A Good Day

Today, Curtis and I both played hooky from work and went to the state fair. Free tickets and a parking pass from my friend, Terry, made it irresistible. A light misty kind of rain was falling when we got there but it soon went away and the residual clouds kept the temperature comfortable. By noon, however, when we stopped to have the requisite turkey leg for Curtis and BBQ sandwich for me, the sun was out. It warmed up to the 80's but it was all good. We saw lots of cool stuff that we wanted to buy but didn't, ate samples of yummy foods, and watched a cooking demonstration that definitely made me want that expensive cookware. I resisted, though. I really wanted to ride the ferris wheel but it wasn't running. It was great being out there on a weekday and not having to fight the huge crowds of the weekend.

Allison usually calls me on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9 and 11 because she has a break during that time at school. When she called and I told her where we were, she laughed. She said, "you guys are just too funny." It was fun just hanging out with my guy for the day. We will definitely have to play hooky again, someday.

Thankful for

I went to a crop last night and got 4 layouts done. I am just so impressed with how my mojo got going. I was smokin". (teehee) I think two of them turned out pretty well. One of them used the batman pictures and one was of Karen and Seth using some very cool Scenic Route paper. I think I'll hold those back for a while for contest possibilities. This is one I did for a little self made weekend challenge at the CKMB. There was no challenge posted this weekend. Maybe because of the drama? Anyway, Noel Joy suggested we make our own about things we are thankful for or that make us happy. This is my family. They make me happy. I used lots of word stickers since I have been reading Ali Edwards new book.

Unpubbed layout

This is my version of Leah's layout. My silly Allison and her equally silly co-workers from the YMCA this past summer.

My first canvas

I've been wanting to try this for a long time. The contest at the CKMB coupled with how much I am enjoying Ali Edwards new book got me motivated. I bought my canvas at Hobby Lobby for 30% off this week and there were two in the package so I have to do another one now. This is an 8x10. I painted it apricot with some pink streaks. I used Basic Grey paper and rub ons from Karen Foster and Daisy D's. Then, I just threw on a whole bunch of flowers. The stamps are Autumn Leaves. I really love how it turned out. I think I will give this one to Allison and will make a different one for Karen.

Last week, Seth spied the new Disney Year book sitting on the kitchen table. He asked if it was a new book for him and I said “sure.” He immediately sat down in the floor and starting turning pages. The camera was near by, so I grabbed it and took a few pictures. There were lots of pictures of animals like a daddy frog and a bug who were carrying their babies on their backs and pictures of penguins and lizards and wolves. There were animals with ugly features. He kept asking “what’s this?” and “why?” He got excited when he saw pictures of Mickey Mouse and Bambi and Goofy and the Little Mermaid. We read about Chicken Little, too. When Grandpa got home, Seth showed him the pictures and told him all about the daddies who take care of their babies and the ugly monkey. It is very fun watching him repeat the stories I read to him like he is “reading” it back. He loves to be read to. I hope when he learns to read, his love of books continues.

The invasion of the college coeds

This was Texas-OU weekend and anyone who follows college football knows what a big rivalry it is. Texas lost but I had a great time. Allison came home for the game and brought 7 friends with her to stay in our house. They brought sleeping bags and pillows and camped out in our floor. Several of her other friends came over on Friday night for dinner. Curtis grilled chicken, smoked a brisket, made macaroni salad and a big pot of beans and they ate until they couldn't move. They played a giant game of Uno in the living room floor while a game of dominos was going on in the dining room and Curtis and I just enjoyed listening to the chatter of young people in the house. I didn't much understand any of the biology discussion that was going on but loved hearing the laughter. I got up early on Saturday to fix them a big breakfast before they headed off to the fair. Allison made me laugh a couple more times. The first time was when she yelled , "Mommy, I can't believe you aren't taking pictures of all these people getting ready in our bathroom at the same time!" Of course, I obliged. Look closely. There is a boy brushing his teeth in the midst of those girls. The second time was when they were about to leave and she announced a ticket check! She held up her ticket and said , "I want to see everyone's ticket because if I have to turn around and come home, I will be seriously annoyed." Taught her well, didn't I? Fun times. I hope they come back next year, too.

My unpubbed layout

congratulations to my bloggy friend Cheryl Wray for being the current famer at Unpubbed! How exciting it is to see people I know and admire being recognized for their talent. This is my take on her layout. I got to use my new fun Sugarloaf stamps from Inque Boutique I got as a prize at Scrapbook Playground. This is the only scrapping I did all week. I have been cleaning house and getting ready for the invasion of Texas Longhorns who stayed in my house last night so they could all go to the big game today. I will post pictures of that really fun group tomorrow.