It's PARTY TIME!

I am having a BLOG PARTY!
it was suppose to start yesterday but leave it to me to forget and start a day late!

Hi my name is Sue and I live in Upstate N.Y. I have 3 grown children and 3 grandsons! I also have a wonderful hubby!
I am a avid scrapbooker and decorative painter!
I Love the Lord with all my heart and know that if it weren't for Him I would not have made it through many crisis in my life!
I love making new friends and I love sharing with friends!
I made some treats in honor of the Blog PARTY! I am sharing the recipe so you can make them to!

Candy Bar Cookies

1 cup Packed brown Sugar

2/3 cup butter or margarine

¼ cup light corn syrup

¼ cup peanut butter

1 tsp. Vanilla

3 ½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats

2 cups semisweet chocolate pieces

1 cup butterscotch pieces

2/3 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 13x9x2 baking pan with foil; extend foil over edges of pan. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, cook and stir brown sugar, butter, and syrup over medium-low heat until combined. Remove from heat; stir in the ¼ cup peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.

For crust, place oats in a very large bowl. Pour brown sugar mixture over oats; stir gently until combined . Press mixture evenly onto bottom of prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are light brown.

Meanwhile, in the same medium saucepan, cook and stir chocolate and butterscotch pieces together over low heat until melted. Stir in the 2/3 cup peanut butter until mixture is smooth. Slowly pour mixture over hot crust, spreading evenly.

Cool in pan on rack for several hours or until chocolate layer is firm. (If necessary, chill until chocolate is set.) When firm, use foil to lift out of pan. Cut into bars.

Thought I would share a few of my creations!

Come here to my blog during the blog party from March 7th-through the 14th and leave a comment on this post or any post after this post through the 14th and get entered into a drawing to win a RAK.. YEP that is right BLOG CANDY!!!!
Here are my favorite picks for prizes but I won't turn down any prize you offer me!
1. $60 Gift certificate to Mikarose (pretty dresses) donated by Liza. (prize #54)
2. $25 Target gift certificate provided by Mommy Bytes. (prize #117)
3. Bead Dangle Photo Tile Necklace with heart from Elemental Memories (prize #7)

4. Judy at “Welcome to My World of Dreams” will be donating a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com. (prize #60)
5.Pirates of the Caribbean portable CD player
Provided by: The Geeky Housewife

Spending time with Family

A few years back I was on the Social Concerns Committee for my area Church district. This year I have been asked to head the Committee although we have not yet been able to meet as the District Superintendent has been unable to due to some other conflicts but I feel strongly that one of the biggest things affecting the family today is the loss of time spent together.

I remember when my children were teens and my daughter came home from school one day and was talking about a discussion in health class that day.
She is now 31. She said they asked them to raise their hands if they sit down to family meals at the table, her and one other person raised their hand. My mind was blown away back then and today I just can't imagine!

So when my grandsons come to visit we try to spend as much family time with them as possible! Playing in the snow, family dinners of course and even this past weekend we took them bowling.. NOW there was a blast, My oldest grandson Jason 6 years old had a 103 (okay I admit there was bumpers up for the gutters) but hey! Noah ran over once and bowled in the lane next to us and helped the little boy bowling in the other lane! WHOOPS fortunately they laughed with us! You have to know Noah! He is a monkey!

I will end with some photos! BE SURE AND SPEND SOME QUALITY FAMILY TIME THIS WEEKEND! it doesn't always have to be quantity as long as it is Quality!

Oh and one more litte point, my sweet friend Nikki and I had lunch yesterday and were sharing some thoughts and one thing Nikki pointed out is that sometimes with our children we think we are listening to them but are we really? OR ARE WE JUST SAYING UH HUM YEAH YES, are our ears really tuned into them? GREAT POINT NIKKI! I sure do love Nikki, she is a great friend and a wonderful MOM!

I need your help! For a friend!

My scrapfriend Denean is in need of Prayers for her little girl Elena and also for herself! I have copied some of the information from Denean's blog here so you know what is happening but what would be awesome is if you went to the blog and left her a comment letting her know you are praying! A little web space to call my own

Elena has been diagnosed with Amblyopia. Amblyopia is the eye condition noted by reduced vision not correctable by glasses or contact lenses and is not due to any eye disease. The brain, for some reason, does not fully acknowledge the images seen by the amblyopic eye. She started wearing a patch for two hours a day, and her eye improved some, so the Dr upped the patch wearing to six hours a day. This has been a bit of a struggle. Six hours is an eternity for a five year old.

Since this was not noticed at her previous check ups, and has seemed to suddenly appear, the doc wants to run some tests to "rule out" some explanations. Elena is going for a CAT scan of her eye and brain on Thursday and she is very nervous. Please pray for peace for her, that she will realize its not so bad and pray also that the scan is clear.

Thank you all so, so much!

Where did my snowman go so fast?

Yesterday Jason and I built a snowman! He really fell in love with it! He just kept repeating "Grandma even made legs for him!" I sure do love playing in the snow with the boys! I got some awesome photos too but I will share those another day!

I am happy for a warm day but Jason will be sad that Motorcycle snowman is gone so fast!

The weather forcast not so good.... We're getting a real taste of spring across my area this fine Monday afternoon with plenty of sunshine and temperatures that have risen well into the 50s, unbelievable in Upstate N.Y.! (NO WIND!) It all seems too good to be true and it is because here is the headlines for the weather on our local channel!
Multi-Faceted Storm Tuesday Into Wednesday ***Winter Storm Watch In Effect From 7AM Tue. to 12PM Wed.*

also for now they are giving flood warnings too....

7 Random THINGS About ME!

I have been tagged again... I don't have much luck with these
because usually those I tag don't do them but I will give it
a try!

Seven Random Things About Me
here how it works:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment
on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.
Scrapping Servant tagged me!

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Share 7 Random facts about yourself on your blog.

4. Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking
to their blog.  Let each person know by leaving a comment
on their blog.

Here are my 7 Random Things about ME!

1. I love playing with my three grandsons!

2. I would love a granddaughter. (hint hint dd!)

3. I have been on 3 missons trips! Albania, St. Kitts and to a
Childrens home in Georgia

4. I have Trigeminal and Occipital Neuralgia

5. I have a photo of my grandmother 8 generations back who was
full blooded Indian

6. Many times people have asked if my daughter and I are sisters (my
  dd hates it when people think she is still a teenager but yet she
  hates it when people ask this question also! I LOVE IT!)LOL

7. If I hurt someones feelings (which I never do on purpose, so
 accidentally) I get so upset that I beat my self up for
 days and cry to.  I am always worried about offending people.

And now I am tagging
Denean http://alittlewebspacetocallmyown.blogspot.com/
(check out her beautiful banner!)
Leslie http://www.dragonflytime.typepad.com/
Tabitha http://zippity-do-dah-tabitha.blogspot.com/
Spink http://spinkeeshy.blogspot.com/
Nadia http://nadiascraps.blogspot.com/
Jenney http://scrapbookinggal.blogspot.com/
Nancy  http://myfiercewonderings.blogspot.com/

Some New Layouts

Now first I want to say that Dear God has to have the writing part redone but I am out of brown cardstock so it has to wait till I can get some! I did these during a on-line crop and Dear God was done while suffering with a severe migraine! So it is a wonder that you can read it at all and I wrote it like 3 times! LOL . The Love at first sight is our new home which was after looking at so many homes and feeling so discouraged! I was looking out the window on the day we went to see the house and saw a double rainbow! my sign from God!
Last but not least, the middle layout is what makes my heart tick! my three special boys! My three Grandsons!
I love on-line Crops... they motivate you to get so much done! thanks for all the great ideas Jodie from Scrap4Life!!

Quilt of Holes

A friend emailed me this poem and I thought it would be great to share on my blog! by the way the quilt I have pictured is a quilt my husband's grandmother made for him, it was used by him and his brothers and my children (when they were visiting my mother in law) and then my mother in law gave it to me, the quilt means alot to hubby and me as both his mom and grandmother are passed away.

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant

holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day

life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been

trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go." I need this back. If you'll do this for me, I'll do it for you....When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.

With all that said I would also like to ask you to pray for a friend of mine.. This friend Nancy Jones has Lupus and has had a pretty bad flare up! She has a beautiful little 4 year old girl "Bella" who needs her MOMMY healthy and home to take care of her! Please help me pray for them.

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

http://nancywithajones.blogspot.com/

Feb. 22 is my daughters Birthday!

This year she will be 31! I am giving her a small surprise birthday party! No! She does not read my blog so she won't see this! She does not have any idea! Which is totally unusual to pull something off on her!

Today my grandsons and I altered a frame for her birthday from the boys! I am hoping to get a better photo of the boys together to put in it tomorrow but until then I have put one in of the boys with her! They sure do love their Aunt Mindy! Noah the youngest helped a lot with glue on the back of the paper! I probaly should have taken photos of them helping, but to late!

just a couple of my newest layouts

Thought I would share some of my latest layouts! I am doing great on my goal of 10 layouts a month. I only made the number 10 so the goal would be obtainable and I am doing well. Although as far as getting a lot of photos done, I won't say I am doing so well! Maybe I will show you why in my next post and see if you can figure it out! LOL! Have a wonderful day!

CLOSE TO YOU!

I did a layout for my sweet hubby a few weeks ago and was going to reveal it to him on Valentines Day, why I did not I am not sure, I just decided to wait. My husband has subscribed to my blog and reads it while he is at work normally so I want him to get this while he is at work.

Friday the day after Valentines he was suppose to take me for a procedure that is suppose to replace my nerve blocks I get for my Occipital Neuralgia that causes neck pain and severe migraines but due to the fact that the insurance has not approved the new procedure yet it was canceled, but originally he wouldn't have been at work. So here I am posting it so he will get it Monday at work.

I did the layout thinking about a song that I liked when I was a teenager and when we were dating it made me think of him, and then we had children I sang it to each of my children when I was rocking them and I have also sang it to my grandchildren.

I like knowing that my husband is nearby even when we are doing different things. When my neurological problems act up ( I also have trigeminal neuralgia, which can be very frightening) or even just my migraines, I like knowing he is close by and many times at night I will get as close to him as I can just because I feel insecure and when I get close to him it makes me feel so much safer.

When he has to go away for work or when something happens at home and he is just not home, I long for him to get home just because I want to be close to him. When I go away, I enjoy myself, yet I long to share the events and to be close to him!

This is why I used this song on this layout!

On a little side note... If you love those little chipboard birdies.. they are from Magistical Memories. They have the best lightweight chipboard.

I did it! I made a pull tab card!

It might not be the best card I ever made but it is sure not the worst and is better then my poor husband's valentine card! I made the pull tab a bookmark!

Cards with pull tabs!!!

I am working on a challenge to make a card with a pull tab, or should I reword this, I did a challenge and now I am redoing it because I hated my card!
I gave the card to my hubby but I just gave me a fit the whole time and was just not the best card! So I am determined to make a better card!
If you have any hints or ideas please let me know!!

Thought I would share what my grandson Jason and I made today!

My grandson Jason and I were creative today!

It was the perfect day too, the snow was perfect and the temperature was perfect, we were warm enough so we did not freeze but yet it was cold enough so the snow did not melt. Actually the snow was still coming down!

Jason was very proud of our snowman!

A funny for today! 25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

Had to share something my hubby emailed to me!

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished
cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION .
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL ;.
"If you don't straighten up,
I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC .
" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC .
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the
store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT .
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry
about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth an d eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM .
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10.. My mother taught me about STAMINA .
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER .
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY .
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY .
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have
wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION .
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING .
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE .
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP .
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"


20. My mother taught me HUMOR .
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS .
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24.
My mother taught me WISDOM .
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you

Winter advisory for tonight!

Hoping this is the last of the year! Freezing rain then snow! Local schools started closing for the afternoon by 10 am and it has not even started! It is suppose to continue off and on through tomorrow until noon or 2pm tomorrow, snow, sleet and freezing rain! YUCK!

On a sweeter note I was invited by Tabitha to a new scrapsite, 2 Sassy Scrappers! I know another one! But hey I love scrapbooking!

Here is a link to the blog 2 Sassy Scrappers

Go see what you think!

Hey Scrapbookers and Stampers want to see what is happening at CHA?

I found the most awesome blog! It is called CRAFT CRITIQUE
They have lots of pictures straight from the floor of CHA for you to see and not only that but if you go back further in the posts there is a post with lots of links straight to loads of manufactures sites for sneak peaks! TRUST ME it is worth checking out!!!! Just in case you don't have time to go right now here is the address http://www.craftcritique.com/ . Have fun!

Fight and KISS

Jason and Noah like to play together but they do what all brothers do, they get into fights! Hey, give me that back, then Noah laughs and Jason chases him and tackles him, the whole time Noah is laughing until Jason hits him and by the time you get there to stop the argument it is to late, one or both are crying!
Then the next thing you know they are kissing and making up because they want to play together again! It is so silly! But I have a feeling they will end up best friends some day! Well this weekend I caught one of the makeups on camera!!! And of course I had to scrap it!

Candid Closeups!

I decided to do some candid close-ups of the boys, not as easy as you might think! I sure did delete alot and only ended up with a few good ones! I think I am going to try later to get a few more. But for now these are a few of my favorites. Why? well I guess I have my reasons, just some of the facial expressions I am either use to or else they mean something.

Jason and his smile touches my heart!

I love this photo! It was actually taken as an after photo for his new haircut, but I love the photo so much I have now scrapped it twice! The photo was only taken on Jan. 28th! I also have plans for scrapping it one more time!

I think one of the reasons I love it so much is because it shows the smile I love so much! He smiles and it justs makes me want to hug him so tight! He is my boy!

I think we all need to remember that saying "Smile and the whole world smiles with you!" because it is so true and if you want to affect the people around you then put a smile on your face! Try having fun in life!

THINKING TODAY !

I started thinking today and went looking for something to show how I feel for Valentines day but decided not to wait! Now this talks about children and I feel the same about them but my children are grown and now it is my grandchildren I hold and play with!
My Darling husband this is also for you!
I thank the Lord for all He does for me, I have my problems, health wise but I know how many have it worse and I am so blessed to be able to enjoy my grandchildren, my family and my home and my friends!