Wowzers....

Good gracious, there's a million and one things going on!

First, the Grand Opening at The Scrapbook Pad in Colleyville was a huge hit (at least in my opinion)! Radio Disney was there, oodles of cake was eaten (boy it was UBER tasty! If you're in the market for a cake, check out Costco's bakery. They were DELISH!), grundles of prizes were given out (and they were GREAT prizes, Jeanie seriously spared no expense), and I think all of our tournament participants left having a good time. There were, as always, things we'll do differently next time, but I think it was a great success overall.

Second, the inspection on the house went splendidly. There are a few minor things that came up, but nothing that is a huge issue. We're asking the sellers to fix a few issues with the windows and that's it. :) Everything is moving right along for our April 9th closing date.

Except for... of course... PACKING. Seriously, if there was anything in this world I could live without, it would be packing. It's definitely on my list of things I hate to do.

The good thing, of course, is that it's giving me a prime opportunity to go through things and clear out the extras we don't need. And holy HAPPINESS... we happened to get a post card from a service agency that will be in our area on April 3rd collecting donations! How easy will it make life for me? I won't need to pack up the cars with stuff and drag it down to the donation center - one will come to me! YAY!

So, for the next few weeks, if I don't update much it's not because I'm dead. :) I'm just super busy (well, more than my normal busy crazyness)!

In other discussion... it cracks me up when someone mentions they read my blog - and I have absolutely no clue as to who they are. It happens all the time over at the store, or in various church conversations. Seriously, it cracks me up. I think my life is somewhat... dull and un-exciting. I started this blog as a way to keep in touch with my big-honkin-crazy and wild family (duh, being a reunited adopted child, with an already huge crazy family who marries someone with a big crazy family would make that out of anyone) and my various students. It's turned into a place to keep in touch with my artist friends, and community members in addition to the intended audience.

So, if you mention to me that you read my blog - don't be ashamed or embarassed! Seriously, as you can tell, I'm pretty much an open book. There really isn't anything I'm ashamed or embarassed to talk about, if you ever have any questions - ask. Seriously, I'm totally open to discussing stuff. Or life. Or crafting. Or pedicures. Or.... well pretty much anything.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Making a Difference... if only just a little bit

Warning: This is a long post - but important to me. So, if you need to go potty - now is the time. Then come back and please read it all in it's entirety.

Since I learned about it, I've had something kind of stuck on my mind. Autism. It's a word that until recently, I didn't know much about. I didn't realize that one of my coolest friends was autistic - that is until I started to read about it.

I've heard of other scrappers whose children were autistic, and I've read about their struggles - all while not really understanding what it meant. I remember reading Christy's blog - about her son and the fact that he is has a form of autism called Asbergers. I loved hearing her stories and how his style of communication involved using complex words - words by far too complex for a boy of his age to use. I remember wondering what it was like to have a child with Asbergers, and the impact it might have on their family and interpersonal relationships. I remember doing a google search on the subject and spending a bit of time reading about it. I remember wondering what caused it, and if there was anything that could be done to stop causing it - and really feeling kind of helpless/lost about it all.

I know that Ali's son is also autistic, and she's been so proactive in getting and finding solutions for him; working towards a better world for him. Finding ways to communicate with him and him to communicate back with her and her husband. I really admire the lengths that she's gone to - though I imagine I'd do the same for my child. You always want the very best, though sometimes it's not what the world expects or is standard for the world.

It's so strange and interesting how all of this ties together for me - at least in my opinion. I'd really been spending time researching and reading up on autism. And... there wasn't anyone in my life who was autistic. It was just another subject I wanted to have a bit of extra knowledge in. Not really for any particular reason (I'm strange that way), but just to know. Perhaps even to appease the curiosity in me.

However, recently, I learned that someone incredibly precious to me is also autistic. Dylan, the perfect beautiful boy I gave birth to, has Asbergers Syndrome. I admit, that when I found out I was scared and confused. I had found the message some time after it was sent - it had gotten squished in my mail sorting wizard, and was stuck in a folder I don't ever check. My heart was heavy at the news, my brain confused as to the cause and if I had played a part in it, and my whole being paralyzed because there was nothing I could do about the situation. I admit that I have yet to respond to Becky and Owen - in part because of embarrassment about the mail sorting wizard and my delay in response, but also in part because I just don't know what to say. Not being personal, and uber tight with them leaves me wondering if perhaps they blame me for his condition, or if perhaps they might regret their decision to adopt him. (In all honestly, I don't think they do either of these things - but to be completely honest the thought has crossed my mind.)

The research I've found shows mostly its cause is genetically rooted. I've checked with Sheri (my biological mother) to see if she knew of any traces on our side (maternal and paternal) - which we fortunately don't have (or don't know about). While it does give me some peace knowing the unlikeliness of it coming from my genetic contribution, it still leaves me heavy.

I know there isn't anything I can do for Dyl and his parents except send my fervent prayers to our Heavenly Father that His will might be done, that Dyl will learn the skills he needs, and that is awesome parents will have the strength to be steadfast and strong.

But, there is something else that I, and anyone else, can do. Ali began a crusade to collect donations for Autism Speaks, Inc. with the SixDegrees.org foundation. She is SO close to reaching and having the highest number of donations (which, if she does end up with, Autism Speaks will get another matching donation of $10k!). I've made a donation, in hopes that research will continue, in hopes that we can all become better educated about Autism, and with hope that even though my donation is a tiny drop in the big bucket of needed funts - it might go towards something that can help the lives of those who are also Autistic like Dylan.

I need to gather up my words and thoughts, and send a note to Becky and Owen, sharing my thoughts and my appreciation for them. I believe they are such incredibly fantastic parents - the absolute best parents there are for Dylan. I know they were meant to be his parents - and that he is where he is supposed to be. I know that Heavenly Father is mindful of him, and of his needs - and also of their needs. I need them to know though, that I know and believe them to be incredible people - and the perfect people for Dyl. I wish there was something else I can do for him - I really do.

Edited: Sorry, Mom - I forgot you can't see the hyperlinks. Thanks for letting me know that you didn't know where to go to donate. If you click RIGHT here on THIS, you'll be directed to the right place. Thanks - I love you too!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Big Changes and Simple Pleasures

A few weeks ago, I posted how something great was on the horizon. Unfortunately (or maybe not so unfortunate) it fell through. As most of you know, we've been thinking about selling our home for some time. We love the area, love the city, and love our neighbors - but we don't love the traffic or the predictions of how much worse the traffic on our street is going to become.

Oh the joys of living in a thriving new community/town, eh?

Well, Steve and I go through our cycles in regards to making this decision. It's been made for some time, but actually acting on it has been another story. We've been looking at houses with our awesome real estate agent, Lisa. She has been ever so patient with us as we work towards finding the perfect house for us - and incredibly patient in dealing with the strange decision making process we have.

Anyway, we had found a house that was ideal. It was GORGEOUS and was loaded with upgrades and little fun touches the owners had put into it. The layout was ideal, and my studio was going to be FANTASTIC! Sadly though, as is often the case, we waited too long to make a decision and another buyer had put in an offer that had been accepted.

So we went back to the drawing board.

We looked at a few more homes and found one that is perfect for us. It's not a perfect house by any means, but it is the perfect kind of house Steve loves. It needs a bit of work, but it's nothing that needs immediate attention. It's the kind of work which can be done over time and in it's time.

We put in an offer to the sellers and they countered. We, in turn, countered their counter. They countered again.... and we accepted! (All this counter talk makes me think of kitchens... and oh how I'd love granite or marble counters! I'm so NOT getting them anytime soon!). We'll potentially be closing on April 9th (holy shazam batman - that's FAST!). So, we're MOVING! After we've moved our stuff out of our current home, we're going to put it onto the market. Our agent feels that our home will sell quickly - we hope she's right!

It's still in the same town, but in a different sub division (and is on the same street as the previously located, but now unavailable, house). It has plenty of bedrooms for us, for our guests, and for our future family (no, I'm not pregnant), and any family members that come to stay with us for periods of time (our friends call our house Hotel Ales!). I'll still have a studio, and in time it will be fabulous. I haven't decided which room I'd like to declare as mine, but there are only so many options and all of the rooms (aside from the master suite) are close to the same size so, it really doesn't matter. I can't wait to hang my Cari Kraft original Robin's Egg on the front door - that's when I'll know that the house is really ours.

So, funds are going to be tight. It's going to be a new thing for me. Not being tight with money that is, but completely sharing a budget with Steve. Since we've been married, I've always just had a portion of my regular paycheck put into the main account and he's used it to contribute to whatever expenses we had. I used the rest of my check to buy groceries, household stuff, and whatever else I wanted. It was my money to do with as I pleased (as long as Steve had food to eat).

I'm going to miss not buying little sussies and lovelies from my scrappy friends. So many of them have incredible Etsy shoppes, and create such lovely things! Cari always has oodles of eye candy going on - and if you can believe it they're even more fabulous in real life! One of these days I'll share my favorite Etsy shoppes with you - there are SO many out there! Maybe one of these days I'll start one myself!

However, with this new additional expense, I've agreed to put the majority of my paycheck into the main account. YIKES! I'm going to be ACCOUNTABLE for my purchases (accountable is a scary word - don't you think??) And THAT, Ladies and Gents, is what's going to be new for me. It's a scary thing for me - someone will actually know how much I spend on things like... scrappy supplies, and Sonic drinks! I'm going to have to tighten up, and fly right - which honestly I should do anyway!

So, since I'm going to start living a sompler lifestyle, do you have any simple pleasures? Things which bring you little bits of happiness but are inexpensive? Would you mind sharing them with me? Something tells me that I'm going to need lots of help!

X's & O's,
~heather

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Cinnamon Buns like Cinnabon

Seriously, my mom makes killer cinnamon rolls. They rock beyond anything I've ever made. But, this recipe is pretty dang good too. It isn't for everyday eating as it's got a load of sugar and really isn't healthy for you - but it is tasty. Besides, it's okay to have a little 'not so good for you food' here and there!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 Tbls. ground cinnamon
(2) .25 oz. pkts. active dry yeast
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 cup 110 degree water
1 cup warm milk
2/3 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
2 tsp. salt 2 eggs - slightly beaten
up to 8 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts OR pecans - optional
1/2 cup melted butter OR margarine
1/3 cup granulated sugar
4 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup melted butter OR margarine
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. maple extract - optional, but recommended (personally, I detest maple anything)
up to 6 Tbls. hot water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar and the cinnamon; set aside.

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 tsp. sugar in warm water; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together milk, 2/3 cup sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter, salt, and eggs; add yeast mixture and 4 cups of flour to mixture; beat until smooth; stir in enough flour to form a slightly stiff dough.

Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead for 8 minutes.

Place dough into a large greased bowl, cover, and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Punch down dough and let rest for 5 minutes.

Roll dough out onto a floured surface into a 15" X 20" rectangle. Brush 1/2 cup melted butter over dough; sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over dough; sprinkle nuts evenly over dough, if desired. Tightly roll up dough and pinch edges together to seal; cut the roll into 12 - 15 slices using dental floss or thread.

Coat the bottom of a 13" X 9" X 2" baking pan with 1/2 cup melted butter; sprinkle 1/3 cup sugar evenly in the bottom of the pan. Place cinnamon roll slices close together in the prepared pan; cover pan and allow to rise in a warm place for 45 minutes. Bake rolls in a 350 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Stir together powdered sugar, 2/3 cup melted butter, and extracts; stir in hot water, 1 Tbls. at a time, until the glaze reaches desired spreading consistency. Spread prepared icing over slightly cooled rolls.

NOTES:

• I'll be honest. I'm a breakmaker machine kind of girl. I love loading in the ingredients, selecting the dough setting and walking away. This recipe does just fine in my machine (2lb loaf pan size). If you're a kneader - more power to you. I am from time to time. Seriously though, it works great in a bread machine.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Cabbage Roll Casserole

I'm a huge fan of cabbage. Steve - not so much. That being said, he did eat this meal - and he took it to work for lunch the same night. I love the ease of this meal - and it was super easy to get on the table! This casserole combines chopped cabbage with ground beef, tomato sauce, and rice. Preparation is much simpler than for standard stuffed cabbage rolls.

INGREDIENTS:

1.75 pounds chopped cabbage (more or less to taste)
1 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
1 t. worstecheshire sauce
1 1/2 cup uncooked instant white rice
1 (14 ounce) cans beef broth

INSTRUCTIONS:

Boil the cabbage for about 2 minutes, and drain WELL. In a large, deep skillet, brown beef and onion over medium high heat until redness is gone. Drain off fat and return to pan. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Cover and cook on medium, stirring occasionally, until the rice is done to your liking.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It was Unavoidable...

I thought we would be immune. I did, at least hope so. I did everything I could to prepare. I had the shots which are so highly reccomended by medical professionals. I've even been taking extra doses of my essential vitamins (including vitamin C). But, alas it was all in waste.

It found us. Or at least me.

That dang blasted dastardly flu.

Seriously.

I can't remember the last time I've been so sick.

Seriously.

Pure misery. The H-E-Double Hockey Sticks kind of misery.

Seriously.

Two days later, I'm still on liquids.

My temp is still up today, but everything else seems to be {finally} calming down. Whew!

Seriously.

If I could pay any amount of money to have avoided the last weekend of my life, I would have (or at least I would have tried REALLY hard to have)!

Especially since I had awesome plans for the weekend.

Did I mention they were AWESOME plans?

Heather and I were going to stop by and crop with friends for a few hours.

Then, we were going to go see The Wreckers in concert at Billy Bob's.

Instead...

I puked all weekend.

I slept what was left of it away.

It sucked.

By the way... all those flu meds that are advertised on tv?

Guess What?

If you get the flu on a Saturday, you can't get the meds until Monday at the earliest...

Which is already too late.

Bummer!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Who knew?

Your Hair Should Be Blue

Wild, brilliant, and out of control.You're a risk taker with an eye to the future.

What's" Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Deals, Life & Faire's

Wow… time really flies when you’re having fun! Or, maybe it’s when you’re really busy. Either way, they both apply.

The garage sale over at the Polka Dot Potato Lounge (aka the Magic Scraps offices) was great! There was LOTS of Maya Road products with incredible prices! Those who came had access to some great deals. I noticed a contstant flow so I think many enjoyed themselves!

I feel like I’ve been running non-stop for weeks. Which, quite honestly, is pretty much right on the button. Most of the running has been a blast, though some of it has been rather tedious. My day job (aka my paycheck) has been SO busy! We’ve lost a few team members recently, so we’ve been keeping quite busy. Fortunately, we don’t have a lot in cycle at the moment – but when it comes it’s going to be crazy!

Added to that, I began working at The Scrapbook Pad in Colleyville. It’s been a lot of fun, but man it’s a lot more work than I thought it would be. Working at a scrapbooking store is not a job where you get to scrapbook all day (not that I’ve ever thought it was). I’m helping the owner out with a few web related tasks (website updates), a little event planning, weekly crop hostessing (mostly Friday nights), and being a sales associate. I’m really having such fun working there. Jeanie has made the store a joy to be in, and like many of the other employees have said “This is my fun job!” I love being there. I enjoy cropping there, and the plans Jeanie has for the future are going to be absolutely awesome! If you're a DFW scrapper you'll have to stop in! The paint colors are barely even the start of the changes... there are HUGE changes coming! It's going to ROCK! Seriously!

Added to both of those is the softball league I joined here at work. We have two company teams who have registered to play with the Town of Trophy Club’s softball league. It ought to prove interesting, as I haven’t played softball in YEARS. I'm sure I'll be benched more than played - but it's the thought that counts, right? Besides if anything has to give in my schedule, this would be it.

On top of all of that, I was recently called to be the ward Activites Chairperson at church. So, basically I'm a busy girl - a very busy girl!

Something very fun and fabulous has popped up. It’s kept me busy over the last little while - I don’t want to talk about it until a decision has been made. It would be a shame to jinx it. If it all works out, it will be VERY exciting and a lot of hard work, but in the end will all be worth it! Please keep positive thoughts, prayers, and vibes coming my/our way – it would be SO cool! It would also close quite a few books for me, which would be GREATLY appreciated!

Last week, I participated in Scrapbook, ETC’s Scrap-A-Faire; an online convention/event full of classes and vendor booths. It was SUCH fun! I was able to take classes online, on MY time, at home in my pajamas. Seriously, I LOVED it. I took Rhonna Farrers Digi 101 class, both of Christy Tomlinson’s classes, and a GREAT deco scissor class. I’m really glad I was able to take them all. Unfortunately, due to my own oversight, I didn’t get to listen to all of the presentations but the handouts are very thorough and clear so I’m confident I’ll be able to complete the projects I registered for. I really can’t wait for the event to happen again in the fall. I’m definitely going to take a few more classes. Heck – I’m even going to plan on taking the time off from work so I can really hang out in my PJ’s and take the classes in the comfort of my studio, in my comfy (and not pretty) clothes! Be sure to check it out when it rolls around again – you won’t regret it!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Unbelievably Good Fruit Dip

This creamy fruit dip has only a few ingredients. If you want a simple dip that's the perfect complement to fruit, especially strawberries, please try this one. This dip is so refreshing and tasty – I often eat the leftovers on their own by the spoonful. It’s also fantastic as a frosting or topping to cakes and other desserts. With summer quickly approaching – this will be a regular item on our menu!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (at room temperature)
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
Medium container of Cool Whip

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with mixer until soft. Add sweetened condensed milk vanilla and lemon juice mix until it starts to thicken. Fold or stir in Cool Whip. Cover and chill at least 3 hours before serving.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Taco Soup

Seriously. We all need a super easy dinner to make in a flash right? This is SO it!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
4 cups tomato juice
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with chilies
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
½ package dry ranch dressing mix
Cilantro (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large pot over medium high heat, combine the ground beef and the onions. Saute for about 5 minutes, or until onions are tender. Add the tomato juice, corn, beans, tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Stir well and heat throughout, but do not boil. Serve with tortilla chips and top with cheddar cheese, cilantro and sour cream.

NOTE:

• This soup freezes VERY well.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Recently, I had this yummy treat for the first time. I haven't fixed it for Steve but my coworkers give it 5 thumbs up.

INGREDIENTS:

3 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 pkg. crescent rolls
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla
1 stick butter, melted
1/2 c. sugar
2 t. cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

Unroll 1 pkg. of crescent rolls in the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan. Whip cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and spread over crescent rolls. Top with second pkg. crescent rolls. Mix sugar and cinnamon together. Pour melted butter over crescent rolls and top with sugar and cinnamon mixture.Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

NOTES:

• This recipe can be made with only 1 pkg. of cream cheese and 3/4 c. of sugar.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad