Breaking News!!

Sorry if this is offensive! But I thought it was hilarious!!!!

Idaho Governor's Mansion Gets View of Giant Phallus

Late Wednesday or early Thursday, vandals used herbicide to "burn" the image of a 60-foot-tall penis in the grass beneath the Idaho governor's mansion.

The area belongs to the J.R. Simplot Co., an agricultural conglomerate that donated the mansion to the state in 2004. The "artwork" is below the mansion's grounds in an area popular with the public.

People ride ice blocks down the slope in hot weather. A Simplot representative said that the company was taking steps to remove the phallus. The mansion is under renovation and the governor was not home at the time.

9x9 Workshop

We had a lot of fun at my 9x9 workshop this morning. We made 10 pages out of a CTMH level 2 My Reflections paper pack. Each person chose their own papers and My Stickease. Now all they have to do is add pictures. I love this size page. It is quick and less to decorate. Don't think I'll give up the 12x12 pages though!

I grilled hot dogs and everyone brought something to eat. Salad, Fruits, chips etc.
Most of us work in the same office so its nice to get away from the cubicles and be able to visit for more that 10 minutes at a time.

TGIF

ITS FRIDAY! WHOO HOO!!! Another Hot One in the Country!! I was out sweeping the garage floor. Tanner sheds like crazy! I have white dog hair everywhere! Its over 100 out so I was pouring sweat! Instant FRO!!! Gotta Love the natural curls! Everyone says that I don't know how lucky I am to have such beautiful curly hair! I tell them you don't know how lucky your are NOT to have it! On hot humid days I can hardly get a comb through it! Tight little baby curls all around my head! Fuzzy little frizz pieces! My inlaws are in Minnesota where its about 95 % humidity in the summer. I had seem them several times before they came to Idaho to visit. They thought I had a New Do the first time they seen me. I couldn't figure out what they were talking about! Then I realized and started giggling! I told them this is my Desert Do. They had only seen the frizzed out curley Midwest Do! It's the same when we drive to the coast! I don't know why I bother trying to fix it. I just put in a pony for the day!!!

It's still been HOT and Smoky all week! We are surrounded by mountains and haven't even been able to see them because of the poor air and all the fires. Wilt would like to take a long weekend to the coast in August! I would love that! Fresh Air and Cool weather! Nothing Sounds better at the moment! I can hardly wait!!! We're checking out if its cheaper to fly and rent a car or drive with the high gas prices! It is finally below $3 this week!!

Tomorrow is my 9x9 scrapbook workshop. Gotta get ready for the fun. I'll take pictures and post tomorrow!!! TGIF!!!

Playful Flourishes

I love these colors and I love this stamp set. CTMH - Playful Flourishes!!!
I scrap lifted this from Pam Klassen. See her blog link in my favorite blogs.
I haven't had my cuttlebug very long. I just happen to have these flowers and asterisks. Oh How Fun!! Colors I used are Ocean, bubblegum, citrus leaf, and breeze. I used the My legacy Writer black pens for the doddling,and Black bigger brads.

Holiday Projects

Its almost August! I have to start thinking about Painting and getting ready for the holiday bazaar season!! I haven't painted much this year! I've been too busy scrapping and stamping: and doing workshops. Here are a few painted examples from last winter.

Baby Shower

Today was Jennifers babyshower! It was fun!! They recieved alot of fun sports oriented items. Funny because Eric says that he'll never have a son that is a JOCK!!! Jenn pitches for a Mens baseball team! Eric is just going to have to accept it!! I guess as long as he learns to snowboard he'll be ok!! Eric started skiing when he was 3. Isn't that a sport????

Baby Boy Card

Here is todays creation. I used Twilight, Sweet Leaf and Desert Sand CS, Acrylix stamp set Playful Flourishes, Solo "B" and July stamp of the month- Typewriter Keys. I also used the new Creative Clips. All from Close To My Heart. The colors always seem a little brighter when I use my scanner.

Look What I Found

I was shopping with my mom while she was in town and look what I found!! These will go great with the puppy theme. (see baby scrapbook in previous post " Monday Monday")

Air Quality

Another Yucky, Sultry, Hot, Sticky, Record Temperature Day!!! We've had so many fires here in the Northwest that our air is Smoky, Hazy, and we are now on Orange Air Alert! We need some cooler weather and rain!!!! I'm tired of being stuck in the house!!!

Sunday we went to see the new Harry Potter Movie! It was fabulous! I admire a writer with so much imagination!!! And the new book comes out this weekend! We pre-ordered it so it should be arriving by Fed-ex. The problem is... I'll have to wait until Wilt reads it before I can. I'm sure it will only be a couple of days!

I am participating in a Secret Sister Swap on the CTMH BB's and my package arrived today! Its fun getting a surprise package in the mail. She sent me a mini scrapbook kit by Colorbok; In my favorite colors!! Greens, and pinks and chocolates! What more could a girl want?? I also got some little wood frames and Colored paper clipz. Fun! Fun! Fun!

I am making Taco Salad tonight. The less cooking over a hot stove the better. I just brown ground beef and add the taco seasoning. Then I chop up lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives. I add shredded mexican cheese and crumble up some corn tortillas. The dressing I make is a jar of Ortega taco sauce and a jar of Western Dressing. Add a dollop of Sour Cream.. EASY!! and MMM Good!
My daughter likes to add refried beans to hers! But she is a beaner! She eats a can of Taco Bell FF Refried beans every couple of days!

Peaceful Morning

Its been a hectic week at the house. My mom arrived Wednesday night. She had a class Thursday so she took a few extra days off and stayed through the weekend. I only get to see her a few times a year so I love when she gets to come visit. She usually stays with me. I guess she likes Ashley's Comfy bed and she can sleep in? :)
We went shopping Thurday afternoon, which I normally hate. I have to prepare myself a few days ahead and understand its just a day out with the girls. I want to just go get what I need and get out. My shopping experiences usually happen in record time. We found some fabulous sales and I came hope with more than intended. We went to Olive Garden for an early dinner. I love their salad and breadsticks!
We've been having record heat for about 2 weeks. My sister planned a BBQ/Picnic for Saturday evening. 5-6pm is the peak temperature hours in our area. It was 104 at 6pm. UGH! We were all dying. The girls filled the hot tub with the garden hose. If I would have know, I would have brought my swimming suit and sat in it with them. We came home early and Eric rented a comedy. It was nice being in the cool house!!
Overall, we had a great time with mom here. She headed North this morning. Its a long drive for her. She'll be coming back in September after the baby is born, for a week.
Its now 9am. I am the only one awake and I'm working on the computer, drinking a cup of coffee and about to read the Sunday paper. I think I'll go sit out back and take advantage of the cool morning. (about 85) before the 105+ hits later today!!

Monday! Monday!

Oh what a fabulous day! I had three days off last week with the holiday, plus the weekend! 5 days in a row! Whoo Hoo!! Wilt called me this morning and found out his job is safe, for now! What a relief!! It was a usual Monday at work. Catching up from the days off, plus it is quarter end so more than usual to get done this week. Its ok though... no worries. I have amazing people that I work with and things seem to be going ok. Its vacation time and it seems like someone has been gone for weeks. Surprising how smooth the sailing is!!! We're still having record highs here! I don't like the heat!!! I never have!

Yesterday I made a mini paperbag scrapbook for my grandbaby Carter that is due to be born in September. This will be Eric's 2nd child. He and Shawna had baby Cailin Marie 5 years ago. She was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. She was carried full term but had extra complications after birth and only lived 11 days. SO... we are all anxiously awaiting baby Carters healthy arrival. So far.... So good!!

The nursery theme is My Favorite Puppy in blue's so I tried to stay with the theme .
Made with Close To My Heart papers: Citris Leaf CS, Dutch Blue CS, Clover meadow CS,
Star Spangled Blue CS, Summer Carnival B&T, Summer Celebration Textured CS,
Ink pads in the same colors. Pupply Love Acrylix stamp set. Various Ribbons.

7-7-07

Lucky 7!!!! There are a record number or marriages today because its supposed to be so lucky. Wonder what the odds are in Vegas? I've always thought 7 is my lucky number... hhmmmm... is today lucky??? how will I know?? I didn't buy any lottery tickets... There are other reasons that I am lucky!!
1. I have a loving husband. He would do anything for me.
2. I have 3 great kids. Even though they are grown, the mother in me takes over and often wonders how they are doing. Are they making the right choices? Will they be successful? Will they remember all of the good things that I have taught them in life??
4. I have a fabulous Mother. I wish she lived closer so that I could see her more ofter. She will be in town next week. I guess that is lucky!!
5. I have a great job and work for an awesome company. I will have a HUGE ESOP retirement. I know the company will remain successful and if they continue averaging over 20% profit yearly. HHMMM... That is very lucky!!
6. I am healthy!! I try to do what is right... and I have been very LUCKY so far..... Is it genetics or luck??
7. I am happy and content with the life that I am living.. I look around me and know that things could be so much worse! God has truly blessed me!! That is NOT luck!

My Creative Corner

This is my current creative space. Its in the garage; the 3rd stall. After Ashley graduates this fall and eventually moves out..Except all of my power tools!!
I plan on making her room, MINE!! I also share the space with my best friend...
Tanner.

When It Rains

When it Rains..... It pours!!!
I had the air conditioner repairman here yesterday. We think there may be a Freon (how do you spell that??) leak because we had to have our air conditioner charged last year, and again this year. HHMMM. The guy put a dye into it and came back yesterday. Nothing showed up. He checked all the lines. Nothing. I guess for now its working, which is a good thing, since it got up to 107 today! 20 degrees above normal....
I guess another waiting game.

Ashley (my daughter's) 4 runner over heated on Tuesday. I had to put antifreeze into it. I wouldn't let her drive it!! By Wednesday night, almost all had leaked out. I refilled it Thursday morning. I drove down to the local auto repair and told him I suspected either the water pump or radiator. He had it all day Thursday. He ran the engine for an hour, drove it around town.. and nothing. No leaks. WHAT??? no way!! its all over the road in front of our house where it leaked out Tuesday and Wednesday!! HHMMMM . This morning he noticed some bolts loose that hold the thermistat to the water pump so he tightened them.. He told me to have her watch it!
I guess another waiting game.

My husband found out last week that his employer is going to lay off probably about 25% of their people. They are the largest employer in the valley. Most of their profits are coming out of their overseas plants and they plan on outsourcing. Do we want to move to Italy or Japan?? NO WAY!!! He's an engineer - Manager.. but pretty scared that he'll be one of the many layed off. As of today... they're all still waiting. We will be working on resume's this weekend. This is riduculous!!!
I guess another waiting game!!!!!

1.WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Are you kidding? Everything makes me cry. Movies, commercials, songs on radio.
I am very sentimental.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes.. I had it created in to a font and copyrighted. Great for journaling!
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUNCH MEAT?
Turkey Breast
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes 3
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I hope so.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
yes, probably too much.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
NO.. Can we still play hockey??
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
I think I am a little too chicken
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE CEREAL?
I rarely eat it.. When I do.. I guess Raisin Bran?
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
NO. I get them off as soon as I can
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Most of the Time
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ICE CREAM?
Vanilla, With Banana's, Chocolate syrup and nuts
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their Eyes and Smile
15. RED OR PINK?
Can I choose Both??
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I have a hard time saying NO
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My dad.. He's my hero!
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Of course.
19. WHAT COLOUR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue Shorts - Bare feet
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Artic Circle - Oreo milkshake
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Bon Jovi's new album. He's so sexy!
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOUR WOULD YOU BE?
Red
23. FAVOURITE SMELLS?
Cinnamon, Vanilla, Pumpkin pie spices
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Wilt
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes
26. FAVOURITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
BSU Football - Go Bronco's.. WAC. WAC. WAC.
27. HAIR COLOUR?
Blonde (trying to keep it that way)
28. EYE COLOUR?
Blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes
30. FAVOURITE FOOD?
Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy...
Fresh Tomatoes off the vine
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings... (remember the crying?)
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Dream Girls! UGH! Didnt like it!
33. WHAT COLOUR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Red
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Fall- LOVE IT! warm during the day. cuddly at night
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs and Kisses
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Kentucky Rich
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Don't have one
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Little people Big World - DVR
42. FAVOURITE SOUND?
Water - Ocean, River, Creek
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
The Beatles
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
St. Maartin
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I am artistic and creative
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Pocatello, Idaho
47. FAVOURITE SMELL.
Fresh plowed dirt!!! I am a spudgirl!!!
48. WHAT SUPERPOWER WOULD YOU LIKE?
I want to be Samantha on "Bewitched". I want to just twinkle my nose to clean the house and paint the house and move things through the air and be in some exotic location in an instant.

Happy Independence Day!!

I am so thankful to live in America and enjoy my freedom! I appreciate all of our troops and everything they do for us! We have many local men and woman that are actively involved in this cause and I solute them!

This was taken at a local patriotic flag parade.

Scrapbook pages

Its a very hot day today! I dont like the almost 100 degree's. Its supposed to be 103 for the 4th of July! That is way too hot to be outside having picnics and fun! I am having a 9x9 scrapbook workshop on the 28th of July so I decided to make some more samples to share with the girls. I made 20 pages this morning. I am really getting hooked on the 9x9 size. I think its so much easier because there is less page to decorate.

Check out my Close To My Heart website for pictures (see favorites)

Prime Rib is on sale today. Wilt is trying out our new rotisseire on the new grill we bought a couple of weeks ago. Its going to be fabulous!!!

Church

I used to be an active part of my church. I am a strong Christian but don't feel comfortable in church. Why is that????

Stained Glass Mascarade Lyrics
Is there anyone that fails?
Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today, feeling so small?
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong
So I tuck it all away
like everything's ok
If I make em all believe it
Maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin
I'll play the part again
So everyone will see me
The way that I see them
Are happy plastic people
under shiny plastic steeples
with walls around our weakness
and smiles that hide our pain
but the invitations open
To every heart that's been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone who's been there?
Are there any hands raised?
Am I the only one who's traded
The altar for a stage?
The performance is convincing
And we know every light in my heart
Only when noone is watching can we really fall apart
But would it set me free
If i dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
You imagine me to be
Or would your eyes be opened
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay?
Chorus 2x
if the invitations open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade
Is there anyone that fails?
Is there anyone that falls?
Am I the only one in church today, feeling so small?


By: CASTING CROWNS