Happy.

PHEW!

I'm back!

I knew I would return to blogging, just didn't know when.

How bout now?!

So, where to begin?

How bout I just jump in, head first without my nose plugged?

I am divorced.

Gosh, when I type it out it actually looks much worse than it really is.

I remember right after I decided to get divorced,
I wrote the word in my journal and it made me sick to my stomach.

It's just not a pretty word no matter how you look at it.

No amount of words could ever describe the pain and heartache

associated with divorce. It actually surpised me!

I remember thinking "I know this is the right thing to do.

Never had I recieved an answer so clear. So if I'm doing what's right, why does it hurt?"

But the heartache quickly turned to peace and that peace is pure happiness!

And I LOVE being happy!!

So while the word still isn't pretty, I've found happiness.

And "Happy" is a fabulous word!!

It's also a fabulous feeling!

My heart is full of gratitude for the many wonderful friends and family who

overwhelmed me with love and support.

I was afraid of being judged.

The amount of love and support I recived FAR outeighed the unfair judgements.

I am blessed!

My kids are doing amazing! We have had a lot of hard talks.

It hasn't been easy and the challenges will continue.

But I know in Whom I have put my trust.

My faith is strong! I will keep fighting a good fight.

The rewards have exceeded the challenges.

So, was it worth all the heartache and sorrow?

You betcha!

I'm happy. More happy than I ever thought possible.

The Lord is good to me.

Grateful. Happy. Blessed.

Next chapter, please.

See...I love all my kids!

Here are the pictures I had Stacy take on her 8th Birthday.

I told you I had them!

I know, huh.

There are no words. Just emotion.

(Oh, and there is not a single of Paige cuz

her pics are on the other computer.

Next time.)

Of course!

Today, after putting it off long enough, I got the kids pictures taken.

Stacy has taken their pictures since Brockston was 6 months old.

I just can't go anywhere else! I love her!

Well, we got McKinley, Paige and Brockston done in about 5 minutes.

Avrie, on the other hand, was not having it!

She would not smile.

When we were practicing our smiles at home earlier, she had it down!

We tried candy, even a giant lollipop...nothing worked.

So her pictures this year will be toothless.

Well, not this one...this was our practice smile.

I love my Emily!

Do you ever have projects that sit and don't get done?

Me neither, just wondered if anyone procrastinates...un-like me.

Hahahaha!

I had the clock parts FOREVER and finally got the vinyl for it the other day.

Thanks to my Emily (cuz she's mine) for helping me get a project done!

And for being the bestest friend evah!

And this was just a bonus project.

I saw the idea in a Stampin' Up! catalog and loved it!

So Emily re-created one for me!

I still need to make cute little magnets and push pins

but, uh...that's another project.

Hopefully it won't take as long as my other projects.

And this is just video of Avrie at the pool the other day.

She didn't want to get in at first but the music just called to her.

My first sketch challenge! Oooo, I hope I win!

Okay, so...

I have been DYING to create something

using my old and dusty scrapbooking supplies.

Well, my scrapbook room is under construction

and all my stuff is in boxes.

Oh, how I long for the day of completion!

This is a direct hint for my husband who will not even read this.

Well, instead of dusting everything off, I stole 3 kits that

Emily

had purchased from

Amy.

I cannot sing enough high notes in praises about these kits!!!

There is sooooo much fantabulous stuff!!

Go check out her kits and buy them! You will not be sorry!

Holy crap, this is longer than I intended.

Anyway....

Lindsay

is having a sketch challenge, so I decided to DO IT!

(p.s. check out her awesome digi stamps!)

I have never done a sketch challenge before because, quite simply,

I don't like being told what to do!

I think this is how I'm supposed to enter. Not sure.

So without further adieu, here is my creation.

First of all, I need to learn how to take pictures of my projects.

The items I used are from Amy's kit "With a Cherry on Top"

with the exception of the button which came from her first kit.

Also, the Fabulous sticker is from Emily's new line of

Stickerz

I heart these new products!

I have had the pleasure of designing a few sheets for her new line.

(ya, that's how cool I am:)

The bigger words wouldn't change color for me.
You can click on the words and they will take you right where you need to go!

Ok, this is too long. Seriously...I'm out!

Still makes me laugh! Yep, even out loud.

Very poor quality cuz it's on my phone. But you get the idea.

She didn't get a nap that day and it finally overcame her.

Ohhhh...my side!

Mean, I'm Mean, I'm Mean...ya know what I mean.

I was just looking through pictures and remembered these.

This still makes me laugh uncontrolably.

Hence the title.

Brockston made the funniest face when the ride would bring him down.

(making the butterflies in the tummy)

It was hilarious! So I decided to share my cruelty.

Look how happy he is before the ride.

And here he is falling to his death. I'm laughing so hard!

See, I'm so mean!

You would think I'm busy or something...

Typical Christmas morning faces!!!


We decided not to wake Avrie up so she wouldn't be grouchy all day.

I love this picture! She looks so disoriented.

Now she's a little happier with her new Cinderella baby.


I forgot all about this picture. She found Brockston's Hulk hands.
It's a funny combination....her in her little dress with her big, tough
hands!! Look how tired she is.


I caught them watching TV together. This makes my heart melt.



Every parent has to have one of these pics with every one of their kids.

Avrie, even being child #4, is no different!

She is getting so old!

And last,

but definitley not least,

My new clock!!

I bought the hands and movement from

www.clockparts.com

It mounts directly on the wall.

And the vinyl,

of course, from
www.eaddesigns.com

there is no better place for vinyl.

Or good friends!

I love your guts, Em!

So, that's it for me. I have no exciting stories for you.

Just little updates. That's all I have time to do these days!

Christmas Photos

Have you ever had complete cooperation when taking pictures of 4 kids?

Me neither.

I always love all the pics though. It's funny to capture the stubbornness of my Avrie.

Jena took these pictures and it wasn't easy. She did a great job!

Thanks, Jena!

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

This was the winner for the Christmas Card.

Even though Paige isn't looking, I love those smiles!