Silly Me!

2009-12-28T09:44:00.002-05:00

Introducing My New Blog

Spots Paper and Scissors

There is not much up there yet! Be sure to update your Bookmarks!

Emily

Live from PA: It's Christmas!

2009-12-25T21:53:00.002-05:00

Me in front of the Statue of Liberty

Me in Ellis Island

Michael and I are still on vacation in PA. What a lovely trip! Very relaxing!! We are enjoying good times with family and friends!

A few new changes for the new year. I am starting a new blog! Life of a preschool does not really fit anymore! More info about that later!

I am going to be hosting a little give-away on my new blog so be on the lookout for that!

Until later!

Have a lovely weekend!

Emily

Scamming a Charity at Christmas Time

2009-12-12T00:03:00.002-05:00

About once or twice a week I read the articles in the online edition of the local newspaper from the town where I grew up. It helps me feel connected to home, and gives me some talking points to discuss with my family. I love reading the wedding announcements and birth announcements the best.

Today one of the articles really disturbed me. It was about a local program run by the local fire department. The program provides gifts and food for needy families in the area. The article talked about a Craigslist ad that told people how to get "free" gifts by applying to be part of the"Santa Fund" program. The author of this "ad" described how they have been scamming this program for years and nobody has ever asked questions. The gifts and food just show up on their doorstep.

I have been poor before in my life. It is a very humbling experience. For many poor people it is very difficult to ask for help, even when you really do need the help.In our society we are taught that if you work hard that you will always have what you need. There are many hard working people out there who still struggle to pay the rent, provide clothing and food for their families. Are they less deserving of a nice place to live, a full belly and a good education? I don't think so . It just turns my stomach to hear of people abusing the systems set up for people who are really in need.

After reading this article I just wanted to cry. How dare someone who is just greedy and lazy take handouts just because they can. Just because its easy and nobody asks any questions. They should feel downright ashamed of themselves. It is situations like this that cause many social services to be limited, because lets face it, people don't want to give to greedy people. Most people are willing to give something for someone who is really in need.

Is this going to cause me to think twice about donations to charity? No. Am I able to give millions of dollars? Not at this point. Can I give a pair of shoes, or pants, or a book to a cause I care about ? Yes I can.

While honestly, I sometimes get bogged down with horrible stories like this, I still try to remember all the good that really does happen out there.

Have a lovely evening

Emily

Tis' the Season to be Jolly!

2009-12-11T21:22:00.003-05:00

I am really into the Christmas spirit this year! Been having a lot of fun making/putting gifts together for family and friends. I love having projects to do. I love the whole process of coming up with an idea, getting the supplies together, creating, and then seeing the finished product and then sharing it with others. It is so gratifying to start with something as simple a pretzels and M&Ms and then creating a cute little treat for my co-workers.

So I found this recipe on Becky Higgins' blog. Soooo yummy!

Am super pleased with how the whole packaging came together. I found the little bags at Walmart. Just printed out the sentiment on my home computer and punched them using a tag punch! Easy!!!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T20:18:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the late update on Thanksgiving. Michael and I have been pretty much sick since Friday :( We are on the mend. Enough about that.

We went to our friends the Feldkamp's for dinner. Michael made a cherry pie and a blackberry pie. Yes, I have a husband that bakes pies. I'm lucky I know! I finally used the Trifle dish, that I just had to have from my wedding registry. Ha! Ha! So for my 1st attempt at trifle, I chose a raspberry chocolate. So very easy! I suppose you could make it with homemade stuff, but I just wanted quick and easy!

Raspberry Chocolate Trifle

2 Boxes of Instant Chocolate Pudding

1 Frozen Pound Cake

1 Tub of Cool-Whip

1 cup of Raspberry preserves

2 pints of Fresh Raspberries

1. Dethaw pound cake and cut into cubes

2. Prepare pudding according to package directions

3. Mix raspberry preserves with Cool-Whip

4. Place pound cake cubes in bottom of the trifle bowl

5. Spoon pudding on top of pound cake cubes.

6. Layer Cool-Whip/preserve combination next

7. Follow up with with a layer of fresh raspberries.

8. Repeat layers again!

The Feldcamps invited a couple of other families from church over to their house. Michael played football with the guys before and after lunch. The ladies stayed inside and looked at the blackfriday ads! Ha! Ha! The food was pretty good, I did notice that the food was all similar in color. The stuffing, turkey, potatoes, and corn bake were all in the same color category. Ha! Ha! Reminder for next year, bring a tossed salad!! We ended the evening with a guys against girls game of Pictionary. The girls beat the guys 18 to 10!

I printed out our Christmas cards last week. Yay!! Here is a sneak peek. There is going to be a surprise sent with the Christmas cards this year. I'm not going to share that part yet. :D Here is the card!

2009-11-22T21:54:00.000-05:00

Footwear,CPR Induced Backaches, and books

2009-11-21T22:06:00.003-05:00

Today started bright and early as I had to wake up early to go toMiddletown for a CPR class. A 6:30am wake up call on a Saturday was not my idea of bliss. How I wish I could have stayed in bed. While the early wake up was a drag, the class was entertaining and educational.

As per-usual, I got lost on the way to the class. Thankfully I didn't go too far out of the way. I get lost coming out of a store in the mall. When I finally arrived I felt like a celebrity as several people cheered when I walked in the door. I can't help that I'm a celebrity! Wink, Wink!

The instructor, Mrs. Craycraft is quite a character. Totally worth driving 50 miles. She's spunky, has great stories, and she knows her stuff. Thats important. This is the third class I've taken with her. Her husband and son were there. She introduced her son by saying that he "needs a wife" One of my co-workers raised her hand. Poor guy, he was totally blushing. Fun! Fun!

After taking the CPR class I realised that I am not as flexable as I thought. Bending over those CPR maniquins hurt my back. Its just not a natural position to be in. Hopefully if I ever have to perform CPR that adrenaline will kick in, because giving CPR is worse than yoga or pilaties.

Tips for taking a CPR class.

1. Wear Stretchy pants that cover your be-hind! I saw a lot of cracks. I know in a real situation your not going to care about your bootie hanging out of your pants. In class...just say no to "crack".
2. Wear a long shirt that buttons up or has a rather high neck.
3. Wear your hair up to keep it out of your face.
4. Do some stretches ahead of time.
5. Keep this list to remind me of these rules in 2 years when I have to take the class again.

During the CPR class one of my fellow students was wearing shoes like this!

I have never seen anything like this before. So with a little google search I found that they are athletic shoes. While I'm sure they serve their purpose, the idea of wearing gloves on my feet just does not sound appealing. They look like ape feet to me! Oh well. They are unique and heck they are a conversation starter. I'm all for wearing or bringing strange stuff to start a conversation!

Speaking of shoes, I did manage to pick up a few pairs for myself at DSW. Michael had a good time playing the savings game. He was looking at a sign explaining that if you get purchase a gift card you would get $10 for discount coupon for each $50 you spend. Michael asked if he could use the gift cards right away. The cashier told us no, but then explained if we walked out of the store and came back in 5 minutes that we could then use the gift cards, and we would then receive our discount coupons. Ha! Ha! The cashier threw in two extra gift cards for a total of $50 worth of discount coupons! Yay!!!

After stocking up on shoes we headed over the BORDERS.Yay Books. What should I find but

Yay! I saw the ad in Creating Keepsakes a few months ago and I knew I had to have it! So cute! After seeing this book in my hand, Michael "suggested" that I get rid of som other books before I buy any more. Yet,I wanted the book. Hmmmmm.....So I promised to purge my bookcase. Michael, being the smart man that he is,did not believe me. So in order to prove him wrong, once we got home, I removed FOURTEEN unwanted books to donate to the library. So a win-win-win situation for everyone.

#1: I got the book that I wanted!

#2: I supported the scrapbooking industry by buying this book!

#3: I got rid of some unwanted books that are just sitting on my shelves(unread). Thus leaving more space on our already bursting shelves!

#4: The money that the library will receive from selling my unused books will be used to support scholarships to future librarians and contine the wonderful work of the modile library van.

I love when I am able to justify scrapbooking purchases!

Thats all for now! Have a lovely Sunday!

Emily

Big Butter Jesus, Jellybean People, and Church

2009-11-15T08:54:00.004-05:00

Michael and I went to IKEA yesterday. He wanted to look at couches and I wanted to look at all the cute nick-knacks. I'm proud to say that the only money we spent was on food in their restaurant! Their chocolate cake is to die for! Really

After IKEA, Michael suggested we go to Dayton. I was game. I didn't really have an excuse for not going. On our journey we passed "Touchdown Jesus" or "Big Butter Jesus". My picture does not do it any justice. It is a huge statue outside of a church. Very visable on the northbound side of I75. While I think the statue is very tacky, it is a conversation piece. Maybe someone might be interested in finding out what kind of church would have a 50 foot Jesus infront of their church. If they step into the church and come to know the Lord, I'm all about it. Its still very funny. Everytime I pass by it I have to sing the "Big Butter Jesus" song.

Outside of the Dayton Art Museum was this piece. Michael was transfixed by it. He stood for over 5 minutes just looking at it.

Here was my favorite piece at the museum. The Jellybean People! Basically it was two old department store maniquins covered with jellybeans and shallaced within an itch of its life. Behind the jellybean people were thousands of hand painted paper butterflies that would take turns fluttering. I'm not sure if their was suppose to be some kind of "artistic" meaning to it. Sometimes, I think people try to put to much "arty-ness" into art. Couldn't it be that the artist just really liked jellybeans and butterflys? Does it have to have some deeper meaning?

Here was my art this morning. I made pumpkin muffins with cinnamon and brown sugar topping. I made them because I love muffins and brown sugar. There is no other motive besides the like of food that made me create these muffins! Ha!
Michael and I are going to give Small groups at church another go. We are attending a group tonight of 6 to 10 other couples who are also in their 30s. If you know me the idea of meeting twelve to twenty new people is enough to give me hives. I have a hard time knowing what to say to people. I've spent the last hour researching ways to make a good first impression on people. I've read about body language and face language. So from what I've read I'm suppose to smile, keep my arms uncrossed, lean into people and give a nice firm hand shake. Why did they not teach this stuff in school? Maybe they did and I just missed that day! I have a good feeling about this! I can do this!

I want another icecream sandwich!

2009-11-11T05:39:00.002-05:00

Kids say the funniest things! I get to work with close to 500 kiddos each week, so I hear some real doozies! Here is a real conversation.

Scence: Scrapbooking Club for Students in Kindergarten-6th Grade

Characters: Me and Little A

Descriptions of Characters

Me: Teacher who likes to spoil kids

Little A: A tiny, spunky, and cute little Kindergartener.

Little A: Ms. Emily, I don't like this. (Handing me a a sliver of her uneaten ice cream sandwich. Her face was also covered with the ice cream sandwich)

Me: Thats fine. You can throw the rest away

Little A: But I didn't like THIS one, so I need another one.

Me: Well, Little A. you already ate almost all of the one you didn't like.

Little A: (Clearly getting frustrated with my not understanding her) But I didn't like that ONE so I need another one!

Me: Little A, everyone only gets ONE.I don't want you to spoil your dinner.

Little A: But Ms. Emily I didn't like that One. I won't tell my Mommy if you give me another one.

Me: (Speaking to the rest of the kids).Ok guys, lets grab our coats and go outside.

Little A: Ms. Emily please, Ms. Emily please, Ms. Emily please! MS. EMILY PLEASE! (full on pout now)

Me: Little A. can you show me where you jacket is?

Little A: SURE! It's in my Tinker bell back pack!

Too funny!

Tribute...Ummm.....Sunday : Favorite Teacher

2009-11-08T22:09:00.008-05:00

Found this idea on the Mayhem and Moxie blog! A new favorite must read blog. I spend far too much time reading other people's blogs! Ha! Can you relate? So I thought I might try to play along. This week's theme was Favorite Teacher.

I love school. I have always loved school. Middle school and college were horrible, but elementary school and high school were fabulous. I loved High School! No, I wasn't the Home Coming Queen or the star soccer player. I was a pretty average teenager, maybe a little bit more boy crazy than most.

What made my experience extraordinary was the school, St. Johnsbury Academy is a day and boarding school in Vermont. Having grown up in Vermont, I had little opportunity to experience people from other cultures. I had gone to school with the same twenty-five or so kids my entire school career. I remember my middle school guidance counselor telling me that I would "blossom" once I was at the Academy. I did!

The Academy community is steeped in tradition open to creativity and innovation. Being at the Academy is like being at home and in the world at the same time. My classmates were from Japan, Germany, Indonesia, Spain, and Bermuda. What an opportunity for a girl from small town Vermont to meet others from all across the world. I soaked in any opportunity to befriend fellow students from other countries.

I had many amazing teachers in high school. One of my most memorable teachers was Mrs. Carol Zuccaro. Mrs. Zuccaro was my tenth grade English teacher. I remember her as a small woman with a warm personality and a honey sweet voice. She treated everyone warmth and respect. I remember how she encouraged me in my writing. No matter how outrageous an idea I would have, she would always be available to help flesh it out.

Many projects still stick in my mind as extraordinary, even thirteen years later. We had just finished reading Oedipus and our class was given a challenge. We were to re-write the legend and then later perform it in the school's amphitheatre. My classmates worked diligently at our task. We worked together to creatively rework the old language while still keeping the integrity of the legend intact. We worked on costumes and set pieces. Everyone did their fair share. It was team work in action! I don't remember Mrs. Zuccaro micro-managing us. She kept silent, and let us take the project in the direction we wanted. She offered assistance and provided us with references. An outstanding teachers provides tools and opportunities to help you soar!

Another project I remember was the opportunity to be pen pals with a classroom of students from New Mexico. In 1996, the Internet was just beginning to emerge in our tiny community. Communicating with students across the country on the computer was fascinating to me. The Internet is still fascinating to me! Mrs.Zuccaro helped stoke the fires of my interest in other cultures. She is the reason why I went to school for travel and hospitality.

After college, I returned to the Academy to work. I once again got the opportunity to experience her sincerity and her genuine thirst for life and knowledge. I deeply wanted the opportunity to thank Mrs. Zuccaro for being such an inspiration. One day during a break, I headed down to the local flower shop to pick up some roses and a card. I don't remember what I wrote in the card. I do know that I didn't sign my name. I left the flowers outside of her classroom door. A few of the students in her class saw me leaving l the flowers. Through the grapevine I heard that she thought her husband or her priest must have left the flowers for her. It tickles me to have that little secret.

Each week, as I share books with hundreds of students I strive to be a warm, caring, and encouraging influence. I hope to inspire my students to greatness in the way that Mrs. Zuccaro has inspired me!

2009-11-06T23:27:00.002-05:00

This year for our staff Christmas party we are having a gift basket raffle. I was asked to do one to represent the afternoon clubs! I had so much fun shopping for cute things to go in my cupcake themed basket! Way cute! I have a few more things to add in. Love making gift baskets!

Just Thinking

2009-10-17T20:59:00.003-04:00

I'm sitting here at the computer just contimplating my life. This is something that is quite normal for me. As an internal processor, much of my life is lived inside my head. What does that even mean? Well, it means very little of what I am actually thinking comes out of my mouth. Why? Fear? Yes! Many people mistake my lack of talking for being stuck up or cold. That is not my intention. I long to have friends and be able to share who I really am. Yet, that is just difficult. Often times, I just don't know what to say.

So I am thinking about life. To be honest its pretty dull right now. Drive, Work, Drive, Home, Drive, Work, Drive, Home. I go to work and I come home. So dull. I spend between 8 and 11 hours in the car each week. 85% of the dreams I have at night are about work. So it feels like all I do is work. You may be thinking that I'm complaining about work. I'm not. I like work a lot! Its just that I have let it become my life and I'm not really doing anything outside of work. Last night, which was Friday night I spent 4 hours making a book review video for my work blog. Am I required to make these videos? Nope. Does anybody actually watch these video? I doubt it. Then why the heck am I spending a perfectly good Friday night making a video? I think its because work has become my life and I am just mindlessly continuing that "life". I don't have anything else interesting going on so I just latch onto "work" because it is at least somewhat entertaining. That is just so unhealthy.

So, I've pretty much stalled on "life". I haven't been to church in a month, maybe more. I can't remember. I never followed up with opportunities to volunteer in children's ministry and women's ministry. I'm just scared of people actually getting to know the real me, and not liking that person, so I just continue with the "fake me". If people don't like the "fake me", that is OK, because that is not really who I am. When I get scared I clam up. Doing nothing is better and safer than being "known". I'm pretty fed up with that whole proecess. It works for a while, but its just not healthy.

I know that I have a purpose in life. There are a few places where I just feel so comfortable, where I feel I can just soar. Do you ever get that feeling that you are doing something that you were just ment to do? Here are a couple of those places for me.

#1: Random Acts of Kindness: While I was working at St. Johnsbury Academy, I just felt an overwhelming sense of love and pride of being part of that community. So the joy just kinda spilled over. I loved handing out donuts by the front door. I loved handing out candy before chapel. I loved surprising people with flowers or other gifts. I loved the opportunities that I had to get to know the students and to see them change. I love making people smile. People don't expect other people to be kind. I didn't do those things to be honored or recognized for those acts. I just did them to make people smile. To give other people out of the ordinary experiences that might just make their day a little bit brighter. A small break for the mundane.

#2: Children's Ministry: Being part of a church can get messy. I've worked on staff at three churches. I would say that two of the three have severley mangled my faith. While the "business side" of the church bogged me down, the miracles and work that God was doing there was amazing. Sometimes I forget all the wonderful that did happen.

I think children are capable of having truly authentic faith. At their young age they don't have all that messy stuff to cloud things. They don't have a lot of that baggage that adults have that can be a barrier to relationship with Christ. While working and volunteering with children at churches ,I have learned so much from them. I learned church doesn't have to be boring. I've learned that scripture doesn't just have to be read quietly. Joy can be external and internal.

Ok, so what does this all mean? Well, I have to get off my duff and start doing. Things are not going to fall in my lap until I start taking some steps. If you are the "praying type", please pray for guidance as I begin to step out and begin to be who I am truly ment to be.

I hate blog posts without pictures. So here is a picture

Things I Love and Hate Right Now

2009-10-13T17:42:00.007-04:00

Things I'm Loving and Hating Right Now!

The Mentalist

A guilty pleasure kinda show!

Caramel Apple Cider

A favorite cool weather favorite

Blogs

Here are a few of my favorites. I read tons of blogs, but here are just a few!

Mayhem and Moxie

Ali Edwards

Elsie's Blog : What a creative little artist. I would love to visit her store.

Steve Fuller: Church Experiment: I forgive him for stealing my idea, because his insight is very entertaining. He is visitng 52 churches in 52 weeks. Wow! I wanted to have a similar blog called Cin Church ( Where I would go to churches in the Cincinnati area and talk about my experiences there to help newcomers to this area find a home church)

Made In Brooklyn: This is an awesome blog. The author is a stay-at-home Mom, baker, a devine crafter, sweet, former resident of Vermont, and former teacher. She also just happens to be married to the brother of one of my best friends from high school.

Lisa Bearnson : A super creative scrappin' mom. She is the founder of Creating Keepsakes Magazine.

Cakies : Creative Eye Candy

Beth and Susan Opel: Two super duper spunky crafters

This Man!

He is such a wonderful guy. A bit crazy and odd, but he is so caring and loving. He has done such a good job taking care of me while I'm sick. Yay! He even made me homemade mac and cheese for lunch. My first real solid meal since Friday! He cooks, he cleans, he is great with children. He gives great hugs. Back away ladies, he is all mine!

Things I Hate

The Inability to Move Pictures Around On My Blog.

I've had to do this entire blog backwards. Why can't I move my pictures around like I used to?

My Hair

It's stringy, limp, and out of control. I wish I knew how to style it.

Doctors pushing shots on you.

I am not the biggest fans of Drs. right now. Ok...I like Drs. I like that I am feeling so much better. I am glad that my strep infection is on the mend. What I don't like is being pushed to have a steroid shot. Excuse me, I am not an athlete. I've had more prescriptions for steroids in the past year than many pro-atheletes have. I'm sorry steroids do not work in helping me get better. The doctor (whom is not my regular doctor) pushed me to get a steroid injection. She told me I'd feel so much better. I refused. The doctor seemed insulted that I objected. Excuse me, its my body. If I don't want a shot, I'm not getting one. Thanks! Plus after taking one dose of antibiotics and an hour long nap, I felt soooooooo much better. So phooey on you!

Bad Customer Service/ Not Getting What I order.

I went to college for Hospitality/Tourism, so I have very little tolerance for unexceptable service. Food establishments seem to be the biggest offenders. The one bright spot in the fast food industry has to be Chick-Fil-A. I have had nothing but amazing experiences with that compnay. The workers are clean-cut, they have a smile on their face, my food order is always correct, the resturants are clean, and the staff actually cares! Well done Chick-Fil-A.

I will spare you with my extensive list of unexceptable service...cough..cough...cough AOL.

Have a lovely evening!

Emily

Playing Along with Mayhem and Moxie

2009-10-13T17:22:00.002-04:00

Playing along with Mayhem and Moxie's Tribute Tuesday!

Here is a picture of my Fall Induldence: Yummy Caramel Apples. I made them a couple of weekends ago! Yummy! I want more!

New with Me

2009-10-11T11:42:00.005-04:00

I'm pretty sure I have the flu. Doubt that its H1N1 though.On Thursday I didn't feel well at all so I didn't go to work. On Friday morning I felt Ok. On the way home from work I felt like a Mac truck hit me and went directly to bed. On Saturday I spent most of the day sleeping and watching movies. I did drag myself out of the house to go to Walmart. Today I feel a lot better than yesterday. The fevor is gone. Now Michael is sick. Enough with being sick.

Here is a project that I am working on.

I just have to print it out and put it together. Last Christmas I made these for Michael's brothers' and sisters' kids. I'm also working on another Christmas project but its pretty much on a standstill until our trip up north at the end of this month.

2009-10-04T09:02:00.004-04:00

The Smids came to visit us this week! Ben is one of Michael's best friends. They were roommates in college! What a wonderful family. They just had an adorable little girl named Anna! She is such a doll! I totally got my baby fix!

Michael was very excited to have Ben here. The two of them played computer games pretty much non-stop. We did go out to eat a bit! On Friday, Michael took them to the zoo. We had some free tickets! I can't believe it but we will be up to see them in New Jersey in about three weeks! Exciting! We've seen them a lot this year!! I'm sure not complaining.

Back to what I talked about last week. I still would like to leave Kentucky and move closer to family. Michael and I talked about it and I understand a little bit more about his reasoning, it sucks, but I understand. We are both blessed to have good jobs! We are blessed to live in an area that has a pretty cheap price of living. So maybe in 2 to 3 years we might make the jump up North. If we win the lottery, maybe less time. Ha! Ha! Ha! Till then, I really need to make an effort to get more involved here. In about a month I will have been in this area for 5 years. Wow. That seems like a lot. I have not made any effort at all to connect here. Now is the time to do that. Why is it so hard for me?

Off to make some breakfast!

Emily

Home

2009-09-26T08:45:00.011-04:00

A week ago Michael and I were visiting family and friends "up-north". While it was a very quick trip, I so needed it. Just needed a change from my looooooong commutes from Kentucky to the northern 'burbs of Cincinnati. To be honest all that driving has made me a bit "crazy". I know I talk about it a lot, but its a huge part of my life that I really dislike. So much wasted time.

Anyway, back to our trip, it was WONDERFUL! For once, I actually wasn't sick. I had a bit of a cough, but I actually felt really good. It is a joke with Michael and myself that I always get sick when we visit his family. I love his family! I got to take loads of pictures of the nieces and nephews. One of the best questions I've ever heard came from my 4 year old nephew. He asked me what I love like he loves trains. What a great question! That kid is a thinker! I told him that I love scrapbooking and taking pictures. Then I asked him if I could take his picture. He said that he would have to take a picture of me first. So he went and got his toy camera and took a picture of me. Then he let me take a picture of him! Look you can see the toy camera in his hand!On our trip we also went to New Jersey for the baptism of a friend's baby. Michael was asked to be the Godfather. Which Michael is really tickled about. He randomly says, "I'm the Godfather!" Then he laughs! My husband is too cute! The baby is also adorable. Little Anna is such a good baby. She has her Dad's layedback personality. Ben and Sara are really good parents and you can just tell they adore their little lady! They are coming to see us on Tuesday! Yay! Michael will get to play tons of video games and Sara and I will go to Babies R Us!

I am really struggling with the fact that I would love to move closer to our families. Michael's family is an eleven hour drive. My family is a seventeen hour drive. That is just too much. I feel like we miss out on a lot with our families. I'm not saying that we have to move to the same town that my family or his family live in. I just want to live closer. Michael's best friends live about an hour away from Michael's siblings and parents. Michael would love to be able to spend more time with them. I just don't understand why Michael does not want to move closer. I understand that he likes his job here. I LOVE my job here, but would not give it a second thought if we would move someplace like Carlise, PA. or Bennington, Vermont. Another plus is that we could get away from the horrible humid weather here in Kentucky. Its September, it is time for lovely sweaters, apples, and colored leaves. We should not have to use our AC at night. Blah! Can you tell I'm frustrated about this?

I love this photo of Michael and Nat. Look how happy Michael is! Case Photo #1 for moving closer to family. Nat is almost 1 and a half. She is never still. So this picture was really a miracle!

Here are all the kiddos! They are sooooooooo adorable. The little guy in the yellow shirt was yelling "CHEESE" at the top of his lungs. It was cute!

Michael's Mom has us get a family photo for her Christmas cards each year. This one was pretty good!

Here is Michael with his Mom!

Celebrating Marvin's birthday! Ha! It looks like he's on fire!

Michael and I will be heading back north at the end of October. My high school has a home coming weekend. We had a good time last year so we are going again! Plus I get to see more of this face!

Hello!

2009-09-23T06:05:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to say Hi! I will write a longer post when I have time! Just wanted to leave a couple pictures!

We went with Michael's co-workers to Big Bone Lick State Park. They have buffalo there. Michael was helping the kids feed the buffalo! So cute!

Little M. is just so cute! He has a great smile!

Disappointments, Successes, Allegies, and Ants

2009-09-12T09:17:00.003-04:00

Disappointments

I got some bad news yesterday. Some news I really didn't want to hear. I didn't receive something that I really longed for. Something that would change my life. Something that would allow me to actually be more me. The opportunity to be less sickly. The opportunity to be more "wifey". The opportunity to have more balance. The opportunity to actually do some good. I didn't get it. While I know there is a reason, and maybe some other opportunity will come around the corner...Disappointment sucks!

Successes

This week I had a minor success that was pretty cool. A write up that I wrote and some photographs that I took were printed in my work's corporate newsletter. This newsletter is distributed around the country. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty pleased!

Allergies

It's allergy season again! Stuffy nose, watery eyes, wheezing, coughing, sore throat, and hives. Excellent. I am beginning to think that I am the most unhealthy person on the planet. Between sinus infections and allergies I'm sick a lot of the time. I have a doctor's appointment coming up, so I'll have to get to the botton of all this stuff. Blah.

Ants

Yesterday at Sam's club, Michael and I had a little snack at the snack counter inside the store. I went over to the area where all the straws, lids, and condiments are kept. What should I see but about 20 or so ants crawling around on the counter. Gross. So I went over to the cashier and told him about the ants. He said he knew about them already. What? You know, but you are not taking care of the situation? Gross! Is our economy so bad that businesses don't care about keeping their facilities clean.

Thats all for now. I'm going back to sleep!

Emily

A Kentucky Christmas

2009-09-06T10:27:00.002-04:00

An idea for a Christmas card!

Magazines

2009-09-05T09:11:00.006-04:00

I am an active reader of many magazines. Lately, I have noticed that many of the magazines that I read are going out of print. So sad. Here is a list of my favorites who have called it quits

This magazine was amazing. The photography was super. It was almost Martha Stewart like, but for normal people. I was so sad to see it go.
This one closed shop just as I was really getting into digital scrapbooking.

I loved the style of this magazine. The scrapbook layouts that were published were very simple and easy to scrap-lift.

This one I will really miss. I love the articles in the magazine. They were so appropriate to where I am as a Christian woman. A couple months again they did a special section on living up to the "Perfection Proception". Great. TCW is morfing into an online magazine called Kyria. While I'm looking forward to continue reading articles by many of the same contributors as TCW, I don't think I'll get the same satisfaction as cuddling up on the couch with a cup of something nice to drink and a good magazine.

I'm also sad to see this one go. The head offices of this magazine is in Cincinnati. I liked that. I loved the digital scrapbooking downloads they offered. For a while they had a series of articles by the artist/author Sandra Magsamen.

Magazines I hope don't decide to close their doors!

How do you feel about magazines. What ones do you read? Let me know!

Felt Storyboard

2009-09-01T17:37:00.003-04:00

Storytime will be starting soon at work. I am very excited! I have really missed it over the summer!

Today I made a storytime flannel box. I know, how old fashion. Yet kids love the touch and feel of the box and they love to move the little pieces around!

I put the background pieces on velcro. So when they get worn out or pilled, I can just add more!

This is for our goodbye chant!

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed!

A side view!

In other news the weather her in Cincinnati is amazing! Almost fall like! :D I have jeans on! Delightful!

Happy 100th Post This Year!

2009-08-29T17:48:00.007-04:00

This is my 100th post this year! Yahoooooooooo!!!!!!! How about some banana bread?

I am working on a project for work. I'm making a book for the 1st week of storytime called, "Hannah Olivia Monkey Makes Banana Bread". So thats just what we did! Here are some pics! Hannah Olivia is our new Storytime puppet! The kids love her already! (PS: I got the recipe from here )

Hannah loves Bananas

Hannah spraying the pans!

Grabbing the egg!

Just before putting it in the oven!

We forget to put in the flours! Silly monkey! We don't put flowers in banana bread!

Hannah enjoying a snack!

The bread came out really well. I think the sour cream made the difference!

It even looks beautiful!

With just a bit of butter!

I made some wrappers for the mini-loaves to give to some families at church tomorrow!

Treated myself to some mini sunflowers! Lovely! Lovely!

I'm on this cooking and cleaning phase. I'm rather enjoying it and so is Michael. Tonight I made stuffed peppers! They have ground beef, rice, stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and cilantro! Ate them with a dab of sour cream! Yummers!
Look at all the lovely colors!

Off to go read this magazine! Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas cards?

Have a great night!!

Etsy Finds and Something I made!

2009-08-28T19:59:00.011-04:00

I carry around a ton of stuff. So this would be so fun to carry around in the fall! You can find it here!
(Bummer Someone bought it already)

Candy Corn Loofah Soap! How cute!!! You can buy it here!

Just playing around with photoshop. I designed this little invite for my niece Lexi's birthday! I can't believe she is turning 3. I've only seen her three times in her life. I really wish I lived closer to Vermont.

Baked Honey Peaches with Vanilla Whipped Cream!

2009-08-25T22:16:00.004-04:00

Yay! I cooked! I actually make something good!

Everything you need!

Baked Honey Peaches with Walnuts just out of the oven! Yummy!

Just a little bit of whipped cream! The peach was soooooo tender.Mmmmmm...Good!

Canning

2009-08-25T19:04:00.005-04:00

Michael and I went to Borders on Sunday night for some reading and coffee! I found this great books on canning.

I have never canned before. Yet, I really enjoy foods that are canned. Its nice in the winter to have lovely raspberry jam! Mmmmm!!! My mother use to make jam. It was always sooo good! I'm going to stop by the library this evening to see if they have this book! My mother said that pickles were a easy place to start.

I have been thinking a lot lately about food.We eat out far too often and that well, is not so healthy. I read lots of blogs and magazines and have found LOADS of recipes for wholesome easy food. I don't know why I haven't tried them yet. Lack of time and lack of confidence in the culinary arts may just have something to do with it. Mmmmm.....I am craving Peaches, Honey, and Greek Yogurt :D Ahhhhhhhhh :D

Fun in Traffic

2009-08-23T10:14:00.004-04:00

Signs to use for Traffic Fun!

11 Hours in the Car?

2009-08-23T01:25:00.006-04:00

I've been keeping track this past week and I spent more than 11 hours in the car Monday-Friday. That is one heck of a horrible commute! I love, love,love,love, love my job. Yet, the one thing that stinks is the commute. I drive about 35 miles (one way) to work. In Vermont 35 miles is not a long way, because it only takes you about 30 minutes to get there. Not in Cincinnati.Holy cow...11 hours sitting in a car doing NOTHING. I try to use some of my time sitting in traffic calling people and bugging them during dinner time. I could listen to books on CD. I could listen to the sermons I put on my MP3. Yet that is boring. Anyone have any suggestions on what I can do make all the time spent in the car fun!?

Emily's List of What She Could do with an additional 11 hours a week

1. Clean the house (Hmmmmm...Maybe not)

2. Learn to bake bread

3. Go to the Gym more often

4. Scrapbook

5. Learn how to do my hair and make-up

6. Make my house look cute. I currently have no curtains in the living room or kitchen. I have huge blank white walls in the kitchen that are begging to be filled.

7. Volunteer

8. Learn to play the guitar

9. Start some kind of business

10. Take up ballroom dancing

11. Drive to PA to visit Michael's family

12. Drive to Chicago and back!

13. Make some friends.

14. Cook fancy dinners like in Real Simple Magazine

Myers-Briggs/Keirsey Temperment Test

2009-08-22T07:56:00.002-04:00

I've taken the Myers-Briggs personality test several times in my life. I took it in High School health class. I took it in a college class. I've taken it for a few jobs. The results always seem to turn out the same way. INFP. In High School I was an ENFP, but since college I have been an INFP. Here are so highlights about my personality type!

Introvent, iNtuitive, Feeler, Perceiver

People of this type tend to be: quiet, reserved, and kind; deeply passionate, sensitive, and easily hurt; loving and dedicated to those close to them; creative, original and imaginative; curious and flexible in small matters; nonconforming.

. When the workplace becomes negative, they may become restless. They can have mood swings between stubbornness and criticism. This is uncharacteristic of their nature and is an indicator of stress.

.Their extreme depth of feeling is often hidden, even from themselves, until circumstances evoke an impassioned response. In everday matters they are tolerant, open-minded, understanding, flexible, and adaptable. But if their inner loyalties are threatened, they will not give an inch.

.INFPs work must be more than just a paycheck, it must be fun and must contribute to something that is important to their values. To be the most produtive they need a sense of purpose behind their job.

(That must be why when I was in college I felt so uneasy because I didn't feel their was a sense of purpose in the travel business)

.INFPs treasure their privacy and may keep a lot to themselves. They need time and space for reflection

.When they want to be social they can be outgoing, charming and quit funny, making them a pleasure to have around. (Ha! Ha! When they want to be)

How to love an INFP:

+ Appreciate my uniqueness and sensitivity

+ Be patient and supportive listener

+ Respect my privacy and my need for emotional intimacy (Thats a big one)

+ Be reassuring and gentle in your words and actions

+ Try not to force decisions too quickly, or bug me about being messy.

( See I really can't help it, its part of my personality)

+ Respect my feelings and never demand that I compromise my values

I love Weekends!

2009-08-16T17:53:00.005-04:00

I picked up the platter that I painted last Friday! I love it! I love the red! It matches the kitchen so well. The dragon fly came out pretty well also. Does it look familiar? Yes, it is from a Cricut cartridge. I cut out a piece of contact paper in the shape of the dragon fly. I ever so carefully put in on the platter and then painted around it. When it was dry I pulled it off! Easy! I'm sure I'll use that technique again!
Michael and I went to a BBQ with my work people. It was pretty fun! We didn't stay to long because we had other plans that afternoon. Ben, the guy with the orange shirt managed to beat me at cornhole. It looks like an easy game, but its actually harder than it looks.
Michael and I headed down to Lexington for a Lexington Legends baseball game. Minor league games are so much more fun than the majors. First off, the tickers are very reasonable. The food prices are cheaper and the fans are a lot less rude and annoying. Except this time a group of about 6 Boy Scouts were throwing a baseball around right in front of us. We asked them to move. So one stayed in front of us and the other 5 moved behind us. So, they were throwing the ball above our heads as we sat on our picnic blanket. I told Michael that I was going to keep their ball if it hit me one more time. I tried to catch the security people's attention, but they were too busy talking on their cellphones. It landed on our blanket. Michael very politely asked them to move someplace else to play. They talked back to Michael. First off, you are Boy Scouts,You are suppose to be polite. Second, I would not mess with a man who is 6 feet 3 inches tall. Who knows where their leaders were. Oh well.

Anyway the man above was juggling running chainsaws while balancing on a skateboard on a tube. I'm pretty sure his name was Crazy Carl. They have a weird sense of what is entertaining in Kentucky!

Our traditional baseball game photo!

They had amazing fireworks after the game!

What Work Looked Like Today

2009-08-14T20:01:00.009-04:00

Happy Friday! I haven't blogged on here for quite a while! I have been blogging on http://www.avermonterinkentucky.blogspot.com/ for a bit now. I think I'll continue to blog at both. I have a lot to say and just one blog can't hold all of my thoughts and opinions! Ha! Ha! (Ummm that was a joke!)

Work has gotten pretty busy lately. The new school year will be starting soon and that means storytime will be starting up again. Honestly, I could do storytime all year long. Maybe with a few breaks here and there. I am so blessed to have a career that I LOVE. I get to do the fun part of teaching, reading books, doing art projects, playing games. I don't have to deal with all the paper-work and other hassles of being a classroom teacher. I also get to write,take pictures, and blog for work! I am so blessed!

This is what work looked like today!

Setting up the water balloons ready to be smashed over someone's head!

Cotton Candy, Popcorn, and Snow Cones!

A very friendly clown!

Getting Drenched!

The end of summer carnival! I love it! The kiddos get to dunk their counselors, eat GOBS of cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones! They got to bounce,jump, and climb all they want! What a fabulous day!

Like I said in the post before painting pottery has become my new hobby! I made painted this a couple of weeks ago when I went with one of the summer camps to You're Fired! in Oxford! It was one of the best field trips of the summer! The kids loved it! The counselors loved it! The staff at You're Fired! is amazing! I wish that I lived closer to Oxford, I would go all the time! The above sign reminds me to create and not worrry about all the "stuff" that can take away from that drive to be creative!

Here is what I'm doing tomorrow!

1. Picking up my serving tray that I painted last week at the pottery shop!

2. Going to a BBQ at the home of the boss! :D

3. Drive to Lexington and to see THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE

4. Go to a baseball game

5. Watch fireworks after the baseball game!

2009-08-04T20:40:00.004-04:00

Ok...So I've been sick again :P I'm just plain tired of having Sinus infections. So I've taken plently of rest and have been taking the meds. I feel better. The DR. told me that if I get another one this year that I need to go to a Ear, Nose, and throat specialist. 4 sinus infections in one year is not good. I'm so done with them!

This is an inspiraton jar that I put together for a new friend. It was full of scripture, quotes, and journaling prompts! I made a cute little gift bag for her. I put in bath salts, candles, and gum. Everything was very matchy matchy! I love making gifts!

I have totally found my new hobby! Painting pottery. This is a mug that I did last week. I know it's kinda ugly! But I love it! I don't love the mustard color, but I love that I painted it. I am planning on going back on Friday to do some dessert plates. I found out that I can make templates out of contact paper that I cut on my Cricut! Yay fun! I think I might do some cool birds or something. We shall see!

I am loving the East of Eden Mini Series! Been watching that while I've been sick at home. Man Jane Seymour can play one evil woman. Whoa! So good!

Walgreens is ripping you off!

2009-08-03T16:49:00.002-04:00

I have a sinus infection and bronchitis again. Yup again! This is the 3rd time this year. Anyway, last week I heard on the radio about the price inflation at Walgreens. The doctor prescribed me the exact course of drugs as the last sinus infection! Last time I paid $120.00 at Walgreens. That is WITH insurance. Today, I went to Sam's club to pick up the pills. The very nice pharm tech said, "That will be $80." I thought to myself that's not bad. Then I said, "$80 is a big differece from the $120 that Walgreen charged." She laughed and said, "Not $80, $8." $8??!!! $8??! Are you kidding me? How can Walgreens get away with charging so much for our prescriptions? Everyone need to know! Tell all your friends. Tell your parents. Tell your Grandparents. So I will be sending all future prescriptions to Sam's club.

SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME SHAME WALGREENS

To Church or Maybe Not to Church that is the question.

2009-07-25T21:10:00.005-04:00

Confession time. I haven't been to church since May. I haven't been to church since the baby dedication incident back in May. We've been to one small group meeting and one small group get-together and thats it. Some of the weeks one of the other of us did not feel well. Other weeks we slept in and still others we've found other things to do. I feel somewhat guilty about it. Being part of a community of believers is important to us, but we just haven't gone.

Both Michael and I have seen the "dark" side of churches. We've been hurt in the church. Personally I still feel hurt by some issues from a church I was on staff with. I know that was quite a while ago. While working at a church, church become "work". It was hard to separate "work" from being a member of a congregation of believers. So my spiritual life suffered. Since I was involved in Children's Ministry I was unable to attend services at that church. While I did sometimes attend service at another church, I never made much of a connection there because I didn't have the time to really get involved.There have been highs and lows since then.

It's important to be to be connected to a church. I don't just want to go to a service on Sunday and be done with it for the week. No, I want to connect, all or nothing. Yet, I am somewhat afraid of connecting. Does that make any sense? The wonderful people at Grace Church have welcomed us and have opened their homes to us, but I still find that my desire to run away and not get to close is still there. I'm afraid to let people in, to see the "real" me. While we hate not being noticed its also hard when you are noticed. It's harder to run away.

That being said, honestly and deep down we both really want to make a connection here in this area. We have the people that we work with and thats about it. Michael and I both have a heart to serve. At Grace we have found that it is quite hard to jump into a ministry. Both of us have contacted the youth and children's department to inquire about helping. No reply. They put pleas for help in the bulletin for Sunday School Teachers. I e-mail, still no reply. Honestly when I was in a leadership role if anyone ever e-mailed me about helping I contacted them within 24 hours and I was jumping for joy that someone actually volunteered to serve instead of being "asked" to volunteer. So 5 e-mails later. No contact. I sent in my Ministry application. No reply.

While writing this I have come to realise that perhaps the reason that we have not felt compelled to attend church is because we have moved beyond the "spectator" into the "joining the mission phase". Then without any viable way to "join the mission" we have stalled. What should the next step be? Where should we go from here? Should we change churches once again? Should we give up going to church at all? Should we stick it out? What should we do?

Working with Photo grids!

2009-07-16T16:40:00.004-04:00

I'm a real newbie to Photoshop elements! I found instructions on how to make photo grids! I am having fun! I've made about 6 today between personal stuff and work stuff!

Here is one for the title page in my growing up album! They are soooooo simple to make! I found the instructions on Ali's page!

07/08/09

2009-07-08T22:36:00.003-04:00

I was reading Creating Keepsakes Magazine that had just arrived in the mail and I

decided to celebrate 10:11:12 by eating some pudding :D Yummy!

Shame Shame Target and Reality Tuesday Coffeehouse Rocks!

2009-07-03T21:30:00.004-04:00

I was not pleased with my experience at the Target store in Florence last Sunday. I normally print my pictures at Kroger or Sam's Club. Yet, the photo machine at Sam's club was down. So I sent my pictures to Target. Here is my beef about Target.

1. I walked to the photo counter and there was nobody there.

2. I made eye contact with 7 store employees and nobody came to see if I needed help.

3. I waited for 5 minutes at the counter. Then I called Target on my cellphone to ask for help. It took another 5 minutes for someone to finally come over.

4. While the person did arrive, they didn't even seem like they knew I was there. She talked to the older couple who was working on the photo machine, but the associate just walked right past me and started working on something behind the counter.

5. I said, "Hello" twice. No response.

6. Finally I had to say "EXCUSE ME, MAY I PLEASE HAVE MY PICTURES?"

7. Then the associate said, "Oh...I didn't see you there!" (OK I am not a small person, it's kinda hard to miss me!...anyway)

8. I was overcharged. I was suppose to receive my 4X6 free.

9. The photo paper used was very thin and cheesy!

So I will NEVER use Target Photo again!

I have very little patience for bad customer service. Don't even get me going on the customer service at the Indy Children's Museum. Hmmmmmmm... :P

This creepy bird was in this creepy tree! I thought it looked very cool!

I love magnolias! So beautiful! The smell was incredible!

These beautiful are on the corner by our place!

Yummy! Yummy! Yummy! Reality Tuesday is our new favorite spot to hang out!

I drive by this place everyday on the way to work! I usually in such a hurry to get to work so I've never stopped. Michael and I were driving by it this evening and I told him that I wanted to check it out! I am so glad we did!

I had a large Grasshopper Smoothie. It's heaven in a cup! Yummy chocolate, oreo cookies, and mint! Yummy! Michael had a caramel smoothie! Loved the straws! They were really big. Just perfect. Nothing got stuck in them :D We shared a HUGE piece of oreo cheese cake! Heavinly :D

The decor was a bit kitchyand fun. It reminds me of a large comfty kitchen. There were lots of missmatched tables and chairs. I sat in a large stuffed living room chair. Calming lighting. Nice big windows that let in the evening sun!Awwwww relaxation!

Loved this place! They have live music there. They serve fairtrade coffee! The staff is soooo friendly. They support local artist! Love, Love,Love this place! They also do custom order cakes!

We will be back soon!!!!

I have been wanting this book for a while! Wow! The project in this book are awesome! Very inspiring :D

Guess what! A new part of my job is the official photographer! Yahoo! So I get to go to all the schools take pictures, interview teachers about what is happening and help with the website. I also get to blog about what is happening at the schools! How awsome!! I get to blog,take pictures, read fabulous children's books, dress in crazy costumes, and write. I do have my dream job!

Right Now

2009-06-22T22:28:00.002-04:00

Outside my window...Humidity.

I am thinking..about work and family

I am thankful for..familiy

From the kitchen...the pancake griddle is calling

I am wearing...plaid shorts and blue polo

I am creating...carbon dioxide

I am going...to go to bed

I am reading..The Artists Way. I haven't gotten very far

I am hoping...I didn't make another mistake. I've been making a lot lately. I feel really bad about it.

I am hearing...Michaels book on CD

Around the house...lots of laundry to be done

One of my favorite things..cuddling with Michael on the couch while we watched the Simpsons.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Work..breath..drive...Work....drive.....work...drive

A picture to share...

I'm browsing on Etsy

2009-06-20T09:48:00.009-04:00

I am looking at cute things on Etsy. You can find the cutest things on there!

Here are a few of my favorites!

Adorable business cards! This design is by Throughly Curly

Social Calling Cards! This one is also by Throughly Curly

A cute journal made from recycled packaging. What a neat idea! I could totally use this to keep recipes! This was made by Ivylane Designs.
How cute are these butterfly tags? I am loving them! $7 for 100 of these little beauties! What a deal! Check um out on Your Angil 's etsy page

Onesie and Burp Cloth set by valeriya

How sweet! How cute! How simple! Love this totebag! It's by Elsiecake. Yup Elsie. Here is her blog

This is Pirate Jack. Adorable! You can find him here
I actually know this artist. We used to work together at the same Summer camp. I lived in her basment for about 6 months, during an internship! She is the author of Pillar of Light an excellent young adult novel. She is an awesome stay-at-home Mom and is so creative! She blogs about the neat projects she does with her kiddos!

Yahoo for supercute things!

Slightly Irreverent Tips for Parents sending their child to Day Camp!

2009-06-14T11:11:00.004-04:00

Summer Camp Season has started! Ok, I'm a little bit nervous as I am one of the people in charge of 5 summer camps but all it going to be ok!

Ok...this may border on a rant but...well....hmmmm......go with the flow!

What I wish parents would know before sending their child to Day Camp!

1. Please put sunscreen on your child. We will make sure that more gets put on later, but it just really helps if you take the time to apply some in the morning.

2. Please make sure your child has a water bottle with them everyday! We will make sure your child drinks from it! Hydration is very important!

3.Read all papers and calendars that come home from camp! This is one of the major ways that we dispense information. If you are just tossing the papers on the floor in the mini-van you may miss that your child is going on a field-trip on Wednesday and the bus is leaving at 8:30am. It would be horrible to find this out when dropping your camper off at 9:00am!

4. Expect that your child is going to get messy! It's summer camp! Also please take the time to tell your child that it is "OK" if they get messy! You could not guess how many kiddos I've had to calm down in the last 10 years because they were worried that Mom would be mad because they got messy!

5. Going along with that, dress your child for the weather and what they will be doing that day!

An ankle length jean skirt is not going to be a good idea on that HOT sunny day in August when your camper is going on the rafting trip!

6. Please style your daughters hair for weather comfort. It is sooooo uncomfortable for the little girls to have their hair sticking to their sweaty face while trying to play soccer!

7.Most of you, and I'm just taking a wild stab at this do not have 14 children. SO, please take the time to write your campers name on EVERYTHING! I do me everything. SOCKS! UNDERWEAR! Sunglasses! SUNSCREEN! It is not an easy task to keep up with the items for the 14 or so campers in your group, having names on stuff just makes that part of the counselors job easier!

8. Flip flops are not apporiate for summer camp! While they are cute and I love wearing them myself, they are just not practical. Your child may be going on hikes, playing on the playground, or playing soccer. Lots of foot injuries could be prevented by having your child wear sneakers!

Sorry for my slightly impolite tone! It don't mean disrespect! 99.9% of the issues that I deal with have to do with the things I talked about above! Please just keep up to date on the activities that your camper will be involved in!

Have a happy and safe summer camp season!

10 things I'm Into Right Now

2009-06-08T05:38:00.003-04:00

1. I am lovin' this Vitamin water! I know its basically sugar water! Love the pretty colors love the flavors! I love the orange, lemon, and fruit punch! 2. Degrassi High. Yes....the Original Degrassi. I watched this show every afternoon in Middle School. I sat down yesterday and actually watched the entire "Schools Out" movie online! I had never seen it before! It was scandalous! Well....as scandalous as they got in the early 90s.

I think it is hilarious that they have Degrassi: The Next Generation. Toooo funnnny! Yet, I kinda like seeing the characters from the orginal series show up from time to time. I actually caught Michael watching an episode yesterday :D

I would lovvvvvvvvve to have the whole series on DVD. I'll be checking Ebay :D

3. The Favorite Wife: Escape from Poligamy

A good read so far.

4. These super-cute re-usable cold-cups from Starbucks! Might splurge on one for

my birthday

5. Michael and I watched this yesturday afternoon! Soooooo good! Should have received more awards than it did!

6. Country Living Magazine.

They always make the July issue soooooooo cute so that I will subscribe again. The January and March issues were kinda boring. Yet, the July issue hit it out of the park again. I love all the funky home decorating ideas. I love the antiques. I love all the Americana stuff! Those Mini-pies look soooooooo cute!

7. Michael and I saw this movie last weekend! Very funny and touching!

8. Raspberries! I'm eating some right now!

9. Zee Avi. I am just loving her music right now! Her "Bitter Heart" song is sooooo catchy! Check out her offical site here.

10. Louisville. Michael and I took a little Day Trip here! We didn't get to see much of the city, but I am looking forward to exploring more soon!

Rock On!

2009-06-02T07:47:00.002-04:00

This is Mr. Matt Introducing a pre-school class to the guitar! Yay! I wish I could show some of the cute kiddos and their reactions!
During the Pre-School Concert/Sing-Along

My calendars are soooooooooo cute! All color coded! Yay!

2009-06-02T06:14:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love coffee filter butterflies?

This is from this blog by Liz ! Thought I'd play along

When I was a child... I wanted to be a teacher and a Mommy more than anything!
If I could be anywhere, I'd be in Paris
My least favorite chore is... Any chore!
If I could be on any tv game or reality show, it would be...A makeover show :D
If a mystery package arrived on my doorstep, I'd want it to be filled with something fun
My guilty pleasure is... Making Stuff and ice cream
I thought I would never...move out of New England. I live in Kentucky? What?
If a genie granted me three wishes, I’d wish for... a trip to Paris, a closet full of cute and fun clothing, unlimited time and money to make stuff
You would never guess it, but I... secretly like Country music. Shhhhh....don't tell! I sometimes rock out to it on the way to work!

What is new!

2009-05-31T07:28:00.005-04:00

New shoes! Yay! I was forever looking for shoes that were girly, fully covered my toes and still worked with my capri pants! You might not be able to see but they have a cute eylette pattern on them! Yay!
A new Shower head! Double yay! Our other shower head broke about 10 weeks ago. We asked the maintanance guys in our complex to come fix it. They kept saying that they'd get to it. It never happened. A lovely trip to Bed Bath and Beyond and now we have an amazing shower head! My old place had a shower handle and I really missed it, nice to have one back! The water pressure is amazing as well!

A 10X8 layout I did!

I took this picture after the pre-school graduation that I attended on Friday. There was a balloon release and this lovely red balloon was the last one! I snapped a quick picture! Doesn't it just remind you of being free?

Speaking of balloons! Michael and I went to see UP yesterday! It may be a kids movie, but it was very good! It had such a good story to it! It has those ups and downs that keep you interested. It wasn't overally cutesy. Just good! You should see it!

A Project for Work!

2009-05-28T06:55:00.003-04:00

I really love my job! I get to be creative and silly! It's a perfect fit for me! Sometimes I feel like all the creativity is drained! It's ok! It comes back!

So this book is about a character called Silly-Sam! He's quite a guy! After I read this book

the "Real Silly Sam will come and visit the children! The book is really interactive! I can't wait to read it to the kiddos next week!

Sometimes the Tears just come

2009-05-24T20:39:00.002-04:00

I am going to be honest here! I'm going to open up my feelings and struggles here! Not so easy, as I have been conditioned to always be "OK". So here I go!

I love my church! The people are amazing! I feel loved! I feel and see God's work in the church! Yet, this morning when I woke up, I DID NOT WANT TO GO TO CHURCH. I just wanted to crawl back into bed and sleep for a few more hours! Michael convinced me to go!

We arrived a bit early! We sat down! I noticed a lot of people with cameras. Hmmmm...Cameras at church...that means one thing ,BABY DEDICATIONS! Great! I already didn't want to be at church, and now I will have to watching smiling young couples holding their new babies. I poked Michael and hissed "Baby Dedications". He whispered back, "How do you know?". I hissed back "Cameras in Church".

I felt my eyes begin to water. I kept munching on the gum that I had grabbed before heading out the door! I did the counting thing that I normally do to stop myself for crying. It worked! I just kept my eyes closed and prayed for strength.

Then the Pastor started talking about how children are blessings! I agree fully! My life has been touched by all the children I've worked with during the last 11 years. Then the Pastor said, "Children are rewards!" Hmmmmmmm....That was like a twisting knife in the old heart. Rewards for what? Being good? Being faithful? Doing the right things? I had a really hard time with that stament. So I burst out with sobs, right in the middle of church. My cheeks flushed. I just could not hold back! So there I was in the middle of a baby dedication, which is suppose to be a happy and joyful occasion. Grandmas and Grandpas came! There I was the "crazy" lady near the front who was sobbing. I felt horrible. I could just not control it!

After the dedication the Pastor, whom I am sure saw/heard my sobs offered up prayers for couples who are unable to conceive. To grant us comfort! For God to open our wombs. While I appreciate the prayer, all I wanted to do was run out of there as quickly as possible.

Thank you for Michael who just hugged me and held my hand. I am so blessed! He puts up with me moods and all my crazy ideas!

I anticipated the end of the service so I could just retreat to the safety of the car. Oh no, God would not let me escape that quickly! A woman came over to give me a hug. She told me that she knew exactly how I was feeling. She told me she was a nurse and offered any help or encouragment. I just did a lot of nodding. I didn't know exactly what to say. I collected her e-mail and gave her another hug. Isn't it amazing how God places even total strangers in your life to help.

It feels good to let out my emotions. Yet, I don't quite know what the next step will be!

I am praying and trusting for comfort and well at least peace for this situation!

If you are the praying type, please say a prayer for me!

Thats all for now! Have a lovely evening!

Emily

PS: The picture above is me when I was two years old. Look at my adorable chubby toddler hands!

Place Cards, Flowers, BBQ, and Random Acts of Kindness

2009-05-19T22:27:00.005-04:00

Place setting at the End of Year Scrapbooking club party! I made the place cards. The kids made the napkin holder! So sweet! We had fun! We ate cupcakes! Did a project and played a game! Fun! Fun! Fun! Yet, some of the younger children didn't understand that scrapbook club is over until September! They thought I should have made cupcakes for them anyway!

I haven't had fast-food since the day before Easter! I haven't had soda either! It's not that difficult really. I would like a Sierra Mist or a Sprite, but I don't NEED one!

Yet, fastfood is not what this picture is about. This picture is about Random Acts of Kindness! When I lived in Vermont and worked at St. Johnsbury Academy I was always doing Random Acts of Kindness! It was a regular part of my life. Since moving to the Cincinnati, I kind of got out of the practice! I have been feeling a bit out of sorts lately and I thought that doing some Random Kindness would boost me out of the gray! It worked!!!

Shhhh....Here is what I did! I payed for the meal for the person who drove up behind me at the Wendy's drive through! I also bought some flowers and handed them out to people in the Sam's club parking lot! People don't expect other people to be nice without some kind of "catch". It was wonderful to be kind with no strings attached! No "catch"

A beautiful flower on a tree in the Mother of God neighborhood of Covington, Kentucky

Father and Son! Michael's Dad came for a visit! We went to Mai Fest! What a beautiful day!

Michael eating German Sausage! Mmmmmm! I just wanted the SauerKraut!

The only two people dressed up in German gear! Where was the guy playing a tuba? How can you have a German festival without a guy playing a tuba?
During a street show! Something was funny!

We went to Famous Dave's BBQ.Mmmm!! Really good BBQ!

Michael gave blood!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T05:59:00.004-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!!!!

We had the Mother's Day parties at school on Friday! As per usual I ran around with the camera and stuck it in people's faces! He,He! One Mom even said, "Why do you always have your camera with you?" I said, "Because kids are only small for so long and its fun to document it."

Anyway...I wish I could put some of the adorable pictures of the Moms and their kiddos, but you'll have to settle for these!

I love this one because it is completely random!

I'll play along too! Here is what is Special about some of Mother's in my family!

I can't believe I said "Caring" three time! Yet it is so true!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-06T18:40:00.004-04:00

Look my layout was on the Cover of Creating Keepsakes Magazine! Wow! Wow! Wow!

Check out the link here

I love Spring Flowers!

From the Shabby Princess Spring Breeze Kit

Gray as the Sky

2009-05-06T18:08:00.002-04:00

I feel about as grey as the sky right now! Just in a funk! I am letting stupid small things bother me. The internet didn't work yesterday and this morning and I was very upset because I had work to do. People cutting me off in traffic and not letting me merge has been extremly bothersome to me. I don't have any reason to be so down. I have an awesome husband! I have family! I have food and clothes! I am sooooo blessed! Just in a grey funk!

I am stressed out about work! Not the actual work, but all the politics and stuff. Enough said.

I'm back to reading again!

This book is by the author of the Yada Yada Prayer Group books that I enjoyed a couple of years ago! I am looking forward to getting into this one!
I finished this book last weekend! Whoa what a story! The Faith that both families exibited during this difficult time was just amazing! I don't know how well I would have handled such circumstances.

Ciao for now!
Em

2009-05-04T06:59:00.003-04:00

I was going through my old e-mail and I found this article that I was sent to me back in 2003! I never opened the e-mail! It was from back when I worked at a High School! Man, I miss those days alot :D Reading this article cheered me up! It reminded me of all the fun and whimsey I had while working with High Schoolers! It reminds me that I need to get back to being the person I was back then. I've become quiet and introverted. While that silly, creative, and caring person is on the inside not much is coming out!

National Donut Day
By Ashley Luneau
Daily News
The day may have started out like any other Wednesday in November. You wake up at 6:30, get dressed, make your bed, drive to school, and go to your locker. Well, this morning was different. Student's entering the main floor of Streeter Hall were greeted by Miss Whitehill yielding a box of Mini Donuts. With her usual smile and good cheer she offered up complementary donuts!
According to Miss Whitehill, November 5th is "National Donut Day"! When asked why she decided to celebrate this unique holiday she responded with, "Everyday is a day to celebrate! Why not celebrate a silly holiday?"
I talked to several students about today's events. Junior Tyler C. commented, "Miss Whitehill is always up to something fun. I work at Dunkin' Donuts, I thought I could help out!" Junior Tim L.told me, " Today was a good day to celebrate! I didn't eat breakfast this morning, it was good to have a snack when I got to school."
I asked Miss Whitehill where she found out about "National Donut Day". I was surprised to learn that she got the information off a website for preschool teachers. She noted that yesterday was "Peanut Butter Lover's Day" and tomorrow is "I LOVE NACHOS DAY"
"National Donut Day" was not the first silly holiday that Miss Whitehill has celebrated here at the Academy. She sites "National Crazy Day" that coincidentally coincided with the LI Weekend festivities and "National Flower Day" as among her favorites so far, with more to come during the year.
" I love to make people smile."

Kim's Closet Casting Call

2009-05-04T05:55:00.003-04:00

I've loved "Reality TV". I watched Real World from Season 1 through Season 11. I love Amazing Race! Extreme Makeover Home Edition is one of my Top 4 shows! "Reality" shows are just so entertaining! So anyway, I was watching TV last week and I heard about a casting call for a makeover show! So I thought, "What the heck?! I'll go." So I did! I am so glad that I didn't talk myself out of going! It was quite a fun experience! Even if I don't get the makeover, and I really want one, I will still be happy to have had the experience of a casting call!

The buttons are from the Kevin and Amada Spring Mini-Kit

2009-05-02T08:09:00.003-04:00

This is my Mom and Dad on their wedding day! They were soooooooooo young!

All elements are from the Kevin and Amanda Spring Mini-Kit

The Patterned Papers are by Shabby Princess the Holiday Sampler Collection

The Ribbon and the Flowers are b y Shabby Princess the Happy Go-Lucky Kit

2009-05-01T05:29:00.004-04:00

This is another page from my Growing Up Album. This Digital scrappin' this is a lot of fun!

The paper, flower, ribbon, and swirl are all from the Shabby Princess Happy Go Lucky Kit.

The Journaling Block is from Jessica Sprague Thank you Kindly Kit

All elements from this page are from The Shabby Princess Happy Go Lucky Kit

2009-04-30T19:50:00.005-04:00

Graduation time again? Spring is going way to quickly. June will be here before ya know it!

Today I took pictures of the Pre-Kindergarten graduates! So cute! I wish I could show all the pictures, I got some really cute ones! Yet, I don't like putting pictures of kids up that I am not related to! This little kiddo above just knew how to pose! It was very funny!

I have been doing a painting project with a few of the Kindergarten classes! Its been fun! I always manage to get painty :D

Michael Playing Corn Hole! Last night was Game night at small group! It was a lot of fun! I always have a good time chatting with the people! I like this church. The people are friendly and welcoming. They actually talk to us. You would be surprised how many churches Michael and I tried out where we were never spoken to. Grace Fellowship has about 1600 people who attend. So it's a pretty large place, but I think that the church is great at being welcoming :D

Gene and Kevin playing Corn Hole

They were not happy that I was taking their picture :P

Michael and I were at Goodwill this weekend! When Michael saw this he declared "THATS IT! That is perfect for your ribbon! Isn't my husband sweet!? I'm going to change it up a bit and paint it! He was right it is just the perfect size!

This is me with my new favorite drink. I haven't had soda since Easter, so I've been trying different juices, teas, and water beverages! So far this is my favorite. It's Snapple Red Tea Raspberry and Pomagranite (Spelling anyone??) Anyway...It is YUM, YUM, YUMMY :D I could drink a case of this in a day!

So thats what is going on with me!

Have a lovely day!

2009-04-30T06:26:00.003-04:00

And the winner is.....Laci J.

Congratulations!!!

The box of goodies is headed your way!

Yay! I love goodies!

Old Prom Picture!!!

2009-04-27T06:13:00.003-04:00

I've seen a ton of blogs lately where people posted their old prom photos!

So here is mine!

St. Johnsbury Academy Prom 1998

This is me with my date Kerry Manoppo! Who is now Dr. Kerry Manoppo!

I can't believe this was 11 years ago!

It seems just like yesterday :D

Have a lovely day!

Don't forget to the giveaway!

A Little Giveaway!

2009-04-26T09:50:00.003-04:00

I love Blogs!

I read a ton of them!

I'm always looking for new ones!

One of my favorite things on blogs are giveaways.

So lets do one here!

So here is the info!
Leave a comment below.
In the comment share a quote or scripture that means something to you!
Also if you have a blog, leave the URL and I do a big blog list next weekend!

Deadline: April 30th at 4:45am Eastern Standard Time

Shortly after I will choose a winner by random drawing!

The Giveaway includes

1 Metal Target Mailbox

1 Fancy Magnetic Note Pad

1 3"X 5" Acrylic Album by Scrapworks

1 Foam Stamp Set by Pebbles Inc. :Shape-A-roonies

2 Ikea Ram Picture Frames

1 IKEA Malma Wooden Mirror

Some other goodies yet to be determined!

Have a Lovely Day!

Happy Saturday!

2009-04-25T21:17:00.003-04:00

Here is a card that one of the kiddos made in scrapbooking club! She attached the card using pipe cleaners so that it is pops out! Very cool :D
On Wednesday evening, Michael and I went for a walk! Everything was going great until we were heading across the parking lot and I tripped over this rock! I skinned my knee really badly! Michael helped me up, but he was laughing the whole time! He kept the rock!

A pretty that I picked up at Target!

Yummy! Chocolate covered strawberries!
The Tag is from the Jessica Sprague "Thank you Kindly" Digital Kit!

Thanks Jessica!

Some tulips that Michael got me last weekend!
I made this card for a lady in my small group at church! I took the pictures at the Cincinnati zoo. The flowers there this time of year are incredible!
I am addicted to Scrapbooking books and magazines! Yet I have something called Scrap Block. I see all the wonderful pages in the magazines and I get frightened that mine just won't cut it! I just recently came to the conclusion about a month or so ago that IT DOESN'T MATTER! It is more important just to get the story out there! So I've started a project to tell the stories of my childhood! Here are my first two pages! Yahooooo!

The patterned paper and Tag is from the Jessica Sprague "Thank You Kindly" kit! The bird is from The Krafty Girl Freebie Kit by Lisa Habbisreutinger

Silly Kid Conversation of the Week

A conversation with Little C:A 6 Year Old Boy

Little C: Ms Emily...PLEASSSSSSSE turn off Hannah Montana. It's horrible! (Covering Ears)

Me: What kind of Music do you like?

Little C: Sweet Home Alabama!

Me: I like that song too!

Little C: Do you know what my favorite song is?

Me: Tell me!

Little C: Baby got back!

Me: Really! Where did you hear that song?

Little C: My grandma plays that song!

Kids these days!

Funny Videos!

2009-04-17T22:14:00.002-04:00

Did my brother inspire Napoleaon Dynamite?

2009-04-16T06:12:00.004-04:00

Yes, that is an actual Senior Picture of my brother from 1988! Scary huh! Whoa! Even the lips are close!

Baby Blues

2009-04-14T19:38:00.005-04:00

I really want to be a mama! I long to hear a little voice say, "I love you Mommy!" Michael and I are not actively trying to have a child. Michael reallly thinks that we should wait until we get ourselves into a better financial situation. While my head agrees with that fact, it's hard to tell my heart that. I will be 30 years old in July. So I'm not getting any younger.

I have PCOS which could possibly make having children impossible. That scares me! PCOS is a pretty serious thing. I take medicine for it and it has helped regulate some of the symptoms, but not all of them. The possible inability to have children, the extra weight, facial fair, thinning hair, and depression can be overwhelming at times. Honestly it's only through the grace of God that brings me through and sustains me. While its difficult and overwhelming, I take great comfort that God is in control! Does that mean I'm always happy? No. Does that mean that my emotions never take over? No. Yet, I know that I am loved and not forgotten by God.

I work with children everyday! I see about 500 children each week. Thats a lot of kids and a lot of hugs! I love my job and I can't picture myself doing anything else as a job. There was only once when I came to tears about not having a child. I was on a field trip with one of the summer camps last year to a water sprinkler park. There was this young Mom with a toddler there. Watching them splash and have fun really made my heart ache for my own childlessness. Why can't I have a little adorable toddler to chase around the water park? That was a hard day.

At work and with my family I get the question, "When are you and Michael going to have a baby?" I don't know how to exactly answer that question. Do I say that "we are working on it"? Do I say "Someday"? How do I answer that question?

Well...that is my ranting for now! Have a good evening!

Em

2009-04-14T06:13:00.002-04:00

What a touching video!!!

Lovely Spring

2009-04-12T19:14:00.004-04:00

I found these blossoms hiding in a bush beside my house! What a lovely surprise
I took some photos near the local church!

Tulip Love

Just lovely!

Sometimes its just the small things!

2009-04-07T23:13:00.005-04:00

Sometimes its just the small things! Mmm...I just returned to Kentucky from my trip back east. Here a few pics! I will write more later! I need to get to bed!

My neice Lexi!

My beautiful cousin Hannah! I always wanted her hair! It is soooo beautiful!

My Dad!

Michael and my cousin Sam working on the crossword puzzle!

Me and My Grandpa!
The Grandchildren

(Left to Right)

Bryan, Erik,Sam,Joe,Hannah,Tony, Me
My Aunt Patty and her grandson I.
My Mom and my niece Lexi

We stopped off for lunch at Ben and Sara's house on the way back to Kentucky!

This is one of my super cute nephews M.

This is my newphew M. again with his Dad! These two are like peas in a pod!

Remembering Grammie

2009-03-30T09:55:00.005-04:00

My grandmother Wheeler died this morning. She had a stroke last night and was rushed to the hospital. My Mom and Dad were here on vacation and just left to head back to Vermont. Michael and I will leave on Wednesday or Thursday.

This is my Grandmother in the1980s.

This is my Grandmother in about 1993.

I remember my Grandmother playing Barbies and Strawberry Shortcake with me.

I remember my Grandmother riding her exercise bike while I would roller skated in her basement.

I remember taking walks with my grandmother.

I remember explaining in detail my paper on
Child Psychology...I was in 4th Grade!

I remember my Grandmother driving me to the my Jr. prom because Mom and Dad were out of town.

I remember calling her Young Grammie, even though my other Grandmother was the same age!

I remember my Grandmother watching MTV with me.

I remember how my Grandmother's house was so cleaned and always smelled good.

I remember how my Grandmother would set out the ironing board and use it as a buffet table during family holidays

I remember writing letter to my Grandmother when I was in college. She would write me back.

This was my Grandmother,Grandfather, Aunt Kathy, my Mom, and Aunt Patty back in September.

I took a great picture of my Grandmother back in October. It accidentally got deleted from my card before I could upload it. Oh...I wish I had it.

It will be nice to get to go home to Vermont. I have been homesick. Yet, I wish it didn't have to be under these circumstances.

2009-03-27T22:57:00.003-04:00

Lexi watching a video!
My niece Lexi at Christmas!

My silly nephew I.

My most recent Project

2009-03-23T13:29:00.004-04:00

This past weekend I had the opportunity to photograph the women's ministry event at my church! It was a lot of fun! Having my camera gave me the opportunity to talk with a lot of people. I am usually very uncomforatable being in a room of people that I don't know. So the camera gave me a talking point! :D

So here is a little package that I put together for the women's ministry leader. I included all my pictures on a CD. I made the CD cover on Photoshop. I also made a photo collage. Finally I printed out my favorite shots of the day and put them in a little mini album!!! I can't wait for her to get them :D
Inside the album. Sorry the picture is so yellow :(

The CD Cover

The Album cover

I am waiting video!

2009-03-23T10:25:00.001-04:00

This is my most recent favorite song! I first heard it in the movie Fire Proof!

Here is a video that I found on Youtube featuring the song!

He-Brews Event at Grace Fellowship Church

2009-03-22T22:28:00.001-04:00

I made a little collage from the pictures that I took the other day during the women's ministry event at church. I'll write more later! Just wanted to get this up :D

Happy Sunday, Getting a new computer, and my favorite site of the week!

2009-03-15T15:52:00.006-04:00

The weekend has been a good one. I am always sad to see them go. The next two weekends will be a flurry of activity. Next Friday I am helping with the "Parent's Night Out" at work. On Saturday I am taking pictures of the women's ministry event. On Sunday, we are having some people from our small group over for brunch before church! Sooooooo...That should be nice :D :D :D :D The weekend after my Mom and Dad will be in town! Yahoo!!!

We finally purchased the new computer. After saving money since November it was really nice to finally get what we wanted. Our old computer wasn't horrible, it just had this terrible habit of doing "BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH". There was a lot of drama to getting the computer. It was not as simple as I thought it was going to be. Michael had done some research online about computers and we found one at Sam's Club a few weeks ago that we really liked. So anyway, on Friday night he popped over to Sam's club just to make sure that was the computer we really wanted. When we got there it was SOLD OUT! So Michael did some more research online and found a DELL desktop that he liked that was also sold at Sam's club. So on Saturday we headed back to Sam's club to get the DELL. Guess what...no Dell computer either. By this time I was fed up. So we go back home and Michael does some more research and he finds a great package at Best Buy. We go back towards Best Buy. We talk with one sales lady about the package and we load it up. We head the cashier and they told us it was another price. MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE.Back to the computer area we talk to another sales person and he tells us a cheaper price than the 1st salesperson. Crazy! So we head back to the cashier and tell them that such and such a salesperson told us we could have it for the cheapest price. So a swing of $70 to $100 makes quite a bit of differnce. It makes a difference who you talk to at the store.

So we ended up with a very nice Gateway with a very nice, very wide monitor. I am very excited. It has a movie making program on it that I can't wait to use :D :D :D

Here are the $1 coins we have been saving since November! Thats a lot of coinage :D

Michael playing a stupid computer game!

After church we went to Borders. Michael wanted some computer magazine and I, well I had to slip in a scrapbook magazine as well! It is really fabulous. I've only browsed it so far, but wow tons of fun! I am so sad to see Simple Scrapbooks going away. I hate when magazines have to close. Hallmark magazine, which was another of my favorites is not longer going to be published. Hopefully someday when the economy changes Simple Scrapbooks and Hallmark Magazine can return.

MY FAVORITE SITE OF THE WEEK

The Par-tea planner

This site has tons of pretties! Check out the photo gallery. Princess Devon's Tea Party Birthday is an out of this WORLD party. So beautiful!!!

Font Freaks

2009-03-10T06:52:00.003-04:00

It is getting crazy at work! Whenever we make a new document we have to find an a very nice font to go along with the theme. Yesterday I was typing up my Spring Break Camp Lesson plans and I spend 10 minutes looking for a lovely little font! Argggggggg......We are soooooooo funny!

Speaking of fonts...Here is an excellent site that I came across! Tons of super cute free fonts! Kevin and Amanda's Homepage!

Have a lovely day!

Em

God using an unlikely means to give me guidance and comfort

2009-03-07T10:47:00.004-05:00

I have been struggling with the quest for Perfection. The quest to have a perfect house. The quest to look perfect. The quest to BE perfect. It is unatainable.

So yesterday I received my Issue of Today's Christian Woman which I have just recentley subscribed to. A special section was devoted to unrealistic expentations we place on ourselves to be perfect. It talks about how we are not ment to be "it all". God has gifted us all differently and how we should use those gifts for HIS glory. We were gifted differently to work together to be "THE BODY OF CHRIST". Just like our eyes can't do everything on our bodies, neither are we ment to do EVERYTHING.

It was reassuring to read that other women struggle with some of the same issues that I do. God is amazing. He can even use a magazine to comfort me!

I haven't updated my Project 365 Lately. It has been a struggle lately. I am looking for new things to photograph. It's easy on the weekends because I do different things, but during the week I do pretty much the same stuff.

We started the New Members class at Church. I also broke my favorite creamer that I use to put maple syrup in.

Michael was counting the money in our computer fund! We are almost there. We have enough for the computer we want, we are just waiting a little longer to save for the new version of Photoshop.

My new issue of Creating Keepsakes came in the mail!
Michael and I went to Borders after work!

Life...The Great Balancing Act

2009-03-03T06:26:00.004-05:00

I have really be struggling with balance. How do I balance all the different areas of my life, without feeling like I'm in a Tornado or a carnival ride?

It always seems when one section of my life is going great that another is suffering. I want balance! Is there such a thing.

I am very lucky that I have a husband who does sooooooooo much around the house. I feel extremely guilty on how much he really does do. He cooks, he cleans up, he does laundry. He does get upset once in a while about how much he does, and that makes me feel even worse. I feel like a juggler...so many balls in the air and only being able to catch a few.

Today

2009-02-28T22:28:00.002-05:00

I went to breakfast with the ladies from my church small group! It was a lovely time!

I also got 3 inches chopped off of my head! Not such a dramatic change. I doubt anyone will notice!

I've been tagged

2009-02-28T22:19:00.003-05:00

Marfa tagged me today! So I'm going to play along!

Open your 5th Photo Folder

Post your 5th Photo in the Folder!

Then Tag five people!

So.....drumroll please

I took this picture this past fall. The other day I was playing with it in Photoshop! Fun!

Missy

Karen

Hmmm...I can only think of 2 people to tag :P

Bookmarks and a funny, yet not so funny cartoon

2009-02-22T13:47:00.002-05:00

I finished the bookmarks. I'm pretty pleased on how they came out! A women's ministry event is coming up, maybe I will make some for that as well!

365 Catch Up

2009-02-22T07:03:00.003-05:00

Tea Time!
Michael and Ben played Jenga. Then they decided to make a tower. Then they thought to see how much weight it could support. That jar with all the $1 coins is VERY HEAVY! What can be accomplished when an Engineer and a Librarian get together!

Valentine's Day with Ben and SaraChurch and Coffee
I made a bulletin board at work with cute little Curious George characters! I really liked how the board came out!

Yesterdays Cafe and Tea room!

2009-02-21T15:24:00.016-05:00

I will never buy a tea bag at the grocery store again!
My experience at Yesterday's Cafe and Tea room was wonderful!! My experience at Yesterdays has turned me into a "TEA" person!

( The Tea Room Sign)

(The Back door to the tea room)

We arrived a bit early, so we had a look around the shop. They had a wonderful selections of tea and tea wares.We were seated at a quiet little table. The place setting was exquisite.

We were promptly offered a glass of refreshing ice tea. It was a black tea. It was not sweetened but had such a fantastic flavor, that a sweetener was not needed.

One of the marvoulous staff members brought over a box filled with artistic flowering tea balls. The staff member explained in details about each of the blooming teas. We chose a red carnation.

( This is what the blossom looks like when it has been steeped.)

Our 1st course was a delightful small bowl of broccoli soup! Yummy!

We were next served a delightfully buttery and flakey mini quiche! Yum!

Followed next by a citrus scone and lemon curd.

Next we were offered the Tea menu. I was hightly impressed with the wide selection of teas available. We chose a caramel tea, which was incredible. Very smooth and comforting!

Finally the 3-tier tea tray was brought out.

The bottom plate had a delious children salad croissant! Very flavorful!

The middle tier had a sweet tea sandwich.

The top tier was a tea infused cookie! Yum! Yum! Yummy!

We found the staff to be very knowledgable about tea. They were very attentive. They kept our tea cups and ice tea classes full! A very pleasant experience.

Our final offering of the tea was a caramel bread pudding! It was out of this world good. Very rich! The portion was just the right size!

Well done Yesterdays Cafe and Tea room! Thank you for the wonderful experience! We will be back again!

Hey Blog Lurkers!

2009-02-19T06:50:00.003-05:00

Hey....If you are reading this please stop and leave a "Hello"!

I want to know who you are! Let's connect!

:D
Have a lovely day!

Emily

2009-02-17T17:05:00.001-05:00

For my Mom!

Recipe Cards and Thank You Cards!

2009-02-17T15:08:00.005-05:00

A card for Jessica and Jason who are living,working, and serving God in Utah.

Thank you card for Ben and Sara for coming for a visit! We had such a good time!

A Thank you card for a family that had us over for dinner!

I made these cards for a friend who is having a wedding shower this weekend

Book Marks for Bible Study

2009-02-17T14:14:00.003-05:00

Michael challenged me to use my love language of gifts to reach out to the ladies in Bible study! So I designed some bookmarks to give everyone! I am going to print them out, mount on cardstock, and then add some ribbon. Simple! Easy!

Nice little gift!

A weekend in Cincy and Northern Kentucky

2009-02-16T22:43:00.006-05:00

With my current job I go to 5 different schools each week. 5 schools worth of germs to pick up. I try really hard to wash my hands after every class. I'm sick again. Another Sinus Infection with lots of Fluid in the ears. Happy! Michal's friends Ben and Sara came for a visit this weekend. I tried really hard all week not to get sick. Staying away from coughing children. Washing my hands a lot. Using hand sanitizer. But noooooooooo.......another Sinus infection. We made jokes that I must be allergic to Ben because whenever I see him I am sick. No I am not allergic to Ben or any of his friends or family. I just have wonderful timing!

It was a good weekend Here are so pics. On saturday we went to the Creation Museum. Wow is all I have to say. It is so much different than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be some rinkety old museum, but nooooooooooo it is really beautiful and well done!

Ben eating the blueberry muffins

Ben says "Grrrrrrrrrr"

Ben and Mike are too cool!

Ben and his wife Sara are expecting a baby this summer.

Sara and Ben enjoying Cincinnati's finest ice cream!

Me right now! My ears are full of stuff and this is the only way I can feel comfortable!

Have a good night!

Silly Valentine

2009-02-10T07:07:00.000-05:00

Our silly Valentine card! They are in the mail! Yay! I got them out before V-Day :D Yay!!!!

Job Fair:Impressions!

2009-02-09T20:39:00.002-05:00

Today I had the opportunity to help staff a booth for my company at a local job fair. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It totally rocked my false sense of security. There were soooooo many people there. So many hightly qualified people. To be honest, it broke my heart. People with Masters degress just trying to find a job, ANY job. Oh, how I wish we could give jobs to all those people who applied. You could just see in their eyes the look of helplessness with a bit of hope as well. Just so unbelievable. When will things change?

Tea Time

2009-02-08T20:04:00.003-05:00

I've been interested in tea and the art of tea time for a few years now. Yet, you would be surprised that I have never actually been to a REAL tea before. It has been on my TO-DO list for a few years, but have never really gotten around to it.

2009 will be the year! I just found out that there is a Tea House very close to our home! I'll start there and then branch out from there.

Found Tea Time Magazine today at Borders. Another magazine to add to my collection of subscriptions!

In Tea Time magazine I found out about The Ladies Tea, which is a great magazine that encourages and inspires women into friendship! I love the idea, because I am always looking for new friends! So I think I might just host my own Ladies Tea.

365 Update!

2009-02-07T08:01:00.003-05:00

I have been really bad about posting my pictures for the 365 project! I'm still going strong! I am really liking the collages that I'm doing. It's hard some days to just pick one picture! So here are new ones!

My commute home!

2009-02-04T06:01:00.000-05:00

Lovely Project

2009-02-02T18:26:00.001-05:00

Check out the video to the project that I am involved in!

My name is mentioned at 6:36 in the video! Yay!!!!

2009-02-02T06:07:00.001-05:00

Archivers...What did I get?

2009-01-31T13:03:00.008-05:00

Find your Grove by Kitty Foster and Wendy McKeenan.

I've want this book for a while. I was very excited to see it on sale! Yay!!!!

Burmuda Shorts and Bell Bottoms

from the Pop Fashion Collection

by my new Favorite company Pink Paislee

Corner Vine Screen Print

by Hambly! Love it!!!

Overlay by Heidi SwappA sheer delight by KI Memories

(L to R) Daisy Dot by Sassafras, Splendor Deco by Bo-Bunny, Princess Pink by Bazzill Basics, Heart Attack by We R Memory Keepers
Oasis Frames and Tags by S.E.I and Bazzill Paper FlowersA heart for my Mom!

One side of the heart
The other side of the heart
Stephanie!

My work space
Sarah deciding if she needs to go back for more stuff
A layout I did about the music on my MP3 player

Going to Archivers

2009-01-30T05:50:00.000-05:00

Going Scrappin' at Archivers tonight! Yay!!!!!!!!

2009-01-29T05:39:00.004-05:00

I took this from Elizabeth's blog . I really liked it! So I joined in and found it fun! If you want to do it this is what you should do:1. Go to Your Pictures on your computer2. Go to the 8th folder3. Go to the 8th picture4. Post that picture on your blog and the story behind it

This is my Uncle Dave. I love this picture! I think my Aunt took it.I love the look in his eyes. He died this past fall. This is how I want to remember him. With a big goofy grin. He was such a goof. I rember his Homer Simpson slippers that he would wear. I remeber he was the designated prayer at all family gatherings :D He was a great father to my cousins...strick...but good.

Project 365 for Today and Smokin' Cute

2009-01-28T19:35:00.003-05:00

My Project 365 collage for today! yay!!! I love my husband holding the heart!
The above project is NOT mine! I didn't come up with it. I think it is sooooo Smokin' Cute. This project was made by Scrappergirl.

Check out her site for more Smokin' Cute projects and directions on how to make the project above! You know I'll be making some for sure!

2009-01-28T17:43:00.002-05:00

Michael getting the car out.
Getting in the mood for Valentine's day!!!

Ice Skating Rink....Also know as a road

2009-01-28T06:59:00.008-05:00

Sorry about the horrible pics. The above picture is the hill across the street. That is ice my friend!
A car trying to get up the hill. Yikes

The Tree in the front yard! Yikes!

The bush in the front.

The tree we like to call "The tree of death".
On the deck railing
Where did the car go??

Another day at home with Michael :D

Smokin' Cute of the day!

2009-01-27T15:36:00.004-05:00

Here is my Smokin' cute of the day!

This is from Hambly! They have tons of sneak peeks from CHA! Check out their blog to get some eye candy! Wow!!!

Saw this on the CK Message board...but Paris Hilton has infiltrated the Scrapbooking world. Is nothing safe????

All kidding aside, if her line helps teenagers get into scrapbooking than far-be-it for me to make fun! Maybe Paris will be the new Martha!

Snow Day

2009-01-27T13:50:00.005-05:00

These are two 8X10s that I'm planning of printing out and mounting on 8.5 X11 paper. Yay!!!

Branches outside
The car

Ice

Project 365 Entry for today!

Not doing too much today! Just getting caught up on laundry! I'm downloading some digi kits. I'm thinking of making some more hot chocolate!

Sunday thats my Funday

2009-01-25T17:46:00.002-05:00

It snowed again! Yahoooooo!!!Altered Target Mailbox. Does anyone recognize the paper the butterflies are punched out of ??