Puppies

Is there anything cuter than a puppy? No! These pictures were taken a few weeks ago at my cousin's house. His dog had 11! Can you imagine? It was great fun playing with them and watching the children. I really wanted to bring one home, but in the end it was best for me to just walk away. I'm sure my sweet Cassie would have adjusted to the company, but we travel and the logistics would be too complicated. But there for a moment...puppy nirvana!

My Friend Frank

I have a dear friend who is not very well right now. In July he will undergo some major surgery in Texas. I'm asking all of you to KEEP HIM IN YOUR PRAYERS for a quick and effective recovery. The pictures are of the little General Store he has set up in his house to display some of his collections. It is truly a unique design element and is right in his family room! The creativity is pretty impressive - a screen door??? Why didn't I think of that?! The cigar in his mouth was given to him by Milton Berle. That Frank, he's sweet and smart! BIG HUG!!!

Mini Vacation...soon!

My husband and I are planning a little mini-trip to Tennessee. I'm looking forward to it as much as I look forward to our big yearly vacation. It's always great to get away and clear the cobwebs out of your daily grind! And, icing on the cake, it's almost scrap club time! Food, friends, beverages and scrapping! I'm so looking forward to our card making this time.

I'm also delighted that some of my friends have jumped on the blogging band wagon. It's such a relaxing and refreshing way to express yourself. And, I love to read what is going on in other peoples lives. It's always interesting and a great way to connect with current friends and a way to make some new ones as well. Thank Heavens for the Internet!!!

My First Kit!!!

Thank you Scarlet Lime! I'm an official scrapbooker now! My first kit arrived today and I'm really looking forward to experimenting with all the fabulous products included. Not only just for cropping layouts - there's plenty of great stuff for some pretty unique cards. Thanks to my scrapping Divas and Friends for your encouragement. Can't wait for Scrap Club!!!

It's almost the weekend!!!

Here it is Thursday night and I haven't blogged since Monday! Shameful. I've been so busy blog surfing I haven't wanted to take time out to add any interesting tid bits to my page. Hmmmm, maybe that means I don't have anything stimulating to say! I'm loving the way you can link from here to there, one side of the ocean to the other, etc. As I view blogs that are being updated by experienced experts I realize mine needs a lot of work! I need some flashy, fun stuff...all in good time! I need a week off of work just to play! To my friends - enjoy the weekend! And...keep writing the good stuff!

Pixie Dust Diva

As a young girl I loved the movie Peter Pan. In the second grade I was Tinker Bell in the school play- thus was born a lifetime of being the Pixie (I think I got the part because of my diminutive size - not my talent)! The members of my scrapbook club refer to ourselves as Scrap Divas and when I saw the name "Pixie Dust Diva" in a magazine (regarding a Tinker Bell figurine they are selling) - I just had to have it!

My Family

I'm pretty crazy about my family. In addition to my mother (NC), I have a younger sister, Sheree (IN) and brother, Jerry (MI). I also have a 1/2 sister, Helen (VA). There are 2 nieces and 3 nephews. My father, who I adored, died in a crash on December 10, 2000. I miss him every minute of every day. Grief, now there's a subject for a long blog some dreary day! The pic at right is Mom, Krista and Me.

I'm the very proud mom of my two adult children. My best girlfriend - hands down, my daughter, Krista. She's had a tough time. About a year and a half ago her husband left her and my little grandchildren. Sadly, they could not work things out and are now divorced. It's been so hard on Krista to be up in the mountains of Western NC by herself with 2 toddlers. (I'm five hours away and mom spends the winters in FL. ) But, she has grown stronger and is now enjoying a happy and positive time in her life (thanks, Zeb). I'm extremely proud of her. Kyla Brooks is now five and just finishing Kindergarten. Braden Alexander is 3 and is...all boy! He will get into Kindergarten just in time to keep his mother from losing her sanity!

My talented son, Matt, lives in Brookfield, IL. He's a musician and teaches guitar. He's patient and really liked and respected by his students. He's in a band...or two. With Matt, everything is always fine - he's laid back and cool! No problems there!

I also have two step children. Catharine is 22 and lives in Jupiter, FL. She's beautiful and fun (looks just like her Daddy)! Michael is 25 and lives in Jacksonville, FL. He's very intelligent, but still searching for his path.

So, that's it for now. You will hear a lot about my family if you read my blogs. They are all special to me!


Catharine

Who knew...

...that this could be so entertaining!? Although, I must admit it is taking more time than I thought it would to create the "perfect" page. One could easily get bogged down by blogging. Anyway, have a look at my photos and be prepared for much more information in the future. I have so much to say! More than you will want to hear, but that's how it is! I'll try not to bore you!

My First Blog

Be patient as I figure out this process! I'm excited to be creating something new and learning how to express myself in a new venue.