Closet Creations

I did these pages during Feeling Scrappy's Sketchapaloza class a couple of months ago and I wanted to share them with you. I had a blast creating these pages and with each challenge, I would discover more joy in the creating process of scrappin'. Since this class, I

haven't scrapped any pages because I have found a new kind of joy in making cards! I love learning new techniques and the thrill of making cards in bulk. I'm so thankful I have an outlet to go to or I should say, a closet to run to! It's been two years now since I converted the livingroom closet into my scrappin' closet and I officially named my closet Closet Creations. In the next couple of days, I'll post some cards I've created along with some of the cards I'm making in Feeling Scrappy's class "Simplify the Season".

Father & Son Tree Service

When George bought a chainsaw last year, I had no idea what was in store for our property. The main attraction of our property use to be all the trees and the shade and privacy they provided, but not anymore! George has cut down a few trees in the back yard, but after the county came and cut down three mature bradford pear trees in the front yard (in the power lines) he has directed his attention on the front yard. A couple of Saturdays ago, my Father & Son tree service cut down two trees in the right side of the front yard (bottom picture). George tied his repelling rope around the tree and on the back of his Samari and had Forrest drive the Samari forward, guiding the tree to fall in the right direction as George did the cutting. I wished I had this on video as it was a sight to see! He and Forrest had this particular tree cut down, branches to the street and logs cut and stacked within an hour!

So far, George has cut down fourteen trees in the front yard and we still have a couple in the back yard to go. I have to admit, I do like the property better now than before. I asked George how much we have saved by doing this ourselves and he said on average, it's $1200-$1800 or more to have a tree cut down (depending on size of tree) so we've saved a a big chunk. The best part about cutting down our own trees is having stacks of wood for the stove during winter time. By the time it's all said and done, we'll have 5-6 years worth of fuel for winter!

THursday Night Football

Look at how much fun Sadie has at the middle school football games! The 7th & 8th grade band students play during the middle school football games on Thursday nights and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed at the songs they were playing! I wanted to do some dancing like Sadie and grab a sax and play my high school songs, but then that would have embarrassed her! THis Friday night, the middle school band will play with the high school band at their football game. I think that is so cool! Being around the band and the students are making me feel young again and I like that!

Manna from Heaven

As you all know, my purse was stolen mid-July at Youth Conference in Troy, AL at Troy State University . But what you don't know, is that exactly one month to the day it was taken, manna from God was dropped from heaven in the form of a Fed-Ex box on our front door step. Forrest and Sadie ripped the box opened to find my purse had been found and returned! I screamed with joy in amazement at this wonderful blessing from God. My purse hadn't been rummaged through or damaged in the slightest! Even my half- empty bag of peanuts was there! lol. The only thing missing was the cash.

I have to admit, I suprised myself by recognizing how I was feeling the minute I discovered my purse was stolen. I was extremely calm about my purse being taken and not the total opposite. I had the feeling this was in Heavenly Father's hands, not mine and for some unknown reason, I knew in my heart this would work itself out. I have often had the thought that this wasn't my test, but a test for the individual who took my purse. This person failed the honesty test by taking my purse and failed the Good Samaritan test by not shutting my trunk for me!

I will forever be grateful to the person(s) who found my purse and turned it so that the Troy Police could return it to the rightful owner, me!

No Words Neccessary!

What the BLog?

What the blog is going on here? Has anyone seen my blog because I sure haven't! THis summer has come and gone so fast that I haven't had time to blog some weeks and I thought I would never miss a beat with my blogging! It's been very busy around here. June and July flew by and August is on auto-pilot. My calendar is so busy I can't even pencil in scrappin' time!

School started last Monday with seminary starting the next day. Mom had her other knee replacement also last Tuesday so I have been traveling back and forth to see her and Dad in Athens. My sister MK came up to help out with Dad this past weekend and Sadie and I got to hang with her and we had a blast. (I didn't realize it's been almost eight months since I have seen her!) Sadie and I will bust mom out of rehab this Saturday and bring her home. She is doing such a fantastic job and is such a trooper! Grampie misses her so much and can't wait for her return.

Forrest turned 15 on August 8th and on the same day as mom's surgery he skipped school and took his learner's permit test-and PASSED! He's doing a great job driving but I swear, it's driving me crazy! I stress too much. The thought of putting my life (and his) and my car in the hands of a 15 year old scares the *&^%$ out of me! He gets good practice time by driving to seminary every morning and to school. ( there's not much traffic going in our direction! lol) He'll get in more driving time when soccer conditioning begins in the next couple of weeks. He and Sadie are growing up so fast! Just this past weekend, Sadie opened a Facebook account. Both of my babies are social networking!

I began my official duties as Sadie's middle school treasurer/secretary today. Football season starts next week with Sadie playing in the pep band. Believe it or not, I haven't picked up my camera in the last couple of weeks. I only realized I needed it ofter the fact. Oh well. Life happens.

Even though life is busy right at the moment, we are not loosing out on family time. I'm making sure we get in our time together and having our family dinners and hang out time. Family is all that matters in this crazy world and I will not loose them to craziness! Well, you know the 411 on us and hopefully the next blog I'll have a picture to post if I don't forget my camera! lol

Proud Moment

Forrest receive his Life rank in BSA last Wedensday along with several merit badges he has earned this summer. After he earns a few more merit badges during the next six months, he'll be ready to begin working on his Eagle! My favorite part of the Court of Honor is when Forrest escorts me to the front of the room and he pins me with the mother's pin every time he advances a rank. It's really a special moment when Forrest says thank you to me for all the help and support I give to him. Now if I can only get him to help me sew the badges on his sash!