how it made me feel like all was right with the world.

I remember your laugh, and how it would make me want to laugh too.

I remember always wanting to sit on one side of you at the dinner table; and feeling my little hand in yours as we bowed our heads in prayer.

I remember how you always seemed to have a camera or two in your hands, and how you always said how important it was to write the names and dates on every picture.

I remember our last vacation in Minnesota together, the summer before I got married, and how you let me use your camera with the black and white film in it, while you used the one with color. I had the best time that year!

I remember being able to sit for hours listening to you tell about your many adventures, both the summers mowing yards, and the winters in Minnesota.

I remember YOU.

My Knight in Shinning Armor

Well I got a two page layout done today!!! Ever since I saw the Kit by Blushbutter with the Knight in Shinning Armor in it, I knew I would have to do a page of my wonderful DH with the Knight, that is of course if I got the kit. Well I did this last week, and didn't have time right away to work with it, but since I had some time this afternoon to scrap, I thought I would do it. I was thinking about just doing a page with one picture, but then I have been wanting to do a page with several of the pictures I took of him this fall for our Anniversary, so I got to thinking I might as well do this one with several pictures....and it turned into a two page layout! That also let me use the Display album that Blushbutter put out, for displaying two layouts together, and making them look like they are in a book. I just had to resize everything so it would work for my size of a layout, but that wasn't hard!

The worst part about it, was my computer is running really slow this afternoon for some reason, and by the time I got to that part, it was almost impossible to do. I even shut down for a min, to see if that would help, and it didn't totally, so I don't know what's going on. Hopefully it gets better!

I just love that Knight!!! And the papers and everything in the kit is so cool! I will be working on some more layouts tomorrow, with the kit, if I don't get to them today...least I am hoping I will be! LOL I also got some other of her kits, and can't wait to get started on them, but we will see if I manage to get to them this week.

Kit Credit: Draco Celtic Kit by Blushbutter

Also the Display Digital album by Blushbutter

Other than these two layouts, and some general cleaning (yuck! LOL) I haven't got anything else done today. My DH hasn't been feeling so well (think he has a cold, he has been coughing some) and we don't know if he has what his sister had this last weekend, or his niece, either way he is about ready to wring their neck I think, for giving it to him! Course if I end up getting it from him....I probably will be too!!! I usually do end up sick, if he does, so its probably just a matter of time. Maybe if I am lucky, I won't get it this time!!

Well better get going, hopefully I will get some more done, either tonight, or tomorrow. Thanks for looking everyone!


I got another layout done! Its the same kit I used for the one above by Blushbutter!

This is my Uncle Orison. He loved collecting the little pewter dragons before he died. He also stayed with me a few times, when Mom and Dad had to be gone so I didn’t have to be on the farm alone (this is when I was older, so I could have been, I just didn’t like to be. Although I remember him staying with my brother and I a time or two when we were younger too) So when Mom and Dad was gone, he was my “Dragon slayer”. There was also a time after I got married that he stayed with me when I was really sick, so DH could go to work.

Journaling reads: I guess it really was appropriate that you loved dragons and collected the little pewter ones. Because you stayed with me several times when I was growing up and Mom and Dad were gone, so you could slay the dragons should they be brave enough to come around.

A Slow Weekend

Well this weekend has been slow for scrapbooking. My ideas for cool layouts has kinda deceided to take a vacation which hasn't helped but usually I can do one or two on Sat. and a couple more on Sunday. This weekend I only got one each day done. Well and I rearranged yesterdays just a little so will post the new one here too. Yesterday, the auction took a while, but today.....ummm hmmmm LOL. I guess I gabbed to much with friends, and family! I talked to a friend on the computer and my Niece some. And then spend a couple hours talking to my Mom on the phone. Thankfully we have unlimited long distance on our cell phone to several numbers, and her's is one I choose (naturally!!). So I only got one layout done today. The first one here, is my brother when he was around 2 yrs old. And the 2nd one is of course the revised layout from yesterday. Do you like it better, or the one from yesterday with the circles on it? LOL Feel free to post a comment and let me know!!!


Credit for both layouts: Good Men by Blushbutter

Our goats got out tonight, so we had to go round them up and get them in. DH got some grain, and I took it and caught one of our main nannys and started walking toward the barn, thinking I would get her in, and go back for another one. Then I decieded I could pass her off to DH and go catch another one, and started to turn, to do that, and saw that the oldest nanny was following right behind me cause I had the grain, and naturally the other kids were comming too, and then I saw that DH had the other nanny so I figured that just left the billy, but if we could get all three older nannys in along with the kids, that we could go back for Billy. Well wonder of wonders he followed everyone too, so we walked them all right back through the barn. Black Head....the goat I had ahold of, kept trying to get away, and there were a few times, I thought my grip was going to go, but I managed to keep ahold of her long enough to get her in the barn, and I walked through it and put a little bit of the grain out so they could get a taste and DH went around the barn and locked the door behind them. I even got to feed Billy out of my hand for the first time!! He has really tamed down from when we got him because I couldn't get very close to him at all, even with grain in my hand!!

I guess Holstine (I think thats spelled right but not sure! LOL) has figured out how to open the gates with the way DH has been fastening them, so now he has to do something different, so she can't! LOL I am just glad thats how they got out, (through a gate) and not through the fence!!

So that was our little bit of excitment for the day!! LOL Well along with talking to Mom about my cousin's wedding that she went to yesterday. She showed me a picture of the wedding couple too! I haven't ever met Tiona's (my cousin) hubby, and really wanted to go to the wedding, but we just wern't able to make it. The price of gas has gone down, but not enough to fit another long trip into our monthly budget. So thats one of the reasons I talked to my Mom for so long, because she was telling me all about the wedding, and who was there, and all the family news we hadn't heard. It really made me wish I had been there, but I am just glad she got some pictures!!

I can't believe this is the last week in Sept!!! Talking to Jamie tonight, reminded me that DH and I's 15th Anniv. is comming up fast, so I should get some pictures of us. So hopfully I will remember to try to do that! Have you taken any family pictures lately? If not, maybe you should schedule some family time, and get out your camera (if it has a timer on it) and get some. Otherwise, if it doesn't have a timer, try to talk a friend into helping!! You may not like your picture taken, but later generations will be glad you did it!!

I didn't start out planning on writting a short book, but I guess after "chatting" so much today, on the computer, and the phone, I shouldn't be surprised!! LOL Sorry!!

Help!!

I only managed one layout today, because we went to an auction looking for a cheep chair, and didn't get one, cause they wern't cheep. But I did get a food mill for 2 bucks, (just like the one I borrowed this year) so next year, I won't have to borrow one. So that made going to the auction worth it to me, even though it cut down on how much time I had for the computer!! LOL I like auctions and we haven't been to one for quite a while.

Anyway, I need help, I can't figure out which version of this layout I like the best so I would love to get your opinions!! I didn't use much of the kit, but with the way I was doing this, didn't quite know how to use more. BUT I will be doing more layouts with it, so you will get to see more of it! LOL I have some heritage pictures that will look great with it I think!


This is my Uncle Orison. He was THE BEST Uncle, and I still miss him alot. I have been thinking about him alot lately, so thought I would do another layout with his picture.

Credit: Good Men Kit by Blushbutter

Oh and the kit is huge, and on sale for only $8.00 till the 30th so if you haven't gotten it yet, better hurry over and get it!!

Just don't forget to let me know which of the two versions of this layout you like!! (if either) LOL Please!! You can click on the layout to have it open a window, that will (probably) have a bigger version of it on it. The only difference is the ovals behind the pictures.

Thanks!

Fascination and Siblings

Well I basicly got two layouts done today, but will just put one on here right now, cause am still undecieded about the other one. Hopefully I can get it on here later tonight!

This first one, "Fascination" is my niece playing with my Uncles camera, and without knowing she was choking him, pulling the camera strap across his neck. he was really patient with her, so I don't now if she ever knew that she was choking him. My Grandmother is in the background.

Credit: Subtle Skies by Deborah Vessels/Digital Designs at Divine Digital

Ok Now the 2nd layout I used part of a layered template by Misty Cato that I got off her blog. This is the first layered template I have ever used, and I really wanted to try it out. The flowers are made out of paper from the kit, and were one layer
in the template. I doubt I will use to many templates, cause I just can't afford to go buying them, and refuse to spend that kind of money for them, but they are kinda cool, especially when they have something like those flowers in them!! I know The scraphabit has a challenge using templates, and they give one away every day, so I guess if I go to wanting to get any, I will go look and see what theirs are like.

The picture in this layout is my brother and I when we were young.

Credit: J3 Designs Tuscany Kit at Designs by J3.