My Cliffs of Insanity

Picture Time....

2010-12-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

I think I completely forgot that I even started this blog. Don't think I haven't been posting because I have, just not in this spot.

A few things I've been working on.....

Here are my husband with all of our children

A Custom Christmas Card I created, and they loved it and have ordered this design.

I couldn't help taking this one.... (psst... she's my 8 year old daughter)

Now I'm just trying to get on with Christmas traditions, and hopefully can watch a few Christmas movies this December. Getting the cards ready, the Christmas letter, getting supplies together to do some candy/cookie making. It's ALL good, I have no complaints right now.

A while ago I mentioned that I was coaching the volleyball team. And that all went great! Now we are onto Basketball, and I coach the girls that are in 7th and 8th grades. Haven't really started our games yet, but as soon as January comes we'll be on a regular game schedule of Tuesday and Thursdays with practice the other days. Crazy times, but it's FUN!!

What I meant to say .... (while randomly living my life )

2010-09-22T09:14:00.000-06:00

It's time to get a few things off my chest.

This last week while driving in the van, I was leaving Costco and heading down the hill towards Walmart, yes, I do shop there. But on the way, I was calmly and politely driving inside my lane, when all of the sudden this huge vehicle like a BIG van or suburban type was drifting FAR into my lane. Luckily I had the "suicide" lane beside me that was vacated and I had to swerve over and then I HONKED my horn. She looked at me like "what, what I do?"

What I meant to say... OH MY GOSH!! Get off of your cell phone and pay attention already! You nearly side swiped me, and then I'd have been down a vehicle while yours may have went untouched!! I can't afford something like that right now. Please PAY ATTENTION.

Last week I held volleyball tryouts for the 7th and 8th grades at the school my kids go to. Now never having to try out while I was in school, I wasn't exactly sure what I was getting myself into. I had 39 students show up the first day of practice. Boys and girls in both grades. Some taller players, some that probably could walk under the net practically. It was crazy!!

What I meant to say .... What the heck did I get myself into!?? Oh my, there are a billion kids out here and it's so NOISY!!    So listen up, if you don't think you can practice every day just leave now, and don't come back, and if you currently have grade issues, leave and don't come back. Because I don't want to get excited over your skills just to find out I can't let you be on the team. That sucks.   And when your name was called out on the last day as someone that made the team if you weren't serious about being a part of it... you should have SPOKEN UP!!

I was out on a photo shoot last week. This cute little boy had just turned 3 and was so handsome. We had some awesome locations that we used.

What I meant to say.... DANG GIRL YOU'RE GOOD!! Okay, so you never have taken a class, but I think you are a quick learner and you have some natural ability. Keep it up. Who cares if every shot isn't completely perfect. But I do have to say that photo shoot turned out GREAT.    (by the way I was the photographer)

See if you don't believe me check this out... I created this collage using the photos taken during the above mentioned photo shoot. What da ya think??

I got an email from the director of the school that said the following, " Just today I heard one of the kids say, "Coach Randolph Rocks". So I went to practice the next day and said, that I heard I wasn't doing a good enough job and wasn't working the team hard enough. So that things were going to change and that I would be working them harder. I started hearing some groaning, and then a student asked, "Why do you think you aren't doing a good enough job?" And then I said, that I got this email, and told them what it said. Of course, the kid who said it was totally smiling about it. They all laughed.

What I meant to say.... Are you kidding me they like ME?? I never thought they would. I am really enjoying myself, and I try to switch up the drills so that they aren't doing the same ones every practice. I was all excited when I first read this that I think I'll never forget it. Thanks Team!! I really enjoy working with you guys.

Back to blogging .... this week.

2010-09-13T16:41:00.000-06:00

I decided that I'd join in with the SITS ladies and get back to blogging.

Today's theme Monday, September 13: Re-upload the first post you ever wrote on your blog. If interested, re-write that post, showing us a before and after look at the piece.

So I realized that I posted this one back in April of 2009 and have had sporadically posted things on here since then, but I want to get back into utilizing this blog. I really like this first post.

Okay so this is a blog I wanted to start all about me, for me, and what makes my day, what drives me crazy, and the things that others do for me that make me feel glad to be ALIVE!!!

Thus the name " My Cliffs of Insanity" was chosen. Because it doesn't take much before I need a break, and if I don't get it...... I'm one step closer to jumping of that cliff. So in a way this is a place for me to "vent" and "rant" and "praise" and "Thank" when it's called for, so that I can keep my feet planted solidly where I'm at.

I'm not perfect by any means, I have a hard time doing all the things I'm supposed to. I'm nearing the ripe old age of (shhhhh 31) in just a few weeks and I'm thinking, what am I doing?? My house is constantly in shambles, I feel used and abused most days. I'm like a maid working for a not for profit organization experiencing the effects of a rough economy.

I'm not a fashion guru. I know, but it's sad too, when my favorite pair of jeans have a hole in the knee and just look completely stained ( with oil stains etc....) And the rest of my jeans ALL have holes in the knees as well. I don't spend a whole lot of time on my knees but apparently enough to wear them out.

I'm not a beauty queen. I wasn't one that you would have thought a HOT BABE in high school. ( At least I don't think I was) I do attempt to wear make up more frequently now, because I'm showing signs of wear and tear. And I feel "prettier" if I have the make up on, but all the time and effort to just forget to wash my face before I go to bed.... blah ---- most of the time I go without the make up though. That' s how I am most of the time and when my husband fell in love with me, I was a plain JANE!! So at least I don't have to try and impress anyone right now. Right??? He loves me and that's all that matters.

I was athletic at one point. Not so much anymore... . something I want to remedy in the near future. Good thing Spring is upon us, and the warmer weather is here. I'm so out of shape now, especially having five kids and not taking anytime for myself to stay physically active. Shame on me.

I try to be a good friend. Heck that's one thing I try to EXCEL at . I think having friends are important. And I don't mean " My husband is my best friend and that 's all I need..." Because he's a man, he doesn't understand the same things that I feel. But you know who does??? Or who might??? My friends of the female kind. They don't judge you, (at least not in your face) they seem to be understanding, loving, and offer advice or suggestions of things to help correct a situation. Not everyone I meet comes across as a genuine person but once in a while I'll find someone like that. Those are the ones I stay connected with. So count yourself lucky if I still have found ways to connect with you. So that's just one thing I can't stand and that's fake people. Saying one thing in front of you.... but doing something completely different out of your sight. I get the vibes, then I wait, I watch, I listen, and then I make the final conclusion.... if all the above add up ... then chances are I don't want to really continue a friendship with you... it's more like an "acquaintanceship". I'll still say Hi, and have casual chit chat, but forget about the deep and satisfying kind of conversation.

I don't like to be mistreated, so I try not to mistreat others. If I do..... usually it's a lack of communication or understanding.

I know that I'm a daughter of God, and that all things I try to do, I hope allow me closer to reaching my end result. To return to live with him again. I know that things are hard, I know that trials are a part of life. But with Him all things are possible.

As time has passed, I realize that this is still what this blog is about.

What I meant to say ....

2010-09-01T22:52:00.000-06:00

Okay so it could be called What I meant to say Thursday because I am getting to this so late!!! I have good excuses and good reasons. But we won't get into those.... but I want to get it off my chest...so here I go.

After coming home from a baby shower open house I threw for my awesome sister Amy, My husband gave me my "mail". What it contained was a notice to qualify for jury duty. I know it wasn't a call to do it right away, but just a preliminary questionnaire. Great, just what I need.

What I meant to say.... ARE YOU FLIPPING KIDDING ME??? I don't have time for this in my life. I'm perfectly content just being myself in my little world. My husband works fulltime, and I have two little boys home during the day. I have to take kids to school. What the heck, am I going to do with my house cleaning?? Go figure, just as I'm working my BUTT off to get my house decluttered and organized and CLEAN, something has to come along and upset the fruit basket and then I'll be back to square freaking one again!! NOT FAIR.

(Seriously, I know some people have always wanted to be on a jury. But me personally, I've never wanted to. I thought about moving temporarily so I won't have to ever do a jury session ever, but Chris said I couldn't do that. So I've complied and filled out the form, and I'm praying like crazy that I don't have to do that.)

Telemarketers call ALL the time. They bombard my phone line for what seems like every day of the week and really heavy between 8-10pm. I ignore the calls, Thank goodness for caller ID!!

But if I were to answer the phone...

What I meant to say was .... I'm sorry she's unavailable but if you give me your home phone number I'll have her call you at your least favorite time of day to recieve phone calls. And for future reference, if you want to get through and talk to a human try calling in between the hours of 4:00-4:05pm and no other time. She has a life of her own, and can not keep being bothered by the numbers of people trying to call and bug her, and distract her from her daily responsibilities as a wife and mother of 5. And oh yeah, she's busy chasing her 3 year old so she can finally get him dressed but he's a bit of a booger sometimes, and it's really tiring on her. So if she has any questions for you guys, or wants you to go over her account to make sure she has the best deal, or wants your supplemental insurance.... she'll give you a call. Thanks for your time, but please make your calls pretty sparse in the future. Have a ROTTEN night, since you made ours rotten.

(Now let me clarify, I know that people make these calls for a living, heck I worked at a market research place and called all the time, I know what it's like. But not having control over who to call and the time zone really sucked for me. I'm just saying that I don't want the phone calls, and especially not during dinner time, and not on the Sundays)

My sister in law had her baby the other day. I was happy for her. Other friends are having their babies.

What I meant to say.... So when can I take their newborn pictures? Cause you know that's what I like to do!! I'm itching for the photo shoots...so please lets get on with it.

I've been busy CLEANING my house this week. Seriously ALL Day long and into the nights, followed by going to bed waking up and repeating only different tasks the next day. I'm making lots of progress.

What I meant to do.... Wake up and lay on the couch either reading a great book, while nodding back off to sleep or watching a movie or to on the boob tube. Or just running over to a friends house and hanging out. And sometimes I wonder if I could just throw everything into a can and just BURN it all. I won't because I know it's wrong, but what if...... ??? I'd rather have made fresh home made rolls to eat on, or good dinners instead of being so tired to do anything about it. Yeah I know, I need a MOMMY vacation and I need it soon.

What I meant to say ....

2010-08-25T00:45:00.000-06:00

Trying something new today. I know it has been a while since I've updated on this blog, but I've been plenty busy in the blog world on my other blogs. Starting this because of Alexes at One Cluttered Brain. But I think Angel is the "host" of such a meme. Kind of fun to do this. It is the first time and not sure how to go about it, but I think I'll catch on after a few tries.

Got an extra charge on my bill. The phone one. Yes, it was for something strange I didn't know about and it was through a 3rd party biller.

I call the phone company, which says call this other number. Fine. Okay.
Other number goes through and verifies all the info on the account. (well DUH)
Of course, you have my info the charge is on my bill for my PHONE NUMBER. (hello)

I said I didn't know about these, and have no idea how they got there in the first place.
It was for some Identity theft place and he says, "well no one can benefit from doing this"
I asked if I could get the charges credited back.

HIM: I could do one of them but not both.
I said : Is there someone else I can talk to that could approve this??
He puts me on hold and after a few minutes gets back on. Yes I can credit both of those charges back. You'll get a check in 8-10 days.
WHAT?? Can't you just credit it back to my phone company where the charge was sent to??
I don't want to pay for this charge at ALL. Please credit back the account thank you.

Now WHAT I MEANT TO SAY WAS....
Hey bozos why do I have a bogus charge that I didn't authorize on my phone bill this month?
And I want you to make it go away because I don't want to pay it. And frankly I'm not going to.
Whatever, no one will benefit from this. Your company stands to benefit if I didn't notice and just keep paying for it.
And why on earth do people charge things through your phone number anyway, if you're a real business can't you use a "CARD" method of billing or for heaven sakes send out a bill in the mail.

Thanks for my credit... can I have your social so I can keep tabs on you if it doesn't show up. I'm waiting!! Impatiently. Dummy heads.

EXAMPLE #2
Children are up playing and making loud noise and I've already asked them to start getting ready for bed.

What I meant to say was:

WOULD YOU PLEASE SHUT UP!!

You're making my head hurt, plus I'm a cranky old woman that needs some ME time, and because you're intruding on my precious ME time, I don't get a refreshing break from my MOMMY duties.

Yes I love you, but seriously I wish you came with a power button/mute button. Now go to bed, did I say I love you?

Want to see what I've been up to....??? Hmmm???

2010-07-29T02:05:00.000-06:00

I know it's been nearly two months since I've posted here, but that doesn't mean I haven't been posting. I've been busy lately. And have finally taken the dive into getting myself into photogrpahy and becoming a professional someday. But here are some different photo shoots that I've done and have really enjoyed getting to photograph all these different babies. It's been a lot of fun... so if you like what you see and you live in Utah or Salt Lake Counties ... guess who could hook you up with a photo session. I'm looking for all ages ... and I go on location, until it's cold outside and then I'll turn my living room into a temporary studio when needed. Be sure and book mark my photo blog so you can stay updated on what I'm working on.

http://www.creamofthecropdesigns.wordpress.com/

Life is good.

2010-05-30T23:06:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow we're hosting a huge family BBQ for Memorial Day. My husband and I are so excited for this. School is now over for the summer, and we have less then one week before we head out to Cali to visit with my family. I'll do a few photo shoots while I'm there. A huge family session for a friend of mine from high school, that I haven't seen in several years. But thankfully with the internet, we've been able to communicate still. I'm a little nervous, seeing how this will be my first large group to work with. But at the same time I'm really excited to get the experience in.

You see, I'm hoping to own my own photography business within a year or so, and I'm trying to hone the skills that are needed to be a great photographer. I've done a few newborn sessions for some friends that were gracious enough to lend me their gorgeous little babies to use as a model.   I've edited some of the pictures, and uploaded them to share with others, but I have a few more poses that I need to edit a little and then post them on here.

It's amazing how much I'm absorbing as I go along. I've always had a knack for learning new things, and I've always had a love for photography, but never had a good camera until a month ago. So now I have my first DSLR ..simply put a camera that I can change the lens on. I now have two lens that I can use on my camera with dreams of a few others that I'd like to get. But everytime I get a chance, I pull out my camera and practice on how to operate it. And I'm beginning to learn that when I hear that sometimes a photographer will take a dozen or more pictures of the same "subject" and get 1 -2 pictures that really turn out great.

But it's fun!! Mistakes and all. The hard part is trying to find out, what is needed in order to start up an official legit business, and wondering if I'll be able to find enough clients that I can really begin to make money. (crossing my fingers)

Just trying to build up a portfolio for now, so that I have something to show to potential clients. My next goal is to do a few "patriotic" sessions. I've got one scheduled with a little baby in about two weeks, and I'm so excited. I have a session tentatively scheduled ...but it all depends on when he decides to join the human race here on earth.   So I'll be doing that one probably after I return from Cali as well.

So be sure to check out my other blog HERE to see some of the projects I've been working on.

But first I'll share on of my own son that I totally adore... of course, it's while he is sleeping. He's just so darn precious in this form.

Birthday Party for Katherine

2010-05-23T01:05:00.000-06:00

I am getting into photography more and more everyday!! I love learning about it, and practicing things I read and hear about... I'm totally having fun!!! Today we had a birthday party for my sweet girl who is Now 10!!

Here are a few of the pictures that I took from the party .... to see more be sure and stop by my newest blog set up specifically for photography and digital scrapbooking fun. (It's on wordpress, and I'm thinking I like the functionality of that site better anymore...)

These pictures may seem redundant... because I posted a few on facebook, a few on Cream of the Crop and of course, a handful or two over at Cream of the Crop Designs... * My new wordpress blog.

I'm located in Utah County, and am willing to do photo shoots on location... contact me if you are interested wizzardmom (at) gmail (dot) com.

The Birthday Girl!!

And what fun is a birthday party unless you use some FROSTING !!!

This party was so fun. The point of it was to come with a "GOOFY" fashion show outfit, and then they'd have the chance to be a "MODEL". So they got pictures taken, they got to take a walk on the runway (using our grass strip on the driveway) The girls were all so beautiful, and got along well together.

Fix It Fridays ... May 14th 2010

2010-05-14T20:52:00.000-06:00

Okay I'm finally ready to post this edit. I've been working on it off and on all day long in between

watching my 5th grader in a play this morning, and having lunch with the boys afterwards and then

back to the school for the kinder roundup.

I also managed to steal some time with my hubby tonight and went out to eat and then hit up a

baseball card shop up in Orem. He was like a kid going into a candy store. Seriously.

At any rate, I'm finally ready to post my version of the edit.

Be sure and click on the Fix it Fridays picture and go take a look at some more amazing edits.

Wordy Wednesday

2010-05-11T20:29:00.000-06:00

My daughter who is in 5th grade this year, was part of this AWESOME FLAG.

This picture, I was playing with a long shutter speed,

and doing zoom out motion (I think).

At any rate I loved how this photo turned out.

It was so fun, to sit here and listen to the songs that were sung, and know that we do live in

an AMAZING country. Not perfect by any means, but the values upon which it was founded are

awe inspiring to all around. This flag is made up of fifth grade.students in Utah County schools in Utah.

It was the Hope of America program which is part of Provo's Freedom Festival.

PS.

I arrived at this event a few minutes late because I was getting pampered over at the church by

they young women who were doing pedicures and manicures in hopes of raising money for

girls camp this summer. It was so nice, and so worth it!! It was part of my Mothers Day gift.

Here I am soaking my feet.

IT's Friday and that means its time to EDIT again...

2010-05-07T12:58:00.001-06:00

Okay so I joined up with I heart Faces again, to do the Friday Fix It. This one was fun to do as well. It's great trying to play around and see what I can come up with. Be sure to stop by I ♥ Faces and check out all the other amazing people that have played along with the editing fun.

Remembering Grandpa...

2010-05-04T14:33:00.000-06:00

Pulled from the archives: Originally posted May 2nd, 2009 just three days before Grandpa passed away although it was on my other blog. Forgive me if I'm a little emotional today and tomorrow (May 4th & 5th) .

(I've updated this with new updates on his condition added in purple)

My thoughts today are with my Grandpa Hill.

Family Reunion in Idaho June of 2002.

My Grandpa with all of his children that were still living. June 2002

L-R Grandpa, Aunt Kathy, My Dad, Uncle Randy, Aunt Rose, and in the back Uncle Don.

As much of the family that was there: June 2002

This was taken at my brother David's wedding June of 2005

He's in the hospital and my cousin Angie has this as her status. Saturday May 2nd, 2009

"Grandpa still critical.. He has a very low blood pressure. Last night when I was there it was around 66/36 and high toxicity level. His kidneys and liver are failing.They got the bleeding in his esophagus to stop. He got 10 units of blood yesterday. Please pray hard. Family: If you want to get a message to grandpa send it to me and I will print it and take it and read it to grandpa. All grandpa's kids are now here"
ADDED LATER: And here is an email
I just got this from my Aunt Rose:
"Dad was rushed to the hospital at 3am friday morning coughing up lots and lots of blood, he had spewed out half of his body's blood and the replaced it with 6 units of blood. When they found the problem and fixed it (a vein in his esophgus had ruptured. Dr. has told us it is related to his diabetes and damage that it has done to his liver. They had given him a 30 percent chance of surviving this episode. Late last night they informed us that his kidneys and liver are not working and have shut down, If they dont start to function soon the acids that accumulate when these things are not working will build up in is stomach and will reach a point where it is irreversible and nothing they can do to help him. We are now in a wait and see if they start working. So please pray for my dad that God does what is best for him. Love Rose "
Update from Angie's facebook 7:41pm May 2nd, 2009 "Well just got update and they are going to try and do a round of dialysis to see if they can get the toxicity level down on my grandpa. If it works they will line up a second round. If not, then grandpa will be on his way to the lord. Thank you everybody for your thoughts and prayers. They are still very much needed. Will keep you updated as I can on here."
Update from Angie's facebook about 9:50 am May 4th, 2009 " This mornings Grandpa's update is that his kidney's and liver still haven't kicked in. I don't know much more than that. They are limiting his visitors so that he can get some rest. My cousin Chris's wife is at the same hospital. Her appendix bursted and she had to have surgery. Looks like she is doing good. I will go see her later today. Will keep you updated when I can. "
Update from Angie's facebook 10:59 am May 3rd, 2009 " Ok, so far so good with grandpa. His body took to the dialysis good. He was able to maintain his blood pressure. His toxicity levels are down to almost a normal level. However, his liver and kidney's haven't kicked in yet. Still need to get his heart rate lower. His blood pressure is looking better now. Will keep you posted when I get back from the hospital later... Thanks for your thoughts and prayers everyone!
Latest Update from Angie on Facebook 11:09 pm May 4th, 2009 "Wish I could come to you with good news but none to tell of. Grandpa is going to start a 24 hours round of dialysis as a last ditch effort. If it don't work then I think it is safe to say I think they will take him off life support. I hit my moment to break tonight. Grandpa wasn't really there.
(Added after original post: ) Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 15:41:15 -0700
Dad (marty) is about the same at this point. They will start a second round of dialysis tonight sometime. his heart rate is down to 115 it was up as high as 155. his blood pressure is now up to 120/80. it was 64/40. his acid levels came down from the first round of dialysis, but are now rising again. He now has a normal temperature. His is very critical and chances for survival are low. We have a small hope that the dialysis will help his kidneys and liver start working again. When things change i will send out an update. Will all of you please spread the update to all whose e-mail i dont have. Maybe Dean you can post on family site for us. Please pray for him.
Love Rosie

So after reading this, and hearing updates occasionally from my mother, things aren't looking good and I feel like it's just a waiting game until he passes on. I'm praying that he isn't suffering very much and that as he passes it's not painful. But I stop to think about what a sweet reunion might take place if he does. You see my grandmother (his wife) has been dead for nearly 21 years. Even though my grandfather was remarried, he really loved my grandma A LOT. He was sealed to hear in the Salt Lake Temple and have their children sealed to them as well. But he basically stopped going to church, and was inactive even before my grandma died. But I'm hoping that through the Atonement all things might be made right... but I don't know, because I don't know how things like this work. What I do know, is that there is a God, our Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to be happy. I say Happy, but that doesn't mean that we won't face trials, and challenges. After all we do have our agency to chose, what we'll do, but if we can pray and be able to know the will of our Father, and do what he wants we can all find happiness. I don't want to sound grimm, but I decided to write my Grandpa a letter, long as it might be, but just in case he does die, I wanted to let him know the following:

Hey Grandpa, May 2, 2009

I’m so glad that I’ve had the chance to grow up most of my life and have you be a part of it. You always made my day brighter when I would see you. And ever since I’ve been married, the chances that I’ve gotten to see you are even more cherished. I remember the attempts at trying to take pictures and the kids wouldn’t cooperate, and they were struggling and screaming and trying to get “out of there”. But there you and Maria sat with large smiles on your faces, and looks in your eyes with nothing but love for us.

I haven’t had the opportunity to get to see you as often as I hoped, but at least you were there for the important times. At my reception when I was married, and all the goofy –ness that you always seem to carry with you everywhere. And I got to see
you last November when Victoria was married. The funny thing being that I
didn’t even recognize you, I thought you were your brother, because you
looked a lot skinnier than I remembered.

My sister's wedding November 2008, Ridgecrest, California.

My husband, Chris, was the one that had to point you out and say that you were my Grandpa. Duh, you were sitting with Maria, so you’d think that I’d have put one and one together and knew that. So I’m glad I have that fun memory. I also remember when my husband’s brother got married back in Sept 2001, and we got to see you then. You were missing a few of your front teeth, and I commented on it. And you said, that Maria socked you a good one and just knocked them right out. You always could tell a great story with lots of embellishments. I always enjoy getting hugs from you; it always helped me to feel loved. Thanks for everything you’ve always done for me.

Know that we are praying for you, and that your in God’s hands and we (my family) will go on and remember the great example you are. You have taught me through my father about working hard, and being a respectable person, and that there are times for play when work is done. You have a great capacity for love, and everyone enjoys being around you.

I’m sorry to hear that things aren’t going so well for you and can only hope that you aren’t suffering a lot of pain. I just really want to let you know that I know that God lives, and loves all of us, and even you.

And in case things don’t miraculously go in a different direction, I’ll feel better knowing that I let you know how much I LOVE YOU, and how much you mean to me. My kids have all had the chance of meeting you, and that is awesome that they still have a great great grandpa alive that they were able to meet.

I’m praying for you, and know that you’re in God’s hands and whatever the outcome, know that I’ve always loved you and will talk about you to my kids all their lives so that they know what a great person you are. Sorry for the length, but I’m taking Angie up on her offer and don’t want to take the opportunity for granted.

I love you Grandpa!!! ------
Love always your granddaughter Wendy
My Reception June 1998.

I Interrupt this blog to tell you....

2010-05-03T09:45:00.000-06:00

NO I'm not Pregnant Not Moving, I'm not SICK. I am tired though, but that isn't why we're interrupting here... Please head over to my other blog and get a feel for what is UP!!!

Thanks so much.

Okay just kidding I'll tell you here.

Today is the day for the ONLINE Ashby Fundraiser!!

Being held at Trapped Between a Hug and a Scream, and there are lots of great things that have been donated and all the proceeds are going to help the family with medical bills, and getting their house renovated for wheel chair access.

I have some things I'm donating to the cause, and hope that you can stop over there and be able to help this family out. And you can still donate $$ even if you don't want to buy something. Everything is appreciated.

I'm offering to do 25 different 2 page digital scrapbook pages. With the buyer supplying all the pictures and any journaling needed to tell the story or date the activity/pictures etc... Buyer will supply up to 10 pictures and I'll do a custom layout for you and your special memories. I'll email them to you, and you will need to get them printed if that's what you desire. This is such a great deal!!!

The cost is $10.00 per two page layout.

And here is the link to my stuff. (I've also created two paper packs that are digital available for purchase as well. Costing $4.00 a piece)

And here is the link to the blog with a lot of other great things listed as well!!

First Attempts... and some editing fun!!

2010-05-03T01:29:00.000-06:00

I love being part of a HUGE extended family!!

We had the great opportunity to all gather (well all but one of my husband's sisters and her family) but everyone else gathered and had great food, and good fun!!

And....

I get to play with my camera some more using my nieces and nephews. (Okay well, maybe I used my own kids for a few shots as well) It was a great day, and I had so much fun watching them play, and decided to just get solo shots of as many of them as I could get, and some great group shots too. (oh did I tell you I got a NEW camera for my birthday a week ago?)

Here are a few ... (plus I'll post more on my other blog too.)

This first one, I wanted to play around with some of the settings on my software, and thought

that this antiqued style was looking pretty awesome!!

And who can resist a cute little red head?? Isn't she adorable!!??

And then of course, here's one of my beauties!!

And this handsome young man!! I love his freckles!!

Fix It Fridays ...

2010-05-01T09:41:00.000-06:00

Okay so yesterday I was helping out at the school all day, so I wasn't able to jump in on the

Fix it Fridays over at I ♥ Faces.

But this edit looked like a fun one I wanted to take a stab at.

This is the original image I had to work with.

First I worked on getting rid of the distracting objects.

I've never really attempted this before, and if I have,

well let's just say it didn't look so great. But I felt

happy with this attempt and went with it.

And after getting rid of the distractions from the original image,

I mess with the "tone" of the picture. And did a few tweaks

with a second program. I probably overdid it but I was just

having fun, and experimenting anyways.

And finally we have the end image. Let me know what you think, and be honest. I want to try and hone or rather acquire some serious photo editing skills, that will hopefully help me out in the future.

Like to Digi Scrap??? Or make digi cards??

2010-05-01T01:24:00.000-06:00

Okay so here's the scoop again, in case you missed it earlier this last week or so.

I have a friend in my neighborhood who was in a terrible accident that has left him paralyzed.

He has two sons serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter Day Saints. And one son who leaves for the Army

this coming Monday May 3rd. Which will leave his only daughter

still living at home.

He was the main provider for the family, and the medical bills are staggering into amounts

I've never even imagined before in my life. Plus they need to renovate the house

for wheelchair accessiblity.

This is a fabulous family that also happen to live a few houses from me.

A few ladies, that are friends of mine, are throwing together an online sale ..

to take place on Monday May 3rd, 2010.

I decided to step up my "hobby" a notch and try my hand at designing

some digital paper packs. Great for doing digital scrapbooking with, making cards,

using on your blog as a background ... etc...

So I'll be donating any monetary proceeds that are gained from these to the family.

So do me a favor and spread the word!!! PLEASE!!!

And stop by this BLOG on Monday and check out all the other amazing things that

have been donated !!!

I WON!! And hope to do it again!!!

2010-04-28T23:16:00.001-06:00

Okay so bare with me, I am just a little excited!!!

Just found out that I am the winner for Tristi Pinkstons book called Secret Sisters!!!

A few days (or week) ago I blogged about wanting to win a fantastic giveaway, and well it helped me tons because I did win it!!

So I'm going on a limb again, and want to cross my fingers really tight for a chance to win another free book!! But you can also enter by going to this website.

Sounds like a great book, and since I've got summer right around the corner and lots of time, that will not be used transporting kids to and from school, or the endless tortuous hours of the homework struggles, I'll have some time on my hand to do some READING and adding books to my collection to read over the summer can't ever be a bad thing. Right??

I'm excited to check this author's work out!! Laurie Lewis, has written Awakening Avery which the book is scheduled to come out really soon! I'd love to get my hands on a copy!! How about you??? Hop on over here for your chance to win.

My Birthday Vlog...

2010-04-23T19:20:00.000-06:00

Okay people, I know I wanted to be wild and crazy, but felt I really wasn't capable.

Well I have since learned that I can be, since I've recorded this video earlier. I'm NUTS!! I must be!

But it was so much FUN!! I think my friend Cluttered Brain is starting to rub off on me!! (And by the way Alexes this is just for you!!)

So sit back and get ready for a belly full of laughs, because I laughed when I went back and watched it.

Please take a minute ....

2010-04-22T21:33:00.000-06:00

Trying to spread the word, so please stop doing everything you are doing and go here.

Grab one of these button from the blog link right above and put it on your blog!!

A friend and neighbor of ours was in a tragic accident that has left him paralyzed.
The hospital bills are going to go through the roof, and their house will need to be renovated and made wheelchair accessible. Read more at the blog above, and help spread the word !!

A last minute hair affair.... ???

2010-04-22T00:33:00.002-06:00

Okay so this isn't quite last minute, but I was wondering if there was anything that I wanted to do that was "WILD AND CRAZY" before I have my birthday on SATURDAY!!

and my mind went BLANK.. That's right, completely BLANK!!

For one I'm not the "WILD AND CRAZY" kind, until I get around a bunch of my friends at different gatherings we all go too, then things get kind of crazy.

So I've been thinking some more and well, I'm sorry to say I have NOTHING in mind.

As many of you know I have LONG, LUSCIOUS (at least I like to call it luscious) Brown, slightly wavy hair and it's a complete difference from when I was married.

One of my Senior Pics ... and I still have the jacket. This was fall of 1995!!! So for those who don't want do the math... I graduated in 1996 so I've been out of school FOREVER now. Can you tell I didn't want to do the math either... I hate the reminders that I'm getting older everyday!!

So my hair wasn't extremely long, like it is now, but it wasn't really short either.

Then: circa 1998 (to be exact June 24)

This was Fall of 2005 before I got this haircut I had long hair at least to the

middle of my back. So I liked the hair cut like the first day, and then I hated it.

I couldn't duplicate how she styled it at the salon, and then ... well I like my

hair longer. So I grew it out, and it grew, plus I got pregnant with my 5th kid and

my hair grows a little accelerated then, and ....

.... And here I am circa 2010 -- nearly 12 years later. (To be exact March 20, 2010)

My question then is .... Do I do something extreme to my hair?

Would you, if you were in my situation?

And what's your take on coloring hair?

Do you let your daughters do that?

I want to go lighter again, but I don't want to

explain to my tweens why they can't, if I do that.

So back to the first question... do I be daring and bold .... ??

** Hint: NO WAY IN HECK!!!

See what did I tell you.. I'm not WILD and CRAZY

all by myself but put me in a room with other attention

starved ladies and we can all be quite a riot.

And that does a body good.

And PS... don't knock the pictures, we only used disposable cameras to take pictures and I really REGRET

that now, do you hear me... I REGRET NOT HAVING A PHOTOGRAPHER on the professional level

there to capture our special day together. So it wasn't a very good image to begin with, but

it's all we have. And for that I am grateful.

Secondly, the current picture is taken with my piece of junk point and shoot camera that is on

it's way to camera heaven ... just as soon as I get a better one. (Crossing my fingers..remember

my birthday is on Saturday -- just two more days ) Oh my.

So I'm now curious as to "Extreme" hair changes for you over the last 12 years.

So go ahead and create a crazy post like this one, and show us the changes you've been through with your hair, and what you did or didn't like about it.

Sweet Spring ....

2010-04-21T11:10:00.000-06:00

Okay here is the another paper pack, that I was mostly finished with yesterday, but had to make a few little tweaks, and put the preview together. So here is another sample of what I've come up with.

I love the colors in this pack. Because I like the bright colors at springtime, that just seem to pop out at you as you drive by. And these colors POP out at me!!

I'm thankful to have such a talent, or knack for trying to create these things. That I can use for my own scrapbooking and I can share with others. (But not yet)

You may wonder why I have put the name Cream of the Crop Designs on here, because my original blog that I started is called Cream of the Crop, and the name just seems to flow already and I just added Designs to the end of it. But that blog is geared more for family updates and such, so I direct the general population to this blog.

My first time....

2010-04-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

I've written this once, and thought it was way too wordy.
I'll start over.
First time ever, creating my own paper pack.
Good for use with digital scrapbooking, blog design etc..
Had lots of fun coming up with these.
Trying to help some friends putting on an online fundraiser in the next few weeks or so.

I came up with this, and decided to step out of my comfort zone.
I'm donating this pack ...
If you want to purchase it I'll give you more details later (Like when I get the complete details)
I will create at least one more... that is good for.... I don't know yet.

A preview of the 15 papers I came up with.
And two pages with my pictures using my papers too.
Now it's time to sleep... if I can get beyond this insomnia ... and I'm not prego.. so I'm not sure why
I have an issue right now.

Questions. Just ask. Thanks Goodbye.

So I grabbed some of my pictures from 2008 that I hadn't scrapbooked yet and used my very own papers that I created, and all the elements I did myself. This was so fun!!!

Check out Little Man's scrunched up face!!! I love when he did that. He's kind of phased out of it.

I ♥ Faces Week 16 -- Photo Collage

2010-04-19T10:39:00.000-06:00

So this week on I ♥ Faces the theme is Photo Collage.

So I wanted to go back and put together a little memory from my baby boy's 1st birthday. I loved these pictures, and had lots of fun taking them. I can't believe how big he is now. He just turned 3 about a week ago. My how time flies.

My Week at a glance.... (It's just the begining)

2010-04-19T07:00:00.018-06:00

I'm a RETARD of a DOOFUS!!! (Okay not like that is really a correct term or anything but I just like making up funny ridiculous names to call myself, or others closely related or on nearly BFF status)

I revamped my other blog, and gave it a new look. So swing by and have a peak if you'd like. The other look was great for Winter Time, but I needed something different for SPRING and maybe into Summer. So I had fun creating it.

So why am I "whining" or "complaining" ? Well, I'm glad you asked.

I don't have much time during the day, with two little rascals keeping me busy here at home, or out and about trying to stay sane, and regular household duties that need attention, it's really hard to find time to "REVAMP" much of anything in blogland. So the only way I can do it, is by sacrificing some sleep. Now that I've played around with it, I'm liking it a lot.

This week at a glance:

Monday Night our family holds Family Home Evening. (Not sure if that link will work or not) But basically it's a time set aside for families to spend time together, and learning more about the gospel. Our family looks forward to this every week. It's one of the highlights of our week.

Annual PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) breakfast for Committee Chairs ( Remember? I did the YEARBOOK!!) So I get to go first thing in the morning on Tuesday and partake of the goodness the PTO is providing, (and they don't usually skimp)

Later that same night, if I am able to make it, will be the Recipe Group Exchange/Sampling. This month the theme is sides. (What??) I don't usually deal with sides unless it's a huge get together somewhere, or Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas... get the point. I'm lousy at fixing dinners with "all the courses". A side to me happens to be a jar of bottled pears or peaches that I personally canned, or some kind of fruit. So maybe I should go, and get some better ideas. What do ya think? Anyone else out there have good side dish recipes?? Please pass them my way.

Wednesday -- probably going out to visit some friends in my neighborhood with a program we call visiting teaching. (If you are curious, and don't know what it is please just ask and I'd be happy to tell you) Hopefully Chris and I can make it out to play racquetball again.

Thursday -- My visiting teachers will come over to my house around 10am, and then I'll take the boys to playgroup which is taking place at McDonald's play land at 1pm, and then I'll head to the Temple most likely later that evening when Chris is home from work.

Friday -- (I'm Thinking.....) (I'm Thinking....) Can't think of anything, or if there is something I completely forgot about it. ---- wait, I think I remember... The Women's Expo. YES that's it, I'll go hang out around there sometime this weekend, not sure yet when.

Saturday -- Something was going on this day, but I can't quite put my finger on it. ~~(my birthday April 24)~~
I can't believe another year has gone by, my goodness. I swear the internal clocks completely speed up as you age. Which is ironic, because you move slower the older you get so you think time would SLOW down, but no, it just keeps on, getting FASTER, and leaves little time to catch up before you are running behind again.

Speaking of which, I better get my behind to bed. (It's late here) And I'm not telling you how late, but it's later than I wanted it to be.

Crossing my fingers..

2010-04-16T10:13:00.000-06:00

Okay so call me LAME!

(did you call me lame yet?) go on get on with it already.

Feeling better yet?? Still curious why I'm crossing my fingers?

Well, I want to win a book. (because I'm a nerdy type who loves to read)

The author?

Title of the book?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Answers...

Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters --- that's right, I've never read anything by her yet, but this book is shouting loudly to my innermost regions and calling out "READ ME, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!

And right now, I have a chance to win this book. And you can to by visiting Michelle Ashman Belle's blog where she has interviewed Tristi.

Did I mention to, that I'm so glad that other people are so talented, that I can sit back and enjoy all their "hard" work??

So go read the interview already, what are you waiting for? Christmas? Easter? Your birthday, (or maybe mine which is the 24th of April)?

I even made it easy you just need to click on the link.

Happy Friday Everyone!!

In the words of a radio station that I listen to frequently, " I HOPE I WIN THE CONTEST!"