Grandmother June

I am named after my dad's mom-June Lynch Schlemmer. Try that last name on, it's a mouthful. Anyway, I am the first of her nine grandchildren and the first blood 'daughter' for her (she has three sons). I know that she always thought of her daughters-in-law as more than that but for almost 4 years I was the one and only. Good times I assure you.

You could not meet a more giving person in all of your life. I mean that. Grandmother would give you whatever it may be and not blink an eye. I learned early on that it is 'better to give than too receive' as I watched her do it time and time again. Her 'love languages' are definitely serving and giving. She opened many doors for me to experience new things thru her kindness.

Most of my childhood memories involve Grandmother, even after I left and went to college I was reminded of her in weekly care packages. My favorite was the envelope full of coupons. There would usually be no note included but lots of coupons and a few 'important' newspaper clippings of the 'goings-on'. She regularly sent baked treats that were loved around the dorm. She values education and reading so very early I was with her at the library and I am sure she is responsible for my love of reading. After mom died she took on even more of my growing up by giving me the 'talk' and taking me shopping for my first bras.

This is a woman who's arthritis is so bad that when a 'front' comes thru she experiences terrible pain in all her joints. She has had 3 hip replacements and yet she exercised everyday for years. She has slowed way down now and I hear that she is not doing so well. My heart aches to see her like she use to be but I am also realistic. I know that I need to not take for granted any time that I can spend with her and Granddaddy. What a wonderful, giving, loving and kind women. I am so grateful that I have her for my Grandmother. I love you Grandmother. Thank you for all the things that you have so generously done for me thru the years.
From Blog pics

making cards and watching movies

The past few days I have been working on these invitations for my mom-in-law. She is throwing a shower with some other ladies for one of their daughters. I am so happy with how nice they turned out I decided to show you. Shallow I know but …I neeeed affirmation. Seriously, they are really beautiful. I have to be honest though, the design is not original to me. I got it of a web store call Impress Stamps, very cool site. In the scrapworld it is called ‘scrap-lifting’ and it is perfectly acceptable. Hope you are all staying warm. We are having a heat wave…it just got above 0. Later…

From Blog pics

From Blog pics

Kim's Birthday

From 2003

Hi, I'm Kim's husband, Rock. First of all I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm not a blogger. In fact, before Kim began to create hers I had no idea what one was. Up to that point I was likely to think of a blog as something I'd remove from a dirty carburetor or a foreign object in one of my boys' Superman underpants. "Honey, your son has a horrendous blog in his shorts." Since then I've come a long way though. Even to the point of posting this, my first official blog ever, on Kim's, well, blog. Bear with me, I'll be brief. The purpose of this blog is to secretly let all of you know that today is Kim's birthday! I'm doing this as somewhat of a surprise to her because although she knows I'm writing she has no idea what I'm going to say. Which, indecently, is a bit like giving a kid with a deep seated urge to paint her room a paint brush and can of paint and then leaving the house for a few hours on important business (yes, deer hunting is important business). Wouldn't you agree?

From Blog pics

I digress. Kim, when you read this I hope you know that I love you with all my heart. Every day I pray and thank God in my heart for giving me such a loving and understanding woman to spend my life with. I think the legendary Nascar driver Ricky Bobby said it best when he prayed, "Dear 8 pound 6 ounce baby Jesus...thank you for my SMOKIN' HOT wife!" (Sorry ladies...a little guy humor). Happy Birthday, Kim!

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5 things about me

Al long time ago someone pegged me to reveal 5 things about myself. I struggled with that for days and never came up with anything post-worthy so here is my reveal. It is pretty accurate I think.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have high neuroticism. It's easy for you to feel shaken, worried, or depressed. You often worry, and your worries prevent you from living life fully. You tend to be emotionally reactive and moody. Your either flying very high or feeling very low. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Party Time...Excellent!!!

There is a small square piece of marble cake with confetti and yellow & black frosting on the counter (it was a Cars cake), opened envelopes with the card-who knows where, left over "Happy Feet" (Sage couldn't decide which theme he wanted so we just mixed it up) cups, scattered new toys, a few new outfits, a new "pipe show-er", a definite favorite, and other left over remains of a 5 yr old party well done. What the Heck!!! What a comotion!!!

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Guess what I got them for party favors? What every 5 year old boy likes-a stretchy, sticky lizard! Oh yeah, watch out mom and dad, I instructed them on the finer points of hiding them and planting them in obscure places to scare who-ever. They were thrilled to say the least. "Does everyone have their lizard?" "We don't want to forget anybodys lizard." High point of the evening. That and when we tried to get six 5 year olds to put on their boots and coats. Challenge to say the least. We were on our way to church so we needed to 'get going.' No one cried, fought, had an accident in their drawers, spilled anything, or broke anything significant. Success in my mind.

From Blog pics

From Blog pics

Birthday Boy

This is my 'Sagie' and he turns 5 today. I can hardly believe it. He's my snuggly one and also the kid who promises that no matter how old he gets he will still be my boy and not be too embarrassed to hug his mom. I hope he keeps that promise.

I don't get all emotional about them growing up, probably that 'super mom' in me. lol Actually I am happy about each year and I do try to enjoy it for what it is. I don't want to live with regrets later. I know one thing, each year brings a little more freedom for me and I love that.
I don't have to carry a diaper bag or any of the stuff to go in it.
My purse is my own.
I don't have to order food to share and base it on what they will eat. Get your own.
When it is time to go I tell them to get shoes and coats on. Like that one too. The list goes on and on...

I stay at home with my kids full time because I choose to and sometimes I love it but to be honest sometimes I wish their mom would come and pick them up NOW! I feel like it is a very important job and one that has been my most difficult but with all jobs there are good and bad points. I love my kids like crazy and I am so thankful for each of them and the priviledge to be here to raise them. I just pray for more grace so that I can be more kind, loving and patient (and also feel that 'thankful & priviledged' part more often)
Happy Birthday Sagie! Love you buddy!

Inner Hair Color

Your Hair Should Be Orange

Expressive, deep, and one of a kind. You pull off "weird" well - hardly anyone notices.

What's Your Funky Inner Hair Color?

Ok everybody. I found this question site and thought it would be fitting to find out what 'Mom' should do with her hair. How about that!!! Never would have guessed it. The apple must not fall far from this tree.

Ok, today’s post is in an effort to accomplish a few things. First I thought you all deserved to see a glimpse of how Izy’s room turned out. Remember “my not so good surprise”. Well here is your chance. Not my color scheme but I think it turned out pretty good. And yes, I free handed the ‘Izy’ on the wall.

From Blog pics

From Blog pics

The next item is to ask myself…who the heck is this kid?!! I was scrolling thru the camera and evidently she decided to have a photo shoot with a friend (left out the friend shots to save that mom some embarrassment). I am of course beyond that at this point. I am truly at a loss to comprehend what this child is thinking sometimes. You must understand I was something of a wall flower as a kid so this behavior is totally beyond my realm of understanding.

So in light of all this ‘self-expression’ I am now in the throngs of another hair coloring thing. Yes, Izy needs some more drama and that would be with her hair. Yeah for me. She wants very blond highlights on dark hair. My question, “you mean that kind of skunk effect?” “Yeah, that’s it!!” she says. Oh goody!!

After a short consultation with Grandma (she use to be a beautician) I have a plan. Now I know you are asking why I don’t just take her in? For one thing she has been getting into some trouble lately and I don’t feeling like rewarding her with a $50 highlight job when she’s not going to like it anyway. I know how to do it for free and then the complaining didn’t cost me anything either. It is all so messed up I can hardly stand it. I would appreciate prayer for my sanity and the ability to read her mind so I can know what she is thinking.

 

This is the look I get after the fact. Unfortunately I know it well.

 

 

Let’s all take a moment and appreciate the simple uncomplicated things we have in our lives all the while knowing that I will be trying to create something ‘fabulous’ with no direction what so ever! Doesn’t that feel good.

Scrapping

 

Not much to say lately so I thought I'd post my latest scrap page done digitally. Enjoy.

We got in late last night from our trip to Colorado. My mind has been somewhat of a jumbled mess and as a result I have been at a loss as to what to post or even do today. Joanie came while we were gone and cleaned my house again-I love you Joanie!!! (I don't have a house keeper if you haven't guessed already-I should since I hate cleaning but I don't so this is always a treat) Because of this I don't even need to do that or laundry since I did all 12 loads at the laundry mat before we left (try that sometime).
Our time in Colorado went by so quickly. We stayed in Ft Collins with Chad and Cristine, you guys are the best!!! I got to play with Jake and chat with Luke, I even got to watch him do his Veggie Tales dance pad. Something that is not to be missed. He is one great little guy.

 

We took 3 trips to Denver and went to the funeral, out to eat with lots of friends and spent the last night having dinner with Jay and Ad which was by far my favorite part. I just love them. They are so amazing! I say that alot but I am at a loss as to how else to describe them. There is such a peace when you are with them even though you can feel the grief the peace is so evident and they are both so transparent and honest. A real treasure. I did get to play with Em and a new paint kit she got in the mail from a friend - that was definately another highlight. Thanks for sharing Em. The wonder of a child in the midst of creating is always a joy to be a part of. All of Jason and Adrienne's family are just wonderful. So many godly people willing to do whatever it takes to be there for the ones they love. I am so glad we had the opportunity to go. Continue to pray for them as they begin to get back into their life again.

Now I must send out a HUGE thank you to Cindy and Wesley for caring for our crew while we were gone. They have 4 of their own and then took on our 3 and inspite of all of my kids hang ups they all said they had a great time. PTL!!! Usually they freak a bit when we have to leave them. Also thanks to Teresa who took Sage after school so he didn't have to hang out alone and to Joanie and Doug for bringing them home last night and putting them to bed for us. Wow! We have such a great bunch of people in our lives. I am thankful.

Well, here is the shallow part of the post and one in which I struggle to write. I have been wooed by another. You know that I have a special place in my heart for coffee, especially Starbucks but thanks to Chad I have now put another in it's place. Yes, it is called DazBog. I really can't believe how good this coffee is. I will still be drinking my usual Starbucks since I don't live in Colorado and Starbucks is available here, but I will continue to long for the DazBog's once my pound is gone. Thanks alot Chad! Here's to good friends and great coffee. Later!

 

We are in Colorado right now for Noah's funeral. I can't even express how much respect I have for these two. Everyone is grieving but there is a peace there as well, one that only God can bring. There is such a difference when the hope for a future is there. I am so thankful that no matter what situation we find ourselves in there is hope and comfort that only the Lord can bring. May the Lord continue to fill this family with his peace and comfort knowing that Noah is now living in the Lord's glorious presence.

Friends

 

I keep this picture in my sewing room because it is one of my favorites of the four of us. It was taken in 1994 at Christmas time before any of us had kids. Jay and Ad were newley married and Rock and I were still dating. It was the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship between us. I am ever thankful for their friendship and I am always amazed that after a long absence it seems that no time has past.
Now we all have kids and homes and we have shared many ups and downs but our friendship still remains. This Saturday we will be on our way to Denver to celebrate Noah's life with them. It is something of a bittersweet time but I want to focus on all the Lord has accomplished thru his life and what a blessing it has been to so many. Continue to pray for their family and encourage them as you have before. We will back late Wed. Until then...peace.

Noah

A few days ago we received the call informing us of what Jason and Adrienne had decided to do for Noah. I am somewhat at a loss as to what to say about it except that I love and respect their family so very much. During the years that we know them we have watched them grow into an amazing couple that serves God and loves him with a visible love. Their desire has always been to see others grow and come to know the Lord as well. To be friends with these beautiful people is a tremendous blessing.

I know that their journey has been followed by many and it is a wonderous thing to see how far and wide their blog is being read. They have been so kind to let the world into their lives and walk with them. So many people have been impacted by this little life that I am sure we will never quite know the reach of it. Our God is an amazing God and he does amazing things. Although we grieve with them it is a hopeful and encouraging thing to know that in a few short moments Noah will be in the Fathers arms and completely whole. The crowd that awaits his arrival is many which also encourages our hearts. How blessed and changed we are beacuse we have been allowed the priviledge to join them in this journey. So until the time when we are all together once more keep this precious family in your prayers and offer an encouraging word.

This is a list I found a few years ago and I like to go thru it so I can have a better sense of what I want the new year to be like. Try it out. It is great material for a journal, blog, scrapbook, etc.

50 End-of-the-Year Questions!
Use these questions for your journals, diaries, and scrapbooks!
What are your resolutions/good intentions for the New Year?
What happened in your life that you never expected to happen?
What is one thing you did that you have never done before?
What were your biggest achievements?
What were your biggest challenges?
What is your biggest regret?
When were you happiest?
Who was your best friend?
Who surprised you this year? In what way?
Who did you admire most this year?
Who were you in love with?
What was the most important lesson you learned?
What was your favorite TV show?
What was your favorite film?
What was your favorite book?
What was your favorite food?
What was your favorite song?
What were your favorite phrases?
What did you do for your Birthday?
Which was your favorite Holiday?
What was the best gift you gave?
What was the best gift you received?
What did someone say to you that surprised you?
What was your hobby?
What new discoveries did you make?
What was your guilty pleasure for the year?
What did you do on an average day?
What was your fashion like?
What was your career/job like?
Did you make more/less/same amount than the previous year?
What new skills did you learn this year?
What do you think was your most valuable contribution?
What lesson(s) did you learn about yourself?
What were the most significant events of the past year?
What were you afraid of?
What was your most memorable journey?
Which did you do more of? Smile or cry?
Did you make any new friends?
Did you lose any old friends?
Did you have any births/deaths in your family?
Did you fall in love/out of love?
What is your newest tech item?
What was your most extravagant purchase?
What should you have done more of?
What should you have done less of?
What made the biggest difference in your life?
What gave you joy?
What made you sad?
What is your motto for the year?