steph's stuff

working through the sadness

I'm still going to get to the whole Kenny Rogers story, but right now, I just need to catch up on work, errands, and get over being sad that my mom left today. :(  Ya know, she almost moved here 2 years ago - she had her house in Maine up for sale, she had been looking for houses here and had applied to a couple of jobs here. And then, 6 weeks before the move, she just couldn't do it. She couldn't leave Maine and her life there. And, while we understand, we've been sad ever since. And it just gets worse every time she comes out and then leaves again. It sure would change our kids' lives, too, to have a grandparent around. Oh well. I'll be less sad tomorrow.

So, onto work and errands. I thought I had hit a big lull in photography clients, but in the past day, I've gotten busy all over again. That part is kind of nice.

A star is born

The concert was all we could have dreamed about and then some. It was one of those nights where nothing could have gone better!!!!  We were a little worried that it would kind of a hokey concert, but it was sooooo not - it was upscale, classy, and warm and inviting. Just an unbelievable experience for all of us!!

There is so much to tell and about 500 pictures to go through, but that'll have to wait until my mom's gone on Monday. We're gonna take the next couple of days and just enjoy her visit - we have not had a moment's rest since last Sunday.

Here's a preview of some of the night's events. Emily is the blond with the long hair.

Deer in the headlights

That was the expression on Emily's face today when she came face to face with Kenny Rogers. We were supposed to have a "media event" today at the performing arts center. Well, it turned into a 3 1/2 hour rehearsal with Kenny. Em and the other kids were totally caught off guard - you can tell by the expressions on their faces - LOL! Em is the blond in the brown pants and the brown floral shirt. More pics to follow on Friday night after the concert!!!!

The first pic is meeting him - he's just about to reach out and shake Em's hand in the picture. The other two were taken during one of the kids' songs.

 

A good day

Happy Birthday to my honey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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my mother scored one of these for me today on a back shelf in an out-of-the way Target in Maine!!!!! Santa was desperately in need of one of these. :)

I need an 800 number

So, ever since someone (coughcoughStefcoughcough) accused me of being a ringleader of sorts, I've gotten a lot of questions. Sure wish I had an 800 number! LOL! That sure would make it easier for people to call me and get some info on how to help Stef. The best thing to do is to simply email me. I don't feel comfortable putting all the information on my blog, but I will get everything to you via email, I promise.

<------------------------------------------------------If you look over there under that really old picture of me, you'll see a button that says 'Email me' - go ahead, click on it!!!

We have several ways to help that we literally put into action the day of Stef's diagnosis. And it doesn't stop there. We have more ideas that we will be implementing very soon. She is going to be starting chemo soon - I think right before Christmas (and believe me, if I'm wrong, she'll correct me!!! LOL!!) and she and her family are going to continue to need our help for many months to come. So, if you got the original email, this is your friendly reminder to keep helping! And if you didn't, well.........then.......click on the email button. :)

You can also visit Tia's blog for more information on her Cafe Press Store that will help benefit Stef and her family. Tia's designs are just incredible and I am just so proud to call her my friend!!!

And a very special thank you to Linda J. and Mary Rogers!!! I owe you both an email - thank you, thank you, thank you!! Emily is almost there. ;)

{almost} 39

My birthday is nearing - early January. But, it's a doozy of a birthday. At least to me. I've been thinking a lot about what I want out of life and what I already have. I made this layout for Down Memory Lane's Inspiration Alley this month.

Journaling reads:

Things I know:
- I am {almost} 39 years old.
- I am a very lucky woman.
- My husband loves me.
- I would do just about anything for M&Ms.
- My children are smart, funny, and loving.
- I need to get better at setting our budget.
- Life isn’t fair and it isn’t easy.
- A little bit of makeup goes a long way.
- I want my girls to marry someone just like their Daddy.
- I want Andrew to grow up to be just like his Daddy.
- Money isn’t everything.
- Life can change in an instant.
- Marriage is a lot of work.

Things I want:

- I want my family to be healthy.
- Stef to still be here in 30 years snarking with me.
- Steph to move back to the lower 48.
- More time connecting with friends.
- To live closer to my family.
- To grow old with Tom.
- A happy, love-filled life for my children.
- A new house.
- Less stress for Tom.
- A college education for all of the kids.
- Maybe a little Vetne from China.

Things I dream:

- That good things happened to good people.
- Financial security for all of us.
- A two-week trip to Europe with the kids.
- A new camera and lots of clients to use it on.
- One last Christmas Eve with MeMe & Grampie.

It's time for earplugs

If I never hear "The Gambler" again, it'd be okay.

Really, it would be totally okay.

Friendship and creativity

I was so excited and so honored to be featured as the Guest Design Team member at Down Memory Lane this month! It's been one of my favorite online stores and has really become my online home this past year or so - it's where I took my morning coffee every single day. Wendy first clued me in to DML for the shopping experience! And I've never been disappointed - one of the best online stores! And then, the fabulous Sue Thomas told me about their forums. Sue's on their DT and has been with DML since the very beginning. And I've been there ever since she enlightened me. :)

So, onto the layouts:

This month's theme was "When, Where, and Why I Scrapbook."  I did 4 layouts total, but here's the two themed ones.

Journaling reads: I love our den so much! It's where our books are, our computers are, my scrapping supplies are and it's where we all hang out. It is cozy in here and comfy. I love it when the kids come in and hang out on the couch while Tom and I work. Or when I walk into the room and see Tom wrestling with the kids. It has become the heart of the house.

Journaling reads: My scrapping goodies bring so much joy to my life. And I don't mean that in a materialistic way (although my credit card may beg to differ!). But, they bring out a side that I never knew existed - a creative, fulfilling side to my otherwise carefully controlled life. And I'm learning to let that more spirited, creative part of me spill into other areas of life.

The sad news is that DML will be closing its doors very soon. Jill, the fabulous owner, has created a wonderful store, but has attracted an even more wonderful group of friends. It's a small community, but very close knit and I was so thrilled to included in their midst every day. We laughed, we played, we watched TV together even (LOL!), and we supported each other through ups and downs. I am so incredibly sad to see DML go, but I also just KNOW that the group of us will manage to stay together! The good news is that you now get to benefit from a huge clearance sale! Down Memory Lane shopping

(another aside to Sharyn - I have a feeling you're gonna have some advice about where to take my morning coffee from now on..........)

It's a conspiracy

Sometimes, life just doesn't want to cooperate with our goals, ya know? I'm still working on THE LIST (yes, it's taken on its own life and become the list in caps to me), but it's just not going to get done today. Things like school volunteering, meetings, and kids who need Mommy attention are taking over THE LIST. So, while I take a break and do some stuff with my kids, here's a cute picture of my little guy to distract you from my lack of progress on THE LIST.

for me To Do

The list is never ending, it seems. And, feel free to just pass by this post - it truly helps to just write it all down so that I'm accountable. :)

• buy b-day present
• finish laundry (9 7 3 loads - ugh) - ran out of detergent :p
• clean off desk
• finish assignments
• mail in list to C
• order and invoice for R
• deliver to DB
• find box for delivery to DB
• file tax form
• call SIL
• return calls re: Libby's party
• honey's b-day presents (and yes, i know you're reading this, honey :p)
• Libby's bi-day present
• make Christmas lists
• clean out the basement
• make cards
• submit???? do i remember how?? :p
• upload pics
• write down Mon's meeting
• call Mrs. S.
• clean out and vac the van
• take van through carwash
• back up pics on old 'puter
• back up pics on dh's 'puter *whew - that one was worrying me
• Cafe Press shopping
• help Em glue down diorama
• find Bob books for Libby
• get Andrew some winter jammies
• double check Friday folder schedule
• email S re: girl scout cookies
• finish J's & E's biz cards

*ETA: progress on this list was disrupted by a sinus infection and slight fever, but just in case Torm's still reading, today should be full steam ahead