Mrs. New Plants

April writing...

I just bought two new plants at Lowe's on my lunch break. I am terribly excited to plant them tonight! (I know...I am totally a dork...but whatev.)

They are the Debutante Camellia and the Valley Valentine Pieris.

This is the Valley Valentine Pieris. It's such an interesting plant. It stays evergreen (check), it flowers (check) and it requires little maintenance (check).

This is the Debutante Camellia. I am really excited about this one. It stays evergreen (check), it flowers (check), and requires little maintenance (check). And not only does it flower...but they say it flowers from November-March...during the WINTER months. So I am really excited about that...my garden will still look FAB in the DRAB cold months!

What are you excited about planting this year? Are you a gardener?

Guest digi-scrapper?!?!?!?!

April writing...

Hey all!! I was contacted by Vicki over at Scrap That Idea about being a guest creative team member using a new kit they will be selling in their store on Sunday. As soon as I got all the elements and papers I got right to work!

Here is the first layout I came up with. I want to work on other layouts, but I actually have to get some work done today...so there may be more to come later! What are your thoughts?

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

In honor of our LEE Day trip this Thursday-Sunday (which is going to be like 5 adults and 5 or 6 teenagers in a van for 10 hours)...this week's Top 5 Tuesday poses a double-whammy: What are your Top 5 Road Trip activities?

5. Coloring
4. Reading
3. Singing...LOUD
2. Making Movies/Taking Pictures
1. Playing M.A.S.H. (haha...that took me back!)

AND

What are your Top 5 Road Trip Must-Have's:

5. Book
4. Coloring Book and Crayons/Markers
3. Magazines
2. Music
1. Camera

Monday Moan

Cory Writing....

My Monday Moan today is about the weather. I am really upset that the weather will not cooperate with my days off. I have been off since Saturday morning and all it has done is rain. I had great plans for these days off and now they are ruined because the weather didn't cooperate.

What are your moaning about on this Monday?

s h a r e

April writing...

Here's another Friday layout :)

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

Infertility. It's no fun really...but to have my Man by my side, I am really lucky.

Alot of our fertility process is strictly timed out and it can get pretty hectic for a stretch of 12-15 days for me...and Cory is so understanding. When I took my shots, he was there. When I was uncomfy after procedures, he was there.

Now that we are diving back in with more stuff he is there...holding my hand, walking beside me and doing his part. Having someone like Cory by my side makes dealing with infertility so much easier.

You ROCK Baby :)

Garden plans...

April writing...

For visual purposes...here's the final design plan...what I would LOVE to see for my front yard in the future. The plants and trees aren't necessarily what I want...they are merely a representation of color and texture for this area.

To help you...you can refer to this post to help you recognize the layout of the yard.

This is the top view of the front yard. The grey areas would be plant filled planters. The tan is the sidewalk, the black is the driveway, and the green area labeled "House" is well...my house! :)

This is standing mid-way up the driveway, looking towards the road. Where the fence is...is actually our road. The tall plant on the left, would actually be something like a clematis climbing the lamp post. The tall plant on the right, would actually be a clematis or passion flower climbing the mailbox. (This will be thin climbers Cory...not like vine.) He's not a big fan of vine-y things!

Now we are standing at the bottom of the steps leading to our front door looking at the front planter. We would add a rounded end with a tree of some sort. Possibly a weeping cherry tree. Then scatter plants of height throughout, as well as evergreen and flowering plants.

Now we are looking from the front of our yard, between the lamp post and the mailbox towards the driveway and our back fence. Remember the green to the back right is actually where our house is standing.

This would be the view from the mailbox towards the right side of the front yard...the front planter.

And finally from the front door towards the road. (again the fence is actually our road)

So that is the basic layout I would like to see in the future!! I want someone to drive past our home and to have it make an impression. I want it to seem warm and welcoming. I see lots of color, green and texture! What are your thoughts?

(And to those that offered so much advice *Mike* and commented, thank you. I know that most of you know my taste and want to see my yard look and feel homey too!!!)

Design Dilema

April writing...

So we are trying to decide on some lawn edging for our front planter (finally!). We have it narrowed down to three choices.

These aren't the greatest pictures...but I have photoshoped the three ideas into our planter to give the idea for what we are going for. You CLICK on the pictures to make them bigger...that will help you to view them!!

Here is the criteria for our project:
1. Inexpensive
2. Matches the house (or at least is cohesive in design with the house)
3. Provides a barrier to keep grass out of the planter
4. Doesn't look cheap
5. Easy to install

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION 1

This is the Empire Edger. For our project it would run us around $59.60 for the materials.

It is one piece with three small squares. 15" L x 4 3/4" H x 3 1/2" D. It has a natural stone texture on top and all sides, nature-inspired soft color blends. Joints create the look of three separate cobblestones.

With this look we would NOT have to add more fill dirt and raise the garden bed up any higher. And we would eventually have to replace the edger on the front side planter to match. (Which would be roughly another $60.)

Pros:
relatively inexpensive
no additional fill dirt needed
easy installation
color goes will with the house
provides a barrier for grass

Cons:
2nd most expensive option
would have to replace front side planter to match

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION 2

This is the Lodgestone Edger. For our project it would run us around $224.96 for the materials.

It would be two pieces stacked one on another for height. One piece is 12" L x 4" H x 5" D. (We would want two layers, so that would raise the height to 8" high. It has a traditional, classic look. Red in color. (like our bricks)

With this look we would have to add fill dirt and raise the garden bed at least 6 inches. (that's alot of dirt) For this look would also have to replace the front side planter to match, which may prove costly as it would hang onto our sidewalk, and we would have to raise that garden bed as well. It would be roughly another $230.

Pros:
classic look
matches the house
provides a barrier for grass

Cons:
most expensive option
would have to replace front side planter to match
we would have to add alot of fill dirt to raise garden bed
needs additional materials to install
more work to install

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION 3

This is the Scalloped Edger. For our project it would run us around $33.06 for the materials.

This is one piece with three rounded tops. One piece is 16"L x 5 1/2" H x 2" D. Classic design and could also work with curved pieces to accommodate straight and curved garden beds. Red in color. (like our bricks)

With this look we may have to add a little fill dirt to raise the garden bed, but not much, if at all. For this look we would not have to replace the front side planter as it already has scalloped edging.

Pros:
very inexpensive
easy installation
color goes will with the house
provides a barrier for grass
easy to install
can do curved beds/more design options
wouldn't have to replace side planter to match

Cons:
little additional fill dirt needed
may look cheap

So there we have it...what are your thoughts?? Eventually whatever look we pick from out front will be continued around the planters in the backyard as well. So we have to keep that in mind as well. (Especially cost wise.)

I would love to hear your opinions!!!

How do you empty this thing?

April writing...

Well..NOT like this.

Cory and I borrowed a friends Dyson to try out for a while. (more on why in a minute)

Cory gave it a whirl and by the time I got home from work, it was time for him to empty it. He pulled it off and was looking for how you empty it...when I leaned in to show him what to do, not thinking he would do it right there, NOT over a trash can, he pushed the button. Dropping all that he had just vacuumed up all over the floor, the ottoman, my bare feet and his shoes. The dust when flying everywhere...oh yuck.

Of course all we could do was laugh, and I ran and got my camera!! It was just too priceless. I mean look...you can still see my bare foot print in the dust pile on the bottom left there.

Just another day in our House.

"If you can't laugh at yourself, everyone else will."

Simple Pleasure Thursday.

Cory Writing...

My simple pleasure for this Thursday is sharing quality time with my wife just talking. We have been like two sail boats passing in the wind lately, so it is making me desire some quality time just chatting with my wife. I enjoy our time spent together and I am off this weekend so we will have to make time for this.

What is your simple pleasure this week?

What the ???

April writing...

The Hawaii Chair.

I know...huh?

Check it.




?????
Seriously?? Who would buy one of these things? (And if you did...does it ACTUALLY work?!?!) Who could work like that??? See Ellen trying it out here...





That's nuts. People are stupid.

Wordless Wednesday

April writing...

"I could eat my weight in Sushi."

*note*...I am ubber excited about Sushi Saturday this weekend :) Having the students and friends over for some sushi lovin'!!!!

Kings TV Show

April writing...

I finally watched the two-hour premier of Kings' on NBC last night. Wow. I loved it. The storyline and characters instantly drew me in...but more importantly...the biblical connection played out in prime time TV...was very exciting.

Here are some interesting points I have found while reading about the show and it's connection to the bible:

In the Bible - David is chosen by the prophet Samuel to succeed Saul as the King of the united Israel instead of Saul's son, Jonathon. King Saul was from the Benjamite tribe in the bible.
On TV - we have seen so far that the Rev. Eprham Samuels visits David Shepherd, thus starting a whirlwind of events leading him to working with King Silas. King Silas has a son...named Jack Benjamin. (see the last name...a reference to the tribe of King Silas)

In the Bible - David is described as having seven brothers and a father, Jesse. David was a shepherd.
On TV - Davis has six brothers and his Mothers name is Jesse. Also, his last name is Shepherd.

In the Bible - Goliath is a Philistine giant whom David takes out with a stone and a slingshot.
On TV - Goliath is a war tank, whom David takes out with a shoulder-fired rocket.

Other connections - TV version actually combines two stories about David, showing him saving the king’s son, Jack, from enemy nation Gath while slaying the Goliath tank, which were separate events in the Bible.

Conflict with the King – Just as in the Bible, Kings’ David eventually finds that his fame and influence over the people will lead King Silas to move against him.

So...it will be interesting to see where this story takes us...as those of us have read the bible...and are more than likely very familiar with these stories...we already have an idea of what's to come...the interesting part will be to see it played out on TV.

Hope you will be watching. You can catch up on the past episodes here. Watch the upcoming shows, Sundays at 9:00 pm Eastern on NBC.

There were many other undertones and things to catch, such as God's annointing being played out as a crown of butterflies on David's head. (thanks Sarah!) What were your thoughts on the first two episodes? Did you see any other fun tidbits?

Well??

April writing...

It was highly advertised and publicized that there may be some drama. Although it seems the only real drama was deciding whether or now to return for another season. It seems that Jon is done...and we see that Kate is still loving every minute of it. But what of the kids?

My initial thoughts are only this...maybe it's time to move on...and enjoy JUST being a family. To step out of the limelight. Do your final season and move on. (or don't do another season)

The way I see it...if the show was impacting my husband as much as it seems to be impacting Jon, you would not have to ask me twice. Where they seem stuck is this...did they jump to high to quickly? Purchasing a 1.13 million home? Does Kate love the show so much because it allows for her to be able to live the high life?

Yes, there are still so many questions, but I just hope that they truly make the best decision for their family as a whole.

What are your thoughts on the Finale of Season 4??

Top 5 Tuesdays

April writing...

on this Tuesday, I ask...what are your TOP 5 Ice Cream Flavors or Toppings:

5. Chocolate with Hershey's Syrup
4. Chocolate with milk
3. Chocolate
2. Vanilla Bean with Hershey's Syrup
1. Vanilla Bean with melted Peanut Butter

Monday Moan

Cory Writing....

OK I realize it is Tuesday, but I forgot/didn't have anything to moan about yesterday. Today I have figured out what I want to moan about.

I want to moan about our justice system. I am so tired of our justice system not working because flaming liberal judges don't want to sentence people for their transgressions. Because of their liberal ideologies things like what happened in Oakland California a few days ago happen. If you don't know what happened keep reading.

The first incident happened about 1:15 p.m. when two traffic officers were gunned down after what police described as a "routine" stop of a 1995 Buick in the 7400 block of MacArthur Boulevard in East Oakland, not far from the Eastmont Town Center.
About two hours later, after some 200 officers from Oakland Police, Alameda County Sheriff's Office, BART Police and the California Highway Patrol combed the area for the suspect, three SWAT officers were shot when their team found him hidden in an apartment on 74th Avenue near Hillside Street, police officials said.
In all, two SWAT officers and one traffic officer died in the two incidents; one traffic officer was on life support late Saturday.
"In these moments, words are extraordinarily inadequate," Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums told reporters at a news conference Saturday night at Oakland police headquarters. "We come together in shock, in grief, in sadness and sorrow. Our hearts go out to the officers' families who are experiencing a level of tragedy that goes beyond our ability to comprehend."
"These folks leave their homes in the morning, with every expectation of returning," Dellums said, "but they did not."
Killed Saturday were motorcycle officer Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40, and Sgts. Ervin Romans, 43, and Daniel Sakai, 35, both members of the SWAT team. The other motorcycle officer, John Hege, 41, was in grave condition, officials said.
The suspect, whom police identified as Lovelle Mixon, 26, of Oakland, shot at the SWAT officers, who "returned fire in defense of their lives," said Officer Jeff Thomason, a department spokesman. The suspect, who police believe was acting alone, was killed. Officials said the suspect was on parole after being convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and was also wanted on a no-bail warrant. Officials did not explain the nature of the warrant.

This tragedy could of be prevented if the judges would of kept this guy locked up, but no they probably made some excuse for him and now we have lost 4 heroes.

Man that makes my blood boil.

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

My Husband Rocks because our washing machine is finally fixed. (It's been out of commission since early last week...and thanks to Cory and my Dad it has been fixed.) So yesterday, he caught us up on the week and half+ worth of laundry we had piling up! He did his fair share of whimpering about how often he had to go up and down the stairs to get this done...haha...but I was sure to give him adequate praise for the extra help!! :) Thanks Babe! You ROCK!

And in honor of Cory...here's a little digi-scrappin for you...showcasing one of my favorite Cory memories!

s h a r e...more

April writing...

I wanted to share more digi-scrappin pages...I am pretty sure I haven't shared these before! Enjoy!!!

Jon & Kate...more reality drama??

April writing...

I think it's happening...the great downfall of Jon & Kate Gosselin. I have been doing some reading since the last post about Jon & Kate, whom the press and fellow bloggers have now name "Kon." It seems there is a growing population of haters. Speculation of infidelity on Jon's part. Greed, Cancelled speaking engagements, more family estrangement, etc. It's not looking good for them. Their show is now being called a "dangerous distortion of childhood and parenting." Ouch.

Who knows what's true and what's false. It's all just so sad.

I know that Kate can be a bit of a witch to put it slightly nicer than some of the haters (who are being referred to as the K-aters...gosh aren't people creative!?), and I have seen (on the show of course) how Jon can poke fun and push her buttons, playing the insensitive and slightly-less-mature version of a supporting husband. Then there are the 8 children running around, 6 of which are only 4 years old. I am sure it can get frustrating, difficult and tiring; especially for a Mom with higher-than-normal OCD tendencies to work with.

However the downfall here, and in most people's minds seems to be the GREED aspect of the show. They went from a teeny-tiny house, to a slightly larger house to accommodate their growing family, then they were able to make changes to that home, using the TLC paychecks they were receiving (as if they shouldn't be paid for airing their lives on TV?!), fast-forward to now; they have been blessed(?!) to purchase a 1.13 million dollar home...with more than enough space for their family of 10 to run around...and even to add two puppies to the mix. All on the dime of the fans and TLC. Whether it's money from speaking engagements, book sales, TLC shows, etc...it's money they have been paid to publicly showcase their family to the rest of the world. And let's be honest...it's not like this hasn't been done before.

We have The Duggars, The Roloff's, and The Hayes Families.

One might say that the trouble is rooted with TLC and it's fascination with following these types of large families...then it blooms into our societies growing fascination with large families. You can really blame TLC if the ratings are through the roof...we ARE the ones watching...we ARE the ones, in a sense, who are paying their bills.

Am I ok with that? At first, yes...yes I am. Why not?! However...when I hear of instances of greed, such as in the apparent case of the missing Aunt Jodi. (I know you are thinking to yourself...'yeah, why haven't we seen Aunt Jodi this season?') Well there is a story floating around, answering that very question. Then I read about cancelling speaking engagements because God has told them not to go. I always get a little itchy when someone uses God, especially when speaking about making money. I dunno...is it just me?

Gosh...I am at a loss. These kiddos...Aiden, Collin, Joel, Alexis, Leah, Hannah, Cara and Mady...we have all grown to love them...to watch them grow. It's sad to think that greed may have gotten the best of Jon & Kate Gosselin and these sweet little children may be serving as mommy and daddy's meal ticket.

The truth will come out in time...in fact...this seasons finale will air on Monday, March 23rd...and through the previews it seems they want us to believe that they will speak of some marital drama...then again...it could just be TLC dragging us on. Either way, I will be watching. Let's hope for a cut back in the schedule or even some marital counseling...either would be helpful for a family that as it seems may have been sucked into fame without the best ways to cope with it's harsh realities and temptations.

Simple Pleasure Thursday

Cory Writing....

My simple pleasure for this Thursday is seeing the face of two people that are parked in a secluded or not so secluded area having sexual relations when the police pull up. This is one of those moments where individuals make priceless facial expressions.

What is your simple pleasure this Thursday.

Wordless Wednesday

April writing...

"The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create."

Boo.

April writing...

I've got it all. Headache. Dry Mouth. Runny Nose. Sneezing.

Freaking head cold.

boo.

Top 5 Tuesdays!

April writing...

Special HOLIDAY edition! ha! Since it's a holiday today...*hope you are wearing your green*

What are your TOP 5 Holidays??

5. Does my birthday count? :)
4. Valentine's Day
3. July 4th
2. Thanksgiving
1. Christmas

Let's hear yours!!

Uppercase Living PARTY :)

April writing...

I am hosting an Uppercase Living Catalog and House Party!!! I would LOVE for you to come or take a look at the catalog!! Contact me if you are interested, so I can get your information!!! (Leave me a comment or email me at Slickslady@verizon.net)

Here's the website, so you can take a look around at the gorgeous stuff. Uppercase Living. You can even design your own!!! :)

Monday Moan

Cory Writing....

My Monday moan this week has to do with excuses. I hate when people give excuses for not doing things. If you know me you always hear me say, "Excuses are for losers." I really believe this and try to live by it. (don't get me wrong their is a difference between an excuse and a reason why you didn't do something.) To me an excuse is you trying to cover up something or get out of something. Well I have been getting a lot of excuses from someone that I expect to take care of a problem and they are only giving excuses. (it is someone I work with.)

New DIGI Layouts! :)

April writing...

I made these layouts today using a FREE Digi-Kit from the Shabby Princess. I LOVE this kit!! So much to do!!! Two of the layouts, I made from the examples on her page...the third one was my own. Enjoy!!! :)













If you are having trouble reading the script, just click on the picture and it will take you to a larger version!

Happy Friday!

My Husband Rocks Friday

April writing...

My Husband Rocks.Oh the fun we have together!! So, last night we were driving home and we saw a man step out of his car and begin to push the car out of a turning lane (he was broken down.) My Husby immediately made a comment about why the women in the passenger seat wasn't helping him...me being the ever present optimist stated something about the fact that maybe he was a 'gentlemen' and didn't expect her to help. Cory then made a comment that I found to be 'not-so-nice' and thus began our hysterical argument.

What's an hysterical argument you may ask? Well...it's basically and argument taking place by two people with smiles on their faces as they are laughing. So in a nutshell, not a real argument...more like happily bickering.

We hysterically argued all the way home (another 4 minutes or so) about whether the driver was white or black. Whether the woman was fat, skinny, pregnant or just lazy. Whether she was wearing a dark shirt or a grey shirt. Why she wasn't helping. What kind of car it was and the color. By the time we pulled into the driveway and stepped out of the car, we were both claiming to be right.

That's when he said it...and I am sure he said it with no thought of actually doing it, but he said, "Well I might just drive back there to see who was right." I said, "Let's do it then!" and jumped back into the car. He climbs in dying laughing and we proceeded to drive over to see who was right.

He was of course right...about most of the factors...it WAS a white male, a maroon car, a Saturn, etc. However I was right about the fact that it was a skinny lady in the front seat with a grey shirt on.

We laughed all the way back home, especially about the fact that our little hysterical argument kept us from pulling over and actually helping this gentlemen push his car!

Oh man...guess you had to be there, but it was funny!

You rock babe, cause you know how to laugh at life...with me! :)

Simple Pleasure Thursday

Cory Writing.....

Although Thursday is almost over I just got to a computer, so I am still going to do my simple pleasure.

My simple pleasure this week is being able to go over to a buddies house and share my new found talent of construction. I went over to my buddy Dave's house and helped him build a half wall at the top of his stairs. We were able to pull our resources and materials together and it only cost him around 10 dollars to build this wall. We had a great time too.

What is your simple pleasure?

April asks, What about Photography?

April writing...

How do you take pictures? Are you self-taught? What kind of camera do you use? Do you take pictures to print, to scrapbook, to blog?

Let's talk photography!

Me personally, I have ALWAYS been a picture person. Growing up as a teen, oh soo many (like 10+) years ago, I loved putting pictures ALL over my walls. I couldn't wait to get back from an event with the youth group and print my pictures. I remember having to wait to send in my mail order film (Mom used Clarks). It would take nearly a month to get my pictures back. But as soon as they arrived...those puppies were taped up all over my walls!

I've gone from that...then into the frame phase...one that my dear Husby just loved, didn't you baby?! (sike!) He said frames were everywhere...so I have resorted to hanging them all up.

Then came the scrapbook phase...oi...that got pricey. Then the era of digital photosharing...where I am currently residing.

I haven't in fact scrapbooked (with real paper) since my crop with Terri back in...Jan?? I have digitally scrapbooked...that's tons of fun...but then I can only share them digitally, I have only printed one page, and that doesn't serve quite the same pleasure as the real thing!

I adore my camera...I use a Canon PowerShot SD850 IS. I drool constantly over other cameras like the Canon EOS Rebel XS or the Nikon D40. (but those little babies are WAAAY too far out of my price range.) I don't really like printing pictures at home, cause the ink costs way to much (usually) and I don't have the best grade printer...(despite my husbands best efforts one Christmas to get me a picture printer) so I turn to Shutterfly and Snapfish for my prints. Cheap, Fast and Easy. That's how I roll.

I love learning about how to best use lighting, how to angle my pictures and what to take pictures of. I feel that my design eye is ever evolving and I can't wait to see where it will take me. I have like 12 blogs on my reader that are solely devoted to photography blogs...people that take them, people that have good pictures, etc.

This has also pushed me into the Photoshopping phase. Oh how I love Photoshop...I actually prefer Photoshop Elements, but that's just cause it is easier. I am trying my hand at mastering simple tasks in "big-boy" Photoshop, but sometimes my patience wears thin.

I'm rambling.

I love all things Photography. Basically because I love the end result...a memory...sometimes one sitting right there in your hand. Bliss.

So what about you? What about Photography?

VERB's very own Social Networking site!

April writing...

We just designed a new social networking site for the Students at VERB! I am really excited about it!!! I can't wait to get them all signed up and chatting, posting pics, vids and blogs on a safe place!!!

So Verbies, if you are here...go JOIN now!!!

Click on the picture and it will take you there!

Also, once you are there...check out the bottom bar across the bottom...like you see right above this line...

See where it says, "VERB Student Ministries (3 members online)?" If you click there, then you can chat with other friend online in a group chat room, or you can click on a members name and private chat with them!

Have a ball and STAY connected!!

Throw it up V!!!

Designing...me.

April writing...


Here I am....according to the design tools over at DesginHerGal.com. (Go Design YOU!!)

Please NOTE...that I have no nose...not sure what's up with that.

Here I am with my Husby...although he is a bit more generic looking...sorry Babe! (there weren't many options to make you, YOU!)

My Sis, Sarah wanted me to design her too...I did. Skinny chicks get alot more clothes and shoes to choose from...ehhh...that's life!

It's cute and fun, go try it out!!! Post on your blog what you look like and let me know you did it!!

*Note* in order to get a picture of my Designed Gal (I went to the dressing room and hit the "PrintScreen/SysRq" button above my number keypad, then I pasted it into a document, and cropped it! Hope that helps!*