Sunday, December 14, 2008

Blog Frog

Just thought I'd let you know about this cool site I found several months ago called Blog Frog. Check it out here!!!!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

You gotta see Scrooged!!




We spent last Sunday afternoon and evening putting up our Christmas tree and decorations. We also baked cookies and watched all sorts of Christmas shows like Rudolph and Cricket on the Hearth. We watched our favorite one in the evening when we were all finished-"Scrooged". This has been a family tradition for over a decade!!

I first saw this hysterical movie back in college. My roommate and I went to Lincoln, Nebraska Christmas shopping and decided to go to the movies. I loved this movie then and I love it even more now!! Check out a clip here.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Check this out. This amazing woman is giving away 29 things in 29 days!! This is so inspiring. Check it out!!!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Coke-It's the Real Thing


Do you remember that old Coke commercial "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"? I LOVED that ad and waited anxiously for it to play in between "The Year Without a Santa Claus" and "Bing Crosby's Christmas Special".
Check it out on YOUTUBE.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Good Grief, Charlie Brown!



With Christmas just 23 days away I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite holiday television specials from Christmas Past.
I grew up in the 60's and 70's and as much as I love today's Christmas shows there's nothing like those puppet animation shows from that time. So be sure and check in all season long for a look back at the oldie but goodie shows from my childhood. It will be a trip down Memory Lane!

One of the best shows of the season is "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I couldn't wait for this now holiday classic to be on television. Here's a bit of fun trivia about the show courtesy of tvparty.com

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965)
Of all the Charlie Brown specials, this was the Charlie Browniest.

Debuted in December of 1965. At the heart of the cartoon was the message that Christmas is really about the joyful miracle of Jesus's birth. Charles Schulz was after an inspired innocence but most Christmas specials since have moved away from that central message - but look how successful this program was.

When the special was finished, the producers thought they had blown it and CBS executives hated it from the start. It was criticized by the network as being too religious (Linus quotes straight from the King James Bible, specifically Luke 2:8-14), for featuring a contemporary jazz by an unknown Vince Guaraldi (an offbeat choice for a cartoon) and for not having a laugh track (how would people know if it was funny or not)?

The first year alone the special was seen in more than 15 million homes, capturing nearly 50% of the possible audience - number two in the ratings that week, after Bonanza - and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program and a Peabody Award.

If you haven't seen this one in awhile I highly recommend it.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Twilight Movie Review



So, I saw Twilight this weekend...here are my thoughts...

My 11 year old daughter and I have been anxiously awaiting this movie for months. After standing in line for 45 minutes we had our tickets and were excited to see the movie in just a few hours.
Was the movie worth the wait and the money? YES!

1) Edward- Rob does an amazing job of playing the main character in Twilight. From the moment he arrives on screen to the very end you just can't get enough of him. In the showing I was at as soon as Edward came on the screen everyone squealed just a bit. Too funny! He is dark, funny, romantic, protective and ferocious all in one. He is every woman's dream *sigh*!!

2) Bella-I know some people were disappointed in this pick. However, from the moment I began reading Twilight this is the actress I would think of. I've seen Kristin in other movies and have always liked her. She brings Bella to life in every sense. From her sarcasm to her no-nonsense approach to things...Kristin is perfect.

3) Alice-I've never seen this actress before but she is cute, perky and spritely. Just how I envisioned Alice to be.

4) Jasper-Not impressed with this guy although one of my friends thought he played the part well. I had pictured a stronger, handsome Jasper. This one is quirky and nerdy.

5) Esme-No real opinion here. She was okay.

6) Carlisle. At first I was like...who the heck is he? Thought he was kind of cheesy. But as the movie progressed he grew on me. I think he looks a bit too young to play the part.

7) Rosalie-I thought she was supposed to be the prettiest woman alive. She's not.

8) Emmet-Strong, rugged and gorgeous. Nice casting here.

9) Jacob Black-Okay, if you've read the series you know the key role he plays in the books to come. At first I didn't think this actor was the right one. But as I've pictured him in the later books I can see him playing this role. I think he should be bigger though. I'm assuming he will be when New Moon comes out.

10) Mike and the rest of Bella's high school friends-They all work just fine. Mike is nice and annoying just like the book.

11) Loved the part of Bella's dad, Charlie.

I've been thinking if I hadn't read the books I don't think I would have enjoyed this movie. I mean most of the book is written so we know Bella's thoughts. We can almost feel her passion and love for Edward. We understand where she is coming from. Not so sure the movie portrays that. At the beginning of the movie when Bella sits by Edward in Biology, his reaction to her caused the theater audience to laugh. If you've never read the book...you would certainly be clueless.

My wonderful husband is taking me again this week. He is curious to see what the fuss is all about. I'm not so sure he'll enjoy it but I know I can't wait to see it again!!

**Have you seen the movie? If so I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Twilight is here


So it's FINALLY HERE!! The premiere of Twilight!! Tonight my daughter and I along with a few friends are headed to our local library for a fun Twilight party!! We have a chance to win free movie tickets and other cool prizes.

I haven't looked forward to seeing a movie this much-ever.I know in some major cities you can see the movie at midnight but we have to wait until tomorrow. That's okay!! As soon as school is out Friday my DD and I are headed to the theatre to stand in line for our tickets. We are so excited!!!

My son and I have a $50 bet on the opening of this movie. I say it will beat the first Harry Potter opening. He says "No way, Mom". I think I'm gonna win! I've already decided to buy the last 2 books in the series as I had to borrow these when I was reading the series.

So what about you? Any Twilight plans?

Saturday, November 15, 2008

There is still time to check out Scrapwords Autumn Crop tonight!!!!!!!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

So I've been tagged by friend Kelli...

Like her I am answering these questions about me and not my DH. Here goes...:)

5 Things I love

1. My family
2. The Twilight Series (Edward!!)
3. When all the kids are at home, Dave, too and it's snowing outside and we are all warm and cozy.
4. Scrapping with friends and laughing like CRAZY!!!:)
5. Date Nights with Dave

5 Snacks I love

1. popcorn
2. Sterzings chips with onion dip
3. La Bonita chips and salsa
4. Cheese-Its
5. A huge bag of Doritos

5 Things you may not know about me

1. I LOVE playing tennis and dreamed of becoming the next Billy Jean King
2. I was a DJ on KNIM for 3 years
3. I have had every lead in my school plays
4. I won first in State for a speech I gave then placed 6th in Nationals
5. I've met the Monkees (yes, the group from the 60's. Davey Jones!!)

5 Quirky things about me

1. I put Vicks Vapo rub on my nose EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. Drives Dave nuts!! It helps me fall asleep!!
2. I count everything(how many drinks I take, etc.) in either 3's, 4's or 7's. No 6's...I hate the number 6!!
3. I'm a scary movie buff.
4. I'm a piler. I leave stuff in piles all over my house.
5. I never put DVD's back in their proper case.

5 Places I've lived

1. Fort Madison, Iowa
2. Maryville, Mo.

5 People I tag

1. Kristen
2. Megan
3. Alexa
4. Sandy
5. Amber

Zero

Last Friday night we had the pleasure of welcoming two of our favorite couple friends over for a fun night of playing games, eating food and laughing ourselves silly. I am happy to say we did all three really well:)!

One of the games we played was called "Loaded Questions" (or something like that). We were all asked the same question then had to write our answer down, give our answers to one person then that person read them to one person and they had to guess who said what.

One of the questions went something like this...

"You are in a room with 50 other people. Out of those 50 people how many of them are happier than you?"

We all started thinking and writing our answers down, handed them in and waited to see if Vince could figure out who said what. The first card said "Zero". To my surprise he smiled and pointed at me immediately. He knew I'd said zero. I was really surprised by that!

Yes, it is true I said zero and yes, it is true I was the only one who said zero (although my 4 other friends said just 3 or 4). I've been thinking about not the question so much as what is it that others see in me so they just know I'm content with my life. That yes, I am happy.

Whatever it is I'm so glad I'm an optimistic and happy person. I do see the glass as half full. I do try to see the best in everything I do.

Last week 2 of my friends, on separate occasions, called me enthusiastic. Maybe, that's what it is...that's why people see me as happy.

So, what about you? What if you were in that room with 50 other people...how many of them are happier than you?

Scrapwords 5Things Album

Hello, girls!! So, this is November and Thanksgiving is coming our way. I have always loved this month...the colder weather, shorter days and thoughts of the holidays make for a perfect month for me.

This month always gets me to thinking about all that I am blessed with. {readmore}And while my family is my number one blessing there are other things in my life that I am so happy to have.

It's been nearly 2 years ago that my DH surprised me with our brand new home. To say I was grateful is an understatement. While I loved our old Victorian we had been living in for nearly 5 years...it needed lots of work and didn't have many amenities. No dishwasher, no carpet, holes in my kitchen counter, an old and stained sink, broken shower door, and the list goes on!!

The first time we walked into our new home I was overwhelmed with all the beautiful things!! Dishwasher, plush carpet, real tile floors, gorgeous hardwood, everything working, etc. There isn't a day that goes by I don't give a little thank you to my fabulous dishwasher!! What a blessing that little piece of equipment has been!!:)

**Challenge for the week at Scrapwords: I want you to take photos of 5 items in your home you are grateful for. It can be your cozy blanket you snuggle up with while watching TV every night, the view from your kitchen window or like me your dishwasher. Whatever it is, take 5 photos of 5 items. Print these photos, choose a cute little mini book and, if you want to begin gathering up some supplies. I plan on using word stickers, stamps, buttons and flowers in my book. Have everything ready by our Saturday Crop!! Be sure and post your book in your Blog. I'll pick a favorite by the end of the night and give away a cool prize!!! This should be easy and fun!!!

Any questions just post them here. Have fun!!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

With the Holidays almost here I am totally loving life. All the holiday prep, parties, Christmas music and cards, baking and the friendly cheer that seems to be everywhere...I intend on making the most of it. I'm still debating on what to do for cards this year. While the creative part of me would love to take the time and make each one, the sensible side of me is saying, "Don't stress yourself out this year, Les." What to do...

I think the main thing I want to accomplish this season is creating some sort of crafty thing with Em and Jacks. That has always been my favorite part of the holidays...creating ornaments and baking treats with my family. We take one Saturday in December and invite Grandma Jackson over for a full blown, cookie baking fest. It is so fun and something we've been doing since my kids were 3 years old.

Last year Em and I took one full day to paint Christmas ornaments. I cherish those times with my family.

*********************************************************************************************************************************
I spent last Saturday at an all day crop with friends. What fun we had!! The best part of the deal was it was right here in Maryville. That was so nice since I left a whole bag of stuff at my house!! I had planned my pages for the day and was ready to be creative. I got approx. 10 pages finished with a creative flair. Very happy with the outcome.

Be sure and check out my Scrapwords Blog Wednesday for my "5 Days of Gratitude" mini album idea. And be sure and stop by this Saturday the 15th for our 12 hour Atumn crop!!!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Upcoming Inspiration at Scrapwords

Join us in November for “Simple Abundance”. Spend the month creating an attitude of gratitude with the Scrapwords community! Be sure and create your Blog by Wednesday, November 12th for our “5 Things I’m Thankful For” contest. The last 3 Wednesdays in November are dedicated to sharing with others what it is that makes us truly thankful. Post your top five in your Scrapwords Blogs by Wednesday nights at 10PM. We’ll pick our favorite Blogger each Thursday and post. Winners receive a $15.00 gift pack from the Scrapwords store!!!

Join Scrapwords for a fun and festive Autumn Crop on Saturday November 15th from 10:00 AM CST to 10 PM CST.

Spend the day being inspired with hourly journaling challenges, inspirational layouts and ideas, prizes and more!!! The first 10 people to register on the site in our Scrapwords Forums gets a FREE gift pack! (Wordsmiths not eligible) Register for our Autumn Crop by Wednesday, November 13th to be eligible for the FREE gift.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Warning: Political but please read to the end!!

I gotta tell you...I'm not in the least bit happy this man will be the 44th President of the United States. To say I'm shocked...well, I'm not. I had my doubts about McCain pulling this off. I mean, look at all the new voters we had this year. In one way it's just great we had the largest voter turn out ever. I'm all about voting (see my post yesterday). And I'm not going to sit here and spew hateful things towards Barack Obama or his supporters (lots of them are my friends, after all). But what I am going to say is my husband and I have been small business owners for nearly 20 years. We believe with all our heart that with our new President Elect we will have to give up our business due to over taxing, mandated health care and an increase in the minimum wage.

This past year we raised our prices 3 times. THREE times!!! Did we want to charge our friends and neighbors more for our product??? NO!! We live in a small community and know many of our customers by name. We know that during tough, economic times the last thing people want to do is spend more money on something. But let me tell you, people...we had no choice. With the rising cost of everything my family and I were struggling to make our payments. We have cut back dramatically in every area of our life in order to meet our financial responsibilities.

By electing Barack Obamba as our next President we fully expect our taxes will be raised, wages, and that mandated health care plan of his. Guess what? My family and I don't have health care!! Why? We can't afford it every month! Yeah, we own a business and we can't afford health care for ourselves!! How in the heck are we gonna pay for our employees??!

Okay, I promised myself I wouldn't go on and on. Like I said, some of my dearest friends supported this man...I don't want to make any enemies. I just wanted to get my view out there. Yes, I agree we needed change. But this is not the change I wanted.

My husband and I hope and pray we are wrong about President Elect Obama. We hope we can look back at our hesitation in supporting this man and one day be able to say...

"And to think we didn't vote for him. What were we thinking?!"

Tuesday, November 4, 2008



Today is the day we vote for President of the United States. I remember turning 18 in the fall of 1984. I was so EXCITED I finally got to vote!! That was the year Geraldine Ferraro was Mondale's running mate. What an exciting election that was!! I even got to meet Mondale and shake his hand.

Through the years my political views have changed a lot. But the one thing that remains the same is I NEVER, EVER pass up my right to vote...NEVER.

So, people regardless of who you vote for...even though I may not pick your candidate...get out there and VOTE!!!! It is not just our right but it is our responsibility.

Monday, November 3, 2008

What's up at Scrapwords in November

Yes, yes I know I've been gone a bunch this week. I was just putting the finishing touches on SW here in the Ville, plus Em had her last soccer game, the kids started bowling and our Sunday was full with church, a baby blessing get together and a baptism last night...WHEW!! All GOOD, GOOD{readmore}stuff!!

It's November!! And I am soooo excited! Ilove this time of year...LOVE it!! Here's what's coming up this month at Scrapwords!!!

1) Every Monday and Thursday I'll post "Simple Abundance"Gems in my Blog. Mondays's we'll share gratitude quotes in our blogs, too. So if you know of 1, 2 or 42 gratitude list them in your blogs for all of us to share.

2) Wednesdays-I'd like to take this day and list 5 things you are thankful for in your Blogs. You can do something scrappy with this or just write them down.

3) Fridays we will continue Retro Fridays

4) This month we are going to create an "I am grateful" mini book. More details later...

5) Contest TBA!!

6) Scrapwords On-Line Crop Saturday the 15th!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A New Day

Life just looks different today. It looks
promising
creative
full
blessed
grateful
smiley
sunny
beautiful
content
peaceful
organized
Life has been looking...
chaotic
overwhelming
sad
down
grumpy
Today is different because I had a BAD migraine yesterday. I've been having them waaaay too much. My body is telling me to...
quit stressing about the little things
prioritize my daily to-do's
slow down
sleep more
eat healthy
exercise
meditate
stretch
spend time with friends
pray/spend time with scriptures
just be
This month our theme here at Scrapwords has been "Take time to enjoy the View". I don't think I've done a great job of that. I have kept myself so busy worrying that I didn't even get my beloved fall decorations out this year. I feel like a Fall Scrooge!!
With all the pain yesterday came lots of reflection. I just layed in bed, crying off and on, praying for relief. I began thinking about those things truly important to me. I've really let them go. And I haven't taken time to enjoy anything fully.
With just a few days left in October I want you to make the time to think about what would really make you happy this month. Here is what my picks are...
carving pumpkins with the family
trick or treating/passing out candy
scary movie night with the kids Friday and hot cocoa
Getting my Autumn stuff out this weekend for Thanksgiving
Okay so I really prcrastinated on this theme!!! LOL!:)
========================================
November's Theme will be "For this I am grateful". We'll focus on grateful journaling, create a fabulous mini book and help you find more gratitude in your days.
I know one thing I am grateful for already...all of you.
Happy Halloween!!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Mondays

What glorious Sunday we all had. Church was the BEST!! I am Primary President (in charge of all the kids from Nursery to 12 years old) and most Sunday's are pretty hectic. While that is okay it's so important for me to have the Spirit with me so the kids can then have it with them. Well this Sunday it all just worked!! We talked about serving others then created cards for the children we haven't seen at church in awhile. There little faces were so excited! One of my little Sunbeams (Sophie) kept saying..."Sister Ackman, when are we gonna pass these all to ALL the kids? We gotta get these passed out so we can get them to all come to CHURCH!!"

One of the older boys just summed it up like this "Don't be stupid. Come to our church."
Oh, my heck the things kids say!!! I LOVE serving these children!!!!

On another note...I've got one killer migraine today. They seem to be getting worse. Thought I'd give my Doctor a ring and ask her about this new migraine med I saw on TV a few weeks ago. Somethings got to happen as they are becoming way more intense.

Lots going on this week...

Scrapwords stuff
friends over for dinner
Young Women movie night at our house
carving pumpkins
cleaning house
grocery shop
making birthday cards for the Primary kids at my house
passing out candy at my new shop Scrapwords Thursday night for Halloween
and about 30 other things!!!

Yeah, Scrapwords is going to have a home in Maryville on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I think it will be fun.

Okay, well nothing too exciting, inspiring or creative but this is life and I LOVE it!! I could do without the migraine though...

Friday, October 24, 2008

It will be just fine

I have a tendency to over react. REALLY over react. This morning, as I was getting around for the day I started listing everything BAD that was going to happen to me today and tomorrow to my husband. As I ranted and raved my head started to pound, my shoulders got all tight and I felt miserable. Dave kept telling me to calm down, that I was waaaay over reacting...

You see tomorrow I got to Kansas City with my daughter to a soccer tournament. Dave usually goes with me but can't. So I'm going someplace I don't know how to get to and I get freaked out by stuff like that sooo...

Dave told me to call a friend of ours...he thought for sure he'd let me follow them down to the fields. Guess what? They are going to do one better!! Marcia has invited Em and I to just ride along!!!! WHEW! All that worrying for nothing.

Just another reminder why it is soooo important to keep the faith.

Here's to keeping the faith this weekend. Happy Friday!!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Today is rainy and windy. I sometimes love days like this...today is that day. They make me stop and think about my life. I somehow get all homey, I wanna cook, clean, be creative, organize my closets. It's a weird thing for sure. Do you ever get this way during a drizzly day?

Instead of working out I took Em to school, came home, made a warm cup of Pero and cream, curled up with my kitty and a blanket and watched the news. My idea of heaven on days like this. Finally at 10:oo am I decided I'd better shower and get dressed. So now I'm surfing the net, checking out my usual inspirational blogs and my own site Scrapwords.

Speaking of inspiratinal blogs...look what I found this morning. I am so loving this Blog. Gonna make sure I check in often and try her recipes.

Been thinking a lot lately about my weight. When don't I think about that subject? Why can't I just be happy with what I look like? Okay, so I need to lose 10 pounds. I can do that, know I can. I just wanna know why I have to get so obsessive about it? Constantly worried about what I eat, how much I work out and judging myself at every meal on whether or not I was good or bad. I am seriously sick of this way of thinking!

The past few weeks I've been keeping track of what I eat and when/what I do for exercise. On days I worry and obsess over what I eat I tend to do worse. Usually by the end of the day I'm standing at the kitchen counter devouring a cookie, chips or ice cream right out of the box.

Now I realize I must keep an eye on what I eat. I want to be healthy. I also know that working out is something I not only need but enjoy. So, for now I'm taking the approach of "I like me and I'm gonna do all I can to be healthy and take care of my body". There ya' go.

Happy Wednesday...

Monday, October 20, 2008

What did you say about Edward Cullen??!!!?

Okay, so I am a HUGE-O fan of the Twilight Series. And I LOVE Edward!! Jacob is okay...but Edward...well we have had that talk before!!:) I have Twilight shirts, wallpaper and anything else I can get my hands on that is Twilight. So the other day my wonderful husband Dave is on the computer doing his work. Okay, right? That night we're hanging out, catching up on our week and he says to me...

"That Edward guy is a bit feminine, don't you think?"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"
"That guy they have playing Edward looks a bit girly to me. They need a nice manly man...like me to play Edward."
"Uh, no, they don't honny. Sorry, I absolutely adore you but they picked the PERFECT Edward. He is just so....Edward."
"So, that's what women like? Girly men?"
"No, we don't want girly men but the actor playing Edward, regardless of whether or not you think he's girly is EDWARD!!"
"So, Edward, your beloved vampire is girly? I thought vampires were rough, tough and scary."

We went back and forth like this for 20 minutes. At last I sighed, gave him a big and said...

"Honny, you would have made the perfect Jacob. You big werewolf you."

That seemed to make him happy.:)

Friday, October 17, 2008

Plain and Simple


It's Friday. Usually I am so happy about that but today...well, the week just went by too, too fast.
I'm in a BAD mood, too. Hate that! So not like me. It's raining like crazy, my hair is a mess (got a bad haircut in August, too layered and now I hate it!!) Anyway, I'm just GRUMPY!

Our house is messy, my to-do list is a mile long, I feel fat, I've got mounds of laundry, bills to pay, groceries to buy, BLAH! All I want to do is hide under my blanket.

Okay, now that I got that out...

Good things that happened this week...

1-We enjoyed watching Dayn and Logan. Two little boys from our church. Their Daddy had a heart attack and we helped out. That felt GOOD. When we serve others it is so pleasing to our Father in Heaven. I love to serve and need to do it more.

2-Got to hang out with my friend Kristen. We sure had fun chatting while babies crawled all over us!:)

3-My DH arrived safely home from his elk hunting trip

4-I worked out this week and made wiser food choices.

There was more good stuff this week, too. So see my week wasn't bad just this day. BUT as soon as I'm done writing this post I'm gonna get all my stuff done. That will help my mood, I think. When I'm overwhelmed...that is when I'm not so happy. Ya' know?

Happy Friday.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Today is my Birthday!!


You know that song by the Beatles- "Today is your Birthday"? I always sing that song to myself on my special day. Lots of years ago when I was a Broadcast major at Northwest Missouri State University my friends all got together and requested that song for me. Since I was on the campus radio station and knew everyone that worked there it was fun having my friend Tony dedicate that song to me. I think I recorded it but don't know where it is.

I LOVE Birthdays:) I consider them to be the start of my very own personal New Year. Today after church I'm gonna sit down and write out all that I'm grateful for. I'm gonna scrap it so I can remember it always. Then I'm sit down and come up with 10 new Birthday goals for myself. I've done this now for the past 15 years and look forward to it each year.

No major plans today. I'm off to church meetings this morning then I teach the little ones in Primary. I'm Primary President. I'm putting a turkey in the crockpot for my dinner and having mashed potatoes, too. Instead of cake we're having mini banana splits with Redi Whip!! Gonna treat myself today then got back on my plan Monday. Hopefully my Mom and Roger will come over then the kids and I are gonna play a few games and watch a family movie. It's gonna be rainy here all day which is fine with me.

I have much to be thankful for today.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

How did I get here?

Do you believe that a stranger can come into your life for just a brief moment in time and totally change the way you view your life?

As you probably already know (or have figured out) I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). Yesterday my husband and I along with the Missionaries from our church invited a 22 year old college student into our home, Emily. She has been learning about our church and even attending services for the past 6 months or so. Since my DH is one of the Branch Mission leaders we get to meet a lot of people when they are investigating our church, often having them over to share our testimonies and our faith in our Heavenly Father. These people are always nice and we enjoy sharing our home with them. Yesterday was different...

The minute I opened the door to welcome our Missionaries and Emily in I sensed their was something extra special about this young woman. Vibrant, joyful and outgoing I sensed we were in for a special afternoon. I had no idea she was about to change my perspective on my life...

While we waited for my DH to get home, Emily asked if she could tour our home. I laughed and said sure so off we went. As we went from room to room we laughed and talked like old friends. She enjoyed looking at the various photos of my family on the walls and end tables. I loved sharing stories that went along with each one. As we were entering my scrap space she paused a moment, looked at me and asked

"How did you get here?"

I was a bit surprised by her question, not quite sure what she meant. "You mean the house?"

"No, I mean how did you get here. How is it you have this wonderful, glorious life with 2 kids, a loving husband, your own business, this beautiful home...how do I get here?"

I only thought for a moment and replied with a big lump in my throat...

"I got here by the faith that I have and have always had in the Lord. I got here because I married the man I'm in love with. I got here by my faith."

The past 6 months have been non-stop in the Ackman household. We've had some major downs and have been extrememly stressed out and tired. There were days I'd think "how can I possibly do it all?"

Then, this young woman whom I had just met comes along and asks the humdinger of them all...
"How did I get here?" What a defining moment in my life. What an important question to ask myself on a regular basis to remind me to look at all the blessings in my life. I have been blessed there is no doubt. I'm here, living this life of mine (flaws, chaos and all) because of the faith I have. I will forever be grateful to you Emily. Thank you.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Week One so far

So far, so good as the saying goes. It's amazing what just 2 days of clean eating can do for a person. I'm losing that "full" feeling. Loving that.

Be sure to stop by Scrapwords today for the start of our Scrapwords Star Design Team Search. The round one challenge is on the homepage today!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Ready for a Brand New Challenge

Do you ever get that feeling in your tummy, that warm, swelling feeling that something grand is about to happen? I did this morning as I was going on my morning walk. Everything just clicked this morning. Got up ON TIME!! Early, the way I like it at 5:45. Finished "Breaking Dawn" (I can't believe I'm done with Edward *sigh*), got Em up for school, I ate a healthy bowl of oatmeal with almonds and water. Walked Em to the bus stop then went on a walk myself. Ahhhh, I love mornings like this.

As I posted the other day I'm ready to begin my next Body for Life Challenge. I was a bit successful in June and July during my first round but gave up when I let food control my life once again. Sadly I've watched my pants grow tighter, my waist develop those nasty love handles again and my confidence and good feeling dwindle. I've had enough and ready to begin again.

Much of this wanting to start over comes in light of my 42nd birthday coming up this Sunday, October 12th. I"ll be 42. Honestly, I'm not one bit happy with the way I feel about turning another year older. Too much fat on my body, too lethargic feeling and I look old. So, I'm gonna go back to something that is familiar and works for me-the BFL program.

12 weeks from today is December 29th. That is when I hope to be at my goal which for now is in a happier, energetic place. No love handles. 10 pounds lighter. No more addiction to food.

As before I'll share my ups and downs with you here. If you'd like to comment on anything I say please do. If you'd like to join me-feel free. I would welcome the company!!

I'm off to get ready for the day. Have lots of work to do on Scrapwords. You'll have to stop by and see all the cool stuff I have planned for this week as well as the new Fancy Pants products that I'm putting in the store today!!

Happy Monday!

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Last of my Week in the Life series

LOVE this photo of Em and her best friend Maddie!! This was taken Saturday at a HUGE Halloween store in Kansas City (KC{readmore}).
Here are the rest of my Week in the Life Photos...
Here are the ones I shot Thursday...
Em up for school just wanting to stay all cozy in her blanket.
Here is what she's watching...
And eating...
Thursday Dave and I left for KC for our anniversary and I forgot my camera!!! So no pics for our mini trip but still lots of memories.
Here are pics from Friday night...
Me in my new t-shirt. You can't see the front of it...It's Twilight!! It's got the entire Cullen Clan and Bella on the front!!
Our church had a weenie roast Friday night...so much FUN!!
Here are the girls creating crafts.
Oh, here's Dave and Em driving to the roast...
More weenie roast fun...apple picking...
apple eating...
Saturday morning we were up at 4:45 AM and off to KC again for an 8:oo soccer game for Em.
That's her with the ponytail. I love this shot with the sun!!
Maddie was there, too and her folks. We all ended up shopping at a big Halloween costume shop. The girls had a blast!!
At lunch...
Afternoon game...
That's her with the ball!!
A secret pic of Em and Maddie...
Then last night we traveled to Savannah for Jackson's football game.
Dave filming
We threw a surprise pizza party for Jackson's team!!!
No photos today but lots of journaling.
This has been one of the best projects I've ever done!! This week I'll start creating the book. Can't wait!! I'll be sure and post the finished book!!!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Body For Life-Round 2

I've done a lot of thinking and I know what I need to do...Body for Life. It has been calling my name, begging me to come back to its simple and do-able approach to weight loss. When I'm on this plan I just feel GREAT! Haven't felt that great since I quit in late summer. So I'm gearing up for this Monday Oct. 6th. Taking photos again and everything.

I'm back.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Week in the Life Day 3

Here ya' go girls...my Wednesday!!

Yesterday was my Mom's 70th birthday. We took her to one of our fave restaurant's La Bonita. Here she is with Jacks outside...

I so want that sun!!

Inside La Bonita. They sang her a birthday song in Spanish!

It's a tradition to wear the sombrero, they take a pic and hang on their birthday wall!:)

My Mom maybe 70 but she is still young at heart!!:)

Packing a few Scrapwords packages at the office...

Picking up Em at school...

We stopped at Wal-Mart after to get Mom a pretty mum.

Stopped at Sonic for 1/2 price drinks...our fave!!!

Here is Mom with Em and her mum!

Aren't they just so pretty?? And that mum!!

Made sure to get my McCain/Palin stuff today...

And our yard sign...

The next house over has Obamba stuff plastered all over his yard including his pic. Oh, well...I'm sure he'll love seeing this!! LOL! It is a free country and that is what makes us America!! Love that we can all have our own opionions!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed seeing my day!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Week in the Life Day 2

I am so loving doing Ali Edward's Week in the Life Challenge. It has literally forced me to take photos and write everything down. I was becoming pretty lax about all of that! Check out my photos from yesterday AND my fun, fresh haircut from this morning!! The first few photos {readmore}are from late afternoon on Monday.

Here is the supper Jackson made himself before football practice Monday night...

Em and Jacks wrestle around...

These were fun photos to snap!:)

Em's fave show she watched after school "ICarly"

Now here are yesterday's photos...

Dave watching the Markets, eating breakfast and trying to get geared up for work...

My walking shoes...I had just finished...

I can't believe how old I look after my workout, no makeup, YUCK!! LOL!

Jacks and Hyrum on the computer after their finance class...

Em getting her water jug ready for soccer practice.

Driving my her soccer practice I took this random (out of focus) shot.

Driving home from dropping Em off I thought it would be fun to take photos of the streets I travel everyday, 4 to 5 times a day...

Here's the one right before the street to my house. I love the tree-lined street.

Here's a shot of our house as I'm driving up the small hill to my driveway...

Here is my home!!

Yes, we have a HUGE watertower in our backyard!!

Jackson and I are headed for Savannah for football practice. We travel 30 miles one way...

A scene from his practice. It was a gorgeous night.

I took this silly photo last night.

Okay, here is my fun, new cut from THIS morning...

Ta-Da!!

I love how it's all flippy and fun!

Ali suggests that when putting our books together we use a square punch so we can fit a lot of photos on a page. That's why I'm not too worried about the far away shots of some of these. I'm actually planning it that way!

I want to get photos of our Wal-Mart, the movie theater, our church and more today!!