Tap Tap! This thing still on?

wow!  do you see that?

2 years since my last blog post!  sheesh!

Well - I'm not going to update my life in the last 2 years so I guess I'll just start over :)


I miss crafting.  Even working a split shift...which gives me free time during the day...I can't seem to get my craft groove going.

...but I know why...

that free time I have...is ALL ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm in my house BY MYSELF during the day!  what????  I know, right!  It's awesome.  and will soon end...because Darren's off season is approaching.  but that's okay - my kids still have school so that means I will spend my time with an adult!  I can handle that.

I'm hoping to keep the dust off this blog and check in more often.  and I hope to share some craftiness soon.  I do have PLANS to make Christmas cards this year....but not all plans work out so even though I'm not willing to promise... I am hoping that by posting this, for all to see, it holds me somewhat accountable!

Happy Thanksgiving!  I know I have a lot to be thankful for and am counting my blessings.  I wish the same, and more, for you!

Grilled Filet Mignon

Here is the recipe from the other day - Grilled Filet Mignon with Brandy Mushroom Sauce - HEAVEN!!!  The sauce wasn't too strong that it covered the flavor of the meat - and of course the meat was SO good and tender!  We will for sure make this again - SOON!

Grilled Filet Mignon with Brandy Mustard Sauce

for the side we had these yummy mashed potatoes that we make all the time!

 Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Random thoughts on Sunday

*I miss scrapbooking. and card making. I need to get into it again so I have some ME time.

*Right now I should be doing an autobiography...that scares me so I'm not doing it. I really have no choice on the matter.

*My son throws the BEST fits/tantrums EVER. he has a terrible temper. but is so sweet and gives the best hugs. how do I deal??

*Hailee is a hypochondriac. She asked me to take her temp because her stomach hurt. when I told her it was normal she came back 10 minutes later...with a headache. how do I deal??

*I love my job. I am constantly thinking of ways to make the work place better, motivate the staff, find things the kids will love. Doing all this is why I don't have my autobiography done.

*My fingers hurt. The lovely little evil woman at the salon yesterday was taking out frustrations on me I do believe.

*My hubby will be 41 on Saturday. why does that make ME feel older????? He wants a bottle of alcohol for his special day...thinking I need to sip on it first so I can cope with all this aging :)

*I wish I could afford retail therapy.

*we're trying to save for a Christmas trip home to Seattle. But our furnace/air conditioner units(s) (I really don't know how it all works together) is on it's last leg and we will need to replace it before April of 2013 so Christmas savings may end up as central heat/air savings instead. I am crying now.

*I think I'll just bring my mom here.

*My sweet, grouchy baby is going to be 6 on May 1st. I am crying now.

*I miss having time to clean, bake, create, sleep, cook and just be a wife/mom. but I love my job.

*I am truly happy.

a sweet post...for a sweet friend

A dear friend of mine had a birthday on Saturday....and bad, bad me is just now finishing up her card and posting it for her. I'm really hoping that the phrase "better late than never" will apply and she will forgive me for my tardiness :)



I really need to quit taking pictures with my phone, too - but in reality, my little camera sucks so I doubt it would be even better - but I think post-editing would allow more options with the camera. next time, I won't be lazy - but I was thinking I should hurry since I'm already late LOL

Ebby - I hope you had a wonderful birthday on Saturday and can forgive me for not being on time! I ♥ YOU!!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

Today my mom is a young 59!!! It's her last year in her 50's - unbelievable!!! For the occasion I decided to get off my butt and make her a card - she's worth it! So I pulled out some fun paper and my Papertrey Ink Stamps. I wish I would've done the ribbon different, but at first glance it looks like a reward ribbon the way the circle is placed LOL

anyway - happy birthday, mommy! We all love and miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

{paper from My Mind's Eye Happier Collection; twill inked with Tim Holtz distress ink; stamps and circle dies from Papertrey Ink; pens Copic; pins from Maya Road; clip Tim Holtz}

Do you love TWINE???

then go here and check this out! I love using baker's twine on my projects

ItsyBitsy Blog

It's Box Top season again!!

Here I am - begging for Box Tops for my kids!!!! If you don't save them, can you start now and mail them to me??? Both of my kids love collecting them and turning them in to their teachers! Bonus is every few months they'll offer a reward to the class that turns in the most!!

I really love seeing the response to this every year. The school buys smart boards for the classrooms and they now have one in almost each room - so we're going to keep collecting to finish that off and then turn our efforts into something else that will benefit the students.

If you don't know where to get Box Tops you can visit their website here and get all the information you need. Most of ours come from cereal and kleenex. Ziplocs have them, too, but I don't use many any more so Hailee now buys cereal for box tops! LOL

You can email me (address in that corner over there) and I will send you my mailing address - I do ask that you address them to ME not the kids - I have to split them evenly so that all is fair in the Box Top world. You wouldn't believe the fight these little dealies can cause!!!!

Thank you so much folks - the kids thank you, too!!!