Look what came!!!!!

correspondence ART
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

I am so geeked - what a reward. Procrastinating again - I have been able to organize my digital photos. I am currently uploading all my Aussie Pics to Flickr for a complete album. I dare say my butt has probably gotten wider and my eyes are crossed trying to orgainze all these photos.
I did finally - however get several photos uploaded to snapfish and send out the albums.
I took a break to get the mail - and look what was in it! I love this MAG. Absolutely love it. It only publishes once every three months?? but it's packed!!!
God is Good! Casting Crowns and Correspondence Mag in once day!!!
It's the simple things in life that amuse me you see!

Now - to go get ready for the SLEEP OVER tonight! How exciting - not two girls tonight - but FOUR girls running around! (Plus me!!! - we kicked the men out!)

Just released!!!!

image
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Look what was just released on ITUNES!!! I downloaded it this AM and have been crusing to the tunes ever since. It's made my organizing the digital photos go a little easier..... not much easier - but it has helped!!!!

I FIXED IT!!!!! Gosh Darn it I FIXED IT!!!!

Whoooooo hoooooo.... I got home from work and spent the last hour fixing my music video on my blog!!!! I FIXED IT!!!!

And it's a secret how I did it! (Don't be stupic.....)

Now to bed!!!!!!

SPT - last minute crunch

Self Portrait Tuesday
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

I couldn't sleep AGAIN last night so I decided to stay up and get some personal scrapbooking done. I got four layouts done - but had to let the "Diamond Glaze" (thank you Joy for giving me the idea!!!!) dry in order to journal. This AM - before work I was crunching in the journaling AND self-portrait Tuesday. I just noticed that my scrubs match my layouts... how neat.

Gone Fishin
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Here at the layouts I got done! They are all made using the "August Scraptivity Kit." I added a few embellishments of my own as well as used a few of my own stamps fom Stampin Up. This one is straight outta Scraptivity.

Fish Tale
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Again straight outta Scraptivity for August. This month had some cool colors and embellishments. Gingham ribbon, lime green tiles, prism papers, Making Memories clear tiles (which I used to enlarge the small fish on the lines in the first layout).

Dress Up
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Again Scraptivity - I was on a roll. I added KI buckle, Stampin Up Collage Alphabit and Heartfelt Thanks stamp, Junkit round tile words.

American Girl II
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Our American Girl doll day! These series of pictures were fun to scrap last night.
Again Scraptivity and added a KI buckle, and Junkit tile words. Of course, Thank you Joy for this idea - I have gone thru one bottle already, Diamond Glaze over stamped words, flowers and dresses.
Isn't the dress adorable. It's on the Dress Up layout as well. It was in my August Scraptivity kit - a Birthday Gift from Scraptivity. I love it!

This is how BEHIND I am on my kits. I just openned my kit like a week ago. Last nite I kept looking at this packet of two dress stamps. Then - at the end of my NIGHT of scrap booking - I read the insert. It was a Birthday gift from Scraptivity. Apparently August mark's thier first B-day! Yoohoo! I love this stamp!

Starbucks tea?

Starbucks tea?
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Ugh - this morning came toooooo early. I was sitting here working on Work (of all things) and I was craving coffee in a bad way. A very bad way. I fought the urge.
(I have been coffee free for almost FOUR weeks now - with the exception of a small coffee this Sunday AM at the end of work. It was a really bad night - and thanks to the generosity of an attending buying the coffee, a clerk agreeing to going an getting it - it was probably the BEST coffee ever.)
So - with that said - look closely at the picture and observe the Zen Green Tag hanging from the top of the Starbucks cup.... yup - I am a Green Tea addict now... So much better for you.....

CLOSER

Okay - so I do not watch alot of TV. Really I do not. But for the last few weeks I have been on the Weekend Program at work and have Monday nights off. So - I have gotten hooked on this show called "Closer." I LOVE this show! ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

closer
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

There is only one episode left of the season.... WHAT am I going to do?

Then - I find out tonight that "Nip/Tuck" is back on 20th Sept! I'm having a party - yes indeed I am!

Camp

Camp days
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

So - like I mentioned - the girls went to camp this weekend for a church retreat. They had a blast. Came back burnt which made mommy VERY unhappy.
(They bath in sunscreen daily ESPECIAlLY Rowan - but didn't re-bath while being out all day cause mommy wasn't there.... grrrrrr)

The fish
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

As you can tell - they caught their FIRST fish!!!! This is AS close as my baby girl Nat would get to the fish.
(That's my girl!!!!)
I think daddy actually had to remove it from the hook for her.....

MY FISH
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Then there is my funny girl Rowan - with her catch of the day! I crack up at the differences in the two. Ro had no problems getting up close and personal with this fish. It was HER fish that she caught and she was going to hold it up proudly!!!!!

I think I may just scrapbook these pictures tonight - cause I am a little creatively burnt out on my current projects.....

The Tag!

DD tag
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

So - The girls were away this weekend with the hubby at a Church Retreat camp. They had a blast and I got to SLEEP inbetween shifts. Unfortunately I couldn't sleep very well - I was stressing about orienting to charge nurse.
Despite everyone elses thoughts on this matter I feel I am NOT charge qualified and this has majorly stressed me out.
So - I worked on a tag to send to Donna Downey's LSS for her Blog Encyclopedia (as Leah likes to refer to is as...)

I love DD's books - and her blog! Couldn't resist the request for tags for her blog book!

DD tag inside
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

I spent the waking hours this weekend working on it... It's just a collage of what inspires me. I love doing collages and fill my journals with them but rarely get to do them in a scrapbooking project. Amazing what a cathartsis this activity was.
Off in the mail it goes.....


EDITED! Agggggh my annoyminity (sp) has been exposed! there lies my name on the tag!!! Joy - are you looking? (BIG Griiiiiiiiiiiiiiin)

My Aussie girl

aussie look
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

So - Rowan - decided to go rummaging through her closet and find something "new" and "chic." The look she came up with is very Hot in Australia. She chose her cool, hip jeans, a shirt and a dress to wear over both. I couldn't resist the photo op of my star model....
Now to scrap book it....


EDITED - My music video log is possessed. I have not a clue where the songs are coming from that are playing - they are not on my play list! HOWEVER - pleasantly surprised to find Freddie Mercury on my cue. By far the most brillant musical genius we will have ever had the pleasure to listen to (Bono runs a close second). Now - can someone fix my music video issue?????? please..........

A Quicky

Thank you Card
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

So - my girls and DH are out the door to a church retreat this weekend while I get ready for work. I whipped this card up quickly for a friend at work who is quiting and going back to school. This is his last weekend....
Not bad for a last minute inspiration.
Better yet - the card was compiled mostly of KI scraps!!!

Schew - I've had a busy day.... American Girl doll shopping spree, Cheesecake Factory.... and a quick card. Now on to work..... I don't think I have the energy....

A Day at American Girl Place

Me and Mini - Me
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Today Nat and I fulfilled her Month Long Birthday celebration by FINALLY getting our day together at the

American Girl Place!

What a blast. That place is unbelievable. I live vicariously through her in this store. She is allowed a new outfit on birthdays/Christmas and other special occasions. We walked out with FOUR - because I couldn't resist.
Nat - the child - said - "Mom I'm only allowed ONE outfit - you have four!"

A Day at American Girl Place
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

After the "shopping spree" we went to the

Cheesecake Factory

for a Mommy/Daughter Lunch! We split a burger and fries. I would like to say we split a cheesecake but Nat put a hurting on it all by herself. I asked the waitress to bring us a box for the cheesecake just knowing that WE would not be able to finish it. By the time she came back - Nat had devoured the tower of chocolate cheesecake smotherd in whipped cream!

like mama like daughter
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

THEN - as if the totally girlly day wasn't complete.... How unbelievably AWESOME what we found at the American Girl Place! Keri Smith wrote a book for American Girl titled

Tear Up This Book!

We raced home and pulled out my book by Keri Smith -

Living Out Loud!

Nat can't wait to start "tearing up" her book. The book is Fabulous!!!!

Ignore the hair - we walked downtown and were blown around by the Windy City's Wind. Actually - I think we are going to get one heck of a storm (I hope). It's getting dark, windier and omnious out! I LOVE THUNDERSTORMS!!!
All and all - a girly day completed!!!!

A new day....

The weather has been awesome (not too hot, not too cool) and I have had a few days off from work.... I just feel like "blah." Today is a new day and I am off to work for a "day" shift. Egads that my pale alabastar skin should see the light of days.... But I will be home with my girls for dinner so BONUS! I just have so much to do... does anyone else ever feel like they are burried in their own chores, itemized to do lists, projects to be completed... etc? Agggggggggh! Picture me in the office standing here bewildered and running in circles...... Humorous isn't it....

Go Cubs!

Go Cubs!
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

The most wonderful thing happened today. We recieved four tickets - unexpectedly - to go to the CubsGame today at 1320!!!!
So - out we head, all four of us, to partake in the Great American Past time! Bonus - they are playing the Braves.... The team I use to go watch when I was a Gator. (This was before they were "BIG" and "Famous." When you could road trip up to Atlanta and buy tickets for any game!!)

What a welcome and unexpected blessing!!!! God is Good! (All the time!!!)

Neverland........ (kinda SPT)

Neverland........
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

I had the most wonderful day with Rowan (my youngest). We went to see (not this movie but)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

It was GREAT. We left the theatre and immediately walked to Barnes and Noble to pick up this movie. (The two main characters were the same in both movies. It took Ro a few minutes to pick up on that...)
I've said it before - saying it again - this is my ALL time FAVORITE movie on SO many levels. This movie is a reflection of so many nuances in my life I can't even begin to explain....

Watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reminded me of how much Neverland touched me. So - tonight - the girls (the three of us) curled up and excaped to Neverland.... again.... What a wonderful end to such a nice day!!!!!

Help - I'm burried in Scrapbooking and can't get out....

Buried
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Help.... I am up at 0300 in the AM and find that I have been burried by scrapbooking!!!! Listening to Green Day, Drinking Water and GREEN Tea (Despite the Coke Can on the table.... that was earlier....)working on the scrap book for my work. I have to take it into a meeting tomorrow to show progress. NOT to mention I have like two weeks or so to finish it.
I am afraid I slept a little toooooo long today and got a late start on things. So here I sit - Nite Nurse that I am - up working late..... At least it's quiet.....

Funky unky mood

Just got home - off from five days in a row.... (okay NIGHTs in a row if you want to get technical.) I am in a FUNK! I am tired - but too tired to sleep. I have some scrap bookin to get done for work - and me.... I have a ton of things to do - staring in my face - and I just don't have the energy.....
I am like burnt and dead in the water. That's badness..... isn't it????

I think I need sleep............

Not Bono - but he's close.......

Okay - I just got home from work - not tired... pmsing.... (Argggggggggggggggggh) and just plain ICKY!!!! I changed Video uplinks - and hopefully I can get up to 10 songs rotating. But for now - there is one - Healing Rain by M. W. Smith. YES Em - SMITTY! I don't know if you knew it or not - but Smitty was in Aussie with use (ok not WITH us - but at one point I was like FEET from him.... and less than TEN) the whole time. He did a wonderful worship service (UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME) the night of the London Bombings. So - I uploaded this link....... I really needed this song this AM.... He's not Bono - but he's close........

EDITED: Smitty - is very GOOD friends with Bono.... get it - CLOSE.....

Order gone wrong........

Decorative Journals
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Today is someone's lucky day. I placed and online order (pre-order) several weeks ago for this book. Last week I was charged THREE times for this book and recieved TWO in the mail. After repeated attempts at returning this book - I am at a loss of solns.
So - to not take on a spirit of anger, frustration or feeling cheated - I decided to give this book to someone who would like it.
It's Donna Downey's newest book - Decorative Journals. Brand NEW - still in the envelope (unopened) that it was sent in. (This is a picture of the first book I recieved.)
If you would like this book - please email me your snail mail address and in the mail it will go.......

Dress up

Dress up
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Rowan was playing dress up this AM. She has this pair of white dress shoes that are long past "dress" time. So - she wears them when she is "play dressing up." She came walking into my office/scrapbook room this AM and I started cracking up. She reminded me of the stereotypical Florida Retiree' women on the movies - with the bright colored clothes, wild hair, sun glasses and sandels. I can make fun of this because I am from Florida (born and raised) and my mom is one of those women... Sorry mom - you are - and I love you!

Gift Bag

Gift Bag 1
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

So there is this super nice lady that works on night shift in the cafe' of our hospital. She will make us ANYTHING we want for dinner/breakfast (and is probably the reason I have gained wt since moving here.)
She will bring us food in the ED if we have been too busy (because she notices we haven't been down to get food) - she's the bomb!! I picked up a lil magnet for her in Minnesota (she collects them) and wanted to take it into work last night.

Gift Bag 2
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

But I didn't have a gift bag to put it in. So - I whipped one up really quick before heading on into work.

Bazzil cardstock
Scraptivity stamps (Bloom)
Stayz On Ink
SEI ribbon

The smile on Ms. Betty's face - Priceless!

Self-portrait Tuesday

Self-portrait Tuesday
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Little time and thought for today. I was heading out the door for work when I realized it was TUESDAY. This is a little gift my hubby gave me this weekend while away. Inside contained these dainty amber earrings. It is our anniversary. We both agreed the Australian trip were gifts to ourselves. How surprised was I.....

10 years and counting.....

10 years and counting.....
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

This is a scrap page for the wall that I was working on for our tenth anniversary. I was having trouble putting it together but in the end I am happy with it. I wanted a collage "weddingy" look. This was our favorite wedding pose out of all the pics taken (how young we look... young dumb and stupid - yup that's how long I have had the Bally's Lifetime membership...). Of course it was taken at the end of the night after I am not sure how many bottles of champaigne were popped!

We have gained and lost at least 100 pounds (together), been through good and bad times, better and worse times, sickness and health (mostly the latter) - and still treking along! It went so fast - I wonder if the next ten will seem as fast?
I gave it to the hubby this weekend!
Haven't finished the mini album I am doing for him though....

Happy Birthday Nat 2005!

Happy Birthday Nat 2005!
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

We are Back!!!! What a wonderful few days away with the Fam! The girls had a blast - as evidenced here by the series of photos I have uploaded. Some - have a series of photos so you will need click on the pictures. It's good to be back - but it was nice to get away to SHOP, RELAX, SLEEP IN, SWIM, PLAY... gorge on junk food.... you get the idea!

HANDS up EVERYONE
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Ro's first BIG ride!!!! I was more nervous than her. Her last ride for the day - THE EIGHT HOUR DAY AT CAMP SNOOPY - was the BIG rollar coaster. The Pepsi Rip Saw. It was all mom could do to be on it TWICE - Ro wanted to go AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!

Rowan's first ride.....
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

looks scary for me....

CHO CHO
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Now this is more my style....

DISGUSTING
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

ONE WORD - DISGUSTING!

American Girl Doll Lotion?
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

We spent Friday evening (after we arrived and got unpacked) Saturday AM and Monday AM at the MOA. They had American Girl Doll product line ath Bath N Body Works - Nat was in heaven.... they were pampered too!

Nothing like having girls!

Working on Shark's tooth necklaces
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

At the UnderWater Aquarium they made Shark's Tooth Necklaces...

It was a Junk Food Fest!
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Did I mention there was Junk food ALL OVER! A literal Junkfood-fest for children AND adults! Behind the girls is Camp Snoopy's GREAT Ballroom where the River Church holds Sunday service inside the MOA. Can you believe it??? We had to look no farther than where we were to go to church. It's a Willow Creek Church so we were right at home! Great Sunday Service - on being a Control Freak. I AM NOT A CONTROL FREAK - NOT! Got it NOT a CONTROL FREAK!

WOW!
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Learned all about Sharks! We spent a great part of Saturday at the Aquarium or exploring the Twin Cities.....

The pilot?
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

are there seat belts in those things?

Getting ready for take off
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Hot Air Ballons.... too much!

Hot Air ballons
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Really - that's too much! Camp Snoopy - in the INNER part of the MOA - is 7 Full Acres alone.... After Church on Sunday we spent the day at Camp Snoopy with the unlimited ride wrist bands for Mom, Nat and Ro. The girls... I am not sure how Dad got out of riding any rides....

Hi guys... look at me I'm driving....
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Rowan in the driver's seat!!! Remind me to pull this out when she turns 15 and wants to learn to drive....

Racing Ro Ro
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Look mom - no hands!!!!

LEGO LAND
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Just imagine all the Lego's in the world and then to the power of TEN! Big and little.... Made me want a new set....

ALL THOSE LEGOS.....
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

All those little pieces.......... I'm glad someone else is picking up. : )

Merry Go Around
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

A bit tamer.....

Merry Go Around
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Merry Go Rounds - such a part of childhood! I was politely told I was their Chaperone - I was not a rider... But I had a wrist band....

Getting ready for the big climb
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

She conned me in to letting her go Rock Climbling....

Just keep climbing...
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

She did amazingly well - better than most of the boys her age that were in line with her.... You go Girl!

There's our Climber
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Again - Safety first - but that high?

Getting ready for the Jump
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Natalie got a chance to jump on a trampoline... getting strapped in - my kinda sport. Safety FIRST!

EXTREME Trampoline
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

I didn't realize she could go THAT high though.....

Bumper cars
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

Bumper Cars - they were after me... that photo EDITED and DELETED! : )

Exhaustion - Priceless
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

The end of the day......

PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Birthday Girl (with long hair)
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

In the END - this Birthday girl - on the last day of the trip - wanted a HAIR CUT! So - we went to one of the many hair salons in the MOA and she got her heart's desire.

Are you sure?????????
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

All that hair......When she first told me how short she wanted it I took in a very loud deep breath. You know the one - "eek" The look on her face broke my heart. I was just shocked she wanted her hair SHORT. She is all about her long hair. So - I had to rectify the situation quickly and help her pick out a style that she would look good in. Click on any of the hair pics to see the process!

Ta Da'
Originally uploaded by Freakrn.

The end result..... I must admit - she is adorable with this cut.... It's just all that hair....



Click on any of the above photos for more complete listing of the fam vacation pics!

Now onto laundry, unpacking (still) and house cleaning - tell me how does a house get cluttered while you are on vacation? Do the cluttermeisters come in while you are gone?