Christmas Giving

Tonight we were able to have dinner with Missy & Connor at mom and dad's. They leave Wednesday for home and I won't see them until the end of February 2009. I'm grateful that mom and I are able to take a vacation to see them after their new family addition arrives. So, tonight I wanted to give Missy her Christmas gift so I could see her open it.

















The gift was a framed photo of her mom (my sister) when she was about 3-4 years old. Extra special since she passed over a year ago from cancer. Just an heirloom I wanted to frame for Missy to have for her wall. I was pleased with the finished product so I must share:

It brought a tear to her eye and she thanked me sincerely. I was so happy she liked it and was glad I was able to give it to her in person while she was home. After all, isn't Christmas all about giving.














Happy Holidays!

Sketch Challenge

There are many blogs I read almost daily. A favorite would be Fresh & Fun. Today when I checked this blog I was pleasantly surprised to see that a new sketch challenge had been posted. While I've never participated in a challenge, I have had thoughts of doing so. Timing is usually the issue, but being it is Friday, I had time to actually think and make a submission.

















So this is my submission for the Weekend Sketch Challenge (WSC67) Entry #101. Wish me luck!

Peace.

Catching Up!

It has been some time now since I blogged. The schedule is hectic from week to week, but with the Cross Country season winding down it will free up some weekend time. I think I may get to start sleeping in and relaxing a bit on Saturday mornings. YEAH!

I'm still jogging 2-3 times a week. I'm still somewhat shocked that I've been consistent with this new exercise, but I do love being outdoors in God's creation. That coupled with the fact that I want to stay in good health as I age and we are constantly told how good exercise is for our bodies. It's a way I can praise God and show my thanks for sustaining my health. And as long as the legs still move, why not let them carry me down a beautiful tree lined street or trail. Right?!?!?

Recently acquired a Cricut Expression machine. I am having so much fun scrapbooking and making cards with this new tool. It has provided hours of fun already. Can't wait to make some gifts and boxes with it. Good holiday ideas floating around in my head lately. . .

Well, it's late, and tomorrow is Friday! Yes! Looking forward to the weekend. Good luck at Regionals RLHS Cross Country team!!! Go Saders!!!!!

Stamp Creations

Well, I'm so proud of the cards and scrapbook pages that I made yesterday, I just had to take time to share. These cards were made with pictures we took on vacation this year while visiting Washington DC. They were taken in the Botanic Gardens.




The scrapbook pages are from pictures I took while my niece and her family were home from Siapan, before heading to their new assignment in Alaska. We took two days and met them in Galena, Illinois and spent the days shopping and hanging out.


















Isn't my great nephew just the cutest little boy ever. OK, ok, I'm biased, I know.

Today I spent the day at my parents mowing the grass. Almost finished the whole yard before the mower died and decided it wasn't going to run anymore. That's alright, I was tired anyway.


TTFN!

Sad News

Yesterday, 7/25/08, the world new brought us the sad news that Randy Pausch had passed away. If you have not heard of the remarkable man that Randy was, take the time now to familiarize yourself with his Last Lecture. It has value for anyone.

Today my DH and oldest daughter left for a servant event trip with our church's youth. They are traveling to Virginia and right now I'm thinking it would be really nice for the phone to ring and have them tell me they have arrived safe and sound.

To pass the time today, I spent the day scrapbooking and making cards with one of my dear friends. I will post the pages and a few of the cards later, just a little tired tonight to work on it.

Hope you all had a great day! Until next time . . . .

I DID IT!!!

The second week in April I began jogging. I have consistently been jogging now for 9 weeks in an effort to stay healthy, keep fit, and ward off any potential health risk. Just this week I was able to run 2 complete miles without having to stop and walk. Yeah, another goal reached. Last weekend, my dear running friend turned me on to a 3K race that was held today. She encouraged me to sign up and try it just to get a feel for it. So I accepted her invitation and signed up. My goal was to jog the whole thing without stopping and set a pace for myself to see what kind of time I could make. Well, I'm thrilled to report that I met my goal and exceeded the time I thought I would make. I was able to job the whole thing and even found enough energy to sprint the last 100 meters. I finished in 19 minutes and 42 seconds. I was so awe struck that I finished under 20 minutes. I had no idea I could do a 10:35 mile. I was 10th in my age bracket, but I really have no idea how many were in the bracket to begin with. :-) I was so pumped all day today. It feels good to be getting in shape and really starting to see progress with my exercise goals. YEAH 4 ME!!!

Blessings to each of you!

Mom's 71st Birthday

Today was the final performance of High Skate Musical at the Ice Arena. Kelsey was part of the group called Tinsel Town.




















She skated flawlessly. After the show we all came back to our home for a birthday celebration. Grandpa brought the ice princess a beautiful bouquet of flowers for such a wonderful performance.
















We celebrated mom's 71st birthday today. We surprised her with a Wii game system with the Sports pack. So after we ate, we hooked up the game and took turns playing. It was a hoot! Now everyone wants to know when we are going to have time to visit Grandma. Do you really think they want to see Grandma or play the Wii?























Have a great week!
Jackie