Sometimes You've Just Gotta...

...complain that is. Have you ever had one of those days where it seemed nothing was going your way? Where everything feels out of sorts? That would be my "today". I am hesitant to write this post for many reasons. The main one being that should I truly write what I'm feeling this will be nothing more than a gripe session. And no one likes to visit a grumpy puss. Despite my efforts to wrestle myself into a happier state of being, I realize this is where I'm at today and I decided to just run with it. If you are averse to complaining and negativity...consider yourself warned. However, should you decide to stick around and read my meaningless complaints feel free to commiserate, offer to send chocolate or tell me to get over myself. Regardless, I'm in a mood and the complaining is getting ready to commence. Because sometimes, dear friends, you've just gotta!

Number one on my laundry list of all things wrong is the current state of my humble abode. I love, love, love having my children home but we have all become insanely busy and the house has suffered for it. No one person is to blame...yet everyone is to blame. While Taylor and Leah, his girlfriend, have a great deal of their belongings (from 2 households) stashed in storage, they have somehow managed to fill my game room, Taylor's room, my basement and a large part of my garage with the remaining items. Keri is accumulating pile after pile of items for her new apartment and said piles are claiming all the floor space in her room and my study. Add the fact that I have items strewn here and yon in my scraproom, home feels uncomfortable and unsettled.

The homefront chaos is not contained within the walls of the house. The exterior is in a major state of disrepair. I've been holding back this complaint for awhile because I have been having trouble swallowing all that has gone wrong. My beautifully landscaped home has become the source of an ever growing money pit. Six massive diseased trees had to be removed before causing major damage to the yard and possibly my house. With all the rain, weeds have taken over...some being taller than me. They have totally gotten ahead of me. My fertilizing efforts have also paid off because it now looks like I live in a jungle. Everything needs to be pruned...everything. My brick area outside my kitchen has begun to crumble and water is seeping through the broken mortar and running into the basement. The brick walkway that sweetly meanders around the side of the house leading to the backyard has suddenly become an uneven obstacle course. Mold and mildew have taken up residence on my hardy board exterior. Wood trim has begun to rot where water is no longer draining away from the house. My ex-husband owned a water & sewer company so you know our yard was the epitome of a perfectly designed drainage system. But within the last month, I've notice a mini lake Erie in my back yard. All of this developed almost overnight! When we built the house we spared no expense and it paid off over time. I have always been a firm believer in an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure so I kept up with all maintenance issues. I guess things like this eventually happen. Fifteen year old houses will need more attention. I just wish the house had been a little kinder to me and not hit me with everything all at once. The lovely price tag on all these repairs is equivalent to 3/4 my annual salary. Yes, it took me several days to recover from THAT shocking news!

So the house is a bit of a nightmare right now, but nothing that can't be handled with some time, patience and a large portion of my savings. Just as I was coming to terms with all of this, I had another pleasant little surprise. And yes, I'm being sarcastic! On my way to work Thursday before last I heard a nasty sound coming from under my car. The kind of sound that causes your gut to churn as you know it can't be good. I pulled over and took a look around but saw nothing. Once back on the road, the sound returned. I slowly and oh so carefully drove to a nearby convenience store/garage where I know the guys in the shop and pleaded for help. I had a feeling something was caught in the wheel. Ummmm, something was caught all right. My TIRE was caught in the wheel! HUH? You ask? Yep, my tire was shredding and a large portion was caught in the wheel. Again, I am a poster child for vehicle maintenance. I very frequently check the air in my tires (every couple of weeks), I have my tires rotated and I show up for all scheduled maintenance visits. Yet, my tire shredded. The replacement tire was not delivered until Monday of the following week. I was car-less for almost 5 days. That HURT. And it gets better. When mounting the two new front tires, it was discovered that the back tires were equally bad. Stranded yet again! LOL! Yes, I'm laughing. Oh, one other point to note, my car doesn't have a spare...of...any...kind!!! When my tire goes flat/shreds/or just no longer wishes to cooperate, I'm all out of luck! The next car I buy, the very first question will not be about gas mileage, safety features, loaded extras...it will most certainly be "Does this car have a spare tire and can I see it!"

Add to all of this, my baby girl is moving. We are in the final days of her summer break. I know I went through all these emotions when she went away last year. You would think it would be easier this time. But not so. This time brings an added cause for mommy heartbreak. Keri wishes to establish residency in Georgia to help with the astronomical out-of-state tuition fees. In order to do this, she must actually reside in Georgia. She has an apartment, she will be getting a job and she will be staying there year round. No more moving back home. At least not for 3 years. Of course she will come home for holidays, but all other breaks will be spent in her own home. I am so excited for her, but carrying a heavy heart all the same.

Today it feels all of this has come crashing in on me. Funny how we can control our emotions but the smallest of things can tip the bucket and we fall apart. My "little thing" came in the form of my co-workers. The men...to be exact! The only way I can explain it is that someone brought it to my attention that we have just had a full moon. Every single male at work has been experiencing PMS. I kid you not! They are hormonal, emotional, whining little boys. I sincerely love them all, but today I wasn't liking them very much!

Do you think I've whined enough. I would say yes, but there are a few other things. I made a new commitment to my wellness challenge on Monday. I have been doing rather well but I wanted to step it up a notch. Sooooo, as of yesterday, I gave up all sweets for 2 months and I've given myself the same 2 months to kick my all consuming addiction to Diet Dr. Pepper.

Hmmmmm, I MAY have just discovered the source of all my problems...I cut out all my fun!

Please know that I am well aware that none of this...not one iota of it...is really a big deal. It was just one of those days and I needed to whine. I am a very fortunate person who never wants to take that fact for granted. Thanks for allowing me the chance to whine and for always being a source of support and strength. On days like these I would normally grab my girlfriends and head out for a drink. So to all my blogfriends...the most awesome of girlfriends...I raise my glass and say "To better days! Cheers!"

Hugs & Love
L

P.S. It really is One. Of. Those. Days. Bloggers seems to have lost my entire list of blogs I follow! Nothing. Nothing! NOTHING! is showing up on my dashboard!!! errrrrrrr! How will I ever make my blog rounds???

After hyperventilating and banging my head against the wall several times, I choose to believe that blogger is male and suffering from the full-moon-PMS-syndrome every other male in my life (not you, Keith and Taylor, xoxo) is currently plagued with. Tomorrow is a new day and maybe, just maybe HE will be nice tomorrow and Give. Me. Back. My Blogs!

Anyone Up For An Awesome Contest?

Just stopping in to let you know of a fun contest going on this month at Serendipity Scrapbooks. It's call the Shape It Up Layout Contest and the prizes are fantastic!!! To enter you only need to create one layout using shaped die cut paper as the background. There are a few other requirements that I will list below. The sponsors of the contest are Core'dinations Cardstock and Serendipity Scrapbooks. Take a look at what the winners will receive:

Grand Prize: Your choice of kit PLUS pkg. of Core'dinations Cardstock (Value $75)

Runner up prize: Core'dinations Cardstock packs (Value $40)

If you've never seen one of the monthly kits at Serendipity Scrapbooks, you are missing out. I am a kit club junkie and these kits are some of my most favorite! They are packed full of wonderful papers and awesome embellishments. I posed the question to several team members on the forum asking what was the greatest number of projects they had gotten from a kit. Several answered a minimum of 7-8 projects with product left over!

Additionally, Core'dinations Cardstock is one of the coolest products on the market! From sanding to tearing to embossing, there are so many ways to reveal the core color of the paper! I also love that it boasts a smooth side and a textured side, making it all the more versatile.

In addition to the die cut background paper, here are the additional requirements:

There must be a clear (meaning definite) title, some cut work, and some height by using dimensional adhesive and either hand or machine stitching.

*Layout can be any subject you like.
*Contest ends August 31st 2009 midnight
*Only 1 layout per person- close ups excepted
*Submit layouts in the Monthly site contest category in the gallery.
*To upload into the gallery you must register in the gallery first. There is an email verification that is sent before you can upload. notify us at notify us at
info@serendipityscrapbooks if it doesn't come.
*International entries are accepted
*Images need to be resized to upload & must be no larger than 500 x 500 pixels

Easy peasy, don't ya think? I hope you can find the time to play along with this one. I would love to see one of my followers win. BTW, if you happen to participate, please leave me a comment letting me know you've submitted an entry. I want to be sure to stop in and give you a big ol' thank you!!!

I also want to mention our Happily Ever After crop on August 21-23. I've already seen several of the challenges the design team have in store for you and they are going to be so much fun! As you can guess, the theme will revolve around Disney characters and fairy tale endings. There are some wonderful prizes up for grabs and a Queen of the Crop will be crowned and will be awarded the grand prize. Be sure to check out the forum for all the details.

I know this is nothing more than an informational post, but I felt it VERY news-worthy. I will be back later in the week with a weekend update. Hope you have a fantastic Monday!!!

Hugs & Love,
L

Kim's Challenge

I mentioned last month that Kim and I have become challenge buddies. We decided to do this as a way to hold each other accountable for some scrapping time. Last month I chose the Butterfly Crafts childhood fear challenge. For a reminder of what we did last month you can go HERE. This month was Kim's turn and she chose catalyst 70 at Creative Therapy which is as follows:

What's the best advice you received that encouraged you to follow your dreams? (or advice you’d give to others so they can follow their dreams.)



I wanted to record advice for my children. They are adults now and I no longer have much influence on their lives. I can share my motherly words of wisdom, but they are now responsible for themselves. I recorded my thoughts on a stamped index card and placed it inside the envelope.



I wrote: "The two of you are now adults. You've come to the point in your life where you will be making your way on your own. My wish for you is that all things will come easy...that the road ahead is smooth. But life is not always easy. And bumps in the road of life are inevitable. How you deal with these potholes and curves will define the person you become. The best advice I can give for dealing with tough times is to learn from every bruise and not let them stop the journey toward reaching your goals. While things may slow you down, please continue on and great things will be yours."

For me, perseverance has been the key to reaching my goals. Even more important is trying to learn from the pitfalls. It's not always easy, but I believe it plays a vital role in finding true happiness.

For this layout, I used a Scarlet Lime kit that I had yet to tap into. The pretty papers are exclusive to Scarlet Lime. I cut the butterflies from one of the papers, layering a few for more impact.



I also stitched underneath the photo with white embroidery floss and curled the punched border to create more texture.



Here is Kim's take on the challenge.



I love, love, love the design of this layout. I especially love the placement of the photos of her gorgeous daughter. And her advice of finding your passion is so important to remember.

A few days ago I received a sweet award from Jay and Lorry.



I am to post the award and list 10 things I love about blogging. So here are my 10:

1. Inspiration. My blog experience began as a stalker...errrr, reader of several blogs. I loved checking in everyday to see what was going in, what had been created. I have to giggle now because I would get so bummed when it would be a "slow day" in blogland...those days when it seemed no one had updated their blog. NOW, I get it!!!

2. Friendship. Simply that.

3. Opportunity. Through blogging I have been offered so many wonderful opportunities to stretch myself as a scrapper and as a person.

4. Connections. To directly quote Nerina, "Realizing that this world is not so big after all and we are all connected". She put it perfectly, don't you think?

5. Acceptance. It is so refreshing to have a place where you can be yourself without fear of judgment or disapproval.

6. Laughter. I never have a day go by in blogland that I go without a few chuckles.

7. Support. Good news are bad news, blog friends are THE best for building you up and encircling you with cyber hugs.

8. Praise. The sweet comments left for layouts, stories, well, anything are more welcome than a pot of gold.

9. Documentation. The story of me, while nothing spectacular, is one I want to record.

10. Therapy. Yep, given that blogger is currently a free place to vent, I would say it is the cheapest therapy available!!!

Jay and Lorry, thank you so much for passing this on to me. It was nice taking time to realize why I blog. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Until next time...

Hugs & Love,
L

P.S. You will be happy to know I learned how to fix the dark photos in class this week. Or was it last week? I'm behind and they are starting to run together! LOL! I just didn't have time to retake these. :(

Favorite Flower & Butterfly Crafts Guest DT

Don't you just love my original title? I pride myself in my effort to be witty and charming, even with my titles, but tonight it just ain't happenin'. I suppose there is no suspense as to what my post is about so I will get right to the point. LOL! Another challenge is up at These Are A Few of My Favorite Things. This time we are challenged to scrap our favorite flower.



I have always loved wildflowers. For some reason they remind me of freedom of spirit and simpler times. Each time I see them I instantly smile.

The response to the Favorite Things blog has been incredible! The entries of the DT and the followers are so imaginative and simply breath taking!!! Julie has out done herself with this blog!!! If you haven't checked it out yet I encourage to hop on over. The winner of this challenge will receive a gift certificate to scrapbook.com. Pretty cool, huh? You have until the 14th to get your project submitted. Remember it doesn't have to be a layout. It can be a card, an altered item or anything your little heart desires!

I was also lucky enough to have been randomly selected as the Guest DT at Butterfly Crafts this month! I was so excited when I saw that I had won this opportunity. I have been following the blog since Jocelyn (who is a current DT member) turned me onto their blog. They post bi-monthly challenges and I won a Guest DT position for the one that posted on August 1st. The challenge is to scrap your favorite food or drink. Anyone who knows me could tell you immediately what that would be.



Yes, my friends, I love, Love, LOVE Diet Dr. Pepper! I love it to the point of it being an addiction. My journaling is in the form of a note addressed to this bottle of carbonated delight. It is written on the back of the LO and reads:

"Diet Dr. Pepper. Oh how I have a love/hate relationship with you. I am aware of the fact that you are nothing more than a bottled nutritional wasteland yet you taste so good. Try as I might to break off our long-standing relationship, I think I will forever be your fan. I cannot help myself....I'm totally addicted!"

I have often considered a 12-step program for my addiction to this bottle of poison...I am seriously THAT hooked. But I'm learning to love it in small doses. Why is it that the things we often love the most are usually not good for us? *sigh*

I hope you will pop in at Butterfly Crafts and leave the team (and me, please) a little love. And if you can find some scrapping time, please play along with the challenge. But be sure to leave me a message here letting me know you played along. I will certainly want to stop by and say thanks!

By the way, my LO is one of the most simple LO's I've ever done but I think it is one of my most favorite. I didn't even use patterned paper on this one. Cardstock only!



I used my Slice and a few punches to make my flowers. They are super simple but kinda cute.

One last thing just to reiterate the fact that anyone who knows me TOTALLY gets this. My daughter came into my scraproom the night I finished this LO. She stopped mid-sentence when she spied it on the table and began laughing. Her words were something to the effect of: "I LOVE IT! Mom! That is soooo you! That is my favorite one you've ever done!" Guess she knows me.

Happy Monday!

Hugs & Love,
L

P.S. I guess I lied when I said I had one last thing because here I go again. But I promise this really is ONE LAST THING. Notice how my photos have gotten a little darker and a little crappier? Yeah, I'm taking a photography class. LOL! I guess she really meant it when she said "you will probably get worse before you get better"! Ha! (And I already edited them in Photoshop...this is as light as I could go without making them look wonky! Rainy days are not my friend. LOL!)

Dear Taylor,

Today is your 22nd birthday. How did this ever happen? I so vividly remember you as my sweet little mischievous, darling boy. And now? Now you have become the most wonderful, kind, caring, sensitive, ambitious and talented man! Whatever you wish to accomplish, you do. You have no fear of failure. You tackle challenges head on and treat stumbles as learning experiences. From a very young age you showed a maturity well beyond your years and it has served you well. I have yet to speak with anyone who spends time with you that doesn't take the time to tell me what a wonderful person you are. You are giving and loving yet strong and determined. You have been my rock so many times by your presence and strength of character. I look at where you are going and the plans you have and my heart swells with pride. You have great things in store for you. And I know should dark days come, you have the skills and the drive to move through them and come out a better man. I wish for you only the most wonderful of everything. My dear, dear boy...my strong son...I love you more than words can say. Happy, happy birthday!

Mom

Time For A Few Shout-Outs & Will Somebody Please Come Pick Me Up Off The Floor

(edited: Please read the earth shaking news at the bottom. Wellllll, at least it's rockin' my world! )

How on earth did things get so out of control?!?!? I swear I was on top of my blog posts, my blog reading, my photography class, work...everything. Then BOOM! I go on a week-long vacation and 2 long weekend get-aways and I'm sinking. No. Make that drowning! Why is it that when things are good it is ALL good but when things are crazy ain't nothin' goin' your way? When I pull out the country slang, folks, times are tough! Please don't think I am complaining, I'm just setting the scene for this post. I guess I'm presenting my excuses right out of the gate as to why this post is way over due.

In the past 2 weeks, I have received several awards and tags. And wouldn't you know, I'm behind in posting them. So I figured why not wrap them all up into one super special post where I can send out some love to the ladies who sent them my way.

First up is an award from a very special new blog friend, Jay. I only started visiting Jay recently but I'm so glad we found each other. She is such a creative scrapper with an artistic edge. Her projects are pure eye candy. Be sure and check out her blog to see her lovely creations.



A few days later, I received this book tag from Christy and Vicki. I came across Christy's blog just as she was heading off on a cruise. We exchanged a few emails about the ports of call and I feel like I've made a new best friend! This sweetheart recently announced she is expecting her first child! She is also a teacher and is in the process of making some adorable little projects for her classroom. Vicki is also a new friend. Her blog is such a treat and her scrapping style is AMAZING! She blows me away with her designs.

So this is what I'm suppose to do:

1. Collect the book that you have most handy
2. Turn to page 161
3. Find the 5th complete sentence
4. Cite the sentence on your blog
5. Pass it on to 5 other victims (Oops! bloggers)

So now you guys get to see what a true nerd I am. Please note that No. 1 said "Collect the book you have most handy"...emphasis on "most handy". Uhhhhh, that would be The Essentials of Finance and Accounting. Yeah, you read that right. *sigh* I think I need a life. *double sigh* So just go ahead and close your eyes, jump ahead or do whatever you need to do because the sentence I'm getting ready to type will be the most boring thing you've ever read. Here goes:

"If the annual cash inflows are different, the method described here will work, but since the formula will include each cash flow amount multiplied by the present value factor for that amount, more trial and error will be required."

Can you believe I actually read this stuff????

This next award is extra special. It is a Friend Award and over the course of several days, I received it from several special ladies. Jocelyn, Julie, Jessi W. & Lisa S. all passed this one along to me.



Of course, so many of you know my wonderful gal pals Jocelyn, Julie and Lisa. Jocelyn has been a blog friend from the very beginning. We talk on the phone often and she is a truly wonderful scrapper. The fabulous Lisa S. has also been a friend from early on. If you are looking for some amazing eye candy just hop on over to her blog! And Julie, well, I call Julie SUPERWOMAN! This lady has more irons in the fire than anyone I know AND she continually cranks out gorgeous LO after gorgeous LO! One of these days I am going to twist her arm and make her share her secret for "doing it all". Now I can't forget Jessi. I only found Jessi a few days ago but I am so very glad I did. I am having the most fun getting to know her and again, her scrapping talent is phenomenal!

The last shout out goes to Christine. She tagged me with this:



Before I get into the details of the tag, I have to say that Christine is a pure delight. I have been reading her blog for awhile now and I just adore her. I recommend you stop by and see what she is up to. You will be greeted with heartwarming posts and some fabulous inspiration.

So this tag requires that I post 10 honest facts about myself...little known facts that most of you wouldn't know. I did this several weeks ago, but it was so much fun I thought I would try to come up with 10 more. Here goes...

1. My brain requires all things to be even...I need balance. Like when I'm working out, I do things in equal numbers. If I start an exercise on the left side,the next set must start on the right and all reps must be the same. When eating, if I chew on one side, I must also give equal time to the other side. You would think it would make me crazy trying to keep things even, but it really keeps me sane.

2. I am extremely patient but when the patience is gone you had better look out. I hate to admit it, but I have a temper.

3. I can forgive most anything. I have a high level of tolerance and try to understand the motivation behind the action.

4. Due to alcoholism in my mother's family, I refrained from drinking until I was in my very late 20's. Growing up in a Southern Baptist church I was taught that drinking was of the devil and of course I wanted no part of that. The first drink I had left me seriously tipsy...and I was with my mother at the time. LOL!

5. Speaking of drinking, I am a teaspoon drinker...or as some would say...a cheap drunk to this day. Doesn't really matter because I very rarely drink.

6. In honor of summer, I will share that while I have medium to fair skin, I hardly ever burn. I can sit in the sun for hours with a low SPF and not get a thing. Keith is very dark skinned but will burn in half the time with the same amount of protection. Strange????

7. At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with a fatal disease. It is now known that the childhood form of the illness is not as often fatal as the adult form. I am fortunate enough to also only suffer mild side effects from the disease.

8. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. I have a wonderfully moving story to share about this but I will save it for another day.

9. I competed in a beauty pageant when I was 18. I nailed the interview, did OK in the swimsuit portion, LOVED my evening gown and I had a jaw-dropping piano piece for my talent. All was going well until I went to perform my piano solo...and totally drew a blank!!! So....I just made something up. Talk about pulling something out of thin air! Didn't even remotely come close to the original piece but it did fool a few folks! Ha!

10. I've always dreamed of living in New York City. Of course I would want a glamorous life style to go along with that dream. I grew up a country girl and I still have a love of all things country running through my veins but I could so be a city girl as well. I would probably have to lose my southern accent though. I have a feeling I would never fit in otherwise. LOL!

So here comes the impossible part. I am suppose to pass each of these to several different bloggers and friends. Can anyone tell me just how I'm suppose to pick and choose??? My answer is that anyone who leaves a comment on this post can claim any of the above awards and tags. I would love for you all to have these and I can't wait to read your honest facts!

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Wednesday!

Hugs & Love,
L

Guess what???? I just found out I made the DT at Serendipity Scrapbooks!!!! I am shocked...thrilled...and ready to pass out! Catch me or scrape me off the floor...either will do! WooHoo!!!!!

Oh No She Didn't

Monday. Monday. How quickly you come to greet me. *sigh* I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. My weekend was spent in Atlanta sharing some fun time with my guy. After work on Friday, I raced home, finished packing and headed out on my 3 hour drive, stopping once for a LARGE cup of coffee. Keith had plans for a late night movie date. A sure sign I'm getting old...I feared I wouldn't be able to stay awake through the movie. Hence the super-duper dose of caffeine. Turns out, I really didn't need it. We saw "The Ugly Truth" and it was hysterical!!! Rather crude and crass but funny nonetheless.

Saturday we started off with a 4 mile walk, a quick lunch at Atlanta Bread Company and an afternoon/early evening on the lake...a very nice day. Yesterday we were back in "parent" mode. Keith's daughter, Morgan, turned 11 last Thursday and Sunday we celebrated with a skating party with her friends. You know the drill...Sunday morning was all about picking up the cake, corralling all the supplies for the party and then playing "hostess with the mostest" all afternoon. It was a great party and tons of fun! I was so impress with how mature, kind and genuinely appreciative Morgan was with her guests. She is becoming a gorgeous young lady with a beautiful heart. And of course, her daddy was beaming with pride the entire time...when he wasn't wiping sweat from his brow from assisting the kiddos who couldn't skate. What is it about watching your guy with children that makes you fall in love with him all over again? Don't know what it is, but that's what happened...I fell and fell hard! :)

In honor of Morgan's birthday, I thought I would share a little funny that happened a few years ago when I first met Keith. He was not yet a full-time dad and Morgan spent every other weekend with him. Morgan was only 8 at the time. She is such a cutie, but also ever the sly one. Keith is a salesman and I believe she has learned a thing or two from him about working a situation. So....

The story takes place on a hot sunny Sunday. Keith and I had settled down for a little sofa snooze, enjoying the air-conditioned escape from the heat. Morgan was outside playing. Suddenly, the bells of the ice cream truck broke through the low sounds coming from the TV and Keith's loud snore. Within seconds Morgan raced through the door begging for money to buy a frozen treat. To Keith's credit, he denied her request as she had already consumed enough sugar that day. Being the insistent 8 year old, she pouted and pleaded adding how unfair it would be for her to be without while her friend Claire was allowed to partake. Obviously, her words were a bit different and way more whiny. The verbal volley of "but Claire" and "I don't care" continued for several minutes. Finally, Keith responded by telling Morgan to either go play with Claire, without a treat, or to just go to her room. Realizing she only had one card left to play, Morgan crossed her arms, stuck out her lower lip, added a lip quiver for good measure and turned to go upstairs. And here is where Keith made his mistake. Instead of just letting her follow through with her "choice", he asked why she would want to sit in her room when her friend was outside waiting for her. Seeing this opening, Morgan, in her most hurt-filled voice, said it was better to sit all alone than have to watch someone else enjoy something she wanted so badly. Her logic being that if Claire could have one, why couldn't she. And like we've all been known to do...Keith caved. He told Morgan to grab his wallet and off she went.

Ready for the good part? I sat watching all this with a knowing grin. As soon as Morgan left, I calmly and quietly turned to Keith and said, "Hey, Handsome. You've just been played. Morgan hasn't been playing with Claire today. Remember, Claire is out of town." His response...cannot be typed on a G-rated blog. OK, so mine can sometimes be PG, but it still is beyond PG language. LOL!

Morgan quickly returned licking away at her ice cream cone with a cat-that-caught-the canary grin. Keith patiently waited for a few minutes then mustered up some calm and asked Morgan to invite Claire in to enjoy their ice cream together. Having let down her guard, the shock of being found out immediately registered on her face and her eyes became as wide as saucers. She paused and then very feebly said, "Uhhhhh, I thought that was Claire eating ice cream. But it must have been somebody else."

To this day we share a good laugh over this one. And although Morgan truly is an angel, we came to realize her salesman skills are too strong to be completely ignored...lesson learned! LOL!

I'll leave you with a LO I did last year of Morgan enjoying some ice cream.



Not only has she inherited her dad's sly way of making a sale, but she also shares his enormous sweet tooth!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!!!

Hugs & Love,
L

News FLASH!!! Callista has a fabulous give away going on until Friday. Be sure and check it out HERE. Be sure to leave her some love and don't forget to tell her I sent ya!