The start of a new week!

Last week was just wild for us. We rarely do much during the week and last week we did something every night. Tucker was in a ball tournament in Springfield so we had games Monday, Wednesday and Thursday . I taught a class at Scrapbook Generation on Tuesday night. Taylor had his winter semiformal dance on Friday and then we played in a ball tournament on Saturday Morning! We were all done by Saturday night. It was really warm over the weekend and then the temp bottomed out last night, it is soooo cold here today. The boys were hoping for a snow day and didn't get one, but they only have this week and 2 days next week and they are out until the 6th of Jan. Tucker and I did some holiday baking on Saturday night and then I continued with some more on Sunday. I got a few presents wrapped and under the tree so we are getting closer to being ready for the big day! Hope everyone is warm and toasty somewhere and enjoying the season!

I love this Girl!

Nice Tree....Lots of Sap!!

You either know the quote or you don't! Christmas vacation is my ALL time favorite holiday movie. We watch it at least once between Thanksgiving and Christmas and usually more like 3 or 4 times. We all have our little sayings from the movie and our favorite scenes. No matter what, sap or not, when the tree goes up in the stand at our house, on of us says, "nice tree, lots of sap!" It's a tradition!! Another tradition that is a little more special is unpacking the ornaments. The boys have gotten an ornament from each of their grandma's since they were babies every Christmas. They are all packed away in little boxes that are dated. Gregg's mom even writes a little note with each one, telling why she picked that ornament that year. Like this year she and Gregg's dad taught the boys to play tennis and so she bought each of them a tennis themed ornament. The boys still like to look at all their ornaments and they each hang them on the tree, they have their favorites. Tucker is a huge Batman fan and always has been, so he has a whole collection of Batman ornaments. Taylor has always loved basketball so he has many that represent that. They hang their ornaments on the tree and I fill in with ornaments from my childhood and one's that i have collected over the years. I have some of the balls that hung on my mom's tree when she was a little girl. I love the Christmas tree. I look forward to it each year. It makes me smile!!

What to buy?

It's so hard to decide what to buy the boys for Christmas. I wouldn't say they are spoiled and the for sure would tell you we don't buy them everything they want, like cell phones, but they don't need anything. This year I had them each make a list and there wishes had to fall into one of four categories...something to wear, something to read, something to do with your hobby and something to play. We told them we would pick one gift from each category, they were thrilled with the "read" category! So 4 presents each, sounds good to me, of course they will have stocking stuffer things. But I am already done and not stressed a bit, thank goodness for online shopping and free shipping!

Do You Speak English?

This is a question i silently mumble to myself on a regular basis these days. I do not remeber anything in the paperwork when I brought him homefromthe hospital that suggested that I would need to learn a second language, they failed to mention this part!

If you have a teenager or have raised one you know what I am talking about. Sometimes I think I am speaking a foreign language or possibly the pitch of my voice can not be heard by teenage boys. How do you day, hang up your towel? I guess I missed the meeting where they handed out the secret decoder rings. At what point will we again speak the same language? Until then could someone please share the code word for, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Thanksgiving Recap!

I am terrible about taking pictures of our inside celebrations. I have a zillion pictures of our outside avtivities, but rarely bring the camera out for inside pictures. I always have good intentions of getting pictures of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but don't get it done!

We had a great Thanksgiving, our tummies were full!

I am so Thankful for my family, the ones who live with me and the ones who I ahre my heart with. I am so thankful that my children are surrounded by people who love them, what they say about it taking a village to raise a child, is so true, and i am thankful that they have different influences to guide their choices and shape their character. I am thankful that we have had my grandfather for so many years and that he is still able to join us for celebrations(he smoked our turkey for dinner this year. I am thankful that God blessed my life with a man like Gregg. He balances me-he encourages me and supports me, but mostly he loves me in spite of my flaws. I am blessed!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving .

In Good Times and Bad!

So what if they are the worst team in the league, we still continue to cheer for our Kansas City Chiefs! They are having a terrible season and we were lucky enough to be at the game on Sunday when history was made, the Chiefs allowed the most points EVER in franchise history! YIKES!! It's time for some changes! Hubby thinks it's time for Marty to come home!

We scored some pretty cool seats, our tickets were for row 31 and when we got there we snagged a couple of seats on row 6. I told the boys it was even better than HD!! They were not laughing, because they thought we should have choosen one of them to be the recipient of the 2nd ticket since I don't even like football. Well I may not like football, but I like being alone with my hubby and that dosent' happen all that often, so I took the 2nd ticket and we made a dash to KC for the night and the game. The car ride alone was enough of an incentive for me to go. I had his undivided attention for 6 hours! After the last few weeks, it was a good break and we enjoyed it completely. We got a nice visit in with my Aunt Glenda and JD, which was a bonus!

GO CHIEFS!!

So Very Daisy.

She makes me smile!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAYLOR!!

14 years ago today I became a mom for the first time! I can't believe how fast the time has gone (most days). Taylor arrived in true Taylor fashion, exactly when he wanted to. I went almost 2 weeks past my due date, was scheduled for induction the morning of the 21st and seriously, just like he is today, Taylor said no one is going to tell me when I will be born and I went into labor at about 2:30 am. He was born at 9 am a mere 3 hours after we got to the hospital. The doctor almost missed it! Taylor was the "first", first son, first grandbaby on both sides, first nephew, first great-grandchild to my Papa. He was needless to say spoiled with attention and I believe the most photographed child in the history of this family!!

At 14 Taylor is smart and funny. His blue eyes will charm you as will the dimples! He loves to fish! He is a useless trivia nut, he retains goofy information. He is a fact person and can give you the stats on his favorite teams and players without a thought. I have been cought more than once questioning something that he said he knew to be a fact only to be proved wrong again! He loves children and is an excellent older cousin, he will someday be a great dad!

Have a Great Day, Taylor! We love you!!

Just Sharing

My Scrap Space is cleaned up!

I have always just stored my stash in my room in this and that and scrapped at the dinning room table. Well a month or so ago I got a new dinning table and I don not like to see it all covered up with a project, so I made me a space in my room. I have a large bedroom, so it can more thatn accomadate a scrapping space. I love how it all turned out. I seriously can not believe how much stuff I have. I told my mom and sister that they could just come "shop" in my space! I am a hoarder i guess. I have tons of pattern paper, ribbon and embellies that Iwill probably never use. I see things at the store and I know i must have an idea in mind when I buy it. Of course I love to go to the Scrapbook Generation and breathe in all the new product! Gregg was surprised at the table I put in the space, commenting that he wasn't sure I could work on a table that small since I would not be able to pile tons of stuff all around me while I work. I guess he pays more attention than I thought!

Gregg is feeling much better. He still is not seeing much out of the eye and it is still swelling some. He had a visit with the doctor yesterday and had some additonal tests done to try and make sure that there is not a specific reason why he is still not seeing. The doctor did not clear him to go back to work yet, probably after Thanksgiving. He will see him again next week.

A few Layouts

This was for a challenge at Scrap4life
This was a fun Layout I did for a challenge. It talks about how Janet Evanovich's Number series books, especially Stepahnie Plum makes me laugh!

Wordless Wednesday

We are Blessed

I have always been close to my family and to Gregg's parents. We have good friends. When you have things in your life that complicate the normal day it is so nice to have this support system in place. We would have been lost this past week and in the next few without the help of so many people. We have never had to worry about the boys or them getting to where they needed to go. Our families and friends have stepped up and helped us with this and offered moral support as well as prayers.

You know, there have been times that I've thought it would be nice to live somewhere that wasn't quite so close to everyone, not far enough that they couldn't visit, but maybe not so close that they could just stop by. My attitude has changed, not just with the events of the past week, but because I know that not everyone has what I have. I have been able to focus on Gregg this week and getting him well, because I know that the boys are taken care of, if I can't get them a meal prepared someone will, if I can't get them to an activity, someone will. And the boys don't have to be stressed. It's nice.

I hope that I am gracious, and those who help me know how much I appreciate it, because I do. I hope that I never have to wonder what it's like to do it alone. I hope that I can be the kind of person who returns the favor.

So thank you to those who help us everyday. Thank you to those of you who have been praying for us.

Muffin Monday!

Well it was pumpkin muffins today! This is probably our favorite sweet bread of all time. We do all like banana bread, but these are so yummy. You can make two big loaves or lots of muffins. I did a loaf and a dozen muffins. Here's the recipe so you can try them yourselves, let me know what you think!!

Pumpkin Bread:
3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Oil
4 Eggs
1 can pumpkin
3 1/2 cup flour
2tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp cinnamon
2 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2tsp ginger
3/4 water

Mix the sugar, oil and eggs, add pumpkin. In separate bowl combine dry ingredients and then alternatley add the dry ingredients and the water. Mix well. If making bread loaves, grease two pans and fill with batter, or line muffin pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour for the loaves or 18-20 minutes for muffins.

All is Good!

He can see his ballgames in the mirror, so we may make it a few more days!!

Trick-or-Treat

Drive thru Surgery

Gregg's surgery on Tuesday went well. It was outpatient. I am amazaed at how quickly they send people home after they have been knocked out and operated on! We got to the hospital about 7:30, did some prep things, he went back to surgery at 9:30, was in recovery by 11:30, back in his room by 1:00 and we were in our driveway by 3:00. That is fast and kinda scary, he doesn't remember the drive home, walking into the house or most of the evening after that. I was telling a friend and she said they sent her mom home after her masectomy the same day with a video on how to take care of the site! I understand it is more cost effective to send patients home. But it is so crazy to me that this is what our healthcare system has come to, that we just cycle people through this quickly! Oh well. Gregg is fine and we are trying different positions trying to find the one that is most comfortable to have his face down in. He has to have it down all the time and so far obviously sleeping has been the biggest challenge. I think we have something new figured out for tonight, I am crossing my fingers that it works out and he sleeps well.

Dances, basketball and the pumpkin patch...

We had a busy weekend! Both the boys had dances on Friday night. Taylor went to a costume dance, he was the Joker. He decided to kinda be a cross between the new and the old. He looked great and had a fab time I guess. He had bought a ticket for the girl he had called his girlfriend for the past 2 weeks, and planned to meet up with her at the dance. Apparently she didn't like how close he was to some of his female friends at the dance and broke up with him, but in true Taylor, and I thnk 8th grade fashion, he had a new girlfriend by the time we picked him up! Funny stuff!

Tucker on the other hand left the house with his two best buddies. When we picked them up from the dance, they all came back here to spend the night. The first question we asked was, "did you dance with any girls?", and the unanimous answer was NO WAY! Craked us up. Evidently they don't even play slow songs at a 6th grade dance. Probably a good idea!


We got up this morning and head to SPringfield for a basketball game. Tucker and Brandon and their Renegades played a great game. It was really close and could hav egone either way, but they won! They are fun to watch especially when they play hard and do well!

We came home and packed the cooler to head to Campbell Farm. We met the Katie and Scott and the small Frey's as well as Katie's in-laws, and some nieces and nephews on Scott's side, as well as Mom and Rick. We all hung out and enjoyed a really pretty afternoon of hayrides, corn mazes and pony rides. Griffin and the littlier kids got their faces painted by a really cool face painter. We had a firepit reserved to roast hot dogs and make smores. The evening gt a little chilly before we left, but it was an excellent time and everyone had a really good time. I think this is probably going to become a tradition!





Gregg is still fighting this cough. Tonight I went to Walgreens and bought a new product by Alka Seltzer, he has always used their cold medicine that you dissolve in water ant then drink. They now make one that is specifically for a cough. he took one dose already and I am hoping that with one more that he will not cough all night and we can all get soe rest! If this crazy cough does not go away, he won't be able to have the surgery on Tuesday.

Just a few Layouts...

Wordless Wednesday! (almost)

Hoping that maybe this week the Chiefs won't be the worst team in the league!

Muffin Monday!

I planned to make pumpkin muffins this morning, but didn't have all the ingredients, so chocolate chip it is! They didn't smell as good as the pumpkin would have, but they will get eaten just the same.

We had a busy weekend. TUcker had his first basketball game of the season. They won, and all played really well. They played as a team better than they have in the past. Tucker was not feeling very well and spent most of the ret of the day sleeping on the couch. Gregg had the stomach flu during the week last week and the boys both enjoyed it over the weekend! I have managed to avoid it!


I finally got my fall decorations up on Saturday. I love all the pumpknis and scarecrows and was happy with the way it all came together. I wanted to get a picture of Daisy with the fall scene and with the help of Gregg and some nilla wafers we got this great shot!


Not too much going on this week. Both the boys have a school dance on Friday night. Taylor's is a costume dance , so we have to get a costume together this week. He actually has a girlfriend right now, so he has a "date" for the dance.

We are preparing for next weeks surgery and trying to figure out the details of all of that. Continue to pray for us and for Gregg's quick recovery!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRIFFIN!!

Today is my nephew's 5th birthday! Griffin is one of the coolest kids I know. He is smart and funny and has a great big heart. I remember the day that Griffin was born and how excited we all were to meet him! Have a great day Small Frey, we love you!

Muffin Monday

Today was Blueberry muffins.YUM! I didn't get them done in time for the boys to eat them for breakfast, but I had mine and they were really good, and still warm. They wiil eat their muffin in the morning and be HAPPY!

Monday!

I wonder if the week started on Tuesday if we would dread it? Mondays are always difficult to get going. Anywhoo! I got a few things done this weekend. I have been wanting a new purse for the fall. Definately don't need one, but really wanted one. I was blog surfing theother day and saw one that I liked, asked where she got it and went to find me one. They didn't have the same one, but I fot this one instead, Isn't it cute! I also came across this blog, and was inspired to create this...
I altered the little frame from walmart by brushing some paint on and letting it dry then sanding it off in places. I cut a piece of Pattern Paper for the background inside the frame and then printed out BOO on card stock and cut the letters out into blocks and inked the edges. So simple, but I love it!

Makes me want to snuggle in...

I love fall mornings and crisp cool air. We sleep with our windows open in the fall, yes, even when the temps drop into the upper 40's. It's comfortable when we go to bed and then the temp drops in the night and we snuggle deeper in the covers. Of course when the alarm goes off we are cozy and it makes the snooze button very handy! I love to just lay there in the quiet of the house and the dark of the early hour and snuggle in for just a few peaceful moments. There are very few quiet moments in my world and I savor everyone! So sleep with your windows open tonight and make good use of that comforter and snuggle close to the one sleeping next to you!

Thankful Thursday!

It seems strange to have thankful as the title for this post considering it is about Gregg's impending surgery. But I am thankful. I am thankful for the technology needed to fix his eyes, I am thankful for a doctor that we trust, I am thankful that we have a support system that surrounds us with love, prayers and help with anything we need. Gregg will have the surgery on the 28th, we are both a little nervous about it. I think the surgery itself is relatively routine as far as that goes, but the recovery for Gregg will be at least 3 weeks. I think that more than anything the mental preparation for this is what is taking it's toll on us. Gregg had convinced himself that he was not going to need it, fortunately I did not let myself think tht, so I was more prepared for the decision. Gregg does lots of things really well, stress and changes are not his best thing! Pray that he will be settled with this, pray that all goes well and pray that he does not drive me crazy while he is home with me for three weeks!

On a much happier note and also along the lines of being thankful....I got my new dinning room table today, and I love it!

Wordless Wednesday!

And me without my camera!

What kind of scrapbooker am I? I left the house Saturday morning for the American Diabetes Association Walk for a Cure and totally forgot my camera. Katie and Reese were walking with me and she forgot her camera as well. Oh well....It was a beautiful day! I wish I had my camera because Reese looked so cute in her walk T-shirt, she was a real trooper for the whole route!They had a great turn out and as of the walk end had raised over $200,000 for the ADA! Katie and I have been actively raising money for the American Diabetes Association for the last two years. Most of you who know me know that Gregg, my hubby, was diagnoised at age 7 with Type 1 diabetes. The last few years have been a challenge for him and for us to learn how to deal with the complications that come from having a chronic illness for 33 years. I appreciate so much those who donate money through our team, and through all the others, I hope that we see a cure in my lifetime, and his. On this subject please pray for Gregg this week, he is seeing the eye specialist tommorrow, he has had some complications with his retina, that have been closely monitored for the past few years and in the last few months some changes have occured and may need to be addressed more closely. He is dreading the decision that will be out of his hands if there are any more changes when he goes tommorrow. Please just take a minute or two and think of him, and say a little prayer for good news.

On a totally separate note...I have been competing in a challenge at Scrap4life Imade it to week 3 and I totally loved my LO, but I didn't advance to week 4. Oh well, I was a little bummed, but I know that the team they pick will be great and provide lots of inspiration. I actually had wanted to do this LO and the challenge made me get it done, so thanks Jodie for that! Here's the LO, and it has made me smile every time I walked past it this week! It was really a good time!

My last two Lo's from the weekend.

River pictures...

Just a few pictures from the trip to the ELk River this past weekend. It was a beautiful day and we had an awesome time!