Thursday, December 27, 2007
Trying to Get Back into the Swing of Things...
I must say, since I've been home, I've been so weak, I can't even pick up the dogs or my own feet half the time! I still have tape burns from where they had the IVs and the stupid telemetry unit hooked up to me--no one listens when you tell them you're allergic to that tape stuff, and when my chest broke out from it the first night or so, they "tried" not using the tape on my anymore; still left an ugly ring right below my chin! HA!
Well, I didn't manage to get all of the downloads for the Christmas Around the World, so... I hope you all did and can come up with some fantastic LOs! Make sure you thank Kimberly (FishinMom Designs) for putting it together, and ALL of the designers that contributed with their wonderful giving hearts...
This is from us...
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Almost AWOL!!
Anyways, I really appreciate hearing from you Marie and Em and Anna Maria! I really can't wait to see everyone next year! :) Well, I've been taking pictures of all the differently decorated Christmas trees around the hospital, and so far, I think I like the one on my floor the best. I wish I had a way to send it so I could post it here!
They told me I could go home this morning, but there are no orders in the computer and they really don't think I'm going home since I had another migraine last night and ended up with a really bad dizzy spell. So far I have no more tests that need to be run. They don't know that my car is in the parking lot and I will leave! LOL...
(((hugs)))
Elise
And Marie, I highly doubt it has been 3 weeks! :) Remember I talked to you when I was going to my mom's that day and you said it was a work day for you, and then that same weekend I talked to you to tell you about the shopping and a scrapbook class I took! LOL! It just seems that long! BTW, how was Ulared?
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Hmmm.... In the Hospital!!
Some of you know that I've been dizzy; I've been passing out, I've been having a few sleeping problems. So my regular doctor thought it was narcolepsy or sleep apnea and wanted to set me up for a sleep study; then when I showed up for a regular routine follow up with Neurology for my migraines on Monday; heck, they thought my passing out and dizziness was warranted enough for me to stay and be admitted!! I'm not too happy about this and those of you that know me, know that I am about to walk out if they don't have any answers for me soon! I am terrified though, because the "L" word also came up on Monday while I was in with the Neurologist. She wanted to know family history, and asked me of family strokes, cancers, etc. and then she asked if I had ever been tested for "Lupus". Dang it! I almost hit the floor! Then I had to tell her; I had an aunt die from Lupus at the age of 33 before they really figured out that's what it was; or rather, by the time they figured out that's what it was, it was too late, she was already out of remission. So, for the past 12+ years I had devoted about $184 to CFC through my paychecks to the Lupus foundation for research in her name. ANYWHO... Back to why I'm here at the hospital. They are running MRIs, MRAs, EEGs, EKGs, Ultrasounds of my heart, and a few other tests in order to determine if I have been having mini strokes (like I'm an idiot--that would be considered a TIA) or seizures, or anything else that might warrant lack of oxygen or blood flow to the brain...
Well, another idiot wants to use the computer, so I'm just going to drop it short since I still want to check my e-mail too... as soon as I can I'll try to post my phone number here, or you can e-mail me for it and I'll send it to you individually; I do not have a good singnal on my cell phone, and my battery is running low, plus I do not have wireless on the laptop, so that doesn't work either... Also, please do not ask any one for my phone number, as I'm a really private person, and I think if you want it, please PM me or e-mail me, and I'll be more than happy to give it to you when I get it. At this point I was told I was only going to be in the hospital for only 2 days, that has turned into 4... if I'm still here on Friday... ah ha ha ha ha...
Well, hugs!! and Merry Christmas!!
me
(And I thought the guys in Radiology were kidding about getting me a mailbox! Geez!!) At least I do have a private room!
BTW, for those that are planning on attending the TX ACOT Crop, I have booked a block of rooms and got a great deal!! I'll have more details, don't forget to sign up! I'm telling you, nothing will keep me away from this event! :)
Friday, December 14, 2007
I'll Be Home for Christmas...
You can count on me... I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams! Well, sorry for the singing, I am so blessed to have so many friends, most of which I have never met. Isn't that something?!?! Still nothing. I'll be home for a little bit today before I'm dragged over to my mom's house. Woke up with a fever this morning and couldn't breathe... I'm praying I'm NOT coming down with the flu; I tell ya, my immune system wouldn't be able to handle it!! I'm not complaining, as long as everything is out of my system come January for our birthday party, and February for the ACOT Texas crop! (BTW, if you haven't already signed up, there are only 5 more days for you to sign up and pay to receive the early bird special!! Click on the PayPal link under my photo to the right of your screen.) If you're not a member of A Cherry On Top and you want to come and crop with us February 29 - March 1, please sign up for your free membership now! It's a Texas Crop because originally we thought there would only be Texas members that would be able to join; wow, were Amanda (mkcdaisy, DT member for ACOT) and I surprised when there were online friends signing up and planning to attend from out of state! Woo hoo!! Of course you know me, that totally made my heart sing!
Not much to say, thank goodness no one is waiting on the frickin' computer right now! I've got more blood work this morning, and then I'll be back up at the hospital again on Monday and Thursday... those are primarily results days! The guys down in the Radiology department thought they had jokes... "Maybe we should just get you a mailbox since it looks like you'll be staying for a while" uh, NO! LOL...
Anyways, let me tell you how wonderful my husband is... (and I normally don't give out info on my husband, because I've seen too many marriages break up because the wife was bragging about how "great" her husband was, and then a friend come in a swoop him away! I know you've heard of those kind of stories!!) So, anyways, he is a doll! I've been sick, unable to get to the computer, right? So... the first day, I asked him to go by Hallmark and pick out some Christmas cards for me, and a few more ornaments that I needed; some as gifts for others, and some for our tree--of which will go up Sunday after church--yes, I'll be dragging my sick butt to church since that's where I need to be all the time; I just wish we could go to our church home in San Antonio!! I miss Bishop Rick and the Family Praise Center congregation so much! Talk about walking with God! Whew! So, back to the shopping... he's also a collector, so he knows the ornaments too, and brought back all of the right ones; even picked out some nice cards. Then yesterday, I was complaining about how I was so upset about missing the chats at 3Scrapateers, and we all know how he feels about "chatting and the computer"; he's seen too many divorces because of "cyber-sex chats" so he's under the impression that whenever someone is chatting, it's not good. But, I kept complaining, and he attended two chats for me!! Do you believe that? This morning he told me that the ladies: TallulaMoon and scrapingal, and he named someone else that I had never seen at the chats were really funny. Then he asked me what was the duct tape for... LMBO!! So of course he thought it was strange, so I had to explain to him it was a joke at 3S so when you try to click on a freebie at these chats, you normally get kicked out if you don't hold down the CTRL key! LOL... Then he said he was referred to as NikosMom's Husband, but he likes to refer to himself as "NikosDad".... LOL... that was how he had signed his e-mail to me one day from work, and I burst out laughing! (According to my sister, poor little Sasha is always forgotten!) So, he supposedly attended the 9CST and 10CST chat, which is the Half-N-Half and the EI with the Dude... he said he was late to the Dude's Chat, and Digital Dude probably thought he was rude asking for the downloads, so I probably won't get them; which would totally stink since I did the challenges, so hopefully Digi Dude won't leave me out in the cold! He did say that TallulaMoon Designs was going to PM me since she didn't want him to fall out of the chatroom! :) So now when I'm cracking up on the computer like a mad woman, he doesn't have to come racing upstairs being the jealous type thinking someone else is making me laugh so hard and I'll run off and have an affair! He got to experience it first hand!
Gotta go... someone is standing here! I'll be back with the Christmas Cheer! (I had 3 recipes that I know by heart, so Day 1 wasn't so bad, and then what I had planned for Day 2 last night, I also know by heart; so at least you know these are recipes that I've tried and bake year after year! If you try some, let me know what you think!)
(((hugs)))
me
P.S. He says there were two packages for me that came in the mail from California! Hmmm... I would think one would be from scrapgram at ACOT, and I have no clue who sent the other one! Oh yeah, and we got our first Christmas cards! Guess who they were from! LOL... Avenue (the clothing store for voluptuous women; and I don't even fit their clothes anymore!) and our HOA Beautification committee!! Which he found to be ridiculous, kind of an (in his exact words) "we've got our eye on you!" card!! ROTFLMAO!! **We'd received a warning about 3 weeks ago that our grass needed to be cut and we needed to remove our water hose from the driveway and coil it up on the side of the house! LOL... so he didn't receive that card so well! LOL...
Christmas Cheer coming up later on today! Sorry for the long post, but I had to share some things with all my friends and family!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
12 Days of Christmas Cheer!
Marie! How dare you think that you wouldn't be able to come in January! My doors are always open! Especially for wonderful friends that have become like family, as you have! :) Green light, and with all of these tests and poking and prodding they are doing to me this month, I'll have some kind of an answer before then!
I got stuck three times yesterday: Or maybe I should say, "On the first day of Christmas, the doctor ordered for me... 1 flu shot and decided to order some labwork too!" LOL... okay, yes, I'm trying to have a good sense of humor about this!
Anyways...
Day 1 Recipes
Chewy Chocolate Chippers (My Traditional M&M Cookies!)
1 Cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 Cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 Cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Cup "M&M's" Plain Chocolate Candies
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I always omit these; they are optional)
Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy; blend in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add combined flour, soda and salt; mix well. Stir in candies (and nuts). Drop dough by heaping Tablespoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Press 2-3 additional candies into each cookie, if desired. Bake at 350*F (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet about 3 minutes; remove cookies to wire rack to cool thoroughly. (Makes about 2 dozen 3 1/2-inch cookies.)
Now for those that don't like to bake, or enjoy their holiday spirits... (I have become the "mixologist" of our family during any functions or parties that we have or attend; So... I'm sharing personal recipes of drinks I've "created" LOL... enjoy! BTW, with the medications and the making drinks the whole party, I never have time to drink them myself; but I do taste to see if these need anything else!)
Blue Iguana
(Amaretto Sour with a twist!)
2 oz. Amaretto (I use Disaronno)
4 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
1 oz. Blue CuraÇao (or just enough splash to turn your drink green)
4-5 Ice cubes
Combine all ingredients in a shaker, and mix well. Serve strained into glass over ice cubes.
Well, since I was behind, I'll put up another recipe this evening to catch up with Day 2! I've started the Christmas Cheer with one of my favorite Cookie Recipes and will end it with my very best favorite! Hope you'll check back each day for the newest recipes! Once I can at least get to my laptop, I should be able to create cute recipe cards with all of the new kits that Lisa Majewski (at 3Scrapateers and DigiScrap Boutique) and FishinMom (at Digital-Scrapbooking) Designs have created; plus a few other kits that I've bought or have been RAK'd!
So... as one of my friends used to say... "Love, Peace and Hair Grease..." (I used to hate that when he would say it, but for some reason I just felt like using it! LOL... he's now stationed in Belgium, and I haven't heard from him in a while; he was one of my "little brothers" when we were stationed at Security Hill; I had 2 little brothers while I was there, only because I was the oldest and was always in their business when it came to the girls they dated!! LOL)
(((hugs)))
me
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Blogging From the Hospital
Weird that I can't get into my e-mail but can get into the blog, so this is how I'm hoping to catch everyone up! Also, there are problems with the home phone and the cell phone; so uh yeah, everything is on the blitz around here!! Niko has been sick too, but Pablo tells me that with the new 52" television, the puppies are starting to really get into the television and what's going on on T.V. Isn't that funny? Well, I know we used to have a Mini Schnauzer while I was growing up, and he used to absolutely LOVE to watch the Jetsons!! So... Now Niko and Sasha have become movie watchers...
Well, someone is sitting here waiting to use the computer, so I'll have to be going (only get 30 min on the computer here at the hospital, but at least I can submit to my blog!!)
Also, if you haven't already, check out http://fishinmom.blogspot.com for the Mega Freebie Christmas Around the World Kit!! She put her heart into getting it up and running. Sorry I don't have the links here in the hospital. Also, Lisa Majewski has a really pretty new kit out: "Crystal Clear" I can't wait til I'm home again to be able to use it! http://lisamajewski.blogspot.com.
I know there are some challenges over at 3Scrapateers for loads of fun and freebies, called the "Twelve Days of Christmas" in the forum; click on the link, or use http://www.3scrapateers.com. Best way to contact me I guess is the blog right now.
Happy holidays!! Merry Christmas, and I'll have some recipes for you this evening when there are less vets waiting to use the computer! I'm going to start my "12 Days of Christmas" with holiday recipes (Sweets and Drinks!!).
(((hugs to you all)))
Elise
Thursday, December 6, 2007
When it rains it pours!!
I tried going to school, I overslept and felt really nauseous!! I was already late, and I've got to go in and talk to the registrar's at school about my missing so many days since I've been really sick. So, I thought maybe I could go and meet a friend for lunch since I needed to eat something (this whole hypoglycemia, diabetes thing is killing me!!); well, heck, on the way to lunch, I'm cruising along, and what happens? I have a BLOW OUT!! Yes, a blow out... but, the little bit of military in me or the grace of God, has me extremely calm! I'd never had a blow out before, and actually I found a little humor in it because it felt funny. I remained in total control of my Jeep, and slowly pulled to the side... OMG, my cell phone is dead!! LOL, right? You can see where this calamity of events is going huh? So, thank goodness for weight loss and for daily walks with the pups... I started to try and change my tire, but I didn't think I could since it's an SUV. I grab my purse and begin to run to the nearest store; which is a Best Buy about a mile back down the road!! I'm running, and I'm running!! Want to hear something really strange? I had changed my clothes and shoes before I left the house, otherwise, I would have been in a really dressy outfit with Crocs on... ever tried running in Crocs? It doesn't work!! But back to the story; I get there, they actually let me use their phone!! Even the manager asked me if everything was okay and offered me a place to sit and wait while I waited for AAA to come and fix my flat or tow me!! I told her that was okay, I was going to wait with my vehicle. (oh yeah, and I told her thank you so much for letting me use the phone free of charge, I'd remember and make sure I continue to shop at that location!!) A cop saw me running back, and kept driving... well, then they pulled ahead and parked on the feeder (yes, in Houston, we call them "feeders"; I think everyone else calls them "access roads" or what ever that runs along side the freeway).
So I had no time to watch this cop sit there to pull over cars and look at me run. Got back to my Jeep, and was going to wait for the wrecker that Triple-A (AAA) had called; supposedly a 45 min wait. Then, the cop disappeared. Yes, I felt like I was going to puke up a lung after that 2 mile run! But I'm in control. Next thing I know, there's a cop pulling up behind my vehicle about 10 min later, and I jump out and run to the cop car, asking her if she was there to give me a ticket!! (Hey, things couldn't have gotten any worse at this point, right? Blow out, no cell phone, 2 mile sprint/jog, 45 min. wait...) She tells me, "uh, is there a reason I should give you a ticket?" I told her no, it's just that I didn't know if it was okay to have my car there on the side of the road--she looks at me and says "You don't have much of a choice now do you!??" LOL... uh, yeah...
So, long story getting shorter, we go through this huge fiasco of trying to release the tire from underneath the Jeep, and THEN the wrecker showed up!! (Yeah, after she and I had done the hard work--although I won't say that I had told her that she probably couldn't change my flat after she had offered; so you know what kind of look she gave me to that comment!)
So, the guy gets the tire changed, she follows me out to let me pull out, and I'm on my way!!! I went directly to the tire store; BUT... on the way there, I'm shaking because I'm starving!! So, I go in, and figure I can get something to eat while they change my tire. All of a sudden, I'm not thinking clearly, can't remember my phone number, can't remember my maiden name since that's what was in the system (mind you, I've only been married 2 years; so that shouldn't have been a problem), and I'm shaking uncontrollably, and hoping the guy doesn't notice. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight... So, anyways, he offers me some water, asks me if I'm diabetic; I tell him I don't know... buys me a coke, hoping that would help... And he is even nice enough to open the Splenda tablets I'd bought so I could get some kind of sugar in my system... Mind you, I'm staying calm!!
Here are the photos the cop helped me take. And everyone said that League City cops were horrible... not in my book!!
So, that guy let's me call Pablo, and I finally get ahold of him (Couldn't when I had called him from Best Buy) So anyways, I tell him I needed him there because I had just had a blow out, and I was starting to feel lousy... with the shaking and everything... So, that guy gets me all squared away, and tells me I could go to Popeye's to grab a bite while I wait, so I can start feeling better; what do I tell him? Oh thank you, but I don't eat poultry... I'm going to Sam's or walk home and get something. As I started to walk out of their parking lot, I got hungrier and worse!! So, home [and I had thought about going into Hobby Lobby to waste some time] was not an option! So, I go into Sam's Club to order a slice of pizza, and the dang old grump box of an old lady tells me to wait for the other worker to come back. (Mind you, I'm standing there shaking and it is quite evident!!) So, I wait, but then I start feeling like I'm going to throw up or pass out onto the floor! Aha!! Sam's gives out free samples!! So, I start walking to see what's going on; got me a piece of shrimp, some juice blend, and I was waiting on the lady with the sweets, but felt like I couldn't wait, so I bought a thing of brownie bites and some 100 calorie pack Nabisco Cookies!! Mind you, everything in Sam's is sold in bulk!! LOL... so I am now at the point where I can't even see or walk straight; I go to stand in line, and I'm "fading", so I run to the jewelry counter and I'm checking out there. Geeze, I must have looked pretty bad or been shaking pretty bad, because those two ladies were ready to help me (they STOPPED doing what they were doing) and they even opened up the brownies for me and offered to walk them over to the table area for me. I had this!! If any of you know me, I don't like to cause or draw attention to myself, and I never ask for help. I'm always the one to help others...
Well, here's the good part, right?? I'm thinking this sugar is going to kick in any minute now and I'll be well enough to walk home and lay down (Home was only about 1.5 miles away, the subdivision is really close to the Sam's), I'm sitting there, and shaking, and my vision is going wacko, and I start to feel like I'm slowing down and slinking onto the floor! At this point, all I remember now, is that there was a lady that came up to me and asked if I needed a basket (one of those little wheelchair cart thingies), and I told her yes, then no, then I couldn't get the words to come out of my mouth, and I don't know what happened to her, I told her I'd be fine. I'm stuffing my face with the brownie bites [LOL... at this point, I either look like a crack head or a bulimic!!] So, the next thing I remember, there's a man standing in front of me with a slice of pizza with a badge on, and I'm telling him "thank you, thank you, I have money!!" Then I start explaining to him about the grump butts that were working over there at the food thing, and how they saw I was shaking, but told me to wait... I'm eating the pizza now like there's no tomorrow, and then another lady comes by and asks if I'm diabetic. Nothing worth any sense is coming out of my mouth!! I almost thought maybe I was having a stroke or something... then another pregnant lady comes up beside her and asks if I've got any glucose tablets in my purse... I'm like "what is that?? I've got money, I can buy some if I need it!!" Now, thinking back could you imagine if someone wanted to rob me??? They knew I had money!! LOL... So, the pregnant one tells the other lady I need some orange juice. I don't remember her leaving or coming back, but I'm sitting by myself again, and the tall lady shows back up with a gallon of OJ... I tell her, "uh, I don't like orange juice, but thank you anyways!!" So then the other lady shows back up (mind you, my vision is crazy, and I people are disappearing and reappearing basically out of nowhere...). She tells me the Pharmacist said the OJ would help me feel better pretty fast. Okay, so I drink it, almost gagging on it... Uh, not feeling better... she sits down with me, the guy with the pizza sits down with me, and they said they see me in there all the time (Embarrassment point #1). So, if I go back in there, they'd recognize me (Embarrassment point #2). Then I start to pass out.... the guy grabs me and I'm okay... drink more OJ they tell me... (Embarrassment point #3... and I'm stuttering like a babbling idiot!!). Long story coming to a close, it seemed like it took Pablo an eternity to come and get me!! They were originally going to take me home, but the guy said if there was no one at home, then if I passed out, anything could have happened. So I was being held there hostage--because I told them I didn't need an ambulance! (that would have been Embarrassing point #4; of which I was trying to avoid!!) I kept telling them I was fine, and I didn't want to get them in trouble for sitting there with me for fricken 45 min plus, and they were like "that's okay, we needed a break"... Who was I sitting there with you ask? The store manager and the assistant manager!! Boy, when I found out, I apologized to them for the comments I had made about the ladies at the food area, and they said that was okay, it was good to know, and they were glad they were able to help me out and that I told them before I went home and got on the internet to corporate about how they've got people working there that aren't customer friendly in a time of a crisis!!
My knight in shining armor showed up, thanked everyone for helping me (mind you, the Asst Mgr had called him like 3 or 4 times while he was on his way, basically to find out if he knew I was there, then to say they were going to keep me there and not take me home, then to let Pablo know I was starting to feel better!) Wow... I told you, a calamity of events...
A day of confusion, $1000 later, and now I look back and think of all the angels God placed right there in front of me, so I didn't end up in a coma or the ER. I had already been thankful that the car tire didn't blow so horribly that pieces would fly, and also that no one had hit me or that the Jeep hadn't swerved or something... So, how many angels would you say helped me out?? Once I was at home all safe and sound, I had to relax... so, what's my motto? "I scrap to relax!!" So I'll be putting up a few new LOs and even a QP freebie that I designed to go with the "Tomorrow" kit by Kimberly Stewart at 3Scrapateers!! And it looks like all of her items are still on SALE!!
Here's the "Tomorrow" kit and Alphas... scoop them up so you'll be ready for my FREE Quick page.
Lots of love, please keep me in your prayers... I have a doc appointment each day next week!
me...
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Digital Scrappers!! "Niko SALE"
I was in a chat last week, and as silly as I can be from time to time, or corny, a few of the designers over at 3Scrapateers have decided to extend their After Thanksgiving sales until the 1st of December, and calling it a "Niko Sale" [unofficially!! LOL]... isn't that neat? Long story, but I had mentioned that I was going to miss out on some items and asked if they could keep it on sale until at least the first of the month, as I wasn't going to get paid until this weekend... And guess what?? You now can take advantage of kits being on sale up to 50% off!! Woo hoo!! See, aren't you glad you're my friend? LOL...
Check out their stores and grab some goodies by December 1st!!
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sharing Some Photos
Taylar's 7th birthday!!
Me at 0'dark thirty waiting for a Black Friday Sale--wasn't worth it, didn't get the television I wanted. So that smile soon became a frown.
Me and some ladies (new friends) at By Design Scrapbook Boutique at the beginning of November for a Bo Bunny Holiday Planner class! 1st photo, Susan, Lynn, me, and Susan.
2nd photo are of Susan and Lynn from Canada! I enjoyed scrapping and meeting all 3 ladies, and now Susan (in the black shirt) and I try to scrap about once a week--well, when I'm not sick and she's not working! You should come and join us!
Sasha and Niko during our road trip to San Antonio; yes, they are sleeping on my new television! LOL.. at least I was able to go to San Antonio and make it for the sale there!
I will have more photos later this week, along with a couple of freebie downloads! Also, if you haven't signed up for Lisa Majewski's Blog or FishinMoms Designs Blog, you need to! Especially if you digitally scrapbook! They have wonderful freebies and sales, and you don't want to miss out! If you sign up or grab a freebie, please make sure you let these ladies know what a wonderful job they do, and that you heard about them from me! Elise (aka NikosMom on 3Scrapateers, DigiScrapBoutique and Digital-Scrapbooking)
Raining Inside My House!
Anyways, back to Niko, we get home, I was just about to lay down, and after about an hour, I'm looking for him... No where to be found was he!! Then I glanced at the end of the hallway, and he's sleeping against the wall. There's no doggie bed/pillow there!! I went to pet him, and he's got bumps all up and down his back!! He had a rash... or whelps or something! So I call the vet, I explain to them, and they say rush him back. He was having an allergic reaction to the Rabies vaccine, so they had to give him a diphenhydramine shot and observe him... for 3 hours, so I'm sitting there waiting; then the shakes and the dizziness start! Ugh!! So, I ran to Starbucks and got a "Tall Skinny Mocha Cinnamon Dulce Latte" and I'm not a coffee drinker! Oh but that was so delish!! :)
So, now we're at home, and we just watched the "Shrek Christmas Special" and it was too cute. I'm extremely tired, but due to the time difference in Sweden, I'm trying to stay up to talk to Marie! My sleep schedule and frequent trips to the hospital has gotten me so off track, I can't even remember the last time I chatted with my Twin Swedish Sister!!
Well, I'm loading some photos just for the fun of it, because I haven't had much time to do anything else. Not only that, these needed to be shared! Hugs to all! Enjoy the photos!
BTW, I've got some great news amidst all of this, and I'll have some freebies on my blog come Friday!! So keep a look out!! :) This will be a HUGE announcement!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The latest 411 (Updates)
Okay, here's the latest in a nutshell...
- Been to the ER twice
- I've selected the winners of the card contest I sponsored in Sweden
- Pablo and I managed to go to San Antonio in a one days' trip to shop for "Black Saturday" at Lackland AFB, and managed to get the last of the Christmas shopping done.
- Christmas decorations will go up on the house the first weekend of December, as my mother started that as a tradition...
- The ACOT Crop here in Texas is up and running!! (If you haven't signed up or paid, there's still time... I'm got surprises for those that sign up and pay before the 18th of Dec.; also, if you live in Texas and want to come to a crop with a bunch of wonderful ladies, please sign up for your free account on ACOT--http://www.acherryontop.com/, and you can join us for fun at By Design Scrapbook Boutique the whole weekend from 29 Feb - 1 Mar 08!!)
- I've got some LOs to share with you!!
- We took the puppies to "Woofstock '08" here at the Clear Lake park, sponsored by the Bay Area ASPCA... (my personal opinion, my Sasha should have at least won as Mrs. Woofstock!!--but it was all in good fun, I just know that I plan to come bigger and better next year!! LOL...)
- I'm working on a digital freebie for my blog readers... I love going to blogs and scooping up freebies, so why not offer one?
WINNERS of the Grodans Scrapgarden Card Contest (drum roll please....)
- Alexander--fars Dag (I love how he used the punches!! And of course, my favorite color scheme of Red and Black!! And he didn't even know! LOL)
- Annelie Rosinki--Christmas ornament (I love this shaped card and the different bling!!)
- Linda Wiberg Stjärna--God Jul (I just love the different techniques she used)
- Pia Kronkvist--God Jul (Of course those that know me, know how I feel about "Snowmen", but I fell in love when I saw this! Extremely elegant card, the "stitching" and even the snowman looks cute!)
- Sanna Orrgren--God Jul (look at the paper piecing here, and all that bling!! too cute)
**Ha ha!! I bet you guys thought I didn't have the proper keycodes to get those special characters for the Swedish names!! I think it's important that I spell everyone's name the correct way, because you know how I detest it when I get called "Elsie" when my name is "Elise!!" LOL...
I want to thank all of the participants in the contest as well!! It was a really hard decision, and I was going to ask the assistance of some of my American friends that scrap at the LSS here with me, but I had a few that stuck out in my mind as a card that I would LOVE to receive in the mail! You all know how I hate getting bills in the mail, and it's just so exciting when a letter, note or card arrives!! So... without further adeau lets have a look, shall we? Here are all the entries that were submitted... Please make sure to leave a comment about the cards you see here, and let's show a little American "love" for these wonderful Swedish Scrappers!! :) You know how much we like to get "warm fuzzies" on our LOs and work that we create when we upload to the galleries!! TIA!! Elise
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Announcements Galore!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Been sick... and a little more!
Can you believe I got to participate in a "Local" crop in Sweden? LOL... I didn't go there physically, but I made some prizes for those that attended and those are going in the mail, plus if you've seen any cards I've ever created or designed, I put together a card kit together and ran a contest there at Grodans Scrapgarden... My "svenska" (aka Swedish) isn't that great, but I'm learning it slowly! :) Some of the words I can make out, but if I need a translator, I ask Marie to translate for me! I wish Babelfish had Swedish on their translator page!! Maybe Nordic languages are getting lost or becoming "old world" languages... I know French and Spanish, and understand a few Germanic words, but Swedish, is nothing like the "romantic languages" of French, Spanish and Italian... so... I try! Marie laughs at me from time to time saying that some of my words that I pronounce sound like I'm from "Stockholm" or north Sweden--hey, first, I'm American; secondly, when you're used to rolling your tongue for Castillian/Spanish, you kind of put a twist on some words, no?
So anyways, I'm waiting to see what cards were made for the contest! I'll try posting a few, along with the samples I made that these winners are going to get to make from their kit! WOW, did I pack the kit with all kinds of goodies!! I just hope they like them!!
The special gobstopper of a prize that I made has already been drawn, and I decorated a little pail (clear), and filled it with:
- Heidi Swapp butterfly Mask
- Tim Holtz blending tool and distressing ink pad
- Heidi Swapp Ghost Shapes (Flowers) and some chipboards
- Making Memories Brad
- American Crafts Ribbon
- Scrapbook Magazine
Well, more info later!!
Oh yes...
INSIDE SCOOP!! The two girlies that I CT for have got some fabulous Christmas kits coming out!! I'll tell you now, in case I don't get it loaded quickly enough, sign up for their newsletters so you'll know when these kits are in the stores and on sale!! First week for both designers, their kits are on sale!! Don't miss out!! I mean MEGA sale!! 50-67% off!! You can't beat that!!
Monday, November 12, 2007
New Baby O Baby kit by Lisa Majewski--SALE!!
Credits:
“Baby O Baby” QP Freebie by Lisa Majewski
Stiches by Lisa Majewski
Alpha Tags from “Princess and the Pea” kit by Lisa Majewski
Fonts:
2Peas Renaissance
Bell MT
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Card Contest and an Update
"Hot to Trot" kit by FishinMom Designs
Thursday, November 8, 2007
She's up to something!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Holiday Kit Sales!! Only $3 Plus Freebies!!
Hurry over to her stores, and pick them up! Grab the Freebies at her blog by clicking here!
These kits will be on sale until midnight Thursday, 8 Nov 07!! Get them before the go back to regular price!!
- "Painted Desert" Can be purchased at either of her stores at digiScrap Boutique or 3Scrapateers
- "Boo-Who" Can also be purchased at either store at digiScrap Boutique or 3Scrapateers
When you visit her blog and scoop up the freebies, let her know Elise sent ya!! And if you're joining either site for the first time, make sure to use my user ID as the referral--"NikosMom" :) Enjoy your week!
Elise
Update on Marie and Card Contest!!
I've decided that no one likes to be sick or stranded at home in the bed--not even scrappers surrounded by scrapping supplies when you are kind of immobile or can't carry or lug all your new goodies home from the store if you go out and buy new stuff without having to ask someone to help you carry the bags in! So...
To put a smile on her face, (and a smile on your faces!) I'm holding a CARD Contest!! The rules are below:
- Card can be digi or paper, but must be mailable. You may design it on digital, but must be printed out....
- Cards must be completed and photos, scans or jpeg files must be e-mailed to me by Midnight Saturday, 10 Nov 07, so that I can e-mail you her mailing address so you can put it in the post on Monday!!
- Postage to Sweden is currently $0.90 (90 cents) I will reimburse each participant for postage directly to her... there will not be enough turn around time for me to have you mail them to me and then me send them to her.
- You must agree to keep her address and personal information IAW Privacy Act 1974 once I give it to you. This is important, and I know you wouldn't want someone else passing out or using your address for unofficial business.
- Cards must be in the category of Get Well, Quick Recovery, etc. (Not Thank you, or Birthday cards if you know what I mean).
- Cards must be 5"x5", 5"x7", or 6"x6" for easier mailing, and my be embellished any way you like! With your return addy on the front of the envelope in case she would like to write a Thank you note...
- Cards will be judged by dh who also scraps, but has his own style and is not partial to any of my blog readers!
- Please sign your cards with your name and your ACOT or other MB name.
- I will announce a winner on Sunday evening, November 11!!
- Submit your entries with your name, MB name, and frequently shopped online store from the selection of (ACOT, DSB, or 3Scrapateers)
Good luck and thank you for playing! Can't wait to see your entries!!
Here is the one I made for her!!
(I will print the papers out on Bazzill, and paste the Strength sticker on chipboard, and probably use Prima flowers for the Daisies and leaving the "Wishing you..." printed as is on cardstock as well! So it then becomes "Hybrid" and mailable.) I'll post a photo when I complete it! TFL!!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Prayers Requested and an ACOT CT Designer Layout!
Now, I've got to tell you, even though I've been so worried about her, I had to do something to keep my mind preoccupied so I wouldn't be calling and bothering her husband at all hours of the day and night, so I partied at the ACOT (A Cherry On Top) National Digital Scrapbook Day!! Wow, did I have a blast! I didn't get to win the GRANDE prize, but the lady that did, really did deserve it, so it was just like I won!! But I got to know a lot of cool ladies on there that I didn't know that well before, we joked and we joked and we joked!! But here's the best part!!! Can you hold your breath? BTW, they had me waiting for a whole week with this one, but here goes the story... lately I've been pretty emotional; not sure why, but I stayed up til the midnight posting to see if my photos were selected for the "Win A Designer Layout Contest" and when I went to the gallery, I didn't see my photos anywhere, I started to cry, but I was on the phone with another ACOT girlie at the time, so I was trying to hold back the disappointment (although I didn't do so well, she heard it in my voice), and then I looked a little closer, and this is what I saw!!!
LOOK!!
This is "Our Love" by CamsMomma on ACOT
She used the new ACOT Collaboration kit "Transitions"
This was about the neatest thing anyone could have done for me with those photos!! Those tears of disappointment quickly became tears of JOY!! I was amazed!! Every chance I get I just want to look at it, because I'm so used to scrapping my own photos, to see it from someone else's perspective, it was simply outstanding!! She used colors I wouldn't have thought to use with those photos, but I love the look!! Well, I'm off to finish some more layouts!!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Halloween...
We had a blast on Saturday night... we went to "Boo on the Boardwalk" at Kemah; the name of the Haunted house there was called the Dungeon--they made it from the parking garage!! Talk about wow! It was better than the ones we went to last year (which shocked us all) I'll have to upload some photos when I get them sorted... for now I've got a layout I created of my sister in her costume that she bought to go to a Halloween party! Of course she tried put it on at my house in hopes of an opportunity later, and there was a club that was having a costume contest, so afterwards, off she went! Looking like a sexy devil!! The actual name of the costume was "TinkerHel" (oops... not such a cute name, but it's a play on words...)
Another FREEBIE from Caro!!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
RAK Winner...
HapEScrapr said...
Educating people about thyriod disease.
The ribbon is light blue.
Here is a preview of the kit. If you like what you see and didn't get a chance to win it, you may purchase it from 3Scrapateers or digiScrap Boutique while it's on sale for only $3!! It is crammed with all sorts of goodies that you normally do not get with a lot of kits, and it can be used for both girls and boy pages! You know me, I always scrap a lot of puppy photos or hubby photos!!
Congrats HapEScrapr!! (Please e-mail me to claim your prize at Sosaswife at gmail dot com... Thanks for all of those that played!! Everyone can pick up a Quickpage FREEBIE until the 31st of October and let Lisa know that you heard about her designs from Elise!!)
Freebie for Cat Lovers!!
Monday, October 22, 2007
All for a good cause...
I was a part of the "Scrap Pink Weekend" at my LSS, and we had a blast!! All kinds of goodies were handed out, and more than half of the monies raised went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in support of getting control of this Cancer. I am currently working on a layout, and should have it posted before the end of the week! (Maybe even tomorrow!)
Also, FYI, I have "Walked" for the March of Dimes (saving premature infants and those that come into this world fighting every second!) since I was in High School, and I've got a team called "Crop 4 Dimes" that I started when I could no longer physically do the walk, but still wanted to raise money. I'm looking for an LSS to hold it at for 2008, and will have all kinds of prizes and goodies for those that attend and donate... details to come, so please keep an eye out! If you'd like to join me in this effort, please contact me!
I am part of a society devoted to "Sticking our Necks Out".... if you can tell me what this means, or what color ribbon is used, I've got a freebie for the first person that can post the answer in the comments section! (No cheating please!!)