Have Markers will travel...

Nothing like being able to blog, color and enjoy a Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks while waiting on an early flight in the airport!

Thought I'd share my latest Saturated Canary Stamp. Please forgive me for not being able to list the Copic marker color numbers this time, I was just so excited to share these two sweet cards that I had to post it during my layover! (And I was being stared at while I was trying to take the photo! I can practically McGuyver anything when it calls for it! Especially making a tiny light box for photography!)

Thanks for stopping by! More to come!
~Elise

Sosa's 10 min Southwest Sunday Soup

Homemade Southwestern Sunday Soup

Earlier this week I noticed Williams-Sonoma was having their "Celebrating the Harvest: Apples" technique class today, so last night I called up and snagged us a spot for 10a.m. this morning. (And anyone that knows me, knows this would be a challenge for me.) So, we got up and out and we were there 40 min before they were even open!  The class was wonderful, and my next attempt after our vacation will be homemade apple sauce.

So you say what do apples have to do with a Southwestern Soup? Nothing, other than the fact that I bought my Professional Series 750 Vitamix from Williams-Sonoma, and the manager was asking me what all I've made in it, and we started talking about soups and afterwards my husband said, let's try it when we get home!

So...

Within 10 min of getting home and only using 10 common ingredients found in most pantries, we were eating a healthy, filling and most importantly a quick soup!

Servings: Makes 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Hot Water (Boiled if not using a Vitamix with the preset "hot soup" feature)
• 1 Celery Stalk
• 1 Tomato 
• 1 Carrot
• 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon - Organic
• 1 tsp Southwest Spice Blend (I used Blend it Up!)
• Tortilla Chips (about 6-7; and then some for garnish)
• Cilantro (I pinched off a small handful because we like it; can also be omitted)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Put first 7 ingredients in the Vitamix, no chopping necessary, it will blend it all up!
2. Turn dial to  preset Hot Soup function and start cycle.
3. Add a handful of tortilla chips and desired amount of cilantro, along with fresh grated black pepper and salt and turn dial to 1 and pulse just enough to chop and integrate the chips and cilantro.
4. Serve with additional cilantro and chips to garnish.  Enjoy!

Variation Note:  Add chicken, corn or even black beans for a more chunky soup.  You can also add jalapenos for an added kick!

I'm not [usually] a fan of soups, but boy was this really good!  If you like tortilla soup, this is "kind of" like it only there's no chicken, no cheese and very quick and healthy.  I'm already thinking of my next soup will be! (Although, hubby hinted I need to try making a pumpkin soup... hmmm...)

~Elise

A little bit of humor...

So, I tried updating/recreating a blog that strictly showcased my artwork.  Um, that didn't work one bit! New blog, couldn't remember how to set up feedburner so you could sign up for email updates, and next thing you know I've got about 10 windows open all with Blogger and one window leads to another, which in turn wants me to set up my Picasa to link with my phone, to link to who knows where else, so guess what? I'm going to cook dinner and revisit this fiasco another day! Maybe when I get back from my vacation and then think a little more clearly.  How does that sound?  And if you have any tips or tricks for me, Puh-LEASE help!! :)
Cheers!
~Elise

Delicious Side Dish (or great GF meal!)

I'm not usually one to try recipes from what I've found on Pinterest, but I found this one and had to try it right away since we've been getting our produce delivered right from the same dairy farm that delivers our dairy and eggs! (Absolutely the best to get fresh milk, fresh cage-free eggs, and now organic locally grown produce!?! Yum!)
So, I've been on a total zucchini kick and of course different ways of cooking it other than steamed or grilled, and happened to come across this recipe for Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Oven Roasted Zucchini over on the Cooking Classy blog.  Why not serve something healthy and delicious to your family? Takes less than 20 min to prepare and cook! 

Now that it's Zucchini season, what do you prefer? Savory or Sweet Zucchini dishes?
~ Elise

Upcoming Intro to Coloring with Copic Markers

So now that I'm an official Certified Copic Designer, I'll be teaching and doing demos throughout the Denver area! I'm excited, the owner of the local crafts store I frequent is excited and she already wants me to come up with 3 classes!

So... here's a sneak peek at one of the projects in the beginner course.  If you're interested in signing up, keep an eye out, I'll be posting class dates soon!
~ me

Accepted to be a Certified Copic Instructor!!

I am elated! Lots of new things happening this year after practically a whole year of being on a hiatus.  Originally due to my illnesses, I had to incorporate digi scrapbooking into my repertoire and then having your computer crash tends to make you look for other alternatives to your craft/hobby to keep yourself sane, so.... while visiting a friend of mine in Colorado for a Scrapbook Expo, I found a new love...
Wait for it...
Yes! COLORING WITH COPICS!  (Copic Sketch Markers that is...) So 2 years later, and after being approached by a local store owner to come in and teach classes from time to time and then every time I go into the local Michael's and have other coloring enthusiasts ask me what I've been working on and how they wish they knew how to use the markers, I decided why not? Yep, why not get certified.
I am so excited that I've been accepted into the program and I'm totally looking forward to attending the course! I will be posting samples soon! Or you can find me on Pinterest where I've already pinned a few projects.
Cheers!

It's been a while...

I can't believe it's been almost a year and a half since my last entry.  Last year was NOT a good year for me--health wise...  I take a lot of things personally and I try to help and be there for others, and I took on a lot of stressful situations, and unfortunately it landed me in the hospital a lot more than I planned...

Recently I have started back scrapbooking and I have run into so many friends from the past; so caring and loving and to feel the genuine/sincerity in their voices and to be able to see it in their faces; it let me know that maybe did bring "sunshine" to others...  After the hugs and the questions, I explained how I was sick (somehow it was revealed by little birdies or something...) but I would tell them that I was just so embarrassed.  How do you laugh and joke and be there for a friend and then just "fall off the face of the earth" (as most have called it) and come back to say "hello, I've missed you..."   It's not easy, it's embarrassing, but a lot of those that were in my life, I have asked to forgive me for not staying in touch.  Then I'm asked, "what is there to forgive?"  I can't explain it, I can just say THANK YOU.  Thank you for still considering me to be your friend, and thank you for your understanding and acceptance.  I have learned that if something is negative in your life, you've got to remove it.  There were a lot of things [and people] that were not good for me--situations or acquaintances that constantly take take take, just aren't healthy for any of us...

Well, today is a "stormy, blustery" day, and the dogs have cabin fever, so now they are picking on each other.  Pablo came home after 3 business trips and instead of bringing back souvenirs, he brought me back the leftover Flu bug he had... so for the past few days, I've had no strength but I've been contemplating on my next venture... Too many people complain about things and never do anything... I am planning something big...  :)

To those that were puzzled or felt like I abandoned you, please accept my deepest apology.  (And to LM, I owe you some money, I know I do...please e-mail me with your address, as mine has changed--I no longer have the earthlink acct)

(((hugs)))
me

I got a hold of a Sneak Peek!!

Can you say WOW!!?!?! Take a look at these yummy colors! Lisa Majewski has got a new kit that will debut this week in the stores, but I got my grubby little hands on this special peek for those that just can't help buying her latest kits! And how luscious or scrumptious does "Cherry Cheesecake" sound? Look at those burgundies, golds and chocolates! This kit looks perfect for Valentine's and Heritage, and even little girl or mom LOs... that's just what I in vision looking at this sneak peek. Don't forget there is normally a special price the first week in the stores, so definitely don't miss out on this one!

Well, sad to say, this is the first afternoon or day that I didn't create squat! I'm going to keep up with the LOAD challenge goal, and 3/29 Layouts isn't too bad considering today is only the 4th! LOL

More later!
me

Super Bowl Sunday

Well, not much is going on over here... not a big sports fan, so after flipping the channels, somehow it landed on Ice Age the Movie, and I've been listening to John Leguizamo's voice for the past 30 minutes or longer because I'm really too tired to pick up the remote and change the channel again! Sad I know! Just to show you what a lazy Sunday it is, right after church, I wanted to go to sleep, but I managed to do another LO... yeah, I know! A LO in less than an hour!! I'll have to post it here in a little bit when I'm actually at the computer. Ha! You ask where am I? Blogging from the laptop, lying down on the couch! Told ya it was a lazy Sunday! Thank goodness for a Mayor that believes in what the people want--Yes, FREE wireless in our city... cool huh? If I get bored I can run outside and watch the dogs play or run to the mall and become a people watcher and still blog or surf the internet! LOL...

Anyways, did the LO, and I think that LOAD challenge with Lain E. at BPS really did help! Now I'm going to continue the challenge, and when I started out in January since it was my birthday month, I had decided I would do mostly pages about me... When I look at all of the scrapbooking I did last year, they were mostly of the dogs, Pablo, and probably my niece. This year, I think it's going to be all about me, and I'm going to do them in Chronological order. Of course since I'm on a couple different CTs, sometimes the kits don't match my wedding theme, so I'll have few LOs here and there that won't be a part of my Wedding Scrapbook. I also think I'm going to multitask and start on my Military album this year! Woo hoo; talk about motivation, huh?

--------------------------------

On to other news... Very important!! The Texas ACOT crop is coming up at the end of the month, and man, if you haven't signed up yet, and you live in Texas or a state nearby, you are not going to want to miss the fun Amanda (mkcdaisy) and I have scheduled for you! If you love to scrap, fellowship with other scrappers, and enjoy prizes and munchies (chocolate included!!), then you need to make your reservations ASAP while there is still room!! The crop will be held at By Design Scrapbook Boutique, and you can click on the payment button to the right to reserve your spot! Only $10 and it covers two days of fun!!

Events planned so far:
Door Prizes
Nameplate Contest (details on www.acherryontop.com; free membership to the website!)
Scavenger Hunt (be prepared, I've created a list that will blow your mind! LOL)
Light Lunch (for those that need energy to keep going!)

Anyone interested in us holding a short class, please let me know what techniques you are interested in and we can even take about an hour out of the beginning of the day to possibly create a Hybrid LO! Or see how to use new products from CHA!!

If you've got one of the cool ACOT T-shirts, be sure to wear it! If not, and you've got something with cherries on it, wear that! LOL... you never know when or where prizes will pop up! Oh yeah, make sure you come comfortable and prepared for some fun! Tracy at By Design has also thrown in some wonderful prizes for our event too! So make sure you leave her a big thank you on her blog!

BTW, Digi scrappers... You need to come and have some fun too! Just because you create with a computer or laptop, doesn't mean you can't come out and have some fun too! There are plugs in the crop room that you can plug into also!

Crop Details:

Feb 29 and Mar 1, 2008

10 a.m. - 10 p.m. both days!

Cost $10

Out-of-towners, I have reserved a block of rooms for our event at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton for almost $60 off the regular room rate, and even cheaper than any AAA or Military discount! How cool is that? e-mail me for the link to reserve your room!

I've heard from a lot of the girls that plan on attending, and so far it sounds like everyone is just as excited as I am! Well, off to create my name plate and I'll post my sample when I come back!

(((hugs)))
me

Go Red for Women--Wear Red TODAY!!

Just wanted to remind everyone of National Wear Red Day for the number one silent killer in women! I designed this LO to make everyone aware of the many different heart conditions that a lot of women never consider until it's too late! For more information, please visit: http://www.goredforwomen.org

(((hugs)))
me

Supplies Used:
"Art Bin Dotty Paper" by CG Essentials (red polka paper)
"My Love" by FishinMom Designs (heart buttons, lace)
"Paint Brushes 1" by Amy Teets Designs (White bkgrd paint strokes)
"Diet With the Sugar Plump Fairy" Parts 1 & 2 by TallulaMoon Designs (red dress; recolored from black, red paper)
"Go Red for Women" digital freebie by Renee Peters (red/black heart paper, red/black heart patch, Go Red Word Art)

Thanks for looking!
Elise

Thank you!

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone that has wished me a Happy Birthday!! To my surprise, I was awakened this morning to Pablo and the dogs standing just outside the bedroom door SINGING to me... yes, including Niko! Niko has never sang!! :) So that was a total shock, but apparently he finds the need to yodel (as a lot of Schnauzers do...) So I said he was all off key! LOL.

Then as I'm checking my e-mails, wow! First of all, I've gotta say, I got e-mails from DigiScrap Boutique, 3Scrapateers, and Digital Scrapbooking! So WOW! I even got a birthday coupon from one of them! Woo hoo! More digi supplies!

But, you've got to see this card I received from Stephanie (we're both on Lisa's CT)...

Isn't that neat? And she personally included a "purple" balloon just for me! (Well, at least the card was in my favorite colors of Red, Black and white! LOL... for those of you that know me, I HATE purple! So it was totally a cool inside joke!)

I got phone calls from all of my family, including a couple of cousins that I thought had fallen off the face of the earth; one of which is ALWAYS on the Go! No one can ever catch up with her! Her own mom never even knows when she's home or not; between work and working on her Master's she's always gone! My mom and niece even came to take me out to dinner to celebrate, so... I'm quite full right now. If I didn't have shows to watch and 3 challenges to finish at ACOT and Scrap-Diner, then I'd curl up with a blanket and a couple of dogs to go to sleep!

Then... to my surprise, I got a freebie from one of the designers I don't CT for, but I'm always doing her challenges to scoop up some freebies! Wow! So, it's not over yet, I've got 4 hours and 12 minutes left on my birthday, and Pablo's not home yet! So....

Thank you to all of those that have wished me a Happy Birthday! I've got a chat tonight at 3Scrapateers, and gonna park my butt in front of the T.V. for Lost, Grey's, Survivor, Ugly Betty, etc. Hopefully nothing is a disappointment!

(((hugs)))
me

Busy, Busy, Busy

Got my Mojo back and look what I was able to do all in one day! I'm getting a little faster at digi scrapping! I'm so excited! Both kits used are currently on sale this week! I'm a doing the Pet Challenge over at 3Scrapateers with Silvia Romero, and here's Sasha's page that I created with "A Love for all Seasons" from Bon Scrapatit Designs by Linda Walton...

Credits: "A Love for all Seasons" by Bon Scrapatit Designs by Linda Walton

On sale now! Only $4.50

And here is a double page LO created with Lisa Majewski's Designs! Her kit was just added to the store on Tuesday, and would you believe I've already created something with it?? I know, I'm getting a little faster! I guess "old age" does that to some people huh? :) (hint, hint)

Credits: "Sprung" by Lisa Majewski Designs
Available at 3Scrapateers and DigiScrap Boutique
Currently on Sale for only $4!

Well, I'm off to bed, so tired... I'll post the birthday cards I've gotten so far when I wake up!

Happy Birthday Pablo!!

So, today is Pablo's birthday, and he's been running around all week (beginning on Sunday) telling me that it was his birthday... uh, no! Well, yes, normally we spend the whole week celebrating our birthdays, but this month has totally flown by so quickly it's a shame! He's been teasing me, that he gets to celebrate his birthday Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and now today, Wednesday, and then my birthday is only on Thursday! NOT!!

Anyways, here's to my beautiful, lovable husband:


Wishing you many many more glorious birthdays!!

Announcments and A Little Bit of Normalcy

Well, things are almost back to normal; the dogs are running around like little village idiots--playing chase, and Sasha never being able to catch up with Niko, so I have to hear her yelping after him as they make it around the couch, up the stairs, down the hallway, back down the stairs, through the kitchen only to do that whole trip about 4 or 5 times before they're totally pooped! LOL... so finally with a little bit of quietness since they are laying right here besides my feet, I've got a quick opportunity to post!

SALES, SALES, SALES! Galore!!

You have got to see the new kit "Sprung" by Lisa Majewski Designs (available at DigiScrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers). Hopefully I'll have a little time to complete a LO with it and show you what you're missing if you haven't already grabbed it, and there's also a freebie on her blog!

OMG!! Of course I can't forget to tell you all that I am featured in a magazine this month!! Can you not believe it?? It's been really hard for me not to say anything sooner, but make sure you pick up your copy of the Jan/Feb issue of ScrapStyle E-zine today!! Can you say a whole write up about me and my scrapbooking hobby?? With pictures and all, plus there are gobs and gobs of freebies to download from the magazine!!

Can you believe it? Make sure to grab your copy!! It has more than 300Mb of freebies, including a whole collab kit not available in the store! I was shocked and honored when I got the call for me to be featured in the "Beginner's Corner" section of the magazine!

More later!

It's Me!! New LOs Posted!

I can't believe that I almost never have time to blog anymore. As some of you know, I had a friend visiting from Sweden, so I didn't get much time to log onto the computer anyways, we were always out and so busy going shopping... and trust me, by the time we got home, I was totally pooped! No energy what so ever.

Anyways, I started out this month with the Big Picture Scrapbooking class with Lain, and the challenge was to do a LOAD (that's "LayOut A Day" for those that don't scrapbook! LOL) Anyways, I was doing great until I took a week off because she was here! No worries, though. So now I'm back trying to do a LOAD, and I really like it because it gets a lot of my photos that were just sitting around, scrapped!! I'm so happy, I've even done more "traditional" scrapping, and using up a lot of my paper supplies! Woo hoo! So, I'm planning to keep this up, and hopefully I'll have at least at a minimum of 15-20 pages done each month, which would put me at about 180-240 pages for the year! You think that's a lot? Well, check out the ones I've already done for this month...

Paper LO - "'T' is for Taylar"
Credits: SEI (patterned paper, velvet, buttons, ribbon and rick rack), Prima flowers, Heidi Swapp bling center, Bazzill Cardstock

Digital LO - "The Story of Us"
Credits: "Win'tree Weather" by Linda Walton (Bon Scrapatit Designs), January Sketch template by Di Hickman

Digital LO - "A Mother's Love"
Credits: "Winter Berries" by FishinMom Designs

Digital LO - "Le Dorm Chef"
Credits: "Groupies" and "Urban Swank" both by Lisa Majewski
"Urban Swank" available at 3Scrapateers and Digiscrap Boutique
"Groupies" available at Digiscrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers

Digital LO - "Croppin' Gals"
Credits: "Blakelee" by Carla Ware

Paper LO - "Just Us"
Credits: Bazzill Bling, Hambly Print Screen "Chandelier", Black Diamond and Turquoise Stickles, Heidi Swapp Bling border strips and Chipboard letters and hearts(silver), Luxe Rub-ons, One Heart One Mind Acrylic bookplate shape, Ranger Perfect Pearls Paint, Fancy Pants "My Story" Clear scroll stamp, Creative Imaginations "Creative Cafe" Gem Brads, Staz-On black Ink, Autumn Leaves Swirls clear stamp

Digital LO - "K-0 Karma"
Credits: "My Boys" and "Lover Boy" by Kimberly Stewart, "Way Out There" by Kim Hill, "Dog Word Art" by Carla Ware

Digital LO - "Sasha's 1st Schnauzer Cut"
Credits: "My Love" by FishinMom Designs, Template provided by Teriann Hanks, "Heritage Rose" by FishinMom Designs (kit retired), Paw Print Paper, Gold plate and word art created by me

Digital LO - "My Colorado Niece"
Credits: "Content", "My Boys", and "Winter Fun" Digital kits all by Kimberly Stewart, Scraplift from Bonnie Beechler

Digital LO - "Sisters..."
Credits: "Icy London" and "Crystal Clear" digital kit by Lisa Majewski Designs, "Never Enough Bling" by BannerWoman Designs, Scraplifted Bonnie Beechler, "Sister" word art created by me (Download Freebie)
"Icy London" available at 3Scrapateers and Digiscrap Boutique
"Crystal Clear" available at Digiscrap Boutique and 3Scrapateers

Digital LO - "The Joys in My Life"
Credits: “Red Leather Alpha” by Michelle Bradley, “A Fireworks Moment” by Linda Walton, “Sign and Date” by Something Blue Studios, “White Tighties” by Amy Teets, “Clipped Flowers” by Bella Gypsy, “What’s Black, White and Red All Over” by Stacey Kluczny, "Hot Mama Motif" by Glitz Designs, Sketch by Becky Higgins

Paper LO - "Bill Cosby Sweater"
Credits: Basic Grey "Recess" line, My Minds Eyes Buttons, KI Lace Cardstock, "Copper" Stickles by Ranger, American Crafts Thickers "Prancer", Color Box Cat's Eye Chalk

I think the best part of the LOAD Challenge is that it gets me thinking and I'm able to actually finish a lot of the other challenges at ACOT, Digiscrap Boutique, 3Scrapateers, DSO, Scrap-Diner, along with any blog challenges that some of the designers have too! *smile*
I'm planning to revamp my blog soon... just have to get everything sketched out. I know there are some challenges I'd like to list to the side that are held every month, plus I need to include links to fabulous designers that offer gobs and gobs of freebies!

Lots of love, and more later!
me

Trying to Get Back into the Swing of Things...

No more hospital time for me... I was discharged just before Christmas, and I've been so EXHAUSTED!! I look at my blog and the first thing I think of is all of the wonderful comments that were left for me while I was in the hospital. Obviously the network of prayer is very strong all of the time, because as strange as it sounds, they didn't/couldn't find anything wrong. Don't get me wrong, that's a good thing, but should it continue; then what? I have always been a pessimistic person but here lately I've tried looking for those glorious silver linings!

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...

Give me a 10 for Holiday Meez

Give me a 10 for Holiday Meez

Almost AWOL!!

So, I almost went AWOL (that's Absent With Out Leave) last night! If you know me, you know I'm a really picky eater. For some reason, they have me on a "fat control" diet and I really haven't had a decent meal unless Pablo has brought me something... so last night, I lost it! Long story short, I ripped off the telemetry machine they had hooked up to me, was about to rip off the heplock and had on my jeans and shirt and was packing up my magazines and blanket when the doctor came in and asked me where was I going. I told him I was tired of not being able to eat; I was lactose intolerant and they kept giving me milk, and that I was not a bread eater, but I had resorted to eating rolls; I was not a poultry eater, and if I was on a fat control diet, why did they insist on dousing the plate with gravies!!?!?! I don't eat gravy!! He told me not to eat what I didn't like, and I told him that's what I had been doing, and that's what left me eating the rolls and the iced tea and salad, but after 7 meals of barely eating anything, I had had enough!

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?

Hmmm.... In the Hospital!!

This week!! Again! Okay, so I thought I was at home for good; not! I guess there are some things you just can't control. I'm on a 30 minute time limit AGAIN! I was just on the computer earlier for about 30 minutes and someone decided they wanted to use it, so I decided to sign in again and wait until their 30 minutes was up again and now I've got to make this a really quick 30 minutes.

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! :)

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!