Peaches and Pickles for Dinner

It's Been Years...

2011-10-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in FOREVER. I don't know why, probably just me being lazy. Too much to do, not enough time. And I got an iPhone. And I can't put it down. Ever.

A lot is new, a lot isn't. I am nowhere near the place I thought I was going to be by 40. In fact, I am almost 41, and I am farther away from that goal of Fabulous At 40 thing I was planning on doing. Oh well.

In true OCD fashion, I have a new hobby, and it has me constantly cooking while my house falls down around me. Constantly cooking, yet there is never anything to eat... The kids ask what is for dinner, I say "Peaches and pickles." Because thats what I have: JARS of peaches and pickles. And chutney, jam, jalapenos, corn salsa, tomatillo salsa, peach salsa, tomatoes, corn relish, BBQ sauce, apple pie filling, applesauce, apple butter...you get the idea. After 150 pounds of tomatoes, Norm banned me from getting more. I have done about 45 pounds of apples, and I am getting more (he doesn't need to know). If anyone is wondering, my scrapbooking stuff is gathering dust in the basement.

Well, that's all for now, I have to go iron a shirt for Norm tomorrow, and hunt a pair of underware for each kid out from the couch of Piled High Clean Clothes. That will get us through another day. I don't actually have anything left here to can, so maybe I will fold those clothes tomorrow. We'll see.

WWWOM (Winter Session of Women Without Men)

2010-02-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day

2010-02-11T07:41:00.001-08:00

The Big Day! What a blast, made even more special by Alanna and Brian coming this year with their boys Joey and Joshua! We haven't had Christmas with them in YEARS!

Making Cookies

2010-02-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

The kids couldn't wait to make cookies every year. It is one of their favorite things to do I think!

Then Came Christmas

2010-02-11T07:26:00.001-08:00

Norm played Santa Claus this year at the Annual
Breakfast with Santa at the firestation.

Confession of a Neglectful Blogger

2010-02-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

I have been a very bad blogger. FOUR MONTHS! That is really bad. The whole point was to share pictures and other things with my far away friends and family, and I have let you all down! So, ater the marathon, we got ready for our first family vacation in years, DisneyWorld! We drove there, and the kids were great! We had the best time, everyone got along, we ran around all day and night, and just had an absolute blast!

Marathon Runner

2009-10-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Norm ran in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Marathon (not the Detroit one where 3 runners died!) Anyway, he did a great job, he finished his first marathon in 3:47:29! It was dark and cold when he started, about 30 degrees! The first picture is Norm waiting in the line to start. Next, he is approaching the finish line, and finally, Norm getting a post race bagel.

I cannot believe what an emotional experience watching that race was. I watched all these different types of people come into that line. It is too hard to describe, but if you ever get the chance, stand by a marathon finish line for awhile, you will be completely inspired.

BOMBERRY WEDDING!!!

2009-09-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

Uncle Mikes daughter Megan marries Mr Jose Duran!!!!

Dancin In The Streets

2009-09-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

This Is Caroline's Competition Dance Team dancing in the Frankfort Days Fall Festival Parade.

More From Cheerleading World

2009-09-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

Oh, Daddy was in the parade too!

This Cheerleading business is work! We had practices or events the last 5 days! I have to admit though, not only does she love it, she looks pretty freaking cute. So here is Caroline, in the Tinley Park Fall Festival Parade.

Caroline is a Cheerleader

2009-08-23T11:39:00.001-07:00

Caroline is having such a great time doing this!

First Day of School

2009-08-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

And Mommy is free woman!

The Last Layout from California

2009-08-10T06:30:00.001-07:00

This is Saturday night and Sunday morning. The end of the trip. It was over too fast, but we had a great time. It wasnt like meeting girls I had never met before. It really was like seeing old friends again that I hadnt seen in a long time!

And Another...

2009-08-09T18:50:00.001-07:00

This is in the hotel room in Pasadena the first night! We had a lot of fun!

2 More Layouts- California Trip

2009-08-09T10:45:00.001-07:00

How we love our food!

More Pics from Michigan

2009-08-05T20:18:00.001-07:00

Go Karts at Craigs Cruisers

Hiking up the dunes.

Summer Vacation in Michigan

2009-08-04T19:47:00.001-07:00

Blueberry picking.

Play Date

2009-07-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Malyna

Rachel

Caroline

Caroline has friends over today, and the girls asked me to do their hair! How cute are they??

New Layout from California Trip and cards

2009-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Our "fancy" dinner out in Pasadena!

2 cards I made with the scraps from the layout! The one on the right is for my friend Colleens birthday.

CKC SCRAPBOOK

2009-07-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

I am having a blast scrapping my trip to California with my scrapping buddies. We had so much fun!

Cover page

You cant tell but the letters are glittery and the background brown paper is embossed swirlies.

Caroline's Dance Pics Layout

2009-07-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to scrap these pictures with paper I bought at CKC, Pasadena. It is Basic Grey Lemonade.

Girls Weekend in Pasadena, California

2009-06-26T17:37:00.001-07:00

Having some CA. Special yummies

Lea and Mary!!
JILL!!!!

At the scrap convention.

Poor Mary, should she have the vodka cranberry, or the almond champagne! (She had both)

Caroline goes to the Dance Recital!

2009-06-07T17:00:00.001-07:00

Lord help us! this one is going to be trouble!

Great America

2009-06-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

The first time we went (courtesy of my Mom for Advocate days) we got rained out. Last wed. we tried again, and it was great weather!

My First Ever Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge Card!!!

2009-06-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I pulled up their blog from my favorites, and didn't refresh it, so after making the card, I discovered that it was challenge 81 from early April!! @@ to me! Oh well, I got to use Basic Grey's Lime Rickey paper for the first time. The sentiment comes from ctmh stamp set "Legendary Moments". The stamp is from Stamping Bella ( a RAK from a friend). And the top and bottom have Bella's Baubles.

Preschool Graduation

2009-05-25T11:13:00.001-07:00

She is a preschool Graduate now! A few short months and Caroline will be off to kindegarten!

Flowers from the yard

2009-05-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

We thought the yard needed some red, so we added a red maple tree!

Left, King Coleus, inpatiens, and fiber optic grass! I love that stuff!

I love to plant flowers on the shed! When picking colors this year, I was inspired by all the rainbow colors that are back in now, especially in scrapbooking. I was copying "Lime Rickey" scrap paper from basic grey.

Yard Work

2009-05-25T10:37:00.001-07:00

this is the former dog run with a new gardening shelf for me to work at! We will be putting larger paver bricks under the grill soon(ish)!

This is the "secret" paasage to Ron and Jans yard, Norm planted a couple of bushes, built a cute little boardwalk and filled it in with rock and 2 solar lights, no more muddy feet!

Grand Haven Girls Weekend

2009-05-05T12:41:00.001-07:00

So I went to Michigan for a girls weekend! My Mom, neighbors Jan and Colleen and I had a relaxing fun time! Unfortunately, I only had the camera out once, and forgot about it after that, but here are a couple with Jan and me!

Zoo day

2009-05-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

Trip to brookfoeld Zoo!

Close ups

2009-04-03T13:17:00.001-07:00

Making cards from Scraps

2009-04-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

I needed a "love " card, and after I made one, I couldn't stop. Who knows what I will use them for, but I sure had fun.

Here Comes Trouble

2009-04-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Norm and I are in a world of trouble with this girl. Caroline got herself dressed today, came down and got in this pose, and then called me to come see her. Diva anyone?

And a Couple More from Sue...

2009-03-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Birthday Loot- WOWEE SUE!!!!

2009-03-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friend Sue in Land O'Lakes Florida just made my day! Look at all the super fun stuff she made for me!!!! Thanks SUE!!!!!

Caroline lost her first tooth!

2009-03-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

She was so excited, she twisted it, and pulled it out herself!

My Journal

2009-03-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

I made myself a book to record my thought, recipes, ideas, and what I eat. Here it is! (For Jill)

I Haven't Been Around Here In Awhile

2009-03-15T12:47:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I was having trouble posting as was too lazy to figure it out. Here is just a little something til I have more time to post. The first two are random cards I made. The last one is Jason with the autograph book he made with the bind it all machine for our trip to disney in November.

And the Winners are...

2009-02-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

The first (and only) comments came from SUE, in Florida; JANELLE, in Portland; and JAN, right in my backyard!! So now, what will I make.....

share the love

2009-02-12T06:40:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Valentines Day, the first 3 people to comment to this post will recieve a handmade gift of some kind from me during the year. Could be a card, who knows. You wont know when it is coming!

Now, here are some new picture of the kiddos!

New Scrap Layout: Emily's B-Day Present

2009-01-16T19:31:00.000-08:00

She wanted a cell phone. We said no. Maybe in a few years... Well, she got one for her birthday this year.

Winter in Mokena

2009-01-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

Out my front door this morning. There is a winter storm warning for today after 3pm, with a blizzard by midnight and into tomorrow! Going to buy milk and bread soon...

A card I made this weekend.

2009-01-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

I copied this card from a blog I follow, http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/ . It is a few posts down on her blog, i just loved it!

More New years

2009-01-11T13:05:00.000-08:00

Tom grills us steaks

Ron, Jan, and Jason

Jan and Malyna with my girls

New Years Eve

2009-01-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

Marisa

Marisa and Mike

Me with Marisa and Colleen

We did New Years at our neighbors the Barnas', and it was GREAT!

Pictures of the Turkeys that got dropped!

2008-12-30T20:17:00.001-08:00

2008-12-30T20:15:00.000-08:00

Wild Turkeys in Grand Haven

2008-12-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

Scroll down y'all, I did three new posts. Here are the wild turkeys in my parents yard at the Michigan house.

Christmas Day

2008-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Morning mess

Becky and Joe

Mom and baby Joe

Aunt Karen and her grandbaby

Uncle Steven and Caroline

Christmas Eve with the cousins

2008-12-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

ChristmasEve at Grandma Marias house!

Goof Balls making Peanut Butter Balls

2008-12-22T06:21:00.001-08:00

How do you like Caroline's get-up?

They had so much fun.

Yum!

Caroline's dance class

2008-12-20T17:59:00.000-08:00

Carolines class did a little show for the parents.

Pictures that didnt make it on...

2008-12-20T17:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas box from Texas

2008-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

Aunt Pat and Uncle Barry sent the kids a box of presents for Christmas. I think they are as excited about the delivery of the box itself, as they are about what is inside!

Breakfast with Santa at the firehouse

2008-12-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was the annual breakfast with Santa at the Station 1 firehouse. Here are a few pics of the kiddies...

Halloween pages

2008-12-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

I good friend of mine sent me a fun Halloween kit, and I put it together yesterday. Actually, I copied three pages exactly, and the other three I made up with the rest of the stuff in the kit!

THings I have been working on...

2008-12-05T06:30:00.000-08:00

These are the cards I made for my online sisters, I choose who got what randomly.

This is the inside and outside of an accordian card I made, with all the kids pictures. The paper is unknown scraps, and the stamp is CTMH.

This card has left over paper from my Christmas scraps, and the martini glass from MFT's Merry Christmas? stamp set. Colored with copic markers.

This is a card I made using Basic Gray Figgy Pudding paper, Penny Black's 12 days of Christmas

stamps, prima flowers, buttons and bellas baubles, oh, and a CTMH photo hanger with ribbon.

Village of Tinley Park Christmas party

2008-12-05T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Village puts on a nice dinner for the employees every year. It is really for the kids, and it is cute, they have a D.J., a buffet, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus giving out presents. THE kids look forward to it every year!

Thanksgiving in Michigan

2008-11-30T16:38:00.000-08:00

WE spent Thanksgiving in Greand Haven, Michigan with my parents at their weekend home. We had a great time, very low key and relaxing. We took the kids down to the beach for pictures, and here are a few.

Visit From Alanna and her boys

2008-11-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

So last weekend my cousin Alanna and her two boys, Joey and Josh visited (from outside Atlanta) with us on their to Wisconsin to spend Thanksgiving with her Mom and brother. My kids LOVED her boys! They are two adorable, sweet, very nice boys.

WHere "What's your story" comes from...

2008-11-21T20:29:00.000-08:00

It comes from my Dad, George. He says that all the time! Here he is:

I cant stop!

2008-11-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

Okay, since this seems to be working okay, I want to post some pics of the kids, so I can share with my family. Here goes:

Will I figure this out, or shoot the computer?

2008-11-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

Okay, I don't know how to respond to comment, but thanks for the welcome Liane! I want to add everyones blogs to my page, cant figure it out. ALso I AM attempting now to add a picture. IF it works, it will be the baby card I made the other day for someone at Norm's work.

Hello, welcome to my blog!

2008-11-21T19:38:00.001-08:00

Everyone is doing it, so I guess I will jump in here and do it too! I am blogging to share whats going on in our lives with my friends and family who live far away. I also am here to share projects that I make with my scrapping friends. That is, if I can figure out how to get pictures up here! I will try to keep up with this, although I am feeling the pressure of Christmas these days! I am excited to do this, I hope I am not to tech challenged to do it!