Warning: Long Post; No Picture

I really haven't written about a recent event in my life. Now I feel that it is time to get it all down on paper, I mean, type it on the computer. And just put it out there.

In Oct. 2005, our family took a huge leap of faith and moved across the country, to the Midwest. I had lived only a handful of places, all in the same state, for the first 30 years of my life. Soon after the move, I think in less than a week, I had a friend. I met her at my church. She came over to meet me with a few other women, I was distant; I was unsure; but she was there.

Later she called me and I put her off. I was busy, filling my time with nothing. I was lonely and lost. She called again and with a little hesitation, we got our girls together to play. My girls could make friends, but I really didn't need one, I thought. Soon we started getting together A LOT, having our girls play a couple of afternoons a week. Our husbands also had jobs that required working late into the night. We would set up meals together, and late-nights to work on our scrapbooks, or just watch a movie, recent TV show, or just talk. I needed her. She listened and understood me. I was a night owl, and loved to make runs to Target, or other stores after the kids went to bed. She would come with me, we laughed, we were there for one another.

She saved me.

I really didn't know what it was going to be like when I moved away from friends and family that I was so close to. I was sometimes even bitter, I didn't think that at my age I needed to be making new friends, like my children were. I had all my close-knit friends at home. But now this was home. I needed someone, and she was there. Now as I sit here with tears, tears of true sadness. My friend is not coming back. Last summer, she moved, at the time, for good. But then, they still had a house here, and for most of the year, I thought she could be coming back. A glimmer of hope. But she is not. For the past few weeks, I have been trying to really understand, and to be strong. I have not felt sadness, but happiness for her new life adventure.

Now this might be selfish, but maybe she was put here, just for me. Just for what I needed. Just to be my friend, when I thought I didn't need one, but I did; yes, I did.
Last Friday, I was alone in my car, listening to my favorite CD and a song came on that made me instantly think of her. Because I was alone, I wept. I pulled over and just cried. Sometimes you just need a good cry. For clarity, for understanding, or just for sadness. I am truly grateful for my friend. For her place in my life. Even with being only a phone call away now, she was there in the beginning. The beginning of a journey that has made me a little stronger, and a little weaker at the same time. She is what you call a true friend.
I usually don't get this deep, or this emotional, on this little blog of mine. I know that there are many other stressful events happening all around the world. And having a friend move away, might be so small compared to others life experiences. But I needed to say it, I needed it here. Maybe it will help me be just a little kinder, a little more understanding, or just get me to go see someone that may need a friend too.

Some Scrappy Goodness

Here are a couple layouts I finished over the weekend. I made the last layout for my Week In The Life album, love that entire album. The cover of the album was so fun to create. I used a piece of Pop Culture paper from KI Memories and painted over the top with MM paint {Shopping Bag}. The vinyl letters are from Cathey Johnson {her blog is on the Scrapapganza site}. TFL!

Thirteen

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough, is forever enough

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough

'Cause I'm never, ever giving you up...

-Dixie Chicks

Spring Inspiration

Even though it is cloudy, rainy, and grey here.....this inspires me! I need to find some of this fabric and wrap myself up in it! It just makes me happy.

{Thanks Joy, for sharing this find with me.}

Gratitude Ramblings

*a friend who was my chauffeur and now my cook.

*a child's health.

*forgiveness.

*musical confidence.

*when kids say things that make you laugh outloud.

*IM.

*baseball success.

*thunderstorms.

*creative play things.

*hopeful housecleaning.

*kisses and snugs.

just a few things I am grateful for today...

Journal Ramblings....

Early March 2008: {Picture from May 2008}

When Christian found out he was playing intermediate baseball, Sydnee so lovingly turned to him in the car and said, "I can't wait to see you hit a home run." Since I don't hear exchanges like this very often, only arguing & squabbles, this made me truly smile.

April 23, 2008

Ella woke up this morning scooting down the stairs & into the kitchen. She said her foot broke in the night. The whole morning she would not move it or walk on it. I took her to the doctor and nothing is wrong, which is good. We have been to the park 4 times over the last 2 days. Spring weather is wonderful! I told Ella when we came out of the doctor: "No more swings for you!" and she said, "Yep, only slides!" The girl can't get enough of the park! This week was the first time for outside weather and while at the park for the first time these are some of the things Ella said:

I missed swinging!

Faster!

Higher!

Here comes the wind!

Woman I See

Found this artist from the Scrap Etc. website. Her name is Amanda Hudson. She has some beautiful songs. Click here to hear them. I love the one titled "Woman I See". She also has a song about the Scrap Etc. event....which was very humorous. Enjoy!

For a boy of such few words...

This is priceless.

Sandra O., please meet Sandra O.

This is my friend, Sandra O. {she is now married, so her last name has changed}. I have known her since Kindergarten. She is the bestest.
This is my other friend, Sandra O.; I met her at CKU-Chicago. She was in the RP Album track, but we met on the first day and there is the proof on her name badge.

THEY HAVE THE SAME {EXACT} NAME.

So, so cool....

6 Things....

My friend, Ro, tagged me...so here it goes....
Completely Random Things about me and my life:
1. Our basement is a complete disaster! It has never been this bad and it is bad. I have some serious dreams for this basement, but right now it is just a disaster.
2. I bite my fingernails. It is a dirty, nasty, awful, nervous habit.
3. Cleaned my couches today. Vacuumed, scrubbed, fluffed, etc; and they will probably look like they do now for less than 24 hours.
4. I love going to lunch. I need to do this more often. I had a wonderful lunch today with two fabulous friends for one fabulous friend's birthday. And another fabulous friend watched my fabulous daughter! (OK enough of the HSM 2, Ella!)
5. Going on a cruise in 5 months and need to lose 15 lbs. Any suggestions?
6. I love Cookies N' Cream ice cream. Need some now....this doesn't help with #5, does it?

I tag Lynn, Debora, Candi, Cindy, Ashleigh, & Sheri
I know this is random, and I am not sure if this is what I was supposed to do, but here it is.....
Ta Da!

Introducing...

Maddox!

All 10 lbs. of him...

Dad and Mom: Derik & Hayley (my little sis)

32 & still celebrating....

Here are two layouts for NYOBC this month! Loved using the clear album pages...you can't see them from the pictures, but they are framing the pictures with rub-ons added. The paper is Fancy Pants and Bo Bunny; letter stickers are Rusty Pickle and Memories Complete...{Is that not the cutest picture of my nephew?}

SOMETIMES IT'S
SO HARD TO FIND
WHAT IT IS I'M TRYING
TO SAY. PEOPLE MIGHT THINK
YOU CAN TURN CREATIVITY ON AND
OFF - BUT IT'S NOT LIKE THAT.
IT JUST KIND OF COMES OUT.
A MASH UP OF ALL THESE THINGS
YOU COLLECT IN YOUR MIND. YOU NEVER
KNOW WHEN IT'S GONNA HAPPEN, BUT
WHEN IT DOES IT'S LIKE MAGIC...
IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE -
AND IT'S JUST THAT HARD.
-GWEN STEFANI

Fun Is Good

If you never did,

you should.

These things are fun

and fun is good.

The story:

After a hard day of work and a yummy dinner, four gals like to go for a little adventure. After passing lots of bars, the Washee Washee, a cemetary, and a house with Christmas lights, we found it! Three wanted to give up, but one really, really wasn't going to...and we are glad she didn't.

New Friends @ CKC

Alaina, Kathy, and Nanette in the Pickle Booth!
Diana {Archiver buddy} and Debbie {love the shirt} How was the chili and cake crop?
Look who I saw! Julie from CKU-Chicago! Loved meeting up again...
Sydney - Love the clip and I did find your pen and I am glad that I have it! I love writing with it.......

It was another fun weekend. Lots of work and lots of learning....The Jumbo Card Class was a hit! And the Love, Love, Love album left everyone breathless...literally. Thank you St. Louis!

Spring has Sprung

May from Fiskars sent me some Raindots and Heidi Grace ribbon and asked me to make a layout for the Fiskateer Blog. You can check it out here...
{My nieces and nephew are the cutest!}

Priceless

All we'll ever have is NOW...

Love, Love, Love

This pocket has her invitation, rsvp cards, etc.

Here is the mini-album that was designed by Beckie Dreyer for Rusty Pickle. This album is my favorite album that I have made. Well, I guess until I create my next RP project :). I used my sister's pictures from her wedding.....I think that it is pickleicious! These are just a few of the pictures...you can see and make this album at CKC-St. Louis on Friday or Saturday....O.K. I'm flyin'....

While You Wait...

Still trying to take pictures of my other two projects for CKC-St. Louis. Running to get my haircut today...so while you wait, here is a picture of the layout that was taught by Mr. Pickle of Rusty Pickle at CKU Chicago. I learned all my best pirate jokes that night.....

What has 8 arms and 8 legs?

8 pirates!

What is a pirate's favorite cereal?

Captain Crunch!

CKC St. Louis

Here are the two layout classes I will be teaching this weekend at CKC-St. Louis. They are available both Friday and Saturday. If you are going to be in St. Louis, come by and say Hi! I also have a mini-album class and a jumbo card class. I will post those projects tomorrow. These classes are for Rusty Pickle. I love the All Boy layout; love the patterned paper and it uses two of my favorite things: paint and chipboard. The Always Dream layout is all about layering, pockets, & creative photo placement. Sorry, the photos aren't the best...pretty cloudy today.

Call A Girlfriend...

you want to tell her about this one.
I just have a quick note to tell you about the most amazing website! It is called Cheaping Girls. The gals that started this site are some of the most stylish, chic, sassy women I know. Take a look, I know that you won't be dissapointed, but your bank account will be! I have known about this place one day, and I have a shopping list that I am proud of. They give you the inside secret on how to stay stylish without spending a fortune. One of the amazing girls on this site is a friend that I have had for a long time. We have serious history. Good, good history. Ever since I got her email yesterday, I have been looking for a Sconecutter.....