Scrappin' the Details

It really is a small world

Just a quick post about the world being small.  I am at Roman's football practice and this woman sits near me.  By the way, Roman is doing very well.  He is being aggressive in a football manner, of course.  He also took several snaps as the team's center.  I think once he truly understands the game, he is going to do even better.  I am looking forward to his first game!

Back to the original story.  This woman and I are talking about how our boys are similar in how they are playing.  We ask the normal questions and I tell her I am originally from the area.  I also proceed to tell her I went to the school when it was elementary, middle school and high school combined.

She says that is a rarity.  Not many people are originally from the area.  Anyway, she says,"I am going out a limb here, but were you a High School Cheerleader?"  I say Yes.  She says,"I am going on an even higher limb, but is your name Suzanne?"  I say Yes.  She says did you date a Jesse so and so.  I say Yes.  She says I am his sister, Tracey.  I am shocked and surprised.  Now as I really look at her, I can see her as a young girl.  She and Jesse were very close.  Jesse was a UT football player, the kind of person that was bigger than life when he stepped into a room.  I remember their family and spending time with them.  I could not believe she decided to move to the area.  She is from the city and I would never imagine her in the country.

Anyway, she and I are planning a play date with our boys and younger daughters.  It was great to see her. Unfortunately, Jesse has dealt with some pretty serious issues and I hope he will receive the help he needs.  The entire family has also had tragedy early on, and Jesse's troubles could have resulted from all of that.  Anyway, I have met a new friend, one that walks and talks!

A new friend I hope I never meet again

Okay, let me begin with how I start my mornings.  Every morning I walk to my sister's home to check my e-mail and navigate the web.  My Mom does not have wireless connection in her home.  Anyway, here is what my path looks like:

Here is another close view of my sister's home:

Anyway, this day my darling Macie decides to go with me.  We are walking along and when we finally reach the sidewalk, guess what we see in our path????  Not a goat, chicken, frog or a lizard that I accustomed to seeing at this point, but a SNAKE!!!  It is right there coiled tightly!  Thank goodness, I saw him before we went any further.  Of course, I did the most natural thing, I screamed.  I did not know what to do.  Macie and I walked along the outer edge to reach the door.  I then sat her on the couch and turned on Dora The Explorer.  I told her to sit and not move.  She was not bothered at all, but wanted a closer look of the snake.  

I called my Mom and asked her what I should do.  She said she would call my Dad.  I decide to go into the house and get a broom.  I had a great idea that if I could lift him off the ground with the handle of the broom, I would throw him over the fence!  I felt like I was in a horror movie.  You know when the person knows there is danger lurking, but yet they continue to investigate and not do the normal thing but run!  Anyway, here I was, trying to save the day.  This snake has not moved at all during all of this. He allowed me to lift him with the end of the broom, but of course he was so slimy and long!  

I called my sister and asked her what I should do, because my Dad was not answering the phone.  He is at work, so how could he have helped I do not know.  Anyway, my brother-n-law is also not home, he is out fishing!  I proceed to tell Mandy my brilliant idea and she says that I cannot just let it go.  I am like you are kidding me right?????  What am I supposed to do with this thing?  She tells me I cannot let it go, because it could hurt the goats or yet still be around and bite one of us!  Anyway, I will end this story here and leave you with a photo of my friend.  You will have to deduce your own conclusion! 

My sister, Mom, and even my Dad tell me the country does not agree with me.  You know, I agree with them.  I love my family and they are the only reasons I come out here.  They live and love the country. It is a nice place to visit if you did not have all the slimy things to contend with!  I grew up here, but as a friend as stated, I must have been switched at birth!  Anyway, I am sure there will be more stories to tell!  Here is my friend:

On a bright side these have arrived:

My niece has received 25 of these turkeys.  They are getting primed for a Livestock Show.  Gabi is going to help her by holding the one that she decides to show.  I will update if there is a champion in the mix.  Lots of work goes into grooming these animals.  Gabi has loved every minute of this experience. She is really good with the animals and does not mind the work involved.

I am off to enjoy our weekly movie/sleepover night at my sister's home.  Every Friday is movie night and the kids sleepover.  Trust me this is a big deal!  I love my sister, but truth be told, she is not really fond of little people.  She loves my kids, but the messes that they create, well it does not sit well with her.  She is extremely anal and loves for everything in her home to be perfect!!!  Not a bad thing, but she needs to loosen up a little! LOL

She does on Fridays and we have a fun time.  We usually have a theme to go along with the movie.  We did make your own pizza night, a baked potato night and a sandwich night.  We need to think of more fun food ideas.

Speaking of food, I made a yummy chicken dish the other night.  If you like chicken thighs, you may enjoy this one. They are marinated in a garlic paste and then baked with sage, rosemary, lemon and thyme.  Anyway, delicious.

Have a great weekend!

 

I thought I was in Texas

I am in Texas, or so I thought, until I saw this: 

These zebras are beautiful.  We were on our way back from the water park and I saw them.  I had to pull over and take photos.  My niece thought I was crazy!  I never noticed them until now, and this house is not far from my parents' home.  In fact, where the zebras live, is the home where I used to babysit as a young girl.  Such a long time ago!   Anyway, love the photos.  The owners also have kangaroos.  

Tomorrow, I will post about my "new" no legged friend!  Some of you, (Shawnna), will love this one!!

Hope you are having a great summer!  We are having yet another HOT day!  Should rain by the weekend, perfect weather to finish my layout.  Hope to share it soon!

Got Stamps?

Two posts in one night!  Pretty good for me!  I have lots to share, but having a difficult time posting everything.  I thought I would share some of my great scrapbooking finds!  I want to let you know that we are very lucky to have Timeless Treasures and Scrapbook Oasis in California.  I do not know if I am not looking in the right spots, but there are very few scrapbook stores in the area. I am not trying to put down any stores, but they are not updated on the current trends. Some of the owners did not even know some of the lines that I mentioned.  One owner refused to order Teresa Collins new stuff, due to customers not wanting it.  I was dumbfounded!!!  I did find a cute scrapbook store called Felicia's Scrapbooking.  She was ordering from new lines and had unique items.  She is originally from California.  I found a scallop photo corner punch.  It actually punches out two sizes.  She is ordering the new Quickutz revolution and I cannot wait to get my hands on that one!   

    

Anyway, there is an Archivers here, and they do have some of my favorite lines, but not all. I did bring some items with me, but could not bring everything!   My sister and I are going to take a road trip to Waco and San Antonio.  Waco has a great scrapbook store, and I hope to find what I need.  There is a Rubber Stamp convention in October that I hope not to miss!  I may have to do some online shopping!

Back to the scrapbook finds.  If you know me, you know that I love stamps.  I absolutely love stamps!!  I stamp on literally every scrapbook page.  When I create, I stamp!  Needless, to say I am always on the lookout for new and fun stamps.  Have I said how much I enjoy stamping??

Here are the finds of a "few" of my new favorite stamps:  

Here are few more views:  

I cannot wait to use them!  I am somewhat organized and am beginning to scrapbook.  I will share a layout that is in the process.  I hope to have it completed by the end of the week!  

I almost forgot about a few other scrapbook items I found.  Again, must figure out a way to have the photos appear vertical.Of, course we had to have this while we scrapbooked.  Jeanette, please do not look, if you are reading this!

Fun stuff!  Now, that we are in a "groove", I will find more time to scrapbook.  Miss you guys and California, because it is HOT, HOT!!!!!  It has been over 100 degrees every day.  Cannot wait for cool weather!!!

Off to bed, need to get ready for my other favorite "thing" tomorrow!  

Are you ready for some football?

I am happy to report my "Boy"',is playing his first year of Pop Warner Football.  He is in the zone!  This is the second week of practice and he is really enjoying learning the game.  He is perhaps the slowest person on the team, but he is trying.  Poor little guy!  We will be working on his conditioning.  He has ten games this season and four are away games.  We have to travel, but it will be worth it.

Here are a few photos of him in action.  (Sorry, I cannot figure out a way to change the photo.)  

Here are a few more:  

I will keep you updated with photos and results of his games.  He is anxiously awaiting his football jersey.  His team even has a homecoming game.  Sorry for the configuration of this post.  I guess I better read up on typepad!  Have a great day!

HOT! HOT!!

Just wanted to write a quick post about how HOT it is here!!!  When I go back to visit California, I will not complain about the weather.  I promise.  It is so HOT that you want to immediately take a shower after going outside.  There is nothing to do, but stay indoors or try and shop.  So, of course I shopped.  Found some more great scrapbooking supplies and my fave Stamps.  I love stamps and cannot wait to play.  I also headed to the mall and found some new things.  Will post pictures soon of my favorite new stamps and my new friend.

Off to read a book that I cannot put down.

It's official

It has been two weeks without Steve, but we are doing our best adjusting with all the changes.  I have been in a funk.  I feel like I am going through the motions, but looking at things from the outside.  Does this make any sense??  Anyway, lots to share.  I will update with pictures of my kids, of a "friend" I met, of some great scrapbooking finds, and my sister's newly organized scrapbook area.  We had to make room for the nine boxes I brought with me.

It has been great being with my family and they have been a tremendous help to me. I am sad to say that I am not going back to CA this month to teach my Disney class.  However, it is still a go and Karen will be teaching this class,  I will do my best to help her from here.

Anyway, before I left, you just knew something else had to happen to me.  I lost my I-Phone!!!  I about cried.  I think I did.  Anyway, I am patiently awaiting my new I-phone, but of course it will take three to four weeks.  If you have tried to call me, which I hope some of you did, my phone is temporarily terminated until the new one arrives.  I am not certain if my number will  change, but it might.  I will update everyone with my new e-mail address.  I have had it for awhile, but have not taken the time to update everyone.  I think I am over the "shock" and am finally getting back to my normal self.  

I hope to find my groove and begin to share scrapbooking projects and pages with you.  Thanks for being patient with me and I will call and e-mail soon.

Miss everyone,

Suzanne