Where there's a will there IS a way!

I have been doing pretty well as far as keeping it together since the accident but today I had a complete meltdown. I guess it was bound to happen. Today was the day. The pain and frustration at not being able to do something as seemingly simple as putting my hair in a ponytail finally got to me. Poor Steve was trying so hard but finally had to walk away. My crying and temper tantrum even gave my kids a good run for their money. When Steve decided my pity party had lasted long enough he came back and did his best to get my hair up for me and basically told me that was it...no more feeling sorry for myself. He says he won't let me. Even though I continued to go on about all the things I can't do, he told me to go get some pictures and start planning some LOs for when I could start scrapping again. I sat at my desk and continued to pout before I finally gave in and took his advice. Once I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I even managed to come up with a way to at least cut some paper for the LOs I am planning...it takes a little more effort than usual but at least it is something!

It's been a week.

This time last week I was heading home from the hospital after having wrist surgery to fix the break with a metal plate and screws. I am so glad to have it past me. I still have one more week to go before I see the dr again and get the stitches out...not too sure what will happen after that.

I am doing pretty okay I think although it is so hard for me to have to rely on others for so much.

Ever since becoming a scrapbooker some 10 years ago, I have done my best to be thankful for the blessings in my life and take very little for granted. Since the accident I think my perspective on life and its blessings has been magnified even more. I asked Steve yesterday if he thought I was being silly or over dramatic and he said no. I think realizing how much there was for us to lose has actually given us both a renewed sense of what is really important in life.

Steve has been absolutely woderful through all of this as well as most of my family and one neighbor in particular. And I really believe that scrapbookers are the nicest people in the world -- the support and encouragement from my online scrapbooking sisters has meant the world to me...so thank you to each and every one of you!

Counting my blessings

This past Sunday I was involved in a pretty bad car accident. I was heading to Salsa class with my brother, my sister and my sister's boyfriend when this car comes barrelling around the curve, fish tails and then looses control and comes flying across the road into my lane. I just couldn't get out of the way, I had no where to go. I can still see the crash, I can hear it, I can smell it. I can still hear everyone screaming, especially my sister...and there was nothing I could do. Turns out it was an 18-year-old kid driving, obviously speeding, in a hurry to meet his friends.

Steve took me to see the cars yesterday because we had to get the tag off and double to get out what we could. I just stood there and cried. I have never been more thankful for my Toyota Sienna mini van as I was at that moment. That car saved our lives. My son always called it the magic van and it never felt more true than when I laid eyes on it yesterday. The kid's car was not too far away from mine...he had no passenger seat left basically. It is obvious he was going way too fast. If he had had a passenger in that car they would not have made it. The firefighters and paramedics kept telling us how lucky we were and yesterday I really believed them.

We all basically "walked" away...my brother, sister and her boyfriend have bumps and bruises, mostly from seat belts and airbags I think. I have a broken right wrist on top of my bumps and bruises. I went to a dr's appt yesterdat thinking I would come home with a cast...instead I have been scheduled for surgery this coming Tuesday. I am so scared. I am so mad.

Steve has really been wonderful through all this. I know it is hard trying to take care of me and the kids on top of his work. My car is totaled, and I can't drive right now anyway. I hate that I am so dependent on others right now...but at the same time I am trying to count my blessings and just be thankful I, and everyone else involved, were able to come home. i am going to have to do my best to remind myself of that a lot over the next 6-8 weeks.

What's in a name?

An online friend shared this today...thought it would be fun...

1. your rock star name (first pet & first car).
Lenox Civic
2. your gansta name (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie).
Chocolate Chocolate Chip
3. your “fly girl” name (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name).
Hrib (looks more like my foreign "fly girl" name!)
4. your detective name (fav color, fav animal).
Green Cat
5. your soap opera name (middle name, city where you were born)
Diane Lansdale
6. your star wars name (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first).
Ribhe
7. superhero name (”the” + 2nd fav color, fav drink).
The Blue Vanilla Latte
8. nascar name (the first names of your grandfathers)
Walter George
9. stripper name ( the name of your fav perfume/cologne/scent, fav candy). Rose Milk Duds (ROTFLOL! NICE! Who wouldn't want a lap dance?!)
10. witness protection name (mother’s & father’s middle names ).
Christine Walter
11. tv weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter).
Maurici Minneapolis
12. spy name (your fav season/holiday, flower).
Christmas Rose
13. cartoon name (fav fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”).
Strawberry Caprie
14. hippy name (what you ate for breakfast, your fav tree).
Coffee Palm
15. your rockstar tour name (”the” + your fav hobby/craft, fav weather element + “tour”). The Scrapbooking Rain Tour

Completed my first mini album!

I have *FINALLY* completed a mini album that is just for ME! I usually make them for other people and end up giving them away but this one is MINE! MINE! MINE! I started this after the girls over at House of Paper decided to have a Photo A Day Challenge back in February. I wanted to make an album out of my photos. I got the last of the album completed today...man, I am feeling so proud of myself! LOL!

I've been tagged...

It seems Amanda tagged me and so here are the rules: I must post the rules, then list 7 random things about me and then tag 7 others to do the same by leaving them a comment...so here goes...

1. I absolutely loves red roses.

2. I am going to start Salsa lessons on Sunday with my sister (SO excited!)

3. I have already purchased 3 Christmas gifts

4. I am going out to dinner and to see My Fair Lady tomorrow night...bought a new dress, new shoes and jewelry!

5. When I get tired of hearing "Mommy" or any version of that word I tell my kids that I have changed my name and they must hence forth refer to me as "Disney Goddess."

6. I love organizing things...although I am not necessarily all that great at keeping things organized -- go figure!

7. I want to be a Disney Princess for a day!

And I tag...
Melissa
Christopher
Judy
Lisa
Wendy
Jenn
Sindea

Remember...

For some this is harder than others...but today I hope you will take a moment to remember and pray for those who were lost and for those they left behind. Pray for our troops and their families doing all they can to keep us safe...and free. Pray for all the police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical personnel...all those who have chosen to make their job protecting the rest of us. God Bless America.

BACK TO SCHOOL!

I could not have asked for a better morning! The kids were up bright and early this morning when their alarms went off -- and they were HAPPY about it! They eagerly got ready for school and even made their beds without having to be asked and we were out the door by 7:15am! The drive to school was so fabulous...the kids are starting in a brand spanking new school this year that is just minutes from the house. I really expected a lot of chaos with it being the first day of school and it being a new school which is why we left about 15 minutes earlier than normal but man, oh, man...things went smooth as silk! And I am just so proud of Alyson. She had such a tough time for probably the first 3-4 months of school last year - she cried and was so clingy and I was concerned that would happen again. But this morning she was such a big girl! And of course Stevie was ready for me to leave almost as soon as I got him to his class! I can't wait to hear how their first day goes!

Sea World

The kids and I spent a few days at Sea World in Orlando with my mom (July 31 - Aug 2). We haven't been since Alyson was about 2 and she is absolutely in love with dolphins right now so this was heaven on earth for her! We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel just across from the park and since we all have APs there was no rush to get through anything. Actually I was pleasantly surprised that it was not more crowded.


We really had a great time...the kids got to feed the dolphins, we went on the Polar Expedition tour where we went back stage at the Wild Arctic and even got to touch a penquin and on our last day there we had dinner with Shamu. If you ever get the chance to go I would highly recommend the dinner!

A couple of BLUE belts

Stevie and Alyson have made it to their blue belts in karate. Stevie tested for his a week ago and Aly finally was able to get hers yesterday. They were both very excited! Of course Steve and I are very proud of them. Alyson will be starting Hip Hop dance lessons towards the end of this month and she keeps telling us that she is going to stop karate when she starts dance but we are keeping our fingers crossed that she will do both. They are both doing so well, I would hate to see her walk away from that. Plus it was hard enough for her when Stevie got his blue belt first (because she opted to skip a class one day) so I can only imagine what drama will ensue when he continues to move up in belts and she won't. She just has to have and do everything her big brother does!

I don't want to do this anymore.

Do you ever feel like life is just one great big joke...and you're not in on it? I have tried to be a good person...not perfect but good. So why do I seem to have a 50 mile radius for the not so good people? Apparently I must have the word SUCKER written on my face.
Today I feel like I just don't want to do it anymore. I wish I had to the strength to just walk away from it all. I don't want to do this anymore.

Tim and Faith totally ROCK!

Last night Steve and I went to the Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Soul 2 Soul Concert...our seats were pretty damn good and man can those two put on a show! They sang for over 3 hours! You totally get your money's worth! When the two of them sing together you almost feel like you are a peeping tom staring in their bedroom window! LOL! It was awesome though!

I can't help but wonder if they are as happy as they appear to be and as in love as it seems. What I wouldn't give to have a marriage like that! Tim doesn't take his eyes of her whenever they are singing together...very sweet really. What woman wouldn't want a man who obviously adores her and cherishes her...and isn't afraid to show it?! Oh to be so lucky! ;)

All of the Grey's Anatomy fans would have been thrilled with the start of the concert...the two of them sang the song Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol...awesome!

Busch Gardens with the siblings!

Yesterday was a great day! I was able to go to Busch Gardens and spend some time with my brother and sisters. That's my brother, Christopher, on the right (Obviously, then my youngest sister, Anna - a.k.a Tinkerbell, next to me and then Rachelle on the other side of me. Our youngest sister is heading off to college in NC soon so times when all 4 of us can be together will be few and far between. We had a great time just playing and acting like goofballs together!

My brother isn't as big of a dork as he looks...




okay, maybe he is! LOL! Just kidding...he puts on a great show though! I wonder how many people around actually thought he was "special" ? ;)



I think my brother and sisters are just the coolest. I got this pic of them riding Montu...I was kind of mad at myself for not riding, but I was a little chicken - maybe next time though. That is Rachelle's boyfriend Dan next to my brother and then my sisters behind them...Anna's girlfriend is next to Rachelle but I missed her in the shot (sorry!)





ROCK ON!

Busy, busy, busy!

Man, we have been busy pretty much since the kids got out of school at the end of May! Steve and I headed up to VA with the kids to visit his dad and one of his younger brothers for a couple of days, do a little hiking and visiting. Then we were off to VA Beach with stops at Natural Bridge and Monticello.

Once in VA Beach we spent a couple days at Busch Gardens, Williamburg as well as the beach and even a day at a cute little water park. Very fun!

Shortly after that the kids and I headed up to NC to visit friends...I was so proud of myself because I drove the 8-9 hour trip alone with the kids. They were great and everything was smooth as silk...and of course we had a great time with the Diehls! We have known them since we lived in Seattle and Stevie and their son were just over a year old I guess. Jacob had no idea we were coming so needless to say he was SO surprised to see Stevie! His reaction totally made the drive worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeart. We surprised Jacob at his swim meet and he was hugging Stevie and then telling his swim mates that he and Stevie had known each other since they were babies so "technically they are brothers!" Gotta love that! We had fun playing at the pool, spent some time on the lake and even went to see The Silver Surfer. Alyson and little Megyn had a great time together together too.

Once the kids and I got back from NC we turned around and headed down to the key with Steve's dad and younger brother who made a visit down to see us! Had a nice time there too and on the way back we stopped in Miami for an airboat ride which was very cool and then I got picked to wrestle and alligator - it was volunteer day! It was basically all a great way to scare the crap out of me....and my poor kids who both started crying when they saw what I was supposed to do....like wave my hand through the gator's mouth, jump on his back and pose with his head under my chin...good lord! The guy asked to see my hands and when I held them out for him to see they were shaking like a leaf! Even if it hadn't been a joke...at least I know my kids love me! I did hold a 4 foot gator though!

The rest of the summer the kids have been in and out of karate camp, we spent some time with our neighbors, the kids swimming and the adults playing with jet skis on the lake, going out to the beach....busy! I am wiped out! How much longer until school starts? ;)

The Producers!

On Saturday I got to enjoy one of the perks of Steve's job and we took 3 other couples out to dinner and then to see the new Mel Brooks musical The Producers...talk about FAB-U-Lous! Of course it wasn't Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick but boy were they ever close! Such a great show - my face hurt from the constant smile I wore on my face!

The dinner we all had before the show was fantastic as well...we went a place that one of the reps had suggested and I can guarantee you that Steve and I will be going back! They had this soft shell crab appetizer that was too die for along with their calamari - like no other I have had before! I think I could have been happy to just make a meal out of that! Of course my beef tenderloin was pretty tasty too! ;)

I haven't been able to stop singing..."I wanna be a producer...!!"

Basic Grey likes me!

I was told I should submit my STOP LO to Basic Grey for their website...so I did. And actually I submitted two others as well. They picked up my STOP LO and also The ABCs of ME. I know it is not quite like being published in a magazine but I am so excited just the same!

The last few days have not been the greatest for me so this was such a wonderful surprise. I really needed that "boost"!

STOP

There was a challenge to do a LO based on the word "STOP"... I do so few LOs about myself, but this seemed a perfect opportunity to get one done for my BOM.

Journaling reads:

STOP...

taking things so seriously… don’t be afraid to laugh a little, especially at yourself.

worrying about the “What if’s - ”… learn to take a risk now and then.

making excuses… make the time.

being so hard on yourself… accept the person you are just the way you are.

saying “I’ll finally be truly happy when - -” … start seeing the everyday joys right in front of you.

second guessing yourself… trust your instincts.

being so cynical… allow yourself to enjoy life’s little blessings.

thinking you aren’t good enough… KNOW that you are…

dwelling on the past… nothing you do can change it.

being so angry… you only end up hurting yourself.

blaming yourself… you can’t control everyone and everything.

looking to others for acceptance and approval… find it inside yourself.

holding back… give yourself permission to let go.