BIRTHDAY DAY!!

Today has been a fairly good birthday. It would be better if I was a completely well girl!!

My mother called as well as my son Marc, and my brother. Also, a surprise! My girlfriend Marsha called from New York!! I love hearing from people. It was great to talk to everyone. Especially my brother. We are lucky if we talk twice a year each on our birthday. We had a nice long conversation also. We both decided to keep in better contact.

I will blog more about my family tommorrow. I am pretty tired tonight. I also, promise, promise a freebie tomorrow also.

All in all it was a good birthday. I promise to be a better blogger tomorrow. I am just so tired tonight.

Have a great day.

Happy Scrapping

I'MMMM BAAACK!!!

It's me again. The Diva of Diva's Designs!! lol I have a lot to share with you this week. As of now I am blogging from my sick bed!! LOL Yes, I just so happen to have caught the Flu! Yes, with a fever and everything. It is hard for me to believe. I havent had the flu in years. Why now, why a day before my birhday. Well, that is the way it goes sometimes. I have a fun week planned and hopefully my health will not get in the way!

I got a new computer for my birthday. I have been spending the time that I feel a little better getting things set up and to a place where I can work on it. It is an hp computer with all the bells and whistles and a 17" screen which is what I really needed. I larger screen so I cam see my designs better. I watched a full length movie on it last night. That was neat. The sound was totally awesome too. Just like in the movie theater. Too cool.

Tommorrow is a great day!! That's right I was born!! lol

I have devised a special in my store!! Yes, that is right a huge, huge, sale. All of my kits no matter the size are all on sale for $2.00 each! The sale starts tonight at Midnight eastern time and runs until midnight on the 28th. You heard it right. $2.00 each. You had better take advantage because I can guarntee it you will never see it again!!

I am going to be 47 years old. Ughhh!! I really feel it too! This winter has been bad. Everyone in the family has been sick a lot. My fibromyalgia has been bad this winter also. Bummer. I know that it has been tough for everyone.

On a brighter note. My son has settled well at his new assignment at Balboa Naval Hospital. As the week goes on I will tell you more about his new job. It is fantastic and seems to fit along with what the rest of the families missons in life has turned out to be. I know this will define his career in the military and if he plays his cards right will give him notority not only in the military world but also the civilan world.

Here is a preview of my newest kit and remember tomorrow it will be on special for $2.00!!







I hope to see you in my store tomorrow. Also, check back for a little freebie tomorrow put together by my CT Member Chantal Miller.

Hope you all have a great day and please pray that I will feel better tomorrow!

Happy Scrapping!

That MIDDLE child ... OH MY!

My youngest son, and middle child, Richard, is by far the most "simple, yet complicated" of all my offspring. He is definitely his "own man", very independent, and tends to keep to himself. He is my child who is the most easy-going and flexible. He does not make life a drama. While he lives only minutes from me, he is very involved in his own life, and makes his "appearance" infrequently. However, he is probably the most "family-oriented" of my three. He would NOT miss a family function, even if it meant changing his own plans. He has a very strong personality, is subtly generous, and I can ALWAYS count on him when needed. He is actually the "strength" that binds us when the chips are down.

Richard exhibits many personality traits of his paternal side. He has followed in his dad's footsteps in the martial arts. Over the years, he has studied both Judo and Karate, in which he holds a black belt. His father was a National Champion in Judo in the late '60's, and an alternate one year for the US Olympic team. My son is awaiting being called to service for our local police department; his dad is in law enforcement, too.

Growing up, Richard was our "problem" child. He is very inquisitive, and is a dare-taker. I believe this is due to his "middle child" need, to compete with his siblings, for his share of our "attention". Richard excels at everything he does, but often at a cost. Somewhere, around age 10, we had a "strange" conversation with his teacher at report card time. She was distraught; Richard was the class "clown", and she really felt if he were to pay more attention to her, he would be getting better grades. She was rather insistant that we "discipline" our son, because his behavior was holding him back! Now, all this is fine, EXCEPT the child did not have a grade below 95! How do you tell your son he is "not working to the best of his ability" with that average. Like the "good" parents we were, we sat Richard down and tried to explain all this to "the boy". I was not surprised at his response, "Well, obviously, I learn everthing she teaches with no problem, so I don't HAVE to keep paying attention to her!" Now how can you argue with that?

He was the child you would "test" us through those teen years. This child of mine was the one who tried the alcohol, smoking, Halloween pranks, etc, AND when "caught" would fess right up! Go figure.

Richard has a charisma, charming expressive eyes, and a gentle smile. To this day, when asked, or TOLD, he must do something ... or NOT do something, he will bat those long lashes of his, smile and nod, and then proceed to do exactly as he wants. He is SUCH a "good boy".

Here is a layout I have done of my sweet "baby" Richard. I used my PUPPY DOG TAILS TWO kit, available in my store.





I also have a QP for you today. Please don't forget to download today; the link will expire tomorrow. (link has expired)




I have had a wonderful time this week, sharing a bit about myself and my family with you. Thank you for reading my "ramblings", and sharing your comments. You can still keep in touch with my daily, on my own BLOG! Grab your favorite beverage, listen to my music selections, and read more. FREEBIES can be found there often!

Oh, Those Firstborn's!

My son, Michael, my eldest son, came into the world,in a flash. Well, he WAS past his due date, however, he was speedy once he decided to join his mommy and daddy. I awoke around 7am, had a bit of a backache, ate breakfast, and by 7:30, my (ex)husband, convinced me I was in labor. I was supposed to take my parents car in for repair, but I was FORCED to call them to say I would not be available, I was being made to go to the hospital. So off we went! In "those days", Lamaze was the thing to do. We had taken all of our classes, and BOY could I breathe! Daddy had his tennis ball to massage my back, and some candies to suck on. Our plan was to have a nice, enjoyable, day of LABOR. Boy were we fooled ... I was taken to the OB and examined. As my sore back was being massaged, I asked the nurse if she thought I might have the baby by suppertime. "Girl, you are going to have this baby by LUNCH!" This definitely was NOT the "horror" stories I had heard about labor. In fact, I was STILL doubting I was actually IN labor. Finally, doc arrived and examined me. I could not imagine what was going on, when suddenly he ran to get the nurse. They whisked me off to delivery, where my newborn made his appearance after 3 little pushes. And, the nurse was totally correct .. the time ... 11:28am!!!

Michael has ALL the characteristics of a FIRSTBORN. Although he is a high achiever, he defintely competes with his younger siblings for attention and applause. Of course, that is HIS due! He is very independent, dependable, responsible, and a man of "authority". On the other hand, he is very sensitve, not always in a good way, a bit spoiled and often manipulates his siblings.

At the age of 11, he decided he needed a "job"; his allowance was just not enough! So, he walked a few blocks to a florist shop which was owned by a family friend. Returning home, he was proud to tell us that Sal had given him a job, for $1.00 an hour, every Saturday and one other night a week. Michael held that job until he was 16 and able to get a "real" job. He was given regular raises and became best friends with the owner's son. To this day, Sal calls him during Christmas, Valentines and Mother's Day, and Michael goes to lend a hand.
Now, though, he does it for free!

My son is really keen on dogs, and has had more than his share over the years. Mostly, AFTER moving out of our home. I have been more than a bit "disturbed" at his "acceptance" of the dogs. He didn't seem to mind the fur, dirty paw prints, chewed shoes scattered around his house. Often, he would tire of the pet, and find someone who could "take care of it better" than he could. For that I was always thankful. Once, he commented, "I can't imagine people having kids, if a DOG is this much work!"

Well, the time came when Michael and Erin decided to start a family. Even though he was almost 30, I couldn't help but remember the remark comparing babies and dogs. It kinda "scared me!" When Erin was in her last trimester, we were at my stepson's childs christening. The baby was a bit fussy, and he was holding and rocking him. MY SON asked, "What do you do when you get 'tired' of holding them?" WOW ... now I was REALLY scared.
Well the day came when Michaela made her entrance in the world. I will NEVER forget the awe, love and pride on my son's face. I am so glad to say, my fears were all put to rest.
Apparently, that sweet little bundle created a man out of my little boy. I have been surprised to see how much "parenting" he learned while being raised by us! I am happy to say that, because of work schedules, Michael was the primary caregiver for his daughter for the first two years of her life. He witnessed all her "firsts", and found her first tooth.
He did without sleep, to rock her, when she was colicky. He has held her on his lap when she got her shots, and taught her the alphabet, color names, and reads to Michaela every day. And his PATIENCE, my my, I NEVER thought I would see that softness in Michael!

With every photo taken, I can't help but smile with a mother's pride, at the love my son and granddaughter share. Just another of God's miracles!

Today, I have a beautifully framed photo of Michael and Michaela.
The pic was taken two summers ago, and it is one of my favorites.



AND, for YOU, three FREEBIE frames.



Don't forget, get your download today. The link will expire tomorrow.
(sorry, this link has expired)

Cats

I think cats are one of the most magnificant of all God's creatures. I do not really remember when I was first attracted to them, but I distinctly recall the first cat who owned me!

I had begged and begged my parents for a cat for the longest time, and was always told no because we lived in an apartment. During the summer between second and third grade, my dad built a house for us. At last, I thought, I can have a cat! My mom was really not particularly fond of those "animals" ... as a young girl, one had jumped out at her, and scared her half to death. Then, one day, Mom and Dad told me I could have a kitten. A coworker of mom's had a new litter, and we could go and pick one out. There were "conditions" of course ... it could NOT be a girl cat.

That weekend we took off to get MY cat. It was the LONGEST ride. Finally, we arrrived at the woman's home, went inside, and were led to the cellar stairs. She opened the door and several cats, of all colors and sizes, ran up as fast as they could.
Except, for this one BEAUTIFUL, tiny little black kitty with white paws...THAT "animal" regally made her way up those steps. Well, I fell in love in that one instant. As things go, and you can probably guess, it was the ONLY female of the litter. I know that Mom said "oh, no", BUT, the ride home with my wonderful pet, the black and white kitty, sittin on my lap will never leave my memory. At the tender age of 8, I chose a very "unique" name, too. I called her "Kitty". She was with us for many years ... a few too many, probably. She became very sick and my parents had to put her down, a few years after I had moved out of that house my daddy built.

Over the years, I always seemed to be able to "charm" my (ex)husband, who was NOT thrilled with CATS, either, to allow me to have my pets. We almost always had at least one, and a few times, two cats, who allowed us to share "their" home.

All my children "inherited" my love for kittens. We did have one "tragedy". Our Samantha had birthed her litter in our fireplace. (Our dog, Missy, ACTUALLY woke me up in the middle of the night to "show me" the new kitties). A few days later, Samantha decided to move her babies to a sleeping bag next to my son, Richard's, bed. Well, Richard came to me, holding a "dead" kitten ... he had "no idea" what happened to it! My suspicions were confirmed several years later, when an older Richard confessed he had gotten out of bed and stepped on the kitten. He did not know they were snuggling in his sleeping bag! Even today, as adults on their own, my kids have NEVER been without feline companionship.

Just a short time after I purchased my own home, I decided once again, I "needed" a cat. Early one Saturday morning, I headed off to the local adoption clinic. There I found my present "royalty" feline sisters, Punkin and Baby. I had to leave their brother behind, unfortunately, cause I just could not affored 3 cats at that time. Today, I still am amazed by my "kitties". It has been scientifically proven that pets lower our blood pressure, and make us happier with life.

Irish Proverb: "Beware of people who dislike cats."

Today, I have made a qp for you using my SPRING IS BLOSSOMING kit, found here, and ON SALE NOW for only $2.50.

Meet my kitties...Punkin and Baby ... and enjoy your QP. Remember to DOWNLOAD today! (sorry, link has expired)

I hope you have a wonderful day ... See you tomorrow!

Daughters ...Oh My!

My lovely daughter will turn 25 on May 14. I don't know her "story", but as my youngest child, and ONLY girl, she has demanded attention since BEFORE she was born. In my seventh month of pregnancy, I developed some problems, and my doc wanted to perform an early C-Section. Fortunately, we decided to "ride things out" if possible, and not only was Lynnsey not born prematurely, but she was born past my due date. This has been the THEME of her life ever since ... always late!

Around the age of two, we became concerned because she was not developing her language skills like our boys did. I mean she "babbled" ALL the time ... but no one could understand a word she said. Of course, with three older brothers (the eldest is her step-brother), we realized she did not really need to speak English to have her every wish filled. She would say, "blah, blah, blah", and one of the boys would speak up and tell us, "Lynnsey wants ..." It has become a joke around our house, because once she started, to this day, I don't believe she has ever STOPPED talking. Once, I picked the kids up from day care, and asked them to please be quiet as a mouse because "Mommy has a very bad headache." My sweetie, spent the entire ride home, telling me loudly, clearly, AND repeatedly, that she was going to be a good girl and be very quiet 'cause she didn't want mommies head to hurt.

The boys love to tease their sister, and have done so at EVERY opportunity. We had just moved into a very large house, and were celebrating our youngest son's birthday ... but we had somehow "lost" Lynnsey. We were shocked when we noticed this pre-schooler, carrying her brothers (LARGE) cake, down the hall. We all started to run for her, and I guess we scared her half to death...in a WHOOSH, she dropped his cake upside down on the carpet. They have NEVER have let her forget that. She got quite upset about it, too, until recently. In fact, a few years ago, my mom asked Lynnsey if she was dressing up for Halloween. My son, Richard, spoke up and said, "Yeah, she is going to be a CAKE-DROPPER!"

Lynnsey and I have a very close relationship. A few weeks before her tenth birthday, she decided she needed to talk to me about "this period thing". After I stopped choking, ( I did not think I needed to have THAT talk for another year or so), we cuddled under some blankets on the couch, put on some music, and she got her first "very" basic lesson in the facts of life. She has always been comfortable talking to me about her "teen problems ... like boys", and now, her young adult issues. For that I am thankful.

My daughter is a very social young lady. She has a bright and optimistic outlook on life, and her smile lights up her entire face. She is on the "go" all the time, and often is a bit "ditsy."Which brings me to her faults ... THE GIRL IS STILL ALWAYS LATE!

For today's FREEBIE, I am gifting you with another lil' mini. I have also scrapped a page to introduce you to Lynnsey. Hope you like!






Remember to get your FREEBIE today; the link expires tomorrow.
(sorry, link has expired)

Mothers

I mentioned earlier that Mom lives with me. A few years ago, she became ill, was hospitalized, and seemed to become increasingly confused after being discharged. It was then I decided she needed some supervision, taking her medications, and doing those day to day activities. I now know she has Alzheimers dementia. That means, we have our "good" days and our "not so good" days. If you were to spend 15 or 20 minutes chatting with her, you would think she is ok. However, she is really no longer "my mom". It is strange when the child becomes the caretaker for the parent. My kids help me often; Lynnsey cleans Mom's room, and helps with showering, hair styling, and those "girl" things. My son's take her for rides and play cards with her.
"GG" and my granddaughter, Michaela, argue over coloring books!

Mom was a very smart kid in school. She graduated near the top of her class, then worked a full time job for a while, before joining the WACS during World War II. She had wanted to become a nurse, but her parents did not "approve" of that career choice, so Mom never made it to nursing school. I guess money was tight in those days and she just could not afford it without her parents help.

My mother was a "stylin" lady. She used to tell me how she would always buy outfits, complete with shoes, undies and coordinating accessories! She enjoyed sewing, and would stay up till the wee hours of the morning making doll clothes for my Barbie.
I would awake to find my doll, dressed to the teeth, many mornings.

She did not meet and marry my dad till her late 20's. My dad was quite a bit older than she. He was 40, the youngest of several children born to my grandparents. He had 8 older sisters, and one twin brother, who all seemed to "guide" his life. His family was a bit skeptical when he married mom (they were strict Catholics; she a Methodist), and so much younger, but over the years Mom won them all over with her charm.
Funny thing, though, it was Mom who made sure I was "raised" Catholic, and it
was she who brought me to Mass every Sunday.

I have no siblings, due to miscarriages after me, and my mom was determined I would NOT be a "spoiled" ONLY child. I think back and believe I actually had LESS than many kids in my neighborhood. Seems to me, in my younger years, I was denied a lot of things, because no one was going to say "Marsha is spoiled!"

She rarely knows the day of the week, and really has no idea of the season or the year. She has forgotten that most of her family and friends have passed, and often confuses our names. However, to make the "best" of this situation, I often find myself laughing over her confusion. A short example for you ... last weekend mom was sitting at the kitchen table playing solitaire as I was doing some cleaning. Our conversation went something like this ... Mom: "I haven't seen Lynnsey in a while." Me:
"No, she is busy with work and her own life, but visits when she can." Mom: "Is she still seeing Ben?" Me: "yes", Mom: "How nice; they make a cute couple." Mom: "You said she moved to an apartment on Fuller Road (true). Does she like it there?", Me: "Yes, she has a lovely apartment." Mom: "Now, is her dad, David?", Me: "Yes" ... a short time passes, and I am thankful that today is a "good" day, THEN, Mom said ... "Now, tell me, who is her mother???!!!". Well, I thought I was going to wet myself, and was giggling inside! My simple answer ..."I am!" ... Mom: "oh?"

So, the days pass, she and I share many "Good Morning's!" throughout the day,
and I "miss" my mother. Thankfully, I have memories to scrap!

Here is a layout of Mom ... and a quickpage for you. Maybe YOU, too, want to scrap your Mother ... and thanks for "listening" to my rambling.

Remember, download the link today; it will only last till tomorrow.
(sorry, this link has expired)