Merry Christmas

I just want to take a moment to wish all of my friends a very Merry Christmas!


Myspace Christmas Graphics

Great quote by CS Lewis

Jen don't kill me, but I don't want to lose this quote, but I want to change it, so I am moving it to my blog. lol!!!

"[God] has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you had been the only man [or woman] in the world." C. S. Lewis - Mere Christianity [1943], 131

It's New Car City

 
 
My dh and I are the proud owners of a Mazda3s Touring edition hatchback. And we really like it. It really is very zoom-zoom. It's just fun car to drive. We purchased it on 11/11 and brought it home on 11/13. And we've been enjoying it ever since. I highly recommend this car. Plus, we got a great deal. It was $20,500 out the door. Such a great price.

This means we are once again a two-car family. We really haven't been one since the early days of our marriage. It's actually kind of weird to think we can go different places at the same time. But we still mostly go everywhere together. :O)

And to see if my sweetie ever reads my blog, I just want to tell him that I love him. 

BYU is Ranked

Okay, I am back. And with excellent news. BYU's football team is ranked #25. That's right #25. All I have to say is "BYU Rules".

GO COUGARS!!!!

I am so sad

In the whole scheme of things, the reason I am sad isn't a very big thing. I don't want to go into it all, because it will just upset me more. But I am very sad right now. (Maybe in a couple of days I can explain why.)

Vote Tomorrow!!!

I cannot stress how important it is that everyone in the United States vote tomorrow. If you are not yet registered to vote, it's too late for tomorrow. So, instead of voting, get registered to vote. That way, this will be the last time that you do not vote.

We are so blessed have the right to vote. Yet so many of us do not take advantage of that opportunity. Please do not be one of those people. Vote tomorrow. It does matter.

Which Car Should We Buy

Okay, my hubby and I are looking to become a two car family. Unless we can drive the Nissan Versa before we are able to make a final decision, we have narrowed down our choices to two cars: Toyota Matrix or Mazda 3 (five door version). For us, there are pros and cons to each one. So, if you have any experience with either car, please share it. I wish I could buy them both. lol

I will have to say while car shopping yesterday we did run into quite the deal on a mini-van, but we just couldn't bring ourselves to get it. It was a 2005 Kia Sedona that was brand new, but had never sold. So, they were offering $10,000 off the asking price so it was $19,000 for a mini van w/ leather, DVD player for the rear seats. Nice mini van. But just not what we wanted.

But please any experiences you have with the Matrix or Sedona, please share them.

Vote No on Prop 3 in Florida

First of all, elections nationwide are this coming Tuesday. So, no matter where you live, please take a few moments and go vote. It is so important that you do.

NOw, if you happen to be from Florida or if you know someone from Florida, please urge them to vote against Prop 3 in Florida. Prop 3 is being advertised is as a means of saving our state Constitution. It's not. Instead, it's an attempt to take away the rights of Floridians to make important decisions regarding our state's future.

It seems our legislature does not like to pass bills that the majority of Floridians support, such as the ban on Smoking, the Save our Homes act, a minimum wage increase and a limit on fees in medical malpractice suits. I know that the Save Our Homes act did not receive the 60% of votes required by Prop 3, even though more than 55% voted yes. Without this act, many long-time residents could no longer afford the taxes on their homes and would be forced out. You can view this Cener Stage blog to read an important article on Prop 3 from the Miami Herald.

I think it's critical that Prop 3 does not pass. So, please consider and tell you friends to consider voting against Prop 3 in Florida on Tuesday, November 7th.

LO: The Melting Pot

 
This is my first layout for my new CT AndreaDesigns. I am excited to be part of her team. I really like how the patterned papers from this kit, Dinner for Two, worked together.

What I can't believe is I am scrapping a picture that is only two weeks old. I am usually years behind. :O)

You can find all of the credits for this layout by viewing my Digi Layout Gallery.

TFL!!! 

Toot! Toot!

I made another CT (Creative Team)! This time it is for Andrea Designs. I am very happy to be a part of her team. I hope to have my first layout posted for before I go to bed this evening. So, be sure to come back and check. :O)

New Fridge

Well, yesterday we had to buy a new fridge. Ours decided to give up the ghost on Saturday night. We knew it was dying just wanted it to last awhile longer. My hubby bought it used when he had the house built 8 years ago. So really, it performed quite admirably.

I was a little bummed about having to buy the new fridge, because we didn't quite yet have the money to buy the one we really wanted. However, we actually came really close. We found am $1800 fridge for $800. That rocked. And it wasn't from Home Depot or Lowe's. There is this store called Jetsons that is only in our area and has like three stores. Well, there prices were no more expensive than any of the big box stores and they could get it to us much quicker. We bought it yesterday and it is arriving today. :O)

So, we are now going to have a side by side fridge with ice and water in the door. That is one of the things I've missed since I got married. So, I am back in business there.

'Nother Layout

 
I can't uploead to the gallery I associate with this blog. So, I thought I'd share my latest layout right here. The pictures are from Christmas 2004. You can see the credits here. 

Yummy

Yesterday, my hubby to me to the Melting Pot for my birthday. It was yummy. We got the big night out. It's a four course meal. The first course was cheese fondue. The second was salad. I had a mushroom salad that was brimming with mushrooms. Yummy!!! Then we had a meat fondue for our main course. And for dessert, chocolate turtle fondue. It was so good. I had never been before,butfore,but I definitely enjoyed myself.

I got my gifts today, which is my actual bday. From my hubby, I got two DS Lite games, Super Mario Brothers and Animal Crossing. I also got money towards a new digi camers. My mom gave me money for the camera as well. Plus money to go out to dinner with my hubby. So, sushi is calling my name. A new place has opened up not too far from my house, so we will be checking that place out courtesy of my mom. :O)

Not too much else to tell. Hope all of my friends are having a great Sunday!!

Disappointment but happiness too

I didn't make the second CT I tried for, but you know what I am not as bummed as I had expected. For a brief moment I was bummed, but then I just went on. So not like me. I think it's cause I really love being on Steph's design team. I really like her designs. I think having someone else choose me made it much easier to accept the rejection. And usually I just don't do well with things like this.

Yesterday, I opened a MySpace account yesterday. Mostly because my hubby invited me to do so. Well today, I was contacted by some friends I haven't been in touch with for eight years. That was cool. And to think I had just opened my account. If anyone who reads this blog has an account, feel free to become my friend.

On Monday, I am starting a Biggest Loser challenge on one of my digi forums. I have totally not been motivated to diet lately, so hopefully this will get me back in gear. I do have a very competitive streak.

Be sure and check out my digi gallery. I have another layout done with a Steph Broccolo kit, plus I have completed at least one other layout y'all probably haven't seen, so go check it out.

I Made a CT

 
I am so excited, cause I made
Stephanie Braccolo's CT. The layout here is my first layout for the CT. I have been holding on to this picture for awhile and I think it's the perfect picture for this kit. I am very excited to be on her team. Thanks to Stephanie for inviting me to be on her team.

In other good news, yesterdsay was my husband and I's 6th anniversary of our first date. So, we went to Olive Garden to celebrate as that is where we had our first date. AFterwards, we went to Targer and my sweetie got me a Harry and David's Moose Cruch Bar. It was very yummy. I can highly recommend those.

Also, we recently learned that our car loan will be paid off in January. That mean's we can finally afford a second car and become a two car family. Yeah!!!!

Well, I am going to try publishing this again. Blogger just ate my last attempt. Ugh!!! 

Skye is at the Bridge

One of my budgies, Skye, went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. I'm not sure how old she was. We had her for close to five years and we adopted her when she was already an adult. Our budgies are very bonded to each other, but Skye was still among the sweetest. I am so sad that she is no longer with us.

The good news for Skye is that I am sure she is busy flying again. A couple of years ago, she got out while we were at work. We aren't sure exactly what happened, but we came home to find her with no feathers on her back. While the feathers did return, she was never able to fly again. So, I know she is really enjoying herself right now.

I truly believe that our animals do go to Heaven and that they are waiting for us. I am still so sad that she is gone, but I know that she is happy now. Here's a poem that always makes me cry, but I still love it.

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.'

Oh The Things We Do

 
This is my latest digi layout. You can see the credits here.

But it has so reminded me how I hated the annual tubing trip. I was miserable the whole time. And yet I went every single year. I felt that since it was the church's youth trip. Everyone else who went loved it. I don't think I needed to, but back then I really felt I did. I really wish I wouldn't have gone, because I don't have a single good memory regarding the trips, because I hated tubing so much. It was cold and wet. Plus I hated the actual act of tubing. Just not a good thing to me.

Now, you must wonder why I am going on and on about something that happened more than 20 years ago. Well, it makes me wonder how many of us are doing things we really don't want to do, simply because it's expected. It may not even be necessary tha twe do these things, but we still do, because we feel compelled to do them. I obviously did growing up. And I bet I am still doing it today. 

True Christ Like Love

How the Amish have dealt with the tragedy has truly amazed me. I don't know that I could be so forgiving. I know that I should absolutely be that forgiving, but I just don't know that I could. And amidst all that I have read regarding this tragedy, what I ready today just touched me beyond belief.

The oldest Amish girl to be killed, Marian Fisher who was 13, asked to be shot first. She wanted to try and buy some time for the younger girls. That is so absolutely brave and selfless that it moves me to tears. What an amazing girl. She showed more bravery than may adults would do in the same situation. Truly amazing. And an absolutely amazing expression of true Christ like love. Just amazing.

Four Things About Me

Things you may not have known about me).....
A) Four jobs I have had in my life
1. Telephone Interviewer
2. Classroom Student Observer
3. Title Clerk
4. Grounds Crew

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. 8 Seconds
2. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
3. The Tammy Movies
4. Pure Country

C) Four places I have lived:
1: Texas
2: Utah
3: California
4: Florida

D) Four TV shows I love to watch:
1: The Apprentice
2: King of the Hill
3: Avatar
4: MythBusters

E) Four places I have been on vacation
1: Victoria, BC
2: Sanibel Island, FL
3: Park City, UT
4: Pittsburg, TX

F) Websites I visit daily:
1: Scrapbooking.About.Com
2: Gmail
3: DigiShopTalk.com
4: www.eclipsecat.com (for work)

G) Four of my favorite foods:
1: Chicken & Dumplings (rolled not dropped)
2: Sushi
3: Duck Confi
4: Cuban Bread

H) Four places I would like to be right now
1: On a cruise
2: Spain
3: Disney World
4: visiting my family

I) Four friends I am tagging:
1: Jen
2: Shannon
3: Darcy
4. Tammy

StepMania

I was at my dh's friend's house last night and he has a metal dance pad for StepMania (like DDR). Now, I have to get one. It was so fun. I'm not getting a metal one yet, but definitely getting a dance pad. So, if anyone has dance pad recommendations, please share them.

My Day

I completed a couple of layouts, so go check out my digi scrap gallery. I especially like the 4th Anniversary layout.

This weekend was General Conference for the LDS Church. I watched/listened (depending on the cooperation of my cable Internet). They were some great talks. One thing that really stuck with me was something Elder Robert D. Hales said. He said that when we want to talk to God we pray. When we want to hear from God, we read the scriptures. I just thought that was such a great point. Prayer and scripture study really do go hand in hand.

I was also really moved by a story President Thomas S. Monson told. It was of a now grown woman, who when she was a teenager had a battle with cancer. She was supposed to hike Mt. Timpanogos with her young woman's group. She told them they would have to go with out her. When she did, they said no, we will carry you. I was just impressed they would do this. Hiking to the top of Mt. Timp is a grueling hike under the best of circumstances, so that these girls would do that is just amazing.

Well, that about covers my day. I did have an awesome fruit tart that I picked up at Whole Foods yesterday. It was so yummy. :o)

Tomorrow's a new week. Let's hope it's a good one.

My Wonderful Fid Babies

 
 
 
 

I can't believe it. I wrote out this great story about how Bonita came into my home and Blogger ate it. Ugh!!!! Anyway, as requested, here are some pictures of two of my fids, Bonita and Dumplin. Bonita is a green cheek conure and Dumplin is a Dutch Blue lovebird.

I have to get going for the day, so I will come back and tell Bonita's story later. (Don't worry, you'll get Dumplin's too.) 

Quote of the week 2

I am ready for a new quote, so here's the old one.

The Constitution has too often been misused for personal gain. Individual desires have been palmed off as scholarship. Politicians have pandered to the public by compounding misunderstandings of Supreme Court decisions, not correcting them. Constitutional pronouncements appear everywhere, from bumper stickers to talk shows. Too many people appear in classrooms, pulpits, campaign platforms, and mass circulation magazines, telling us not what they believe the Constitution means, but what they insist it says, giving every appearance that they are the sole heirs of James Madison's wisdom. - Paul Martin Wolff

Talking to Myself

So, am I just talking to myself or does anyone actually read my blog. I've been trying to post more, incase anyone is really interested in my ramblings. So, if anyone actually reading my blog or am I talking to myself? :O)

Why I Love Digi Scrapping

I just finished a two-page layout and was reminded why I love digi scrapping. This layout has been in the works for two or three weeks. Yet it did not create even the smallest mess on my table. lol

I wish I had started digi scrapping long ago. Doing so was one of the smarter things I have ever done. It combines two of my favorite things, computers and scrapbooking, but without the mess. :O)

Loopholes

Why are some people so interested in using loopholes to get around rules? It happens all the time. In fact, I saw it happen at work yesterday. About a week ago, I specifically told a customer they could not make a specific type of post in our website forum. What was she doing exactly a week later. Trying to use a loophole she came up with to get around the rule. Well it didn't work. I saw the post and now it's gone. But I really think she could not believe that the post was not violating the forum rules. I really can't. So why did she do it? Was it a test, to see if the post would be deleted. I don't know. But it was very annoying and very disappointing. To me, if something is wrong, then it's wrong even if you think you've found a loophole that will allow you to get buy with something. Am I wrong? Is that just an outdated concept? I don't know, but I hope not.

Coup in Thailand

I've been reading about the coup in Thailand. The Thai military claims they are trying to protect democracy. I don't know, I have my doubts. But it has caused me to think about what we have really been blessed with here in the United States. We don't make our will known through military coups, we make it known through democratic elections. We exercise our right to vote. We vote in (or our) those men and women who we feel best represent an ideal government. And then if we don't like what is happening, we have the right to express our displeasure and work to change it. That is what is really great about the United States.

If you are grateful that military coups are not a normal way of life in this country, then show it. Show it by voting in November and making your will known.

Life Ain't Alway Beautiful - Gary Allan

By tomorrow, this song will no longer be the song available on my blog, so I wanted to add the lyrics to my blog.

Life ain't always beautifu.l
Sometimes it's just plain hard.
Life can knock you down,
It can break your heart.

Life ain't always beautiful:
You think you're on your way.
And it's just a dead end road,
At the end of the day.

But the struggles make you stronger,
And the changes make you wise.
And happiness has it's own way,
Of takin' it's sweet time.

No, life aint always beautiful.
Tears will fall sometimes.
Life aint always beautiful,
But it's a beautiful ride.

Life aint always beautiful:
Some days, I miss your smile.
I get tired of walkin' all,
These lonely miles.

And I wish for just one minute,
I could see your pretty face.
Guess I can dream,
But life dont work that way.

But the struggles make me stronger,
And the changes make me wise.
And happiness has it's own way,
Of takin' it's sweet time.

No, life aint always beautiful.
But I know I'll be fine.
Hey, life ain't always beautiful,
But it's a beautiful ride.
What a beautiful ride.

LIfestyle Changes

I tend to get discouraged about my attempt to lose weight. It has not gone as fast as I would like. But then yesterday I got to thinking and realized that while I might not be losing weight like I would like, I am still so much better off than I was just a few months ago. I am exercising on a regular basis and I am much more cognizant of what I am eating. I try very hard to drink 8 glasses of water a day, eat fruit and veggies daily and get enough fiber. I am also taking Viactiv multivitamins and a calcium chew. I'm trying very hard to be healthier, not just lose weight. So, while the scale might not be moving down as fast as I would like, I know I am improving my health.

My Dog Sanosuke

Would someone please tell my dog Sanosuke, that eveything is not about him. He wants all the toys, all the food, all the everything. Just now, I had to take my skirt away from him. He just turned 7 months old on Wednesday and I think he is trying to drive me nuts. I really, really do. And guess what, it's working. Sanosuke can be so sweet and I really love him, but he would try the patience of a Saint. I know he tries the patience of my other two dogs, Sazume and Smokey. But it is fun to see Smokey, the toy poodle, tell Sanosuke how it is. Sanosuke weighs close to 60 pounds, so it's pretty funny. Sazume is just a sweetheart who puts up with way too much from Sanosuke and never complains. She just has such a loving heart. I love all three of them tons.

September 11th

It's hard to believe that we are marking the 5th Anniversary of September 11th. I still remember that day so vividly. I had been married less than a month and in Florida for less than two weeks. Back then my hubby didn't have cable TV and only dialup Internet access. So, once online, I had no phone service.

I got online after my hubby left for work. That is when a friend of my told me that two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center. I misunderstood at first. I thought that two planes had collided above the World Trade Center. I was wrong. I turned on the radio and then when I couldn't take the lack of pictures anymore, I ran to Kmart to get bunny ears. I got there about the time the first tower collapsed. I stayed there for awhile watching their TVs and then headed home. I could now watch one channel and it wasn't great. However, it was better than nothing. I was glued to the TV for the rest of the day.

My hubby, for some odd reason, tried to get me to go with his best friends' wife to be with his friends' mother who was hysterical. I did not want to go be with a hysterical person. I actually did really well dealing with it until my sweetie and I had gone to bed for the evening. That is when I cried my heart out.

We did go over to his friends' house after work, so we could see the cable news. I was glad for the chance, even if I was driven a little nuts. They are pretty liberal, so some of their ideas were off the wall.

I remember the smoke and the people running. I remember the people they showed jumping from the buildings. I remember the day in such vivid detail. It is so odd, because I usually have a horrible memory.

Today, my prayers are with those who lost loved ones on 9/11. What a horrible tragedy for those families. The tragedy of 9/11 has affected everyone in this country who remembers that day. However, it is even a greater tragedy for those families.

Alan Jackson wrote a song about 9/11 and I think the words are perfect for the end of my entry.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Changing Cat/Dog Quiz

I am about to change my quiz, so I wanted to make it a permanent part of my blog.

You Are: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog. You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful. And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Exercise Goals

Yesterday, while driving around with my hubby, I set my first goals for exercise. Here they are:

1. Ride my street bike to the end of Becker and back. (Round trip of about 10 miles.)
2. Bench press 40 pounds.
3. Leg lifts of 80 pounds.

I have more goals once I've reached these, but these are my first goals.

Quote of the Week 8/20/06

I wanted to make sure the Quotes of the Week were saved in perpetuity on my blog, so here is last weeks quote.

The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity; and worship without sacrifice. - Mahatma Gandhi

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ernesto

I am so tired of the hurricane watch. I feel like that is all I've done since 2004, even though I know that's not true. But that's the way I feel right now. In 2004, we were hit by both Frances and Jeanne. In 2005, it was Wilma. Now, we are waiting to see what Ernesto will do. And I've been very blessed with all of these hurricanes, as we haven't sustained much damage. But I am still just so tired of the hurricane watch. I love South Florida, but right now I am ready to live somewhere else.

I am 35 years old. I grew up in tornado country. In fact, I spent about 25 years living in tornado country. Do you know how many tornadoes hit me in all that time? Zero, that's right, zero. I've spent five years living in Florida and I've already been hit by three hurricanes and it could soon be four (the rest of my years were spent in either Utah or California). Those are not numbers that make me happy (well that I've never been hit by a tornado makes me very happy).

I know when the hurricane season ends, I will once again be very happy I live in Florida. Right now, though I am very tired of hurricane season and we still have three months to go.

I need to blog more

Okay, I need to post on my own blog more. This is pathetic. I am going to start doing better. I know I don't have the most exciting life in the world, but it's not this boring. lol

Discovery Lift Off

For the 4th of July, my hubby and I traveled up to Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island really, to watch the shuttle lift off. It was our second try, as we went up on that Saturday for the first attempt to launch. It was way worth two trips and the cost of gas. We were within 12 miles of the launch pad and you could actually hear the rumble from the lift off. It was an amazing way to spend the 4th.

And no one who could see the people parked along the road waiting for lift off on that day or on Saturday, would have any doubt that Americans still support the space program. There were so many people gathered, thousands would not be understating it, to see our return to space. All so excited for this moment. It was truly awesome.

God bless the astronauts may they return home safely!

First Digi Scrap Layout

I finished my first digital scrapbooking layout this evening. Right now, I don't think I am any faster than I am at paper scrapbooking, but I sure do love the lack of mess when I am done. :O)

I don't know that I will ever completely give up paper scrapping, but I definitely think digital scrapbooking is going to be a definite part of how I scrap photos from now on.

Cars

I saw this movie last night and it was great. I'd highly recommend it to everyone. There weren't very many people in the theater, but it was a week night. Anyway, it was definitely worth the money.

I'm joining the bloggers

Well, I am joining the world of the bloggers. This is not a blog on a specific subject, at least not now. However, I usually have plenty to say, so blogging should be a lot of fun for me. I hope you find reading it is worth your while.