Fun with PhotoShop

June 2008
This is me, Mom and my sister. This was taken at Paul's surprise party last month. Cool effect. I'm just playing with different things, and don't even know much of what I can do with this software.

Totus Tuus Thanks!

Okay - I think I've finally found my new background! It's just nice to have something a bit different. I wish blogger had more choices. You'd think that they'd have more choices/updated templates. But no. I like to change it up every once in a while, ya know? Now don't get me wrong...it's sometimes hard for me to say good-bye to my old blog look [Should I have done that?]. I always get over it though.

If you've been peeking in the last couple nights, then you'll know that I've been playing and tweaking - and I did so HERE [you'll also see a button in the top left corner]. The first one [that green and brown ivy stuff] was too busy and didn't fit quite right. Then I found the right fit. Tell me what you think. I can take it!

A big thanks to Totus Tuus for her post on her blog designer!

She's Found Her Home!

Go over and see and congratulate my dear sister, Karen! And please, keep her in your prayers :o)

Music Widget

Problems with my music playlist widget. I could never go back into it to change any music. My email and password didn't match and I've tried everything to get my password. From "we'll email you your password" to me emailing them detailing my dilemma. Never heard from 'em. Oh well.

So I went back to esnips. Now I have a new playlist - small, I know - and one of the songs actually skips! In my stupidity, I thought those days were gone. So now I don't know how to 'delete' that song and choose another in its place.

Enough of my ramblings. I actually had a point, though minute, to make with this post. A question actually....

Anyone know what soundtrack these songs are from?

Oreo....

Oreo...wherefore art thou Oreo!

Therese got a new Panda Bear hamster on Friday. This is Replacement Hamster. If you'll remember, her last one, Panda, was put down a couple weeks ago. Every Friday is "get something new day" around here [see post below].

Here she is:

Therese let it be known - as we were driving home with her new hamster - that "Panda" was her best pet though. Awwwww. So now we have "Fuzzy", the male, and "Oreo", the female. Hmmmm.... $$$$$$$$.....

Blogging Improvements -

Paul's been mighty sneaky recently. This is not his calling. Really. He's a lousy liar.

I hopped on down to his office Friday night [his office is in our basement] where he was on the phone. He stopped his conversation [even covering the mouthpiece!] and asked what I wanted and basically told me I had to leave. I couldn't listen to his conversation. This is not the norm. In fact, I can honestly say that's never happened in all our 18yrs of marriage. I was a bit thrown from the horse by his response, but I complied - being the good wife that I am! ::smirk::

I had gone down to get the low-down on where we were going to go for dinner. I had Basa fish on the menu, but no Basa fish in the house! [he fell right into my trap!] So he came upstairs from his office - a bit frustrated - saying that he'd like to go to pick up a package at DHL. Why do we have to go pick it up? Why can't you wait until Monday to receive this package? - "Oh, it's such-and-such a part for Such-and-such company and if I get it now, then I won't have to get it on Monday. So I'll be able to take it right to the customer site and blah, blah, blah, blah....then we'll go get something to eat." [I heard that last part!]

On the way he told me how the "Dell Guy" took down his address incorrectly - even after Paul spelled it out for him. He acted so aggitated by this inconvenience of having to go out to pick it up. He also told me the behind-the-story story of Irene Sendler. That'll be in another post. This story is way beyond amazing [!].

Okay, so we get to DHL. 5 mins later he's bringing the box to the front seat. Why doesn't he just throw it in the way back with Therese? He tells me to open it as he's fumbling with his phone - as if to be making a call. [As I was opening it I looked at our address and how the street name truly was spelled WAY wrong!] He wanted to make sure it was the right part. Oh....it was the right part alright!

He got a Nikon D60 Camera for me! I was excited - though he probably didn't think I was. I was happy enough with the other camera and would never justify upgrading. With me, it's always later.

To be honest I was way more impressed that he pulled this off and got me! Well, look who he's got as an example :o)

So here are some cool shots - I think - with our new toy! Let me just say that this thing is SWEET! And I'm SO GLAD HE GOT IT!

I love you, Honey!

You know what this means, don't you? No. Not that I'll be posting more pictures. What it means is - I'll never be able to trust Paul again!

I've Got Nothin'

Seriously - nothin'. That's why I played around with my blog's format yesterday. I'm trying to think of something. Something interesting. Something not so interesting.

I'm selling books on Amazon. Wow. Making big bucks though.

Joseph just messed with my washing machine again. Have to start the whole thing over again. Not too happy right now.

I cleaned my bathroom. Yay.

Now I'm going to go tackle my ironing pile. I figure if I can iron at least 3 things per day [not really, but I'm doing the math], I figure I can get a handle on it. [Update at 2:10pm: I've done 2 shirts thus far - I'm determined to do more] [Another update at 1am - I only did 2 shirts :o( -- I need to go to bed!]

See. Not interesting in the least.

Which One of These Things....

....is not like the other.

Props

Could y'all do me a favor? Could you go visit my sister Karen and give her an "AttaGirl"! She is debt free as of today!

Proud of you Karen!!

Little Flowers

Planning out the year for our Little Flowers group. What sorts of COOL ideas do you have for your group?

Yeah, I'm beggin'!

You're Fired!

At least that's what one hs-ing father wants to hear.

I first heard of this story from Christine - an absolutely horrifying news story. Well today on our homeschool Yahoo group, there was an email from Jen where she informed the group what this guy was doing and what her dear husband did in response to this satanic plea.

He contacted Catholic League Bulldog, Bill Donahue. And then he, Jen's dh, created this blog in the hopes of getting this guy [Myers] fired from the university where he teaches.

Here's what the Catholic League reported.

It amazes me and I'm thankful for all those bold people in the Church who do all they can to defend Her.

Seen and Unseen

Remember my list of people who I'd like to meet? If you do, then you'll recall that Raymond Arroyo was first [or last, since he was #10] on that list - and if not the link above will show you my list. I just think he is so neat and cute as a button!

Anyway, I thought you'd enjoy reading this post from his blog on Tony Snow.

Uncomfortable

Do you ever have a question from someone that 'catches you off-guard'? What do you say? How do you react? This just happened to this lady and she wasn't prepared for the question and she surely wasn't prepared for an answer. She's expecting her 9th blessing in December and her experience makes you uncomfortable for her. But the outcome....beautiful thoughts. So all you pregos out there, you've got some material to work with when you're sprung upon!!

May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them -

If you've never heard of Mike Gallagher [conservative radio host], his wife, Denise, was diagnosed about a year ago w/endometrial cancer - stage 4, I believe. Well, she just passed away on June 29th, unbeknownst to me - until I read this this morning. Get your tissue/s ready. He put in some really tender thoughts in his public good-bye.

Love, Laugh and Live!

May God Bless You and Yours!

"Panda"...

... may he Rest in Peace.

Wednesday we had to put Therese's hamster down. It was such a sad day for this little eight yr old animal lover - and so hard for her mother and older sisters to see her in such heartache.

Panda's leg swelled up like a balloon - seemed like overnight - and he was crying in pain. I prayed that he'd just 'go on his own', but that was not to be.

We found a vet's office who took in exotics [seems like anything other than a cat/dog is an exotic] - and they said there is nothing they could have done. After he was put to sleep they told me that it was indeed a tumor as opposed to an absess [which was just as bad - really no treatment for a hamster].

We opted for the "Take the Pet Home, Burial Package" [as opposed to "Group Cremation" - a little more money - or the "Private Cremation" - the most money....and yes, I'm serious.]

So yesterday was the burial. The entire family trekked to the backyard where Paul dug the hole, said a few words, we prayed an 'Ave', Therese and Dani threw their flowers on top of Panda's box, and then the 3 boys replaced the dirt. Done.

And if you're wondering why it took so long to bury him - 4 days: Wed. Therese wasn't 'ready' and it's been raining a lot here. So Saturday was chosen b/c the garage was smelling to high heaven. It was definitely time.

Therese has been coping well. She likes to hold Sophia's Fuzzy - who doesn't get held by Sophia, b/c she's afraid that it'll go potty on her.

I told Therese on Wednesday, "You just tell me when you're ready to get another hamster". She said later that night, "I'm ready". :o)

Crafty Bloggin' Women

I was looking on Hobby Lobby's website for their locations for you poor souls that don't even know *if* or *that* you have a store near you - anyways, I came across their Project List. There are some pretty cool things to do. Maybe R can chose some of them for her up and coming schoolyear so she'll have some things to post about. Maybe Hank's MOM can make a dog collar [too cool and easy]. Maybe Mom to Five Minnies can make some of these for all those summer birthday's. Maybe Katherine's Mom can make some of these for her when she gets of age to wear flip flops [who's still inutero] - the girl's gotta keep up with her four camo-wearin' brothers. For all you manicurists out there, there's this. For all you girly girls how 'bout some cool jewelry? Maybe Miss Crocus could make one of these and then utilize it when she has a baking kick! And finally, The Crazy Skinny Running Half Marathons When Her Baby Is Actually Still A Little Infant Mama could make this so she can catch up on whatever it is she does when she's not running!

The list is a long one, so have a fun-filled crafty summer!

[i think i just wrote a country song! cool!]

Father Corapi

Not that I'm doubting the person who told me that he was sick, but is there something out there that states that Father Corapi is ill and they don't know exactly what it is?

I Woke Up This Mornin'...

...to a sun-shiny face
he kinda looks like the 'Dunkin' Donuts' man - "I made the doughnuts..."

Pictures from the Last Couple Wks

oh, blackberry pie -
blackberries from our yard, picked by the kids -

mama and chawee

cleanin' cousins
searchin' for grasshoppers to feed to the lizard
john paul - 5yo
...who brought me a 'blower'

Speechless...

This Post Totally Deserves the Title: "Barfaroni"

...and it's not even really a post, rather a link to the 'barfaroni'!

Reminder Post

This is a reminder so that I don't forget to check this out!!

Multi-tasking Babe!

[the boy, not me!]

....sorry to disappoint! LOL

Deck Decor

Okay, here are the photos I said I'd post - the table set I got at Target. The decor I got from Hobby Lobby. If you don't have a Hobby Lobby ..... I'm so sorry, and you'll be in my prayers :o)

[this little guy I've had - he's just got a new home now :o)]

Independence Day!

HAPPY 4th to y'all!!

This Just In...

Joseph the 3yo at the lunch table:

BURP!!

"I have thunder in my mouth!"

Fyi - he did say 'excuse me Mommy' :o)

Beautiful Day!

This is ideal weather here in Hotlanta today. Who could resist 81 degrees on July 1st!? A rare, beautiful, sunny, and cool July day!