Snow. Day. Heaven.

That's what I'm in. Not even kidding you. After all of the storms that have simply passed us by, dangit, IT'S OUR TURN! I'm so excited. After last week of feeling bad, the weekend was mostly spent on laundry, bills, etc. All of the things that were neglected over the last week. GOOD TIMES. So everything is in order, and today is gloriously free. Free, I tell you!

We went to a fundraiser dinner on Saturday night for the sports boosters for Bill's district. It costs a lot of money, but it's for a good cause. There were a bunch of prizes (including money) throughout the entire evening, but no go. I did win a great necklace/earrings set from Lia Sophia. And Bill won a GC for gas. So I guess that was cool! I still wasn't much for eatng after the stomach flu thing. But Bill's aunt and uncle went and we had a lot of fun.

I finally broke down and ordered a new computer yesterday. I've known it was coming, and yet, I almost have an ulcer over it. I just didn't want to spend the money on it. Not now. But the hard drive is failing, and it's time. I bought another Mac, of course. And I'm excited that it's coming. Once I see the new baby, the money factor should subside. For 5 minutes, at least.

The layout was done yesterday. I've been packing for an all-day crop next weekend, and I have been gathering papers/embellies for pics. Well, all I did was grab a stack and get to work. It's amazing how much time that saves. Perfect for me right now, since I'm mojo challenged. AGAIN.

When Jenna woke up this morning, she told me about her dream. She said, "We were ice skating, and there was this boy there. He was about 5. And he decided he wanted to hold my hand!" I kept a straight face and asked, "How did you feel about that?" And she replied, "It was great. I hope that happens someday, mom. WHEN YOU'RE NOT THERE." OK. What to say about this. I've got no words. Speechless, I tell you.

Have a great Monday. (Oxymoron? Not this time!)

It's My Turn.

Now I'm sick. Jenna was sick from Friday night until Monday afternoon. I stayed home with her on Monday, sure it was hitting me too. Went to school on Tuesday, to hear my students complain that they were totally confused about what the sub taught them. So I spent Tuesday on damage control. Then I woke up yesterday totally sick. So another sub. I couldn't move. My head hurt, my stomach hurt, even my SKIN hurt. Which is how I always know I have a fever. I did sleep all night, but I am so sore from just laying in bed all day yesterday. So I woke up early to see if I was well enough to go back to school today. One drink of Vernor's and a run to the bathroom answered that one quickly enough. But I do feel better than yesterday.

I am already dreading how bad it's going to be going back tomorrow and trying to fix two days of a sub. It just makes me want to lay back down and pull the covers over my head. Until this cursed month of February is OVER once and for all.

That's something. Have a great Thursday!

Good Times.

Poor Miss J. is sick. Stomach flu since 3:00 a.m. I just hate seeing her feeling so bad, and even now she can't hold anything down. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before it hits Bill and I. Just how I wanted to spend my weekend!

But as she slept I did a quick layout of my other girl, in between watching episodes of Brothers and Sisters online. I've only seen a a few shows, so this way I can catch up. Off to see my gal.

Wow.

So if you haven't read my "Woe is me" post from yesterday, do so first.

Today at school flowers arrived.

The card says,

"Happy Late Valentine's Day, Mom! Wanted you to know that you really do deserve the "MOTY" award! :) Love you! Emily."

I can't even tell you how much this meant to me. I love you, my girl.

There goes the award . . .

for mother of the year. Jenna has been a HANDFUL. Seriously bad. And I'm not sure my handling of said badness qualifies me for "MOTY" award. For instance, she cut her hair. Yep. Hacked it off in the front. Claimed it was an "accident." Yeah. And if you know my aforementioned issues with hair, you know I went into total shriek mode. I said things like "now we have to get ALL OF YOUR HAIR CUT OFF!" while she was crying that she was going to look like a boy. Nice, Kay. And even as I was handling it poorly I couldn't seem to stop myself.

The other day we were playing with puzzles, and she said, "MO-OM (the famous two-syllable pronunciation, no less)you are getting on my nerves!" Nice. Thanks Jenna. Can you just see the teen years when she's starting this now? It should be a really good time.

Also knocking me off the MOTY award list is the fact that while I remembered the Valentine's for the preschool party on Tuesday, I totally forgot to send anything to the daycare yesterday. And yep, you guessed it, Jen was the only one without goodies to share. I'm such an idiot. And Em, if you're reading this, I know this is nothing new.

Speaking of Em, she was home for the weekend. That was fun, and meant the world to Miss J. I got a (not-so-subtle) reminder from Em that she would gladly accept offerings for V-Day. Again, slacker mom is late on the goodies for the oldest. I just suck at life right now.

So I'm off to contemplate the many ways I am letting my family down right now. Wish me luck!

Did I mention?

I hate February. Exhibit B, the weather. It is so stinking cold, schools were closed across the state. The temps with the wind chills reached 25 degrees BELOW ZERO. But did my school district cancel school? Well no siree. I was not pleased. Because as my students know, I love days off more than anyone. There were some pipes that burst in the building so classes had to be moved around a bit, but my room was fine. Cold, but fine. Add to that a staff meeting that went until 5:15, and it was one long day.

The good news? I stopped by Marshall's after school and got Jenna a pair of Ugg boots. Emily will be so jealous! The layout I did yesterday pre-super bowl. Didn't care for many of the commercials, and the Bears lost. But spent a great evening with Bill's aunt and uncle, so it was all good. Off to curl up under a blanket (or four) and snuggle with my girl while reading the latest issue of Scrapbooks, Etc., my very favorite magazine. Have a great Monday! (or is that oxymoronic?)

I. Hate. February.

And that is no lie. From the way that it's spelled, (because didn't we all miss that one on spelling tests in elementary school?) to the inane process of seeing if a groundhog means more winter. Well NO DUH. We're getting more cold weather. I ranted about February to my students, and they thought I was crazy. And maybe it is so. But seriously, this is the worst month ever. Cold, snow, more cold, more snow. That's the long and the short of the month. And the fact that there are only 28 days is a TOTAL JOKE, because one day in Feb. is like 10 in any other month. It's slow-mo. That's all I'm sayin'.

Peace out.

An interesting week.

It was an interesting week. Bill's aunt died. So sad. The funeral was on Thursday. It gets you thinking about life, KWIM? One of the things the father said was, "How will you be remembered?" Something to think about, no?

Let's see. Jen got a haircut. She looks too cute! Older, and I almost hyperventilated when it was getting cut. You see, I have issues with cutting long hair. My sister and I always had long hair, so long you could sit on it. I remember that I would fight with my mom because she always wanted it in braids. I used to go to school and take them out, and say someone else did it. (Can you say liar, liar, pant on fire?) Then in fifth grade I got a genius idea to cut it all off. Well, that didn't go so well. Some of the boys in school told me they would bring a bag to wear over my head, it looked so bad. Hence the "issues" with cutting hair. I had it with Emily, and now with Jenna. The hairdresser only cut off about 4 inches, and her hair is still long. Just not AS long.

My nephew called my mom the other day and told her to watch the news. He is a deputy in a county up north, and there was a story on the air he was involved in. See the article. To make a long story short, he is a hero. NOT that I didn't already know that, but he saved three people from a burning vehicle. I couldn't be any prouder of him.

So I'm hoping to have a creative weekend. It has been so long since I've done any scrapping. And I'm hoping to do a little something with some beads that were RAK'd my way. If you find any mojo, please send it my way. I beg of you.

I need a weekend.

to recover from this weekend. It was that busy. I taught a class at my LSS on Saturday, to then come home and prepare for a birthday party for my mom. Then off to the circus today. Add to that all of the normal weekend fun, like laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc. and you have one quick weekend. HATE THAT.

No scrapping mojo whatsoever. Need to snap out of that. It happens to me every year this time of year, with new stuff coming out soon at CHA. I don't want anything that's out right now, I want the new stuff. Like the new BasicGrey, and the new KI, and the new Fancy Pants Designs. Seriously. So I'll wait for the CHA reports and keep saving my pennies.

Hope you had a great weekend. Hopefully this will be a less hectic week.

A cold day indeed.

It's funny how quickly one can grow to hate winter. We started the season with WARM temps, and I guess I took them for granted. So when today I was on my way to school and the thermometer said 3 degrees, I just about had a cow. HATE the cold. Really, truly despise it. My feet may never be warm again.

So here's a recent layout of my snow angel. Love this girl, I tell you!

And my news from before, another layout made the BasicGrey newsletter. See it here.

Stay warm. That's all I'm sayin'.

A Stormy Sunday

Oh, and lazy too. Finished all of my deadlines, so I'm feeling better. Hate having them looming, bugging me. Just need to drop them at the post office, and I'm good to go.

Quick layout of Miss J. Isn't she just the sweetest? Love the crinkled nose when she smiles. This is for my LSS. Also got a class done (page samples) to drop off. Feels good!

Storms in our future. Weather watch is posted, for snow and a mix of ice. We'll see what turns up! Should be interesting, with exams tomorrow. Just know that right now there are some kids praying for a snow day like crazy.

Have a great Sunday!

A Lazy Saturday

I went to the grocery store, and I have to say that was my major accomplishment of the day. What a slacker! Tonight it's off to dinner with friends. Sat in the e.r. with my dad yesterday for a while, nothing major, but still takes a touch of the wind out of your sails. So today was about R&R. Even a nap. Did I mention I'm a slacker?

A layout of my girl. Love the photo. Still working on my photo a day. Got a smidge behind with my busy week last week, but I'm back in action today. Did another layout, but too lazy to post.

Still grappling with being out of style in the scrapbooking biz. I'm down to two DT's, by my choice. But what I'm noticing is that having all of the deadlines kept me in the game. Now I scrap a fraction of the time, and mojo is more of an issue. What do I do? Apply for more DT's again? And there are certainly no guarantees for a no-name like myself. Or do I focus more on getting pubbed? Because with all of my DT work in the past, I barely had enough time to submit. And pubs are few and far between.

And it is decided. I'm not changing my style to fit in. Can't. Won't. Even if I've hit the end of the line. That much I am sure of!

Have a wonderful Saturday!

A VERY LONG week.

And it's not over. This has been one of those "busy every evening" weeks, and add that to the stress of finals, and, well, I'm just pooped. I have had a headache two straight days, and tonight I just decided I can't do one more thing. I've had Jen to dance one night, and volleyball another. I've had dinner with my cousins, and taken a photography class. I've also presented at school to the incoming freshman parents. And tonight was the math dept holiday dinner. And with my headache, I decided to opt out. All of these things in addition to normal workdays make Kay a very tired teacher.

The layout is from last weekend. And as pictures are printing I have 5 minutes to post. I like this layout, and have had some realizations about my scrapping. Here's what I believe. My style is kind of out right now. The "Freestyle," fun style is in vogue. And to be honest, I love the style. I have mentioned before that even though that's not my style (I'm too math teacher for that), I think that book, along with Elsie's book have been the biggest inspirations for me in the last year. That along with the clean, amazing style of Cathy Z. But the reality is I am somewhere between those two styles. And right now, that's not a good place to be. So what to do? Do I change my style? Can you indeed teach an old dog (that's me) new tricks? Not this pup. I just can't do it.

So what to do with this information? I'm not sure yet. It's just my reality right now, and I'm trying to come to grips with it. Wish me luck!

Another day . . .

another dollar. Back to school for three days. Pretty relaxing, but it's a bit like the calm before the storm, because exams are coming up. That's high stress for the kids. And while it's easy as a teacher regarding planning, etc., it's SO STRESSFUL for the students that somehow I get stressed too. Go figure! We'll review all week, and I'll see how well I did teaching the stuff the first time. Wish us all luck!

Tomorrow I start my photography class. I am SO EXCITED! The purpose is to learn my SLR, and shooting in manual. If you look at my photo blog, you'll see some of my attempts at manual. I am close to "understanding exposure" (which is the title of the book I am trying to teach myself with), but I have gone as far as I can go on my own. So I have high hopes for this class.

Em and her friends made a really cool tote using a photo (altered in photoshop) and a masking technique. Check it out on my photo blog under POTD #5.

Haven't been scrapping much for myself. I'm in deadline mode still, with one more PC project to do. It's the first round of CHA projects, so I'm trying to work ahead on these. I have an idea for a layout for me sitting on the table, waiting for my mojo to appear. If you see mo', send it my way!

The photo is from last week when Jen decided to break out the dress-up clothes and play princess. I used a "Diffuse Glow" filter on it.

Back to Reality

It's back to school tomorrow. Yikes, I'm not ready! It has been a short break, what with all of the colds and entertaining and such. I did sleep in each and every day. I also managed to read four books. Not a lot of scrapping, but when mojo takes a hike, what is one to do?

My resolution for the year? Learn more about photograpy. Not in the hopes of doing anything with it, but I'd like to know what I'm doing instead of the guess and check method. I'm getting too frustrated. On that end, I have joined a photo a day challenge, (and no, I don't think I'll be doing it every day, but more than usual). The blog with my photos is under my profile pic. Also I signed up for a Digi SLR class from my local photography store. YIPEE! I've been wanting to do this for way too long.

I'm also signing Jen up for swimming and another class with basketball, volleyball, and T-ball. She should have a blast. Bill takes her to swimming, and I'll take her to the other and walk the track during the class. That way I can watch and get a little exercise. I'm also signing up for yoga. I'll be complaining about being too busy, but this is the longest time of the year for me, and busy helps.

Also, for all of my scrapping friends, I wanted to point out this opportunity. It's a DT for a kit club. Details Here. I loved designing for this club, and I'm sure you will too!

So enjoy your Tuesday evening. I'm savoring these last hours of sweet freedom.

Year in Review

So I got some good news via email this a.m. I made "Honorable Mention" in the Fancy Pants DT search. And I'm THRILLED! As I said, when I saw the amazing entries in online galleries, then browsed the galleries of the winners, I was FLOORED. Amazing entries. So to be recognized among the talent feels great. Some day I'll get there!

So I thought of what I have accomplished this year in the scrapping world. I am so proud of being a KI Memories "Celebrate Life" finalist. And for those of you who know me, you know I am a KI FREAK. Always have been, always will be. What I'm the most proud of though is that I finally FOLLOWED THROUGH and entered something. (And sorry for all of the ALL CAPS references. Too much java, I guess.) I created an album that I'm proud of. Using product that I'm passionate about. And ended up being a finalist, talking to Kim and Ira Sabel on the phone. That's big. REALLY BIG for me. At least one page of my album will be in their new idea book. That's too cool.

And then recently I was contacted by none other than the amazing Amy Howe to do a few projects for the BasicGrey newsletters. Now those of you who know me know how much I worship that line as well. HEAVY USER. And that somehow Amy (or someone close to her) noticed my work? Wow. I'm BEYOND HONORED.

A few other highlights:

~Even though ProvoCraft was only a one-year term, I was asked to return for another year. I've worked on some cool projects for PC that I will be able to reveal at a later date.
~Several pubs, including some contract work.
~I continue to teach for my LSS, and have a great relationship with them.
~I continue to design for Sassafras Lass, and just got some amazing stamps from their new designs. COOL STUFF.

So I say all of this not to brag, because that's not me. I say it because I think it's important to look at where you've been, to plan where you are going. And while I'm not on some of the teams I've mentioned, I am making some strides. And I need to remember the positives. Hopefully someday I'll be a good fit for another manufacturer, as that is my main goal at this stage. This is just a pep talk for me. Thanks for listening!

On a personal note, I got 90% of the Christmas stuff put away. Wow, that's a big job. When Bill dragged out the tree, I was amazed at the mess. But I do love a real tree! Now to put the house back in order for company tomorrow night. We have the neighbors over, and my sister is joining us as well.

Did the layout of the girls yesterday. Did you notice? I MIXED LINES! Now that is one big newsflash for me. I am so anal about sticking to one line, and I actually wanted to pick up the blues in Em's coat. Also, newsworthy with this layout . . . someone said it was nice to see ME in a layout. Should I tell her it's not me? Or let her believe I'm as beautiful, young, and thin as Emily? It'll be our little secret, OK? ;)

I think Jen is doing better today, and she slept well last night. Well, after she fell asleep at 11:30 p.m., that is! She has been sleeping in, and napping, so her schedule is shot. Today I'm going to have her skip her nap and try to get her back into some semblance of a routine. Going back to school is just around the corner. (Sad. Seriously sad.)

I sat down this morning and submitted about 40 layouts. It's been so dang long since I've had the time to do that. I'm not sure it's a great strategy regarding getting pubbed. Especially since mags are looking for summer layouts, rather than the winter/holiday stuff I've been working on. But that's the way I do it. I scrap for now, not for calls. So far it's worked well, and I'm not willing to do it any other way. I'm still in this to preserve memories, not as a career. I've got one of those already!

So have a great Saturday. And thanks for stopping by!

More illness . . .

in the Rogers household. Now Miss J and Miss Em are sick. Jen woke us up woth this horribly croupy cough. Scared me to death. So I hopped into bed with her and got about 3 hours of sleep. She's in good spirits, but definitely has the cold thing going on. Em has a sore throat, and a terrible headache. She went to work this morning, but since it was slow they sent her home.

I'm bummed because I was going out cropping tonight. But I can't leave Jen like this. I'd be way too distracted. Mommy guilt and all. And to be honest, my scrapping mojo is a tad on the low side right now. I'm sure some of that is due to being bummed that the Fancy Pants thing didn't work out. I love that line, and I was hoping. But once I saw who won, and their amazing work, well I get it. I would have chosen that team as well. And I'm OK with it. I believe when things are meant to be, they happen. And now is not my time with FP. Still love it, and will still snatch up and covet all things Fancy Pants.

Played with the new BasicGrey Blush line. I am teaching a class in February with these papers.

Have a great Friday!

The day after.

And all is well. I really wanted to take down all of the holiday decorations, but Em wouldn't let me. So instead I played with Jen's new toys, (including 3 of her new puzzles), and got a bit of scrapping done. It's been so long since I've scrapped that it takes a while for my mojo to kick in. I'm not sure if it has yet, but I did get a class done for my LSS, and 4 out of the five projects for Scrap Muse. That makes me feel less stressed about my deadlines. Tomorrow a.m. I hope to get the last SM project, and drop off my class to the LSS. Next is some work for ProvoCraft for CHA. I hope to crop on Friday some projects of my choosing. Need to do another class for my LSS using BasicGrey's "Blush" line. I can't wait to play with those papers! They rock!

So tomorrow I hope to post some pics of my decorations. Now that I know they are coming down, I felt the need to document our holiday traditions.

Enjoy your Tuesday. It's my first official day off from school, and I'M LOVING IT!

It's beginning to look a lot like . . .

SPRING! Not what you were expecting? Me neither. But there isn't a speck of snow on the ground, it's in the 40's (which is positively balmy for this time of year in Michigan), and the sun is just'a shining. WEIRD. And I'm one of those people who tells time of year by weather, so this is seriously messing with my head. Or headcold. You choose.

Last night we celebrated the holidays with our neighbors. And while I didn't feel so hot, I still had fun. We sipped hot, German spiced wine. I swear the stuff had medicinal properties. Or I got too tipsy to notice my nasty cold symptoms. No matter, it's all good!

Next it's off to Jami's for the big family dinner. Jen miraculously went down for a nap, so she should be bearable. Then tomorrow Bill's family arrives for a big dinner at our house. I've done this meal enough times that it's not stressful anymore. It's fun, and I'm looking forward to it. I love having people open the presents we bought them. It's my favorite part, despite all the hassle.

So I wanted to wish my four loyal blog viewers a very merry Christmas. I hope Santa is good to you!

My Girls, my gifts

Here is a layout I posted yesterday of my girls. It was using the BasicGrey sketch from the newsletter. These were pictures from the Christmas Card photo shoot. Those pictures turned out so great, and I cherish them. I took some more of them in front of the tree as well, and love them too. Where would I be without my girls?

So this is it. The mad rush to finish all things Christmas. For not feeling well yesterday I got some things done. I got to the grocery store (in the middle of a downpour no less) and made the dishes to pass for Christmas Eve. Plus one for the meal here on the big day. Just need to hit the grocery store AGAIN, and get to the mall for stocking stuffers. Wish me luck. It will get done, I know.

I wish I had some time to scrap. Seriously. I need the "me" time, and I haven't had that lately. Just got a box from ProvoCraft with assignments, and need to make some pages for a class for my LSS. Plus the SM kit. So I imagine my first foray back into the scrapping world will be assignments. No worries. It will get done!

Have a great day, and take a deep breath. It will get done!