July 4th Weekend

I  know, I know...I said I was going to blog more. I love reading so many other blogs but can't keep      mine updated. We shall see if I do better.

Bought this little beauty for myself this past week. I love it so far but still have so much to figure out. My son has had an iphone for a few months,  so he has been my tutor...thank you Tyler!

I had a great 4th holiday with my family, always lots of good food and company.

The weather has been horribly hot here in NE Oklahoma. Trying to enjoy the rest of our summer break. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Karen~

Above 32 degrees!

Today has been the warmest day around here in a while and I will take it!!! The weather the next few days looks wonderful. Anyhoo...lol.

I have been trying to get myself motivated to craft and organize, you know...all those new year's resolutions we have all made. For one thing, the Christmas cards we receive each year. It's hard to just trash those knowing someone took the time to send them out. Take a look at Stephanie's blog for a simple but creative use for our old cards. I just ran across her blog today and I am so glad I did.

Of course, I had to make a Hobby Lobby run yesterday, especially when there is a 40% off coupon ready to use. I keep telling myself I need to get my craft/scrap booking supplies organized better before I buy MORE...that concept really needs to kick in.

I had to get this matted picture when I saw it yesterday. It says "Life is Short - Enjoy the Ride."

Hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend!

Karen~

BRRR!...It's cold out there!

We got two days of school in and missed again today. Last night it was snowing some but the temp and wind chill has been the major problem. I know alot of local schools just don't want the students to be out in the extreme cold so they have canceled the rest of the week. I know there are places with much colder temps and conditions so I am grateful because it could be so much worse. I think we only had one snow day built into our school calendar so these are days we will have to make up at some point.

This is Tiger, which is normally an outside cat. She has been in the house the last couple of days because of the cold temps.

This is Jade, which is a house cat for the most part. She and Tiger don't really like each other, so as you can imagine the growls and snarls that have been going on...lol.
I hope everyone stays warm and toasty today!!

Karen~

Welcome 2010!

As you can see, one of my New Year's resolutions might be to update my blog more than twice a year or so...lol. I can't make any promises but I am sure going to try and do better. I read alot of my favorite blogs and think, my life isn't as exciting or I'm not crafting and making anything fun to talk about...looks like I better hook up huh!

I haven't tried to make a bunch of resolutions that are unrealistic but I have told myself I have to exercise and eat more healthy. Hopefully I can be a better person in general, give a helping hand more often and enjoy all the blessings I have been given!

The weather here in Oklahoma was really nice today, lots of nice sunshine. A welcomed change from the cold temps we have been having but then it is January so it's expected.

My two week Christmas break is winding down. It's been really nice to have the time off but in a few days I will be back with my students...I know the parents are ready to send them back to school by now...*smiles*

Happy New Year to Everyone!!!

Karen~

Birthday Wishes...

How is everyone?

My goodness, it is still raining here in Oklahoma. I hate to complain about it because in a few months, we will be begging for rain. I hope we see some sunshine soon!

We celebrated my mom's birthday today...

Happy Birthday Mom!

I went to see Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner's new movie, "Ghost of Girlfriend's Past."...It was great! If you get the chance, go see it girls!

Here is one of my grandma's old metal lawn chairs. Looks pretty rough right now but today I bought some paint at Lowe's, we'll see what kind of make-0ver I can give it.
Hope everyone has a wonderful, sunny Monday!
Karen~

Busy Time...

School is getting really busy and hectic about now with only 3 weeks or so til summer break.

We are hosting another track meet tomorrow and the weather man is predicting an 80% chance of rain. Hopefully, for the kids...it will hold off.

I mowed the yard AGAIN this past weekend. My goodness, things are turning so green so quickly around here. I noticed some hummingbirds looking for a snack so I cleaned up the feeder and added their favorite nectar. Those little guys are amazing to watch, of course...I didn't get to photo of them, darn it!



Enjoy your Wednesday!

Karen~

Hello Sunshine

The weather was great here today, not a cloud in the sky. Maybe the cold weather is on it's way out for good this time. Speaking of nice weather, I need some warm days so I can continue to pick up sticks and parts of limbs that are still taking over my yard. It's almost like they are reproducing right before my eyes. And in order to take care of the mess, I needed a wheelbarrow...now isn't that something we like to spend our money on but it's a necessity. You are probably wondering why in the world I took a photo but I just had to after putting the goofy thing together all by myself. I thought, how hard could it be right? Oh my, I opened the box and there were all kinds of nuts and bolts but about 2 hours later...I got that baby put together. After all that work, I almost hated to use it...just wanted to shine it up and admire it...lol. Has anyone tried this little item, it called Pedi-Paws, a nail trimmer for dogs and cats. Well, needless to say...Sissy is scared of it. The noise isn't that bad but it spins really fast so when I try to get her nail close to it...she stresses out. The instructions say that the animal should get more used to it as you try to condition them to it but I have my doubts with our dog Sissy. I thought it would be worth a try for $20. Her nails grow so quickly and I hate to use just the regular manual nail trimmers/clippers. Maybe someone can give me some helpful hints on this item.

We enjoyed our weekend and hope you did also!

Karen~

Fun Saturday

This is the cutest idea!

I think my kids at school would enjoy making this treat!

Now if I can just find these plastic gloves.

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/spooky-gloved-munch-mix-62222.aspx

The weather is great here today!

A beautiful fall day plus some football, can't beat that!

Sending a big birthday shout out to Lily! Go visit Shelly at My Lily Eden and send your own birthday wishes to her cute little girl!

Have a great Saturday!

Karen~

Fall Everywhere

Last Saturday on my way home from the Apple Festival, I noticed a few photo opportunities. The weather was beautiful and I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and taking some pictures of these sights. I even took the long way home so I could see some lovely yards of mums, pumpkins, and fall decorations. I drove past a particular house that always has really cool Halloween decorations and they were setting them up as I passed. I wanted a picture really bad so I turned around and went back but then I chickened out, I didn't want the homeowners to think I was crazy stalker woman so I just quickly went past...lol.


Can you all believe it's October?! I think I have said that every month this year...lol...where does the time go. School is really busy right now with football games, preparing for our fall carnival and just my paperwork in general. Being a teacher, I get paid monthly...I was just thinking a few days ago, I have how many more paydays before Christmas???...isn't that a

scary thought!!!

I am attempting a low carb diet AGAIN! A few years ago, I lost about 40 lbs or so on a low carb diet plan. I am sitting here looking through some recipes and I am dying for something sweet but my options are pretty limited. Believe me, you find lots of ideas for splenda and cream cheese...lol. Even a pop tart sounds really good about now! But maybe these creepy cupcakes even look better!!...*smiles*

Have a great Wednesday!!

Karen~

We Survived the First Week Back

Tomorrow will be the beginning of week two for me and Tyler. We survived our first few days of school last week. It hasn't been too bad, just feeling a little tired since we aren't quite used to our school schedule yet but we will get there (I hope). I should be in bed as we speak but in a little while I'll hit the hay.

I read blogs everyday that talk about what funnies their kids are doing or what milestone they have reached and I enjoy reading them all. This week I had to drop Tyler off at high school for the first time and I bawled like a baby on my way to school. I know, I'm a big baby...I admit it. One reason it has been more difficult for me is because he has went to the same school where I work since he started preschool. I have been at school where he played ballgames, was in school plays, participated in 4-H projects or just came to my room and raided my gum stash and drank my tea and all of the sudden...that is all over!! (sad face). But you know, his first few days were fine...I was the only one having the problem so I will work on just sucking it up...lol.

The weather has been so mild here the last few days and it actually rained today. I hope it stays kind of mild since Tyler will start after school football practice on Tuesday and I think they will have about a 2 1/2 - 3 hour practice, man...do I dread that for those boys.

I have added a few things in my etsy shop in the last week so you might want to check those out if you have time. This past week was really busy so you would think I would have a few more exciting things to talk about...lol.

Enjoy your Monday everyone!!!

A Special Birthday and More Fun...

Tomorrow, my son Tyler will be 15 years old! That is so hard to believe, I've said it before but I will say it AGAIN...they grow up so fast! So all of you mom's with young children, enjoy every minute! I have been very blessed to be Tyler's mom!

Even though Tyler's birthday isn't until the 9th, we normally celebrate it on the 4th when everyone is together plus it has always made him feel like all of the fireworks and celebration was just for him. We had lots of good food and fun on that day. He asked for a hashbrown casserole, steak and homemade ice cream and it was all delicious. 1 box of fireworks = $65

Look on his face = priceless!

Isn't it amazing what fabulous colors and sounds come from these small packages.
Sissy cooling off this afternoon, she loves to jump in every chance she gets. She is just like the kids, after a day of swimming they are exhausted...well right now she is laying by my feet tuckered out!
Tyler thinks he is getting too old to have his photo taken, he doesn't say it but the look on his face...lol...but I'm not going to stop!!
It has been so busy since the 4th, I have been running here and there trying to get some things finished. Even though it's summer break, I have things that are due in the summer months. Yesterday, I went to school and completed to reports that were due. I will need to go to school a few more times before we report back on Aug. 4th. Oh yes, can't forget mowing the yard...with all the rain then a little sunshine...the grass grows overnight. Today, had a dental appt. and you know how much fun those things are. Is it just me or is the summer FLYING by?!!

I have been wanting to do some crafting but I can't get other things done to free up some time.

Tyler and I will go eat somewhere tomorrow for his birthday. He hasn't decided where just yet? He likes Mexican so maybe that will be his choice, yummy!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Karen~

SWEET!

LOOK what I got in the mail today! I'm so excited to get the upper tier of the Clip It Up! With purchases like these, I will have no more excuses to not be organized. What a snap it was to attach it, finally something that doesn't take days to put together...lol...and no leftover pieces...*smiles* Great deal on ebay. I made these yesterday for Father's Day. They are called Rocky Road Brownies, I think. They were good but very rich. Speaking of Father's Day, we had a great day...went to my parents and grilled burgers and dogs. Early yesterday morning, the weather was pretty rainy and blah but before too long...the shine came out along with the humidity and it was HOT. Since we were all together, my dad decided it was a good time to replace the liner on their above ground pool. So after lunch, we headed out to the hot yard. Now, why can't things be simple...silly question huh? Things come apart so easy, I don't understand why they don't go back together the same way. So finally, a few hours later in the hot sun...it was done and water hoses were turned on. Now the kids can swim as often as they want. I was too busy holding bits and pieces of things to get any pictures, darn it.
Last Friday night, my son wanted to watch the movie "The Strangers"...well, I had no intention of watching because it's just not my kind of movie. So he called a friend to go with us and bless his heart...I don't think he likes scary movies either but he went along. Okay, so I was desperate to find another movie to go to but nothing else was playing that was on the same time frame of their movie. I was even going to go watch the new something kung fu panda movie alone but it was sold out...lol. Needless to say, I went on to the scary movie and sat in the back. I peeked through my hands about half of the movie, I was scared...lol...but I wasn't screaming like some of the people in the theater...my son would had been so embarrassed if his mom was screaming at the top of her lungs...*smiles*...so I tried to control myself. I will be ready for just a good ole knee slapper movie the next time. My feet are killing me! We had another basketball camp today, only 2 more days THANK GOODNESS! I hold the honor of being the "Concession Queen" during these festivities. No one can hold a candle to me when it comes to throwing together some nachos and hot dogs.

Everyone have a great Tuesday!

Karen~

Already Thursday Again

This week has flown by and it's been since last Thursday since I have posted here on my blog. You would think I would have all kinds of things to talk about since I have been so busy, NOT...lol. Well, I did pick up some scrapbook supplies over the last week or so and of course that's always fun! Yesterday a friend and I drove an hour and a half to a scrapbook store that we love, yes...gas is how much a gal and we drove how far?!! I know, I know! But we do really enjoy this place. The owner really has things arranged to look so inviting and every time you go, she has things updated with the most current supplies and yesterday she was accepting coupons from other stores. You are thinking, did I use my coupon from Hobby Lobby and the answer is a big YES! I printed my 40% off coupon and away we went. I was a little disappointed because I had decided to get the top tier of the clip it up with my coupon and and darn it, they were OUT! (sad face) But believe me, I made good use of the coupon...*smiles* Okay Shelly, I posted these pictures of my supplies especially for you.

Get this, the 6 X 12 eggplant colored album below was just $5...I couldn't believe my eyes. Why didn't I gather up a ton of those, dang!

Isn't this the cutest fabric?!!! I couldn't resist it, what adorable dogs! My plan for this fabric is to make our dog Sissy, a bed with some old pillows. Okay, I need all of you talented ladies advice here...I want to recycle 2 pillows so I can make the bed bigger/wider. So can you all tell me the best way to do this, do I just make a big pillow case and stuff the 2 pillows inside? I don't want the pillows to separate when she lays on it, you know...where the 2 pillows are side by side kind of spread apart when she lays on it. My mom said I should just open up the pillows and use the stuffing (can you tell I really know my sewing lingo?...lol) but I really don't want to tear apart these old pillows. I guess my intent was to get some use out of these old things and make Sissy a decent bed at the same time. As you can see, I need all the help you can throw at me. Thank you all in advance. You guys enjoy your Friday!

Karen~

Cats can be sooo entertaining!

Today, Tyler and I couldn't resist buying this crinkle activity tunnel for the kittens at my mom's while we were at Petco. (Okay, has anyone else noticed it always smells in Petco...it's the ferrets...isn't it?)

Anyway, I knew once the kittens got used to the noise the tunnels makes that they would be in hog heaven...and shazam, they were running back and forth having a great time. We just sat and laughed at them, they are so funny and cute. The tunnel was a big hit and will help entertain them from time to time. We should have gotten one of these for our cat Jade but you never know what she will like. She likes things on her terms, it would be like if she thought we wanted her to play with it she wouldn't...lol and would probably wait and play with it while we were gone.
I have to put in a plug for the modern pet, an etsy store. I have ordered this dog deodorizer in the past and I ordered another one tonight for our dog Sissy. She has a bad habit of finding something disgusting in the yard to roll in at times and this stuff took care of the nasty odor. I was so excited to find it and will continue to use Funky Dog Organic Deodorizer...I better stock up because I caught Sissy rolling on a dead frog at my mom's (sorry, nasty!).
I also went to Hobby Lobby today and got lots of paper that was 50%, hooray!

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

Karen~

Summer has hit Oklahoma!

Well, we finished up basketball camp today and was it hot or what?!!! I guess I should say, the humidity was horrible but then we were in the gym and not getting much air. Here is a picture of Sissy and she is looking at me like "leave me alone and stop flashing that camera!" She had been outside and just laid down and was loving the AC and I don't blame her one bit.Okay, I have been trying to sub Slim Fast in the mornings and I can do that but if I would just do the same for lunch, it would be really great!...but so far, I have just drank the Slim Fast a couple of times for lunch. It's filling but I want to chew and crunch something but then that's my problem...lol. I have been trying to also get on our total gym every night, I have most nights and man...my arms have been sore!
I got my hair cut a little shorter than normal yesterday and I like it. With the humidity we have here, it will feel much cooler. Here's a funny I have to share, my son who will be 15 next month asked me a few days ago when was the last time I colored my hair. Of course, yesterday right after I got my hair cut, he really didn't like it but now today he thinks he likes it better. Don't you just love the honesty of kids!!!
Tomorrow is already Thursday and I need to go work a little while at school but I really want to work on some craft projects I have going also. I wonder which will win?...I just wonder...*smiles* I also want to go to Hobby Lobby, their paper is on sale for 50% off...plus some other goodies and I think there is a 25% off coupon online. I hope everyone has a great Thursday!

Karen~

Where did May go????

I cannot believe the month of May is gone already! We have been out of school since May 14th and the summer is running at warp speed, darn it!...I know, I'm whining...lol.

Below is a picture of Sissy checking out a turtle she found in the yard. She is wanting to be brave but she isn't quite sure what it is so she is kind of keeping her distance.After I moved the turtle and his head popped inside his shell, Sissy did get a little closer look. Once we left the turtle alone, it didn't take him long to get the heck out of dodge.The weather was pretty nasty here til about noon so I made a few things for my etsy shop. Below are a few of the things I listed today.

We begin another basketball camp tomorrow, grades 5th-8th. I will be the concession queen again...lol. These older kids won't be too bad, but what am I saying. I was noticing that the weather was calling for 90's and humid, of course it is...we have NO AC in the gym so it will be nice and sticky! YUCK!!! Everyone have a great Monday!

Karen~

Okay, better late than never...

we finally got the portable basketball put together. We started it about 5 days ago but got busy with some things and didn't finish it. It was a little harder than I thought it was going to be but aren't they always. The directions never say that you will need 3 or 4 people to help hold this and that and I only had one part left...lol...I really did have one left over but I don't have a clue where it goes. I told Tyler that I hope it doesn't come tumbling down.Tyler making a goofy face at me. He's just glad we got it put together so he can shoot some hoops. I think he was impressed that he and I could assemble it by ourselves.
Here's another card I made and put in my etsy shop. I think it turned out cute!
And another one.
Tomorrow is the last day of basketball camp for the little guys (1st-4th grades). Talk about tiring, I was chasing kids all over that gym...lol. I know why the parents sent them to camp now, they were ready for a little break. Everyone have a happy Friday!

Karen~

Good Things...

like fresh strawberries. We have quite a few strawberry patches in this area, so if you like berries...you can eat them til your hearts content. They are in season around a month or so. Does anyone use Philosophy's Amazing Grace? I do, I love it! This was a gift from a friend for my birthday that was earlier in the month. I forgot all about it til I found it in the trunk of my car. Great fragrance!
Here are a few cards that I made a few days ago and put in my etsy shop. I love the dog and cat, too cute!

Well, I made it through the first day of basketball camp. Man, it was hot and humid. Our gym does not have AC, so it was a little muggy but the kids seem to make it just fine. It was just the adults that looked hot and sweaty...lol. My feet are killing me but just two more days and it is over until next week when we have another one. Surely my feet will be more used to it by then.

Have a great Thursday!

Karen~

Rainy A.M. Tuesday

I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day weekend, we did. Today I went to school and worked a few hours. School is technically out, but I still have a few things due here and there so I will have to work some. Tomorrow we have a basketball camp beginning for grades 1st through 4th. I will run the concession stand for the kids, now doesn't that sound like FUN! I will try to load the kids up on sugar then send them home, parents always love that...*smiles* (Just Kidding).

As you can see, the early morning storms didn't seem to bother Jade...looks like it just made her more sleepy. She has such a rough life!...lol.After a few more hours of napping, looks like she may actually start to wake up. I see that look in her eye, she is wondering why in the heck flashes were going off in her face a few hours earlier.
My mom got some baby chicks, they are so cute!
They are having a good time, chirping and scratching in the hay like they are big chickens.

As a kid, we always had baby chicks and ducks...we have always been animal lovers.

Everyone have a great Wednesday!

Karen~