Oh my!!! Has it really been 3 months since I sent an update?? YIKES!!!
Sorry about that.. life has been a little crazy lately.
With a zillion dr appointments it feels like I've spent the last 6 months in Dr offices.
First Chris and I were trying to find out why we hadn't had little ones yet.
And then finding out FIL had colon cancer. That has really been a wild ride. One day he was going to his family Dr and within 3 weeks he'd had about 10 dr appointments and surgery. The appointments haven't stopped. He has 2 this week and next on to radiation and chemo treatments, starting next week more than likely.

And the best part.. we have season tickets to the USC Baseball games.. this has been so much fun. I hope we get to do it again next year too. Not only are we getting to cheer on our local college team, but we're getting to spend alot of great time together too.. rain or shine ;)

I"m working more on my scrapbooking lately... well trying to anyway. I'm doing a new to me, type book. Its called a Circle Journal. You set up your book with whatever you want it to be about, set the rules and gather a group of friends and pass it around. Each person has 2 weeks to complete your book and send it on to the next person. My first book is "Favorite Recipes". You doubted I'd do anything else?? LOL

I'm also doing monthly card classes and they are so much fun. Each month we meet and Deb (my Stampin Up lady) teaches us 3 new designs and techniques. Last month was a really cool Faux Leather card. I'm loving that and its so super simple. May is going to be 2 step stamping. I can't wait.

On top of all that we are making a garden this year. Saturday Chris put together the frame, its an above ground garden, 4'x8'. We have some tomatoes and pepper seeds started that we'll transplant once we get dirt in the frame. (Hopefully today or tomorrow).

Oh and crocheting.. I've been doing alot of crocheting this winter. Scarves and dishclothes.. simple stuff. And I've enjoyed it. Seems I take my crafts in spells and move around from one to another and eventually back. Keeps me from getting too bored I guess.

Well I guess that's about it. I'm off to do this weeks menu and shopping list.

ramdom updates....

• First I have to tell you that as of this morning I've passed the 50lb weight loss mark. WOOHOO!!!!
  It's actually 53.9 in 14 weeks. Not bad at all. I have alot more to go.. but I've very pleased with this progress.
  

• This past Monday I went thru my closet and sent 2 HUGE bags of clothes to a friend of mine. I hope she can use most of them. Then I had to go out clothes shopping as I had sent her almost all my work clothes LOL. I got to shop at Wal-Mart!!!! I have only been able to buy a piece here and there from Wal-Mart in.. well I can't ever remember being able to buy a whole outfit there. I bought 2 pairs of shorts, 3 pants and a top. :)

• The doggies are doing well. very active and about to drive us nuts at times, but isn't that what being a parent is all about?

• In the past week we've had to format my pc 4 times. NOT FUN!!!! However, after the last time we discovered the possible cause of all my issues.. bad RAM. Oh well.. at least I have a clean drive now, right?

• My Stampin' Up order came in on Friday, I can't wait to play with my new stuff. Thank you Deb and Melissa for placing orders.
  
  Don't forget that we are starting our "Scrapin' Sunday's" on Sept 22.
  Its a day to work on whatever projects you have started, share out ideas and products (such as Cricut, Cuddlebug.. etc) and well.. just have fun! I plan to show everyone a technique or project each time. If you have things you'd like to try, let me know. I'll add them to the list of things I'd like to learn to do.
  

Stampin Up

Saturday is my Stamp Up Demo and I can't wait.
It's going to be a lot of fun. I love making cards and we're making 2. A Birthday card and a Christmas card.

This past week was a very good weight loss week. a little over 6 lbs. I couldn't believe it.
I did focus on my protein so I guess it really does help. :)

Some cards I made last week for a Snoopy Card Swap on SCS


Full Size -Birthday Card

Inside Birthday Card


Full Size - Holiday Card


3x3 Anything Goes


Full Size - Anything Goes

Stampin Up Pictures

Picture from the Stampin Up workshop

(L to R) Mama, Lula, Lisa and Amanda

(L to R) Jenesse, Nichole and Melissa

Deb giving us directions on how to make the cards

This was such a fun day. Everyone keeps talking about how much fun it was.
I can't wait to do another one. (But my pocketbook can LOL)

Stampin Up and stuff...

Yesterday I hosted my first Stampin Up demo party. WOW how much fun that was.
Our demonstrator was awesome too, you can check out her site and place an order with her if your into stamping or card making. Hey.. even host your own show and get free goodies.
We had a good group.. and even my Mom and Aunt drove 3.5 hours just to come.
I closed the show today and it should be back ni 5-7 days. I can't wait. Two of the ladies are having shows too.. I already have my wish list ready ;) I can deffinately see having another workshop!! Oh and found out that Deb, the demo lady, had worked for the surgical group I'm using, she couldn't stop saying nice things about them and their work. She even has the lap-band herself. It's really nice to know your not alone and that there are people you can turn to with questions.

On other info... I am getting used to my cpap machine. It's still not the funnest thing I've ever done. But oh well.. hopefully after surgery I shouldn't need it for too long. :)

I found out today that my half brother, Julian, is officially in Afghanistan. :( I pray for his safe return home. I'm not sure how long he's supposed to be there but hopefully it isn't too long. Please add him to your prayer list.

Yesterday while we were at the SU demo, my husband did more smoking on the new smoker. Today he shreaded the brisket and make a wonderful BBQ Sauce for it. And he made more smoked poppers.. YUM YUM.. he can't do that too often.. I can't stay on plan with him making those things.. one taste and your HOOKED.

Well thats it for today. See ya soon