Sunday in Florida . . .

JDRF . . .

JDRF was founded in 1970 by the parents of children with type 1 diabetes - a disease that strikes children, adolescents, and adults suddenly, makes them insulin dependent for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Since inception, JDRF has provided more than $1 billion to diabetes research worldwide. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research and research-related education. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.

For more information, visit http://www.jdrf.org, or call 800-533-CURE.

I'll be participating in a walk here in March. If you'd like to make a donation to help the cause, please just let me know & I'll send you the info! Thanks everyone!

I'll never forget . . .

I'll never forget the day I found out I was going to be a grandma for the 1st time.

I'll never forget the day I found out I was going to be a grandma for the 2nd time.

I'll never forget the day I found out Jilli had Type 1 Diabetes.

I'll never forget any of these days. 2 of the happiest days in my life & one of the worst days in my life. I think maybe I'll just leave it at that right now.

Guess it's time for an update . . .

I know it's been a while since I posted, but to be completely honest, I'm in such a depressed state these days, I've tried to stay away from posting anywhere. I know things will get better. I know we'll get into a routine with Jilli & I know we will come to terms with her illness. But that time just hasn't arrived as yet.

I HATE having to give her daily injections. I HATE having to watch every morsel of food that goes into her sweet little mouth. I HATE having to say "no" to her. I HATE the anxiety attacks she has because of all the changes going on in her body. For the love of Pete, she's only 17 months old!!! I HATE that Tyler wishes it was him instead of her. I HATE that I catch him crying while he's looking at her. I HATE this illness & I pray for a cure . . .

Scrapbook Heaven's Amazing Race Contest!!

This contest will be a mixture of fun, creativity, and always lots of inspiring challenges!

If you decide to RACE, you will have the chance to win an AMAZING prize packages of AWESOME Scrappin’ goodies (and another surprise as well!) I don’t have a photo of the prize yet, but I will say, you do not want to miss out on this contest!

For this RACE we will have an open call for contestants for a period of two weeks (March 31 – April 13). All you need to do to qualify for the contest is upload 1 of your most favourite LOs to the Amazing Race Entry LOs folder of the gallery, then link your LO in the Amazing Race Contestants thread of the forum!

The RACE will officially begin bright and early Monday morning, April 14th, when the first challenge is posted.

Here are the rules of the game:

~ All participants will stay in for the duration of the race. (noone will be eliminated along the way)
~ All members who complete the challenge by the following Sunday (11:59EST) each week will get 10 points/challenge/week.
~ You will also have a chance to earn extra points depending on how quickly you complete each challenge! For ex. if you upload and link your LO first, you get an extra 20 points, 2nd place - extra 15 points, 3rd place -extra 10 points, 4th place - extra 5 points (That’s where the RACE comes in!)
~ All LOs must follow the rules of the individual challenge. If they do not follow the challenge rules, you will not get the points. It is very important that you list all materials for your projects, especially, if it helps to show how you met the challenge.
~ All challenge LOs must be uploaded in the proper gallery folder, and MUST be linked in the appropriate Scrappin' Race forum thread, by the deadline each week, in order to receive the points.
~ If you miss a week, no worries, you still have a chance to catch up! However, anyone who completes all the challenges will receive an extra 20 points, at the end of the race.
~ Also, there will be opportunities for extra points along the way! So, it will be beneficial visit on a regular basis!
~ All layouts MUST be newly created for this contest (with the exception of your qualifying LO!)
~ Each participant MUST be register on the forum, be at least 18 years of age, and have a minimum of 25 posts in the forum by April 13th to race.

The Scrappin' RACE will last for 6 weeks, and at the end, the points will be tallied and we will announce the winner of the Amazing Scrappin’ RACE!! This member will receive the BIG prize, but there will be opportunities for other prizes throughout the race, as well!

So….what are you waiting for!

Go HERE to upload your entry LO!

Are you ready to RACE???

*This contest is open to all. However, we reserve the right to substitute the winner's prize package with a gift certificate, of equal value, to the www.scrapbookheavenga.com store.

I've been tagged!!!!

By my good friend Colleen!! Thanks Colleen!!

Here's how it works:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share 7 Random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog. Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog.

Here are my seven random facts:
1. I love to buy shoes, but hate to wear them.
2. I am addicted to reality TV.
3. My biggest fear is dying in a car crash. Actually burning to death in a car crash.
4. My great-grandmother was born, married & died on the same date.
5. I LOVE cruises!!!
6. I love Boston Legal!!!
7. My faith in God sustains me.

Here are the people I'm tagging: Carrie, Julie, Lisa, Robin, Karen, Regina, & Taryn!

SCRaPDANGo Crop!!!!

Check out a fun blog . . .

My friend Robin has a really fun blog where she highlights different scrappers on a regular basis! Stop on over & check out how the featured scrappers & also check out how you can become the featured scrapper!! Trails of Tqmnurse

May You be Blessed . . .

I hope you enjoy watching this as much as I did! May You Be Blessed

Peace & Love~Terri

Scrapbook Heaven - Guest Design Team Member Contest!!!!

We are looking for a Guest Designer for April!

Here is what a Guest Designer will receive from SH during the month of April:
~ product from the monthly kit
~ name, photo and bio featured on our newsletter
~ A SH guest Designer blinkie to use in your siggie!!

Here's what we expect from our Guest Designer:
~ someone enthusiastic and friendly on the forum.
~ an active member of the forum (posting a minimum of every second day, with approximately an average of 10-15 posts per week)
~ someone who has an active gallery at SH(uploading LOs on a regular basis)
~ someone who can promote SH and it's products and monthly kits
~ someone who can create a minimum of 4 products with the material sent (a mix of cards, altered items, and LOs)

If this is something that you feel you can do, then here's the challenge we would love for you to complete to try out for our April GD!!

Since spring is just around the corner, and we should start seeing flowers any day now....hopefully! So, we would love to see your LOs with flowers!

Here are the details of the challenge:

~~ please create a LO using at least 2 different pp with flowers!
~~ Please tell us in the supplies list, what pp you used!
~~ Upload your LO in the "April GD Call" folder of the gallery
~~ Deadline is Friday, March 28/08 at 11:59pmEST
~~ The GDT will be announced on March 30th

**Also, we would love to get to know you, so posting in the forum during this call would help us with this!**

(Open to residents of Canada and the US at this time)

We can't wait to see your entries!! Just click on the blinkie over there on the right hand side of the screen, okay???? Go ahead, click on it & enter!!!!

Junk Drawer . . .

Okay, I was challenged by my friend Suzanne to post a photo of my junk drawer. I took the challenge & here it is:




I don't even wanna know what's buried under all the junk that's on the top! Heaven only knows what I may find in there! Thanks for such a fun challenge, Suzanne!!!

Thoughts

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring these words to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just ignore . . .

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! Give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I've been tagged . . .

By my friends Deb & Colleen! Thanks Deb & Colleen - this was fun!!

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your first name.
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your first name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your first name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

My first name: Terri

T - Trustworthy
E - Energetic
R - Realistic
R - Reader
I - Insomniac

WOOHOO!!!!!

I am soooooooooooooooooooo honored, proud & excited to be chosen as a DT member at SCRaPDANGo!!!! I have been the site administrator there for a long time & have loved it!! Now I get to design with Carrie's awesome kits each month!!!! I am really, really excited!!!



Please come over & check out all the festivities we have going on in February for SCRaPDANDo's 2nd Birthday celebration!!!

SCRaPDANGo

I've been tagged . . .

By my friend Jenelle! Thanks Jenelle - this was fun!!

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

My middle name: Ann

1. Animated
2. Nuts
3. Nurturing

Okay, I am going to tag Carrie, Suzanne, & Erika.

Blog WOTW . . .

Man, am I late in posting this week! It's time for another word tomorrow! Anyhow, the word this week is relax. Something I admit that I don't do very well. Everyone is always telling me to relax. Take it easy, slow down. I'm pretty much in perpetual motion all the time. So is my hubby. We both find it very difficult to just relax. Guilt maybe? That's there's so much to get done & relaxing isn't going to get those projects completed! One of the reasons we love to go on cruises is because we're forced to relax. Forced to take it down a notch or two. Forced to sit & watch the world go by!

I am hoping that both of us will learn to relax a bit more. Take the time to refresh ourselves with just a tiny bit of relaxation! Sit & watch the world move faster than we do . . . & not only when we're on a cruise!

Peace & Love ~ Terri

Blog WOTW . . .

Comfortable. Okay, I admit it - I LOVE "What Not to Wear!" I think Stacy London & Clinton Kelly are a hoot! I'm really not that fashion conscience, but I do like to look presentable in public. At home is a much different story - I want to be comfortable!! A word that makes Stacy & Clint cringe!! For goodness sake, it's not about comfort - it's about looking good at all costs!! Maybe in their world, but my world is so totally different. There are days when I don't get out of my jammies (GASP!) At home I am bra less. I am shoe less (or in flops). And I am in the most comfortable clothing I can find!! I don't care what I look like!!! Who's seeing me?? The dog??? My hubby??? We've been married over 33 years. He knows what I look like!! My grandkids?? They don't care what I'm wearing as long as I feed them, play with them & love them!! So, in my home world (sorry Stacy & Clinton), it is about comfort. And if staying in my jammies & wearing flops all day is what makes me feel comfortable - then by golly that's what I'll be wearing!!!

Peace & Love~Terri

Scrapbook Heaven's Blog WOTW

Our first Blog WOTW for 2008 & the word is heaven. When I think of heaven I envision a place of such beauty it's almost beyond anything I can imagine. I envision a place of peace, love & laughter. A place without war; without hunger; without disease; without cruelty; without anger; without hate. A place where everyone, no matter who they are, no matter where they come from, no matter the color their skin, no matter what - will live in true love & harmony with all those around them.

I have no idea if what I envision is real or not, but it's the way I choose to envision heaven. Peace & Love~Terri

My friend Stacie . . .

I miss you my friend. More than words can say. You & Lisa. I miss our marathon email sessions. I miss our 3-way phone chats. I miss 'us.' You have no idea how awesome it was to see your name on a comment here this morning. I love you. Please keep in touch. {HUGS!!!}

Happy New Year!

I hope 2008 brings all of you health, happiness, prosperity, love & laughter!

My heart is so heavy right now. Found out late last night that one of my very favorite Uncles has prostate cancer. I adore my Uncle Chuck & am praying with all my heart & soul that he will be alright!

I guess that's all for now. I'm pretty sad & blue today. Sorry. :-(

KI Contest at the Heaven!!!

We are having a KI Memories Contest this month at Scrapbook Heaven!! So, pull out those KI Memories goodies and start creating!! Any kind of KI Memories product will do!

Here's what you need to know...
-The KI Memories will be open for entries as of TODAY, Dec 2, 2007.
-Entries must be uploaded to our KI Memories gallery to be eligible to win. (All entries received through Scrap Submit will be submitted by Scrapbook Heaven DT) The last day to upload entries will be January 21, 2008.
- Each contestant is allowed 2 entries. More than 2 entries will result in disqualification.
- Entries will be judged on best use of KI Memories products. Items accepted will be layouts (any size), altered items, and albums using KI Memories.
- Entries must contain 75% or more of KI memories products. PLEASE list ALL supplies used.)
- Scrapbook Heaven's Design Team members will be judging the contest. Winners will be announced on January 30th, 2008.
- No purchase is necessary to win.
- Winner will receive $50.00 in KI Memories products.
- Please be sure to register on the forum, as well as, the gallery, so that you can be contacted, and so we can get to know you!
- Although, participation in our forum is not mandatory, it may be taken into consideration when deciding on the winner.
- All prizes must be claimed within 30 days after announcing the winner.

Just in case you need to stock up on KI Memories goodies for this contest....click HERE for a load of product to choose from!!

WOOHOO!!!!!

Okay, it's official now so I can shout it from the roof tops!! I was chosen to be on the DT at Scrapbook Heaven!! I am soooooooooooooo thrilled, excited & honored!!!! The link is over there on the right . . . see it??? Please come on over & hang with some of the nicest scrappers on the web!!!!

Peace & love~Terri

Some photos of the kids . . .

Tyler's Winter Concert was last night so beforehand I snapped a few photos. Jilli wasn't being 100% cooperative but I manged to get a few decent ones. I so love the one of them by the rose bush, but wish I had noticed before I took the photo how much Ty's face was covered.

The 12 Days of Christmas Contest at SWG!!!

This month at SWG the design team is working with Tinkering Ink! We think that tinkering ink is such a wonderful company and their products are just over the top…so in honor of Tinkering Ink (our December Sponsor) we have a contest that will challenge you and fill this season with some scrapbooking joy!

Starting on Dec. 12th and going through Dec. 23rd we will be issuing 1 challenge per day! Simply complete as many challenges as you can on the dates that they are issued and upload to the SWG gallery before midnight CST on that same day for it to be counted!

Daily challenges can range from making a certain amount of cards or tags to making Home décor (and of course everything in between). You will also be required to use Tinkering ink products on 4 of the 12 challenges…so head to the store and pick up your tinkering ink products if you are in need! As always, we offer great prices on all of our products!

The Scrapper that completes the most of the issued challenges (and uploaded the same day that they are issued by midnight CST to the SWG gallery) will be our grand prize winner! *If there is a tie between 2 or more scrappers then it will go to a vote that will be open to the SWG members. The scrapper with the most votes will then be the grand prize winner.

However, after the grand prize winner is announced… it doesn’t end there for each challenge that you complete your name will go into a random drawing. We will pull out a winner out during the Dec. Crop (Counting down the last Friday in the year to midnight!) which will be held on Friday Dec. 28th (the last Friday in 2007) from 6-midnight CST!

So what are you playing for:

Our Grand Prize winner this month will win: The entire line of Yuletide

For each challenge you complete your name will go in the hat...at the crop we will draw out 1 name and the winner will receive the beloved line (only paper)

So what are you waiting for…head on over to SWG and get ready to add a little extra joy to your holiday season!
www.scrappinwithgrace.com

Crop Weekend!!!!

Come join us at Scrappin' With Grace this weekend for a fun, fun, fun crop!! LOTS of challenges & games & you can win some pretty cool prizes too!!!

Hope to see you there!! The link to SWG is right over there . . . see it under links????

Love & Peace~Terri

Long time no update . . .

I can't believe how long it's been since I updated here! I can't believe how busy I am every day. There just isn't enough time to do everything that needs to be done on a daily basis. Now the holiday season is in full force & things will get even crazier!

Let's see what's been going here . . . Jilli turned 1 on the 19th- so hard to believe she's 1 already! She's been walking for quite some time now & there's no stopping her now. Little girl is into EVERYTHING & has quite the 'tude when one tells her "no!" Not her favorite word. LOL! She's still my little sweetheart & I adore taking care of her, although she is wearing grandma here out!!

We've had the SWAT team here in our neighborhood twice in less than week. Talk about scary. Anyhow, we can't figure out from the charges listed on the arrest record why the SWAT team is necessary to make the arrests. Must be something more going on, but I'm sure we'll never know what. 19 year old kid. One of the sweetest kids you'd ever want to meet. We've watched him grow up & he spent a LOT of time at our house during the years. Makes me sad. Very sad.

Tyler is growing up way too fast. He's a typical 13 year old boy, but he's a good kid! He's all into his myspace account. LOL! Baseball is done for the fall & his football playoffs are next Saturday. Then we'll have about 6 weeks off before everything begins again! Love how he keeps active & keeps us active!!

So, that covers the highlights. I'm sure there's so much more I'm forgetting, but that's probably a good thing! LOL! Peace & Love ~ Terri

New Contest for November at SWG!!!

Jen has really outdone herself for this contest!! Please come over to Scrappin With Grace & sign up now!!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hunt for some hidden treasure? Well this month at Scrapping with Grace we will be doing just that! Each week (Nov. 1st (Thursday) and going through Thursday the 29th) You will have an opportunity to find the lost treasure from Paper Trunk.

Some of the lost treasures that Carrie from Paper Trunk has misplaced would be:
Batik Collection
Gigi Collection
And some of the super cool clear stamps!

Each week the lost treasure will change and you will have to search through 100 locked treasure boxes (locked threads on the board) trying to be the first to find the correct locked treasure box.

So how do you get a secret treasure box code?
Simple! For each box you want the code to, you will either have to scrap:

3 cards using 50% Paper trunk Product
1 Layout (8.5x11 or 12x12 in size) using 50% Paper Trunk Product
1 Altered Project using 50% Paper Trunk Product
* Week 2 on...if you use the chosen sketch (that Carrie from Paper Trunk chooses)then you will get 2 secret codes per layout!!!

*Other than the required 50% of Paper Trunk products on each project…there are no other weekly requirements…so you can scrap what you what and how you want!

After you complete this task you will private message to the Cap'n (Special Events Coordinator (Jen)) with a treasure box number and she will private message you back with the code to that treasure box. If you are right…you will put in the code and it will reveal a picture of the treasure…If you are not right…it will give you a “sorry please try again” and you will sign in letting others know you have already been there and then head back to creating more projects!

After the treasure is found there will be a new treasure hidden and the game will start again on the following Thursday. If by chance no one finds the treasure that week…then that treasure will be combined with the next treasure (making a bigger treasure to find for the following week)!

Now if all of that doesn’t sound exciting enough! Carrie from Paper Trunk will be checking in to see what you all are doing and will be picking her favorite layout, card and altered item made during the contest to feature on her site! She would also love to see your sketches! And will be picking a favorite sketch the first week of the contest! So if you are a sketcher submit your sketches between now and Nov.6th! (the chosen sketch will be revealed on the 8th of November!) The winner will then have their sketch used during the contest and will also be featured on Carrie’s Site!

Well see you on the boards! (www.scrappinwithgrace.com)

Blimey! Now that’s exciting stuff!

*Scrappinwithgrace.com reserves the right to clarify any rules or questions that may come up during the contest.

WOOHOO!!!!!

I am so thrilled, honored & proud to have been chosen for the DT at Scrappin' With Grace!!! The link is over there on the right-hand side - see it??? Please come on over & join us! It's a GREAT site with the bestest group of ladies!! I am SO lovin' it there & feel so comfortable!! There's an awesome contest going on right now & we're taking sign-ups until Sunday at noon CST!!!

Hope to see all of you over there very soon!!! Peace & Love~Terri

Jilli's cute little vocabulary . . .

Before I talk about cute Jilli, let me talk to my friend Lisa. Yes, Lisa, that's Tyler. Yes, he has grown up - way too fast for me! He's taller than I am now & growing taller each & every day! He's still the sweetest kid & my bestest buddy!

Now for Jilli. The little girl never stops chatting. I have no idea where she gets it from - LOL! It's really cute to hear her little non-stop chatter. So, here are her words:

PaPa - Grandpa
DaDa - pretty obvious, huh?
Bubba - Brother
MaMa - both Mommy & Grandma
Mooooooo - that's pretty obvious too, right?? She will find any cow that's within a 10 mile range, I swear. If there's a cow in any toy she sees, we have to buy it. If there's an obscure cow in a book, we have to buy the book & she will go right to the cow page in each book. It's pretty darn cute! We can sit for hours looking at all the cows in her books. Her very favorite book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?? doesn't have any cows though. Weird, huh? Anyhow, her little love affair with cows is really adorable.
BaBa - both bottle & baby.

She's just a really fun, cute kid who keeps me on my toes, but I love every single second I spend with her!

Peace & Love! Terri

Sketch Challenge

Renee at Scrappin' With Grace has an awesome sketch challenge going on right now! Above is my take! Sorry for the wonky colors - they do match in real life - I promise! I have no idea why they scanned so weird! All products are Arctic Frog Coffee Break Collection. Anyhow, come by Scrappin' With Grace (the link is on the right over there - see it??) & check out the site & join the fun!!

Peace & Love~Terri

Some Jillian photos

I feel like such a blog slacker :-(

I feel like it's been forever since I've updated here. Life has really been crazy busy around here & there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done.

I had such a fabulous time in Buffalo at the reunions. I especially enjoyed each precious moment spent with my baby sister. We had such fun together & stayed up 4 nights in a row until the wee wee hours of the morning just talking to one another. It was really special & while I've always loved my sister & had such great times with her, this was just different - so cherished! Love ya, sis!

Tyler started back to school on Tuesday & I am not at all embarrassed to say that I miss that kid more than words can say. I did not want to send him home & believe me if I could have gotten away with keeping him, I would have!!! I cried like a baby when he left on Monday & for a couple days I walked around here in quite a funk. I LOVED having that kid here all summer & it made me realize what an awesome kid he is! Not that I didn't know it already, but he just reconfirmed it each & every day!! He sure is one fabulous big brother also & let me tell you - Jilli just adores him!!

Speaking of Jilli - she's a one baby demolition derby!! She is into EVERYTHING!! If you say "no" to her, she just looks at you over her shoulder with a look on her face like she's saying "yeah, right!" She's a pip - what a personality she has!!! She's 9 months old already (where did that time go???) & weighs 18.6 & is 28 inches tall. She's standing by herself now & is taking a few steps before she realizes what she's actually doing & plunks herself down! I love her & am enjoying every single second I get with her!

I'll try to be better at updating! I promise! Love & Peace~Terri

Shufflin' off to Buffalo . . .

We weren't going to attend my family reunion this year, but we've had second thoughts since our trip to MD last week & we decided I should attend. I approached my baby sister who wasn't attending either & she gave in also! So, sister & I will be flying out Friday morning & returning Tuesday evening. Got our flight booked & our hotel reservations made & we'll have ourselves a fun 'sister' trip! Be prepared for LOTS of photos when I get back - I haven't even had time to do anything with our MD/Washington DC photos & now I'll probably have just as many from this Buffalo trip! LOL!

Take good care! Have fun & be safe! Peace & Love~Terri

We're home . . .

from our whirlwind trip. We stayed a couple extra days. Good thing airlines are so nice about changing flights. We had so much fun, but it was also bittersweet knowing this was most likely the last time we'll see Aunt Doris & Uncle Larry.

Anyhow, trying to play catch-up around here with everything & will try very hard to write down the highlights of the trip & share some of my 1700 photos with you ASAP. Don't panic - I'm not going to share all 1700 . . . LOL!!!

Take good care! Love & Peace~Terri

Maryland will never be the same . . .

So, 12 of us are flying up to MD Friday morning & coming home Wednesday night. Ken only has 1 living Aunt & Uncle & they are in their 90's, so we're going to visit them while they are still with us instead of attending funerals. We'll be hanging out with Aunt Doris & Uncle Larry plus getting to spend time with Ken's crazy cousins. For some reason we always manage to get into some trouble when we're all together. I have no idea why. LOL!! ;-)

We'll be attending a rodeo while we're there. That'll be a first for most of us. Yeehaw!! ;-) We'll also be spending a day in DC. It'll be Tyler's first trip to our capitol & I'm very excited to be sharing that experience with him. It just so happens that the Devil Rays are playing the Orioles starting on the 24th, so we'll be going to a baseball game at Camden Yards too! Tyler is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited about actually being at Camden Yards & seeing a game there!!

So, this week is busy trying to get things ready to go & taking care of the grandkids. My life in a nutshell! Hope everyone is having a FAB week. Love & Peace, my friends!

My Jilli . . .

I've had Jilli here every day this past week (usually I have her 2 or 3 days a week) & I have just had the best time with this kid. Even though she's just shy of 8 months old, she has such an adorable personality & is quite funny! I cannot wait to hear what comes out of this kid's mouth when she starts talking! She's crawling all over the place & getting into EVERYTHING! She pulls herself up & tries to climb on EVERYTHING & stands for several moments on her own. I don't think it will be very long at all until she's walking. Anyhow, just thought I'd share a couple of my favorite photos from this week! Take care, my friends! Love & Peace ~Terri

Thank you . . .

Thank you all so much for all your thoughts & prayers. You will never know how much all of your support means. Really no news to report except that Jennifer's seizures are more & more frequent. We're not sure exactly what that means in the scheme of things but they are extremely difficult to watch. Extremely difficult.

The photos are Ian with Jennifer, John with Jennifer, Tyler, Jilli, & Jennifer. I feel so blessed to have these kids in my life & I love each of them with all my heart & soul.

Again, thank you, my friends. Love & Peace~Terri

Ups and downs of life . . .

I’m not sure how many of you remember that my sister-in-law and brother-in-law were in the process of adopting a child. Well, on Wednesday June 27^th, 2007 we were blessed to have Jennifer Catherine come into our lives. She is a beautiful, precious little girl and we’re all madly in love with her. Almost immediately we all began to notice strange “seizure” like behavior. None of us were overly worried, but we were concerned. All the medical personal at the birth hospital assured us that there was nothing wrong and she was just absolutely perfect! The “seizures” continued throughout the weekend and on Monday Jennifer was scheduled for her first well visit at the pediatrician. She checked out perfectly, but the Dr. was concerned about the “seizure” like behavior and contacted a neurologist who ordered an immediate cat scan. And that is really the beginning of the nightmare which became our lives about 3PM Monday July 2, 2007. The cat scan technician saw something right away, called the neurologist who ordered immediate admittance to the hospital. To make an already long story a wee bit shorter, after much testing our precious Jennifer has been diagnosed with Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy AKA Ohtahara Syndrome, an EXTREMELY rare disorder. You can go to Google to learn pretty much all that is known about it. There is no cure and the prognosis is not a good one. Not a good one at all. We don’t know how long we’ll have precious Jennifer with us, but we do know that God blessed us with this precious child because he knew we would love her and take care of her until He called her home. I ask that you please pray for this precious little girl and our family. Also, please go hug your kids and let them know how very much you love them and how thankful you are for each of them. Thank you.

I remember . . . thank you!

Please take a moment to watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1

It touched my soul & I hope it touches yours. Peace & Love ~ Terri

33 years . . .

Today Ken & I celebrate 33 years of married life. Who woulda thunk?? 33 years ago when we took our vows, Ken was 20 & I was just 19. What in the world did we know about being married?? How could we possibly have thought we knew what it took to be married & more importantly; to stay married??? We didn't. But we have worked to make our marriage last. Because a marriage is work. Lots of work. I think 3 things that have made our marriage work are friendship, laughter, & compromise. First & foremost, we are best friends & have been since the day we met. This may sound strange, but I can imagine us not being married, but I cannot imagine us not being friends! I love & adore my best friend, who just happens to also be my husband. My husband of 33 years. Today we will celebrate this milestone in our lives. We will celebrate the love we have for each other, the love we have for our family & the love we have for our God who has made all this possible. Happy Anniversary Ken - here's to 33 more! All my love, babe!

Love & Peace ~Terri

Tagged - 7 Random Things/Habits

I've been tagged by Elizabeth! How fun especially since I have never been tagged before! Thanks Elizabeth - you made my day! I'm so easy to please! ;-)

So, here are 7 random things/habits about me:

#1. I HATE, HATE, HATE - did I say HATE?? wearing a bra. 99.9% of the time I am bra-less. Due to gravity & the old age I am smack dab in the middle of, this does not make for a pretty sight. I do wear a bra when I go out into public, though.

#2. I also HATE wearing shoes, but have about 100 pairs. I am a shoe-a-holic as a purchaser, but very rarely wear them - other than my flops which I wear all the time. Even my grandson tells me I need to stop buying shoes that I never wear. LOL! I do try to wear a different pair to church week though. ;-)

#3. After 37 years & at least a pack a day, I quit smoking 7 months ago! I'm pretty darn proud of myself, but I do beat myself up for not doing it so much sooner! I feel so much better & am now walking 3+ miles each day - something I NEVER could have done 7 months ago!

#4. I think I mentioned this someplace before, but I have an addiction to chap stick. I have to wear chap stick pretty much 24/7 because my lips are constantly chapped.

#5. I have a serious addiction to Pepperidge Farm Goldfish. I buy at least one 2 pound box each week. Might help explain the 15+ pounds I've packed on in the past few months.

#6. When I go to sleep at night I have to start out on my right side, rotate to the left side, then do that all over again 2 times before I can finally fall asleep. I have no idea why.

#7. After my hysterectomy quite a few years ago, I could no longer wear jewelry except for watches & my wedding rings. No necklaces, no earrings - nothing. The Dr. said it's a very rare side effect, but he has heard of it before. If I do try & wear something, I break out in a rash. Weird, huh???

Thanks for reading & again thanks Elizabeth!!! This was fun!!!

Kelly's Solace Challenge . . .

Kelly challenged us today to share what brings us solace . . . comfort . . . makes us happy. Whenever I'm stressed out or have tension the one thing that brings me peace is water. All I have to do is sit by the shore & hear the water lapping up on the beach or hitting the rocks & all the stress & tension leaves my body. There's something especially calming when I watch & listen to the waves hitting rocks. I have no idea why, but I can watch & listen for hours - never tiring of the sight or the sound. I'm lucky enough to live in Florida where I am surrounded by water so I can do this on a daily basis if I want/need. I've also been lucky enough to visit the gorgeous waters of the Bahamas & Cozumel several times. I guess being a Pisces (the water sign) doesn't hurt, huh? ;-)

Thanks for the fun challenge Kelly! Below is one of my all-time favorite layouts showing the beautiful water & rocks of Cozumel. Oh, I just realized that I used a water shot of the Bahamas for yesterday's challenge! I guess I really am a water person! Love & Peace ~me

Elizabeth's Journey Challenge . . .

Thanks for the fun challenge Elizabeth!! It reminded me immediately of this layout I created. An oldie, but one of my favorites. If you click on the layout, it will take you to a larger version where you'll be able to read the journaling. Thanks for looking. Love & Peace~ Terri

Getting Baptized . . .

takes a lot out out of you.

More photos & info about the weekend will come soon. Right now, I'm just plain exhausted.

Love you all ~ Me

Busy, busy, busy!

Busy weekend coming up! Yesterday morning my niece & great-niece arrived from Boston for Jilli's baptism on Sunday. My niece, Erica is Jilli's Godmother & they finally got to meet each other for the first time. We had a fun, fun, fun tea party to celebrate my great-niece, Mya's, 4th birthday. Everyone had such a great time with the tea party, even the boys - including Tyler!! Then we set up the kiddie pools, slip-n-slide, etc & just let the kids have fun trying to keep cool in the hot, humid Florida sun. It was just a GREAT day!!!

Today we all head off to Busch Gardens for the entire day & we're all REALLY looking forward to that!! First stop Cracker Barrel for breakfast!! Yummy hash brown casserole!!!

Tomorrow we're all going for a tour of Buddy's fire station & then more swimming & playing.

Sunday Is Jilli's baptism & party afterward, so that will take up the entire day.

Monday we'll have a good old fashioned Memorial Day picnic & just try to relax from all the activity! I'm thinking we're all going to pretty tired, but it will be a good tired.

Hope everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend whatever you do!! Love & Peace ~ Me

Growing up . . .

No, not me. I don't think I'll ever grow up.

Talking about the grandkids. Jilli is 6 months old today. 6 months old already. Where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were anxiously waiting for her to arrive. She is such a happy, sweet little girl. Her adorable personality just blossoms more & more each & every day. She has 4 teeth; 2 front bottom & 2 front top. She looks so freakin' cute with her little teeth & her huge blue eyes. She's sitting up like a pro, rolling over like crazy & is starting to scoot around & even crawling a bit! Madly in love with this precious, sweet girl.

Tyler is now an eighth grader. His final year in middle school & then he's off to high school!! My little buddy is growing up WAY too fast for Grandma here. He's as tall as I am (he thinks taller) & just gets more & more handsome each day. He's still shy & introverted, but does seem to be coming out of his shell a little bit. We all went to a reunion at our old church/school last night & he actually had a conversation going with 3 girls who were quite smitten with him. I had tears in my eyes as I watched him. Good, happy tears. Still so madly in love with this precious young man & I cannot wait for him to be here throughout the summer months!

That's my world. Watching & enjoying each new moment with my grandkids. Ken & I are so blessed to have these kids. So very blessed & so very lucky!

Peace & love ~ Me

I love my brother & my brother loves me . . .

Mere words cannot express how much I love these kids & how much they love & adore each other.

The Offense MVP!!!!

Tyler was named by his fellow players as the Offense MVP for football this season!!! We were all just beaming with pride!! WTG Ty!!!!

Saturday again . . .

No football for Tyler this week. He's in the county wide band competition this weekend. He had two performances last evening & scored a Superior on both of them!!! That, by the way, is the highest score possible!! Yes, I'm beaming & so proud of him!!!

Anyhow, I really loved this photo from last week's game, so I'm posting it today! That's Ty in the front of the pack!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

From us to you! May be your day be filled with surprises of love. XOXO

It's football day!!

Tyler's playing flag football now & just loves it!! He's just as good at football as he is at baseball (which starts 2/24!), so we're off to his game this morning! It's a beautiful morning here - bright, warm & sunny! Gotta love Florida in February!

Oh, Ty LOVES his mouthpiece . . . LOL!

You know you're a grandparent . . .

When you go to Club Med for a vacation & you miss your grandchildren so much you can't wait to get home. Ken & I LOVE these kids!

A study . . .

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry
has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds
attractive on a man can differ depending on where she
is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is
ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and
masculine features. However, if she is menstruating,
or menopausal, she tends to prefer a man with scissors
lodged in his temple and a bat jammed up his ass
while he is on fire.

One Flaw In Women . .

Thank you Denise for sharing this with me . . .

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
Please share this with all your women friends and relatives to
remind them just how amazing they are.

Male and Female Daily Prayers

FEMALE PRAYER

Before I lay me down to sleep,
I pray for a man, who's not a creep.
One who's handsome, smart and strong.
One who loves to listen long.
One who thinks before he speaks.
One who'll call, not wait for weeks.
One who pulls out my chair and opens my door.
Massages my back and begs to do more.
Oh! Send me a man who'll make love to my mind.
Knows what to answer to "How big is my behind."
I pray that this man will love me to no end, and always be my very best friend.
Amen.
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MALE PRAYER

I pray for a deaf-mute nymphomaniac with huge boobs who owns a liquor store and a bass boat. This doesn't rhyme and I don't give a shit.
Amen

Tagged . . .

by Lisa:

2 names you go by: Terri & Grandma
2 parts of your heritage: German & English
2 things that scare you: fire & car crashes - worse a firery car crash
2 things you are wearing right now: shorts & a tank
2 of your favorite bands or musical artists (at the moment): Aerosmith (always!) & Keith Urban
2 favorite songs (at the moment): Twilight Zone (Golden Earring) & What About Me? (Keith Urban)
2 things you want in a relationship (other than real love): compromise & laughter
2 truths: What goes around comes around & you can fool some of the people some of the time but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.
2 physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex): a broad smile & a nice ass ;)
2 of your favorite hobbies: scrapping & reading
2 things you want really badly: to have another grandchild & to finally finish renovating our house
2 places you want to go on vacation: Jamaica & Bahamas
2 things you want to do before you die: see my great-children & see Tyler hit his first home run in the Majors!!
2 ways that you are stereotypically a dude/chick: love chic flicks & I'm a bitch
2 things you are thinking about now: this quiz & needing more coffee
2 stores you shop at: Best Buy & Target
3 people you would like to see take the quiz? Julie, Denise, & Tonia

What About Me . . .

Cutie-patootie Keith says how I feel these days so much better than I ever could.
Thanks Keith.

I'm livin' in a world that won't stop pullin' on me
I'm not complaining but it's true
It's like I owe my time to everyone else
'Cause that's all I seem to do

You might not notice but I need a good friend
Someone to talk to when I'm down, down, down
There's so much on my mind that I want to get out
But there's no one around

Sometimes I can't help thinkin' what about me
Some days go by that I don't even see
Yeah I'm doing everything right and I can't break free
Oh is this the way it's always gonna be
What about me

Well I'm dreamin' I'm on a highway with the windows down
I'm burnin' up the road at my own speed
But I'm stuck here goin' nowhere in this traffic jam
And there's a woman with her kids in the car next to me
And I swear she's singin'

Sometimes I can't help thinkin' what about me
Some days go by that I don't even see
Yeah I'm doing everything right and I can't break free
Is this the way it's always gonna be
Hey, what about me

Oh, sometimes I can't help thinkin' what about me
Some days go by that I don't even see
I'm doing everything right and I can't break free
Oh is this the way it's always gonna be
What about me

Ooo what about me
Hey what about me

(Keith Urban)

Twilight Zone . . .

My new favorite song is a blast from the past! Man, I am lovin' 
this song & I keep hitting 'repeat on the CD player! Like they used 
to say on American Bandstand "It's got a good beat & I can dance to 
it!" And I do! I dance like nobody's watching!!

Somewhere in a lonely hotel room there's a guy starting to realize
that eternal fate has turned its back on him. It's 2AM.

It's 2AM - it's 2 AM
The fear is gone - the fear is gone
I'm sittin' here waiting - I'm sittin' here waiting
The gun's still warm - the gun's still warm
Thinking my connection is tired of taking chances

Yeah, there's a storm on the loose, sirens in my head
Wrapped up in silence, all circuits are dead
Cannot decode - my whole life spins into a frenzy

{Refrain}
Help, I'm stepping into the Twilight Zone
The place is a mad-house, feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to go now that I've gone too far
{Repeat}
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone

I'm fallin' down a spiral, destination unknown
A double cross messenger, all alone
Can't get no connection, can't get through, where are you

Well the night weighs heavy on his guilty mind
This far from the border line
And when the hitman comes
He knows damn well he has been cheated
And he says

Help, I'm stepping into the Twilight Zone
The place is a mad-house, feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to go now that I've gone too far
{Repeat}
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone

Help, I'm stepping into the Twilight Zone
The place is a mad-house, feels like being cloned
My beacon's been moved under moon and star
Where am I to go now that I've gone too far
{Repeat}
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone
Soon you will come to know
When the bullet hits the bone

(Golden Earring)