FUN WEEKEND, GREAT CAUSE!

This past weekend, several friends and I attended a "Scrap Pink" event on the Beach... we had some GREAT laughs (the kind that make your stomach hurt!!) and got a little scrapping in... I had no award winning layouts to share, but did get an 8x8 album complete of a recent event... this will be a gift for my daughters 16 year old birthday next month! Here is a photo of me and two of my greatest friends, ever. There are 12 in our group, and we all mesh so well...

Fabulous Finds!!

I have been SOOOO good lately... but couldn't resist myself when it came to these finds!! Posted are some (poor pictures, sorry!) of some of the Fall Papers - I love when Fall stuff starts flooding the stores!! Not that we get much "fall" here, but it means that cooler weather and holidays are just around the corner! That makes me happy!! And check out this Halloween paper by WE R Memory Makers - it's Halloween and VELVETTY!!! Also, I found some beautiful "bling" - a little girl in my life has hinted at the thought of a Hello Kitty bedroom... And even if she changes her mind, it was too pretty to pass up! Enjoy! It's gorgeous despite my photos!!

Space Travel

What an exciting week!! My dear friend, Amy, and her sister Joy were able to get a group of us on the Kennedy Space Center Base to see a LIVE LAUNCH! I'm sure all of you are tired of hearing about it, but it was an amazing, once in a life time event!! I grew up living the love life of being an Astronaut - not me personally, but my mother and brother. My mom worked for NASA in her younger days and often wishes she had never left. And, growing up, it was my brothers dream to be an Astronaut... so, being able to be so close that your pant legs moved, the sky lit up and the rumble of the engines purred as she lifted off the pad was a dream come true. Oh, and standing right next to the VAB (Vertical Assembly Building) was something I once only saw from a great distance! What an amazing experience for my mom, my friends and I. Amy and Joy, we owe you BIG!! (I snapped 366 glorious photo's in minutes! Imagine that!)

Esty...

I haven't posted lately... but I wanted to tell everyone about etsy.com. I think of it as a website, sort of like ebay where you can buy things, however it's all handmade by people like you and I. I've ordered several things from different people.. my custom camera strap, a purse and some "Twilight" things. It's fun and the prices are pretty reasonable! Love this "Scrabble tile" necklace... and, Thanksgiving is coming... love these!! What I like most is that everything is original... and I love to decorate! I hope you enjoy, too!! Let me know what you find!!

What a week!

I haven't posted lately, but this Maxine cartoon was too cute to pass up! I love my job.. and have been putting in lots of long hours getting ready for school! Hope all is great! - Don't forget to watch the Shuttle Launch tonight... or should I say, this morning??

New House!?

It's still pretty surreal - actually having a new house! I am still waiting for the bomb to drop! Jeff and I went to Orange Park today to "customize" the inside of our house. We set a budget and only went $5K over! Yes, $5000 is a fortune, but we thought we did considerably well, I mean, who can live without a Central Vacuum system with a kick plate? Attached is a "snapshot" of what we chose. I'm most excited about the house in general, but some of my favorite options are the vacuum system, the Corian counters and sink and the wood laminate floors! I can't wait for you all to see it... and yes, JK - it will have a scrap room... the "Formal" living and dining areas are all mine!!

Firemen.... usually a HOT subject!!

I must say, our local fire fighters are pretty cutie-patooties... but, NOT this time, since my fireman is only 3 1/2! I thought this was the cutest - my dear son, dressed in last years Halloween fire-fighter costume, was extinguishing a "box" with my vacuum hose! It was definitely a "scrapbook moment!". (He must have received another call - look at his serious face!) LOL - And something scrap related. The 2nd photo is a group of name tags that my local SHOTTS created and entered into a contest a while back - we won 1st place for most originality! We each took a puzzle piece home and decorated it. While we weren't hoping to win any trips to the White House - we knew it would be a fun challenge!

A new school year!!

Life is busy - everywhere! School has started in several parts of the US, but not until August 24, here. My job is definitely keeping me hopping!! Here is a quick photo of ME on my very first day of Kindergarten back in 1977! Ironically, my brother was born on my first day of school and my mom missed it! Good for her (and me!) our neighbor took a quick photo. Don't you just LOVE the matching Winnie Pooh outfits?? I really remember that outfit!! Love the hair!! hehe (I must post some scrapbook stuff, SOON!)

This and that!!

I did get my free chocolate - congrats to all of you who got through!! I spent the afternoon yesterday in Orange Park looking at new homes/gallery - WOW!! I did take some pics, but nothing earth shattering! While everything is soooo beautiful, it's soooo expensive!! Please say a quick prayer as today we'll be another step closer to a new house!

My dear friends traveled over to a scrapbook retreat this weekend - minus me. They sound as if they had a blast! I sure missed them this go around!!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

I'd like to mention the following website with you... it's crazy cool! ArtsCow is the name of it. I have ordered from them and PPD (Michelle) has, too. Their specials and prices knock my socks off!! This week I ordered a photo change purse for $.99 with FREE shipping!! I'm starting my Christmas shopping now - I already have 5 gifts in the wings! That makes me happy!! :) I love the holidays and love choosing special, off the wall gifts for people. The Arts Cow gifts are very personal and they give you a CRAZY amount of FREEBIES!!! Head on over and let me know what you think!!!! Signing up is FREEEEE~

Want FREE chocolate???

Yes, you read that correctly.... FREE CHOCOLATE! I found this information on another blog and checked into it... you have to act fast! They only give away 250,000 coupons per Friday!! But, it's the real thing!! (Love you, Dawn! "face"). I won't post any more tonight - I want to be sure all my blog buddies get in on the free grub! Talk to you tomorrow!!

Quilted... with LOVE!

A very dear friend of mine emailed me this photo... if you are anything like me (I don't consider myself a pack rat as I can throw things away - as long as they aren't sentimental!), but I do collect things like scrapbook supplies, Willow Tree ornaments, and my kids old baby clothes?? Ok, not ALL of them, but a few favorites. Like my oldest, almost 16 year old, I have her first Christmas dress and the outfit she wore home from the hospital. Just a few things like that! Well.. that's where this quilt comes to play! My friend had a hand-made quilt created out of her sons out-grown baby clothes! She even cut out little "bears" and what not from what was on the baby clothes! It's absolutely amazing!! This is SO what I'd love to do with my children's outfits... however, I'd like one quilt made with all four of my kids' clothes rather than one from each child - if that makes sense! I love this idea..... keep it in the back of your mind! (And thanks, Becky for sending the picture and for checking with your quilt maker for me!). Enjoy!! (Maxine is feeling GREAT house vibes tonight... thanks for the prayers!)

Maxine is back.... with the Ribbon Ring!!

Hiya, Friends! Sorry, didn't take a vacation - been working long hours getting ready for students to return!!

I totally have to brag for a minute - this was a find that I had read about a few times in one of my many scrapbook mags, (magazine addiction!) and thought that it was "cool", but was it really for me? I mean, I didn't have that much ribbon, anyway. HA!! I took the plunge at CHA Orlando and bought two packs of "Ribbon Rings". Each pack had 90 (NINETY) tags and a few different sized rings... for the past few nights I've been adding my ribbon! (It doesn't take long at all!) It went from photo #1 (messy buckets) to this fab hanging array of ribbon! (That I can actually SEE!!). I LOVE IT! Granted, I'm almost out of tags, so I emailed the gal (Melissa, very nice!) from the Ribbon Ring and plan to buy more!! I had no idea that I had so much ribbon!! I'm guessing 300 ore more different colors/patterns! And, so much of it was at the bottom of my containers that I forgot all about it! (Imagine that!). Don't worry when you look at the photo, I totally plan on reorganizing the rings by color and holidays... but I was so excited that I wanted to post a picture right away! These aren't sorted - so bare with me! (Yes, I'm "color" challenged! - that's for all of my SHOTTS!) Head on over to this link to check out some more great ideas! Oh! And Melissa from the Ribbon Ring also has a blog and she posts coupons from time to time, too!! Check it out!! (Oh, and her ribbon bon-bons are to DIE FOR! My friend JK missed the "Don't touch" sign and walked right up for the kill! They were so realistic it was hard not to!)

The old way, and the ribbon I still have left to hang!

The new and improved way!!

Good Night all!

Until tomorrow.... ~Queen Maxine

Maxine is falling down on the blog!

Sorry friends and thanks for checking! I've damaged my shoulder and have been taking meds for the inflammation and pain - it's better, but hurts a little to type - and the meds make me sleepy!! I am off to work today - pain or not! So... I'll definitely post a scrapbook related post tonight!! Wishing you all a great day!!

What a fun day at CHA!!

Actually, what made it so fun was a trip with a group of friends!! CHA wasn't anything like I expected it... granted, it's not just scrapping and stamping, it's quilting and beading, etc..., too. But, none-the-less I managed to spend every nickle that I took with me!! I'll post some pics tomorrow of some of my "goodies"... I did get the new Corner Chomper - can't wait to play with that! I also picked up a few of the "Ribbon Rings"... something has to help me there!! We also ate at an Ale House in Orlando - that was a blast! Leo and Patrick were great sports to say the least!! Thanks for reading - wish me luck tomorrow as we enter another house adventure!!

Notice the resemblance??

And I'll post more later, but do you see how I earned the name, Maxine?? Sad, but true! Love ya, Amy!! Oh! I'm glad that my dear friend Katie had a great birthday!! (She does read the blog! LOL). We need to do lunch, Katie!

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Happy Birthday to my friend, Katie!! She and I have been friends for many years, and while we don't see or talk as often as we should - I want to be sure she knows that I'll be thinking about her tomorrow - from the dentist chair! :( (and seeing if she really does read my blog!) HA HA (Oh, and Katie... you're welcome for me NOT posting the photo of us with the "fried chicken"!) LOL

My new friend... V.

You know, life doesn't always deal a fair hand. And many times, people complain about the dumbest things... (yes, me included). Like, a group of teen aged girls complaining about new school clothes, or about brand named this or that. Or someone getting mad because you didn't return a phone call "right away". Or me last week, furious that my credit card company - whom I've never, ever been late with, decided to cancel me due to our poor economy... all trivial in the grand scheme of things. Recently, I met a little guy who really touched my heart. He is the nephew to a very good friend, and we paid a visit to him in the hospital. He is 17 years old and has had a hard life, medically. His mother contracted a viral infection when she was pregnant, which led to the condition in which he was born with. (I'm unfamiliar with the name of the disease). But, his outlook on everything was amazing. First, we walked into his hospital room un-announced. He wasn't bothered at all - even happy to see us. Out of our group, he only knew two of our 8. When asked how he was doing he said "I'm doing alright, hoping to go home tomorrow, how's Vivian?". (Vivian is an older, distant relative to him who was also in the hospital in another state). He was truly concerned about her, despite the fact that he was also in the hospital. Just talking to him made me appreciate so much. You had to be there. This little guy, 17 years old, who has an incurable condition, yet was so positive and full of life. HE touched my heart. I did find out that he will be released from the hospital tomorrow, which he informed his aunt "Thank goodness! I'm scheduled to work on Wednesday". Wow. First, stop and say a prayer for this friend. 2nd, hug your children, tell them you love them, and that when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade - clothes, the color of a car, shoes - are not that important. I am thankful that my daughter was able to meet him - he touched her heart, too. (And while I did take a photo, I'm not posting due to keeping him confidential... but if you could only see how incredibly adorable he was!! He had the whole package... looks and personality!) Get well soon, V!

Rascal Flatts/Darius Rucker = AWESOME!

These guys are AMAZING!! What a GREAT show they put on last night in Tampa, Florida! I cannot rave enough about these guys - they were terrific!! And thanks to my amazing friends and five wonderful, well behaved teenage girls - we had a terrific trip! I can't wait until the next one!! (Photo was taken with a point and shoot due to not being able to take zoom lens' into the concert area... not too shabby for a palm sized digital!)

Chipboard Mini-Album

I created this album in 2 hours as a "Thank you" gift to our drama teacher at work who was leaving our school. She was the drama teacher to two of my children and I wanted her to know how much we appreciated her! The book was VERY simple to do. I used a "green" chipboard album, paper, ribbon, stickers and of course, photos! (Their last play was "The Jungle Book"). I must say that it was cuter in person than my pictures show... let me aoplogize for not capturing it better!! I was in a time crunch, so surely not my best work, but it did turn out cute and was appreciated! It is the "though that counts", right?? :)

Maxine is tired!!

Sorry for the short post tonight... I had a THREE HOUR conversation over the phone with my twin friends from High School! It was SOOO great to hear their voice, and be able to laugh at how silly we really were!! Those were some good times!! (Still struggling with why I had a bombers pilot hat on my head in that photo... and what was with the scarf??). Good ole Facebook... it sure made me happy this week! Will post more tomorrow... very glad to see the weekend!! Night!

Speaking of friends...

Here is a layout that I assisted with at a recent scrapbook get-away. This showcases a great friendship - Jonny and Dawn, two very good friends of mine. I enjoyed helping Dawn create this layout- I love these girls!! Thanks for letting me be a part and thanks for a wonderful friendship!!

Do you FACEBOOK??

I've always been a big techy fan... and never really got into MySpace or anything.. but a while back when I read up on Facebook I thought I'd give it a try. Wow!!! In the past few months, I've connected with some past friends... but today, blew me out of the water!! In High School, I had several friends... but just a few stick out the most! You know the ones that you can still think about - that you did silly things with - like wearing a hair piece in the mall? And buying boys High Top sneakers because the boys we like wore them?? Yes, silly, but great for laughs now!! Some of the friends I've remained in contact with - but somehow, lost contact with others. Today, out of the blue, and a complete fluke, someone that I knew from years ago as an acquaintance - who had added me as a friend on FB, but we didn't really talk... well she married the brother to one of my bestest friends from high school... and that bestest friend FOUND ME by loooking at old pics that were posted from 20 years ago! (She is an identical twin!). My friend, Becky, is on FB, but not listed with her maiden name.. so over time, I've searched for them, but never found them. And, I even searched the town where we lived... but she no longer lives in this state!! So, today, I got a friend request and a FB message. How fun it was to talk - by FB and email, and to catch up. I swear, it's like we've not lost 20 years. Granted, we have lots of catching up to do, but I still felt that I could talk so freely to her!! I haven't the chance to talk to her twin, but that is in the works!! Plans for a 3 way conference call is under way - how exciting!!!

So, if you've not joined FB, and I know many that shy away, give it a try. You can set the settings to be safe, and you can control those who you will allow as friends, but deny others without them knowing. And it doesn't take any time to check it once in a while. If you need help, let me know. It's fun, easy and very rewarding!!

Becky, it was GREAT talking to you today... I can't wait to catch up with, Beth, too!! I have some GREAT memories from those days.. and still chuckle at you wearing BLUE CONVERSE under your wedding dress!! That is so YOU! I'm sorry I missed it, but an thankful that through today's technology that we can once again, reunite! (And Beth, give FB a try!! Pretty please? Cindy, you too!)

America's Got Talent! Go Mia!!

Just saw this young lady on America's Got Talent... We really liked her! Of course, she's singing a version of Ray Charles's song "Georgia" - And we love that name!! Good Luck, Mia - go far, we're rooting for you!! http://www.hulu.com/watch/83159/americas-got-talent-mia-boostroms-performance

Don't walk... RUN!!

To the nearest DQ (Dairy Queen!) before the Tagalong blizzards are gone! Who can resist? Peanut Butter, Girl Scout cookies?? It tasted much better than this photo looks - promise! ... My diet starts tomorrow! Will post more later!

Brown Baby, Brown Baby.... What do you see?

Can you tell the difference? Look closely... other than I few much loved stains... I can't either. But, ask my dear son the difference, and within 1 instant, he can tell you. "That is mad Brown Baby". He will instantly grab the "not mad" baby, hug it, pat it's head, kiss it... and move on with it hiked on his shoulder or tucked under his arm. We're not quite sure why one is mean and one isn't... it's not like they have pinched him or anything... he tells us that it's in their "eyes". Hmmm. Ok, dear son. In fact, right now, he's looking for the "not mad" baby, but can't find it... and the mad one just won't do. He's definitely particular to detail!

Today... I became "Mom"...

No, I didn't have a baby today. Sigh. This is just a sign that my almost 4 year old son is growing up. I'll explain. When he and I arrived home today from work, no one was home. My girls (he is the youngest of 4 and the only boy), were off with my mom. So, he was bee-bopping around the house, playing glee-fully. And then, I became mom. "Mom!" he shouted... I was putting dinner in the oven so I didn't answer... "Mom!" he said again. Just yesterday I was "Mama" and today I'm "MOM?" I asked him, "What did you call me?" and he said "Mom". I said "What about Mama? or Mommy?" He said "Nope. Mom.". I guess it all goes back to the layout I did in a few months ago where he told me "I nacho Buddy, I daddy's buddy". He's been a daddy's boy since the get go... will he ever just want his mom?? My little tike is growing up! And, yes, my friends love to tease me about all of my "Landon Lay-outs", but, he's much younger than my girls, still poses for the "Mama-ratzi" and still does so many CUTE things! My girls, are older now, and typically run from the camera, especially when I ask them to wear clothes in the same color family!! I have tons of pictures of them, too - have no fear!

I LOVE Publix.

Recipe time! Here is a salad that I made for dinner, thanks to Publix.

Cob Salad with Honey Lime Dressing.

Ingredients:

1 lime (for juice, rinsed)

1/2 cup light mayonnaise

1/3 cup honey

10-12 ounces (Meat or Deli) smoked turkey (or chicken)

2 hard-boiled eggs

1 avocado (rinsed)

1 bag baby salad greens (5-7 oz)

1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn (drained)

4 ounces crumbled blue cheese

8 ounces pre-diced tomatoes

1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces Steps

1. Squeeze juice of lime into small bowl. Whisk in mayonnaise and honey until blended; set aside.2. Cut meat into bite-size pieces. Chop eggs coarsely. Cut avocado into quarters; then cut into bite-size pieces. (Score the cut side of the avocado in a crisscross pattern through the flesh, just down to the skin. Flatten skin slightly and slide knife across the bottom, next to the skin, to remove the cubes.)3. Arrange salad greens on serving platter. Build salad by laying each ingredient in parallel rows across top of salad greens in this order: blue cheese, corn, tomatoes, turkey, bacon, avocado, and eggs. Top with dressing and serve.

CALORIES (per 1/6 recipe) 410kcal; FAT 23g; CHOL 125mg;SODIUM 1030mg; CARB 30g; FIBER 4g; PROTEIN 25g;VIT A 40%; VIT C 30%; CALC 15%; IRON 10%

Spring cleaning?? Ok...summer cleaning.

What a worth while day! Hubby and I spent the morning running errands and the afternoon finishing off my room!! Who knew one room could hold so much dust??? Gross!! But, it's all nice and clean now.... speaking of homes, here is a layout that I did recently talking about Roots. This layout is very special... it's the Root of our family. My Grandmothers home. It's the only home that I have ever known for her... the place where family gathers at holidays, the place we can all call home. Nan has lived in this house for over 40 years... and lived next door prior to owning it. At one point as a little girl, she lived in it with her parents. These are her roots... (And thanks, Michelle, for the buttons! These buttons were once Michelle's grandmothers.. and yes, at some point in time, our grandmothers knew each other. That practically makes us related!) LYMI

Special Bond.

It's funny. When I talked to my dad this evening on the phone, he told me what a special bond he felt for my oldest daughter. Granted, he was sure to tell me that he loved the ALL very much, but my oldest was the first... and is very light hearted and sentimental. They bonded when she was just days old... I remember him rocking her to sleep every night. To this day, they both share a special bond. I love them both unconditionally.

My Layout of "Maxine".

Here is a recent layout that I created with the infamous "Maxine" photo. Actually, it was me in April, in the Smoky Mountains experiencing my very first "SNOW!" - and was able to make a snowball!! I never dreamed that it would now in April!

Scrap Space

My updated scrap-space. It's still a "WIP"! (Work in Progress!!) - but none the less... it's a little cleaner and a bit more organized that in was a few days ago...

Maxine.

You see, I am Maxine. It's kind of a "group" name given to me after, let's see... 6 or 8 retreats. It seems as if every retreat someone earns a name. And, the name MUST be earned... when you least expect it. My name, Maxine, came to me unknowingly this past retreat. It's rare that I have any photo's of ME. I'm generally the one BEHIND the camera. But, this trip, I decided to show everyone a recent vacation photo of me, holding a snowball... between the photo, the way my hands were positioned and my hair... I was instantly dubbed "Maxine". I must say, after watching others get named "Butt-Cup", "PPDrawz" and "Guppy"... Maxine will do just fine... LYMI.

I am Maxine.

Welcome to my Blogspot!! A shout out to all of my SHOTTS~ Better known as the "Sister Hood Of The Traveling Scrapbooks"! A group of 12 very talented woman who enjoy a great time and a little scrapbooking, too!!