Believe

Well TODAY is THE day.

The day that I waited for since the day I heard Alexa had Leukemia. The end of treatment. It is amazing how fast time passes. I feel sad that I rushed through part of my daughter’s childhood. To get to the END of a long road.

This is Alexa’s LAST chemo treatment. Not the end of the road to recovery, but the end of most of the fear and worry. We have a 5 year window, that is very important to be considered in “remission”. I don’t think this thing that sits in the pit of my gut, since the day I first heard her say “Mommy my knee hurts”, will ever go away. Every complaint will be met with that panic. Every fever will forever be a big deal. But I now get to at least take a deep sigh of relief. Relief that she can fight her own germs. Relief that she can go forward and just be a kid. Relief that she has over come a HUGE battle! She has done so amazing.

I am so beyond overwhelmed. I started this post attaching photos of her along her journey. Photos of before with her thick straight dark brown hair, then onto photos of her in the hospital right after we cut her waist length hair to up above her shoulders so that when it began to fall out it wouldn’t be so bad, to photos of her in the hospital, looking like I never ever want to see her looking again.

Then I deleted it all. I had to. I thought that is OVER! DONE! Not going back. Not dwelling on all that.

 I couldn’t even bare to see some of the photos. They brought the rush of emotions and turmoil those first few months had brought to me and my family. A huge SOB in my throat. Photos of my kids wearing masks to protect their sister against germs that anyone could fight off, but now for Alexa could become life threatening, Photos of them playing with dolls that have port-a-caths. Photos capturing hings NO person, let alone children should experience. To think I even limited the photos because I didn’t want to capture that time. I can see why I didn’t want to remember any of that.

Now its time to move forward in HOPE, FAITH and BELIEF that this is behind us, and she is in God’s care.

I have worn a purple wrist band that is inscribed inside-Faith in Healing Alexa. I have never taken it off. I don’t think I can. Lavender is the general cancer awareness color and is also the color for Cancer Survivors-so I went with that. Plus its my favorite color.

If you can, send up a prayer for Alexa today. A prayer that she is still Cancer free and will remain that way for the rest of her LONG life. Thank you!

I truly believe this has happened for a greater purpose, and was meant to teach me and my family countless lessons. Through it all I just had to believe it would all be ok.

Now for a card I made above-it holds a limited edition Tic Tac cassette. The front panel opens up with a magnet.

This is the Think Pink set from MFT. A great set for a cause. You can color it to suit any type of cause that affects you. Not just pink.

Leukemia color is orange. Most causes are represented by a color.

CLICK HERE to learn more about that.

 Band opened

I stamped the Sweet Blush Satin ribbon using Berry Sorbet ink.

SOOOO-This is my thought for today-Believe. Believe in a cure. Believe in Healing.

Thank you all again so much for stopping by, and if you read my post and send up a prayer I appreciate it.

What a journey.

Till Tomorrow.

Well Happy Mother’s Day to you all! I get to do whatever I want! I see TGIFriday’s in my future, and maybe take the kids to the park. Follow that up with some stamp time, of course.

As you may have noticed I took yesterday off! I needed it, and really didn’t have time to post. I had family things to do. It was a great day. Now due to my lack of posting you can guess how much I HAVE to say! LOL! This is LONG winded. I know, by now, you know me.

I do have a post to share using my favorite image-Butterflies! My day would NOT be complete without that. But first my little Mother’s Day celebrations-My children.

IF YOU WANT TO SKIP THAT BLAH BLAH BLAH scroll down!

Noah-

 On the base

He had his first t-ball game yesterday! He was hilarious. Every time a kid got on his base, and it was time to run to the next, Noah would run too, trying to “beat him” to the next base.Maybe we should have him in track? I guess they do some drill at practice, and Noah just can’t seem to separate that for this first game! LOL! Anyway, I was so proud. Last year he sat in the field and pouted! LOL! He is growing up SO fast, and seems old beyond his years. Given Alexa’s issue’s he is like the oldest child, and is the care taker of his sister’s. Some woman will be very lucky to have him some day. He is a mini version of his daddy, with a few added qualities.

Amber -

 Ready to go.

She had her Dance recital. She was ADORABLE!! All the girls were! Each one did a fabulous job. I can’t even imagine how it must be to get on a big stage and perform in front of a big group like that. Especially at 3 years old! It was the cutest thing, ever. Jason didn’t even flinch when I told him we needed to buy the DVD! He just forked it over, with a smile! Its amazing what a little girl with blond ringlets, big blue eyes-that bat at you when needed, a smile and pink tutu will do to a dad’s heart!

This is her in the song “Everybody wants to be a cat” She is sitting and acting like a cat-pawing, and cleaning their ears! It was her favorite song to do. The other song way The Candy Man.

 On Stage-isn’t she the cutest?!

Alexa-

 She takes a pose.

Well, she got ill after her field trip, and I’m just watching her closely, since Wednesday is her LAST day of chemo, provided all goes well. She is growing so fast. Time has flown by since I was pregnant with her. I always remember being 17 weeks along and hearing that she would most likely die in utero, by 20 weeks, given some of the issue’s she had while I was carrying her. Its been a great, and long rollercoaster since that time-but here she is. Showing them all, you CAN be so wrong. She didn’t “ruin or burden” my life like they told me she would. She took me on the road less traveled, but a amazing journey just the same. I dont honestly know WHERE I would be, without her. Maybe a very different person that I am today.

Daisy-my furbaby

 Here she is with “boy cat”

They are like best friends! They play together, sleep together, and even eat together!

YES! I said EAT! My cat eats dog food and the dog eats the cat food. Yes I know that is not good, but I can’t watch them both every second! LOL!

Daisy is full grown now. I want to say she is about 15lbs of fur. We give her a bath and she disappears! LOL! We need to work on her jumping on people.

She is testing her limits with being very naughty. She is use to me being home, and is very spoiled with lovin’s during that time. Plus the kids play with er all day. SOOOOO, when I’m gone for more than 3 hours, she tends to show me how sad that makes her!! She is lucky I do love her so much! I can’t even tell you some of the trouble she ahs gotten into.

Her name has gone from Daisy Doodle to Daisy Devil! LOL!

I am so thankful for my family. Proud to be a mom of three amazing little human being’s who can one second make me think I am losing my mind, then they follow it up with an unsolicited hug or kiss. Or the best words ANY mom has ever heard-I love you mommy!

I am also so blessed to have my hubby! He is truly the BEST!

Now speaking of mom’s-mine came up yesterday, and we had a fabulous day! Not long enough. We hope to go to her house for a visit soon!

She got me this GORGEOUS wreath for my door. It had purple in it and seashells and starfish! GORGEOUS!!! She loved her Bella card, and the frame I made of my family and the Pansy Basket! I got her a planter full pf Pansy’s to go with it!

I want to share a poem with you, that my friend Tanya shared with me. I loved it so much, and thought any mother could relate!

I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, and remember that mother’s shouldn’t be celebrated just ONE day a year! Our kids do something everyday, that makes even the hardest times worth every second. So try to look for your moment, in each day.

                                   Before I was a Mom,
                I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
                I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
                          I never thought about immunizations.                                 

                                  Before I was a Mom -
                                I had never been puked on.
                                        Pooped on.
                                        Chewed on.
                                        Peed on.                 

               I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
                                    I slept all night.
                                  Before I was a Mom,
                I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do
                                          tests
                                      Or give shots.
                        I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
                    I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
                I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.                                 

                                   Before I was a Mom,
              I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn’t want to
                                      put her down.
                I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I
                                        couldn’t
                                    stop the hurt.
              I never knew that something so small could affect my life so
                                          much.
                      I never knew that I could love someone so much.
                          I never knew I would love being a Mom.                                 

                                 Before I was a Mom -

              I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
                I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry
                                          baby.
                I didn’t know that bond between a mother and her child.
              I didn’t know that something so small could make me feel so
                                  important and happy.

                                  Before I was a Mom -
                I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10
                          minutes to make sure all was okay.

                  I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the
                                      heartache,
                  the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
                I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much, before I
                                          was a
                                          Mom.

———————————————————————————————-

Now its that time for some eye candy!

My mother’s day would not be complete with out providing that.

I told you in another post I ordered Butterfly Beauty from Unity Stamps! The SECOND I saw it in a peek for blog candy (which I did not win :C) I knew they would HAVE to be mine!!

 Upon ordering, I have to say I was a little surprised at the price on some of the sets-ONLY because I thought they were going to be those tiny Un-mounted images. I didn’t give it too much thought, because if I love it, and I want it, eventually I’ll just get it. I also didn’t look to read the sizes, I just bought. A typical Lauren thing. Drives my husband insane. He’ll say things like “How much was the steak per lb.?” or “Did you notice that X went up 0.15 cents?” me-”Um, no. I didn’t really look at the price. I just knew we usually buy X or needed X so I got it” Jay-just shakes his head in horror and thanks the good lord I am not in charge of the finances.

So I got my set, and the stamps were a fabulous size! Well worth every cent.

 Here they are!

Think Winged Things (an old SU! butterfly set that I thought I’d never part with, now I may be able too!!!) only you get MORE butterflies, and sentiments for LESS!!  I was so super surprised and happy I was bouncin!
Deep etched rubber too.

Here is my photo, of my stamps, all laid out nicely. The stamp in the upper right is a bkgd. This gives you an idea of the actual size and deep etched rubber photo.

So I guess my point is, I love them!

As a customer I was very pleased. I love the packaging too! I also ordered the Time for tea (I think) bkgd (shown in photo). Shipping took 6 days total (including weekends) which to me for a new release, let alone new company, was very good.

I didn’t get the handles because I wasn’t sure about the whole thing. Shannantold me there are “codes” on the stamps when you order, so you know what handles you need for them (I didn’t get handles yet, just used my acrylic blocks). This set requires an A & B handle.

Poor me now I have to place another order . What ever is a girl to do! I do want to TRY the handles. I am going to HAVE to add a coupe sets to it, gotta justify shipping! Happy Mother’s Day to me.

OK now for the samples.

I have to say I LOVE this first card I am going to share-LOVE IT!! I HAD to share several photos for you to take it all in! LOL! I used my Scor-Pal to get the folds like they are. Its like a pop out card, only a different fold.

This is called the Beauty Within (like my blog I was so lovin that they had that combo in there!)

Here is a side view so you can really see how the card folds

I also paired this with Beautiful Blooms. Make sure you checkNichole’s blog for Sneak Peeks of the new release due on the 15h!! (like you even need me to remind you! LOL!) There is also a design team member peek daily! So check those out as well. So excited for this release.

My mom got me these little rose bushes you see in the bkgd. I hope I don’t kill them :C They matched my card perfectly.

Now for a professional look. You just can’t tell by these that the base is layered onto black cardstock, and how it folds out. The glitter is really pretty in person too.

OK now for another!

 Passion for Purple

You know how much I LOVE purple! AND I love butterflies! This card is for my friend Debbie who I will see next week at CHA!! YEAH!! It is her birthday TODAY!! Happy Birthday Debbie. Here is your card, you won’t get till Sat! She and I both LOVE purple.

So for this I stamped the butterfly on the card base, then on glossy white cardstock. Let dry, then sponged on various purple inks. Cut out the butterfly and added over image on card. Its very pretty in person. My mother agreed the photo’s did these samples no justice. Guess I better get a better camera (wink)!

The flower image is from Stampendous Agapanthus Cluster . I LOVE it! I just added some purple stickles to the  image, when I was done. 

Speaking of Debbie-she bought me these mirrored coaster’s.

I decided to use one of the butterflies for an etched glass image! Now I cannot even begin to tell you how HARD it was to get a photo of this! I almost didn’t even share it! But decided maybe you could grasp how pretty this is in person. I was thinking of adding a satin ribbon to it, to hang it up on the wall.

Etched Mirror

 I can’t get this to resize, and upload properly-sorry!! But how pretty would a trio of these be, hung with a  satin ribbon, on a wall?! LOVE IT! They are just the perfect butterflies.

Their images seem REALLY Scrapper friendly. I however am NOT a scrapper, but do love larger images over some smaller one’s at times. I guess I just say make sure WITH ANYTHING, you look at the size to see it suits you.

So there you have it.

Hope you have a wonderful day!! Thanks for checking in with me.

This week is going to be fabulous! Alexa’s complete’s Chemo on the 14th!! Then the PTI release on the 15th!! AND I will offer just some other random fun samples.

Feel free to share your Mother’s Day plans, or a special memory.

Next week is CKC where I will meet so many friends! I am beyond excited for that. Its like the whole month of May is one big celebration!

Till tomorrow.
 

I have been super busy and have no eye candy for you (SHOCK!!) I plan on stamping today though, and getting a week’s worth of stuff (and assignments done) completed because I have a crazy week of field trips, Kindergarten enrollment, dance recital rehearsal and recital, baseball practice & games, and Mother’s Day stuff to wrap up.

Anyway time to announce my Birthday MYTIME MAIL!! I told you I will draw the winner’s via www.random.org

Well I felt #1 should be whomever was #30! Its only fitting, don’t you think?

WINNER #1

30. Lynn |

Happy Birthday Lauren. I’m so happy that you have takent the time to reflect on your life so thoroughly…decade birthdays tend to do that to us. It’s true when they say that Life Begins at 30…it’s a time when we become more comfortable with ourselves, and believe me when I say that life really does get better with time. Thanks for sharing your reflections with us!

—————————————————————————————–

MYTIME MAIL WINNER #2  

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

596

Timestamp: 2008-05-05 12:52:26 UTC

596 .kat gomez |

Happy 30TH girl..
I love your work its awesome.. thanks for sharing all the good
stuff.. cheers to the next decade.. tu amiga kat..oh and a gift I would
LLLOOOVVVEEE to receive are COPIC SKETCH PENS!! I don’t have any and I can’t
wait to have some I would love a 72 set.. one day..

————————————————————————————————-

 MYTIME MAIL WINNER #3

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

206

Timestamp: 2008-05-05 12:57:40 UTC

206.Deb Neerman |

Happy 30th, Lauren!

I’m subscribed to your blog and read it everyday … even if I don’t post everyday, LOL! Your ‘list’ is full of wisdom and experience … are you sure it’s not your 40th?!?

One thing I’ve learned is that the older you get, the wiser you become … and not just wiser, but more tolerant. When you’re young, everything is black or white. As you age, you realize that nearly everything is in the gray area!

Oh. And to love unconditionally!

Happy wishes for another 30 years of love, laughter, inspiring and sharing! You rock, Lauren!

~Hugs, Deb

———————————————————————————————

Thank you to each and every one of you for visiting, the b-day wishes, and some who have been trying the sketch. Most importantly sharing your thoughts/wisdom & experiences with me.

It really has brought even more insight to my life.

Now I will share the Smilebox! This is much more fun & easy to share my photos

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Here is a Smilebox with photos for my 30th Birthday! WOW I had a blast.

We got up, Jason made me my favorite breakfast-home made waffles with raspberry caramel sauce! YUM!!!

He them took me to Jacques Bakery, where I picked out some gourmet desserts, in place of my Birthday cake! Well worth it!

In the Smilebox you will only see 4! I ate 3 before thinking to take a photos! LOL! With Jay’s help of course
He took me to shop for stamping stuff! YEAH!

We then stopped in Manchester to get Greek Vegetable platter! I LOVE greek food, and we have nothing like that where we live here. So I was able to have that Sunday, after my b-day!

We then went to dinner at Newicks where I got my Lobster!! It was delicious! I haven’t had it in like 6+ years!!! You don’t get much out of that shell! But I was full from pastry anyway.

Funny thing was when the waitress asked how old I was my immediate response was going to be 23! LOL! I have felt 23 since I turned 23. It was a happy year for me. I met my husband and life turned a happy corner. So I am going to forever be 23!

I got money for my CKC shopping trip, a headless set for my cell phone (now I need one for the house!), Some perfume by Britney Spears called Fantasy (WOW! Smells amazing), body wash/lotions and stuff, hair care things. I know Im forgetting a few things.

My mom sent me 2 handbags-which Amber quickly claimed as hers! Shopping money-which I bought my bed set with, a book on the year I was born! So cool! Gas only 0.67 a gallon!! 3 shirts, amazing hair care products, 2 butterfly silver necklaces, gift card to Dunkin Dounts, and I think Im forgetting something! LOL!

Jason’s grandmother sent me flowers! So pretty!!!

I got gift cards from friends to TGIFridays, and a Spa!! I also got a beautiful necklace, soaps, gourmet chocolates, coffee (HEHEHE), a scarf, a Frame from Sue (one of my readers). Jay’s mom made me 2 beaded anklets.

I have some other stuff coming too. Its just running late. My dad’s gift will be here Wednesday. HMMM! HE said Ill be really surprised.

I bought myself the Beautiful Butterflies set from Unity Stamps. I REALLY wanted it, so I splurged on it.

So that is all my friends. Thank you again for the responses and emails, ecards and all of it. Im still sorting through a lot of it! LOL!

OH don’t forget-my article on the Craft Critique-HERE! If you wanted to know more about the Punch Bunch punches, there you go!! I got more for my birthday too

OK Im off to stamp land!

Till tomorrow!

Who is there?

Oppourtunity.

Oppourtunity who?

For you! Can I come in?

Well you are probably wondering what the heck I am talking about. Read on please!

Paulette and I went to The Paper Tree today! What fun we had.  That store has some fabulous stuff. Elzybells, A Muse, and Cat’s Pajama’s to name a few. We won’t get into the paper and ribbon! WOW!! I felt right at home.

After we enabled some woman to buy certain stamps, and aScor-Pal , we sat and chatted with the owner Michelle for at least an hour. She said she liked me, and my excitement for this. WOW! I guess I must be a walking billboard for this hobby I love so much. I just can’t hide it. She asked me if I wanted to teach classes at her store in Manchester NH!! Whenever I want, I set my own hours! I can do whatever projects I want. I just need to think about it, and schedule a date!

Let me say she was SUPER nice to talk to. We really hit it off.

Now many of you know I use to be a Stampin’Up! Demo. I have NO problem talking and teaching people, large groups, no problem. If anything I can’t shut up. I enjoy people getting excited about this whole hobby. So here lies my dilemma.

ANSWER ME THESE QUESTIONS!

Should I open the door?  Should I take the plunge and attempt a class? My first one would be a project I design, using the Scor-Pal! I love that thing.

Do you live in the area?

 Would you attend one of my classes if you could?

My issue is failure. I don’t want to jump and not know where I am jumping too. I also don’t like wasting my time.

If you would like to take a class with me, feel free to tell me what you want to learn! I can do ANYTHING!! BE HONEST!!! I can take it.

I really think its a good opportunity, that I can do on my own schedule! I’m thinking of hosting several classes one Sat. a month! I can spare that. It would also help me earn some $$$ for stuff for our family.

Don’t worry I’m not dropping any DT work, or stopping my blog! I Love doing everything I am now.  This is just bonus where fun and having a “job” I may love collide.

What are your thoughts? Should I go for it?

Thanks for the input!!

Lauren

Johanna, Bev and Chriss-were both super sweet and nominated me for the Arte Y Pico award-which means Art & More award. ( I know someone else nominated me and I’m SO SORRY! Remind me who it was and I will link you). I need to tag 5 people but the first one really touched my heart today, as did one of my friends.

I would like to tag-

1) Dawn Bryson She is so talented and she touched my heart when she told me she is doing a walk for Down Syndrome!! The walk this Saturday! It is called the Buddy Walk. Check it out! There is one in my area every year in October. If you want to support that cause, go to her blog and make contact with her to donate :D. How amazing of people to give back in their free time. I LOVE IT!

*On that note-I wanted to share one of my best friend’s Tracey (aka cuccicoo1002 on SCS), is taking her daughter Shannon to donate her hair to Locks of Love today! Their area newspaper is going to run an article about it, and it will feature Shannon, before and after, as well as info about Alexa (since she was why Shannon thought to donate her hair-Can we give a collective AWE!!! How sweet!).

It truly amazes me how I believe God took a awful situation in my life, and brought so much good from it. Alexa’s life has truly touched so many, and brought so much good out of other people. I knew when it happened, there must be a greater purpose. For that, I am thankful, Alexa was a instrument, used to help bring so many other people together, raise awareness and touch lives in innumerable ways. More so, I am thankful that God has allowed her to fight this horrible disease head on. It’s hard to complain about things when Alexa goes through some tough stuff, and still has a great attitude (minus the steriod week-LOL) and a smile on her face.

She has also defied many of the “LABEL’S” people with Down Syndrome are associated with. I believe it is because she is a fighter, and I expect the same of her, as my other two children. I do what I can to push her to reach for the stars! I am so proud of her, I can’t even tell you. I know she has moment’s and somethings need work, but over-all, she is just an amazing human being. I wish I could get in he head for one day.

2) I would also like to nominate my friend Bee-She visits me daily, and we chat. She cracks me up. She has a son Noah, who has Autism. I think she is an amazing person, and mother! I don’t think she gives herself enough credit. So Bee-big cyber hug! She makes some pretty cute stuff too!!

3) Next up is Bobbie. OMG! She leaves me the funniest comments and always makes me feel like I’m a super star! I don’t know what it is, but she is just the cheeriest person I ahve ever NOT met! LOL!

 4) Now we have Robyn. Robyn is a SAHM to 5 children. That ALONE amazes me. From what I can tell she is still sane! I go INSANE most days by 3pm, and I only have 3. That is why I do my posts in the MORNING! LOL! Maybe she needs to teach me her secret! Anyway, all that and she is a Cricut Wiz!! You should see some of the stuff this girl pumps out with that thing. They need to hire her I also love that she still makes time for herself! That is so important.

5) Last but not least, I want to nominate Sharon. She is the brain behind A Chemistry With Paper. She is so talented, and has some amazing stamp sets! I did work for her for a short time, but had to cut back on some of my responsibilities. She was so super sweet to me, and so nice about me leaving. I admire her so much. She raised her boys on her own, and they seem to have turned out so great.  I was so sad to say goodbye to her and ACWP a few months ago, but I am going to be a happy customer!

MORE NOMINATIONS

Velta had nominated me for a Excellent Blogger award :D-a while ago :C Sorry it took forever to post about it. Vee has some of the most elegant cards I have ever set eye’s on! She has such a great flair for it.

Annette-she tagged me for 7 random things about me. I have done so many of these.

I dont know if I have anything else! LOL!

1) I hate veal, liver, and the thought of eatting lamb.

2) I am not into “texting” and all that. I an a TALKER, so if I want to say something, Id rather call ya! Although I love emailing and all that stuff.

3) I cheated on my diet yesterday :C I had Chinese food. And yes it was good.

4) I hate buying shoes! Although I am addicted to buying pocketbooks.

5) I love that every night Jay and I get to spend at least 2 hours-kid free, and watch out fave TV shows. I look forward to it everyday

6) I hate the Home Improvement stores. I do anything possible to NOT have to go to them. That should also include places like Best Buy, Circut city and stuff like that. Electronics BORE ME TO DEATH!

7) I  need “lists”. This halep me stay organized and keep it together. I find in my daily life if I dont put it on a list I am an airhead and forget. Its awful

OK Now I need to go do my blog post with card samples!

Be right back

 Here mousey, mousey.

You cant tell a mouse tale without a mouse card- This is my card for my friend Paulette-who had to hear my dramatic stories and terror all week. Sorry Paulette.

PLEASE NOTE: What you are about to read is a true story about a mouse. There is a  photo of the CHASE but my husband said NOT to publish it. Who really wants to see a cat chasing a mouse anyway right. It gives me the heebie geebies.

While all events sound DRAMATIC, they are true. I am a DRAMATIC person when it comes to situations like this. I would make a great hidden video candidate.

A little background first.

 This is Lily-AKA mouse killer

Taking a break after this mornings “festivities”.

We became the proud owner of this STRAY cat, while on our honeymoon in Hawaii.

How does that happen? How do you get a cat while you are away? Well, lets share.

Lily kept coming around to our house while we were gone. Our mother’s took turns caring for our kids AND feeding this STRAY cat! Needless to say, by the time we returned home, we owned her!

She was pregnant, and full of fleas! YEAH! The pregnancy was a loss due to malnourishment. , from being a stray for so long.

So we took her in, cleaner her up, and got her fixed.

We also have to older cats who are 11. Brother and Sister. They have names, but since having kids they are referred to most as girl cat and boy cat! PATHETIC I know.

They are all de-clawed house cats. They NEVER go outside. Although Lily has “escaped” a few times. Being a stray she found her way back, when she was ready.

We knew we had “A” mouse, in the house, for about a week now. Hadn’t seen it, but knew.

When you have 3 cats, and 1 dog sitting in front of your kitchen stove ALL night, for HOURS, you KNOW “something” is under there.

Do I even want to consider there is MORE than ONE-Um, NO! I definitely do not. But since this day-Monday, when this story took place, we have caught—————ready for this———–EW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!——-15 MICE!!! YEAH! Im freaking! But I THINK/HOPE they are gone. I have never had this many EVER! What’s worse is we didn’t even know we had any till this incident.

Yes, I know! You are freaking out too right now, and yes I want to MOVE, and yes I check my shoes before I put them on! LOL! And NO I haven’t slept since Monday. At least not very well.

My house is clean-I dont want this story to sound like we live in the Ghetto and have food everywhere! I mean Im sure we have crumbs somewhere! LOL! You can’t have 3 kids and no hidden crumbs!

I know most people get a mouse, here and there. We get them every year around this time. I think its due to our basement. We have to seal in some cracks in the foundation. We also live near the dam, and near some houses with fields.

ANYWAY-

OK THIS is the scenario I woke up to. MONDAY!!!!

NOAH: Screaming at the top of his lungs, and crying :MOMMY HELP ME !!  THERE IS A MOUSE!!! THE MOUSE JUST TRIED TO EAT ME AND BITE ME! MOMMY HELP! HELP! HELP!

(reality-it just ran across the floor near him)

ME: I fly out if bed to find Noah and Amber sitting on our dining table-Noah is crying hysterically, as he explains, the mouse ran across the floor, towards his feet, and under the video rocker.

I see our cat Lily sitting with her nose under the video rocker, tail flickering, and her swatting.

I JUMP as fast as I can on a chair next to the kids. I push the rocker forward a little-from the chair.

NOW I SEE the mouse! EEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am screaming, the kids are screaming. Noah is balling. I want to ball too-but can’t. Trying to be strong for the kids-but its not really working.

The mouse moves in an attempt to make it out from under the chair. Lily is nose to nose with the mouse.

I am FREAKING out, as bad as Noah.

The mouse is trying to bite the cat! I can see it lunging forward, and opening its mouth!  The cat keeps swatting it with both paws.

She pounces it and pounces it. It moves from the back of the rocker around to the front. Here is where I can see her going after the mouse.

After 10 minutes of swatting and pouncing I take a closer look. I think its actually dead.

 Um, yeah! I think Lily is thinking the same, sine she is now sitting and just swatting like “Hello! Little play toy……..are you going to move so I can chase you?”

 Um, NOPE! Not moving. It was curled up, and breathing shallowly. Poor thing. I felt bad.

Then the unthinkable! We moved the rocker,(carefully) and Lily dived forward, and grabbed the mouse IN HER MOUTH!!! I screamed! She ran. She began shaking her head violently. Then dropped it. Um yeah. Definitely dead.

Now what?

Well Daisy went to get it, so I realized “I” had to dispose of it PRONTO!

THAT in itself was a movie in the making. I grabbed a large dishtowel and quickly put it in the trash.

Later on I heard squeaking-YEAH! The mouse came back to life and was in the trash moving around! OMG!!! I opened all the doors quickly grabbed workers gloves, and ran out of the house as fast as I could-tossing the bag far into the back yard.

I needed a shower-I was SOOOOO grossed out.

Needless to say-not a good day.

After all this mouse commotion, Amber is NOT afraid of mice. She doesn’t understand the big deal, and says she likes them! She wants to be an animal Doctor like Daisy’s doctor.

OK WHERE did this kid come from? Noah cries at the thought of a mouse, as do I and she wants a closer look!

Here is her picture-of a dead mouse. I had to laugh that it was on its back, with a smile. Pretty good for a 3 year old! LOL! 

In case I didnt say-

I am petrified of mice. My fear began when I was little. I had a Hamster name Tinker. One day while cleaning his cage he got out of the “bucket”. My dad went to grab him off the counter, and he BIT my dad. I never picked up that hamster EVER again! I took care of him, but would not hold him, only pet him. He lived FIVE years!!! Anyway-after owning that hamster I have had BAD hamster/rodent dreams my whole life. My kids will NEVER own anything RODENT like-that includes BUNNIES. Sorry to the rodent lovers but I just CANT DEAL!

 I HATE mice so much so that while 9 months pregnant with Amber, I did my best to hop up on a counter when a mouse skittered along the cabinets in our kitchen. What a sight that was my my husband. He always tries to scare me when this stuff happens. He gets a few too many laughs.

LAST year, I went to lay down on the couch with Amber, and “something happened” I think I needed to get a blanket, as I moved the pillow ON THE COUCH a mouse went running along the cushion! Have you ever heard of a mouse on the furniture???? OMG! It was like brand new, and I didn’t think about thae fact mice could CLIMB!!!

 Do you realize I would have LAID NEXT TO A MOUSE!!! ALIVE????? OMG! I cannot tell you how I freaked out. I made my husband come home from work (he works an hour away).

That was just the worst.

Anyway, this is my sad gross story.

BLECH!

Ill be back later with a blog challenge, and tomorrow have a special post that I teamed up with Jen to do!

Im sorry for the lack of posting. Sweet so many of you were worried about me

I got many “Are you OK “emails So I will fill you in

I had a bit of an issue yesterday. A huge scare actually, and I am still calming down from it all.

I found a lump under my arm, and had to go for a biopsy yesterday.  The lump had been there for  a year , and until I noticed a significant change in size, literally overnight, I had tried NOT to think about it. I know, I should have had it checked sooner, but I really didn’t want to know.

Im talking from smaller than a pea to a nice sized strawberry.

Anyway, thankfully the biopsy was done, and THIS IS GROSS-it was all puss. That was fabulous news!!!

 It was a blocked lymph node, and they think recent stress, and they type of exercise I had been doing, irritated it, to form a large fluid filled cyst.

 Other than the pain of the needle inserted to biopsy it, and now it still hurts I am OK!

Now we have also had snow and ice, and my Internet has been on and off.

I do have things to share with you, but have some things to wrap up here first so I can give YOU my time during my post.

I also want to share a great recipe for YOU!

OK-I swear I will be back tonight-and let me tell you some of the stuff I have to share is going to ROCK your projects

I have some loose ends to tie up to for the PTI release Im SO excited I can’t stand it.

So thanks for caring and nearing with me

My advice for this post would be DON’T wait! Go to the doctor.

I was fourtunate my incident wasn’t serious.

I really didn’t want to know or deal with it but now a big sigh of relief.

It also showed me that if it were “something” big, I have alot of loose ends to tie up regarding life. Such as a will and all the BLECH-

I am definitely enjoying TODAY.

OK Ill be back

Now I found this, when searching on ,Aimee’sBlog and would love to hear if you think. I thought is was cool. I am going to look up my children and see what I think. Most of this is VERY accurate for me.

Except the CHILL part! LOL! Oh and the irresponsible , get into trouble part. I am definitely NOT irresponsible. Never have been. Otherwise its pretty dead on.

What Lauren Means

You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don’t get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.You are usually the best at everything … you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic “Type A” personality.You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you’re so lucky, you don’t really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You’re sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You’re always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can’t handle you. You’re very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you’re likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What’s Your Name’s Hidden Meaning?

I also want to thank Julie for nominating me for the “You cheer me up award!”

I also want to thank Linda who nominated me for the You Make my Day award! 

How sweet to think anyone would feel that way about me! I appreciate it.

I was also nominated by Dawn to list 7 random things about myself

Boy if I keep listing this stuff I will have NO secrets! LOL!

1) I never break a promise.

2) My house is CLEAN, but my closets look like a bomb went off in them. I always re-organize them, but they end up the same in 2 weeks! I have NO IDEA why!

3) I won’t watch the same movie or TV show twice! Can’t do it.

4) I always end up spilling Ketchup on myself any time I go out! I’m not a messy eatter, it just finds my lap! Strange. Yes I do use a napkin too.

5) I LOATHE cooking. I can cook very well, I just do not enjoy it-at all. I am the take out queen (if I had my way)

6) I HATE feet-It may be because when I was a practicing nurse, I had alot of people with NASTY foot issue’s.

7) I NEVER forget a face! EVER! I am bad with names-really bad! But if I met someone I may not remember their name but do know where I met/seen them.

Speaking of names-Sheryl tagged me this unique tag. I would LOVE for you to try this as well. I am not a tagger-and like to learn from my reader’s!

Here are the rules-

You must list one fact about you that starts with the letters in your middle name! If you dont have a middle name use your Maiden name/last name.

D-Dolores is my middle name and I HATE it. It was my father’s sister’s name and she was murdered by her husband. Mom-what were you thinking??!!!

O-is for OCD! I have just a touch of it when it comes to my house. I always clean daily. Things have to face a certain way, and I will notice immediately if they are moved. Just ask my husband. I think he plays with me sometime’s and moves them on purpose.

L-Liar. That word describes me after I have gone shopping and Jason asks me how much I spent. I always fudge the truth on that stuff! I will say there was a sale or something like that. Especially if its a stamp purchase or a Target trip! Otherwise I am honest-almost to a fault.

O-Over-protective. I am a bit over-protective when it comes to my kids. I will not let them play at other people’s house, if I dont know them REALLY well. I have thier friends come here. I watch too much 20/20! I fear something bad will happen to them. I know, it’s awful But it could be worse. I could NOT care.

R-Real Deal. What you see is what you get with me. I say what I mean, and mean what I say. I am not afraid to speak my mind. In case you haven’t noticed!

E-energy and excited. I am an excited person, with alot of energy. I love to share what I love, with everyone, and I talk like I type-non-stop! I can’t just NOT do anything. Like sitting around on the couch-unless Im dying, and really sick. I have to at least be cleaning or sketching or playing with the kids-anything, but do nothing.

S-SHOPPING! STAMPING!! My 2 favorite things-need I say more! LOL!

Well thanks for reading about me! I want to hear about you. Hope I wasn’t too boring!

I bet you didn’t know I even had anything to share did you?

Well READ THIS!

Thats how good I am at keeping a secret! LOL! Actually in the stamping world EVERYTHING is a BIG secret. One to the next. I have gotten use to it over the past year.

This news almost made me bust at the seams.

Its hard to not be able to alway’s share my excitement immediately. Well this news had me in a frenzy!

I Lauren Meader, get to work WITH Nichole Heady. OMG! (insert school girl high pitched screech)

Everyone in the stamp world probably has an inkling of how much I LOVE Papertrey. I’m sure you can imagine how excited I am to now be a part of the PTI Design Team. I will be working along side many talented and amazing people.

I am OVER THE MOON, someone pinch me. No wait, DON’T! I don’t want to wake up

I feel like one of the most blessed people in the world. I work with the most amazing people/companies. I am just so thankful for the opportunities that “I” have been given. I’m just a regular ole mom, from Massachusetts, who now lives in a tiny town, most people never heard of.

 Nichole first called me back in December-yes she called my house When I answered, and she introduced herself I believe my first words were “Oh my God! Shut Up! Are you serious? This is THE Nichole Heady!”

Then I apologized, and tried to compose myself. (just like when Lizzie Anne Designs contacted me-I made another excited response)

I swear I can be totally professional, but what would you say if she called you?

Anyway, I have decided cut back on a few of my other responsibilities to make way for my new position,  to be able to offer 200% of myself and continue with top quality work, while maintaining 100% FUN!

So keeping coming back, because you will still see my daily posts, with lots of different ideas.

I need all of it to be done for ME! I got into this business, hoping to make it into a career that I enjoy. To put it mildy I LOVE doing this. All of it. The challenges, the deadlines, every little thing. I put everything I have into it, and LOVE every second. I work hard, and will do what it takes to reach my goals. It may sound silly, but other’s who are just as passionate, I know understand what I mean.

I am thankful to all of you who visit me here and offer friendship, caring, inspiration and support.

So THANK YOU!

I won’t disappoint

Now, I will be back later, to share my Saturday Sketch, but I have to get to the hospital to visit me friend.

Hugs to you all.

Thank you again for listening to me.

Today has been a bit of a crazy day!

I got my Dec. 2007 issue of Paper Crafts and I have a card in there using my FAVORITE set-Jolies Fleurs on page 92!

I am also so happy to finally announce that I was asked to be a part of a NEW! Stamp company called “A Chemistry With Paper“. You may have seen some of their banner ad’s on SCS! I received some images to work with today-so keep checking in here for some samples

View the Design team page—>HERE

They have kicked off the opening of their company with 18 fabulous sets. They are clear acrylic polymer-made by Stewart Superior.

I hope you will check them out. I know I went crazy for their artistry.

I am excited and honored to begin my work with them Sharon and I have spoke a few times on the phone, and she is just amazing.

What does this mean?

Well it means you are going to see some rockin samples with her images

I am continuing my work with my other companies as well. So no worries there I’m just adding this to my list of much loved companies.

Promise you will be needing these in your collection too

Thanks to all of you for sharing my excitement. I get so much energy from all of you here, who share my life and love of stamping! I love reading about you all as well! Your sweet words, and comments make my day

Now I must go STAMP!!!

Till later.