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.