Pumpkins, Treats and Fears...

Oh my! Just got home from dress rehearsal for our church's Face the Fear House. I had so much fun scaring people, I thought I'd laugh myself silly! If you want the details/story line go to www.facethefearhouse.com. It's a fun time without evil or gore and you even get a free dvd at the end. If you come by, I'm in the maze, but you'll never find me! (insert evil laugh here)

We will be finishing up the work on our trunk for Trunk or Treat on Sunday. Again, another church activity that is an outreach to our community. A safe place for the kids and a local radio station (Magic 107) will be there. We are repeating what we did last year. A mystery trunk. Some spray painting and we will be done. (No, not my truck, some cardboard) The youth are doing a trunk called "whack-a-youth". Just like the old "wack-a-mole". I thought they should charge $1. I'd pay it to hit a teenager! It could be a great fundraiser.

Last of all in the news for today, we worked in our pumpkin patch. Here are a couple of cute pictures of Kendall. She was really good and had a fun time. Even took an hour nap. The weather was absolutely heavenly! A perfect afternoon to be outside. I made about 30 cards for them to sell. The patch is a fundraiser for the youth and hopefully the cards will be a little something extra.

Happy Birthday Boys!

It's that time of year again. When my men grow one year older. Parker's proud of it and Pete does his best to ignore it!

Hard to believe just 11 short years ago, Parker was a mere 3 pounds 12 ounces. Now he's a least 100 pounds more than that! Way back then I was scared to death he wasn't going to make it. Now sometimes I'm still afraid he's not going to make it, but only because Pete and I might kill him! (just a joke, but he is a pre-teen!)

So for Parker it's all about Star Wars, gross stuff, karate, more gross stuff, shooting, pocket knifes and gross stuff. I'm just a girl and I don't get it.

Pete is dangerously close to that silver checking account which he loves to hold over my head (because I refuse to have my name on a silver acct. - I'm not that old!!).

So we had the family party and had Star Wars cake and a fun time. Here is a picture of us all. They grow up so fast!

Scenes From Memories Expo

Who says stamping isn't relaxing?? The second picture is a view of Friday night's crop, which I must confess was my favorite part of the whole weekend! These are my people!!!


Here's Linda teaching the world to stamp 2 or 3 people at a time! Also the view of the Expo from our side of the table. Crazy fun!

And one last view of the crop. We have lots of great ideas for next year. I can't wait!!!

Set up day at the Expo

Mari and Paula went to great lengths to get our highway lines just right.


It takes a lot of "stuff" to make an attractive display!


Here we are trying to get everything up and in order. I should have taken a picture before we got the wire displays up so you could really see what was involved.


Here is Bonnie. She became the master of fastening things down. We all got to be pretty good with tie wraps, hemp and ribbon.


After all that hot and dirty work, Linda, Mari and I went out for a fabulous manicure! I was home and prepping for a busy day by 4 pm. Not bad at all!

Been Awhile...

Wow! Things are moving along here at the speed of light! Where does the time go?

Spent most of last week preparing and working (and having fun) at the Memories Expo. That is my world! I love scrapbookers! Got to be at the Friday night crop. I love the energy in the room at a big crop. There's nothing like it. From a business standpoint, I am satisfied and hopeful. Physically, my bones and feet feel very old!

Pete and the kids seem to have survived very well. I came home to a beautifully clean house. Sweet! Made the time away even sweeter to know they will all be well and the house won't fall down when I am gone.

This weekend I am teaching 2 stamping classes. I will post what we do on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to it. Got to download pics from my camera and get a little stamping done. Will post more later.

The List...

Oprah does it, a couple of other blogging friends do it, so I think I will too. My list of great things, gadgets, etc...

1. Some of my favorite scrapbooking paper is from Chatterbox (www.chatterboxinc.com). They have kits right now where all the money (not just the profit) goes to Katrina victims. Sweet.

2. My ipod. What's not to like. Music, my music right in my pocket or purse. My whole cd collection. Now that's fantastic!

3. Vera Bradley purses. (www.verabradley.com) Nothing else to say about that. Love 'em, collect 'em.

4. My Maytag front loading washer and dryer that holds tons of clothes in one load and dries as fast as it washes! Oh yea!

5. The movie Napoleon Dynamite. Possibly one of the funniest, quirkiest movies ever made (with maybe the exception of Raising Arizona). You have to watch it waaaay more than once to get the full effect.

6. DVRs. Possibly the best invention since the wheel. Whatever your show, you'll never miss it. How did I live without this?

7. Mint Medley hot tea. Perfect way to start the morning. Even better when my sweet 12dd surprises me and fixes it for me! She's a great kid.

8. Stampin' Up!s new punch box set. The best $39.95 a stamper or scrapper could ever spend. Coming 10/1 (but mine is coming Thursday!--oh the bennies of being a demo!). Ask me or go to www.stampinup.com for details.

Okay, that's all that's on my list for now. What's on yours?

Things to be thankful for!

I decided that Mondays are a great day to be thankful. So here's my list, right now, at this very moment. Subject to be added to at a whim.

1. I have the world's best husband who loves me unconditionally, through sickness and health, good times and bad and is a great protector and leader.
2. I have 3 great kids that I'm amazed daily that God has trusted their daily care and feeding to me. Unbelievable!
3. I belong to a fantastic fellowship of believers who have blessed my life on a regular basis. They encourage me to flesh out my faith and keep my priorities where they belong.
4. I have friends that I truly cherish and thank God for daily.
5. I have a great creative outlet (rubber stamping) that provides a little "me time" and that sometimes provides income!
6. I have family close by and if not close by only a phone call or letter away.
7. I have a 92 (almost) year old grandma. How cool is that?
8. I get to see my 1 year old niece almost everyday. Love the cuddles, kisses and snuggles. Not so much the fussin' and hollering!
9. I live in a country where I am free to worship as I please and say what I want.
10. I have a comfortable home and even though sometimes the walls close in, it is a secure and safe place. And it's ours!
11. God has always met our needs. Hands down, no questions.
12. I have a really cool truck that gets me wherever I want to go.
13. I am in good health and am able to physically do whatever I need to do to get me through the day.
14. My husband has a job that he enjoys and provides for our family without me having to work.

That's a pretty good start. I have much to be grateful for.

Dang! We're Proud!!!!

It has been four very long years and lots of work, but Parker, errr... excuse me.... MR. D*($J is a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe. I get a little teary eyed thinking about it. I think Parker always believed he could do it. Me like a mom, I worried about it. We took him out of physical therapy 4 years ago to try a sport that seemed impossible. How could a boy who couldn't stand still with two feet on the floor without falling down ever master a sport that requires balance with only one foot on the floor? His instructors had vision to see him through. They adapted where necessary and worked hard with him. Little by little we saw improvement in Parker's physical capabilities and his self confidence as well. Here we are 4 years later and he has met his goal. Black Belt. I wish Mrs. Kathy his first P.T. could see him now. She'd be as proud as we are! So Parker... Here's to many more accomplishments. What ever you put your mind to you can do!

Fun and Tears...

All in the same morning!

We had a great time at Cracker Barrel. The whole family LOVES to go out for breakfast. We decided to take advantage of Pete being off of work (from his surgery) and went out for a leisurely breakfast. Even Kendall had a great time. The girl can put down some oranges! The waitress even brought her extras.

Afterward, we decided to stop off and get the girls a haircut. Katelyn was ready for a small change and Lilli wanted "spikes" like her friend Jamie. I have a very liberal hair policy with the kids. Hair grows so I really don't sweat it. Whatever they want to do to their hair is fine. I was explaining Lilli's need of spikes to her stylist and trusted Katelyn to explain her wishes herself. That was my bad! Poor Katie! She told the stylist she wanted layers and shoulder length (that's a good 3 inches off-her hair was all one length). What she meant was LONG layers, no bangs and generous shoulder length. What she got was a drastic change. She was very upset, which in turn upset her dad! He felt so bad for her, I thought he'd cry too.

Personally I think her new do looks great! It makes her eyes sparkle. But that doesn't help when you don't get the hair you want! I so understand this feeling! The really sad part is that this is just a part of womanhood. I'm sure she'll cry over her hair many more times! We all have. But that doesn't make it any easier. For now all I can do is put my arm around her, tell her I'm sorry and that it will grow out. Bummer.

Here are the before and afters:

Monday, Monday...

This is a glimpse of my Mondays. None of these kids is mine! The mornings fly by and most of the time we are really having fun! Sure there's the occasional poopy diaper, toy squabble, or missing mommy, but most of all it really is a fast and fun morning.


Think about it. When else do I get to sing and dance along with the Wiggles and the people I'm with think I'm cool because I know the words.


When else can I make goofy noises and faces and get applause or hysterical laughter.

When was the last time you stopped tears with only a hug or a snuggle?

Yep, these are my Monday morning friends and I love them! It's even fun when someone acts up, because they aren't mine and it's not the end of the world!

So next Monday if you're not busy, stop by for a sing a long, some dancing, ball playing, or Salon time (just don't tell anyone's daddy). You'll love it too!

Stamping Saturday..

I got to spend all day yesterday at my friend Linda's house. I got to stamp myself senseless. Here are a couple of examples of what I did. The polka dot card was totally Linda's idea, I just did it in different colors. The fun thing was that the circles are all scraps! So nice to use up those scraps. I do that so rarely!












All images copyright Stampin' Up! 2005



For those of you who are stampers, look for info coming soon on a Stamp a Stack! It's a great way to spend a couple of hours out with the girls and fill up your card box at the same time!

Artistic Streak??

Yeah.... probably not, but I'm sure having fun with my new camera!

My mom always has fresh flowers at her house when we come for an "event". I am discovering more and more that I really like and appreciate this. Often she does nothing more than buy a $5 bundle (I think) from Publix and puts them in vases (she has a lot-collects them) all around. So it's not necessarily an expensive endeavor, but she works magic with them! She has a lot of little tiny vases. In fact, I noticed this weekend one of them in particular looked like a tiny cordial glass. I adore these the most!! So cute, and a few flowers go far. This particular gathering, each of us had a tiny vase of flowers at our place at the table. A small slice of Heaven to be sure!

Note to self: Learn to copy this practice..... collect some vases!

Okay, so while at Mom's house, I practiced taking some non people pictures. Here are a couple of my favorites:

Don't be fooled, these apples are wooden! I like them though. Each one of my children as a wee ankle biter has licked these aplenty!

All these flowers were in the same vase on the mantle. Wish I had taken a picture of the flowers in the mini vases that were on the table! Darn! Maybe next time.

One last picture for today. This is the reason we all got together. My sister who is a Sister was in town. We all had a lovely visit. Here's Aunt Sister and the kids:



Gotta love the look on Jordan's face in this one! It is my favorite!

Watch your Carpal Tunnel...

Or You could end up like this!!! Yup, that's my sweetie! Isn't he a looker? He has a great fashion sense. This was taken just before Nurse Rachet (not Pete's nice nurse, Kris) yelled at me for taking pictures. Oh well, I got 2 before she made me stop.

How was the surgery? According to Pete, not that big of a deal. I wound myself way up tight, had a panic attack and had to take a Xanax. The funny part is that after they wheeled him off to surgery, I stepped outside to call my good friend Kimberly for backup. She's a great friend, especially for a panic attacker like me. She was just around the corner, at a hospital with her father in law (who is a whole other blog entirely) and offered to come pat my hand. While we are having this conversation, I'm watching in the window and can see the recovery room. They were wheeling Pete back in! The surgical nurse wasn't kidding when he told me not to go far! So it turned out that it really wasn't worth the waste of a perfectly good Xanax!

The drugs worked well for Pete. He really only remembered them scrubbing/prepping him (a story he told me several times in recovery). He kept insisting he wasn't doped up, just tired! Yeah right! He spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping it off. He's home for about 10 days as the doctor has told him he's not allowed to sweat. August in Florida! Yeah, that's a good one!

So our crazy life goes on with dad hanging out. He's managing the post op pain well with just doses of ibuprofen. I hope this does the trick for him. It would be a miracle for him!

Rantings...

Okay... why do people who work with the public have to be mean? Seriously. I know they are human and have lives and problems too. But what about old fashioned courtesy and plain old faking it?

I had to go to a new doctor's office today. I had to fill out about 10 pages of forms that were emailed to me (gotta love modern technology) and were supposed to be completed entirely before my appointment. Check. I did that. Also had to make arrangements for a friend to stay with the kids. Check. And bless her heart she was over at 8am sharp! That's real friendship. Thanks Kimberly! Then I follow their really LOUSY directions that were also emailed to me. Check.. found the stinkin' office. Only to be greeted at a closed window (barely cracked to speak to me after I stood there like a dolt for awhile). Me, "Hi, I'm Shelly D****, I have an 8:45 appointment". Receptionist, "That's 8:45 TOMORROW! I called and left a message for you THIS MORNING, so that means your appt is TOMORROW!" This is all in a tone that implies I have pure mush for brains and am to be greatly pitied. "No," I say. "My appt was on WEDNESDAY (now implying SHE'S the idiot) the 17th. I wrote it down, plus have it in writing in your email. I would not have scheduled a Thursday appt." Barely looking up, the receptionist says, "You must be mistaken, your appt is TOMORROW". I swear I thought she was gonna spell it out for me!

I turn around, embarrassed, and head to my car holding back the tears. Maybe I am crazy. Could I have screwed up that bad?? It's the first week of school and all, my mind has had to work overtime.... Dang. I don't usually blow it that bad. I get home to my blessed computer only to find that the email says WEDNESDAY THE 17TH! So I call the stupid office and the witch of a receptionist back. Of course only to get an inhuman recording. You know the drill. Leave your name and number and we'll get back to you. When they call me back, the receptionist still insists I'm stupid. I say I have proof. I tell her I can't come tomorrow. No babysitter, etc... She says the best she can do is next Wednesday afternoon. Now, I have already waited over 3 weeks for this appt. I explain that my husband is having surgery on Tuesday and I really can't make it then. She tells me if I have such a particular schedule I will have to wait even longer for her to be able to get me in. At that point to avoid swearing in front of my children, I tell her that her office has made a very bad first impression on me and to cancel my appt all together. Her response? Okay. Click.

Many moons ago I too worked for a very busy doctor's office. Fifty doctors in fact. I even on occasion had to schedule appts. for people. Did I ever screw it up? (ie; look at one date and write the patient on another) Oh heck yeah! But was I rude to the innocent patient because I messed up? NO! I would apologize profusely and talk to the doctor to see what could be done. Did this idiot receptionist (Michelle by the way, wish she was reading this) ever offer the slightest apology? Nope. ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH! Mean, crotchety, mistake making people who don't apologize suck.

So I'm back at square one. Trying to find a new doctor and waiting a few weeks more for another appt. Remaking all the arrangements. Maybe, maybe not...

Rant over!

Ch Ch Ch Changes....

We, the Deans family, are in a time of big transitions. Lilli is starting Kindergarten. Parker 5th grade and Katelyn 7th. How it all happened and so fast, I really don't have a clue. In our church that means that everyone moves. Lilli is out of the nursery and in the elementary group or Kickstart. Parker moves to the "get ready for youth" group called Firewire. Katelyn.... well she's officially been turned over to the teens of our church in the youth group. Can you hear my knees knocking? How's mom doing through all this? I'm hanging on. By a thread. It's like being on some crazy wild ride that just won't slow down no matter how much I scream, yell, beg or plead. Since it won't change, I need to. Don't want to, but what choice do I have?

I love something that our pastor says. Be fluid. Fluid goes where flexible can't. Hmmm... fluid. I'm making like a very thick milkshake right now. Not quite fluid enough, but I'm working on it. My fluid goal? Red Bull? Too peppy, no real value except a good time. Soda or a slurpee. Even worse! Maybe I'll go for a really good tasting, pleasant, protein shake. Still a little too thick (boy am I) but good for you.

Then there's the school week. I've got to teach 3! Never done that before! But there are a lot of things that I had never done before that are just normal for me now. And so, I suppose, that all these changes will soon be the norm too. I can do it, can't I?

So I'm fluid. I'm strong. I'm multi-tasking. I'm teacher. Ugh. I need a nap!

Here are some pictures from Promotion Sunday:


This is Lilli posing for a picture after she found out she did not get to have a Coke during the worship service.



This is Lilli getting a bag of goodies to help her "take notes" and adjust to being in "big church" from Pastor Jeff. Her mood improved greatly (from the great Coke disappointment) after this.

"bff"s for the over 21 crowd, that's best friends forever.

The next one is Parker and Mr. Michael on Parker's first day of Firewire.

It's a Celebration!

Happy 12th birthday to Covenant Community Church! As is our custom we had an "immersive worship experience" this morning. It was called Quest: Journey to the Son. We boarded a space shuttle called the CCC Quest and saved the earth from being blocked from the Son. You may see the video from this and check out our church at www.touchandchange.com. Here are a few pictures to get your curiosity up.

In order to graduate from the space academy, we had to do many tasks. One of which was to help these astronauts on the lunar surface place some probes.

These are the wonderful flight attendants who checked us in and served us well during our flight. This was the logo for the birthday celebration.


After heading home for a nap after the morning's hectic schedule (you know, saving the earth and all) we all met for dinner at the Grosvenor Resort. It was a lovely buffet and even better company. As you can see from the pictures a great time was had by all.

This is Katelyn and her friend Cias. You know, they hit a certain age and they don't want to eat at the same table with you anymore. Hmmmm.....
This was the group at the "adult table" That's John, Ian, Julie and Lori from left to right.
Here's the kids' table. Lilli, Parker and Evan chowing down.
If you don't go to Covenant, I'm guessing you are thinking this is like no church you've ever heard of. And you'd be exactly right!

This is the good life. A loving church family, a fun and exciting morning of worship, and lots of good food and fellowship. Yup... good stuff.

Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is a great place to be a member. Kimberly and Jamie came over today and we packed it up and headed off. It was a fun day. Even 11 month old Kendall had a fabulous time. Here are just a few pictures (see I'm being good with my new camera):

This is Jamie and Lilli on top of an airplane. What a way to fly the friendly skies!

This one is Katelyn sitting on the eggs in a dino nest. Hmm.....

This is Kendall living it up in the Magic School Bus exhibit. Nothing but foam to climb over and she was lovin' it.

And finally here are the 2 nutjob moms who ignored the kids for about 20 minutes (don't worry the baby was strapped safely in the stroller) to put together this gazillion piece, heavy wood puzzle. It was one of those times when one of the kids said, "let's put this together!" and them promptly disappeared. Kimberly and I were both waaaayyyy to OCD to put down the pieces and walk away.

So that was my day. I'll sleep well tonight. Tomorrow it's off to work at our groups annual Stampin' Up! used stamp auction. It will be a crazy morning.

A Cluttered Desk is a Sign of....???

Beware! The following pictures may be offensive to neatniks, extremely organized types, and the like...

This is my desk. This is not my desk on drugs. If you know me at all, the jumbo sized Slurpee will not shock you at all! It is my beverage preference above all others. After all I live in Florida and it's stinkin' hot! What else is there? A bunch of photo paper for my printer. I just got the camera and have been playing around. There are two "Goosebumps" books that Pete previewed for Parker (and gave thumbs down to). There are bills and piles of who knows what. Also, somehow a bunch of my stamping and scrapping stuff has somehow landed here. I don't know how it happens. Really I don't. I'd like to say it's because the desk is smack dab in the middle of traffic central in my house. I don't think that's it though. I'd like to blame it on the kids or Pete. But I don't think that's it either. Pete's got his own clutter/desk problems and besides, all the stuff on the desk is MINE! Yikes. Guess we all know what I'll be doing today, huh?

Yippy Skippy...

I've got a new toy. It's a great day for it too. I feel like garbage physically. Some kind of bug bit me I suppose. But on to the sweet stuff. I got myself a new camera. It's a Nikkon and its ab-fab, baby! How do you take a picture of your new camera??? Here's my lame attempt:

Okay! So it's a picture of the box, but you get the idea. It's small, really, really small. I can take it anywhere with me. And that's the plan. Here are a couple of pictures that I took tonight while I was reading the manual. Just the girls and the dog. Parker? Where was he? Probably doing one or both of the things he loves best... watching t.v. and/or eating.

Lilli is a hambone, isn't she? I really like the picture of Katelyn too. It really is typical of her.

It's late and I'm off to bed. More tomorrow. Wait till you see the pictures of my desk!! Yikes!

It's been awhile...

I'm back. A lot has happened. Some important, some not. I had a great experience at CKU-Orlando as a Teacher's Assistant. I worked like crazy, but got to listen to some great classes and meet some fun people. All in all, scrappers are great fun to be around.

One of my favorite classes was taught by Ali Edwards. It was The ABC's of Color. I have been of fan of Ali's work and this class was nothing short of inspirational. If you ever have the chance, take it! You will not be disappointed. CKU's in general are fab, but sell out fast, so bust a move to get in on one if you can.

Kid stuff... You know, everyone says it goes by fast. Everyone is right! The problem is it goes by fast and we miss so much. I want to stop missing stuff. I want to take in the moments that make up a day. As Katelyn starts 7th grade (yikes) she's home less and less. In fact the older all three get, it seems the less I see of them! There are sleepovers, church activites, extracurricular stuff, and lessons. I don't know if I'll ever get used to those nights when one or more of them are not home snug in their beds. I miss them! And doggoneit! I homeschool! I get them alot more than most moms. So as the summer slowly ends for us and a new school year begins (that really is MY new year), I'm making a few New Year's resolutions.

1. Breathe (deeply, slowly).
2. Experience the moment. Not just the important ones, but the normal stuff too.
3. Quit sweating the small stuff. Fussing over dust and messy rooms and dirty laundry.... not important! My family and friends and the moments and relationships we share are important.
4. Take lots and lots of pictures. Documenting the moments of our lives that become so precious.
5. Express myself freely and creatively. Not by the "rules", but in a way that is comfortable, right and inspiring to me.

Okay, I was wordy enough today to make up for the big silence.

Happy Birthday Dad! I love you.