My Scrap 'n Share this week is Harvest Day with my dad. I just completed my first digital album and received it today. It turned out awesome and I'm busy creating my other ones.   So much fun and not messy - that's the best part.

Harvest 2004 at Church

This is my first time posting dinners. I hope to keep to this list.

MONDAY -  Cheesy c/p Chicken

TUESDAY -  Lazy Lasagna  by Taste of Home

WEDNESDAY -  Taco Soup

THURSDAY -  Football Potluck - I have to bring a meal 

Taco Ring by Pampered Chef

FRIDAY -  Spaghetti, Salad & Garlic Bread

SATURDAY -  Chicken Parmesan

SUNDAY -  open

Your Angel

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. The child asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow. How am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God replied, "Among the angels, I'll choose one for you. Your Angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me God, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love and feel very happy."

Again the child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"I've heard that on earth there are bad people. Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

At that moment there was much peace in heaven, but the voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

"Her name is not important. You will simply call her GRANDMA."

 WE LOVE YOU GRANDMA AND GRANNY

I finally took some pictures and wanted to share them with my family and friends. Enjoy!

Just wanted to share with you that my son got his braces removed today. He is so exited and so are we. He is starting 9th grade with them off! They turned out awesome what a great smile!

Our ortho gave him a bag of candy and popcorn he hasn't been able to eat for 3 years!

~~~ For Mom's Eyes Only ~~~

Amber had a great day at school today but during 7th period she was starting to feel pain in her lower back and front. She doesn't use the restroom at school so she didn't know what was coming ......

Yeap you see correct...she started her "TOM". She is 12 years old but will be 13 in September. I can't believe it!!! Anyways just wanted to share - I know she couldn't believe I wanted a picture....but on the other hand she new I would.

We were at our church were we went with my mom and dad before my dad passed away. He played the organ for our church services and he made this awesome cross for our church. Just sitting there tonight was hard to see the organ empty and wishing I new how to play. My dad took time to teach me while I was young but since then I never did play again. Wish I would have kept up with it. Sorry daddy! My son and I wanted to share with you the picture we took tonight.

Okay yes I know I'm behind again. Life is busy getting ready for football again for my son and daughter is loving jr high.

She is always on the phone - so I got her one of those old fashion plug in the wall ones.  I need to save my battery life on our other phones. I was on the phone with Verizon when what happens...yes the battery goes dead and I had to call again and was on hold for another 16 minutes!!! Mommy not happy.

What a messy room - she's too busy on the phone!!

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This past weekend we celebrated my nephew's 18th birthday while at Granny's house...

My son and Granny:

My daughter and Granny:

What fun we had as always!

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One last thing we had a fire behind our home but thank you Jesus the fire-fighters put it out THANK YOU

I just finished my first album I created using TLC Digital Scrapbooking. I think it turned out pretty good. To see the pictures better (right now it's a little too fast!) just click on the album.

We love and miss you grandpa. We will never forget you!

I received this in my mail today and I was touched by it. I wanted to share it with all of you. What a blessing.

Photo taken in Kentucky
Cara Winship sent this out it is called: God's hands.

I took this picture on Hwy 30, traveling to London , KY.  It has given me
strength in the times of trouble.  I feel I should share it with the rest of
the world. I hope it is an inspiration to you.  It just goes to show what
we already know....  We have a God and he's watching over us.
 
I e-mailed this picture to News Chanel 36.  I was contacted by
Meteorologist John James. He said that this picture of the sky is
showing up, in all states, around the world.  He wanted to know where
I was from and where I took it.  He saw a similar picture taken in Texas .
He said this is amazing to him!

Well my daughter started school today. We got there really early about 7:15 am and school starts at 7:55. My son was there these past two years so I new the school. We walked around and saw all her classes and thank goodness the only far one is PE and that is 5th period. So right after lunch and she will have plenty of time to get there and not have to run    When we got there since I new the staff they asked me to help check in about 100 7th graders who didn't come Monday to get registered. I can't believe how many parents didn't bring their kids. Now their kids have to wait to get their ASB cards and books. What a mess it was but it was also fun at the same time. At our Jr high we are a charter school so we have to put in 10 hrs of working or you can pay $10 an hour for your hours. Can you believe that our school made over $10,000.00 in one year from parents paying the $100 to not work it. It's easy to get the hours but you have to be involved with your children. Going to registration I got 1 hr, then working at school for one hr I got another hour, when we have visiting day with your child I will get 4 hrs, back to school night is 2 hrs, see it's not that hard to get the hours. This school just wants you to be involved with your child. Anyways, I'm looking forward to getting involved again in this PTSA. I was involved for 6 years at our elementary school doing our school PTA web site, directory, birthday book club, and what ever else came my way. This is why I can only work part time -- I want to be with my kids when they are home. So I work M-W-F 10 to 2pm, I love it and thank you Jesus for this job. I know that He did this for me, He new my heart.

Here is my precious daughter going to school...

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I'm so excited we went to my son's orthodontic yesterday and we found out after almost 3 years he gets his braces off!!! The part that I'm happy about is when we first got them on my son I wanted them to be off before he goes into 9th grade....well it happened - they are coming off.  He had a really bad under-bite.

Here's before braces:

 6-13-05

After braces:

7-19-07

I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Tammi at www.TrainingHearts.com that gave me my first AWARD - She is very special and her blog is awesome. She has and is still teaching me so much and I appreciate her so. THANK YOU TAMMI!

 I got my TLC Scrapbooking kit yesterday also. Another adventure for me with the help my friend Tammi  

Here's what I got....

Can you believe all of this for $99.95 + shipping? It's so fun to get packages in the mail!  The main thing I will be using this for is Digital Scrapbooking and saving money while I purchase. I'm sure I will be my best customer oh and my bestest friend Sheri will be also - huh Sheri???? You can check it out yourself at http://www.topline-creations.com.

Look....I purchased my new pillows to match my curtains. We purchased this couch about a few months ago and the curtains also, but I couldn't find the pillows. Well I just found them at JcPenny's so I had to get them. They are not fluffy enough for us so I will be purchasing bigger or fuller pillows. (sorry the picture is a little dark)

Happy Sunday everyone. Not much going on today other than went to church this morning, cousins spent the night last night so they are swimming today. Not too hot but hot enough for swimming.

Mom is just working on laundry - when am I not! Oh and watching Little People while I'm folding clothes.

Last night we had a great time with family. My brother in law just got their kitchen remodel, it looks so nice. Brother in law even made frappuccinos for us.

Baby Room -

their pugs - Ace and Ginger

Her favorite spot in the house -

Remodel kitchen -

cousins having fun with the dogs and reminding them that they are still loved!

Uncle C putting together baby's new ride (forgot to get a pic of the finished product ) as uncle says to baby's dad - uncle uses his hands to work (he builds airplanes) and baby's daddy using a pencil (he's a lawyer)!!!!

Everyone had fun taking turns feeding her.

I will end with this right now. I'm still trying to figure out how to update the sides of my blog. This is taking way too long to learn...but it's called TIME. I'm busy getting my daughter ready for 7th grade and she starts Friday and my son is in football everyday during the week. That leaves Saturday and Sunday to do house stuff.

Boy it's just about 11pm and I just finished making two wonderful desserts. I love both of these one is Warm Toasted Marshmallow S'more Bars (Betty Crocker). We are going to my brother in laws tomorrow in Los Angels for a BBQ and family time even family from from Las Vegas are coming. We are excited to see everyone again. Also we get to see our baby niece.

 here's what it will look like after I cut them. They are so easy to make.

Grand Prize-Winning Recipe 2006! Mmm! Irresistible warm, gooey marshmallows, milk chocolate and graham crackers are baked into a delicious bar cookie.

Prep Time:20 min

Start to Finish:55 min

Makes:24 bars

1	pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1	cup graham cracker crumbs
1	cup butter or margarine, melted
3	cups milk chocolate chips (18 oz)
4 1/2	cups miniature marshmallows

1.	Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, stir together cookie mix and crumbs. Stir in melted butter until soft dough forms. Press into ungreased 13x9-inch pan.
2.	Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until set. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over crust. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes or until chocolate begins to melt. Spread chocolate evenly over crust.
3.	Set oven control to broil. Sprinkle marshmallows over melted chocolate. Broil with top 4 to 5 inches from heat 20 to 30 seconds or until marshmallows are toasted. (Watch closely; marshmallows will brown quickly.) Cool 10 minutes. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Serve warm. Store any remaining bars tightly covered.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

How-To

To reheat, place individual bars on a microwavable plate. Microwave uncovered on High about 15 seconds or until warm.

The other dessert I made is called Lemon Blossoms by Paula Deen. My friend at my daughters school has been making these for a while and I just love them. They are easy also but make sure you double the recipe!

18 1/2-ounce package yellow cake mix
3 1/2-ounce package instant lemon pudding mix
4 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Glaze:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 lemon, zested
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spray miniature muffin tins with vegetable oil cooking spray. Combine the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs and oil and blend well with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour a small amount of batter, filling each muffin tin half way. Bake for 12 minutes. Turn out onto a tea towel
To make the glaze, sift the sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, zest, oil, and 3 tablespoons water. Mix with a spoon until smooth.

With fingers, dip the cupcakes into the glaze while they're still warm, covering as much of the cake as possible, or spoon the glaze over the warm cupcakes, turning them to completely coat. Place on wire racks with waxed paper underneath to catch any drips. Let the glaze set thoroughly, about 1 hour, before storing in containers with tight-fitting lids.

WOW what a day....I worked this morning until 2pm then ran home took son to football practice, daughter to mall still looking for uniform bottoms, then picked up son from football, came home he showered, left to pick up his girlfriend to go to church with us for the first time, then picked up my best friends girls and went to church. We just got home from today's stuff and it's 11pm. WOW! Here is my son and his girlfriend.....

It was nice to have her at church with us tonight. She has never been to church and I pray that she will come back again.

Here is my desk at work...I know surprise pooh bear is there...

Yesterday was my son's last day for trying out for baseball - sorry it's so small but my husband said NO PICTURE TAKING....I took this when he turned his head so I couldn't get a better picture. He's in the outfield.

For football (sorry no pictures yet) money is due Friday $400 ouch! and this is just the beginning of sports fee's. I'm trying to pay attention that he is having fun but wow I can't believe the fees. Oh and I just found out its $250 to get his yearbook, lock for locker, ASB card, and something else. Then it's $27 for PE clothes. Boy where are my taxes going...I haven't figured out that yet. But I was talking with my nephew about what it costs and I asked him - he said be happy that you are paying them because where he is at school there are no fees like this but the football team shows it. So that made me feel better. We are taking care of our boys and making sure they are having a great time.

Well that's all tonight I'm getting very tired. See you tomorrow. Oh and I do not work tomorrow!!!

It's another day here in California but a lot cooler than it has been. Thank goodness. I'm excited I get to go and see my niece this weekend, she is 2 months old. Isn't she cute? I like her bling her grandma made her.

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE, ADORE, ADMIRE, okay just kidding....Pooh Bear. Well for the baby shower my sister in law had this cake yes its all cake. The Pooh Bear is all cake and the blocks spell baby's name and its all small cakes. What a lucky girl...oh and I auntie has this picture on my cell phone and desktop computer.

With gas prices being about $3.54 a gal we decided to get a gas saver for us. I still have my Sequoia but for around town here and there and all the arrends I  do everyday for my kids....we got a Scion - Box Car or as my nephew calls my car a toaster on wheels.

I love the gas I'm saving. I'm getting about 265 to 274 miles and my tank is 11 gals so cute! It's about $29 to fill up. My Sequoia gets about 220 or a little more and it's $80+ to fill up. What a great feeling to be saving money. It's a 2004 and had 40,000 miles when I got it about 4 weeks ago.

This past March my daughter was baptized. We were at one of our church members' home and it was awesome. She has made her dad and I so proud and to know that my daughter wants to serve Jesus with all her heart just makes me feel awesome. Thank you Jesus for the love she has for You and that she has committed her life to You.

Just a note to what she is holding...my dad pasted away December 2004 of Leukemia at the age of 58. My dad was an awesome Christian man and an example of God's love. We are a very close family and we saw my dad at least 4 to 5 times a week and my kids spent the night almost every weekend at the shop (home away from home for my dad "work"). It's hard for us to understand but like I tell my kids, we will never understand but we just need to trust the Lord. Just like we have Faith in God.....so we need to have Faith in this too and Trust Him.

Here's his grave stone,

 WE LOVE AND MISS YOU DADDY & GRANDPA 

She is holding grandpa's picture while being baptized. She is still Grandpa's Girl - just ask her!

Auntie Sheri had cake for our girls that were baptized: THANK YOU AUNTIE!

For Father's Day Amber made her daddy a banner and put it on our garage door, so when he came home he saw it.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Boy was that a lot or what? But fun. Have a great day and see you tomorrow.

Boy I just do not know where to begin with my blog. I have been on my computer for a about an hour looking at other's blogs and I'm just so overwhelmed! I know what I want here but can't get to that point. I designed and maintained my daughter's school web site for so many years and was using Frontpage so I see all my changes right there in pictures while I'm editing it that with this blog I can't see what it looks like while working on it. Oh...I hope some day I get there to understand all of this.

I'm really toying with the idea of purchasing my own domain again - I just can't get myself to put more money out right now.

This summer my sister in law came out with her 3 kids HI SIS I MISS YOU! We had a great time together and hated to see them leave. She is in Alabama - but we talk all the time...okay we IM a lot more then talk 

Today was my mother's birthday - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM  After church we went out for lunch to Don Jose (Mexican Restaurant) we love this place. Had a nice time with my mom and my kids. Husband was playing golf which he hasn't played in over 8 months so he was excited to get out there again on the greens. He said he did really well so that's good.

Here's my Mom, Son and Daughter at the restaurant.

My daughter starts school July 23rd and she will be in 7th grade. I can't believe how fast time is flying by. She is nervous but yet excited to start her next step in life. She loves Jesus with all her heart and is involved at our church in the J12 ministry. She just got back from camp and had an awesome time. She even was up at the alter praying for others. Here is a picture of her at her 6th grade graduation and then the camp picture.

At camp she was in the "Stars" cabin.

My son just finish 8th grade and here is our picture at promotion. We are so proud of our kids.

This year we decided to get season Angel tickets since my son and hubby love the Angels so much. We have gone to every game and really it's been the best money we have spent that for entertainment. Here is opening day at the Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA

Okay I think I have gotten caught up on my year so far...I'm sure there are things I have forgotten but I will post them as I remember!

Thanks for taking the time to share your day with me.

I was able to spend a little time today on learning how to use some of my blog features. Life has just gotten to be out of control. We closed our business December 31, 2006 and were trying to figure out what other business we could start and so far we just do not know what directions to go. In the meantime my husband works full time and now he’s taking on overtime since we lost that other income. Living on one income in California is very hard. I have started using coupons and doing pretty good with this. I'm trying to keep my groceries under $300 a month and we do not go out to eat but once a week. What a change around this house where we use to spend over $700 a month for groceries and eating out. Thank the Lord our cars are paid for so there is no car payments. So the gasoline is like having a car payment running us about $465 a month.     

It was in April that I decided to get a part time job to help with gas and groceries...well that has turned into gas only!  I've been doing the Grocery Game love it!  I'm saving a lot of money and getting FREE groceries. Oh and I have been signing up for all the FREE samples I can find - love these!

My son has a baseball game today so we will be busy with this for most of our day. The kids on our team call  our son the “Strike out Pitcher”. I'm the team mom so today I need to ask parents what weekend will work for our team party. My son wants it at our house and with our inflatable’s (the business we sold but kept wet slide and bouncer for us! ) we'll have the party here I'm sure.

Our school year is almost done, we have 3 weeks left. My daughter will be in 7th grade and my son will be in 9th grade --- HIGH SCHOOL! Mom is not ready for this next move. But praise the Lord I have a new job working part time 12 hours a week while my kids are in school. What a blessing from the Lord. Thank you so much my dear Jesus! So mom will be home when the kids are.

We have been busy making our home a "hang out" place for kids to come. We have a safe home for kids to hang out I should say. Our living room has changed into a pool table room; our dinning room is now a arcade room with lots of games. I just got a candy machine off of eBay to hold candy and it's really cute with M&M guys on it  and we also just got a popcorn machine.  Movie popcorn is the best.

We also have a pool and inflatables. I'm happy to have the kids hang out here so I can be the ears and eyes for my kids. We've only had one child that I have had to say he was not welcomed back unless he changes his language and follow the rules at my home.

Well that’s it for now; I will do my best to keep up with my blog.

Blessings,

Lanelle