Is it really NOVEMBER already?

First off I must apologize for my lack of "blogging" these past few months...At one time I was a very faithful blogger, but once my website was up and running that seemed to take me away from posting regularly. I know that a few of you still read my blog as you've emailed me numerous times and told me that it was "time to update" LOL.

Any whoo, I'm posting today. I have a few layouts that I want to share, but I'll post those in another post at another time.

Halloween recap:

Well, we carved our pumpkin finally this past Thursday evening (28th). I hated waiting so long to do it, but with sharing custody and the 80+ degree weather that we've been having, I had to wait until Garrett was home, and still have time to enjoy the carved pumpkin without it rotting due to the extrememly warm weather that we've been having.







On Friday night we went to Arnette Park with a few friends for the Haunted Hayride / Haunted Trail/ and the Haunted House...This is something that we do every year, but unfortunately due to Shawns work schedule this weekend, he was unable to go along with us. This was a rather new experience for us as we've done this every year for as long as I can remember, but Garretts friends had not....his friend Nick opted out at the last minute to not participate, so his mom had to stay behind with him while the three of us (me, Garrett & Libby) did the haunted hayride....then halfway through the haunted trail, Libby about had a panic attack and was done with the trail...it was an ordeal trying to get to the end without her bursting out into complete tears. She really was THAT afraid! So, needless to say, none of us went into the Haunted House. I know Garrett really wanted to go, but he was quite the gentleman, and wouldn't go because he knew Libby was too afraid, and he said that it was ok if we just went home....so we met up with Libbys mom and brother and headed home...









Saturday - Trick or Treating
Again Shawn was working, so we opted to go trick or treating with Jenna, Libby & Nick. This is where Garrett claims his Halloween was ruined. Poor Kid. Originally we were going to his Dads house, and his dad was going to go trick or treating with us, but Garrett said (on Friday) that he wanted to go with Libby & Nick instead. But on Saturday he had changed his mind and wanted to go with his dad instead, and I cannot recall(honest)him telling me this AT ALL! I did run him by his Dads house though, so he could see him in his costume. Strike one, miscommunication.

We usually go to the Trunk or Treat, but once we got in the car and "tried" to make our way there, we realized that it was going to be a complete nightmare just trying to get there, so we turned around and headed back to our friends' house. Strike two for Mommy! Then he was soooo wound up, and excited about trick or treating that he just about came out of his costume. The same costume that took me several hours to make was coming undone in no time at all...of course he was cute about the whole thing. I kept saying Garrett, you're falling apart, and his response was "but Mom, that's what mummies do". Too cute I tell ya. We might have walked around the neighborhood about 25 minutes or so until Garrett decided that he had had enough. Appartently Nick was getting on Garretts nerves somehow (still not a clear answer on that one), and he really wanted to go see his dad, so we said our goodbyes and made our way back to the car...Lots and lots of compliments about his costume, that was completely off his body by the time we made it back to the car. We went home, he took a bath, and I took him to visit with his dad for a bit. He was sad. His Halloween was not turning out how he had planned it. Can't say that I blame him. Halloween is supposed to be one of the many highlights of ones childhood...









And then finally, after we got home and settled in for the evening. This is what happend. Isn't he adorable??



Sunday - Halloween Day

Well, all of the trick or treating festivites were last night, but the mall was actually doing a little something for the kids today, and since Shawn was working (yet again) and had not seen Garrett in his costume, other than by a picture or two, I decided to take Garrett...of course by the time we got there, they were already about out of candy, but that's ok, as we went there mainly to see Shawn. He was able to get a few pieces of candy, lots and lots of compliments, and actually got to play the part....leg dragging, moaning, and arm raised outward. Too, too cute.

I'm Scrapping again....yah!

I can't remember the last time I actually scrapped a page, but about two weeks ago, I sat down and did three pages all in a weekends time, and even used scraps on the first two!! Go Tammy! I even have another layout started on my table at home! I'm really excited, as I was beginning to think that I've forgotten how to even create a layout.....I'm actually quite thrilled with the results, and am anxious to do a few more....

Filmed In Front of a Live Studio Audience

Over on my site, I'm posting scrapbook challenges every day, all month long ....all with a "tv theme" to them....


Come on over an play along with us.....


http://www.cookinupcreations.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=97&t=3279

On Vacation with his Dad

This year my ex-husband took our son to the Everglades for a few days...Garrett had a complete blast and even came home with a few lizards and things from his trip.

And since his dad knows that I'm a scrapper, he took a few pictures for me. He emailed these, but assured me that there were more.

Swimming with Luv Bugs Day Care

*First picture taken with Shawns phone and sent to me.







Garrett was completely against going swimming last week with Luv Bugs as he really didn’t want anyone to know that he couldn’t swim. He insisted on Shawn going with him….well Shawn went, and as long as he stayed close to Garrett, he was fine, plus the fact that he learned that he wasn’t the only one that couldn’t swim.. By the time they left the pool, he was ready to go back again….

Fast forward to today, one week later, and Garrett was ready. He had his new goggles and his noodle and was ready to go. It’s all he’s talked about all week. Shawn wasn’t able to go and stay this time, but he did stop by and peek in on Garrett on his way to work. He called me and told me that he was jumping off the diving board….I soooooo could not believe it! He said that he had his goggles on, some arm rings, and a float, but that he was doing it!

So, since Sandy and I were already out (ran to Sams for food for our company cookout tomorrow), I asked her if she’d run me over there so I could see for myself, and that way I could take a few pictures.

When I got there, no one was in the pool….everyone was eating cake and ice cream and taking a break… Mrs Sharon said that since I had made a special trip there just to see Garrett, that he could get back in and show me…..and that’s what he did. I asked him about the goggles though, and he said, “I’m doing it without them Mom” and he did! Twice! I was soooo proud of him!

Hope Mills Alligator Caught

*Posting this for {me} for future scrapping reference! Fayetteville Observer Online - Wednesday June 23, 2010

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2010/06/23/1008591?sac=Local



Published: 10:53 PM, Tue Jun 22, 2010
Hope Mills alligator caught

A staff report

Wildlife officers captured the elusive alligator at the foot of the Hope Mills dam Tuesday evening.

Police Chief Robert Hassell said the gator was spotted by an employee at Big T's about 2:30 p.m. in what's left of Hope Mills Lake, which was drained last week because of problems with the dam.

Cumberland County Animal Services and officials from the N.C. Wildlife Commission captured the gator about 7 p.m., Hassell said.

Wildlife officials planned to release the alligator in the Green Swamp Preserve in Brunswick County.

The 5-foot alligator first appeared in the lake June 9 and was a regular attraction for parkgoers and the curious alike. Town officials closed the lake to swimmers until they came up with a plan for what to do about it.

The alligator was believed to have left the lake when it had to be drained. It was spotted Tuesday for the first time since the lake was emptied.

Sick and it's Dad's Weekend .....Bummer!

Sometimes I really hate this shared custody thing, and wish that I could have Garrett all the time....especially on days like this. It's his Dads weekend, and he's sick, and guess who he wants to be with?? Yep, you guessed it - Mommy. So I stopped over there a little while ago to check on him and hold him for a few minutes. So glad that he still likes being held as I'm sure those days are numbered now.

Thought I'd take a picture of him, and possibly do a layout with it in the near future.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Online Cyber Crop @ Cookin' up Creations

For all of my Scrapbooking Friends, come join us at Cookin' up Creations this weekend, as we have our online Card Cyber Crop. Sweet Tooth Scrapbooking will be providing a Gift Certificate to the Winner. Hope you'll come play along with us! http://www.cookinupcreations.com/

Happy Birthday Little Man!

Can you believe this little man of mine is already nine years old?

Quick Update...

Ever since I started my site, I've become such an awful, awful blogger....but honestly, not sure that anyone even reads it anymore as most of my family is on Facebook now...

Anyhoo...life is good. Marriage is going strong! Happier than ever...can't really complain!

Garrett will be nine years old in a few days, and Jackie will be 22 shortly there after! Thankful children are happy and healthy too! Did get word from Jackie this morning that her husband Daniel will be home from Haiti by the end of the month though! That's great news for them!

My stepson Tyler, chose to move back home last weekend. Not really sure how I feel about it just yet...I'm happy in a since, but in another not so much. He was sent to live with us for a reason, and I think somewhere along the way that got lost, and he once again, got what he wanted. Shawn is hurt. Not sure how to help him. Time is my only answer at the moment!

Everything else is pretty much routine these days...work, family life and my site...then get up the next day and do it all over again! I am trying to find time to actually "scrapbook" again...

Will try and keep this somewhat updated, but no promises as I've seem to fail at so many other attemps at this.

Winter Wonderland of Embellishments Blog Hop

Posting this a tad early as I have to work all day tomorrow, and then I'm going to a crop right after work tomorrow night! Yay me...first one I've been too in over five years, so I figure I'm due....

So......welcome to the Cookin' up Creations "Winter Wonderland of Embellishments" Blog Hop..

Here's how to play along with us.

Your first stop for this Hop should have been the Cookin' up Creations Blog. There you will find a complete list of all the participating blogs.

Please Visit all 12 blogs, leaving a comment at each one.

Then return to the Cookin' up Creations Blog to let us know you are finished. This will get you an entry to win one of the two prizes that will be given away at the end of the Blog Hop.

For this blog hop, you should have come here from Jan Mosier's Blog, if not, head back to the Cookin' up Creations Blog and start from the beginning! My blog here should be your 12th and last stop before you head back to the Cookin' up Creations Blog. Once you get back to the main blog, make sure you leave a comment telling us that you've been to every blog on the hop, and have left a comment!

For my challenge, I gonna talk about mini brads.....most everyone that knows me, knows that I can't do a layout without using them....*notice my layouts in my slide show! Guess you can guess what my challenge is going to be......yep, you guessed it! I want you to create a layout using at least Five (5) mini brads on it....how easy is that?? Please upload your creations into the Cookin' up Creations Embellishment Blog Hop Album before Friday January 22, 2010 at 5:00 EST to qualify for the prizes. File size should be no larger than 150Kb....also while you're here, and posting your comment, why not go ahead and tell me what's the "ONE" embellishment that you turn to over and over again??

Here's my example....it's a tad older, but with jury duty and work the past two weeks, I'm running a tad behind....

The next stop on our hop is the last stop, and like I mentioned before, it's the Cookin' up Creations Blog....

Thank you so much for joining in on our Blog Hop! Happy Scrapping!

**There will be two prizes awarded. One prize is for participating in the blog hop and becoming a follower of the Cookin’ up Creations blog . And then there will be a Grand Prize, awarded to the person completing all of the challenges and requirements involved! Both prizes will be Random Drawings!

Winter Wonderland of Embellishments Blog Hop

Cookin' up Creations will be having our very first Blog Hop this weekend and would love for you to join us!! Our Sponsors for the Month of January are numerous and each has provided us with an enormous supply of "Embellishments", hence the theme of the Blog Hop....be sure to check out the site, as more details are still to come!