i need to scrapbook.

I have not scrapbooked in WAY. TOO. LONG.

Seriously.

Scrapbooking gives me a lot of things, the least of which is a creative outlet. I NEED to feed my own creativity.

I know that I will never accomplish all the things in a day that I set out to do, but I have really got to pick up the pace a bit. I feel like we are always racing around just trying to keep up with ourselves, and when we finally get a moment to stop and breathe we just crash to the floor as if time has completely stopped. This doesn't help at all. We just swing from one end of the pendulum to the other.

The thing is, I'm pretty sure that I need to find a way to work scrapbooking back into my life. I think I have pushed it to the side for a variety of reasons, the least of which being my complete lack of the ability to finish anything that I start. I have lots of projects just waiting for my attention. I know I could make a ton of excuses as to why I haven't gotten around to them, but I won't.

I just need to get back on the horse.

SOON.

dance with my father

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love to dance with my father again

When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me
Then finally make me do just what my momma said
Later that night, when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

If I could steal
One final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
Cause I'd love love love to dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
I'd hear how my mother cried for him
I'd pray for her even more than me
I'd pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she' s dying to dance with my father again
Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream

birthday magic

So my birthday weekend was a blast. I started out on Friday night with my two best friends meeting me at my house for a little birthday toast. BFF's DH couldn't make it, but he totally delivered on the ingredients for yummy kool-aid shots. And BFF mixed 'em up like a pro. Dee-lish!! After that we met up with a few more friends for a nice dinner, and then we headed out. We had a great time - danced, laughed, and partied just like we used to. Ok, well not REALLY like we used to.... we're not nearly as young, desperate, or naked as the majority of people I saw out that night.... but that's completely fine with me. *grin*

The next day I went out and treated myself to a FRAPPUCCINO, which was incredibly delicious and incredibly overdue. I hadn't stepped foot into my beloved Starbucks the entire time I have been back home, so it was like reuniting with an old friend. I relished every sip. (And went back for another one this week too!) I had a mani/pedi while sipping away on my java chip frap.... DIVINE!

When I arrived home my family had gone all out decorating the house inside and out. So cute! They took me out for the most delicious and entertaining dinner we have had in a long time. It was perfect. And it was so nice to take the time to relax and enjoy each other's company.

Sunday we went to a picnic at a friend's house, where the food is always good, and the friends are always fun. It was a great time. Nobody wanted to leave.... They pretty much had to kick us out at the end of the night (or was it morning by then?).

Monday we watched the cute little parade that goes right by the front door of our house, and followed it up to the cemetary to watch the Memorial Day ceremony. It was important to us to take the time to remember those who give their time, service, lives for our freedom.

We spent the rest of the day picnicking with my family. It was quite a turnout, like I haven't seen in years. My sister brought me a beautiful necklace that she made - I was impressed! We were talking and laughing and having a relaxing day out in the sun. So nice!

DH and my sweetie kids surprised me with an iPod for my birthday. I couldn't wait to play with it. Within an hour of opening it I had already loaded it with 400 songs. (And only about half of those are BNL!!) They gave me the cutest pink case for it, and I have had it playing pretty much ever since. What a great gift! DH has really upped the gift giving this year - a spa day, the iPod.... Usually we are not much on the bigger stuff, it's not always in the budget, but I guess I've been good this year. I'll have to be sure to come up with some good ideas for him!

It was an amazing weekend - everything I could have asked for. Friends, family, good times. I am truly blessed with all that I have. Thank you to all who were able to share in the fun with me!

laughter

I think my favorite sound in the whole world is the sound of laughter. True, genuine, heartfelt, from the gut, hearty laughter. I just had a laugh like this with my kids. We laughed and laughed and laughed. It was great! The best part is that they have an amazing sense of humor. They know what's funny. They make jokes. This is definitely a great trait to have, and I am glad that they have it.