Blue Ridge Mountains

We went to the mountains this weekend in North Georgia with some very good friends. So my list for today will be pictures to share.

1. Sandy and Scott at the Marina.

 

2. Mike and I at the Marina

 

3. A nice bystander took this one of all of us.

 

4. Mike fishing in the creek behind the cabin.

 

5. View of the cabin. Hot tub on lower level.

 

6. This is our "Grow Old With Me" shot.

 

7. Tim had to show Amy all the birds and trees.

 

8. Scott and Sandy

 

9. Tim and Amy right before heading home.

10. Mike and I before heading home.

11. Scott and Sandy right before heading home.

 

Things we did but have no pictures to prove it.....

Played games and had yummy treats.
Men actually caught some fish.
We women got our craft on and made a really cute fall wreath.
Enjoyed some delicious meals.
Went out to eat at a local Bar B Q place.
Hung out in the HOT tub.
Played pool.

Simplify Life

I got this post from  http://www.getorganizedwizard.com/blog/2012/10/12-ways-to-simplify-your-life/ . It's all about simplifying your life. My life isn't as crazy as most but everyone can stand some help in this area.

It wasn't a coincidence that number one dealt with the mail. My number one problem is paper piles. They're everywhere. Her number one suggestion is to open mail over the trash can or recycling bin. Don't even let it get inside your house. My mother can't stand to throw out magazines and sales ads so she sends them to me to do it!! If a piece of mail or paper does make it inside, deal with it immediately. I said deal with it immediately. I am preaching to the choir here. I got something I needed to handle for Mike. A quick little thing that took all of 5 minutes. But I sat it down and completely forgot about it until this week. I had 45 days to return this item or he could lose his insurance. Huge repercussions....so I had to overnight mail it for $21. A small price to pay to have insurance but $21 is $21 that I totally didn't have to spend on mail. Lesson learned the hard way.

Number 2 was to  Have A Ready-For-Donation Box
Keep a ready-for-donation box, basket, or bag somewhere handy and visible. Mine is near the laundry. That way if I know something is getting too small, I wash it one more time and in it goes.
This keeps the kids clothing (and mine) from getting out of control.
Once full, it goes in the back of my car to donate. Luckily the donation center is close by.

Number 3 is so stupidly simple. Just DON'T BUY IT. The less stuff you have coming in, the less you have to deal with and keep up with
Before you buy anything, ask yourself if you need it or love it.
If you don’t need or love it, just. don’t. buy. it.

Number 4 is to USE YOUR NICE THINGS NOW! Don't wait, enjoy them today. Having things for special occasions and holidays means storing things all year to use once or twice. Too much saving for later adds to the clutter and becomes overwhelming.

Number 5 is to limit your social media activities to just a few sites – unless social networking is your passion or business.
Focus on the two or three networks that matter most for business or friendship. Any more than that and you will be spreading yourself thin and feeling unproductive.

Number 6 hit really close to home for me and I struggle with this one. ONLY WATCH GOOD TV.
To help ease feelings of stress and overwhelm, it helps to have good quality leisure time.
When it comes to TV, be clear about what’s on your What Not To Watch list. Only watch TV that meets your viewing policy - perhaps it makes you laugh, learn, or relax.
Buy, borrow, or rent your favorite programs on DVD. Never be at the mercy of whatever’s on the box.

Well that's the first half of the list. Will share the rest on Monday when I return from my weekend get away. I can not wait. I hope the leaves are pretty. Just found out today that the Apple Festival in Ellijay will be going on while we are there. Maybe we will go, maybe we won't, no real plans at all. That's the fun of a weekend like this. Also no Internet! But I will survive.  Have a great weekend.

Wonderful Weekend

I recently attended a Ladies Retreat with some amazing girlfriends from West Metro Church of God. I have been to several retreats in my years but none as great as this one. Here are some hi-lites. I will use this for my list in this post.

AWESOME RETREAT  MEMORIES

1.  The first night we were led into a candle lit, quiet, serene, room where we just communed with God. Soft music was playing and while we were sitting quietly, our sweet hostesses came by with a warm neck roll for each of us. They were lovingly made,  scented, and heated in the microwave. What could be better? They let us keep them and take them home!! How's that for surprising?

2. Some amazing times playing games and fellowshipping. I have met my match in Boggle though, I used to be the queen. I used to even beat my daughters who are very smart went to college. So, hats off to Shannon LeRoy, the new Queen Bee.

3. Our mini exercise session produced quite a bit of laughter but I have been bodily threatened if the pictures show up on the Internet. This one looks pretty safe though. You will just have to take my word for it. It was unbelievable!

4. An entertaining skit and a demo by Jennifer and Shannon on how to make your own body scrub, bath salts, lotions, and lip balm. These ladies are so talented, we each got a sample to take home of each of the items demonstrated. They smelled good enough to eat and felt heavenly.

5. A scrapbook session produced a mini family album out of lunch bags. Totally fabulous. All the ladies were so creative. I think they enjoyed their keepsake. Sandy Gramling outdid herself.

6. The praise and worship and services were incredible and the message were so enlightening. But I think the hi-lite of the weekend was the sharing and openness that occurred on the final night we were together. Such warmth and caring was something to behold. I don't think I've ever been a part of something so intense.

 

 

And this is our precious precious Pastor's wife, Mrs. Bea. She is an amazing woman. I admire her greatly. She is facing some health issues and will be having surgery today. I ask that you please join me in praying for her and her surgeons and everyone involved in this procedure. We KNOW who's hands she is in. I love you Ms. Bea. I hope you know how special you are.

I am off today to help some first graders make glitter leaves thanks to a post from Pink and Green Mama. The kids will love it and the teachers will hate all the mess. No worries, we will have fun.

Longest Yard Sale

Today begins the Longest Yard Sale all up and down Hwy 411. Not sure where it starts and ends but it's pretty cool. On Wednesdays I go to Gadsden and help my friend at the Baptist Mission Center. Do you know how hard it was NOT to stop this morning? I knew they would still be there on my way home but all the good stuff might be gone!!!! But I was strong and resisted the urge to stop and shop. On the way home I did stop at a few sales. After I picked the kids up from school, I gave them each $5 to spend. Here is today's list....

THINGS WE BOUGHT AT THE YARD SALE

I bought this cool tool that will tighten the handle on my oven door that is forever coming loose.
I bought a couple of stocking stuffers and found Amy a table for Owen's room.
This organizational thingy for the garage to put stuff in. Water shoes, boots, sports equipment, etc.
Kayleigh bought a stuffed animal, some rubber jewelry, a fancy pen, and a feather for her hair.
Mckane got a free wallet and still has his $5 in it.
He was bummed but I told him there might be something better right around the corner. He thought I meant "literally" right around the corner and was even more bummed that we came home.

 

But he quickly cheered up with his best friend.

 

I am leaving tomorrow for my ladies retreat in Georgia. So I will not have access to my computer for a few days. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.

 

Mike will be here to hold down the fort. Thanks Mike. They will be in good hands.

Until we meet again.......

 

 

Why I Scrapbook

Here is one of my precious students from my scrapbook class. Totally forgot to get pics before they left.  She was so proud. I am excited to share this hobby with others. So without further ado, my list for today.

WHY I SCRAPBOOK

1. It allows me be to be creative.
2. There is no right or wrong in scrapbooking, I am sort of a perfectionist so this is a good thing.
3. When I am old and senile, it will help me remember who everyone is.
4. It allows EVERYONE featured on a page feel extra special.
5. I can share my talent with others with pictures, layouts, gifts, cards, etc.
6. It has made me many new friends from the scrapbooking and blog community.
7. I get to have my very own scrap studio to create in. (thanks Mike)
8. My grand kids teachers love me to bring in supplies and create with the kids.
9. I love watching the kids looking thru their albums.
10. AND I get to play with my new camera a BUNCH!!!

Ok, one other thing I did today was make a Thanksgiving banner. I spent so much time on this today and it totally does NOT SHOW UP. Need to use bigger letters. But is says, "BE YE THANKFUL", and Kayleigh asked me what that meant. The "ye" threw her off. I just thought this was cute. And then for Christmas you turn it over and it can say "BE YE BLESSED". Cool huh? So, instead of housework, this is what I did today. I have to get ready to go on our ladies retreat with my friends from West Metro. I can't wait! Haven't been away alone in ages. Looking forward to going. Until tomorrow, farewell.

Welcome Fall

So how cute is this little guy? I got to visit with Paige and Tristen over the weekend. Good times!!
For October 1st I will make a list of my goals. I am following a blog that has 31 days of lists. We shall see how far I get.

October Goals.

1. Scrapbook More (at least one layout a week~that is SO do-able)
2. Go on ladies retreat w/West Metro and try not to worry about Mike & the kids.
3. Go on ADULT WEEKEND with Mike to the mountains and try not to worry about the kids.
4. Carve pumpkins
5. Decorate for fall
6. Paint some ornaments to sell in booth
7. Complete scrapbook room organization (almost done w/this one)
8. Pay a little more attention to my house.
9. Skype w/Penny and Amy more.
10. Start walking

Those are my goals for those of you who are following. At least I won't be able to ignore forget them if they are posted.
Last week we celebrated Mike's birthday. Our friends from the campground had lunch with us after church yesterday. Paige and Tristen joined us and we ate and ate. Then we had desert. Mike sold our pontoon boat so now he gets to browse all winter for that perfect boat to buy in the spring. We had a little impromptu photo shoot with Tristen,(thanks Karen for your help) he was pretty cooperative. Pinterest makes all those baby poses look so easy but it's really not. It took 3 adults and many hands hidden under things to get a mili second shot. No wonder photographers get paid so much money. It's a hard job.
My scrapbook studio is finished and I had my first scrapbook class today. We had so much fun, I can't wait til next week. I have some very talented students.

Teacher Gifts Done!

So I finished my little project for the first day of school. Super simple.
First you start with a coaster from Outbacks or anywhere. You just steal take these as your leaving. (They toss them anyway, we're recycling here people.) I have even asked others on my way out for theirs.

 

Ok next you add some pretty paper, I covered both sides. I Mod Podged paper onto coaster and then added another coat to seal it. Add a binder clip, some ribbon, a post it note and Viola! How cute is this?

 

I made a few, guess which one's going in my kitchen? I need to bribe thank McKane's teachers in advance for their patience and kindness. And these little goodies go a long way. So get busy and make your own.

 

Week in Review

It's been a busy here week in Alabama. Here are a couple of layouts I literally threw together Sunday to take to Paige. I promised myself I would try to do a layout a month for her of the kids..... so far so good.
The first one is McKane's birthday at the skating rink. He had a ball. The kids skated, played pool, ate junk and had a blast. Even Ellis, who's 3 got in on the action.

 

Kayleigh attended a winter dance at her school in January with Christian. They are no longer a "couple" but it was still her first dance and they looked adorable.

 

This is the beginning of my studio, where I will scrapbook, paint, create, whatever I want to do. I am so excited.

 

Mike covered the walls with wood, I wish I had a "before" picture but I will keep you updated. All those little white dots you see are covering the staple holes, I did that part! He went staple gun happy, there were about a million. It will be a pale turquoise and strips that cover the seams will be a darker shade so it will appear striped. Can't wait. Hopefully some of my Georgia friends who are always promising to come scrapbook with me will now come. We shall see.

 

Last but certainly not least, McKane is playing baseball for the Red Sox. I did not buy the pictures they were selling but took my own. When I went to pick them up, Walmart asked for a copyright wiaver. They didn't believe I took them. So I kinda have a big head. Go Me!! Isn't he cute?? I promise to blog more for those of you who care. Have a wonderful week.

 

Weekend Hi-Lights

I had the most amazing weekend. We had Owen and Ellis for the weekend. I love it when they come. We have such a great time. Ellis is riding his little bike he got for Christmas and he is so proud of himself. They LOVE to help Papa with all of his many projects. We rented "Mr. Popper's Penguins" and watched it last night. We all LOVED it. I made these amazing little miniature birthday cakes. Aren't they precious?

 

I got the idea from Pinterest. You just take 2 oreo cookies and add frosting in between them. Then you frost the sides and tops. Then you melt 1/2 cup of frosting in the microwave and drizzle over the top and add sprinkles. I think they were a hit. I had an ulterior motive though, they were a trial run for McKane's birthday party later this month. I thought they might replace cupcakes but the jury is still out.

We went to church this morning and taught our class of 3 - 5 year olds. Last week we had 3 and this week we had 6. PTL! We brought them play dough so they think we are the best!

But the biggest hi-light of my weekend was completing THIS......



project at a painting workshop this afternoon. I didn't realize how much I missed painting. I had the best time. It's going in my master bath and I LOVE how it turned out. AND, when I walked in, there was a friend from church so that made it even more fun!

A couple of other hi-lights in no particular order...


Amy sent me a BUNCH of awesome pictures of the boys like this...



Aren't they handsome??

My Mom sent me a bunch of goodies I can use for Scrapbook Club. (Thanks mom). Ok, I have to go find a hammer and a level.

What were some hi-lights from your weekend??

My Red Velvet Cake Experience

Today I did something I have never done in my life. I made a red velvet cake. I like red velvet cake but I'm not in LOVE with it. However, after reading this recipe online, I was literally drooling, so I had to make one. Ok, first step, go buy all the stuff I DIDN'T already have in my pantry. Do you know you need a whole bottle (1 ounce)of red food coloring ($3.28). AND 1 cup of buttermilk. Do you know buttermilk does NOT come in one cup containers? Now what am I gonna do with the rest of this buttermilk that cost $3.98 for a half gallon? I don't even like buttermilk. Seriously? Can you tell where I"m going with this? Next 1 teaspoon of vinegar, but did I have any on hand?? Of course not. Not too bummed about this because Easter is coming and you know you need vinegar to die the eggs! Besides it was only 78 cents. Ok, that was only the cake, now comes the frosting, Dream Whip, which I never buy was $2.58 and cream cheese was $1.98 and that was the WalMart brand. This is an expensive cake. Here we go, I am following the directions to a T and my brand new Kitchen Aid mixer didn't mix up the frosting all the way so we had these little lumps of cream cheese showing. No matter how much I mixed or how fast, they wouldn't cream together. Anyway. it was a beautiful heart shaped masterpiece before it was cut. After dinner I served Mike a piece with a cup of coffee and sat and waited for the rave reviews. And waited, and waited. Well, I am still waiting. I finally asked, "Did you like the cake?" No he says. It was a little bland. "Bland?" I ask.
"Yes, bland. I guess I'm spoiled with your chocolate cake." Now, I do make a mean chocolate cake. I guess I will have to eat the rest of this cake so it won't go to waste. The moral of this story is....."If it ain't broke, don't fix it". I guess I will stick to what I know.

On another note, tonight we watched Rin Tin Tin on Netflix with the kids, it was an original movie and we laughed til we cried. There is a train scene and McKane literally lost it, he was laughing so hard. We all got tickled just listening to him cackle. I had a little "aha" moment, I thought this is what life is all about. Family all together just hanging out watching old movies. Should have served popcorn instead of Red Velvet Cake.

Happy Anniversary To Us

Tody is our 37th anniversary. It seems unreal that this is my life. I wrote a little something to show you a little of how we got to where we are today. I hope you enjoy.
It's a tad long but I hope worth the read. SO grab a cuppa and travel down memory lane with us.

"A Modern Day Love Story"
A little history of how we got to where we are today.....

1974: Boy crazy 16 year old girl sees blonde haired blue eyed hunk for the first time and is instantly hooked. Boy doesn't speak to her because boy is dating someone else and doesn't want to be unfaithful. But boy DID whistle at girl. (this did NOT sit well w/girl) Boy meant whistle to be a compliment but girl interpreted whistle as: (does he think he's God's gift to women, he can just whistle and I will come??)
Girls takes family vacation to Mexico. When she returns, boy has ditched said girlfriend and is ready to move forward. Girl is on cloud nine.
First place boy takes girl is to his church, while in parking lot, boy mentions ex-girlfriend attends same church. Girl immediately turns and heads back to car. Boy talks her into going inside.
Second real date, boys asks girl to marry him. Girl asks “Are you serious”? Lucky for girl he was. Boy did construction work w/his dad. A building fell on his dad and boy escaped unhurt. Girl begged boy to get out of construction work. Boy agreed. Boy's dad recovered nicely.
1975 Feb- Boy asks girl's mother if she will sign for girl to get married when girl graduates in June because she will still be 17. Girls mother says she will think about it. Girls mother agrees to sign papers immediately IF girl promises to finish school. Girl readily agrees. Yep yep yep. Girl on cloud nine again. On Feb 22nd, boy and girl get married and plan to live happily ever after. Boy has to sign girl's report card for the rest of her senior year. Girl embarrassed.
1976 April – Boy and girl become parents for the first time. Lori Grace is born and they are instantly in love with her. All of girls dreams have come true, she is a wife and a mother. Boy and girl so happy!
July – Boy and girl lose precious baby girl to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Words cannot express how devastated boy and girl are.
Girl gets a job to help get over loss of baby. Boy working 3 part time jobs, having trouble finding a full time position. Girl's employer notices boy helping girl at work and offers to send him to appraisal school for Crawford & Company and company car is a perk. Boy and girl are over the moon excited.
1978 Boy and girl buy first house in Austell, GA and have another daughter. Penny Lynn. Life is good.
1980 Boy gets transferred to Dalton, Georgia where another daughter is born. Amy Renee. Boy works for Crawford and Company and girl gets a job there as secretary. God is good.
1982 Boy and girl move back to Lithia Springs. Life goes on, boy and girl work and raise family.
1986 Boy and girl sign contract on house. Girl goes to doctor, surprise surprise, girl is expecting! Boy tells girl she can have house OR baby but not both. Boy gives in and girl gets BOTH. November brings another daughter Paige Marie . Life is crazy.
1990 Boy and girl buy bigger house to accommodate children. Boys plays softball a LOT. Girl not too happy. Boy gets broken leg playing softball. Boy out of work for awhile. Boy heals nicely and life goes on. Boy tells girl he wants them to be foster parents. Girl says no way.
1991 Boy finally talks girl into becoming foster parents. Girl is less than thrilled. Girl thinks she is busy enough with her own kids. Boy doesn't agree and thinks they can be a blessing to other children who are needing love and a place to stay. Girl falls instantly in love with these children that enter their home. God is good. Boy and girl very happy but very TIRED.
1993 Boy and girl transfer to Tampa, Florida with USAA. While there, girl gets job at USAA in policy service. Girl gets PAID to talk on the phone. Girl is VERY happy.
1997 Boy and girl really missing family and friends and move back to Georgia. Boy and girl find house within 5 miles of previous home. Boy builds apt in home for girls mother to move into. Boy is so sweet to mother in law.
1998 Boy and girl resume foster parenting. Boy and girl have scare with boy's health but God is good and girl is happy boy will be around awhile.
2000 Boy and girl become grandparents for the first time. (Where did the time go?) If boy and girl thought they loved their children, they had NO IDEA how much the\y could love grandchildren. Girl discovers scrap-booking and is instantly addicted. Girl LOVES taking pictures of Kayleigh Madissen.
2001 Boy and girl adopt one of their foster children (a 14 year old GIRL) who has been a part of their family for the past 4 years. Autumn LeeAnn . One week after adoption is final, boy and girl get custody of granddaughter. Here we go again, now boy and girl have a 14 year old and a 16 month old.
2004 Boy and girl welcome first grandSON weighing in at 4 lbs. Owen Michael Grega He is a little early but starts plumping up in no time. Girl still scrap-booking.
2005 Boy and girl welcome another grandson into the family. Boy and girl get custody of grandson McKane Michael. Boy and girl so happy they FINALLY got a boy!! Girl still taking pics.
2006 Boy buys a spot in campground in Centre, AL on Lake Weiss. Boy and girl now LOVE to go to the lake. Boy and girl and grandchildren go every weekend they can get away. Lots of photo ops.....girl very happy.
2008 Boy and girl welcome another grandson. Ellis Bean (yes that's his real name) is Owen's little brother. They get to come to the lake with boy and girl quite often. Boy, girl and all the kids are happy cruising the lake. Girl still taking pics and scrap-booking.
2009 Boy and girl raising grandchildren, working, going to the lake.
2010 Same as 2009
2011 Boy buys girl a new camera for Christmas so she can take even better pics. Boy is still so sweet!
2012 Boy and girl welcome another grandson, Ashtain Mykel, born in January. Girl now has a million pictures to scrapbook. On Feb. 22nd, boy and girl celebrate 37 years of marriage. Girl still on cloud nine and can't believe how lucky she is. Girl thought she loved boy when she married him but now girl knows what true love is. Boy and girl still living happily ever after. God is good!
To be continued.....

Water Bottles

 

Just in time for basketball, upscale water bottles. I made these for Kayleigh and McKane. They turned out really cute. McKane wanted only one color on his initially. Of course after he saw Kayleigh's polka dots he said, "Hey, why didn't I get two colors like Kayleigh?" So I may have to doctor his up. I can add white and it will be Alabama colors.

In other news, Kayleigh had a spelling bee at her school today. Eighty students competed. Fifth thru eighth graders. She made it through 5 rounds and missed "harmonious" and was down to the 17th one left. We are so proud of her. She worked hard memorizing her words. Such a smart girl.

A Post From Kayleigh

Hey, my name is Kayleigh. This is my first time on my Nana's blog. Just a couple of weeks ago ME and part of my family went to NC, Great Wolf Lodge. In my words it was BEAST mode:3 My brother and cousins favorite part was all the slides. It was an indoor water park. My favorite ride was the "Tornado". The first time I rode it my behind fell through the little hole in the raft..by the time the ride was over, the only thing you could see was my pony tail and my lil' footsies(: My Papa would give each "Grandchild" at least $10 for the arcade.!!!! You just got to luv that man. I at least rode the tornado like 20 or 30 times. AWESOME.! Oh yeah, there is this big bucket thingy. It fills up like, every 5 mins with water. One time when the bell started to ring, (That Means Its Almost Full) I ran as fast as I could and got there just in time. I slid and was now on the floor when the bucket let the water down. Oohh.. >: Well I have to go. That's my phone ringing(:



Bye :3

Here are some pics of our trip.

 

Here I am with my brother McKane and my cousins Owen and Ellis. Santa, here we come.

 

McKane and I.

 

All 4 of us waiting.....

 

For THIS!!!!

Happy New Year

This is a really quick layout I did this afternoon to give to Emily, Kayleigh's other grandmommie. She completed this resolutions sheet and I just added a picture of her. Emily was thrilled!

One of my goals this year is to share more layouts with family and friends. I have been pretty negligent in sharing my creative talents. I have decided to do at least one layout a month for Kayleigh's other grandparents and her Dad, my mom, and Paige. All they have to do is buy an album and I will fill it for them. One down, 3 to go for January. They might all be similar so I won't be posting each and every one. Don't want to bore you. I will be sharing some of my December Daily album in the next few days. As soon as I get it finished. It's almost done. It's fun documenting the busy days of December.

 

 

 

 

You can pick up your own copy at: She has one for kids and one for adults.
http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/12/new_year_resolution/

She has one for kids and one for adults. I'll be filling mine out soon.

Home For the Holidays

Here's Aunt Penny with her niece and nephews. I don't know who has more fun, the kids or Penny. She got to spend the month of December here while on break from teaching in Guatamela. She is enjoying being with family and seeing all her long lost friends. She went with us to Great Wolf Lodge the week before Christmas. I will post pics later of that trip. We had fun UNTIL the trip home. It took so long with the rain and accidents. Except for that, I think everyone enjoyed themselves. McKane's teacher bought me a frame for my birthday and it says "Home For the Holidays" and this is the picture I put in it.

 

I love this picture, McKane is becoming quite the little checkers champion. It might be because it's his game and he changes the rules to suit his needs.
For example.....you are not allowed to double jump.
A king can double jump if it's his king.
Your king cannot double jump.
I asked him why that was and he said it was his game! So he could change the rules. He really studies the board before he moves his piece, it's so funny to watch the wheels turning in his head. We did have to have a lesson on game rules.

I will try to update my blog more often in this new year. Speaking of blogs, how do you like the new design? New year, new blog, new posts. Life it good. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and made many memories. Happy New Year!!

Until we meet again.