tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16186718722606024932024-03-12T20:02:45.703-07:00The Scrappin GenealogistThe day to day happenings of a mom who loves to digital scrapbook and trace the family tree with a few other hobbies and interests thrown in.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-81215685060616880942016-09-04T21:03:00.003-07:002016-09-04T21:03:49.367-07:00Another two years! Wow, another two years has passed since I posted an entry. Things have been so busy that I haven't even thought about this blog until a friend of mine mentioned it. Let me update on the happenings in my life.<br />
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Since my last post, things have happened. Some good, some bad. Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first.<br />
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On October 22, 2015, my best friend lost her 17 year old son in a tragic car accident. This boy was kind and gentle, he was sweet, and he never walked around without a smile on his face. He was a friend to all who knew him. The last time I saw him was four days before he passed away. We had breakfast at a local cafe. At first, he didn't want to come with his mother, but when he found out that I was coming, he told his mom that he loved me and was going to come. I will forever cherish that breakfast with him. I miss him terribly.<br />
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Then, a few weeks later on November 10, 2015, my world was shattered when my precious mom was called home to heaven. Although I was told the Sunday before she passed that she was not going to survive the pneumonia that she was inflicted with, one is never truly prepared for the loss of their mother. That was literally the hardest day of my life! I miss her every day, and I can't look at sunflowers without getting a little teary. But, I know that she is no longer confined with the health issues that she had. She is free, she is happy, she is healthy, and she is busy. I love her so much and I miss her so much and I can't wait for the day when I see my Mombo again.<br />
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If that isn't enough loss, my dear friend Karen was called home in early June. I had not had the chance to see her for six months. I saw her at a luncheon in December, a few days before she headed to Salt Lake for a surgery. She was supposed to be able to come home within six weeks, but she kept getting infections, and finally, suffered a heart attack. I miss my dear Karen every day, but I know that she is now in heaven befriending my sweet mama. Oh the stories they could tell each other.<br />
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The final and most devastating loss came on August 10, 2016 when my sweet daddy was found dead in his house. For this daddy's girl, the grief is still so strong that it is very hard for me to talk about it. He had a massive heart attack and the doctor said that it was quick and he didn't suffer. I miss my daddy every day. He and I were planning to move to Tennessee to start a new life. But, I find comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his beloved sweetheart of 54 years. He was never the same when she passed and he told me that he was lost without her. I find solace knowing that they are together again and that I have two very special guardian angels watching over me.<br />
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I found out a few days ago that my gall bladder needs to come out. The way the doctor put it, "You have so many stones in there that you can make a necklace." Alrighty then! One stone is blocking the duct, so she said that I needed to get in with my PCP right away to discuss surgery. Oh joy!<br />
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Now, for the good news.<br />
I graduated with my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Special Education and Teaching English as a Second Language. I began my second year teaching at one of the local elementary schools. Last year, it was kindergarten, this year it is 1st grade. So, I have 11 of my same kiddos from last year and all 11 were parent requests. I feel so honored to be entrusted with the education of these precious children.<br />
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I have been accepted in to UNLV. I have begun my Masters program in Special Education. This is an area that is very near and dear to my heart.<br />
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I have reconnected with a very dear soul. This person was a large part of my young adulthood and I always grieved over our drifting apart. I have often wondered about him and have missed him. I just happened to notice that he had a Facebook account, and I sent a friend request to him, and he accepted. We've been chatting a lot and catching up. Facebook when used positively can be a very good thing.<br />
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We have also decided to host a foreign exchange student this year. My "son" is 15 years old and he is from Hamburg, Germany. He is the sweetest kid and he totally loves his new sisters, brother, and niece. It gives me the chance to practice my German. We look forward to having him here in our home for the next nine months.<br />
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I also decided to make some big changes in my life that I am not quite ready to announce as of yet. But, these are things that have been needing to happen for 20 years.<br />
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I have been staying busy with kids, grand kid, fur kids, friends, work, school in no particular order. LOL<br />
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<br />Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-44432347229537730522014-06-21T10:51:00.001-07:002014-06-21T10:53:53.591-07:00Wow! Two years really?I can't believe it's been two years since my last post. Things have gotten SO busy! I started working in the local school district here and then was hired full time as a teacher's aide. Now, I'm in the education program finishing up my Special Education degree. It's very time consuming, but it is the realization of a dream started long ago.<br />
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This summer, I am busy reading. I am currently reading four books with others on the list. I want to use this summer to read since the school year is incredibly busy for me. Here is a list of books that I intend to read this summer:<br />
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The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin<br />
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak<br />
The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers<br />
Custard Crime by Jessica Beck <br />
Deep Fried Homicide by Jessica Beck<br />
Dove in the Window by Earlene Fowler<br />
Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover<br />
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford<br />
How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal<br />
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova<br />
The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman<br />
The Paris Wife by Paula McClain<br />
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly<br />
The Secret's in the Sauce by Linda Evans Shephard<br />
Sugar and Iced by Jenn McKinlay<br />
This Girl by Colleen Hoover<br />
Top Secret Twenty-one by Janet Evanovich<br />
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis<br />
The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee<br />
The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton<br />
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I am also working on some afghans for my Helping Hands group. I am loving it and have missed being creative.<br />
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My family has also been expanding. On October 31, 2013, my son married his sweetheart. Her name is Cheyenne and she is the perfect match for him. They seem very happy and I am very proud of them. Then, on May 16, 2014, my life changed forever when my first grandchild was born. Miss Emma Marlee Moore was born in St. George, Utah and she is just the most precious baby ever. <br />
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So, life has been all about work, school, and family for me and I wouldn't have it any other way!!
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-31294509857089595152012-12-05T09:44:00.001-08:002012-12-05T09:49:19.093-08:00It's already December?Wow, I can't believe it's December already!! I've been reading and crocheting more as well as cooking.<br /><br />
<b>The news:</b><br />
I am now down 228 lbs. I can't believe it! I am feeling so much better and have been doing so much more! I am so grateful to my surgeon for giving me my life back! Here's a recent photo of me, but this was at 313, I am now 280.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgYa5hX32Q2Y_K-VZ60oCKZl6v_1QF5lwb88BcrLHR3psqdnLgcCemAKVq9UGPbaLpPBqiEWRbGiSPxY-R-kJ_lbWnRu8eTe14PPjDDRrYPgfCoKdqHeDoeaN3DC7QXEFxSczFzxmN5g/s1600/WLS+-6mopostop102012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgYa5hX32Q2Y_K-VZ60oCKZl6v_1QF5lwb88BcrLHR3psqdnLgcCemAKVq9UGPbaLpPBqiEWRbGiSPxY-R-kJ_lbWnRu8eTe14PPjDDRrYPgfCoKdqHeDoeaN3DC7QXEFxSczFzxmN5g/s320/WLS+-6mopostop102012.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>The crocheting:</b><br />
I've been busy finished WIPs (works in progress) and it feels great! Here's the latest off my hook!<br />
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I made this one for my father and mother-in-law for Christmas. My father-in-law was a professor at BYU and this is their colors.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhyphenhyphen5FxvTwzBTalT035mdRBKH8JokZnqUgRpTiCC51BmLduRL2l-0mEdcCgMHnN6k3UWDTUmZKQ2NmAoQneV-AsjH5QJevydabytij78FUiPzY2ZjwXaLnNgcTN1OSf1HsEl3G3BEEC74/s1600/byuafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhyphenhyphen5FxvTwzBTalT035mdRBKH8JokZnqUgRpTiCC51BmLduRL2l-0mEdcCgMHnN6k3UWDTUmZKQ2NmAoQneV-AsjH5QJevydabytij78FUiPzY2ZjwXaLnNgcTN1OSf1HsEl3G3BEEC74/s320/byuafghan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I made this one for a friend who is expecting her first baby girl in four months!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxybtmmgxjGJ42-PCVhnIOeXgjE5Zyxfufd8E_GHMCwZlGDmcDmvKPx9g1w79mh3NsbTbKqkI2gkG0u5Kpn9Fnh4_Lcdv2ezDq0_4wQcfOvXKaIh-htlwmYllJxgA8PBuARPcbmdc4dU/s1600/jessiafghan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxybtmmgxjGJ42-PCVhnIOeXgjE5Zyxfufd8E_GHMCwZlGDmcDmvKPx9g1w79mh3NsbTbKqkI2gkG0u5Kpn9Fnh4_Lcdv2ezDq0_4wQcfOvXKaIh-htlwmYllJxgA8PBuARPcbmdc4dU/s320/jessiafghan2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I made this afghan for my dear friend Karen for Christmas.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuruFpehJSWEnSgU5pBupkGuv6Emu9eCnf3hBPTp6LGtDO_vSmIDET8AGJOVx0LA-Vi5s0_oAOwKGBWuDxE33JqvCxrztmglC-neLqwPgcvQdMcQcO-4olh1oeQwWgMEc00dJACyeAngc/s1600/karenafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuruFpehJSWEnSgU5pBupkGuv6Emu9eCnf3hBPTp6LGtDO_vSmIDET8AGJOVx0LA-Vi5s0_oAOwKGBWuDxE33JqvCxrztmglC-neLqwPgcvQdMcQcO-4olh1oeQwWgMEc00dJACyeAngc/s320/karenafghan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'm still trying to decide who gets this one!! Haha But, I love how it turned out!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBfK0hNEIo2c0RDFGPc90Tvddu_Pt0qQIUHnVJQd1HT-84MLHi8rycLwxg_jPeqZ0YWpTQ1WBYS181oGX2LHTgddPolZCCQ5lh2n2cfA-_xscC67x7v0I3OUTK8VMleg04hS25FvW1eQ/s1600/spiderafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBfK0hNEIo2c0RDFGPc90Tvddu_Pt0qQIUHnVJQd1HT-84MLHi8rycLwxg_jPeqZ0YWpTQ1WBYS181oGX2LHTgddPolZCCQ5lh2n2cfA-_xscC67x7v0I3OUTK8VMleg04hS25FvW1eQ/s320/spiderafghan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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This one was a kit that came from Herrschners. I love the colors. I just need to wash it to get rid of the puffiness.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVPDDbnZr1rQnquNRbp6xblCvQ6dYp72rrb8y87OL4MoC_lwDqN6ODiBX_S0fnFOH2IobngZ_-QvkHPZUnBKFlWUZEg-vPyEoa2bdpXMNraD48XcM56rHuigMUv4h6Z3CQncDh29QB58/s1600/myafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVPDDbnZr1rQnquNRbp6xblCvQ6dYp72rrb8y87OL4MoC_lwDqN6ODiBX_S0fnFOH2IobngZ_-QvkHPZUnBKFlWUZEg-vPyEoa2bdpXMNraD48XcM56rHuigMUv4h6Z3CQncDh29QB58/s320/myafghan.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<b>The reading:</b><br />
I've also been busy reading! I still have six books to read to make my 2012 reading goal so I've been reading a lot at night instead of sleeping. I know, not wise. LOL<br /><br />
<b>Catching Moondrops</b> by Jennifer Erin Valent. What can I say about this book? The final one of the trilogy, was absolutely the best one. This book touched me in so many ways and I learned some really valuable lessons from reading it. I feel blessed to have read this book.<br /><br />
<b>Seek Me With All Your Heart</b> by Beth Wiseman. This book was recommended to me by a friend. From page one, I was totally engulfed in it. I loved the story and the characters and I love how Miss Wiseman painted the scene of Amish living. This is a good book that was a quick read for me and one that has made me feel like a better person for having read it.<br /><br />
<b>Lost In Your Time</b> by Elle Amberley. This book is something that I could totally relate to. It's about lost love, regret, and new love. I love how it developed and found myself wanting for more when it was over.<br /><br />
<b>Kansas Troubles</b> by Earlene Fowler. At first, Benni's immaturity was a little annoying, but as the story progressed, those impressions went away. I love this series, and the spark that Benni and Gabe have.<br /><br />
<b>Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit</b> by Jeannette Winterson. I really didn't get this book. I understand it was an autobiographical novel about a gay woman's upbringing and coming out, but I just didn't care for it. The interspersed fairy tales made no sense to the story, and at times it seemed like it was jumping around like random thoughts that pop into your mind.<br /><br />
<b>The Remarkable Soul of a Woman</b> by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. This was exactly what I needed to read today. This is an inspirational book about women and what we do to make the world a more beautiful place.<br /><br />
<b>Created for Greater Things</b> by Jeffrey R. Holland. This is a wonderful little book with inspirational quotes and beautiful photos.<br /><br />
<b>Real Food, Real Frugal</b> by Susan Godfrey. This is a comprehensive book about food. It is divided into three parts, the first part defines what food is. This section is awesome and discusses some of the preservatives and additives in food and what some of those factors their consumptions can mean to the body. The second part discusses how to make the most of your food budget. It's the largest section of the book and the most informative. The last part is the recipes section that contains many recipes that I plan on trying.<br /><br />
<b>Notorious Nineteen</b> by Janet Evanovich. I love this series and this one was just as funny and suspenseful as the rest. When does 20 come out?<br /><br />
<b>The Magician's Nephew</b> by C.S. Lewis. I wanted to read the books versus watching the movies. This one started the series and how enchanting it was. I can't wait to read the next one.<br /><br />
<b>The baking:</b><br />
I have been busy baking as well. I won't post photos here because I didn't take any. LOL But, I made pumpkin spice cupcakes, apple pie cupcakes, carrot cake cupcakes, Reese's peanut butter cup cupcakes, poppy seed bread, and banana bread for a young lady for a bake sale. She sold everything and managed to raise the funds she needed to go to a medical camp next summer.<br /><br />
I plan on posting again, but if I don't manage to before the holidays, I want to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a very happy new year!! Let's hope 2013 is a fantastic one for us all!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-78290369498994628702012-10-26T11:21:00.001-07:002012-12-05T09:51:30.247-08:00Crocheting and reading!It's been four months since I last blogged. I plan on blogging more often now that I've gotten rid of some commitments that have kept me busy. So, I'm going to update with some news, then show you all what I've been working on.<br />
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<b>The news</b><br />
First off, I was asked to join the Relay for Life committee and I am loving it. This is a cause that's near and dear to my heart since cancer has claimed many lives from my paternal side of the family. I am the chairman over the registration committee and my co-chair is my friend Christine. It's going to be a great year.<br />
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Secondly, I am now down 200 lbs. I never thought that I could feel so great in my life. I am more active and happier than I've been in a long time.<br />
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Thirdly, I started a weight loss surgery support group in my town and have had a great response. It's something that we needed here and I am glad to be a part of it.<br>
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<b>The reading</b><br />
I've been blowing up my Kindle in the reading department. Here's some reviews of the books that I've recently read.<br />
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<b>"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"</b> by Mary Ann Shaffer. This is a wonderful historical fiction book. I totally loved this book!! The characters, the story, the format in which it is written. Very well done!<br />
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<b>"Fireflies in December"</b> by Jennifer Erin Valent. Another historical fiction book that I truly enjoyed. It truly paints a good picture of what prejudice existed in southern Virginia. It was full of intrigue and was laced with historical accuracy. I look forward to it's sequel.<br />
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<b>"A Northern Light"</b> by Jennifer Donnelly. I remember seeing the story of Grace Brown on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries, and was intrigued by her story. Then Ms. Donnelly writes this story based on that event. I loved this book. I loved the fiction mixed in with the non-fiction. It was well done and by the end, I was loving Mattie. I love the ending. Awesome read.<br />
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<b>"Powdered Peril"</b> by Jessica Beck. This one is considered a cozy mystery. I really love this series. This time Grace finds herself in a pickle when her boyfriend ends up dead. I totally was going a different direction than the way it resolved, but it was still a surprise and kept me in suspense. I can't wait for the next one.<br />
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<b>"Revelation"</b> by MJ Mancini. At first, when I read the description of this book, I thought it was going to be a Da Vinci Code knockoff. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is filled to the brim with murder, intrigue, and mystery. The characters were wonderfully developed, and the plot was full of the right mixture of action and mystery. I was completely pulled into this story to the point that I could not put it down. The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking, "this would be an amazing movie." I loved it and I can't wait for the next installment.<br />
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<b>"Cottonwood Whispers"</b> by Jennifer Erin Valent. In this second installment of the Jessalyn Lassiter series, we learn a hard lesson about justice and how it sometimes isn't blind. I loved this story, it had a great story with wonderfully developed characters. I highly recommend this to anyone.<br />
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<b>"Irish Chain"</b> by Earlene Fowler. I really liked this one better than the first. I loved the character development and I loved the way she interspersed some of the history in there too. I totally did not see it resolving the way it did, which is an aspect of reading mysteries that I love.<br />
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<b>"Murder Has a Sweet Tooth"</b> by Miranda Bliss. This series is a quick and fun read. This time, Annie has to solve a murder (or two) before her wedding. Why? So that Jim's cousin Alex (who is accused of the murder) can attend the wedding. What I didn't bargain for was the intricacy of the plot and the final outcome! Wow!<br />
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<b>The crocheting</b><br />
Now I've been busy crocheting too! I had two nieces have baby girls within 20 days of each other and I've been working on other projects. I'm trying to get my WIPs (works in progress) finished so that I can move onto other projects and not feel so guilty about it. LOL<br />
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Harper Rose's baby afghan<br />
I bought this pattern on Etsy and I love how it turned out.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4GFXizT7k8eQV0EgeBOGLWlXth5AcgeGoD7yuLu82jnzDZFcaOnPK6X2xECdj2uLoByeBzNT_1dN4OFWcIHns30Jcb3GzWN5iOLqXNkwmtX_isetGqDRpeMUQk7POqUHTA2dr5mJdfQ/s1600/lindseyblanket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4GFXizT7k8eQV0EgeBOGLWlXth5AcgeGoD7yuLu82jnzDZFcaOnPK6X2xECdj2uLoByeBzNT_1dN4OFWcIHns30Jcb3GzWN5iOLqXNkwmtX_isetGqDRpeMUQk7POqUHTA2dr5mJdfQ/s320/lindseyblanket2.jpg" /></a><br />
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McKinley's baby afghan<br />
I wanted to make different afghans for my nieces (they are sisters). And this one turned out SO pretty!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhIdl1QClRABPni55lbXDBfSA-jze4Q7rrnqxQWJkE4y2FvCd_QwRQ1Ej2ThjQbrUvuN2zBevE7Da6xQtZqCoTUaOtTGMbiJMfT5DCZbBVT-b7PspKrWk4QboCOL01gRhi7UHUm79Kws/s1600/heidiafghan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhIdl1QClRABPni55lbXDBfSA-jze4Q7rrnqxQWJkE4y2FvCd_QwRQ1Ej2ThjQbrUvuN2zBevE7Da6xQtZqCoTUaOtTGMbiJMfT5DCZbBVT-b7PspKrWk4QboCOL01gRhi7UHUm79Kws/s320/heidiafghan.jpg" /></a><br />
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Mom's afghan<br />
I made these squares six years ago and they just sat in a bag waiting to be sewed together. So, I dug them out and sewed them. Then gave my mom her afghan. She loved it.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_YJ3HjDnNNEL_0SYxrtgyireT5sKdI38kqeHArMzcr80DTRi8C2dAbJ5vVRvNp-NERbRN9PmnU5jqDqAGZSOze7X3INUaPeBDi_cnvUHVuN4Ly6hRznFP3VFh5lX76ElFjvN7th_cO8/s1600/momquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="219" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_YJ3HjDnNNEL_0SYxrtgyireT5sKdI38kqeHArMzcr80DTRi8C2dAbJ5vVRvNp-NERbRN9PmnU5jqDqAGZSOze7X3INUaPeBDi_cnvUHVuN4Ly6hRznFP3VFh5lX76ElFjvN7th_cO8/s320/momquilt.jpg" /></a><br />
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Dieter Cale's baby afghan<br />
I made this for my friend Darlye who is having her first baby boy. I love giving homemade gifts to my friends and family.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCxxVgy1uqZwscCFbS4BepfKtItzDZYBc5JXE1uIAtxqI97dzjLOfH0wd9xyQM0aW3ub9LiKeurmP-1-ogJe6AhHCJNopchuG3q8dirm6NaCism23911s8Us37b2JAk9HZ_KBJrcAGwA/s1600/daryleafghan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCxxVgy1uqZwscCFbS4BepfKtItzDZYBc5JXE1uIAtxqI97dzjLOfH0wd9xyQM0aW3ub9LiKeurmP-1-ogJe6AhHCJNopchuG3q8dirm6NaCism23911s8Us37b2JAk9HZ_KBJrcAGwA/s320/daryleafghan2.jpg" /></a><br />
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Grammy's afghan<br />
My grammy and I made this afghan together. When she passed away, my mom and I found it and I felt that I needed to finish it and use it. She loved how it turned out and I do too.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMyBA_kONQVyvq-rsTZX1zdps5MVmfnSW3GjgVQ0p6gDDT8ST3IGTQrjcUhYjbgWms6KgHuBW_fTXyueoqAMlrdory7EvlDQBrs-XRMDPh3l5GUKezxw23JyCqN2977l7MPxlAaJaCXY/s1600/ggafghan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMyBA_kONQVyvq-rsTZX1zdps5MVmfnSW3GjgVQ0p6gDDT8ST3IGTQrjcUhYjbgWms6KgHuBW_fTXyueoqAMlrdory7EvlDQBrs-XRMDPh3l5GUKezxw23JyCqN2977l7MPxlAaJaCXY/s320/ggafghan2.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>The genealogy</b><br />
I've also been working on my genealogy. I've been working on collateral lines that family members asked me to work on and have been having some success.<br />
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I also started to make copies of all the 1940 census that relatives are on for my files. It's been daunting and I've been burning through the bucks buying ink, but my proof binders are almost ALL updated! Woot!!<br />
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So, as you can see, it's been a busy four months for me. I still have seven WIPs to work on, more censuses to print, and of course more reading to do!<br />
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Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-41893577438237226262012-06-19T14:32:00.002-07:002012-06-19T14:32:47.513-07:00Been a long timeSo it's been a long time since I posted here. Wow! Lots of things have happened. On October 13, I met with a surgeon in Reno to discuss weight loss surgery. My initial weigh in was 482.2. Yikes! After talking to him, I decided to go ahead and do it. So, I spent six months getting ready for it.
On January 9, I started my pre-op diet. I weighed in at 508 lbs. Yikes! So, I started the pre-op diet and started losing weight. I was able to get all my pre-op requirements completed, and my surgery was scheduled for April 9, 2012. Woo too!!
I went in and had my surgery on April 9, at 1:00 pm. with Dr. Kent Sasse as my surgeon. The surgery took about an hour and all I can tell you is that it is the best decision I have ever made. So far, I have lost 130 lbs. I am walking on the treadmill every day and doing toning exercises. Here's some photos of the process:
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvOHhdP6d49F0N8ZyJ_qRuI_ern-ZHQcfyfrs1Iw1oQ84cad3As2DVQO3lVYntO8b1ktsukwNjva2zu4eGAyPDFI-c9QJH3xtKXRgAdQLXnuGvE6I8Ig2o2o0GK28DdJHBDPjHXo024A/s1600/WLS-beg010912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvOHhdP6d49F0N8ZyJ_qRuI_ern-ZHQcfyfrs1Iw1oQ84cad3As2DVQO3lVYntO8b1ktsukwNjva2zu4eGAyPDFI-c9QJH3xtKXRgAdQLXnuGvE6I8Ig2o2o0GK28DdJHBDPjHXo024A/s320/WLS-beg010912.jpg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRCGjn9OhSU8LrRC1_9iaqisL3W7N5b_iKwCjxxpcBdhfcuqW_VpDTUmvQD0aSTcaxauJuGQxUdMAsHlqEjK-ADvzVUTtj6qNqXuMER5QMPUpQLqSO6Tlq5r8eYNcNibo4AXPOPP6ZM/s1600/WLS-040312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRCGjn9OhSU8LrRC1_9iaqisL3W7N5b_iKwCjxxpcBdhfcuqW_VpDTUmvQD0aSTcaxauJuGQxUdMAsHlqEjK-ADvzVUTtj6qNqXuMER5QMPUpQLqSO6Tlq5r8eYNcNibo4AXPOPP6ZM/s320/WLS-040312.jpg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y4BYiqiUyy5ct1go2uI4vS9whAU3H6-JApOHji8mDNCiJIw4bsk3uchVlOxqTuEUDjfqrj-JVt2HZnUAeRsrx6oIcOM4aSPalS_dKrjfhTmi1GorRjhpZQZKAlV02ILwLfnFNuy2qDU/s1600/WLS-2mopostop061412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y4BYiqiUyy5ct1go2uI4vS9whAU3H6-JApOHji8mDNCiJIw4bsk3uchVlOxqTuEUDjfqrj-JVt2HZnUAeRsrx6oIcOM4aSPalS_dKrjfhTmi1GorRjhpZQZKAlV02ILwLfnFNuy2qDU/s320/WLS-2mopostop061412.jpg" /></a>
I am so happy so far with my progress. I am more mobile and I am feeling great. Now a lot of people would and have said that I took the easy way out. Let me tell everyone here that this is NOT the easy way. There is nothing easy about this process, but I will say that it is worth it.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-29789804009426926652011-10-02T14:44:00.000-07:002011-10-02T14:47:09.521-07:00To genealogists everywhere: We are the chosenI saw this on <a href="http://thejonesgenealogist.blogspot.com">the Jones Genealogist</a> and wanted to share it.<br /><br />We are the chosen. In each family there is one who seems called to find the ancestors. To put flesh on their bones and make them live again, to tell the family story and to feel that somehow they know and approve.<br /><br />Doing genealogy is not a cold gathering of facts but, instead, breathing life into all who have gone before. We are the story tellers of the tribe. All tribes have one. We have been called, as it were, by our genes. Those who have gone before cry out to us, "Tell our story!" So, we do.<br /><br />In finding them, we somehow find ourselves. How many graves have I stood before? How many times have I told the ancestors, "You have a wonderful family; you would be proud of us." How many times have I walked up to a grave and felt somehow there was love for me? I cannot say.<br /><br />It goes beyond just documenting facts. It goes to who am I and why do I do the things I do. The bones here are bones of my bone and flesh of my flesh. It goes to pride in what our ancestors were able to accomplish, how they contributed to what we are today. It goes to respecting their hardships and losses, their never giving in or giving up, their resoluteness to go on and build a life for their family.<br /><br />It goes to deep pride that the fathers fought and some died to make and keep us a Nation. It goes to a deep and immense understanding that they were doing it for us. It is of equal pride and love that our mothers struggled to give us birth. Without them we could not exist, and so we love each one, as far back as we can reach. That we might be born who we are. That we might remember them. So we do.<br /><br />With love and caring and scribing each fact of their existence, because we are they and they are the sum of who we are. So, as a scribe called, I tell the story of my family. It is up to the one called in the next generation to answer the call and take my place in the long line of family storytellers.<br /><br />This is why I do my family genealogy, and that is what calls those young and old to step up and restore the memory or greet those whom we have never known before. So we do.<br /><br />Author Unknown<br /><br />This is my sentiments exactly!!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-7098892329481679582011-08-20T10:24:00.000-07:002011-08-20T10:47:16.647-07:00Very eventful tripOk, so when you're planning on taking your first child to college, it is an emotional time. You don't want to see him leave the nest, but you're excited to see him start his life's journey. But, if I was granted a do over with taking Zakk to college yesterday, I would have gladly taken it!!
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<br />To start this wonderful odyssey, we need to begin in Ely on the morning of August 18. We're packing the car with Zakk's stuff, and he realizes his TV won't fit. He starts freaking out, until I remind him that his buddy Dylan is coming up the next day and can bring it. Ok, first crisis averted.
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<br />Then, we're all packed up and ready to go. Zakk decides that he's gonna drive which is ok by me. We start on the trip and we come to a mountain pass that we have to climb. This pass is called Conner's Pass and it's pretty steep. But, our car is just creeping up the hill. We lose so much speed, that we decide to turn around and go the other way without the mountain passes. Zakk is so frustrated that he decides to let Steve drive. We drive towards Wendover, the car overheats a little on the passes, but we keep pushing on. We stopped in Wendover to eat and gas up - which we normally NEVER have to do on this trip. After we eat, Zakk decides to drive again. So, we start driving. And guess what?
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<br />We get about five miles outside of Tooele, Utah and the car loses power. Zakk is even more frustrated and gets out to take a small walk to calm down. I don't blame him - he just wants to get to school and settled before the semester starts on Monday. Steve gets in the driver's seat and tries to start the car and there is this horrendous squealing sound. He just wants to get the car off the interstate, so we creep the five miles to the Flying J truckstop. Our max speed on this little five mile trip - 10 mph. Ugh!
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<br />We try to call my sister, and she isn't there. So, Steve called his sister. She tells us that she'll come and get us and take us to Steve's parents house. They have an extra car that we can use. So, we creep into the travel lodge and await her arrival which is an hour later. No big deal, it gives everyone the chance to calm down, go potty, get drinks and snacks etc.
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<br />Steve's sister and husband arrive and we get safely to Spanish Fork. We all crash from the ordeal. The next morning, we get up, do a few things and load up the car. Oh, did I mention that Steve's parents are on vacation? LOL We get on the road and go to see my sister. We spend about an hour there visiting with her and her children and then we get on the road.
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<br />This part of the trip is minimal. Zakk makes the comment that he hopes Grandma and Grandpa's car won't break down and I laugh. I told him that if he needed to know anything about Grandpa Moore it's that he was VERY good about keeping up on the maintenance of his cars. We get to Weber State University and pull in to park so that we can get Zakk settled into his dorm and voila - we see the red and blue lights flash us. Oh man!
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<br />The WSU campus cop walks up and informs Steve that he pulled us over because the registration is expired on the car! WTH! So, we look through the glove compartment and guess what? No current registration AND the proof of insurance was two years old! WTH. Steve tells the officer that it wasn't his car, it was his dad's and that we had car trouble and we borrowed his parents car to get our son to school. He lets us off with a warning. Another crisis averted, for a few minutes.
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<br />Ok, we get Zakk registered in the dorm and get his keys, so we drive around to the back to start to unload when guess what happens next? Smoke starts coming out from under the hood of the car. Steve pops the hood and sees that a tube from the reservoir to the radiator has exploded and that the smoke was actually the coolant leaking onto the engine. Geez! As luck would have it, a friend from where we live was dropping her daughter off at the dorms, and she offered to take us to the parts store to get the part we needed to fix the car.
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<br />Steve gets the part fixed, and puts more coolant in the car, and Zakk gets settled into his dorm. Well, then Zakk comes down pretty upset. I ask him what was the problem? He informed me that he left his keyboard to his computer at home. Well, this was an easy fix! We took him to Staples to get a replacement and to Target to get some incidental stuff like shampoo, soap, razors, etc. After the small little shopping spree, we take him back to the dorms.
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<br />Now, this is the sad part. I had to leave my baby boy there. That was SO hard for me. I just held onto him crying and he's telling me not to embarrass him. LOL But, after all the drama, hugs, and tears of this trip - I watched my little boy, who was always my shadow when he was little, walk into his college dorm. I was filled with sadness because I realized at that moment that he was no longer my little boy. He was a man heading off to start his adult life as a college student. Never again would I wake up in the mornings and have him come into my room and snuggle with me and ask me if we can get donuts for breakfast. I will miss those cherished days of having him in our home.
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<br />It hasn't even been 24 hours, and I feel like it's been longer. I miss him like crazy, but that will make future trips to Utah even sweeter. Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-39877188143928390182011-07-31T10:24:00.000-07:002011-07-31T10:43:37.685-07:00August already?I can't believe that August is tomorrow! It's been a crazy month here! Let me update you all. I started working mornings at WIMPS Fitness. I figured it would be the best way for me to get my butt in gear and start working out regularly. It worked! I lost 16 lbs and 30 inches in a month. Woo hoo!!<br /><br />I had to give a talk in Sacrament and I was a little worried, but I was able to do it. I actually stood and spoke for 25 minutes. It was awesome!! Today, my youngest is giving a talk about YW camp and she's nervous.<br /><br />We got Zakk's room assignment and he's all set to check in on August 19. I can't believe that's in three short weeks. But, I am excited to see him off on his own adventures.<br /><br />I got to meet via telephone my mom's cousin Darrel. He is the son of my great aunt Lorene. We were able to talk at length and I found him a very nice man. We are working on establishing our native american ancestry. He also gave me some photos that I really love. He connected me to a researcher in Texas and now I'm going to be helping write the family history of our two families for her to include on the county webpage. That should be an awesome experience.<br /><br />I've done a lot of scrapping lately. I am now on a new CT and I love it. I've always loved this gal's layouts and now I get to play with her gorgeous templates too!! So, here's some layouts I've done using her templates and of course the gorgeous designs of The Ettes, both designers are located at Pickleberry Pop. Here's the links to their stores:<br />The Ettes: http://www.pickleberrypop.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=85<br />Jumpstart Designs: http://www.pickleberrypop.com/shop/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=102<br /><br />Now for the layouts:<br />These two use The Ettes Going Coastal kit and Jumpstart Designs set 1 templates. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnyiCOzg3-VKfD-FLlG5HuZZ6r9uPO7JGJnvoH75rsVgzLwakVJ8t9C8gujbDx3VoOwweyGqLcLoYbye_D8E9AHR8DtZD3pDIuEd0ZKKm7bX444BO31SDFy5DYqyiMTfwNm89kTfbk7Y/s1600/bekabeach99_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnyiCOzg3-VKfD-FLlG5HuZZ6r9uPO7JGJnvoH75rsVgzLwakVJ8t9C8gujbDx3VoOwweyGqLcLoYbye_D8E9AHR8DtZD3pDIuEd0ZKKm7bX444BO31SDFy5DYqyiMTfwNm89kTfbk7Y/s320/bekabeach99_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571611026720690" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X3ciVjedX9KJrP1yhdFJXKSp72bHP86lotcE8vPwFQd6li03J8-ujPnLYxsL8gLJ0g9UnSh8CmHSY3uwsZ6Bs08RmogGX82ehbL1TzjqhhxrQfrijeg4rrqb54x9ykTbao8kGVIZ2WI/s1600/zakkbeach99_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X3ciVjedX9KJrP1yhdFJXKSp72bHP86lotcE8vPwFQd6li03J8-ujPnLYxsL8gLJ0g9UnSh8CmHSY3uwsZ6Bs08RmogGX82ehbL1TzjqhhxrQfrijeg4rrqb54x9ykTbao8kGVIZ2WI/s320/zakkbeach99_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571610603737618" /></a><br /><br />These two use The Ettes Hey Girlfriend kit and Jumpstart Designs set 1 templates:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m_GssftMXiC304wZk2Lxjwv9kaVKLm9YDMpDO2TKyufA0iUtJcjL8aw6wezHqxJrMUmXxUdA63Bh5jVIeDbch5oI-TszbaM8KTnKHCImeXEMgkB96gm5CnITn-zernP3BLV5Qu-grCM/s1600/dressy_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0m_GssftMXiC304wZk2Lxjwv9kaVKLm9YDMpDO2TKyufA0iUtJcjL8aw6wezHqxJrMUmXxUdA63Bh5jVIeDbch5oI-TszbaM8KTnKHCImeXEMgkB96gm5CnITn-zernP3BLV5Qu-grCM/s320/dressy_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571607952084754" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BM_icNyX4zNGzIdKTEj5HCMOSOJ541e2_9m869ZwL-sa4rXqLRWR9okWVZJLj4oZLzZKeqOIMnJkh6S33n8bmgvT_3TNPWIt2yMkt5e398JrS8j4lFhmU1L1O7NkGolQxP2C0wYNRIM/s1600/girlfriend_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BM_icNyX4zNGzIdKTEj5HCMOSOJ541e2_9m869ZwL-sa4rXqLRWR9okWVZJLj4oZLzZKeqOIMnJkh6S33n8bmgvT_3TNPWIt2yMkt5e398JrS8j4lFhmU1L1O7NkGolQxP2C0wYNRIM/s320/girlfriend_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571301237066578" /></a><br /><br />These two use The Ettes PS I Love You kit and Jumpstart Designs sets 3 and 4 templates.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzGL4MO3MQmm1FFbK8q_gJlon2zRXEIEx307NsVxJaVR2_9tmlETpByJED7tcubKk1VBZNYTtmw_9YKUPJ6qXx8gTwTcq4cAUfZ_6ZquZKJTDOkTr_NMK_yWbUB5w1ho3-BMkZmkXIrA/s1600/mom47_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzGL4MO3MQmm1FFbK8q_gJlon2zRXEIEx307NsVxJaVR2_9tmlETpByJED7tcubKk1VBZNYTtmw_9YKUPJ6qXx8gTwTcq4cAUfZ_6ZquZKJTDOkTr_NMK_yWbUB5w1ho3-BMkZmkXIrA/s320/mom47_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571298652000386" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUGMwuGXtG__M8lFs4dAgHRtQieR4RqROwoXiHdOD5IRRqCHXdC2PJEUW82Wf-SeJgUtKyDWNDuPl73BbpDbZzYdr21Xbr-3Ke8QVjAOwMWo5fTpa9bHGlXjtxzujtmACfkR2T4J6RNM/s1600/love_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUGMwuGXtG__M8lFs4dAgHRtQieR4RqROwoXiHdOD5IRRqCHXdC2PJEUW82Wf-SeJgUtKyDWNDuPl73BbpDbZzYdr21Xbr-3Ke8QVjAOwMWo5fTpa9bHGlXjtxzujtmACfkR2T4J6RNM/s320/love_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571296079860626" /></a><br /><br />These two use The Ettes If My Heart Could Speak kit and Jumpstart Designs sets 3 and 4 templates.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudwm7iildfq1ghp28Qp-2PQazted7ioU9gOeCsVpyZ2lESDedOp53wSpisR59eOIsmF-4FkqzAMRCGeJuVWD2SibdnEbO7t-JlMCpIjhEmbNVygnPQ4wnY0CfdFXyPibyOBHHtqvsSvI/s1600/fogle1913_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudwm7iildfq1ghp28Qp-2PQazted7ioU9gOeCsVpyZ2lESDedOp53wSpisR59eOIsmF-4FkqzAMRCGeJuVWD2SibdnEbO7t-JlMCpIjhEmbNVygnPQ4wnY0CfdFXyPibyOBHHtqvsSvI/s320/fogle1913_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571291363525602" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTMGEfFJFFHejy1fnYd5LvPF6An3846pjglQcO80i_aR_0NM7WKl28_TY9bz6kQEdFh2ZlZDckIeVaD7dZYPx2R_ITFM8GdN4eSZm6Dzm8JWGG7bNVQAdC4ce9Si97t6uBPO8Ay9TXKY/s1600/barnett1913_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTMGEfFJFFHejy1fnYd5LvPF6An3846pjglQcO80i_aR_0NM7WKl28_TY9bz6kQEdFh2ZlZDckIeVaD7dZYPx2R_ITFM8GdN4eSZm6Dzm8JWGG7bNVQAdC4ce9Si97t6uBPO8Ay9TXKY/s320/barnett1913_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635571287700310098" /></a><br /><br />These two use The Ettes Time 4 Dreams and Jumpstart Designs set 2 templates:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEuIIzcMxg5rVFBYYR4BRneMo_OY4M0SOIbh1Ue3T6RfEqKc07VpHw1VDeAfcQOOVCnDaXqUSqWbB0FCf8v1n4IffNeUrNZ0b873wVxfIWeqZzUCt7eIfa1LxaDozxysy1iRRfW_7t1A/s1600/livelife_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEuIIzcMxg5rVFBYYR4BRneMo_OY4M0SOIbh1Ue3T6RfEqKc07VpHw1VDeAfcQOOVCnDaXqUSqWbB0FCf8v1n4IffNeUrNZ0b873wVxfIWeqZzUCt7eIfa1LxaDozxysy1iRRfW_7t1A/s320/livelife_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635573159841294690" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYar8pDEXLyphLzNzUCLoc5LQh85yWzCljL3pZl1XYc25XnOnxPJLhntSoNHeMFb9AeV0mOaa9pdhShuzFH2qkqN_Nt3IDDDY1BegVlz3sdwCEHqYhGkYk5olBWR4hRCas8mOACucKKc/s1600/soar_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYar8pDEXLyphLzNzUCLoc5LQh85yWzCljL3pZl1XYc25XnOnxPJLhntSoNHeMFb9AeV0mOaa9pdhShuzFH2qkqN_Nt3IDDDY1BegVlz3sdwCEHqYhGkYk5olBWR4hRCas8mOACucKKc/s320/soar_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635573156147148674" /></a><br /><br />These two use The Ettes Time 4 Family and Jumpstart Designs set 2 templates:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEukb-NZvATcmt46dhLAElMEf-TG0E4jxVQzwmPexEcdWQ9dK8nIiGGDXlRfMvk_2CHCrYvZa3Y0G-PcfkLEtFPaEASIj3sx5YvmSR6mjVbXk_12AHEo-XU1B99QonO5M1pSb7_50LooQ/s1600/family_web1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEukb-NZvATcmt46dhLAElMEf-TG0E4jxVQzwmPexEcdWQ9dK8nIiGGDXlRfMvk_2CHCrYvZa3Y0G-PcfkLEtFPaEASIj3sx5YvmSR6mjVbXk_12AHEo-XU1B99QonO5M1pSb7_50LooQ/s320/family_web1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635573155183783858" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q1vGn0tSf5m2wfHzx16_014vg5FTiMGbed1GFtnvWRtlTxQnKRPiEdtArBgWX0XRF-rmNxjhfM4Ir2IpWxVPTBI8i7rRvz4LHYV0BcSVIZHicpo2_0MMKp0wsftY2nkaJ8V7453IhBY/s1600/gramapolly_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Q1vGn0tSf5m2wfHzx16_014vg5FTiMGbed1GFtnvWRtlTxQnKRPiEdtArBgWX0XRF-rmNxjhfM4Ir2IpWxVPTBI8i7rRvz4LHYV0BcSVIZHicpo2_0MMKp0wsftY2nkaJ8V7453IhBY/s320/gramapolly_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635573151305667746" /></a><br /><br />I just love working with these designs!! I have some more, but I need to put finishing touches on them such as shadows and journaling, so be on the lookout for some more! <br /><br />Until then, have a good and safe August!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-37163757647323641452011-07-05T16:26:00.000-07:002011-07-05T16:30:49.422-07:00Crazy times!Geez, I can't believe how the time has flown. It's been filled with busy times, illness, death, running around, graduation, etc.<br /><br />First off, my son, my baby boy graduated from high school on May 31. I can't believe it!! In August, he'll be off to Weber State University in Ogden! I'll miss him, but I'm excited to see him start his life's journey.<br /><br />I've been scrapping like crazy! Here's some of my LOs using The Ettes awesome designs. You can find their designs at: http://pickleberrypop.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrLXcTx7wcRYiggo1_BUrKWTAfseDcJ9nQm5xL6wOeiF99Ln_Z1hgvouAFqgGqqjMHYwrJ8NxRYsr4UgiewHU7hBieGZSrrA_G0Pw3UFGnIbpB-d9XCZnCqVd4xAfG-ZbY_IUD72Pr0U/s1600/zakkdad_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrLXcTx7wcRYiggo1_BUrKWTAfseDcJ9nQm5xL6wOeiF99Ln_Z1hgvouAFqgGqqjMHYwrJ8NxRYsr4UgiewHU7hBieGZSrrA_G0Pw3UFGnIbpB-d9XCZnCqVd4xAfG-ZbY_IUD72Pr0U/s320/zakkdad_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626014467735118690" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5SM28fkc4V18c94fFTRp-H4nJt0VHBM2tUNf6083sRXiKvEWQADbO0aaUFQcv08Uj2wwzn-7S6Ut7coJ0aegPf9Ps-f2Nd0_b3MHVY9XFjlbDq7lAh0nIQ-sAwcKZdzORSgyhfRO_4U/s1600/reading_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5SM28fkc4V18c94fFTRp-H4nJt0VHBM2tUNf6083sRXiKvEWQADbO0aaUFQcv08Uj2wwzn-7S6Ut7coJ0aegPf9Ps-f2Nd0_b3MHVY9XFjlbDq7lAh0nIQ-sAwcKZdzORSgyhfRO_4U/s320/reading_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626014454292426594" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk3RiF3idejEvqXUsQpGS5RzCSdCzIJAzTG5OebKwKBj_Le01ug5KGlhzi6a1o_j4ppH4pmyURwNUnFnVeUD6WAowzC3CJYC0eCzAgmjo7miyqQPO79QZyYn8vg_-f5IkAZ6Ay1F7Cjw/s1600/girlstrees_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpk3RiF3idejEvqXUsQpGS5RzCSdCzIJAzTG5OebKwKBj_Le01ug5KGlhzi6a1o_j4ppH4pmyURwNUnFnVeUD6WAowzC3CJYC0eCzAgmjo7miyqQPO79QZyYn8vg_-f5IkAZ6Ay1F7Cjw/s320/girlstrees_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626014447479236146" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxylsAedAwUXTXJS6FDMOUO2ROVX5pkc6EMu9jAxD_M6JBUW96z33bQ1HNfnNceNtm7snD958IhiqRs7tIMpU-dIzbQFgSMJXlAMoHXjnixhgSgO9KFlUKNqJjs5Mp8rwx17BBgyVwYtc/s1600/bekagalveston_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxylsAedAwUXTXJS6FDMOUO2ROVX5pkc6EMu9jAxD_M6JBUW96z33bQ1HNfnNceNtm7snD958IhiqRs7tIMpU-dIzbQFgSMJXlAMoHXjnixhgSgO9KFlUKNqJjs5Mp8rwx17BBgyVwYtc/s320/bekagalveston_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626014447633294418" /></a><br /><br />I'll post more news and grad photos later. Right now, I'm exhausted!!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-8453584234455435362011-05-12T07:36:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:42:27.883-07:00The Ettes CT callAre you a digital scrapper looking to join a CT? Then you should take a look at The Ettes CT call and apply. Their designs are awesome and they are wonderful to work with.<br /><br />(image is linked to their shop)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9YMeTrtoexSJcntpV2oAOmzimI65Ymxaf3RC9GruEu4WcmRJcAyVvpwd2ZI0qdzz06-UVw1QGzmPBuQ8vwJxpZjblrbggOhyLMpr6JeqPCSiEma6mWzPV-8DjjPvSZgotv2ca6VOYPE/s1600/CTCall-5-10-11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9YMeTrtoexSJcntpV2oAOmzimI65Ymxaf3RC9GruEu4WcmRJcAyVvpwd2ZI0qdzz06-UVw1QGzmPBuQ8vwJxpZjblrbggOhyLMpr6JeqPCSiEma6mWzPV-8DjjPvSZgotv2ca6VOYPE/s320/CTCall-5-10-11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605838550124076386" /></a><br /><br />I just love their designs and feel honored to be on their team. Here's a layout I did with their newest kit - Time 4 Me:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJfusKNc1ogX_t948PRX8WTE224uAyjq5QmCzwnUvuDLDgSkNStOsxQaEW-bWk_erOdaM_gt73vYGeo6rG4jlDxYeDmMnAal-m9MW3Emg6X-ZRupwJ9dmeob8BGVCKiIuN8ewNaC4Iw4/s1600/bucketlist_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJfusKNc1ogX_t948PRX8WTE224uAyjq5QmCzwnUvuDLDgSkNStOsxQaEW-bWk_erOdaM_gt73vYGeo6rG4jlDxYeDmMnAal-m9MW3Emg6X-ZRupwJ9dmeob8BGVCKiIuN8ewNaC4Iw4/s320/bucketlist_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605839227493159314" /></a><br /><br />Hope you all have a good day!Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-15634288127379027982011-05-03T14:22:00.001-07:002011-05-03T14:29:59.329-07:00Scrapping newsI was lucky enough to be on the Pickleberry Pop CT a few months ago, but had to step down. It made me sad, but I had to do it. Well, this weekend I was contacted by Fayette to be on The Ettes CT and I just quickly had to accept. I loved working with their designs and was sad to leave Pickleberry Pop mainly because of them. Now, I'm on their CT. Isn't that awesome? So to honor my new CT gig, I thought I'd post my layouts that I've done with their designs.<br /><br />This is my great grandma and her family in 1913.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLMGAf5qVj4BT5JaMOAYrmQx6cMycLe1VXyiODHx_m4uQdVplwsVkrGxBdugX4HCc9gjoR2up-rzk8xUbwH-IYhglLF6fS2NTI986Wc9E0m1u37JAGuLSTPAQt18N60eCYLRp8H1-r24/s1600/wooten1913_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLMGAf5qVj4BT5JaMOAYrmQx6cMycLe1VXyiODHx_m4uQdVplwsVkrGxBdugX4HCc9gjoR2up-rzk8xUbwH-IYhglLF6fS2NTI986Wc9E0m1u37JAGuLSTPAQt18N60eCYLRp8H1-r24/s320/wooten1913_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602604091360281874" /></a><br /><br />Kit: Thankful Hearts by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop<br />Roses from Must love blogs by The Ettes and CRK at Pickleberry Pop<br />Font: DJB All the cool chicks by Darcy Baldwin at Sweet Shoppe Designs<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHOqPIFwZkOs8IuULzyadOob0QS4BO4h75dHo5U-pn2RbmuwTR4vhH8UjenGeKDn8Chhhf3l2r-X87syjvusmtlMFEVuVAZISvfFSvfu1Htn0qETLTHxsuKkvwi_3FcxK11lb27nZpfk/s1600/top5_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHOqPIFwZkOs8IuULzyadOob0QS4BO4h75dHo5U-pn2RbmuwTR4vhH8UjenGeKDn8Chhhf3l2r-X87syjvusmtlMFEVuVAZISvfFSvfu1Htn0qETLTHxsuKkvwi_3FcxK11lb27nZpfk/s320/top5_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602604357837709074" /></a><br /><br />This is my LO for the November list challenge at Pickleberry Pop - to list five things you do online each day.<br /><br />Kit: Must love blogs by The Ettes and CRK at Pickleberry Pop<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZsXxD5HqLyvVc_7BqsUe7iLdJpFKfzyucp_8bC9aZWnKWoZ3Xw4Ka-83zmUsgBahmWkkfMgp8Jg2uwq3tLIPHXMqt9TLZDK5rIKvJUrZKIVrSvB-cFy_LqYsbH3hkTmYYwYR2j33Dxw/s1600/bff_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZsXxD5HqLyvVc_7BqsUe7iLdJpFKfzyucp_8bC9aZWnKWoZ3Xw4Ka-83zmUsgBahmWkkfMgp8Jg2uwq3tLIPHXMqt9TLZDK5rIKvJUrZKIVrSvB-cFy_LqYsbH3hkTmYYwYR2j33Dxw/s320/bff_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602604671836482274" /></a><br /><br />This is my oldest DD and her BFF.<br /><br />Kit is Friends4ever by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmo6Ud6d8urVqo3u3HwkLMHNsXEcBQ3CZ3b3ntH9sP8kmVz4xjeXpuBsuflRN7kkK6A4cYZSKcENPbiUXhzftUnA7Xk_jH4uzwNjSpbzpXLWZ5rOx0IodWQysvixQFDjq7QzAHbA9g3Q/s1600/vultures_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAmo6Ud6d8urVqo3u3HwkLMHNsXEcBQ3CZ3b3ntH9sP8kmVz4xjeXpuBsuflRN7kkK6A4cYZSKcENPbiUXhzftUnA7Xk_jH4uzwNjSpbzpXLWZ5rOx0IodWQysvixQFDjq7QzAHbA9g3Q/s320/vultures_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602604878560116050" /></a><br /><br />Ok, I normally don't call my kids that, but when they get into my Mary Kay makeup, I just have to! <br /><br />Kit is Reality Bytes by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAnaHeGAG7Ul7My6yfH7rMo6QRw27io1M3x1J7XJXZK5UfCEekM6h2dqEsotxK3y4w1HBAvewdTBAfApvtw9LjhWRRHjUukn3_Eb3BWZYi0HCmuAb-crXUlqXOYP6m9gzsqx6bFW-PaY/s1600/kathygrandma_web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAnaHeGAG7Ul7My6yfH7rMo6QRw27io1M3x1J7XJXZK5UfCEekM6h2dqEsotxK3y4w1HBAvewdTBAfApvtw9LjhWRRHjUukn3_Eb3BWZYi0HCmuAb-crXUlqXOYP6m9gzsqx6bFW-PaY/s320/kathygrandma_web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602605101542471778" /></a><br /><br />This is my SIL with her new grand-daughter.<br /><br />Kit is Mom's Life by The Ettes at Pickleberry Pop<br /><br />So, there ya go! Now do you know why I was thrilled to be asked to be on their CT?Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-64995493476872870642011-04-17T10:06:00.000-07:002011-04-17T16:37:00.276-07:00Baking, baking, more bakingMy youngest daughter Beka has two best friends - Autumn and Elizabeth. Elizabeth was selected to go to a law camp in Washington D.C. in July. So, she has been having fundraisers to help her earn funds to go to the camp. So, this week, she asked me if I would make some goodies for her to sell. Since I think of this young lady as my own child, I quickly told her yes. So, I decided to make some brownies and cupcakes thinking that they would be easiest for her to sell.<br /><br />So, without further ado, here's the goodies that I made. I'll also post the recipes so if any of you want to try them, you're welcome to. I can guarantee, they are ALL yummy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Snickers Cupcakes</span><br />Yield: 24 cupcakes<br />Original recipe found at: http://kevinandamanda.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H8OJ6ScCZcUqrr1dwqfiblVELWV3lLGCaZDL1Vj8M46wXbXbSdjqTUU_CAmBIoylMSN05DutBMsoaVGLJyI7oAviZpR76TXhraTSvjSF4TMac_grNQ52o7uJKCd_vhHJLew_p0KLAFY/s1600/208007_1988952125148_1283690904_2387180_6758818_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H8OJ6ScCZcUqrr1dwqfiblVELWV3lLGCaZDL1Vj8M46wXbXbSdjqTUU_CAmBIoylMSN05DutBMsoaVGLJyI7oAviZpR76TXhraTSvjSF4TMac_grNQ52o7uJKCd_vhHJLew_p0KLAFY/s320/208007_1988952125148_1283690904_2387180_6758818_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596601741215253778" /></a><br /><br />Cupcakes:<br />1 box Devils Food Cake Mix<br />1 small box Jello Chocolate Fudge instant pudding mix<br />4 eggs<br />1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />1 cup milk<br />1 cup sour cream<br /><br />Chocolate Mousse Filling:<br />2 cups heavy whipping cream<br />2 cups milk chocolate chips<br /><br />Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:<br />1 stick softened butter<br />2 1/2 to 3 cups powdered sugar<br />1/4 cup cocoa powder<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br />1 bag mini Snickers<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake tins with liners. To prepare the cupcakes, place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, milk and sour cream into stand mixer. Beat until well combined, about 2 minutes. Scoop the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes are cooked through and a toothpick comes clean from center. Remove the cupcakes from the tin and let cool.<br /><br />2. To prepare the mousse, melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, whip the heavy cream with a stand or electric mixer until it looks like whipped cream and stiff peaks form. Fold melted chocolate chips into whipped cream until well combined, then transfer batches into a piping bag. When cupcakes have cooled, press the tip of the piping bag into the center of the cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Squeeze the mousse into the cupcake while pulling the tip out. It doesn’t take much, just one firm squeeze is perfect. Continue filling all the cupcakes.<br /><br />3. To prepare the frosting, beat the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until well combined and a nice frosting consistency. Spread over cupcakes then top with chopped Snickers. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> I bought those bite sized Snickers and just put on in the center of the buttercream frosting. <br /><br /><br />Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes<br />Yield: 24 cupcakes<br />Original recipe found at: http://kevinandamanda.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf6SeZDJ_nCqUZapyiNr-0B0Qz48jOxPhzbZjqfIkd2W9LkCbsij9w2vQENn5J-1lPu6zGr2i0WLFSkD7GXmByUksZO6mdeHVaqGir9tlTOrMdnkVnhkxcIGoDVv6VkQZ4iQqn9cPg3Y/s1600/217586_1988953925193_1283690904_2387185_1618316_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWf6SeZDJ_nCqUZapyiNr-0B0Qz48jOxPhzbZjqfIkd2W9LkCbsij9w2vQENn5J-1lPu6zGr2i0WLFSkD7GXmByUksZO6mdeHVaqGir9tlTOrMdnkVnhkxcIGoDVv6VkQZ4iQqn9cPg3Y/s320/217586_1988953925193_1283690904_2387185_1618316_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596602571186898674" /></a><br /><br />For the cookie dough:<br />2 sticks softened butter<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />4 tbsp milk<br />1 tbsp vanilla<br />2 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1 cup mini chocolate chips<br /><br />For the cupcakes:<br />3 sticks softened butter<br />1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed<br />4 large eggs<br />2 2/3 cups all purpose flour<br />1 tsp. baking powder<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />1/4 tsp. salt<br />1 cup milk<br />2 tsp. vanilla extract<br /><br />For the frosting:<br />3 sticks softened butter<br />3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed<br />3 1/2 cups powdered sugar<br />1/2 tsp. salt<br />2 tbsp. milk<br />1 tsp. vanilla extract<br /><br />To make the cookie dough, combine the butter and sugars in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 mins. Beat in milk and vanilla until incorporated and smooth. Beat in the flour and salt until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. Using a 1.5 tbsp scoop, shape the dough into balls or tubes. Freeze on a parchment lined baking sheet overnight.<br /><br />To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners (24 total). In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the butter and brown sugar. Beat together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir together to blend. Add the dry ingredients to the mixer bowl on low speed, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing each addition just until incorporated. Blend in the vanilla. Using a 3 tbsp scoop, fill the prepared cupcake liners 2/3 full with the cupcake batter. Place a frozen cookie dough ball on the top center of each cupcake.<br />Bake at 350 for 16-18 mins.<br /><br />To make the frosting, combine the butter and brown sugar in a mixing bowl and cream on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the powdered sugar until smooth. Beat in the salt, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.<br />Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips!<br /><br /><br />Brownie Batter Cupcakes<br />Yield: 36 cupcakes<br />Original recipe found at: http://kevinandamanda.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMjN-nxQI3VynunQKyix5aU10cIFYx67chjC5m3HD8DO_AzoZ5hTxYYdrpFwgsIqlXZ9sJHR6qwNlsrzT32FTtaoTLxkac9Z5fJTRuwI5WAlCtDp2ulUMrIaH6Y0By2ZgkpVkEIf_2Eo/s1600/221665_1988953325178_1283690904_2387184_851038_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMjN-nxQI3VynunQKyix5aU10cIFYx67chjC5m3HD8DO_AzoZ5hTxYYdrpFwgsIqlXZ9sJHR6qwNlsrzT32FTtaoTLxkac9Z5fJTRuwI5WAlCtDp2ulUMrIaH6Y0By2ZgkpVkEIf_2Eo/s320/221665_1988953325178_1283690904_2387184_851038_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596603467827652738" /></a><br /><br />For the brownie batter:<br />1/4 cup butter, melted<br />1/3 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk<br />1/3 cup milk<br />1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix<br />Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Using a small scoop (about 1.5 tbsp) drop batter onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight.<br /><br />For the cupcakes:<br />1 (18.25 oz) box devil’s food cake mix<br />1 (3.9 oz) pkg Jello instant chocolate fudge pudding mix<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 cup vegetable oil<br />4 eggs, beaten<br />1/2 cup milk<br />2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray and line with cupcake liners. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips into a very large bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 mins until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a large scoop (about 3 tbsp) drop batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3rds full. Remove brownie batter from freezer and press into the cupcake batter. Bake for 22-28 mins. Allow to cool completely before frosting.<br /><br />For the frosting:<br />5 sticks butter, softened<br />8 oz powdered sugar<br />1.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa)<br />a pinch of table salt<br />1.5 cups light corn syrup<br />2 tsp vanilla extract<br />16 oz milk chocolate chips<br /><br />Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring well every 30 seconds. Allow to cool for 5-10 mins. Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt in a food processor and process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl as needed. Add the corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, about 5-10 seconds. Scrape the bowl again, then add the melted chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, about 10-15 seconds. You can use a mixer for this too, if you don’t have a food processor, just don’t whip the butter too much!<br /> <br />After I iced them, I sprinkled powdered sugar on top. Yummy!<br /><br /><br />Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes<br />Yield: 24 cupcakes<br />Original recipe found at: http://mybakingaddiction.com<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieAFir7QLYzL9hmzZM4eCjq3DcNNkTOqTBe2VYWgAjYOo-Og8jnlM_RdpJRaF6JkrU6HuCwN7qFNF4zBTxUp3RZO5WT3lGvXC08q1B1Ci7v5_QUL70YLQRSAvNzORww9wFAovsbu7hVw/s1600/206840_1988952325153_1283690904_2387181_1966073_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieAFir7QLYzL9hmzZM4eCjq3DcNNkTOqTBe2VYWgAjYOo-Og8jnlM_RdpJRaF6JkrU6HuCwN7qFNF4zBTxUp3RZO5WT3lGvXC08q1B1Ci7v5_QUL70YLQRSAvNzORww9wFAovsbu7hVw/s320/206840_1988952325153_1283690904_2387181_1966073_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596604464959273298" /></a><br /><br />For the Cupcakes:<br />1 (18.25 ounce) package devil’s food cake mix<br />1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1 cup vegetable oil<br />4 eggs, lightly beaten<br />2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<br />1 tablespoon instant espresso granules dissolved in 1/2 cup warm water<br />24 Reese’s Miniatures; frozen (this prevents them from disappearing into the batter)<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla and espresso water mixture. Beat for about two minutes on medium speed until well combined. Using a large cookie scoop, distribute the batter between 24 muffin wells; about 3 tablespoons of batter per well. Press one frozen Reese’s Miniature into the center of each cupcake. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the tops of the cakes spring back when lightly touched. There will be a small sink hole in the top of the cupcakes from the Reese’s Miniatures, that’s okay – you’ll cover that with frosting. Allow cupcakes to cool inside muffin tins for about 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from muffin tins and allow to fully cool on a wire rack. Once cupcakes are cool, prepare your frosting.<br /><br />For the Peanut Butter Buttercream frosting:<br />3 sticks unsalted butter, softened<br />1 cup creamy peanut butter<br />2 tablespoons vanilla extract<br />2 pounds confectioners’ sugar, sifted<br />6-8 tablespoons heavy cream (if using milk, amount will be less)<br /><br />In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, cream butter and peanut butter on medium speed until fluffy. Turn your mixer down to low speed and slowly add in the confectioner’s sugar, and continue mixing until well blended. Add vanilla and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add an additional 1 to 4 tablespoons of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency. Beat at high speed until frosting is smooth and fluffy. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and finish with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. <span style="font-weight:bold;">Note:</span> I bought the regular sized peanut butter cups and cute them into quarters and put a quarter in the center of each one.<br /><br /><br />Fudge Marble Brownies<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadTO0ntjtLi_YKYMH-8pKYJ5S9d3cuyAAHr93ovrVCv609hPo6Li3L9rx8B6wCkZ-2ni_T3dH96F918skpXwmDJOKoPe1oZd2XAj0DlOO0NedDxn70uCCVsVdBFvPF1CKuAP4I_zm4L8/s1600/221646_1989023286927_1283690904_2387235_1241610_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjadTO0ntjtLi_YKYMH-8pKYJ5S9d3cuyAAHr93ovrVCv609hPo6Li3L9rx8B6wCkZ-2ni_T3dH96F918skpXwmDJOKoPe1oZd2XAj0DlOO0NedDxn70uCCVsVdBFvPF1CKuAP4I_zm4L8/s320/221646_1989023286927_1283690904_2387235_1241610_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596604845187745810" /></a><br /><br />Now I know you want this recipe, but I made this one up on my own and I don't want to give it out just yet. =)<br /><br />I can tell you, that there was nothing left. She made a good amount of money for her trip.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-40167319961760411462011-03-29T09:09:00.000-07:002011-03-29T09:21:31.509-07:00Fearless females: days #28 and 29<span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you remember your mother’s best friend? Your grandmother’s? How and where did they meet? How long were they friends? What activities did they share?</span><br /><br />My mom's best friend is named LaDonna. She is like family to us. My kids all call her Aunt LaDonna. They met in church when we moved to Texas and have been friends for 25 years. They served together in the church and they have done a lot of things together. We helped LaDonna when her son got married. We have spent time with her, and we even talk to her on the phone all the time. We love her and her husband Uncle Bill.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Create a free Footnote Page or a Genealogy Trading Card at Big Huge Labs for a female ancestor. Tell us about who you've selected and why and then post a link to what you've created.</span><br /><br />I didn't find footnote to be very useful so I haven't created one. I do document my family history because I believe that an undocumented genealogy is a mythology. I have photos of several of my ancestors, but like I said, I didn't find Footnote to be too useful.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-39153423632697452982011-03-27T07:42:00.000-07:002011-03-27T07:52:43.802-07:00Fearless females: day #27<span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you know the immigration story of one or more female ancestors? Do you have any passenger lists, passports, or other documentation? Interesting family stories?</span><br /><br />My great grandmother Ellen Folden Ausmus was born in Nebraska. But, in 1907, she and her sister-in-law immigrated to Canada to be with their husbands who had immigrated a few months back. They moved to Eston, Saskatchewan, Canada and lived there for 21 years. I have census records from Canada in both 1911 and 1916 showing them there as well as earlier (1880, 1900) and later (1930) US censuses showing them here. The story goes that my great grandfather John and his two brothers Bert and Claude went to Canada to settle in order to provide better lives for themselves and their families. A few months later, they sent for their wives and children. Bert was never married and when my line of the family left Canada in 1928, he stayed there along with their brother Claude, who later moved his family to Alberta.<br /><br />My line of the family went down into Gillette, Wyoming and homesteaded land there. But, they hated the wind and bitter cold and settled in Los Angeles. Nellie died in Torrance in 1953. My branch of the family continues to live in California to this day.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-75921015261077970852011-03-26T07:26:00.000-07:002011-03-26T07:32:08.996-07:00Fearless females: days #25 and 26<span style="font-weight:bold;">Tell how a female ancestor interacted with her children. Was she loving or supportive? A disciplinarian? A bit of both?</span><br /><br />My maternal great grandmother Maude Barnett Fogle was a very sweet lady. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren dearly. When her children were little, she always sided with her husband no matter what, even if she felt he was being too harsh. I guess it was the way back then. My paternal great grandmother Gladys Ruth Wooten was the polar opposite. She adored her daughter and merely tolerated her grandchildren. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">What education did your mother receive? Your grandmothers? Great-grandmothers? Note any advanced degrees or special achievements.</span><br /><br />My mother received her high school diploma. She never went on to college. My paternal grandmother Joan Graham Ausmus received her high school diploma, but didn't go on to college. My maternal grandmother Patricia Fogle Mason didn't graduate college. She ran away from home when she was 16 and was married with a baby by 17. None of my great grandmothers went to college nor did they finish high school. They were all farmers daughters and left school after grades 8-9 to help their fathers.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-63238330049705929092011-03-24T05:20:00.000-07:002011-03-24T05:25:08.312-07:00Fearless females day #23 and 24<span style="font-weight:bold;">Create a timeline for a female ancestor using your favorite software program or an online timeline generator such as OurTimelines. Post an image of it or link.</span><br /><br />I did this, but I couldn't figure out how to show an image and the link I tried was just to the website.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Do you share any physical resemblance or personality trait with one of your female ancestors? Who? What is it?</span><br /><br />People tell me that I look a lot like my mother. We also sound a lot alike on the phone. I have also been told that I have my grandma Joan's strong will and my grandma Pat's ability to cook.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-91470913022634217002011-03-22T06:48:00.000-07:002011-03-22T06:52:18.849-07:00Fearless females: day #22<span style="font-weight:bold;">If a famous director wanted to make a movie about one of your female ancestors who would it be? What actress would you cast in the role and why?</span><br /><br />I'd want a director who would make a good, truthful film. So, I would probably go with Steven Spielberg. As for actresses, there is only one actress who I would cast to play my great grandmother Maude Ethel Barnett, and that would be Jessica Tandy. When she played Mrs. Threadgoode on <span style="font-style:italic;">Fried Green Tomatoes</span>, it was almost like seeing my great grandma on the television. To portray her as a young woman, I would pick Kate Winslet. When Kate was in <span style="font-style:italic;">Titanic</span>, I could just imagine that is what my great grandma would have been like if she hadn't been poor.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-61184155879682653782011-03-21T07:49:00.001-07:002011-03-21T08:06:52.585-07:00Fearless females: day #21It's the second day of spring and it's snowing here! I can't believe it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Describe a tender moment one of your female ancestors shared with you or another family member.</span><br /><br />I've had two personal experiences that would be considered tender. I hesitate to tell them, because some may find it weird. But, I can tell you that they are 100% true.<br /><br />The first involves my great grandmother Ellen Jane Folden. When I was 12 years old, a friend of mine and I were playing on the railroad tracks. We were laying on them to feel train vibrations. We felt some and waited for the train to come. When it was in sight, I started to cross the tracks to get to the other side because we could tell it was a LONG train and we'd have to wait awhile to cross. But, as I was crossing, I tripped and fell right across the tracks that the train was on. As I tried to get up, I panicked more and more and would lose my grip. I was very scared that I was going to die and my friend Donna just sat there in shock. Out of nowhere, I felt myself being carried across the tracks. When I was put down, I looked up into this woman's face. She had a beautiful face, and her hair was pulled up in a bun. She was wearing a white lacy dress like they wore in the 1920s. I had never seen a woman so beautiful. Then Donna came running up to me, and the lady was gone. I forgot about this incident until four years later when we went to California to visit my dad's family. We went to visit my great aunt Ethel (my grandfather's sister) and she gave us a tour of her home. In her den, on the wall, was a photo of the lady that had carried me across the tracks. I asked her who it was, and she said, "That was my mother. She died in 1953." The hairs on the back of my neck stood up because I knew right then and there that I was a participant in my own ghost story. What touched me was how the dimension between this life and the spirit world didn't keep a great grandmother from protecting her great grandchild in her time of need. Since then, I have always felt a very close connection to my great grandmother.<br /><br />The second incident that I want to tell you about happened with my grandmother Patricia. She is the one that I talked about on my March 19 post. In mid- December 2009, I was called by the hospice nurse that took care of my grammy. She told me that if I wanted to see her alive, I had better get there quick. So, I took a bus and traveled to Texas. When I got there, it was evident to me that my grammy wasn't going to live much longer. I arrived there on December 28 and had two really good days with her. On the 30th, my grammy fell out of her bed and started to panic, which isn't good for someone with advanced emphysema. We called the hospice nurse, and they informed us that the doctor said it was time for comfort measures. So, they gave her morphine and left several shots there that I was to give her every six hours. There were also tablets that I was to give her every four hours. They wanted her to be as comfortable as possible. My mother didn't have the heart to give her the shots, so I told her that I would do it. at 11:00 p.m. on the 30th, I went to grammy, who was out of it, and rubbed the alcohol swab on her to disinfect the area. As I did this, she woke and was very lucid for a mere seconds. I told her that I was sorry that I had to give her the shot, and she said, "I love you sugar" and I replied that I loved her too. Those are the last words she ever spoke to me as she passed away the next morning at 7:15 am. I will always be so grateful that she had those few seconds of lucidity to be able to tell me that she loved me, even though I knew that already, it feels comforting to me to know that in her last moment of lucidity was one of love.<br /><br />I know these are pretty sensational stories, but I promise you they happened. I am thankful to have had them because I think they helped me realize that the veil between this life and the next is very thin and that even though these ladies are passed on, we are a family and will be forever.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-66926773248098258212011-03-20T07:28:00.000-07:002011-03-20T07:44:48.763-07:00Fearless females: day #20<span style="font-weight:bold;">Is there a female ancestor who is your brick wall? Why? List possible sources for finding more information.</span><br /><br />Oh yes, I have a few. The first one is my great great great grandmother Mary Ann McCoy. Here's what I know:<br /><br />* she was born in 1844 in Linn Co., Missouri<br />* her parents were James M. and Mary Ann Moore McCoy<br />* her mother died in 1844 presumably in childbirth<br />* she is NOT on the 1850 census with her dad and siblings<br />* she IS on the 1860 census with her brother and his family<br />* she was married in 1861 to William Henry Fogle<br />* she is on the 1870 census with her husband and children<br />* she died in 1896<br /><br />Ok, here are my question. Where was she in 1850? Who was she living with? I want to know who she was living with. She wasn't old enough to be a laborer in 1850, she would have only been 5-6 years old. Was she living with her maternal grandparents? I can't expand this line further because I don't know any information on her early life.<br /><br />This is Mary Ann McCoy Fogle with her husband.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDglm6NvJBF6YKtfRgTJEVF8kynszsYSM_eM-CPes6N7TAVBud1A3s5Lk8g026xpQMrx97xVnuY000SuVHwrfkcQAXmQRCF0xy3xvBV9plqg00FYLcEJHuNXZLJbiXJMVUgKvCsif2pQE/s1600/foglehenry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDglm6NvJBF6YKtfRgTJEVF8kynszsYSM_eM-CPes6N7TAVBud1A3s5Lk8g026xpQMrx97xVnuY000SuVHwrfkcQAXmQRCF0xy3xvBV9plqg00FYLcEJHuNXZLJbiXJMVUgKvCsif2pQE/s320/foglehenry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586172453355799634" /></a><br /><br />The second one is my great great great grandmother Martha Luticia Portis. Here's what I know about her:<br /><br />* she was born in 1841 in North Carolina<br />* she is not listed on the 1850 census with who I have been told are her parents<br />* she was married to Calvin Gurley who died in the civil war (they are listed on the 1860 census) - they had one daughter<br />* she married Charles Henry Clay Walker<br />* they emigrated to Indiana and had eight children<br />* she died in Los Angeles, California on 13 Dec 1915<br /><br />Again, I want to know where she was in 1850. Why isn't she with her family? Who is she with? She was only 8-9 when the 1850 census was taken, so where is she? What happened to her child with Calvin?<br /><br />This is Martha Luticia Portis Walker with her husband.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutZ-PXlEmCGq_1F2tn8-pXCOQLLR2wPy5KZewfsrWl82tC_jSQidhqvonhBxSAP-AI0PavquUz4kUh1hDSQ3vMEiPgdI3jYnV_xQ_KBqn8j4-aqzNK9SzUwXC2pj4vGzQTsTy1hDBkRo/s1600/walker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutZ-PXlEmCGq_1F2tn8-pXCOQLLR2wPy5KZewfsrWl82tC_jSQidhqvonhBxSAP-AI0PavquUz4kUh1hDSQ3vMEiPgdI3jYnV_xQ_KBqn8j4-aqzNK9SzUwXC2pj4vGzQTsTy1hDBkRo/s320/walker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586172687658043410" /></a><br /><br />These are my two biggest brick walls right now. I want to be able to take the lines farther, but I just haven't found the right pieces of the puzzle in order to do that. One day, I know I will.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-83216355649785027692011-03-19T08:35:00.000-07:002011-03-19T08:50:16.310-07:00Fearless females: day #19<span style="font-weight:bold;">Have you discovered a surprising fact about one of your female ancestors? What was it and how did you learn it? How did you feel when you found out?</span><br /><br />I have discovered some things about my maternal grandmother that shocked me somewhat. We had always been told by her that my grandfather left her after she had my mother. For many years, we harbored bad feelings for my grandfather, who I never met. Then in 2002, I found his address and decided to write to him and ask him why he left and to let him know about his three grandchildren and eight (at that time) great grandchildren. His wife wrote me back, and the information contained in that letter was very eye opening.<br /><br />She explained that my grandfather had tried for many years to find my mother, that he in fact did NOT leave her, but it was the other way around. She said that my grandfather told her that he went to the bank to close on a house for them to live in and that when he returned, there was a letter from my grandmother stating that she didn't love him anymore, and that she was too young to be married and a mother (she was 17). Since they eloped, he didn't know how to reach my great grandparents since he had never met them and they were migrant farmers. Once my grandma left my grandfather, she left my mom with her parents and didn't return for 13 years.<br /><br />When I found all this out, I was naturally furious with my grandmother and sad for my mother. My mother lived her entire life being told that her dad abandoned her, when in actuality, he loved her greatly and mourned her absence from his life. Then the double whammy of her mother abandoning her for 13 years. I immediately called my mom and read the letter to her and she was glad to know that her dad did love her. I did manage to confront my grandmother about it in 2008 when her husband passed away. The sad thing is that she confirmed it all.<br /><br />Now I know some who read this may agree that she was too young to be married and a mom, but it's her actions after she did all this that make me furious. My grandmother moved to St. Louis and began an affair with a married man. It wasn't until he died, that she started to want my mom in her life again. To me, there is NO excuse for abandoning your child, especially for a sugar daddy. <br /><br />I have since forgiven my grandmother for all of this. After all, if my mother (who was the most affected by grandma's actions) can forgive her, then who am I to hold grudges about it? I love my grandmother and miss her every day, but, it makes me very sad to think that she was so selfish to have done this to my grandfather, to my mother, and to her parents.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-68261679056309514182011-03-18T08:30:00.000-07:002011-03-18T08:40:57.420-07:00Fearless females: day #18<span style="font-weight:bold;">Shining star: Did you have a female ancestor who had a special talent? Artist, singer, actress, athlete, seamstress, or other? Describe.</span><br /><br />Both of my grandmothers were very talented. My paternal grandma Joan made the most adorable dolls. The photo below is some of the dolls that my grandma made for me before she died. She also was a fantastic crocheter and made many afghans, scarves, pot holders etc. I inherited her crochet and knitting needles when she passed away.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOP7kWtaDXXEgTqjb4uHME0_9G5dGhlBgJCwxdi1i-jdk6LLUkKE_196kNf2YIv7n5qwZ8GsbWWH1EhxtwEspI-7QTRcq7NAvfns1Oqn4Gm5mFG_mL73SiDlRuzuebZqLk258uGlJhE8/s1600/dolls2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOP7kWtaDXXEgTqjb4uHME0_9G5dGhlBgJCwxdi1i-jdk6LLUkKE_196kNf2YIv7n5qwZ8GsbWWH1EhxtwEspI-7QTRcq7NAvfns1Oqn4Gm5mFG_mL73SiDlRuzuebZqLk258uGlJhE8/s320/dolls2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585443145846860706" /></a><br /><br />My maternal grandma Pat was an amazing seamstress. She made most of my mom's formal gowns. When I got married, she did all the lace and bead work on my gown. It was beautiful. My grandma had the ability to take a piece of junk and make a beautiful work of art out of it. She made some gorgeous beaded jewelry. When she passed away, I inherited all her knitting needles and craft supplies.<br /><br />My mom is an avid cross stitcher and seamstress. She made each of my children a cross stitch when they were born and she made my grandmother a cross stitch of a seamstress, a Paula Vaughn pattern. It now hangs on my living room wall.<br /><br />I am proud to have inherited my grandma Joan's knack for crochet and my grandma Pat's knack for bead work and my mom's knack for needlework.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-86083950821023149852011-03-17T08:47:00.000-07:002011-03-17T08:53:29.976-07:00Fearless females: day #17Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Social Butterfly? What social organizations or groups did your mother or grandmother belong to? Sewing circle, church group, fraternal benefit society or lodge? Describe her role in the group.</span><br /><br />Besides church groups, my female ancestors weren't members of any groups that I know of. From what I have gathered, they were busy helping to tend the farms and the children in which they lived, and by the time leisure time rolled around, they were sleeping and building up their strength for the next day.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-48713602233291014402011-03-16T07:08:00.000-07:002011-03-16T07:23:14.186-07:00Fearless females: day #16<span style="font-weight:bold;">If you could have lunch with any female family member (living or dead) or any famous female who would it be and why? Where would you go? What would you eat?</span><br /><br />I've never been into the celebrity stuff. They are just people like everyone else, so I don't think that I would want to have lunch with any of them. But, if I could have lunch with any of my ancestors, I definitely have a few that I would like to take out. The three that I would take are Lilly Ann Fisher Barnett, Martha Luticia Portis Walker, and Mary Ann Moore Fogle. The reason that I would take all of these ladies would be to ask them some questions about their pasts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lilly Ann Fisher Barnett</span><br />(the mother in this photo)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv2Gb2L8cQwZ87WN72_KmvZAnVr9ssa-Uvh0hblcTAHrMC35yFPi9MUU1mA5-9sJXD_hGTVM5-y4fq_NIspdwRCALvcPcAG-B7ukqvyViTS8mhvEUipByAtg6v8nNVz2yD6GKXsyB2cA/s1600/barnett.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguv2Gb2L8cQwZ87WN72_KmvZAnVr9ssa-Uvh0hblcTAHrMC35yFPi9MUU1mA5-9sJXD_hGTVM5-y4fq_NIspdwRCALvcPcAG-B7ukqvyViTS8mhvEUipByAtg6v8nNVz2yD6GKXsyB2cA/s320/barnett.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584680393721303426" /></a><br /><br />Lilly Ann is my great great grandmother and the reason that I would take her is to ask her some questions and her Native American ancestry. We have always been told that she is from the Choctaw tribe, but when I found her son's WWI registration card, it listed him as Chickasaw. I would also ask her about her parents and any siblings she may have had. I definitely would ask her about her first marriage and why it ended.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Martha Luticia Portis Walker</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8flg-k_mtBCk6wCC5FlE-uEF-j6Wn8xk9c1mrj8mIs4ootdWQ3N2G4a5yRWkvprkqnWnwhQeIgCbS3HcuWSdBDtK0jbddKSSgz4uBIBfpTogMonAX5cTbGf91vUXsiKgZnUgJVncctTY/s1600/walker.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8flg-k_mtBCk6wCC5FlE-uEF-j6Wn8xk9c1mrj8mIs4ootdWQ3N2G4a5yRWkvprkqnWnwhQeIgCbS3HcuWSdBDtK0jbddKSSgz4uBIBfpTogMonAX5cTbGf91vUXsiKgZnUgJVncctTY/s320/walker.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584681609029665442" /></a><br /><br />Martha was my great great great grandmother. I would ask her about her life. How did she feel knowing that her husband led a double life and ran off and left her for long periods of time? Who were her parents and siblings? What made her leave North Carolina for Indiana? Why did she marry Henry and did she know that Charles was his real name? Lots of questions for this lady.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mary Ann Moore Fogle</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK_MALhYInlHKAIDbomyDgqg5EZpe_Nwsgsp8KwyJCghElmYpyKdH0Ld294DR57RFF7NlrW76u-n6Ll2PcF1IHoOvngAlJmGMVBX0Yd-BJYCcNcpMmvRj7nntq5wo6YvmeEsRc64PbAw/s1600/foglehenry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK_MALhYInlHKAIDbomyDgqg5EZpe_Nwsgsp8KwyJCghElmYpyKdH0Ld294DR57RFF7NlrW76u-n6Ll2PcF1IHoOvngAlJmGMVBX0Yd-BJYCcNcpMmvRj7nntq5wo6YvmeEsRc64PbAw/s320/foglehenry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584682320352654386" /></a><br /><br />Mary Ann was my great great great grandmother and I am extremely interested in why she didn't grow up with her father? Her mother passed away when she was little, and she was sent to her uncle's home to live. She later emigrated to California with her brothers and lived with her oldest brother. I don't regret this decision because it is there that she met my great great great grandfather, but what led her there? Was her last name Filmore as some researchers believe, or was it Moore as other's believe? <br /><br />I don't think the place that I would take them really matters here. What matters is being able to spend some time with these ladies and to ask them some pertinent questions. Oh, how I would love to meet them.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-14611297686518747132011-03-15T08:55:00.000-07:002011-03-15T09:02:23.558-07:00Fearless females: day #15<span style="font-weight:bold;">Write a six-word memoir tribute to one of your female ancestors.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0qtzpFWv9pR2XKek7bT1jgc4D2SAvdaX_V7JED1q0LfSP6XH4vUujuWtX0DRDq70EkZYmdjH1Mbw5BcVr5IAOWN926rTzEKb8LdYgdLO0b3NgS1j7GgzKZULxReyWlr2zovg-0IjPaU/s1600/mamafogle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0qtzpFWv9pR2XKek7bT1jgc4D2SAvdaX_V7JED1q0LfSP6XH4vUujuWtX0DRDq70EkZYmdjH1Mbw5BcVr5IAOWN926rTzEKb8LdYgdLO0b3NgS1j7GgzKZULxReyWlr2zovg-0IjPaU/s320/mamafogle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584336324702652290" /></a><br /><br />Beautiful, hard working, spiritual, sweet, great-grandmother.<br /><br />My great grandmother Maude Ethel Barnett Fogle was a beautiful lady. Even when she was in her 90s, she had the most beautiful skin I have ever seen. She was a good cook, and enjoyed cooking for her family. She was an extremely hard worker having raised eight children and a few grandchildren while helping her husband tend to their farm. She was a very spiritual lady, being very strong in her faith. Her favorite color was pink, and when she passed away at the age of 96, her children made sure that her casket had pink material in it. She was a very beloved lady and I miss her.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1618671872260602493.post-64342198795192626972011-03-14T06:53:00.000-07:002011-03-14T06:59:18.003-07:00Fearless females: day #14<span style="font-weight:bold;">Newsmakers? Did you have a female ancestor who made the news? Why? Was she famous or notorious? Did she appear in the social column?</span><br /><br />You know, I have been doing genealogy research for 32 years, and to date, have not found any articles on any ancestor male or female except for obituaries. I guess my ancestors liked to fly under the radar. LOL<br /><br />In other news, I am halfway through the book <span style="font-style:italic;">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</span> by Stieg Larsson. It's started to get good. It was a little slow in developing (the first chapter), but now it's getting very good. I guess this means that I'll be reading the next in the series before too long. I am also almost finished with <span style="font-style:italic;">A Series of Unfortunate Events</span> book seven. This one is getting good too. It's a quick read, but quite good. Be on the lookout for my reviews soon.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049914740895226257noreply@blogger.com1