Day 365: The End To That Chapter In Life.

WHOA!! 2015 is almost over!! This year went by so quickly, or at least I think it did. Although the month of December does seem to just linger a bit longer. Maybe because I have hope? Hope for the New Year, hope for it to be a good one, and things go right & not wrong. One where family & friends are trustworthy & true. One where everyone is happy & healthy. One that brings peace, and harmony. One that is just stress free & organized......that one I can never get! Haha! So, Cheers! To another year, and another chance to get it right. :)

I found these quotes, and they just sit well with me, and it says things better than I could ever say.

When I give it does not come with strings. I'm not keeping track of what you owe me. When I give, I choose to do so without ulterior motives. I give because I'm genuine. I give because I know what it's like to be without, to long for and be ignored, to speak and not be heard, to care for and have nothing in returned. When I give it's because I get it. It's because I know the value in what I have in my heart and I refuse to let the world stop me from sharing that. But when things start being taken for granted. When you no longer appreciate my sincerity. I won't switch. I won't get angry, and I won't be spiteful. I'll just get smart and I'll change your role in my life. Because when I give, I'm all in. But when I'm done, there's no looking back.

So today, in the present, I offer three promises:
I'll trust you until you show me that you can't.
I'll be consistent as your efforts inspire me to be.
And I'll honor your time which the same respect I give my own.
No games. No gimmicks. No guile.
If you can appreciate this, I can build with you;
if not, I have no time for you.
I've been thru too much to play the same old game,
just to keep getting the same draining results.

~Robert Hill Sr~

Day 364: A Year At A Glance

Hard to believe that tomorrow will be my final photo for my 365 project. 1, whole year down, and a lot of memories, and fun things were created! I enjoy doing this project so much, as it brings Zen to my life. I love how I can pick up my camera, and go on a walk, and shoot what I see and be able to keep it forever. I feel so much calmer after I have walks like those. Photographing my family on the other hand totally creates chaos!! But I love capturing that chaos, it is the memories that make the picture not how perfect it looks. And Kwintyn surely tops the cake with all our family photos that we have had. Oh, the collect I'm gong to have, it will be the greatest! Little does he know that I'm going to make him re-create these photos when he's older. Those will be epic!! LOL!! I thank those who followed my 365 project, and who enjoyed looking at my photos, and saying such wonderful comments. Thank-You!! I'm not sure what kind of project I will do next but I know I will surely be doing something.

Just one more picture!!! Stay tuned to see what the last chapter says. :)

Day 363: Family Game Night

Ok, so it wasn't the whole family playing the games but we did play a few games tonight. Chelsea, Kwintyn, & I, played Operation. So fun! Still jump at that darn buzz! I swear the game is different though besides the pieces they changed, but didn't the old Operation have cards & that is what you went after, and then you would get paid? No cards were in this. It's a free range operation. lol We then played Life, the three of us. Kwin got tired, and quit so Chelsea & I finished up. We played it wrong. LOL We played another game with Keagan, and Frank that was fun. Still missed playing it right. LOL!! So the next time we play, we're good. The games have become so cheaply made, even Connect Four is not the same. They have cheap red & yellow checkers. WTH?! LOL! 

Game night!

Day 362: Baby, It's Cold Outside!!

I'm Mister White Christmas, I'm Mister Snow. I'm Mister Icicle, I'm Mister Ten Below. Friends call me Snow Miser what ever I touch turns to snow in my clutch. I'm to much! Well look who decided to show up!! Mr. Jack Frost & Mr. Snow. Always trying to make a grand entrance with lots of advisories, and always making a storm! Those two!! I have some fine words for those two, but with me being a classy lady, and all........LMAO!! I bet Hell is freezing over, too, or at least an advisory. The whole damn state of Michigan looks to have advisories out, so.. yes, yes, Hell is freezing over right now. Sorry, some lame Michigan humor. If you don't get that you don't know squat about Michigan. LOL!!! Always said we should move there.

Brrrrr........it's really cold outside.

Day 361: I Will Honor Christmas

I have always loved this quote, and I am going to try to remember this so maybe next year I'm in better spirits. :) And......HOLY COW!!! 4, more days left of my 365 project, folks! I've been so busy lately, and feel horrible for not being able to keep up with this as I wanted to, but it happens every year thanks to Christmas hustle & bustle. I'm not sure what I have in store for 2016? Not even sure if I will be on Facebook as much? So, I guess I will see how I feel, and what inspires me.


I will honor Christmas in my heart. And try to keep it all the year.

Day 360: Day After Christmas

Well everything you bought is now on sale or clearance. When will we learn to do Christmas the day after?! LOL!!!!  So happy my kids weren't whining to go to the store to spend their Christmas money & gift cards. Today we went and finally saw my Step dad. He has been transferred to an Acute rehab center, and will be doing therapy there till he can come home, and then it's therapy 3x's a week for him. He looked really good, so I was happy about that. I guess I'm glad that I didn't have to see him when he wasn't looking to hot like other family members had. Sounds like he has a good outcome, and that makes me happy!

Wise words, here.

Day 359: Merry Christmas!!

We had a nice Christmas, and I hope the kids are happy with what we got them. To me, it didn't feel like Christmas. I, guess I just didn't get in to it this year. :( I just felt really stressed this year, even though I got an early start. I just can't tell you why I didn't rock around the Christmas tree this year. I did enjoy it, though. Frank, & I were really excited for the big kids gift this year! Ya'll ready for this?! Still think I'm a little crazy for saying yes. Keagan got a tattoo kit!! Kyle got 12" subs, and an amp for his truck, Kameron got a phone. They got some clothes too, but those were the big gifts. Chelsea got a scrapbook kit, and some sharpie's, and shoes, clothes, & some games, amongst many girly items. Kwintyn got a Hot Wheels from Santa...just what he wanted! And some Paw Patrol toys, and clothes, and games. I'm sure I'm leaving things out. But they seem to like everything.

 We were invited to my Sisters for Christmas this year. They always do such a nice dinner, and it's always really good, too! We got new that my Step Dad got moved to the Acute Rehab Center so that was wonderful for Christmas. He will be in there for a bit working his muscles, and getting stronger, & all that. We draw names for Christmas gifts there, and that is always fun.


Merry Christmas!! 2015

Day 358: Happy Christmas Eve!

What a beautiful day it was today. Sun was shining, no snow. Just one thing. It doesn't seem like Christmas! I ain't gonna complain but it just doesn't feel like Christmas. But that could be due to my lack of Christmas spirit this year, too?!  Today we celebrated Christmas with Frank's Mom & Stepdad. Had a lovely brunch, and got some nice gifts. The boys, & Frank surprised me with a gift over there. They all pitched in and got me a new Keurig. This one can make a small pot of coffee. 😍 I guess my kids do love me! 😁 We did our traditional Christmas Eve gift that had pajamas, hot cocoa, Captain Crunch Christmas Crunch, and Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch cereal, and Oreo's. Oh! And we made cookies for Santa. But they turned out horrible. They were the Pillsbury snowman & reindeer sugar cookies & they were either burned or under cooked. I did the 8 minutes as the package said, 8-10 minutes. Might have to leave Santa some Oreo's. Wonder if he will stop? 

Christmas Eve 2015

Day 357: Merry Christmas & Thank-You!

I just want to thank everyone who has sent us a Christmas card this year. Fun fact: I save all my Christmas cards. 🎄 I have used some cards in my picture projects. I, of course love getting the cards with photos. Those go on my fridge, and the others go on the wall. I feel bad because I am not doing Christmas cards this year. It just never works out on me. That darn time! 😂 It's a blessing to be thought of and I, thank-you, all. 💞

Christmas cards 2015 

Day 356: Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

Made this paper bag out of wrapping paper. Frank helped, so gotta give him most of the credit. I forgot a few things I wanted to get, but right now I really don't give a falalalaf$&k. I'm done shopping. LOL! 

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String, These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...

Day 355: Calling Archangel Raphael

Today I am summoning Archangel Raphael. This archangel is known as the angel of healing. My family could use some good thoughts, and prayers. 

Day 354: Happy Birthday!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Kwintyn!!! I just can't believe he is 5 years old!!! It just does not seem possible that he is FIVE!!! Thank-You SO much to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. You all made Kwintyn feel so special, and loved. We hope you all had a good time at his party, he had a blast!


Kwintyn has always taken us on an adventure! The day he was born was surely an adventure, as we took a turn that we didn't know we would end up. And he doesn't like to be bothered either, and his birth reflects that. Technically, on December 17th, 2010 I was in labor. I walked out of the Dr's office dilated to a 4. We had hopes that he would be coming that night, or early the next morning. I cleaned, shopped, and walked so my contractions wouldn't stop. But they ceased up a little. We had plans that if he did not arrive over the weekend then I would be endured on Monday, December 20th. Saturday came, no baby. Sunday came, still no baby! I thought I was going to end up there late Sunday night but I didn't. I now think that maybe I should have gone, but I wasn't having that painful contractions or anything like that so I had no reason to worry. I woke up early Monday morning to get around, and head for the hospital since he wasn't here yet. I was sad, yet excited. My last time I would be pregnant. Frank, & I stopped at Tim Hortons for some coffee & doughnuts but I didn't eat or drink much of it because they got my order wrong. Which actually was a good thing! LOL The only think I wanted to do with his birth was to document it with video & photos. I had hopes of even photographing him being born if that was even possible. Hahaha!! I change, and do the standard procedure for checking in. Temp, blood pressure, baby's heart beat, which took a few minutes to find, and I remember feeling this horrible fear until they found his heartbeat. The Doctor came in, everything was going great, and then he checked me. Everything changed at that moment. I was 8cm dilated, but Kwintyn was breech. They worried about a cord prolapse and so it was off to the O.R. I went for a C-Section. I was so bummed. So close, and this. I said, this one is going to be trouble, and boy was I right!! I never had a C-section before, even having twins I didn't have one! I knew this boy was going to be total opposite of them all, and we were in for it. He actually was laying transverse, side ways so there was no way he was going to come out. Although I did threaten him if he didn't come out, we would come and get him a few days prior. I guess he took me seriously! He was born on his actual due date, so technically he was right on time. That Lunar eclipse was about to happen around the time we was born and I have always wondered if that had anything to do with him flipping like he did. The ironic thing is, that the Doctor had said my birth was like Deja-Vu for him because he just got out of doing a C-section on a Mom who was dilated to an 8 like me, and the situation was just Deja-Vu. Weird! He was also born on a cusp for the zodiac so I am curious to see what traits he possesses from the zodiacs. He was born at 7:30 AM and weighed 8pds 5oz, and was 20.5 inches long, and was just he cutest thing ever! His Daddy was the first to hold him, and then his Aunt Sam. I was in recovery and I hated that!! Just give me my damn baby!! LOL!! He roomed in with me the whole time, and I loved it. I remember a nurse who started dressing him in his clothes I had picked out, and then she said, "Oh, I am so sorry!" I didn't even think to ask to dress him." Most Mom's want to do this themselves as it's special." I chucked, and said, No, You're just fine! I'll get to change him many times and well, he's not my first so you're good! LOL I knew then I was a Veteran Mom. Hahaha! He was instantly loved by so many & he was so adored by his siblings. He surely has kept us on our toes, and I know he will do all the things we haven't experienced as parents yet. So, here's to many more adventures with Kwintyn!!

P.S. If none of this makes sense, it's because...I'm tired!!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Kwin!!

Day 353: Hustle & Bustle

After we left the hotel Frank, and I, went to breakfast with some friends, and then did some Christmas shopping. We are almost done! LOL Just have a few more things to get, I forgot some coupons so, of course I gotta use them. Got a lot of things wrapped today, and everything is ready for Kwintyn's birthday party tomorrow!! I had my camera out so I took a few pictures of the tree, I think it looks so pretty! Christmas trees are just so pretty!

Our Christmas Tree 2015

Day 352: Christmas Work Party

I'm late posting but I just have been so busy! Today was Frank's Christmas party for his work. It was at the Ridge, and was really nice!! We had a wonderful time and we even got to stay in a hotel room for the night!! Now that was great! A night away from the house & kids, it was marvelous! I'm thankful that my Husband works for such a great company, and has such a great boss. Was a wonderful evening.

Christmas Party

Day 351: Cowabunga, Dude!

Super busy weekend! So I had to get a lot of stuff done. I still feel like I have a lot to do. Tomorrow is Frank's Christmas party for work, and the kids start their Christmas break. Saturday we have to do some shopping, Sunday is Kwintyn's birthday & party. Got the goody boxes all done, and his gifts wrapped. Teacher gifts are all wrapped. I have not started wrapping any other gifts yet. I'm so glad the kids will be on break Monday. Cause I have a feeling I'm going to be exhausted after this weekend. 

Totally Radical, Dude! 

Day 350: Christmas Concert

Chelsea had her Christmas concert today. Was a nice program, and the kids did a wonderful job singing. I did get some pictures but haven't had the chance to upload them yet so I made this on my iPod for my pic of the day. 🎄

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. 🎶🎄

Day 349: Warm Today, Cold Tomorrow

Well so much for that 55 degree weather we were having. Finally had some snow today. Almost a 20 degree difference in temperature. Well. It was nice. 

Day 348: Reflection

How pretty, and unusual is what I thought when I saw this gardening dish full of water. Unusual you ask? Cause it should be frozen solid!! Today was 55 degrees outside...in December....in Northern Michigan! No complaints, but whoa! I know it's not the first time with no snow at this time of the year. I could get use to this!! Who knew we could have actually had Kwintyn's party outside if we wanted to?! lol 

Day 347: Star Of The Week!

Kwintyn is in for a fun filled week!! His week starts off with him being "Star of the Week" at school. Thursday they are having a pajama day, and next Sunday he turns 5!!!! Today we made his star poster, and some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ornaments for his "Thank-You for coming to my party" gift. He's having a ninja turtle party, and I thought these would be perfect since its ninja turtles, and with his birthday being 5 days before Christmas, an ornament. He is one excited boy!! 

My Shining Star. 💕

Day 346: German Chocolate

Today I had a photo shoot, and I was really excited out this one. She's an exchange student from Germany, and she is my first international client!! I had the pleasure of taking pictures for her host family this past Fall and I offered her a free photo shoot, so she could have some great memories, and photos from the U.S.A. Plus, I wanted to be the first photographer to do a photo shoot on a future model. 😉She's beautiful, and it was so much fun to learn about how life in Germany is, and how different it is from here. I hope to have her company again because I have so many more questions. Is it bad that we asked her what a few bad words are?! 😜 Many thanks to her Ash, her host "mom" for hanging with us. Be sure to be on the look out for my sneak peek of this beautiful young lady. And I will take chocolate as payment any day. 😝

German Chocolate 

Day 345: Doggone it!

My dogs think they are cats. Thinking they can sit on the couch like the cats do! You would think Sarge would have learned his lesson when he fell off the back of the couch  one day. Kwintyn thought that was hilarious! LOL Today I had conferences for Kwintyn, and he is doing good in school. He's got some things to work on, but he's doing a lot better than I thought he would do! Pump for the washer broke down today, and the pipe was loose so the basement flooded today. Lovely!! I HATE how my washer is set up!! It's in the basement so the water from the wager gets drained in a sud sink and then the pump turns on & bye-bye water. Our basement has flooded many times, and Frank had a solution to the problem, fixed it. We never had a problem until now. UGH!!!!! Hoping to come up with a new solution this Spring, and hopefully add a toilet down there. Maybe we should get flood insurance, Frank?! LOL!!!

P.S. 20 more days and my project is complete!!

Doggone it!

Day 344: Merry Birthday! Happy Christmas!

Chelsea saved her birthday money but she was short. So we told her we would give her the rest, but it would be part of her Christmas present. I decided to give it to her early because her money was more than the amount we had gifted. I did wrap half, too. It's a gift! She got an iPod touch, the blue one she wanted. I think she's gonna love it, because I love mine! I don't have a cell phone, but this works perfect for me. So...if I don't answer your texts right away, I don't always get wifi! Gotta pay money for on the go wifi. And I'm to cheap for that! Hahaha! 

1/2 Birthday gift, 1/2 Christmas gift

Day 343: O' Christmas Tree

Finally got the tree up and decorated! Was actually due to Frank's prompting, and not mine. I've just been to blah to care. Put the tree in a different spot this year & I'm not sure if our living room looks odd or not. Not use to having the couch away from the wall. But, the tree is in the spot I wanted it to be, and I wanted it there for years so....whatever! I gotta get some better pictures, these were taken on my iPod and they are blurry. We also decorated the tree different. We pulled out my wash bin & put the tree in that. I must say, it looks lovely! I also now need a bow, star or something for the top, and I'm thinking about getting some red ribbon and some popcorn & cranberries and make a string of garland. I think it needs some burlap, too! 

2015 Christmas Tree

Day 342: Not Today

Just nope. Not today. Feeling sore. That is all. Just not today. 

Day 341: A Very Merry UnBirthday!

Today Kwintyn got a package today while he was at school. He was super excited when I told him he got one. He said, I bet it's that Hot Wheels toy that I wanted?! Or maybe it's it's MineCraft stuff.  He has this idea that when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday & Christmas, that he was getting everything he asked for....which is everything!!! LOL!!! I said, I don't even know what it is, or who this package is even from?! He waited for Frank to get home & opened it up, and he was so excited....MINIONS!!!! LEGOS!!!! How did they know we like minions?!?! LOL Guess when it's you're Auntie, and bestie they know! Thanks Sam & Seth!!!! Kwintyn loves his gift, and he misses his best buddy so much! We also loved the photos!! Thanks, Aunt Sam & Seth! Love Kwintyn. <3

A very merry UNbIrThDaY!!!

Day 340: SANTA!!!!!

Today we took the kids to see Santa! Mrs. Claus was there, too! We went to The Call Of The Wild to see them, and the kids got to go through the museum. We also got a family pass that is good till March, so that could be fun for Kwintyn & I, this Winter. We met Kevin, Maria, and the kids up there, so that was nice to stand in line with good company. The weather has been BEAUTIFUL!! It's December 6th, and we are up in to the high 40's. And no snow!!! I told Frank, I'm surprised that I'm not getting busy with photos shoots since it's been warmer out. I have one in mind for Kwin & Chelsea. :)


My visit with Santa

Day 339: Silent Night

Spent a few hours at the walk-in clinic today. Kyle was complaining of chest pain, so I took him up. I'm still not feeling well, but didn't feel like I need to see a Doctor. Place was packed, too! Guess everyone's sick. Lovely. Kyle was diagnosed with pleurisy, but his X-Ray came back okay. He's fine other than some chest pain. I tried to make chicken & dumplings today. It was a crockpot recipe and I followed it, but something just seemed off with it. I did it exact, and yep, something is not right. I think it calls for a can of cream of chicken soup or something, and it is not listed anywhere in the recipe. Found it off Pinterest so I guess this was a Pinterest fail! Hahaha! We ended up getting pizza. LOL!!! I ended up playing around on the computer again and came up with this cute little image. I really need to get my printer fixed so I can print some of these lovely art pieces up and put them on the wall.

Silent Night

Day 338: Peace, Love, Joy

I'm not feeling well today. I have a sore throat, and just feel crummy. Took Kwintyn outside today & I snapped a few photos but am to lazy to upload them at the moment, so I came up with this instead. LOL My mind is also warped with thoughts of dpi and ppi, bytes, pixels. I have to re-size a photo and I get so confused by this stuff. I think it's because it involves math, and I suck at math. Photography has a lot of math in it, and it sucks! Haha! I *think* I got the image size I needed, at least I hope I got it. I saved like 9 images because I over thought the whole damn thing. But a lesson I did need to learn, and learn more about.

Peace, Love, Joy

Day 337: Bear With Me....

Just what a day!! That's all I can say. So....as one my favorite quotes goes; Everyday may not be good. But there is something good in everyday. I have found my good for the day...but I'm still stressed! LOL! My heart melted today seeing Kyle & Kwintyn sitting in the back of Kyle's truck. Kwintyn LOVES his truck!! He see's Kyle in his truck, and he has to go out there with him. 

Bear with me.....

Day 336: Cold & Cozy

Tis the season for cold nights, hot cocoa, warm blankets, candy cane goodies, and cuddles. Struggling to keep warm! LOL

Cold & Cozy

Day 335: Welcome December

December 1st, and we already had a snow day! Kids had no school today because I guess the roads were slick. But we have no snow!! Freezing rain. Frank had mentioned no school last night because it was freezing rain, and it was cold. I said, no way!! Guess he called it! Haha! Was nice to go back to sleep. Took Kameron up to Walmart to get his hair fixed. He couldn't wait for me to make an appointment with the two people I trust to cut my family's hair. He had clipper marks or uneven spots, whatever you want to call it. Should have asked for the refund because the person who fixed it, was the person who messed up on it to begin with. Good grief!!! 

Welcome December 

Day 334: Cyber Monday

Anyone hit up the Cyber Monday sales today? I hit a few places up! The Body Shop is having a 50% off store wide, and you get a few perks if you spend so much money. Bath & Body Works has 25% off with a code, and you can get lotions or body wash for $4.50. Victoria Secret is having a decent sale too, and they have a few codes available. I'm happy I was able to get some good deals. I'm disappointed to get the email that one item I did order on Black Friday is not available....SOAB! Cause that was a GOOD deal!!! And here I thought I had all the good gifts bought. Wah wah waahhh!!

Day 333: From Back Seat To Driver Seat.

Kyle's truck is now in the drive!! He bought this truck, all on his own, a couple weeks ago from our friend, Kevin. Kevin has been working on this truck for a while, and so it has a lot put in to it. Kyle helped with with putting the bed on, and I think some other things. But Kevin delivered it to him yesterday! Must be nice to have a truck waiting for you when you get your drivers license. :) Tables have turned when Dad wants to play with your toys. LOL Frank really likes his truck! haha! Crazy to think that my SON owns a truck!!! Not long ago he was in a car seat, in the back seat!!! Soon he will be driving all on his own.

Kyle's 1st vehicle!!

Day 332: What Boredom Leads To...

Is me making some digital art! I can't say I made it foresee, as the images were made by someone else, and was kind enough to share them for personal use. I had a lot of fun making a lot of different images out these. I have hopes of printing these up and putting them on my wall. I want to give credit where credit is due, so I think I got these lovely images from a blog called, theylivedhappilyeverafter, and I can't remember the other places...oops! If you look it up on Pinterest you will be sure to find them I'm sure! I like coming up with my own things, but it was fun to play around with these and see what I could come up with. Here is a compile of just a few images...ok, a lot of images I made. Just love the gold templates! This comes in handy for homemade gifts as well!

Playing with templates

Day 331: Black Friday

Black Friday.....who went shopping?! We had to go to Walmart for garbage bags, and toilet paper., and Kameron wanted to look at the phones. I did do a little online shopping today though. I love shopping like that!!

Black Friday

Day 330: Happy Thanksgiving!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!! Today we went out to my Sister's for Thanksgiving dinner, and we didn't have the tradition turkey dinner and I was just fine with that! We had our turkey last week! LOL So, instead we had a beef brisket, mashed taters & gravy, mac & cheese, broccoli & cheese casserole, broccoli salad, bread, & rolls, baked beans, and a bunch pies!! My Sister & her Husband did a wonderful job with everything! I appreciate them having us, and I felt so very rude for leaving early. Kyle had other places to go....he was invited over to his girlfriends. lol Frank, & I, did go in to town later and we did get a little shopping done. We really didn't need to go, but I wanted to look. I ended up finding stuff. LOL Was a very nice day, and I am so glad that I got to spent it with Family. And isn't my sister's dog, Cooper just the cutest?!

Give Thanks

Day 329: Busy!

I knew I had to get a photo for the day, but I was busy shopping online, and not feeling that well. Even though it wasn't Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, I did manage to get some good deals, save money, and even earn money, and store coupons! Kwintyn wasn't feeling to well again today, so he stayed home again. He looked more miserable today than yesterday.

Mom's busy......

Day 328: Falling In Love Is Easy....

But staying in love is very special. I'm not feeling that well today, I'm not sick but my kidney;s are killing me again. Kwintyn stayed home from school today, he had a low grade temp. but was feeling fine otherwise. Recently I had a cousin ask for some pictures that I took last year of Frank's Grandparents. I sent her a few photos, but told her that I wanted to re-edit that session since I was using a different editing software now, and when I had free time I would edit them again. So, today was that day., and spent it editing these photos. I have to say I think they turned out better this round. lol Guess you can get better in just a year! Plus I made a few new edits on a few, and I just love one! It's shown in this collage I made. It's the one with their heads cut off. Hahaha! I just love that aspect of that photo. I did this collage in an orange haze preset, and just loved the results of it. I feel it gives a vintage effect to it. I think I will always remember this photo shoot because Frank's grandmother asked ME, to take photos for her. She has a few granddaughters who could have taken photos for her, so I was so very honored to have her ask me.  She shares, ok, I share a birthday with her, and so she is a Virgo, and I know just how picky they can be!!! LOL She wanted to re-create a photo that was taken, I believe when they first met. That photo is the one where they are sitting on the stairs, looking away from each other. I did tell her that I would like to have a copy of that photo so I could make a collage with that, and to add this one. A, then & now kind of photo, one that shows how they grew old, but never did their love. If my memory is correct, I think they have been married for 63 years!! Now that is a love story!!


Grow old with me, the best is yet to be...

Day 327: Cold Hearted

I'm not sure what type of plant this is, but I have photographed it many times. LOL It's a pretty hardy plant and changes through the season. In the Spring & Summer it's green, and in the fall it's red, and in the winter it's brown. It's a popular garden plant....anyone know what it is?! Well today it caught my eye, and as I as taking pictures.....guess what I found?! A heart, of course!


Cold Hearted

Day 326: Winter Candy Apple

I would have to say this is my favorite holiday scent from Bath & Body works, as I always buy it every year, and have been buying it for the past 14-15ish years. It was given to me as a gift, and I have loved it ever since. I had a coupon I wanted to use, so I got this lotion for free! :) I still have more shopping to do at Bath & Body Works, I just couldn't wait to get my lotion. Plus I had to sample the new smells & what not. I love how I can make the wind smell good, after walking out of there. Hahaha!! Delicious!! Do you have a favorite from here?


Winter Candy Apple

Day 325: 2016

Been working on our 2016 calendar all day long. Like seriously all. day. long. And I was not being as picky as I usually am at making them. I like how it turned out though. I hope I got everyone's birthday's right, I know I didn't add some people or I know I got a date wrong. Oh, well. LOL You yourself can snag yourself a free calendar if you head over to Shutterfly. You will get even more freebies if you sign up for their emails. The photo book I was working on a few months ago was a freebie....I didn't get it because we ended up in the E.R. that night & I missed the expiration date that night. I also get a catalog in the mail, and I have a coupon for a friend, it's a $10 off coupon. If you place an order & want to save $10, send me a message. First come, though! I'm excited for this calendar, I did a few things different this time, I added a few quotes on random dates, and on every Monday it says, Oh, shit...it's Monday, if there was not a birthday or special day already going on. Here is the cover to my calendar for 2016. Its a bad photo but I been busy all day!!

2016 calendar

Day 324: Leggings!!

Fleece lined leggings at that! And OMG, I love them!! I need to get me another pair of these. Wear them bumming around the house, and if you have to go out, just throw on a pair of jeans, and you'll be all set to go out in the blustery, cold weather we have been having. Just wearing them alone has been keeping me pretty warm, and I'm one who is cold all the time. I'm sure Chelsea will be wanting a pair, too. She loves her leggings!

Warm & Toasty

Day 323: Aww, Crackers!

Awww, yeah!! Today is the day we go see Uncle Kracker, and The Lacs (Loud Ass Crackers) in Traverse City. Been super excited about this concert! We went to the Bubba Sparxxx & Lacs concert last year, and I had a lot of fun, and the music is good. I like a little bit of everything, I don't have a favorite in music as I like it all, and it's hard for me to pick just 1, favorite song! So many great artists!! My taste in music goes from instrumental, to what I like to call,  Drew's music, or "angry music." Now I really can't do much of that. LOL But anything that can give me a good beat to groove to, I'm good. I have always been a fan of Uncle Kracker, as I just love a lot of his songs, and I have used parts of his song lyrics, in some digital art that I made. The concert was great! They had the band, Hard Target open up, and I thought they were pretty darn good! I thought they were a little less "Hick Hop", and more "Rap/Rock" with a twist of "Hick Hop." I didn't get any video or photos of them playing, but we did buy a T-shirt for Keagan, as we thought he would like more of that band instead of the Lacs. Kyle is a Lacs fan, and so we bought him a sticker for his truck. What I thought was really interesting was that one of the band members from Hard Target was born in Michigan, and he said that he had family in Gaylord. I got talking to a few band members when I noticed their t-shirt booth was down, and we really wanted a shirt, so I asked if they had any more shirts, and well if you know me.....I like to talk. Soooo......off the chatter went! LOL I met many new friends at this concert even though I can't remember all of their names. Hahaha! Some girl in the bathroom helped me with my belt. It was flappy & it wasn't long enough to make it to the next belt loop hole, so she helped me fix my belt. hahaha! I then got talking about the cold with some other lady, and had to stop to show my wrist band, and I lost her. I saw Kameron's doopleganger there, too! We were waiting to go say hello to Clay, from The Lacs, and I was standing next to this kid and just kept looking at him. LOL I finally said, You look like my son!! How old are you?! He was 18, and his name was Xavier, and he was from East Jordon. I did remember his name! I saw him again later in the evening, and was like, Hi, Xavier!!! LOL!!!! I did get to say hello to Clay from the Lacs, and got a picture. I was hoping Brian from The Lacs, would have been out to meet & greet, as well as Uncle Kracker. I would have loved to get a photo with Uncle Kracker!! I did manage to get a bunch of crappy pictures, and some videos from the concert. Already planning for another concert soon!!!

Uncle Kracker & The Lacs Concert in Traverse City.

Day 322: Home, Tweet, Home

I found this nest outside today when I took the dogs out. It was empty, so I picked it up. I want to keep it, and I brought it inside. But the more I thought about it, and Kyle's input about mites, I decided to bag it, and de-bug it. It's so cute! I have the perfect spot for it, next to my bird feeder/house, that just happened to be centerpieces for a cousin's wedding. I just hope I didn't infest my house while I had it inside.


Welcome to our nest...

Day 321: New Washer

We got a new washer on Saturday. Well, it's not new, it's used, it's industrial grade, and it costs .25 cents to do a load. But I can't complain to much as it was free!! Washes pretty darn good! Now to get the dryer fixed. The dry/heat sensor got ripped off, still dries, just takes a lot longer. This will be the 2nd service call on the dryer! Never had this many problems with the cheaper dryers, this is a pricey front loader!! I can't tell you how many washers & dryers we have been through....


Doing laundry like a Boss!

Day 320: All The Devils Are Here.

With all the hate going on in the world right now, I would have to agree with Shakespeare. Hell is empty, and all of the devils are here. Pray for the World.

Hell is empty

Day 319: Oh, Deer!

Best of luck to all the hunters out there!! I have never been hunting before, and I don't think I  will have the want to anytime soon. I'm just not that type of girl, sorry! I find you're trophies kinda gross, no offense. Don't go all ape shit on me for thinking this way, I've been around it my whole life, so spare the talk. I'll support ya'll, but I'm sorry, it's gross! And if you are a girl, and you hunt, I give you props! Cause this girl can't do it! LOL Just think of it this way....more deer for you!! LOL I'll just stick to the way I shoot things. :) But enjoy this lovely photo that I made in honor of all the deer hunters out there!

Oh Deer!

Day 318: I Love Paris

My thoughts & prayers go out to those in Paris, France. Such a sad, and terrible tragedy. Bless You!!

Je't'aime, Paris.

Day 317: The Days Are Getting Colder, Have A Warm Heart.

Today I had conferences for Chelsea & Kameron. Chelsea is just like me, and sucks at math. With her Teacher's help we are looking in to getting her some help with that. Lord, please let her get this! LOL!! She is becoming quite the social girl!! She is more expressive, and talkative this year. That makes me so happy! Kameron, I never have to worry about that kid! He just is naturally smart! Always A's & B's. He did get a C in ELA, but I'm not that worried & neither is his teacher. All of his teacher's had wonderful things to say about him, and they all said that he was so quite. I got Keagan & Kyle's report cards yesterday, and they got the same grade in a few things. Geometry I, think. They got a few A's, B's,C's, & a D. Even though my kids didn't get straight A's, I am very proud of them! They try their best & that is all I ever ask them to do. They are doing a lot better than me as I struggled in school, and just gave up, and then resulted in bad grades. They enjoy school, and that is an important factor too, as I hated school. Besides, we need more welders and less philosophers, riiiight?! LMAO!!!!

Today as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I noticed how lovely the snow was falling to the ground, and got an idea for a photo shoot. I wasn't sure if anyone would be up to it, but nobody argued either. So Chelsea, and Kwintyn went outside with me for a quick photo shoot. of course the snow stopped....but I still managed to get a few photos. So here are the photos from that shoot.

The days are getting colder, have a warm heart.

Day 316: Because Every Picture Tells A Story

I'm not posting what I want to post because the more I thought of it, the more I knew it would offend someone, or they would see it the wrong way, or as bragging. Well, I might have bragged a little just because I am proud. But not everything has to be shared, and it's not the end of that talk. I'll just have a different picture to post. So I made this digital art earlier today, and guess it's my pic of the day. If you're curious of the picture I am not posting, it's just a photo that has money in it....along with the person who worked hard to get that money. But you know people nowadays, getting all offended over a simple red cup, amongst many other things. So I will refrain from posting this photo of my son who went to the bank to pull money from his account to go buy his first vehicle!!