Ginger's House

Cards for Sebastian

2012-02-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Sebastian is a student in my class and his mother has given me permission to share some of his story with you.

Sebastian was born with something called Arthrogryposis. It's a big word and an even bigger condition. I won't even try to pretend that I understand it fully. As a matter of fact, until the day I met Sebastian, I had never even heard of Arthrogryposis. Basically, it means that he has stiff joints and abnormally developed muscles. I don't know or understand why some children are born with this condition or why some are more seriously affected than others. I do know that Sebastian's arms, hands, legs and feet are affected by this condition.

I am his teacher and if I do my job with any measure of success he will leave my room a little wiser than he entered. The things I have taught him are considered valuable and useful. The lessons I have learned from him are priceless.

I have learned perseverance. Picking up a dropped pencil or paper isn't always easy when your fingers, hands and arms don't work the way they were meant to work. While it may not be easy, with a little effort and a lot of determination, it is not impossible. Nothing is impossible.

I have learned patience. It would be easy for me to simply "do" things for him so that I could move on to the next item on a checklist of things that must be accomplished everyday. However, the easiest thing isn't always the most honorable. Sometimes, no matter what anyone tells you, the lesson plans can wait.

I have learned perspective. The challenges I have faced in my entire lifetime are nothing compared to the ones he has faced or the challenges he will continue to face on a daily basis.

I have learned that screaming like a frightened little girl when I see him start to tumble and know that I can't catch him before the fall isn't the best reaction.

I have learned, that sometimes, letting him fall is the kindest thing I can do ~ literally and figuratively. It is the only way he can truly test himself. The only way for him to explore and expand his limitations.

I have learned the true meaning of courage. I have seen the scars that mark his little body. Scars from more surgeries than most people undergo in a lifetime. Scars that will be added to as he faces even more surgeries.

For the first time in my life, I have actually learned what the quote, 'You are as happy as you choose to be' actually means. This little boy, who has every right to be angry at the world isn't angry at all. He has chosen to be happy and that happiness is contagious.

He is loved, protected and happy. The world is his playground. While he will always be loved, he can not always be protected and sadly that means he may not always be happy.

Recently, his mother told me that she was out in town with Sebastian and for the first time she noticed other children pointing him out because of his differences. She cried because the thought of anyone looking at her child and not seeing the wonderful little man that she sees breaks her heart.

My heart breaks because I know that eventually Sebastian will notice the finger pointing. He will learn, at an early age, that people can be cruel. Whether it is a desperate need to feel better about themselves or for reasons that not even they understand, people will be cruel and Sebastian will be seen as an easy victim.

He will be judged and found unworthy by people who are not worthy of judging. People who don't know him and will never take the time to have a conversation with him. People who have never seen him walk with me to close the playground gate so that he can scare away any monsters or bad guys that may be lurking near by. People who don't know that his alter ego is Justin Bieber and he only goes by Sebastian when he doesn't want people to know that he's famous. People who have never seen him rush to the side of a classmate he believes is sad or hurt and heard him ask, "What's wrong, partner?" People who have never heard him answer their response with a determined, "I'm your friend." People who don't know that he loves the smell of his mommy's house. People who don't know that I have warned his mother, on more than one occasion, that he will probably be the president of his college fraternity someday. People who don't know that if he were Mario, he would save the princess everytime. People who weren't there to see the look of pride on his face when he walked across the swinging bridge on the playground for the first time. People who don't know that he wants to be Spiderman when he grows up. People who don't understand that what the world really needs is more Sebastians.

I have come to you so many times in the past and asked for things that you have given openly and freely. Your response has always exceeded my expectations. Today, I am asking you for something that means more to me than anything I have asked before.

On February 15th, Sebastian will go into the hospital for another surgery. I would love to have his room filled with cards wishing him well and cheering him on. It would be wonderful for this little boy to feel the love that each card brings. (I know it will help to cheer up his mom too.)

Maybe, just maybe, when the day arrives that he notices the finger pointing and hears the name calling instead of being sad he'll remember the day that people from everywhere filled his hospital room with love.

If you can help out, please send a card to him so that it arrives no sooner than February 15th.

Sebastian Dixon
c/o Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
1005 Joe DiMaggio Drive
Hollywood, FL 33021

If you're worried about your card arriving too soon or too late, feel free to mail it to me and I will make sure it gets taken to his hospital room.

Sebastian
c/o Ms. Brown's Class
Greynolds Park Elementary School
1536 NE 179 Street
North Miami Beach, FL 33162

Thank you so much for helping. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

One day= Two laughs

2012-02-02T00:09:00.001-05:00

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One of my students came in today and had the word "does" on his word ring. He didn't know the word and before he could complete his work he came to me and asked what the word was. Being the kind, wonderful teacher that I am I told him what the word was and even used it in a sentence for him...

ME: This is the word does. What does your father do?

He didn't get that I was just using the word for him and actually answered the question by saying...

"Nothing, my mom does everything." lol!

At the end of the day, I reminded the kids that we would be celebrating the 100th day on Thursday and told them not to be late for school. I told them that we would be going on a walk and taking 100 steps. I asked them to think about where our walk would take us and how far we would travel in our 100 steps. Everyone quietly stared at me except the same boy who had the word does on his word ring. He had no idea where our 100 steps would lead us, but he had lots of questions...

"What? How are we going to do this? What if we get tired? Are we allowed to rest? Can we bring water?"

To truly appreciate his questions, you have to read them out loud very quickly using the high squeaky voice that only a five year old boy can make.

He didn't seem to appreciate my laughter.

Happy February!

2012-02-01T00:07:00.002-05:00

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Check out the February goodness at Stuff to Scrap!

Get Away with Stuff to Scrap

2012-01-31T00:09:00.003-05:00

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Visit the forum at STS to learn more details!

Shel Belle Scraps is the featured designer at STS!

2012-01-30T00:07:00.001-05:00

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Shel Belle Scraps is the featured designer at Stuff to Scrap and that means lots of fun and goodies for us!

Week two of photography class...

2012-01-29T00:00:00.001-05:00

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If I never spoke to anyone or even left the house except for this photography class, I would still have enough true stories to keep you laughing at...I mean with me for a long time.

I knew this weeks class was going to be great! I had my homework project completed. I knew where to park and where the building was. I knew to go to the basement instead of to the fifth floor. I wasn't going near the elevator.

I walked into the lobby and headed straight for the stairs. I was going to rock this class! Except, I walked right past the stairs and the security guard sitting in the lobby asked if I was lost. He pointed out the stairs and asked if I knew where I was going. I smiled very confidently and replied that I was going to the basement. He gave me a strange look and asked why.

Immediately, I mind went to the scary sounds that I had heard down there last Saturday and AngelLikeMe's comment on last weeks post about all the ghosts trying to talk to me. (Thanks a lot Angel!) I thought that maybe the security guard was going to warn me away. Maybe he was even one of the ghosts ~one of the good ones~ and I was the only person who could even see him. I was picturing a kind of romantic scene. You know, like something right out of Ghost with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Except this guy was no Patrick Swayze so it wasn't going to be that romantic.

The lobby was actually full of students and parents because auditions were being held on the second floor for admission into the arts program for the fall. I smiled, thinking that my Patrick Swayze/security guard/ghost dude must have thought I was a ballet dancer or something and let him know that I was there for the photography class.

He said that he didn't know anything about a photography class. I started looking around and silently cursing myself because I couldn't believe that I had actually walked into the wrong building. That's when the FAKE Patrick Swayze ghost showed his true side and proved that he wasn't a good ghost afterall. He was a bad ghost. A bad, bad, bad ghost! Actually, he probably wasn't even a ghost at all. He was probably just a mean man!---I will now start referring to him as Freddy Krueger!

Freddy Krueger actually had the nerve to say, "Why are you looking for a photography class. I mean, you're not a student here."

Freddy Krueger called me old!

I narrowed my eyes at him and wished that my cell phone wasn't in my bag cause no one would have blamed me for throwing it at him. He must have known that he was in trouble and tried to cover his butt by asking, "Are you the instructor?"

With my eyes still narrowed and shooting imaginary darts at him I replied, "It's a photography class in the basement in room 5007. It's a non credit class and I am not the oldest person in the room."

Freddy Krueger backed down then and said, "Ok, I'll write that down. No one told me about it."

I walked away without waiting to learn exactly what part of my statement he was planning to write down. I was going to the basement with the nice ghosts and I wasn't about to let Freddy Krueger stop me.

I wasn't in the basement long when another security guard came down the hall carrying a clipboard. She pointed to the door to room 5007 and asked if that was "the room". Apparently, even Freddy Krueger knows to call for back up after he calls a woman old! lol!

Setting the record straight.....

2012-01-28T00:09:00.003-05:00

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OK, I know you've all heard what the gossip sites are saying so I feel the need to address the situation head on. What I tell you is the truth and you shouldn't believe what you read or see on TV.....

Russell Brand and I are not moving in together once his divorce is final!

Even though Orange Croc Guy says he would have way fewer headaches if I would. lol!

The Story of Me part 25

2012-01-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

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August 15, 1996

Harmony had eaten very little in the past couple of days and sleep gave way to nightmares so she tried not to do that either. The Harrisons had brought her home with them but avoided her questions about Grandma Pat and when they could visit her. Mrs. Harrison had not left the house or Harmony since bringing here. At some point Mr. Harrison must have gone to Pat’s house and gathered some of Harmony’s clothes and toys. The items had just appeared in the room beside the bed she was sleeping in with no explanation.

Harmony showered, dressed and went to bed when the Harrison’s told her too because she was afraid not doing so would cause something bad to happen to them. She couldn’t let something bad happen to the Harrison’s. They had been kind to her and to Grandma Pat and she needed to stay with them until Pat was better and out of the hospital.

Harmony sat alone on the bed looking at the used clothes and second hand toys Pat had bought for her and immediately felt the headache she hadn’t been able to get rid of for several days. Whether it was from lack of eating or lack of sleep or just the physical manifestation of the pain she felt in her heart Harmony wasn’t sure but, she couldn’t get over the feeling that she deserved the pain so she said nothing about it to anyone.

The sun had barely risen outside and the sky still held onto the midnight violet hue rather than the light blues it would give way to as time passed. Harmony could smell coffee coming from the kitchen and knew the Harrisons were already awake and moving around. She would have stayed in the bed, but the hope of this being the day she was allowed to see Grandma Pat made her get up. Harmony quietly opened the bedroom door that the Harrison’s closed each morning in an attempt to not wake the child they hoped had finally gotten a good night’s sleep. She stood in the doorway and hesitated a moment before walking over to a shelf and picking up a baby doll the Harrisons had given her the day before. Harmony knew it made them happy to see her with playing with toys and even though she had no desire to play there was no harm in carrying a doll around the house.

Quietly, Harmony walked down the hall toward the hushed voices she could hear coming from the dining nook in the Harrison‘s great room. The Harrison’s were sitting at the table and each had a cup of coffee. They didn’t see or hear Harmony as she entered the room so they saw no reason to stop their conversation.

“How can it be true? How could we have known her for so long and never had any idea?”

“We didn’t know because she didn’t want us to know. She had lived the lie for so long I’m not sure she even remembered it was a lie herself.” Gene Harrison tried to reason.

“But the things the police said she did? I just don’t understand.” Harmony quietly moved closer as Mary Harrison sipped from her coffee cup.

“It all happened so long ago…a lifetime ago…she was probably a different person then.”

“Do you really believe people can change that much? When I think of how long that little girl was in the house with her…the times we were in the house with her…” Mary had to stop talking when the words were blocked by sobs.

Gene extended his arm and placed his hand over his wife’s hand. “I don’t believe we were ever in danger and Harmony wasn’t either. She came here to start another life. She found God and the church. She wasn’t behind bars, but in her own way she was doing time. I mean can you imagine what it must have been like for her all those years. Worrying someone might recognize you. Scared the police might show up on your doorstep at any time.”

Mary moved her hand out from under her husbands and reached up to touch his face. “If anything ever happened to you…”

“Nothing is going to happen to me.” Gene cut her off before she could finish the sentence and grabbed hold of her hand again.

“Those poor people. How could she have done those things. The police believe she killed that whole family...”

The sound of something hitting the floor startled the Harrison’s. Mary spilled her coffee as her husband jumped up to protect her from the unseen danger. Both froze suddenly once they saw the source of the noise. Harmony had dropped a baby doll onto the floor and was standing there with a look of sheer terror on her face.

“Harmony, honey are you alright. Are you sick.” Gene Harrison said he tried to walk toward her.

“I heard you!” The frightened and now angry child yelled. “You said mean things about my Grandma Pat! I heard you!”

“Honey…”

“I hate you! I hate you!” Harmony screamed before running back to the bedroom the Harrisons had said was hers and slamming the door.

Drama, drama, drama!!!

2012-01-26T00:04:00.002-05:00

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I'm still having a hard time getting my classroom cleaned. Apparently, it has been decided that my room doesn't need to be cleaned everyday cause it's not like we eat in there or anything. I'm not sure who made that decision, but it means that for the last two days after all of my other work is done I have swept, mopped, vacuumed, emptied the trash, cleaned the sink and the counter and scrubbed toilets. It's no fun, but either I do it or wait until Friday---the magic day when it has been decided that my room deserves to be cleaned.

Summer vacation can't get here fast enough!

87 more days...

2012-01-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

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There are 87 more school days until summer vacation and I'm not sure I'm going to make it!

1-24-12

2012-01-24T00:04:00.000-05:00

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Photography class

2012-01-23T00:06:00.002-05:00

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***Come back tomorrow for another version of this wordart.***

Saturday was my first photography class and I gotta tell you it was kind of scary at first. I had to be at Miami Dade College in downtown Miami at 9am. I knew where the campus was, but I had no idea where the building I needed was.

I got there about twenty minutes early so I had plenty of time to find a place to park (two blocks away from where I needed to be) and to locate the building. I got parked and started walking toward the campus. After asking two different people where the building I needed was I learned that I kind of needed to back track and head west a little.

I finally found the building and followed a large crowd into the elevator. (My first elevator experience since the horrible garage incident earlier in the week.) I got off on the fifth floor since my class was in room 5007. I stopped to orient myself and decide which way I needed to go in order to find the room.

There was an instructor on the way to her class that asked if I was in the right place. I laughed and said, "Well, I'm on the right floor. I just need to find room 5007." I'm sure you probably heard my heart pounding when she stopped walking and said that 5007 was in the basement. Being the blonde that I am I replied, "The basement? But, it starts with a 5!"

Thankfully, she was kind enough to explain the four digit room system to me. The first digit represents the building, the next is the floor and the last two are for the actual class room. So, room 5007 is in building 5 but not on the fifth floor.

I go back to the elevator and head down to the basement. The empty, scary basement! There was no one there except for me. The lights in room 5007 were turned off and no one was hanging around in the hallway. There were lots of noises, but no people. I stood in the hallway and waited. I had my phone in my hand and ready to go in case of an emergency. I figured I could dial 911 or throw it at someone and run screaming in the opposite direction.

Finally, someone else stepped off of the elevator and without hesitating I exhaled loudly and begged him to please tell me that he was looking for the photography class. He was and he was braver than I had been. He walked into the class room and turned on the lights. I followed him in and found myself a left handed desk that was one row over and two seats back from where he chose to sit so that I could keep my eye on him. A girl in a basement needs to be careful!

So, there we were, just the two of us, sitting in this scary class in the the scary basement with no one else around. I started sending text messages to my friend Mary in case I disappeared or something. I wanted her to know where I was and what I was doing so she could tell the police and they could use the information to help find me.

The guy gets up and says that he's going to get some water. I asked if he was planning to leave me in the basement while he went to the real class. He promised that he would be back and I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. At this point, I texted my friend that I was scared and wanted my mommy. I'm not sure her "lol" response was appropriate!

The guy came back and another girl joined us in the room. She only spoke spanish. I was thinking that this was going to get interesting ~~~ Three people in the room. One only speaks English, one only speaks Spanish and the other speaks both languages. Then another girl entered the room, but I wasn't sure what language she spoke because she didn't return the "hello" I said to her. She just found a seat and got as comfortable as a person can get in those uncomfortable desks.

Now, there are four people in the room and none of them are the photography instructor. I started checking the ceiling corners looking for video cameras. I was beginning to wonder if we were all unwilling subjects in some sort of science experiment. Four people placed in a basement room to be watched while somewhere in the building there was an actual photography class going on. One speaks English, One speaks Spanish, One speaks both languages and one is too stuck up to speak at all. I sat there checking everyone out and totally planned to sell out the snobby girl in order to get my freedom.

Luckily, the instructor finally showed up (15 minutes late!) and more people drifted into the class. Turns out, I wasn't the only one walking around on the fifth floor looking for room 5007!

Anyway, the class the fun, I didn't disappear or throw my phone at anyone's head and the snobby girl finally broke her silence and was actually nice.

Plus, there's a bonus! Thanks to my experience, if you ever find yourself taking a class at Miami Dade College you already know where room 5007 is and that puts you one step ahead of me.

**Just make sure you respond when the scared looking blonde in the left handed desk says "hi" or you may have a cell phone thrown at your head as she runs screaming out of the room.**

And now you're two steps ahead of the game! Yep. I'm here to help. Just call me any time.

QP contest at CSD!

2012-01-22T14:58:00.004-05:00

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I love the quickpage contest at Cool Scraps Digital! Every month we are given a fantastic kit to work with and every month we collect bunches of beautiful quickpages. Some lucky people even win prizes!

This month we were given the kit "Oh My" by Cocotounette. This kit is an amazing mixture of beautiful purples and blues. I have fallen in love with this kit and with all of the awesome quickpages I've collected.

You can grab my quickpage by clicking on the preview below. After you've picked it up make sure you check out the forum at CSD and join in on all the fun!

***Please visit the CSD gallery and leave a comment on my preview. There's a prize for the most comments.***

The week that wouldn't end!

2012-01-22T00:04:00.002-05:00

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I know I've been quiet this week, but it's only because I've been really busy and this week was way too hectic!

My week started with an elevator incident---Well, I guess it was almost an incident, but for someone who doesn't like elevators, that's close enough!

I reached the elevator in the parking garage about the same time as another guy so when the door opened we both got on. I pushed the button for the third floor and he did the same for the fifth. The doors were slow to close and another lady joined us. I pushed the fourth floor button for her. One more person made a dash for the elevator before the doors closed and I pushed the eighth floor button for him.

When I pushed that last button the lights on the keypad all went out. I didn't freak out too much. I managed to use a normal voice as I blurted, "Did all the lights just go out?" No one laughed, but I did notice the lady take a step away from me. The two guys just stood looking lost and half asleep as I pressed the buttons again. 3, 4, 5 and then it happened---the button for the 8th floor caused the lights to go out again.

This time, my voice wasn't quite as normal as I said, "Oh my God, it happened again!" The lady took one more step away from me and the guys suddenly looked more awake then they had just moments before.

The last guy to get on the elevator suggested that I try only pushing the first three buttons and I had to agree with him. I mean there's nothing on the eighth level but the gym. Why would anyone want to go there? We were in a parking garage!

Once again I started pushing buttons...3 -- no problem, 4 -- no problem, 5 -- no problem. Apparently, the elevator agreed that going to the gym was stupid and had no intentions of going to that eighth level.

The little elevator bell dinged and the 3 over the door lit up. My level! I was going to go off the elevator and get to my car without totally freaking out in front of these people.

BUT---we were stopped and the doors on the elevator didn't open. We were all standing there quietly just waiting for the doors to open when I finally and completely lost it. There was nothing normal about my voice when I very loudly said, "Oh my God, let me out of here!"

The poor lady tried to move even further away from me. The gym rat, who I blame for everything, looked up in surprize. I'm not sure, but I think he believed he was being pranked for some reality show. The guy I originally got on the elevator with stepped closer to me and pushed the "door open" button.

The door opened and I ran out of the elevator yelling "Thank God!" I turned around expecting to see everyone else running out after me, but instead they were still on the elevator giving me very bewildered looks. I shouted "good luck" to them as the doors began to close. The guys both told me bye and the gym rat even threw his hand up in a wave, but I swear the lady was pressing herself against the back wall in yet another attempt to move away from me.

The whole incident probably lasted three minutes at the most, but I swear it shaved three years off of my life.

So, do you think I over reacted?

QP Collection Game at DSS!

2012-01-21T17:23:00.004-05:00

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***I'm not sure why some of you are having a hard time getting the wordart to download. If you're still having trouble try getting it from 4shared.***

This month's QP collection game is underway at DigiScrap Station and we're working with a cute kit from Mag's Graphics called S'more Snowmen. You can get my QP by clicking on the preview below. After you do that make sure you head over to the DSS forum to check out the other free quickpages and to check out all the fun!

I hope you'll join us next month!

1-21-12

2012-01-21T00:08:00.002-05:00

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The Story of Me part 24

2012-01-20T00:01:00.003-05:00

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August 11, 1996

Harmony continued to sit on the cold hard plastic chair in the hospital waiting room. She hadn’t spoken to anyone or eaten anything since she came here in the ambulance with her Grandma Pat the previous evening. Every now and then a nurse would stop to talk to her. They would offer food or crayons and paper. None of them would let Harmony see Pat or even tell her whether or not she was ok. Mostly, people just walked by and pretended they didn’t see the little girl with the tear streaked face sitting there.

A door at the end of the hallway opened and there was lots of noise and movement. Harmony looked up to see what was going on and saw Mary Harrison rushing toward her. Mr. Harrison had stopped to talk to the security guard that watched the hallway and a lady in a suit that was holding a clipboard.

Mary Harrison threw her arms around Harmony and hugged her. “Oh honey, you must have been so scared. We’re here now and you can come home with us. We would love to have you. Gene is talking to the lady from child protective services right now to make the final arrangement.

Harmony didn’t hug Mary back or even talk. All she wanted wanted was her Grandma Pat.

“Did they feed you anything? We can go to the cafeteria and get breakfast. Do you want to do that? Do you want to go to the cafeteria?” Mary asked one question right after the other without giving Harmony time to answer. Not that Harmony would have answered.

Harmony sat zombie like looking through Mary rather than at her. Gene Harrison and the clipboard lady who had been joined by a uniformed police officer walked up and stood in front of the scared little girl.

“Hi, Harmony. Are you doing alright?” Gene asked as he bent down toward the fragile little girl.

Harmony looked up with large ghost filled eyes and took in the adults that were staring at her and trying to smile. “I made Grandma Pat sick.” She whispered.

The clipboard lady and the police officer shared a look. Gene Harrison lowered his head and put his hand on Harmony’s shoulder as his wife pulled her in for another embrace.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Harmony. It’s not your fault.” Mary tried to assure the child.

“Would you mind if I spoke to Harmony alone for a few minutes?” The clipboard lady asked as she smiled down at the frightened little girl.

“I would also like to speak with you and your wife if that’s alright Mr. Harrison.” The police officer chimed in.

Mr. Harrison stood up straight as his wife handed Harmony a tissue. “We won’t go far. We’ll be right over there where you can see us.” Mary pressed her hand to Harmony’s cheek before kissing it lightly and standing to join her husband.

Harmony watched the small group take a few steps away then huddle up for a whispered conversation as the clipboard lady sat in the seat beside her.

“Harmony, my name is Madelyn Wilson. I’m a social worker. Do you know what that means?” She hesitated for a moment, but when there was no response from the little girl Madelyn kept talking. “It’s my job to make sure you’re safe. That means I need to find a good home for you to live in. Would you like to live with the Harrisons?”

“Grandma Pat,” came a barely audible whisper from the little girl.

“I know that you love her, but I’m afraid that you can’t live there any more.”

“Did I kill her?”

“Oh no, you didn’t do anything wrong. Your Grandma Pat isn’t dead. She’s just sick. She’s really sick right now.”

The girl lifted her head, stuck out her chin and looked toward the police officer. “If I didn’t kill Grandma Pat, why are the police here?”

There was a long slow intake and release of air from the clipboard lady before she responded. “Honey, that police officer wants to talk to your Grandma Pat not to you. He has some questions for her and they have nothing to do with you.”

“Is Grandma Pat in trouble because I didn’t listen to her. She told me to stay in the yard. I should have listened.” Harmony lowered her head and began crying again.

“I promise the questions that police officer have for your gandma have nothing to do with you. You aren’t in any trouble. No one here is mad at you.”

The clipboard lady stood as the Harrison’s returned with the police officer. “Harmony you go on home with the Harrisons and you and I will talk later. I promise you and I are going to become good friends.”

Mary Harrison held her hand out for Harmony to take and Harmony took it because she had learned her lesson about not listening. When she didn’t do what she had been told to do bad things happened. The clipboard lady and the police officer talked quietly to each other as they watched the sad trio walk away.

Snow Much Fun by Shel Belle Scraps

2012-01-19T00:08:00.001-05:00

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Shel of Shel Belle Scraps has a super cute new kit called Snow Much Fun. Take a look at the preview...

This kit has 18 papers, 41 elements and an alpha. There are also some matching templates that will work wonderfully with this kit as well as any others you may have...

Here are a couple of layouts I made using Snow Much Fun...

I've also got a cluster freebie for you. Just click on the preview to go to the download...

Check out Shel's blog for more layout inspiration and to find out about some more awesome freebies!

1-18-12

2012-01-18T00:00:00.001-05:00

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1-17-12

2012-01-17T00:03:00.001-05:00

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Happiness by Nibbles Skribbles

2012-01-16T11:51:00.004-05:00

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There is so much going on in the Nibbles Skribbles world!

First of all, let me tell you about her gorgeous new kit called Happiness. This is such a fun kit and can be used for so many different kinds of layouts. There are 10 papers, 32 elements and an alpha. Take a look at the preview...

Here's a layout I made using Happiness...

Want to get this layout as a quick page? Want to get a free add on to the Happiness kit? Or even better, want a chance to win the whole Happiness kit?

Well, you're in luck cause you're going to get all of the above and so much more! Check it out...

There are some awesome details on all the goodies you can get today posted on the Nibbles Skribbles blog and there are more goodies to come!

First of all, the entire Nibbles Skribbles store is on sale for 28% off.

You can check out the featured designer contest in The Studio forum to pick up the free Happpiness add on. One lucky participant will win the whole Happiness kit!

There will be daily freebies on the Nibbles Skribbles blog, random facebook games and coupons, and newsletter freebies.

This is going to be one awesome birthday celebration and you don't want to miss out!

Like Totally by Scraps of Ellay

2012-01-16T00:00:00.001-05:00

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Do you miss the 80s? Do you have old pictures of yourself with big hair and acid washed jeans that need to be scrapped? Well, Scraps of Ellay has just released the perfect kit for you. I mean like, totally, she really has! Just take a look at the preview...

There are 20 papers, over 50 elements and four full alphas. This kit is awesome and you can pick up some matching glitter paper, cardstock, messy canvas paper and quickpages or you can buy the bundle and get it all!

I scrapped some pictures of the wonderful Erika, who is nice enough to volunteer in my classroom between her college classes and her job. She's the best!

Make sure you check out the Scraps of Ellay blog for more layout inspiration.

1-15-12

2012-01-15T00:07:00.002-05:00

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We may be dumb...

2012-01-14T00:03:00.002-05:00

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Well, it official...or as official as any online poll is. According to Travel and Leisure's Favorite Cities Poll people in Miami are dumb and rude. The good news is that we look good and know how to party. Isn't that all that matters anyway?

The funniest (and also the saddest) part of the survey is that people who are actually from Miami and took the survey and agreed that we're dumb and rude. I didn't take the survey, but I wish I had cause my city has been given a bum rap! I mean, we aren't that dumb. lol!

Our crowded streets (thank you visitors from other cities) earned us the number one spot on the bad drivers list. I'm not going to say too much about this cause I've already shared enough of my driving stories but, I will say this.....You call it bad driving. I call it creative driving.

Apparently, this isn't the place to visit if you're interested in classical music, antique stores or flea markets. Seriously! Did you really need a survey to tell you that?

Now, if you're interested in hanging out with a bunch of pretty people for some drinks during great winter weather well, we've got what you need.

Plus, I would also like to point out that Miami has Orange Croc Guy, the Cute Fajita Delivery Guy and me. What more can you ask for?

The Story of Me part 23

2012-01-13T00:06:00.001-05:00

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(***Now you'll begin to learn what happened when Harmony could no longer live with Grandma Pat.)

People Who Loved Me
Gene and Mary Harrison

The Harrison’s were always good to me and I feel badly that I never loved them the way they loved me. I hope they were able to understand that the fault was all mine. They deserved to be loved. I should have loved them and a part of me even wanted to, but I was broken. I was broken and the pieces of my heart didn’t fit together correctly anymore. Love was something strange to me. Love was something that never lasted. Love was something that wasn’t worth the effort.

The Harrisons had wanted children when they were younger. They planned on having a large family, but that wasn’t what life had planned for them. The Harrisons filled the void by taking in foster children when they were younger.

There was one adoption attempt that fell through after the birth mother changed her mind and took the baby back. They were so hurt by that betrayal they stopped taking children into their home. They said that it just hurt too much when the children left and they couldn’t live with the pain anymore.

When I could no longer stay with Grandma Pat the Harrison’s took me in. They didn’t have to do this and I will never forgive myself for the things I said to them or for the pain I caused them by not returning the love they gave so freely.

There used to be times when I would revisit certain days in my mind and change the way things went and the things I said or didn’t say. Days when I would picture myself returning a smile or a hug and saying the words, ‘I love you, too’. Those were wasted times…wasted days. I couldn’t change the past or make the pain I caused go away. The only thing I could do was move forward and try to learn from my mistakes.

Good thing I didn't bet money...

2012-01-12T00:08:00.005-05:00

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I came very close to betting money that my room would be clean today and it's a good thing I didn't. The trash was emptied and someone sorta kinda pretended to sweep, but clean? not so much.

The teacher across the hall wasn't in school today. I'm really hoping she was at home with her son and not out lawyer shopping cause so far the donations for my defense fund have been pretty sad. I've managed to raise 83 cents and a button but one of the pennies is actually Canadian and the button is ugly.

At this rate, I'm got no choice but to cop a plea and snitch on my other friends or I may be doing some serious time on this whole, "baby thinks he's a vampire" case.

OMG! Jerry Springer, here we come. LOL!

Where do I begin?!?

2012-01-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

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Here's the quick summary of my day----My principal cleaned my bathroom and I'm afraid I may get sued.

Remember how I went to school Friday only to learn that my room hadn't been cleaned? Well, it wasn't cleaned Monday or today either.

On Monday, I was headed over to talk to my principal again, but was warned that he was in a bad mood so I changed my mind. I figured I would "mention" it if I ran into him. Any other day he would have popped into my room---but not Monday.

This morning, I was actually mad when I saw that my class still hadn't been cleaned so bad mood or not I was going to the office. My principal wasn't there. I was told that he would be in later in the day, so I decided to send him an email. I tired to be nice in my email and apologized for starting his day with a complaint. I explained how it had been four full days since anyone had cleaned my room, bathroom and carpet area. I said that it was gross and unfair and that I was upset and that he owed me big time.

It's ok that I said he owed me big time, cause he's used to hearing me say things like that. lol!

The man emailed me back right away saying that he had assumed it was taken care of when he didn't hear from me on Monday. My reply let him know that I decided not to tell him after being warned that he was in a bad mood. I left out how I was afraid that he may hand me a toilet bowl scrubber like he handed me the trash bag on Friday. lol!

When he got to school, my principal came right to my building and into my room and laughingly told me that I shouldn't listen to rumors. About 15 minutes later, he came into my room again wearing gloves and carrying a bucket of cleaning supplies. The man went into my bathroom and cleaned it for me.

When he was finished, I offered to move the kids off the carpet so he could vacuum but he said that I was pushing my luck and I decided to drop it. lol!

How much do you want to bet my room is clean when I get to school tomorrow?

Around 11:00 I learned that the teacher across the hall had to leave and they were going to put the para from my room into her class for the rest of the day. It's turned out that the teacher had to leave because her 16 month old had gotten into trouble at daycare for biting (again). He was actually suspended! She had to go pick him up and he's not allowed back for the rest of the week.

Now, other than that whole biting thing, he's really a good baby. He's not mean to the other kids. He shares and plays nicely. He just bites and he only bites the kids he likes.

This teacher is the one that I'm afraid will sue me, because after she left school it dawned on me that I may be part of the reason her baby bites people.

You see, this teacher is one of my friends---one of my Twilight loving friends. We've read the books and seen the movies. When the second movie came out, she was WAY pregnant with this kid. So, he was in the womb listening to the movie and to us talking about Team Edward.

I think the baby thinks he's a vampire and it's all because mommy went to the movies with us.
I just know she's going to sue.

Any and all donations to my legal fund will be accepted!

Another Here Comes Santa Brag Book page

2012-01-10T00:03:00.002-05:00

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I'm stopping in just long enough to give you another brag book page I made using April's Here Comes Santa kit. Just click on the preview to go to 4shared for the download.

Don't Forget...

2012-01-09T20:10:00.003-05:00

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Don't forget about the $2 Tuesday Sale at Stuff to Scrap!

It's hard to believe...

2012-01-09T00:09:00.003-05:00

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It's hard to believe that the weekend is already over. After several cold days last week, we actually had a beautiful weekend. Why can't the weekend last for five days and the work week last for two?

Friday was an interesting day at school. We don't have nearly enough custodians and because of budget cuts we won't be getting any more any time soon. I walked in Friday morning to find that my room hadn't been cleaned at all. I asked my principal about it and pointed out that I was confused. Sometimes it gets cleaned when my class is on the playground and other times it gets cleaned in the morning before school starts. His solution to the problem---he gave me a large trach bag so that I could empty the trash cans in my room. Seriously!

The para in my room went into the bathroom with hand sanitizer and paper towels ~ that's the strongest cleaner we're allowed to keep in the room ~ and tried to make it not so gross, but I'm not sure it worked out to well. Everyone told me not to mention that to the principal cause he just might hand me a toilet bowl scrubber. LOL!

Here Comes Santa by April the Scrapaholic

2012-01-08T00:02:00.003-05:00

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April the Scrapaholic put out a Holiday kit called Here Comes Santa and I'm really sorry that this is the first chance I've had to show it to you. Take a look...

You can buy Here Comes Santa in April's blog store. There are also some awesome free quickpages for you to pick up!

I've got a free brag book page for you. Just click on the preview to go to 4shared for your download.

Designer Darling contest at STS!

2012-01-07T10:40:00.002-05:00

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There is still time to sign up for the Designer Darling Competition!! Do you think you have what it takes to be a Designer Darling at Stuff to Scrap? Want to learn more about being a designer? Come sign up and show us your stuff!! Click on the flier to go to the forum and sign up!

Perfectly Precious by IvoryKeys Digital Dreams

2012-01-07T10:16:00.003-05:00

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Susan of IvoryKeys Digital Dreams has released a new kit to go with this months Lovely Colors color swatch at With Love Studios. The best thing about this kit is that it's split up into three different packages - The papers, the elements and the cardstocks. That way you can buy the whole thing or just the parts you really need. They can also be mixed and matched with the kits from other designers participating in the Lovely Colors kits since they are all color coordinated.

Take a look at Perfectly Precious...

Here's a layout I made using a picture of my friends daughter...

Visit IvoryKeys Digital Dreams blog for more layout inspiration and then head over to her store at With Love Studios to buy Perfectly Precious!

Finally!

2012-01-07T00:05:00.002-05:00

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I am so happy the weekend is finally here! Going back to work this week really kicked my butt!

I am going to spend the weekend reading, watching TV, catching up on CT stuff and sleeping. There may be time to work in some fajitas. lol!

The Story of Me part 22

2012-01-06T00:03:00.002-05:00

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**Harmony's time with Pat is ending. Are you guys tired of this story or would you like for me to keep sharing ?)**

Pat was just finishing up her conversation with Mary Harrison when she turned to see Harmony walking into the house. The girl was upset and crying so hard that no sounds were leaving her body but it shook with the force of her sadness. Without hesitation, Pat dropped the phone and ran to Harmony engulfing the child in her arms.

“What happened? What happened? Are you hurt.” Pat was crying tears of her own without even knowing what it was that had upset or hurt the little girl she loved more than life itself.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t listen to you. I should have stayed in the yard, but I didn’t listen.” Harmony sobbed.

Pat relaxed the hold she had on the girl but didn’t let go completely. “You left the yard? Were you riding your bike?”

Shaking her head, “I did. I just wanted them to be my friends. I thought they would play with me if they saw I had a bike.” Harmony said between sobs.

Pat became scared again. “Who is they? Did someone hurt you? Harmony, baby, are you hurt?”

“They took my bike. I didn’t listen and now my bike is gone.” Harmony cried harder as she begged Pat for forgiveness. “I’m sorry. Pleae don’t be mad at me. I’ll listen from now on. I promise.”

Pat pulled the crying child in closer to her and held her as tightly as she could. “Oh baby girl, I’m not angry with you. I could never be angry with you. I love you so much. You know that don’t you?”

Harmony was crying too hard to answer, but she nodded her head as she tightened the hold she had on Pat.

“Listen to me,” Pat said as she pushed Harmony back so she could look into the little girls beautiful face. “I know you loved that bike, but it’s you that I love. We can get you another bike, but I can never get another you. You’re safe and that’s all that matters to me.” Pat moved her hands to Harmony’s face and rubbed some tears away. “If anything ever happened to you I would die. Do you hear me? I would just die.”

Harmony threw herself against Pat again and hugged her tightly. “I love you too and I promise I’ll be good from now on. Just don’t leave me, please, don’t leave me.”

Pat felt her heart breaking for the beautiful little girl in her arms. The child who had known more sadness in her short lifetime than most adults. The child who had never done anything wrong or bad. The child she wanted to protect with everything she had.

Suddenly the heartbreak she felt became a little too real. Pat was overcome with emotions as she thought about the things that could have happened to Harmony when her bike was taken. They could have hurt her or even taken her away too. Pat wanted to keep hugging the crying child. She wanted to let her know that she would never be left alone again, but there was a tightness in her chest that kept her from holding on. Slowly Pat started sliding down onto the floor.

Harmony pulled back because she thought her weight was causing Pat to slip and she didn’t want the lady to fall. That was when she saw the gray pallor that had taken over Pat’s skin and the cold sweat that had broken out along her hairline. “Grandma Pat?”

Pat tried to comfort the girl by holding her hand, but the pressure in her chest was getting tighter and it was hard to make the words come out. “Go to the phone…..call 911 like….like I taught you….”

Harmony ran for the phone and somehow managed to call for help.

1-5-12

2012-01-05T00:05:00.001-05:00

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I'm cold and tired!

2012-01-04T00:07:00.001-05:00

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It was cold today and it's getting even colder!

School was fun, but I'm really tired. I'm not even sure how or why I'm awake now!

One of my students made an amazing discovering about me today and announced it to the class -

"Hey, I just realized that everyone in here has black hair except for you. Your hair is kind of yellow."

That was when I reminded him about the book I had read earlier in the school year...the book that was about me when I was a little girl...and they used to call me.....Goldilocks. lol!

Oh yeah, I went there!

2012-01-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

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The January challenges are up at Stuff to Scrap and I completed my layout for the song lyric challenge. This month you have to use lyrics from the Selena Gomez song "Love You Like A Love Song". You know that stupid song that you don't really like, but can't help singing every time you hear it?

Well, I decided to embrace the song and my newly outed Russell Brand crush. Yeah, I went there...

I showed my layout to OCG and he was speechless! That's right...it's so awesome that he was speechless....and then he wasn't....

OCG: That's what you did today?

Me: Yep, don't you like it?

OCG: Your last day of vacation and you did that?

Me: I watched some TV too.

He was back to speechless after that!

Yep, it was a good day!

Now, tomorrow...

You can laugh, everyone else has...

2012-01-02T00:03:00.002-05:00

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I opened up to OCG today about a secret celebrity crush I have and you probably heard him laughing at me from wherever you are. His first comment was, "How much did you drink last night?" and the comment he ended the conversation with was, "You need help."

I admitted to not always being attracted to this person. As a matter of fact, I always thought he looked like he needed a shower and I never really considered him funny. Even I was shocked when I first started looking at him in a different light! Do you want to know who I'm talking about? Well, I'll tell you but I'm going to bed as soon as I post this so if you're going to laugh at me too, please do it quietly so you don't wake me up. lol!

I admitted to having a crush on ...

Russell Brand

I can't explain it really other than to say I love a guy with an accent and I started thinking differently about this guy last summer after I read what he wrote for Amy Winelhouse after she passed away. Did you read it? It's on his blog. I read it and remember thinking, "Wow, who knew he actually had deep thoughts." lol! That was when my little crush started.

Now, he's getting divorced and I feel sorry for him cause I just know he's all sad and heartbroken. I could cheer him up!

OCG was watching TV and I was sitting beside him playing on the computer when I ran across yet another update on "the divorce". I looked at the pic they had of him and commented on Russell's sexiness. That's when OCG asked how much I had to drink as we were bringing in the new year.

I tried to explain the difference between good looks and sexiness. While I might not find Russell that good looking (He's no George Clooney!) I do find him to be a sexy man. well, I never should have gone there!

OCG: So, George Clooney is good looking, but Russell Brand is sexy?

ME: Right.

OCG: What am I?

ME: What do you mean?

OCG: Am I good looking or am I sexy?

ME: You....you have a good personality.

That was when he told me I needed help.

I know it was a mean thing to say, but he was laughing at me!

January build A Kit at Stuff to Scrap

2012-01-01T00:06:00.001-05:00

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It's a new month and a new year and there are new goodies in the Build a Kit bin at Stuff to Scrap! I love the beautiful soft colors the designers have used this month. They're perfect for scraping baby pics and winter pics and...well, just about anything you can imagine!

Of course, I have to show off a couple of my favorites. First up are the goodies from IvoryKeys Digital Dreams. She has a set of cardstock paper, 14 adorable printed papers and a set of 43 awesome elements. Check out the previews...

Take a look at some layouts I've put together using these adorable mini kits...

Sometimes you don't need a kit. Sometimes you just need a template to give you some inspiration. Shel Belle Scraps has taken care of that with this awesome set of templates. check out the preview...

I used two of these templates with different kits. For this first layout I used the Harvest of Memories kit by Shel Belle Scraps and The Scrappy Kat...

I used Shel Belle Scraps' Take a Hike kit on another template for this layout...

Make sure you visit IvoryKeys Digital Dreams and Shel Belle Scraps for more layout inspiration and go to Stuff to Scrap to buy their build a kit goodies.

12-31-11

2011-12-31T00:00:00.002-05:00

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How are you going to spend the last day of the year?

The Story of Me part 21

2011-12-30T00:05:00.003-05:00

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Harmony hopped onto her bicycle and rode down the street.

“Look at my bike. My Grandma Pat bought it for my birthday.” She called out to the kids on the corner. “Do you want to get your bikes and ride with me?” Harmony stopped her bike right before she crashed into one of the older boys in the small group of kids.

“Watch where you’re going, you crazy kid. You almost hit me.”

“I’m sorry. I’m still just learning to ride and stopping is hard for me.”

“So, you just got this bike?”

“Yes, I got it for my birthday. Do you guys want to ride with me.” Harmony smiled and looked at the kids hopefully.

The group of kids consisted of three boys and one girl. The girl looked to be about Harmony’s age and the boys were a little older.

“Where’s your Grandma now?” The older boy asked as he looked around and checked the street for adults.

“She’s in the house right now, but she’ll be back soon. You can meet her if you want to ride bikes with me.” Harmony was proud of herself for stepping out of the shy shell she had kept herself in and making an attempt at forming her first friendships.

The older boy smiled at his companions. “Well, we don’t have bikes. Maybe we can all take turns riding your bike. The other boys laughed and agreed that would be fun while the little girl just looked at Harmony and shook her head.

Harmony didn’t know the boys were making fun of her. She didn’t know that they weren’t nice boys. “OK, we can go back to my house and take turns.”

The older boy continued to do the talking for the group. “Which house is yours?”

“It’s right down the street. You can see it from here.”

“Ok, can I ride the bike there? I’ll go slow and you can walk with my sister.” The boy asked as he pointed to the little girl that still hadn’t said a word.

Harmony was so excited that she handed the bike over to the boy, looked at the girl and and smiled. “My name is Harmony. What’s your name.”

The little girl just stood there shaking her head as the other boys laughed and started running after the older boy as he took off on the bike. He was riding in the opposite direction of Harmony’s house.

“My house isn’t that way. You have to turn around now.” Harmony shouted after the boys.

“I’m sorry.” The little girl said before she took off after the boys.

Harmony stood there in the street watching them get farther and farther away with her bike and listening to their laughter as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Nothing, sweet nothing!

2011-12-29T00:09:00.003-05:00

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Today was absolutely wonderful cause I did nothing! Well, I did a couple of things, but nothing a responsible adult would admit to. lol!

Luckily, I'm not a responsible adult so I'll tell you all about it. lol!

I woke up early and had ice cream for breakfast. Hey, I made that trip to the store so I had to eat it!

I did a little scrapping.

I went back to bed.

I got up and did a little more scrapping.

I pulled out an old childhood comfort food and had it for lunch ~~~peanut butter and celery. (eating celery totally makes up for the ice cream at breakfast, right?)

I played on the internet.

I played on the wii.

I took a shower and then put on a pair of clean pajamas. (I had been wearing the other ones all day.)

I started reading The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown and I totally love it! (I highly recommend that you read it too!)

I discovered that there was nothing on TV and played on the internet some more.

I read more of The Weird Sisters. (I'll probably finish this tomorrow.)

I typed up this blog post.

What an awesome day!

In my next life I want to be rich so I can live like this all the time!

It feels good to be home!

2011-12-28T00:08:00.004-05:00

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It feels so good to be in Miami!

I ordered fajitas for dinner and got to see the cute fajita delivery guy. Did you expect any less of me on my first night home? lol!

I had been home for a couple of hours before I announced to OCG that I was headed to the grocery store.

OCG: Why are you going to the grocery store? It's not like you cook and I know you plan on ordering fajitas later because you only sent me 500 texts saying that you would be ordering fajitas as soon as you got back to Miami.

ME: Ummm....duhhh....the cute fajita delivery guy doesn't deliver ice cream! (Men just don't understand!)

OCG: I know you wish he would...

ME: (after staring into space for very good mini daydream!) Oh, that would truly make him the perfect man...

I didn't get to say much of anything else cause I had to duck to keep from getting hit by the magazine that was flying toward me. lol!

I got a new camera for Christmas. It wasn't the "dream camera" I was hoping for, but it's still an upgrade so I'm very happy! I'm even registering for a photography class so I can learn to use it. lol! I'll let you know how that goes.

I also got a pretty good stash of copic markers and I should probably take a class to learn how to use those. Of course, OCGs reaction to seeing those was, "What do you need those for? There's a whole box over there." I tried explaining that these are WAY different from crayola markers, but I'm not sure he got it. LOL!

I am so excited to see that I have so many new followers and that my blog is getting closer and closer to 500 thousand hits. If you aren't a follower now, make sure you are when I finally reach that 500 thousand mark cause I'll have some gift certificates to give away to followers!

Now, I'm really tired and need to get some sleep. Afterall, I've got a long day of doing absolutely nothing tomorrow. LOL!

Heading home

2011-12-27T00:08:00.003-05:00

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I should be back in Miami by lunch time! YAY!

Featured designer at Stuff to Scrap

2011-12-26T00:19:00.002-05:00

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Starting today IvoryKeys Digital Dreams is the featured designer at Stuff to Scrap and she's celebrating by having a sale!

Make sure you check out all the fun!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.003-05:00

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I hope you all woke up and found everything you wanted under your Christmas tree. Unless, of course, you wanted George Clooney, cause he should be under my Christmas tree.

Stuff...

2011-12-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

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Hi guys! I'm checking in quickly to give you two bits of information. First, it was pointed out to me that 4shared isn't playing nicely with the QPs I made for the CSD contest. I've managed to get the pages downloaded and placed with box so if you haven't been able to get them try these links...

Download 8x8 QP here

Download 12x12 QP here

The other bit of info I wanted to share with you is that IvoryKeys Digital Dreams is having a CT call. Check out the info below...

Now, I'm heading back to the kitchen to eat more stuff I shouldn't be eating. LOL!

12-24-11

2011-12-24T00:07:00.001-05:00

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***Come back tomorrow for the "still in my pajamas" version of this wordart!***

IvoryKeys Digital Dreams grand opening sale at With Love Studio!

2011-12-23T11:14:00.003-05:00

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IvoryKeys Digital Dreams is up and running at With Love Studio! She has added her new Xmas Traditions kit and a couple of others that are on my favorite list to her store and they are all on sale! Click on the preview below to go check them out...

The Story of Me part 20

2011-12-23T00:07:00.004-05:00

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August 10, 1996

Pat sat on the porch with a magazine and a glass of lemonade as she watched Harmony riding her bike. Harmony was still unsteady on the bike, but she was getting better everyday. Pat was so proud of the beautiful little girl. She had survived so much in her short lifetime. Pat had met other children who had lost or been deserted by their parents and they were angry. They felt like the world owed them something. Plenty of those children lived in this neighborhood, on this street. But not her Harmony. No one was sweeter than her baby girl.

“Look, Grandma Pat, look!” Harmony called out as she turned the bike and rode into the driveway.

Pat clapped and was full of pride as she answered. “That’s wonderful, baby! You just be careful and remember to watch for cars. If you see one coming I want you to move over and stop riding until it passes.”

“OK, I will.” Harmony called out as she turned the bike and rode back into the street after looking left and right and then left again to check for cars.

Pat finished her lemonade and stood up. “Harmony, I need you to come into the yard and stay here while I run inside for a minute. I’ll be right back and then you can ride some more before we get cleaned up for dinner.”

Harmony pulled the bike into the front yard and came to an unstable stop before hopping off the bike and smiling at her Grandma Pat. “I’ll be right here waiting for you.” She smiled as she started rubbing some imaginary dirt off of the bike she loved.

Pat smiled and waved at the little girl she loved with her whole heart as she walked into the house.

Once in the house Pat poured herself some lemonade and grabbed an unopen bag of Oreos. She told herself that it wouldn’t hurt to have a couple before dinner. She was heading back outside when the phone rang and she backtracked to pick it up.

Mary Harrison was on the phone. She was calling to chat and check on Harmony. School would be starting soon and the Harrisons wanted to see if they could help purchase any school supplies that Harmony would need. The Harrisons were always offering to help.

Pat felt guilty for leaving Harmony in the yard because she knew the little girl wanted to ride her bike. But the Harrisons had been good friends to both Pat and Harmony and school supplies were expensive so their help was always welcome. Pat knew that Harmony would wait in the yard like she had been told to do. Harmony always did what she was told to do. So, Pat grabbed the list of supplies Harmony was going to need for third grade, pulled out a chair and sat at the table.

Harmony was in the yard waiting for her Grandma Pat and still polishing the red bicycle she was so proud of when she looked down the street and noticed some other kids from the neighborhood playing. There were only three or four kids and none of them were on bikes, but Harmony had seen them riding bikes before. She just knew that they would get their bikes and ride with her once they saw she had a one.

Harmony kept her eyes on the kids. She didn’t want them go move on before her Grandma Pat came back out, but they looked like they were getting restless and Pat was taking a long time in the house.

Harmony knew she was supposed to stay in the yard. She knew that she should listen to Grandma Pat, but she really wanted friends to play with. She wanted her Grandma Pat to see that she could make friends. She wanted Grandma Pat to see that the bike was worth the money she had spent to buy it.

Harmony looked toward the house hoping to see that Grandma Pat had sneaked back out onto the porch, but she wasn’t there. Harmony looked at the kids playing down the street and decided for the first time ever to break one of Grandma Pat’s rules.

Xmas Traditions by IvoryKeys Digital Dreams

2011-12-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

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IvoryKeys Digital Dreams has released a beautiful Christmas kit called Xmas Traditions. The kit has 5 cardstock papers, 10 patterned papers, 42 elements and an alphs. Check out the preview...

There's more good news for Susan of IvoryKeys Digital Dreams! Today is the grand opening of her new store at With Love Studio. That means that now you can find her beautiful kits at Stuff to Scrap and at With Love Studio!

Take a look at a couple of layouts I've made with Xmas Traditions...

Visit the IvoryKeys Digital Dreams blog for more layout inspitation!

12-22-11

2011-12-22T00:03:00.002-05:00

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Holiday Hootin' by Nibbles Skribbles & Digilicious Designs

2011-12-21T10:53:00.004-05:00

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Hi guys! A very cold Ginger here. (It's 55 outside and the weatherman said it was 80 in Miami. I miss Miami!)

I'm checking in to tell you about the new kit from Nibbles Skribbles and Digilicious Designs. This is a beautiful winter kit called Holiday Hootin' and it's full of wonderful winter animals to use in scrapping your winter memories. Holiday Hootin' has 18 papers, over 50 elements and a full alpha. Take a look at the preview...

Here are a couple of layouts I've put together with Holiday Hootin'...

Now, I've got a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket, a sofa and some DVD's calling my name. Enjoy your day!

12-21-11

2011-12-21T00:05:00.003-05:00

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Heading out of town!

2011-12-20T15:00:00.001-05:00

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I'm heading out of town for Christmas! Hopefully, everything will post and download while I'm gone. I will have internet access, but no guarantees on how often I'll actually use it.

Have a great Christmas and stay safe!

$2 Tuesday at STS

2011-12-20T00:08:00.002-05:00

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Shel has added her Blue Christmas mini to the $2 Tuesday bin at Stuff to Scrap. Make sure you check it out!

December QP contest at CSD

2011-12-19T14:04:00.004-05:00

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This month's quickpage contest is underway at Cool Scraps Digital and it's going to be awesome! We were given the Papillons kit by Scrappers Delight and told to make a QP ~ any size!

Just click on the preview below to download the page I made. There is an 8x8 and a 12x12 included in the download so you can use the size that best fits your needs.

Make sure you check out the contest at CSD. There are over 50 people participating this month so there will be lots of beautiful QPs for you to download!

**Would you please take a moment to visit the CSD gallery and leave a comment on my QP?**

Blue Christmas by Shel Belle Scraps

2011-12-19T00:07:00.003-05:00

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Shel Belle Scraps has a new mini kit called Blue Christmas. This kit has 13 elements and 7 papers and is a perfect mixture of blue, green and brown. Take a look at the preview...

I decided to make layouts with a couple of my winter pictures. The second layout is the Courthouse on main street in the little town my mom lives in. It always makes for a beautiful picture when there's snow on the ground.

Make sure you check Shel's blog for more layout inspiration and visit the Shel Belle Scraps store to buy Blue Christmas!

12-18-11

2011-12-18T00:05:00.001-05:00

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I'm on vacation!

2011-12-17T00:00:00.002-05:00

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I'm on vacation! I'm on vacation! I'm on vacation!

(skip around in a circle and repeat the above over and over in a sing song voice and you still won't be as giddy as I am!)

The Story of Me part 19

2011-12-16T00:04:00.003-05:00

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August 3, 1996

Harmony was sitting on the porch bright and early waiting for Gene Harrison and his wife. They had promised to come over and help her learn to ride the new bike she had gotten for her birthday. Harmony was excited for many reasons. She thought that learning to ride the bike would make it easier for her to befriend the other kids in the neighborhood. She also thought that once they saw her on the beautiful, shiny new bike they would stop making fun of her used clothing and worn out shoes. Who could tease a little girl that was riding such a beautiful bicycle?

“They’re here! Grandma Pat, they’re here!” Harmony yelled into the house before running off the porch and into the yard. She threw her arms around Gene Harrison and hugged him tightly before he had time to completely exit his car.

“Harmony, be careful. You’re going to knock the poor man over.” Pat said laughing as she walked out the front door. She was happy to see the girl excited about something for the first time in her life, but she didn’t want the Harrisons to get hurt.

Gene returned Harmony’s hug and held onto her hand as he walked around the car to open the door for his wife. Harmony let go of Gene’s hand and threw herself into Mary Harrison’s open arms as soon as she stepped out of the car.

“I’m so glad you came. Thank you for helping me.”

“Oh honey, we’re happy to help.” Mary said as she held onto Harmony and looked up at the smile on her husbands face.

“Harmony, you let the Harrison’s come in and sit for a minute before you guys go bike riding.” Pat called from the porch as she held the door open for everyone to enter.

Harmony ran ahead of the Harrison’s and hugged the lady she loved and called Grandma. The lady who had clipped coupons to save enough grocery money to buy the beautiful bike. The Harrison’s smiled and exchanged quick hugs with Pat before following Harmony into the small neat house.

The grown ups settled around the small kitchen table as Pat poured glasses of cold lemonade for everyone. Harmony ran to her room and returned carrying a picture she had drawn and one of the Barbie dolls the Harrison’s had given her for her birthday.

“I made this to thank you for my birthday present and also for helping me to learn how to ride my bike.” Harmony held the drawing out to Mrs. Harrison as she held onto her Barbie doll. Pat watched and smiled with pride.

Mary Harrison took the picture. Her husband stood up. “Harmony, what to you say we leave these two ladies here to talk while you and I go outside and start riding that bike.”

“Let’s go!” Harmony exclaimed and ran for the door. The adults laughed as Mr. Harrison followed Harmony out the door.

Sad stories?

2011-12-15T00:06:00.004-05:00

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Someone came into my life recently who is a real downer. It's part of the reason I've been so grinchy lately and can't think of anything but vacation.

I'm sorry that bad things happen to people and if it were within my power to stop them or to fix them I would. But, honestly, we've all got a sad story to tell. We can walk around and constantly tell it, bringing ourselves and everyone around us down even more or we can consider it a lesson learned, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move on.

Trust me, no one knows better than I do that moving on isn't always the easiest thing to do. Some days will be harder than others and you will backslide. The important thing to remember is that life goes on and you need to move on with it.

This person has talked non-stop about their story and used it as a reason and/or excuse for everything. This person doesn't know my story and they never will. They also don't know that if I put my sad story up against theirs in a contest I would win. Well, maybe it would be more appropriate to say that I would lose because my story is way sadder.

However, I will never enter that contest because I don't want the sad/bad things to define who I am.

What do you think?

I'm really, really trying....

2011-12-14T00:04:00.003-05:00

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Is it Friday yet? I am so ready for vacation!

Christmas Wishes by Nibbles Skribbles

2011-12-13T00:03:00.003-05:00

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Check out this beautiful kit called Christmas Wishes by Nibbles Skribbles...

This kit has 32 elements, 12 papers and an alpha. Check out the Nibbles Skribbles store for matching goodies and an awesome bundle deal!

Take a look at some layouts I've made using this pretty kit...

Every year I make "Good List" certificates for the kids in my class and this kit was a perfect match for what I needed. Check it out...

That's right---I'm on the good list! lol!

If you would like a free copy of this Good List Certificate, just become a fan of the Nibbles Skribbles facebook page.

I will survive!

2011-12-12T00:03:00.002-05:00

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I will survive this week...I will survive this week...I will survive this week...

I just have to make it to Friday and then it's Christmas vacation time!

I slept and slept and slept.....

2011-12-11T00:06:00.004-05:00

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I didn't wake up at 4am today!

After falling asleep a little after 10pm I slept until almost 8am. It felt so good and my body really needed the rest!

8x8 Quickpage freebie

2011-12-10T11:38:00.003-05:00

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I've got a quickpage freebie for you that I made using Christmas Magic by Gail Cook. You can buy the kit by clicking on the preview below or you can get it for free by joining the quickpage collection game at DigiScrap Station.

Just click on the preview below to go to 4shared for the download.

Don't forget to check out the forum at DigiScrap Station to collect any other free quickpages that are available!

Ghost Cars....they're here!

2011-12-10T00:06:00.002-05:00

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It's really been a rough week and I can't thank you enough for the words of encouragement. They really helped carry me through this week, but seriously girls, did you have to be so stingy with the tequila? lol!

Not ony was it a rough week, it was a weird one! Every morning this week I woke up at 4am for some strange reason. I'm not talking about waking up and then rolling over to go back to sleep. I was wide awake at 4am! My eating habits haven't changed and the only thing that's been on my mind is how much I DO NOT want to wake up at 4am. lol! I did start going to bed at different times each night---mostly earlier than I normally do because when you wake up at 4 am you get tired really early at night.

What are the odds of waking up at exactly 4 am for 5 days in a row when your alarm is set to go off at 6am?

I tried reading, just lying in bed until the alarm went off and a couple of mornings I actually got up and watched something on TV that I had recorded. FYI---I do not recommend watching American Horror Story when you're all alone and awake at 4am! But, if you do watch American Horror Story, let me know cause we need to talk!!!!

This morning was one of the days that I was determined to stay in bed and fall back to sleep. I never did fall completely back to sleep, but I was still surprised when the alarm went off. I must have accidentally changed the station because instead of waking up to music I woke up to some strange man talking and talking and talking.....

No one wants to wake up to some strange man's voice in their house when they know they aren't wearing their cute pajamas!

Now, I wish I could say the weirdness ended there, but it didn't.

Every morning this week they've had one of those evil speed checker thingys in the road---I'm pretty sure "evil speed checker thingy" is the official name, but you may have a nickname for it that I'm not aware of. You know those things that sit in or by the road and flash the speed you're driving so you know if you need to speed up or not? Yeah, that's it---evil speed checker thingy.

This morning I was sitting at a stop light and could see the evil speed checker thingy down on the next block and I watched as it flashed the different speeds. Some were going the speed limit, some were going slow, others were over the speed limit and were forced with deal with the evil speed checker thingy as it flashed/blinked bright red numbers at them. (Cause that will teach you not to speed!)

Now, that should be what you would expect to happen on a Friday morning when an evil speed checker thingy (OMG! I think I really like saying evil speed checker thingy) is in the middle of the road, but today was no normal day. For the first time EVER my car was the only one on the road. (WEIRD!) I'm totally serious, 7am on a workday and my car is the only one on the road. There were no cars in front of me, I couldn't see any on the side street and I looked into the rearview mirror, but there were no cars to be seen. My car was truly the only one on the road and it was sitting at a stoplight. SO, why was that evil speed checker thingy flashing different speeds? I mean, aside from the fact that it's evil---why?

I sat there not sure if I should be more concerned about being the only car on the road or if I should worry about being alone with an evil speed checker thingy. I started to feel like I was in a scary movie where world had been taken over by aliens or evil speed checker thingys and I was the only human survivor. Crazy thoughts started going through my mind---thoughts like, if I'm the only human survivor why am I wasting time sitting at this stop light?

I kept looking around for a glimpse of another car and thought about making a left turn so I wouldn't have to drive past the evil speed checker thingy and risk having it read my mind, or eat my brains or do whatever it is evil speed checker thingys do when they aren't flashing random speeds for no reason.

And that's when it happened! I saw a pedestrian! I wasn't the only human survivor after all!

The evil speed checker thingy was still flashing random speeds, but as the stop light turned green I knew I wasn't alone in the world----there was at least one more person out there!

Then, for reasons I can't explain, I suddenly knew the evil speed checker thingy wasn't out to get me and the random flashing numbers even made sense. The numbers weren't even random!

I'm not sure how or why the answer came to me, but it makes perfect sense-----GHOST CARS!

Ghost cars----enough said!

The Story of Me part 18

2011-12-09T00:02:00.003-05:00

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Harmony sat with the three adults at the table and had hot dogs and lemonade. She didn’t talk very much but she smiled as she ate her birthday cake and listened to the grown ups talk. Harmony had been happy when Pat agreed to keep the party small. Pat would have been thrilled to have a house full of eight year olds celebrating Harmony’s birthday, but that would never have happened. There was no one from school that liked Harmony enough to attend her party. Harmony was never mean to anyone, but the other kids knew that she had no mother or father. They saw her clothes that came from second hand stores and the shoes that were always scuffed at the toes and judged her unworthy. Harmony had learned at a very early age that people could be mean and children were the meanest people of all.

“Well, what do you say we all go sit on the porch and eat our ice cream?” Pat asked as she gave a knowing wink to the Harrisons.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” Gene said as he pulled out the chair for his wife took her hand and followed Harmony to the front door.

“You guys go on out. I just need to put these dishes in the sink and then I’ll be right there.” Pat announced.

“Don’t take too long, Grandma Pat cause I don’t want you missing any of my party.” Harmony said as she opened the door for their guests.

As soon as everyone was settled on the front porch Pat snuck out the back door. She quietly walked to the shed in the backyard and retrieved the bike she had hidden there. She proudly walked the red bike around the corner to the front of the house. “Looks like there was one more present for the birthday girl!”

The Harrisons cheered and Harmony stood on the porch staring at the bike in disbelief. “Is that for me?” She whispered excitedly.

“It sure it, baby. I saw you looking at it in the catalogue and I wanted to surprise you.”

“It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” Harmony said with tears in her eyes as she ran from the porch and hugged Pat harder than she had ever hugged her.

The Harrison’s had walked to the edge of the porch and stood watching the tender moment between Pat and Harmony. It brought back memories of the foster children they had taken in through the years. Children who just needed someone to love and believe in them. Mary wiped away a tear and Gene put his arm around her.

Pat held onto Harmony as tightly as Harmony held her. “Do you want to take it for a little ride down the street?”

Harmony pulled herself out of the hug and rubbed her hands on the black leather seat of the bike. “Oh no, it’s just too pretty. I don’t want to get it dirty.”

“Oh honey, you don’t have to worry about that. If it gets dirty, we can clean it off.” Pat said trying to encourage the shy girl to go for a ride.

“Maybe I’ll ride it tomorrow. Right now I just want to look at it. Besides, it’s going to be dark soon.” Harmony said with sadness in her voice.

“Harmony, would you like for me to come by on Saturday and teach you how to ride your bike.” Gene called from the porch.

“Mr. Harrison, would you do that for me?” Harmony started to cheer up a little.

“You bet. We’ll see you first thing Saturday morning.”

Harmony looked up at Pat who had tears in her eyes, hugged her one more time then ran onto the porch to hug the Harrisons.

Icey by FlowerScraps

2011-12-08T20:14:00.003-05:00

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Check out this gorgeous wintery kit from FlowerScraps called Icey...

I love the soft colors! The kit has 38 elements, 12 papers, an alpha and lots of matching extras. These stackers are amazing...

There are glitter papers and cardstock...

Of course, you can always buy the bundle...

Here are a couple of layouts I made using Icey...

Check out FlowerScraps' blog for more Icey layout inspiration and to find the awesome freebie she has posted for you!

Shel Belle Scraps~One day sale!

2011-12-08T00:04:00.002-05:00

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Have you remembered to visit the Stuff to Scrap blog everyday to get your free Christmas presents? Well, you don't want to miss today's freebie cause it's a cute mini kit by Shel Belle Scraps....

Just to make that present even sweeter Shel has decided to have a one day only 50% off sale in her store.

How cool is that?

Go get your free mini kit and then check out the sale!

Help me!!!!!

2011-12-07T00:30:00.003-05:00

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***Come back tomorrow for the "we" version of this wordart!***

HELP!!!!!

I need cheer. I need encouragement. I need a vacation. I need tequila. HELP!!!

12-6-11

2011-12-06T00:00:00.003-05:00

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Personalized papers

2011-12-05T00:02:00.002-05:00

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Check out the personalized papers I got from April the Scrapaholic!

You can get a personalized set too. Just visit April's blog store to find out all the details and to order your own set.

Catching up...

2011-12-04T00:04:00.002-05:00

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***Come back tomorrow for the girl version of this wordart!***

I haven't had much time just chat about what's going on in my life so I think I'll fill you in on a couple of things now.

Orange croc Guy/Batman had a doctor's appointment yesterday and they're really happy with how his knee is healing. Physical therapy starts soon. For the most part he's been a good sport about everything. There have only been a couple of days when he's gotten bored and grumpy. Tank goodness he'll be up about on his own more now. Although, I'm sure it's not going to be much fun in the beginning.

I went out with the girls Friday night. We had an unofficial bachlorette party for my friend Terry who is getting married in two weeks. The groom's family is from Minnesota and after some of the stories we've heard we're all excited to meet them.

We figure it won't be hard to tell the brides friends and family from the grooms since the wedding and reception dinner are taking place on a yacht in the evening. A four hour evening yacht ride in December---those of us from south Florida are going to be cold and the grooms family and friends from Minnesota will probably think it feels like spring time. LOL! Cold or not, it's going to be pretty with all the Christmas lights reflecting off the water.

School has been busy, busy busy. This has been one of those years where I feel like I just can't catch up. Thank goodness we have a mini vacation in two weeks!

I'm mad at my principal right now. I won't bore you with all the details, but it involves me taking up for one of my students. I informed the boss that he is no longer my favorite principal and that since he's the only one I've got he was competing against himself and he still lost. He just laughed at me, but I could tell he was sad on the inside. LOL!

I can't tell you about school without giving you something to laugh about. The other day I was working with a group of kids and one of my girls just sat staring at me. She actually looked like she was mad about something. I asked if she was ok and she responded by asking.....

Were you born in like...19 something?

When I finished laughing I admitted that yes I was born in 19 something. Her response was a very shocked and drawn out...

whoooooooooa

I've got to get some sleep now. Enjoy your day!

April's having a CT call!

2011-12-03T12:06:00.003-05:00

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Check it out---April is having a CT call! Come join the fun!

The Spectrum Collection by Nibbles Skribbles

2011-12-03T08:37:00.003-05:00

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I have got a totally huge and completely awesome kit to tell you about! It's The Spectrum Collection by Nibbles Skribbles.

The Spectrum is the perfect name for this kit because it's made using the colors of the rainbow. Collection also describes it because it's a collection of 9 mini kits. Check out this preview...

Right now The Spectrum Collection is on sale for only $12! That's an awesome price for everything you'll be getting! You can mix and match papers and elements from the different mini's or use one mini at a time for monochromatic layouts.

If you don't have a need for such a huge kit you can always buy just the mini/minis you need. The mini's are available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black and brown. There's even a rainbow mini, an alpha set, cardstock and color word flashcards.

I love the color word flashcards! As a Kindergarten teacher I can think of so many ways to use these! If you've got little ones at home these could come in handy too!

I decided to use the brown and black mini kits for a coupld of monochromatic layouts. Check them out...

Can't you see using that black kit for those big birthday layouts you make? You know those birthdays that have a "0" in the ones place. LOL!

Now, take a look at my layouts...

The individual minis are on sale too, so make sure you visit the Nibbles Skribbles store at The Digital Scrapbooking Studio to check them out!

Positive Thoughts by IvoryKeys Digital Dreams

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

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It's been a while since we've had a new kit from Susan of IvoryKeys Digital Dreams, but she's back with a beautiful kit called Positive Thoughts. It isn't a winter kit, but the pretty blues and browns will work wonderfully with winter pictures as well as any others you have and are dying to get scrapped. Take a look at the preview...

This kit has 17 papers, 40 elements and an alpha. I promise you can't help but smile when you're working with it. It really is all about Positive Thoughts! Take a look at a couple of my layouts...

Positive Thoughts is in the IvoryKeys Digital Dreams store at Stuff to Scrap and right now it's on sale for 25% off!

Make sure you check it out and while you're there take a look at the Perfect Winter Day kit. It's on sale for only $2.00 and is the featured kit for this month's quickpage exchange challenge. Just purchase the kit, make a quickpage, post it in the STS forum for everyone to see, email a copy to Susan and you'll receive ALL of the quickpages that are made.

The Story of Me part 17

2011-12-02T00:04:00.004-05:00

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August 1, 1996

Pat had slowed down in the last couple of years. She was getting older and didn’t have the energy she once had. Harmony was still the light of her life and she prayed every night that God would let her live long enough to keep Harmony safe and to watch her grow up.

Today was going to be a special day. Harmony was eight years old and they were having a party. It wasn’t going to be a large party, but there were balloons and a cake. Pat had invited one of the families from church and planned to serve hot dogs with lemonade. The best part of the day was going to be when Harmony saw the brand new shiny red bicycle she was getting as a birthday present. Pat had used coupons at the grocery store to help her save up enough money to buy the bike she had seen Harmony looking at in the toy catalogue. Harnony didn’t ask for the bike, but Harmony never asked for anything. That was what was going to make the surprise so much fun.

Pat was tying the last of the balloons to the front porch when the guests arrived. The Harrison’s from church pulled up to the curb and honked the horn to wave as they parked the car. They had no children, but they were a nice couple that had donated clothes and school supplies for Harmony. Pat waved and walked down the sidewalk to greet them.

“I’m so glad you could come for the party. Harmony is going to be excited to see you.”

Gene Harrison opened the car door and held out his hand for his wife. As Mary grabbed his hand and pulled herself up out of the car smiling he said, “Oh we wouldn’t have missed our girl’s birthday party for anything.”

“It’s hard to believe she’s already eight years old.” Mary said as she walked over and gave Pat a hug.

Gene joined the ladies carrying a wrapped box. “I hope she’s not too old for Barbie dolls cause Mary here picked up a couple for her.”

“Oh, she is going to love them. A girl is never too old for Barbie dolls. Come on inside. I‘ve got some ice cold lemonade.”

Mary and Gene fell in behind Pat and walked toward the house. “Where is the birthday girl, anyway? I bet she’s excited.” Gene smiled.

“She didn’t want to get her new birthday dress dirty so she’s sitting inside.”

Pat opened the front door and called out. “Look who’s here, Harmony! The Harrison’s brought you a present.”

Harmony stood and smiled as she gave Mary and Gene each a hug. “Thank you for coming to my birthday party.”

“Oh honey, you’re welcome. Thank you for inviting us. Are any of your little friends coming?” Mary asked as she returned Harmony’s hug.

“No, I told Grandma Pat that I just wanted you to come.”

“Harmony’s still a little shy about making friends.” Pat explained.

Gene handed Harmony the wrapped present they had brought and smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with being a little shy. I was shy too when I was your age.”

Harmony smiled back at him and Pat told her to take the present to her room so they could eat before opening the box and seeing the surprise that waited inside. Harmony did as she was told. Harmony always did as she was told.

Most Wonderful Time by Scraps of Ellay

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

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There's another cute kit from Scraps of Ellay available! This one is called Most Wonderful Time and it's perfect for all your Christmas and winter pictures. Check out the preview...

This kit has 100 elements, 24 papers, a set of cardstock, glitter papers and a full alpha.

Here are some of my layouts...

Visit Ellay's blog for more layout inspiration and visit the Scraps of Ellay store to buy this awesome kit and to check out everything else she has available.

2011-12-01T20:46:00.001-05:00

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Do you want to get a huge winter-themed kit FREE? I thought so!

Here's the scoop: The designers at Stuff to Scrap have all used the same palette and created a kit of wintery goodness for you. Each day, a different designer will share favorite Christmas memories, pictures, and her contribution the kit. The best part? You can get it all free by visiting the Stuff to Scrap blog each day. The downloads will be free for 24 hours only.

You've only got a few more hours to pick up part one--don't miss it!

2011-12-01T20:30:00.003-05:00

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Happy December!

There's a lot going on this month at Stuff to Scrap.

Today is the beginning of the month and the start of a new class, Countdown to Christmas. What if you miss a few days? No need to worry--you can go back and get the templates you've missed.

There's a special kit for the class. It coordinates with the monthly designer collab, Pine Cones and Holly Berries.

The designers have also created a fantastic mega kit for you this month called Pine Cones and Holly Berries. It's packed with all sorts of great papers and elements plus alphas and a template.

There's also a coordinating set of 12x12 quick pages. You can purchase them separately or if you spend $10 in the store you get the QPs free!

Maybe you'd like to try your hand at designing or want to personalize your elements and papers. December's grab bag is just the thing for you. All items are quality checked and free to use for personal or commercial use.

Finally, 'tis the season for holiday shopping. The theme for this month's Build a Kit (BAK) collection was shopping. Like previous months, if you buy three, you get save 50% on your order if enter the code shown in the flyer below.

12-1-11

2011-12-01T00:06:00.002-05:00

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Oh yeah, baby!

2011-11-30T00:06:00.002-05:00

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I've added a little more BLING to the old blog! I wrote over 75 thousand words in November!

YAY ME!

The novel is called The Art of Being Me and it still needs work, but I get the winnners badge anyway. Little accomplishments mean a lot to me. LOL!

Strangely enough, I actually have to thank OCG/Batman for hurting his leg and needing knee surgery. All the fun I've missed out on this month because I was taking care of him actually gave me the time I needed to write.

The dude isn't completely out of the doghouse though, because he still made me miss my birthday trip.

I'm also a little sad because it's the end of November and that means no more Me-vember until next year. If only I could stretch out my birthday month a little longer.....

Timeless Treasures BB page freebie

2011-11-29T00:03:00.002-05:00

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I've got another Timeless Treasures brag book page freebie for you today. Just click on the preview below to go to 4shared for the download.

Don't forget to check out this kit as well as all of April's other kits in her store. The 30% off sale is still going on!

Timeless Treasures by April the Scrapaholic

2011-11-28T00:00:00.002-05:00

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April has added a new kit to her store. This one is called Timeless Treasures and has a vintage feel to it. Take a look at the preview...

You can buy Timeless Treasures in April's blog store. Check it out while she still has all of her kits on sale for 30% off! The sale ends on November 30th!

I made a brag book page for you using Timeless Treasures. Just click on the preview below to go to 4shared for the download.

11-27-11

2011-11-27T00:08:00.002-05:00

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You should live here!

2011-11-26T00:06:00.002-05:00

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Did you fight the crowds to get a good price on something you just had to have? Not me! I took advantage of my day off and the beautiful weather and went for a walk...

Yeah, I don't know where you live, but you should live here!

The Story of Me part 16

2011-11-25T00:04:00.004-05:00

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September 1, 1993

Pat walked Harmony into her Kindergarten classroom on the first day of school as she smiled from ear to ear with pride. Her baby was starting Kindergarten. Harmony was a shy girl with big green eyes that always looked like they were about to fill up with tears.

Pat introduced herself and Harmony to her teacher, Mrs. Cotton then explored the room as she held Harmony’s hand and pointed out all the colorful shapes and pretty pictures on the wall. When they arrived at Harmony’s desk, Pat handed the girl the book bag that contained her crayons and pencils, kissed her forhead, promised to pick her up at two when school was over and walked out the door.

Pat stood in the hallway for a few minutes and watched as Harmony sat quietly in her chair. Pat was so proud of the little girl she considered her daughter. Harmony looked lovely and ready to take over the world in her new dress and shiny black shoes. Pat wiped away the proud tears that had formed in her eyes as she turned to walk out of the building.

At two o’clock on the dot the front doors of the school opened and children began piling out of the building. The older children exited first and were obviously happy to be finished for the day. The younger children walked out in a line with their teachers leading the way. Pat spotted Harmony’s teacher then saw Harmony toward the end of the line. She waved and was thrilled to see Harmony’s smile as she waved back. Harmony pulled on her teacher’s shirt then pointed out Pat in the crowd of parents. Mrs. Cotton gave Harmony a hug and waved to Pat as she watched Harmony walk toward her.

This was the daily routine for Harmony’s entire Kindergarten year. Pat showed up for all parent conferences and was the proudest parent in the auditorium when Harmony received a perfect attendance award on the last day of school. Harmony smiled and waved to Pat from the stage and Pat waved back.

Pat had no idea that Harmony hated school. She knew nothing of the teasing Harmony had to put up from the other students in class. She had no idea that Harmony had no friends. Pat didn't know these things because Harmony didn’t want her to know. Harmony was afraid that if she talked to Pat about the things other kids said to her Pat would become angry. She wasn’t worried that Pat would be angry with the other kids, but that Pat would be angry with her. Harmony couldn’t stand the idea of having Pat angry or disappointed in her so she kept quiet and pretended everything was fine.

FlowerScraps Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-24T17:47:00.003-05:00

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I can't stand going to the stores on Black Friday because the crowds drive me crazy. There just isn't anything in the world that I want or need to buy so badly that I'm willing to put up with the madness.

However, I do love online shopping! No crowds...No lines...No waiting!

Stay home tomorrow and check out the Black Friday sale FlowerScraps is having in her store.

Actually, the sale will last all weekend so if you must hit the malls and discount stores, you'll still have time to take advantage of this awesome sale. Just click on the fliers below to head to her store.

11-24-11

2011-11-24T00:02:00.003-05:00

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Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-23T00:00:00.003-05:00

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Starting tomorrow and running through Monday Shel Belle Scraps is having her Black Friday Sale at Stuff to Scrap. That means you can pick up anything in her store for 50% off!

How awesome is that?!?! Just click on the flier below to go to her store and get ready to start your shopping on Thursday!

I need votes!

2011-11-22T18:43:00.003-05:00

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Hi guys!

Voting has started for this month's QP contest at CSD. Please, please go vote for me (gluvsc)

Also, I need comments in the gallery, so I would appreciate it, if you would leave a comment for me too.

You guys are the best! THANKS!!!

***If you haven't picked up the QP I made for the contest, you can still grab it by clicking on the preview below...

Countdown to Christmas with Templates

2011-11-22T00:08:00.003-05:00

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Check out the template class they're having at Stuff to Scrap starting December 1!

Looks like fun! Just click on the flier above to find out more about the class.

Can't Help Falling by Scraps of Ellay

2011-11-21T00:06:00.002-05:00

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Scraps of Ellay has added a cute kit called Can't Help Falling to her Stuff to Scrap store. Check out the preview...

Don't you just love that mixture of blue and brown? The kit has 30 elements and 15 papers. There is also matching cardstock and glitter paper sets,

Here are some layouts I've put together...

Make sure you visit Ellay's blog for more layout inspiration.

Isn't She Lovely

2011-11-21T00:05:00.002-05:00

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Shel Belle Scraps and Digi-Designs by Nicole have teamed up on a great kit called Isn't She Lovely. Take a look at both of their previews....

I love the dark blue with the pink and yellow!

Take a look at my layouts...

I've got a cluster frame freebie for you that I made using elements from Shel's portion of the kit. Just click on the preview below to get your download...

Make sure to visit Shel and Nicole's blogs for more layout inspiration and to get the links for the other freebies being offered!

11-20-11

2011-11-20T00:04:00.002-05:00

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11-19-11

2011-11-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

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The Story of Me part 15

2011-11-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

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September 1, 1991

Pat Phillips took a job working part time in the church run daycare. It paid next to nothing, but it did add to the money she received from the county for Harmony’s care and it meant she was allowed to enroll Harmony at the school for free. Pat was determined to give Harmony a good life even though they were dirt poor and far from being a traditional family. The church daycare gave her access to playmates from outside of their little neighborhood.

Pat hoped Harmony would make friends with the children from the families that were better off financially than they were. She hoped those friendships would expose Harmony to a life she could aspire to and work toward. Pat had good intentions but she was foolish. Even in the preschool classrooms at Our Lady of Grace the lines were drawn between the haves and the have nots of Miami’s society.