Final year of High School....

It has happened.  My last baby, my youngest child has entered her Senior Year of High School. <sigh>

I know, I know how many times have you seen the words written "Where has the time gone?" But it is true isn't it?  We can't wrap our brains around the amount of time that has passed us by.

I have always tried to be there for my 4 children, I have given up and gone without many "things" to be home with my children during their formative years.  I bought nothing for myself and gave all to them, I had no hobbies of my own to support their activities.  In essence, I stopped being my own person and became a Mom 25 years ago.  I don't know a life without sacrifice....But I wouldn't trade "things" for the time with my children.  I know Daycare's are necessary and thank God they are available, but they were not my choice and again thank God that I was able to sacrifice and stay home as the economy is only getting tougher. By no means did I live an extravagant life. I lived/live paycheck to paycheck always finding a way to make ends meet.  I currently work about 70 hours a week to afford the house, braces for 2, helping with college for 2 and soon to be 3.  There has never been 1 month since I was 20 1/2 years old that I could pay my bills on Day 1 and not worry the rest of the month.  But I can also tell you that even though I went back to work after my divorce--I have missed very few of my kids activities as they have always been Priority 1.

Many will say "you can go on a new journey or take up a new hobby and do things for yourself that you have not done all of these years."  And yes, that does have a certain appeal--but pretty much I just feel lost, lonely, heartbroken and each day that passes is just one day sooner I will watch her graduate and then it will REALLY be over...... So what to do? 

Wake up-- Breathe--Look at her eyes everyday!  Capture as many mental moments as I possibly can.  Enjoy every Football game she cheers at no matter how cold or rainy.  Shop for the Perfect Prom dress! Wipe her tears when her boyfriend breaks up with her... again.  Chat about her future college life (she is already accepted and could have gone to college over her Senior Year of HS--sooo glad she didn't!)......pretty much enjoy every single minute left of the 178 school days she has left and encourage her to continue to remain above the influence, continue keeping her friends on the right track and remind her to not worry about the petty stuff but to embrace this final year in all it's glory and be a role model for the Underclassmen!  Give praise to God, forgive your enemies, be a friend to the friendless.

How I am wire wrapping my Bead Tendrils....

Hello! 

I have a video on how I am wire wrapping my bead "tendrils" <I swear that word will haunt me>.


I'm certainly not a pro... however the more I have been using this technique the faster I am getting.  I am all thumbs on the video and nervous but you will get the general idea.  All the videos I watched on YouTube they hand twisted the wires and used a tool to then make a loop---I find that to be time consuming and tedious!   I would have edited the video but I didn't have the time!  I made about 15 tendrils last night.  I do find it relaxing and fun!  I took my daughter school shopping and I hate to shop and she was born to shop.......it was nice to come home and chill in front of the tv and work on my bead craft! 

*** Viewing this video you acknowledge that you will not look at my ugly camera hands or  nails !!!  How embarrassing.  

Bead Swap- July 2012; My first Swap Hosting!

About 2 1/2 months ago we embarked on a journey of a bead swap in the Cricut Circle. 

The talent of the ladies in the circle just amazes, enlightens and challenges me to learn more and create to a higher level.  Everyone had a great time and our Thread was so active!!! (Scrapcat & StKittsscrapper have nothing to do with that <insert wink>).

We ended up with 3 groups of almost 20!  I finally got a chance to dig into them.  I was a little shocked to see Jill did not give me the cows Diane!!  I have 40+ new friends -(definitely not at the Post Office!! <insert cough>).

Enjoy the photos! 





I love the lampbeads!!! They are so much fun :)

 

 



more beads...not all pictured!

Group #1

                                                             Jill sorting





  

:) Smile.......



 















Enjoying the packaging!!  

My pretty packages!  Jill mis-sorted as I am missing some! Bluegrassbug for sure!





Opened finally to see the pins!! MariaR sent me a special pack of 5 pins but Jill must have missed those.  Thank you for the thought!!



I would like to say Thank you for the very nice gifts...





Bluegrassbug (left) Card & Holder w/beads **Did you make that holder?? I need to know how if you did please!- MissieTodd (right bottom & top) Card & 2 Matchbooks with 6 pins each.





(right) Package of homemade cards- misawasan



(left front)Brads &CTMH stamps-bleedingcricutgreen; (left back) Hello card-Eyelet;(middle front) Assorted beads, caps, tags- Erika (middle back) Thanks-a-Melon card-TinaW; (far right) Moo-Chas Gracias Card & Smooch Spritz- RockinRenee







(left) Note & Large Pin- Grannyemjay; (right) package of 3 beads & tag- StKittsscrapper







(left) Bookmarks, Stickers, Stamp, Pins, Card- Tiffysmom; Matchbook with pins and extra eye hooks- Marcjo







Card & Stamps (left)- gocricutgo; (middle) Blank Card & Thank you Card- NanaDonna; (back right) Smashbook -Pat Roller--this cute book is full of goodies; (right front) Giftcard- Colleen Mc

Please let me know who made this card!! The tag was lost.

Please let me know if I have missed any acknowledgements.  I had these all on the table waiting to come back from vacation!