TERESA COLLINS

Weekend...

This weekend has flown by. We are having a family dinner tonight at our house. Matt is coming up from college and bringing "a girl." She will be about the 4th girl that we have met now.  He has been spending alot of time with her. Who knows...Alot of his friends are getting married and I "think" he is wanting a more serious relationship. I think he is still WAY too young.

We went to Lagoon yesterday. So fun, but the new ride at the amusement park WICKED...was just that WICKED and I somehow hurt my neck at the rapid speed take off. Then last night, Ty and I had a date night. We went to dinner at Chili's. I love their lettuce wraps and we watched the World Series off and on during dinner.

I have been so worried about my friends in California with all the fires. I have been thinking and praying for them. It just makes you realize what is most important in your life. I am teaching in Carlsbad CA in December on the 7th and 8th. I know so many wonderful people- who I consider my friend who have had to evacuate their home. I am praying for their families safety and look forward to seeing them each again.

So I thought- it was time to share some sneak peaks of the ROLODEX class-that I am teaching at Ever After. It is a ALL DAY WORKSHOP with lunch included. (9am-4pm) It is one of my all time fave projects. My kids WILL NOT stop looking at it. It has over 150 photos in this of my family- and they are counting how many photos they each have in the rolodex. Competition- even in my scrapbooking...crazy kids!!!!

So there it is! The WORKSHIP size is LIMITED. It is filled with techniques, and it's going to be alot of fun! I used so many mix and match products in this class, it was fun to create a special rolodex of this past year memories  of my family. Time to get dinner ready!!!!

Teresa

KUDOS...

to working mothers. I admit, I am feeling OVERWHELMED this week. I am at the office working- and thinking of ALL the things I need to do when I finally get home. Laundry, dinner prep, lessons tonight (carpool), homework etc. I am lucky that this entire week my girls have "stepped" up and had the home very clean and organized when I came home. Wow, it makes such a big difference- to come home to a clean home. I have learned something, I actually did MORE "design" work at his office than I do at home. I have accomplished ALOT this week. I have done all my instructions for the class at EVERAFTER SCRAPBOOKS, and lots of other design related work. When I am home, I am distracted by phone calls, housework, and always being on the go...so this week has been a great benefit to me.

I hear that my kitchen will be torn out on the MONDAY right after I return from Puerto Rico. Yikes! I will have one day to move it all out. I will be out of a kitchen for SIX WEEKS. HELP!!!! I am starting to worry a bit. It will be so worth it in the end. I have a new contractor that I have complete confidence in. He "get's me" and my crazy ways. The last contractor had to do FIVE different cabinet samples for me. They kept coming back all wrong. My new cabinets will match a table that I have in my front room. They are very light cream/no yellow MORE white and very light distressing- old world finish. He said I should do ALDER since 80% of the homes in Utah have alder and it would be wise to do what everyone else is doing. I explained, that I didn't plan to be like "everyone" else and wanted to customize my kitchen to my style and taste. It was back and forth, he said "that it's hard to work with "designers" who are "pretty set in their ways." I guess I felt like he did not want to do what WE wanted to do.

I know after six weeks without a kitchen, there will be a BIG party at my house to celebrate having a kitchen again. I hear alot of people say that they gain alot of weight with a kitchen remodel. I do not want to eat out every day- so I will have to be "creative." I will not have a kitchen during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Actually, this may be a good thing. I won't be tempted to make all the "goodies."

back to work now...

Check this out....

So I was excited to see that the information is up now for THE ULTIMATE SCRAPBOOK CRUISE- SCRAPBOOK CRUISE INFO.  I am excited with the fantastic line up of teachers- Donna Downey, Karen Russell, Margie Aslett Romney, Michelle Hill and some other really talented girls. I am excited to be one of the teachers on this FUN cruise. So do you wanna go to Jamaica with us???? Seriously, this is going to be ONE fantastic event.

Okay, I have to share what happened today. I am working at Ty's office this week. I know a little bit of everything- enough to get me into trouble...smile! So this woman-let's call her Beth(not her real name), came for her appointment today. Beth proceeds to tell me how she got her last statement, and how outrageous the bill was. She goes on to tell me that the doctor only "talked with her" for 10 minutes, and basically did nothing but talk. Beth was so upset that she got billed such a "large amount" for her last office visit. She really let me have it and told me that the doctor charges too much. She was basically letting "the office girl" have it. I could not believe how rude and mean she was to me. I just took it, smiled and said, I have no idea about the charges and billing codes and that she would have to take it up with the doctor.

- FAST FORWARD- she goes into see Ty and is "so nice" to him. Nothing like how she was to me- I couldn't believe it. I thought she was going to attack him, but he informed me she was nice.  She had NO IDEA that I was Ty's wife. I told Ty that I wonder if she would have treated me that way had she known I was married to him. Anyway, it made me sad. I go out of my way to respect all people. The billing lady at the office told me that she is often treated really mean and they say angry and rude things to her. I so would not want this job. I guess I am too tender hearted!

Okay, Lesson for the day for me...show kindness in all that you do!

Off to a flag football game...

Too much...

I have too much going on. Where do I begin???? Well, this past weekend was a blast. The boys did enjoy a fun Halloween Party on Friday night. Ty and I went to dinner. BIG MISTAKE- we went to a Mexican restaurant. I have not had this much food in a LONG, LONG  time. I overate and then felt literally SICK. The dish was filled with cheese and truthfully, it just made me feel heavy and gross. I realize that I just do not enjoy that type of food anymore. Don't get me wrong, it was good, but not GREAT and not worth the "mega calories." I think I am at the point, where I am frustrated with "my weight." Let me explain, basically, for the past FOUR months- I have been the SAME weight. I lose a lb, to gain it back- back and forth- same thing over and over. I am wondering if my body just LOVES where it is now and refuses to lose more weight. My husband, told me yesterday, that maybe your body weight, 'is naturally where it wants to be." The positive thing, is that my body is not gaining weight really, but just maintaining where I am. My counselors at the weight loss center tell me that the last 10-15 lbs are truly the hardest to lose. Oh well, I will have to think about it more. For now, I will keep doing my daily routine and working out!!!!!

I got an email from Lynne who owns the scrapbook store in Puerto Rico. She said it is 90 degrees, sunny, and hot/humid. I think I am looking forward to the warmth. I love Utah, and the four seasons (they are gorgeous!!!!) but I am a warm weather girl at heart. Bad me, forgot to get a new swimsuit. I plan to look online tonight. Wish me luck!!!!!

We had the best time with Zach's birthday party. They loved visiting the Pumpkin Patch and picking their own pumpkins. So cute to watch them carve them. We served dinner to all the boys. Zach wanted- BEEF STROGANOFF- yes, he did. Believe it or not, the kids loved it!

I am working on so many fun things. So much that I want to share- I have big things going on and I am trying to balance it all. Isn't that what life is all about????

SHE....

did it. Gentry is now able to drive with her parents. We arrived at the DMW at 6:45 am (opens at 7am) and there was this HUGE line of people already waiting in the cold to go inside. It was madness- when the door FINALLY opened at 7am. Did I mention how cold it was???

We got our number and waited and waited. Finally, our number was called. I was all smiley and happy and the workers at the DMW looked not so chipper. he he...Then I signed my permission for her to get her learners permit and paid the $15 fee. Then she went to the testing section. She took about 30 minutes to do the test- and she MISSED ONE TOO many- okay...failed it. I thought- oh, no...she should have studied harder. There was LOTS of parents and teens there doing the SAME thing. EVERY SINGLE one of them were failing the test. Gentry retook the test (you can take it THREE times- after that you pay again and reapply). Gentry said this time- she took the test and reread every question twice, and then she only missed a couple. She passed with flying colors (the second time- wink!) She looked up at me, and I mouthed- PASSED- and she got a HUGE grin on her face. I was so relieved- not too excited to come back to the DMV. The entire procedure took about 1.5 hours at the DMV and we were early in line. So watch out- Gentry is now driving...well, with limitations!!!!

I am at Ty's office. His receptionist is getting married today!!!! I am going to help Ty out for the next week- while she is on her honeymoon in Cancun. Today he is doing surgery, so no patients today. I have to admit, I love helping in his office. I get to meet so many wonderful people. I meet a 96 year old woman, Mae- today. She had a appt. yesterday, but came today for it. Thankfully, Ty was in the office and could see her. She can still walk on her own, and was so nice. She told me how old she is and smiled. She likes to make bead crafts- she has made me bead necklaces and bracelets in the past. She gets to her appointments by taking a bus (her daughter comes with her!) I just can't tell you how much I GAIN from meeting wonderful people like Mae.

Ty deals with alot of elderly patients and they love him. I love the WORDS of WISDOM that I often given by his patients. I feel uplifted by being in their presence. Most have health problems and they are at the point in their life- where they realize what is MOST important- so although it is hard for me to help out for an entire week- I know I will gain so much from talking with each of them. If you have'nt figured out by now...I am such an emotional girl. I always have been- tenderhearted. I cry over commercials- he he...

I just am so thankful for OPPORTUNITIES, FRIENDS and LIFE EXPERIENCES that make me a better person. That is why I blog...I truly gain from your comments and connections. I have met thousands of woman and men by teaching and designing in the scrapbook world. I have made lifelong connections. I admire so many of YOU. I consider what I do- a wonderful blessing in which I hope to give back as much as I am given (that is hard to do- I have been given sooo much). I really love to teach so that I can personally connect with each student. I love to see your work, your projects, your photos...it only enrichs and blesses MY LIFE. I could say it all day...thank you!!!

Okay...so have a GREAT FRIDAY!!!!!

If you have a blog...post a link!!!!

love Teresa

In two weeks...

  I will be in Puerto Rico. I am really excited to go back again. I am excited to teach the Noteworthy class in San Juan. Thankfully, my husband is fluent in Spanish, so this does come in handy.  We are going to be in San Juan for three days and then we are going on our "couple" cruise. We are visiting a few different islands this time too.

We made a decision last year after coming home from our 1st real trip together- that we would go on a trip every year. It's so hard to leave the kids- and I dread it- but I know it was one of the best things that we have done for our marriage. We've spent years FOCUSING only on the kids and so we are trying to do more for our relationship. We are going with our friends again.  It's really fun to travel with close friends that enjoy the same things that we do. Ty loves to snorkel- and they do too. I am still afraid of sharks and such...so I am a big wimp! I just enjoy being on the beach- reading a book.

Tomorrow the boys are invited to a HALLOWEEN party at a neighbors homes. They are going dressed in Halloween attire and they will play games and eat dinner. Then they are all going to a Haunted House (if they want to). My boys will probably skip the last part! They get scared easily....shhh- don't tell!

I did not give Zach a birthday party yet, so this Saturday we are doing his 10th Birthday party. I kept asking Zach what he wanted to do- nothing really excited him. I suggested that we go to a pumpkin patch, letting each boy pick out a pumpkin- then come back to our house and carve pumpkins. They say it will be cold and stormy on Saturday. I will serve them goodies (hot chocolate), roast pumpkin seeds and serve the kids cake/ice cream and dinner.  It's really a simple party and he only wanted to invite seven boys. I went out and bought each of  them the carving tools and so we are set! Bonus, having October birthdays in the family!!!!! 

I am taking Gentry to get her learners permit to drive in the early AM. She is scared to fail... I can't believe she is ready for this....oh, well....better get to bed...

Thinking...

I have been thinking ALOT about how fast my children are growing up. I read the comments from the last post and felt touched by something that was said. I realize that in all the activity that surrounds us with children, there comes great BLESSINGS. The joy of watching our children grow, experience life, and all the commotion- well, it is just for a SHORT time and season. I do realize this...and so I want to not stress about the TOYS everywhere, the unorganized house, the KIDS dirty room and constantly not cleaning up after themselves. I would much rather my home be "less than perfect" and have a happy atmosphere.

So I have been thinking about HOW I can use my time...to better influence my children. I don't know about you, but if you have children like mine- they are constantly ON THE GO. I have to FIND little ways to connect with them. So some of the things that I do- is when we are in the car- I turn off the radio or keep it low (use this time to talk about what is going on "in their world." I find ALOT about each of them, if I simply just SHUT up...and listen. Another thing that I have been doing, is reading during breakfast to my two sons. They are short stories from The Friend. It is a church publication geared for children. The stories are simple- faith building with a moral message. I couldn't believe it this morning, when Ty told me he liked me reading "story time" to him. The stories are probably only 2 minutes long, but it starts the day off to a good start.  I would LOVE to hear what you do with your children!!!!

So I have been juggling quite a bit lately. I am now working with two contractors on the kitchen remodel. Meaning- deciding which one to ultimately go with. It's kinda stressing me out. They had planned to start this week, but I postponed it until I return from Puerto Rico. I could not leave my family without a functioning kitchen. My appliances have been ordered and so that is something to be thankful for. So, I will be out of a kitchen for Thanksgiving and Christmas- crazy, huh??? Well, I am sure my mother in law will take care of us. She is the BEST cook. If not, there is always wonderful restaurants to eat at. I found this MARBLE that I love that I wanted to do on my countertops but I guess they will warranty it for kitchen countertops... I also have found my cabinet colors- which I love. I am going with a Venetian/Old World kitchen. The cabinets are light cream (white) with a very subtle distressing. I will now have a kitchen island in the center of the kitchen...and it's big- 16 feet. I just felt strongly I need a kitchen that with fit my family. The island is my dream come true- space, space and space!!!! I am donating my cabinets to a family that is close by.

Tonight, Taylor is having a pumpkin carving party with five of her friends. It is her best friends birthday and they are going to take her friend to dinner and then come to our home and carve some pumpkins. I am looking forward to this! I know the entire family will get involved before it is over with. I saw a recipe for Pumpkin Soup too- is it good??? Anyone had this???? I do think Pumpkin Choc. Chip Cookies are good. Too bad I can't eat them!!!

Here is the recipe for the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1 c.canned pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. oil
1 egg
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. milk
1 c. chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla

Dissolve baking soda in milk; set aside. In large bowl add pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg; stir. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda mixture. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and vanilla. Spoon onto cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees 10 to 12 minutes or until done.

Enjoy today!!!

Teresa

So much...

There is so much to share. So much, that I do not even know where to begin. Thank you for your posts for Zach. He read ALL of them and LOVED them. We are not having his official birthday party with friends until this week. On the night of his birthday, he had a flag football game and I gave a lesson that night on SERVICE. It was only a quick 10 minute talk. I used to get nervous before I started to scrapbook, (public speaking)...now I have no problems addressing large crowds, doing the television shows, DIY, etc. I was only nervous on HSN because I was afraid I would say a word that isn't allowed.

Anyway, this past week was wonderful. I worked out several days, lost about 4 lbs in the process and just feel absolutely stronger. I have a TON more energy and wish I would have started working out again months ago. Even though I haven't really LOST alot more weight, everyone all of a sudden thinks I have. Must be the exercise!!!!! My friend and I get up and walk first thing in the morning- right after we take our kids to school. We do a power walk for 60 minutes minimum. We trade off at which house we will meet at. We chat the entire time, so I get my exercise and girl talk all at once. I am truly thankful for a friend who will do this with me. I know she does not need this, as much as I do. If you plan your workouts with someone, you have a bigger commitment and most likely will do it.

This was the last week for Fall Baseball, and now Zach gets his only break for the year- two entire months of no formal baseball. He will be doing basketball now. I often think that I am stretched to my limit. I am running everyday to various lessons and practices/or games. I have to miss some events to be at another event. I have a hard time juggling it all. I cherish the days- like today- we came home from church and we just ate dinner together as a family. We sat around our living room telling jokes, talking and enjoying "how silly Zach was being." I really love THESE MOMENTS. I know if you are a parent, you can probably relate to what I am saying. It's really the MOST important TIME just being TOGETHER and enjoying the simple moments One of the things that I am asked alot is how I do my scrapbook designs and such with such a busy and large family 

So I thought I would share my routine.  I get my children off to school each morning and I am either going in to get weighed -mon,wed,fridays- and then meeting my friend to work out. I make it a priority now to work out first or at least by noon. After working out, I check my emails and work on answering as many as I can. I do my designs for products after I return from working out. I try to multi task by doing laundry and housework in between emails, or making prototypes.  I have a sketch book that I am constantly working on- adding to or deleting. I will work a couple hours at a time on deadlines. By early afternoon, I try to wrap things up a bit. I will work on home things, and errands. My kids start getting home at 2:30 pm, and I have a healthy snack waiting for them- (75% time healthy- and sometimes the not so healthy treats (doughnuts, etc.). I try really hard to focus only on the kids once they start coming home. I admit, there is times, that I have major deadlines or class designs that I have to complete. It's a matter of balancing and involving my family. A week ago, I needed to design the classes for December at Ever After in California. My boys were home, and so I asked them to "play" with me. I taught them how to use Masks- stencil and stamp- a file folder for them to keep their work in. They loved it and I enjoyed being with them. I am in the car nonstop in the afternoon- taking the kids to their various activities. So after the kids are in bed- that is my time to check email, work again on projects, etc. and spent alone time with Ty. I am very blessed that my husband...supports me and encourages my creative abilities. He is the who will tell me that he "thinks I'm amazing!!!." It means the world to me, that he thinks "I'm so cool".  I have a major cheerleader in my back corner, and let me tell you...there is often times when I am down on myself, my abilities, etc. and HE is my ROCK, my biggest CHEERLEADER. I am very appreciative of this...and only share this because there is so many times, when I feel that I just can't do anything else- MY PLATE IS TOO FULL- and he comes and takes A BIG PIECE off of MY PLATE. He did this for me this weekend!!!! I have been doing so much and the laundry- well, it was neglected- he stayed up to 2am on Friday night to do ALL the laundry. THIS is why I count my blessing...I realize that with HIS support I am able to do so much MORE. I know we all have so many demands of our TIME, our ENERGY...and well, we can only do so much. I truly just take it one day at a day.

Wow, sorry for such a long post...Can anyone relate to my crazy life??? Believe me, I am not complaining, I am appreciative for the it all...the good and the bad...

much love,

teresa

HE is...a DECADE today

This is my baby...okay not really. He is my son Zach and TODAY is the day...the BIG DAY...he is officially a DECADE. Bear with me here, because I want to tell Zach a few things (he will read my blog today!!!!) If you want please wish him a happy birthday too!!!!

Last night, you said you wouldn't be able to sleep all night. I asked you why??? You said you were too excited to sleep. You are turning 10 today and that is BIG. You are so excited that I am coming to check you out of school to take you to our "traditional" birthday lunch. I am bringing a big vanilla birthday cake to share with your classmates today too. You are BEAMING...

Guess what ZACH??? I love you more than ANYTHING you can SAY, THINK or FEEL.

My Zach Attack YOU make me proud to be a mother. I look at you and I am filled with LOVE. There is absolutely NOTHING I would not sacrifice or do for you. My love for you is unconditional...Happy Happy Birthday my SWEETIE PIE...

I just wanted to post a special blog post to my son. I truly am blessed. I took these photos of Zach last week. I want to remember HIM at this cool stage. He is such a HAM. He was posing and asked if he should open his shirt...funny!!!! They did school portraits last week. He came home to tell me that after the lady took his photo, she told him..." you really should model." I think she did not realize that Zach was sooo flattered, and even came home to tell me about it.

Here is a layout that I made for CREATING INSPIRATIONS.com. I am their Guest Designer for the month of October. This is one of the projects that I designed for them.  This is my daughter McKay. I think she is one CUTE WITCH... I will be doing a chat with TERESA'S LIVE CHAT at CREATING INSPIRATIONS this Thursday- October 11th at 7:00 pm MST. Come by and Chat!

Time to go decorate for the birthday boy!

Oh, and I'm still working out. I feel so good now. I work out first thing in the morning, and it really improves my entire day!!!!

Weekend...

You girls know your product. Of course, it is glossy accents. So the THREE winners picked: Martna Putnam, Julie H, and Nancy R. Congrats and email me your address.

What a wonderful weekend! I had a girls night out on Friday night. I went with my friends out to shop, eat dinner at Chili's (I love their lettuce wraps) and then to Starbucks. I love their Strawberry/Cream drink. I think it's time like these that rejuvenate me- I loved having the little break. I laughed ALOT and really should do this more!!!!

Saturday was FOOTBALL. I love watching the boys play. Ty even sacked the quarterback- and Zach got THREE touchdowns. I tend to really worry everytime the boys go down...nervous mother!!!!

I also worked on a fun project! I wanted to teach a class with the pageframe books. The clear albums with tabs...and guess what???? I got it all designed and will show YOU a sneak peek... If you have not played with all the clear albums, clear transparencies, etc. CHALLENGE yourself to do this. The possiblities are endless. It is a FOUR hour class due to the various techniques we will work on. The album is "GRATEFUL"... Perfect for a gift for a special someone.

This is my friend Tammy Mitchell's daughter Ashley. I made this album for her. The colors are a yummy green w/ black and cream.  Can you see the Hambly transparencies????

I love these photos of Ashley. Her mom really is an amazing photographer. The class will use lots of stamps, journaling stickers, etc.

We also are using the MASKS by Heidi, and some other fun HS products. I really mixed up the products in this book!!!!

last little peek...the photos really cannot show how CLEARLY cool the techniques are. So HERE are the details for this class:

Friday December 7th

"GRATEFUL" clear album

Time 6:00-10:00 pm

Ever After Scrapbooks
2618 B El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Tel: 760-433-9313
Fax: 760-433-9315
Email: info@everafterscrapbooks.com

***also, the space will be very limited and so if you are interested call the store soon. I hear there is already several people already signed up for the workshops without even knowing what I would teach. Thanks so much- Wow!

I am teaching TWO workshops that weekend. The workshop on Saturday Dec. 8th is 7 HOURS- 9:00am-4:00pm with LUNCH provided. What am I doing???? I am teaching a project with the 7gypsies rolodex ATC spinner. It is quite the project and perfect to put lots of small photos, quotes, family things...and the workshop is BASED on DOCUMENTING  your life, one snapshot at a time. So please bring your CAMERA, I have invited Tammy Mitchell (you will love her!!!), a local photographer- to accompany me and we will go over lots of photography information during the day. This all day workshop will open your eyes to the world of photography and complete a BEAUTIFUL project too.  Sure to be a fun weekend!!!!

Oh, got the boys Halloween costumes this weekend. I give up trying to get them to pick costumes I like. Zach wanted to be DARTH VADAR, and Ty is a Zombie Doctor (he said, he likes the Doctor part since he wants to be like his dad!!!!- pretty fun) I would RUN like crazy if I ever saw a Doctor like this...SCARY! I admit it, I dress up on Halloween. I am a room mom at school and the kids LOVE it when the adults dress up. I think I will be a CAT this year. EASY...and BLACK is slimming...right????

Teresa

So this is what I do....

I thought I would post some photos from Tues. night- doing my pizza book project with my son Ty. Hence, the photos are not too great. Gentry was a doll and took them for me... I asked her to take some photos so that I could REMEMBER the real everyday things that we do. Like this book project. I love that it's photos after a crazy day. I did shower mind you, but I have ZERO make up on, STILL wearing my pink CAROLINA t-shirt and pink sweatpants- yes, although I worked out several hours BEFORE these photos, I am still in workout clothes. This is me some days...just doing the best that I can.

You can see my secret adhesive to the right of Ty. We made this pizza crust out of yellow sponges that we painted CREAM-Fiskars 2" punch for the pepperoni, and circle punch with holes for the olives, CHEESE is a shredded up yellow file folder.

This is Ty explaining to ME how he likes this glue. He did all the glueing down, painting, etc. I was just watching for QUALITY CONTROL. 

The outside of the Pizza Box. Hey, did you notice Ty is wearing his TARHEEL football jersey????

SO now...just for FUN. If you have ever been in my classes before this is EASY. What kind of glue did I use for this project???? Ty is holding it in his hands...it's a wonderful liquid adhesive and I LOVE it- my favorite- use it all the time- IF you know the answer post- will pick a WINNER in my next post!!!!Good luck...

winner will get a package filled of products that I have designed- NEWSPAPER FLOWERS, Box Book, Accordion Book, Envelope Book, foam stamps, etc. Wanna win????

*also, please tell me you have days like this...hair crazy, no makeup....I promised to post a updated photo of myself, I think I'm being pretty brave here...he he...

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!! Little Ty will draw THREE WINNERS. Yes, you read right. Since I am having such a great week, I'm sharing the feeling and will PICK THREE winners this time.

Teresa

Mid WEEK

I cannot complain WHY but this has been the BEST WEEK. I am so excited about so many good things that are happening in my life. I wish I could share all the details, but it for now, I can't...but just know that I do believe in prayer. I have learned alot about myself in the last month. I've learned that if you have a dream- persue it- if you want something bad enough- you will work for it...I've learned that I am stronger than I thought I am.

I am also grateful that I am DONE helping Ty with his 3rd grade book report project. It was quite the ordeal. He read a 100 page book for the month of September and then had to do this big project. Let's say WE had to do it. Do you feel as a parent that it always folds on our shoulders???? It took us HOURS!!!! I have photos to post later. Done- last night- yeah!!!!

I worked out TWO days in a row...yes, my drill sargeant friend is to blame...kidding! She is a trooper. I actually am calling her and saying "let's go." Wow, working out with a friend helps to keep me motivated and the time goes by FAST. Also, my legs are no longer hurting. BONUS!!!!! oh, and I lost two lbs...watching the sodium very carefully.

Okay...off to parent teacher conference.

have a great day...teresa

Monday...

well, in SLC this weekend it snowed. I mean really SNOWED. It was snowing and raining on Saturday. My son Ty played football and it was so cold- around 30 degrees. He was so cold that he could not feel his toes. I was cold too. It was pretty miserable. His team lost their first game too, so it was cold and sad.

Matt came up from college and introduced us to a *friend*. Cute Matt has lots of friends. This girl was truly a beauty. I really liked her. She wanted to see my scrapbook studio...and well, it was still pretty messy. I've been cleaning it out, so it was as bad as it was just a week ago. You can now see my carpet and my scrap table. Ha!!! She loves to scrapbook, and so I definitely approve of her. Just Kidding!!!!!

Still working out- went today in fact with my friend...it feels so good to move. Lost 3 lbs last week. Then today- gained it back-3 days later....I am up and down like a yo yo. I figure I was up due to all the sodium I had this weekend. I stayed on plan, but ate more sodium than is allowed.  It was so cold that I had the 98% fat free cream of chicken soup for lunch both Saturday and Sunday. It's only 200 calories but the SODIUM is skyhigh....I promised to watch my sodium intake and will see where I am on Wednesday at weigh in.

Here is the winner from the last post:

Hi Teresa - my kids love waffles. So pretty much every school morning they have waffles. We buy frozen waffles - 1 minute in the microwave and they are good to go. Sometimes my son wants his a little crunchier so we toast them.

Also carnation instant breakfast is a big hit.

Posted by: Kerry | September 28, 2007 at 06:39 PM

Please email your contact info!!! Congrats Kerry....

I can't believe in ONE MONTH I will be teaching in Puerto Rico. Pinch myself. Which means I have 4 weeks to get myself READY. So in December...I will be teaching in California. (southern California) Just finalizing time/classes, etc. and will post soon. I was so inspired today by reading the latest issue of SIMPLE SCRAPBOOKS. I really do love the journaling on the layouts. One layout really TOUCHED me...the layout was of a photo of a girl getting her hair curled with foam curlers by her mother. There is a Christmas tree in the background. Then the photo to the right of this photo is that little girl GROWN UP- a mother herself- putting foam curlers in her own little girls hair. The Christmas tree is in the foreground.

**** the journaling states- how had she known that her mother would die two years later, she would spent more time with her...enjoyed this,etc. She was only 9 years old when her mother died... Not the exact words, but you get the picture. WOW...touching....IF WE ONLY KNEW...well, we don't so we have to SAVOR each and every moment. I wish I could remember the designers name (let me know if you know it! I gave the magazine away)- and  I wish I had her email so I could let her know how much her layout touched me.

Okay...today the kits I designed for  FRECKLE FRIENDS went on sale. Here is a direct link if you are interested-- http://www.qbaroo.com/frecklefriends/main.cfm?categoryoid=68&productoid=854

Well, working on a book report PIZZA project with Ty. Must get back to making a pizza crust out of yellow sponges. I loved all the posts. I will definitely TRY many of them. Oh, OATMEAL was the #1 breakfast it seems. Yum!!!!

Teresa