It's My Life

Beer Margarita

2011-07-21T13:02:00.002-04:00

Yes, it's hot. Yes, it's humid. Yes, it's July. I'm truly blessed to have air conditioning in my home, my car and my office. But, hot, humid summer deserves a delicious cocktail, don't you think!! This one hits the spot. It's so refreshing. I filled a tall glass with ice and then poured this yummy treat in, topped it with a lime and enjoyed my evening. Indoors, because it's hot outside!!!

Beer Margarita
1 bottle of beer (Corona is my choice)
1/2 can of frozen limeade
6 oz. vodka
6 oz. water

Mix together, pour over ice and enjoy! This makes four servings - plenty to share!

I didn't even think to take a picture. I was enjoying too much!

And yes, I did find this on Pinterest... I told you I'm addicted!

2011-07-06T12:08:00.001-04:00

So, I'm addicted. Yep, it's official. Pinterest has me hooked. In the evening my husband will see me on the computer and now say, "are you pinning?" Yep, I'm pinning. Are you pinning? If so, let's follow each other!

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-02T15:46:00.006-04:00

We will be celebrating the 4th tomorrow with friends for a cookout at their house, fireworks and then a fire and smores at our house after. I am in charge of dessert and jello shots!

I found strawberry daquari, margarita and pina colda jello... perfect for shots! Then I hollowed out lemons and limes and put the jello in the rind. I cut them into sections and they are stinkin' cute!!

I'll tell you that I'm addicted to Pinterest... that is where I saw the jello idea. Also, all over the blogs are cake balls and cake pops. So, here is my attempt!

First bake a cake. I chose Red Velvet (for the the July 4th holiday) and cream cheese frosting. I used a box mix and canned frosting. You could very easily use from scratch and any flavor that you love.

Let the cake cool almost completely. Then crumble it all up in a big bowl.

Add the frosting. I didn't use the whole can. There doesn't seem to be a science to this! Just add a little more than 1/2 the can and stir... continue until you get a good consistency to roll balls.

Roll the balls. I used my small cookie scoop and then rolled. Place them on wax paper and put them in the freezer for while. They need to be firm when you dip them.

When you are ready to make the pops, melt almond bark in the microwave. I dipped the stick in the melted bark first and then into the ball. This is like glue! That ball isn't going anywhere. Dip the balls into the bark and put sprinkles on the top.

Now, here is where a piece of styrofoam would come in handy. I didn't have styrofoam, so I stood in my kitchen trying to figure out how I was going to let these dry. My solution was to stick the pop into a few slices of bread! Silly, yes. But, guess what... it worked!!!
Who knew I was so resourceful!!

I made several as pops and several as balls. Of course I had to taste test. A good baker would never serve something that wasn't yummy and tasted, right?

I put the pops in a clear glass with red marbles to hold the sticks. I wanted to use red, white and blue M&M's, but never got to the store to buy them. Here's my finished product. What do you think?

I love the way they turned out! These would be great for all holidays. Any flavor cake and frosting that you like and you can use white or chocolate almond bark. Adorable for a baby shower, wedding shower or birthday. A new favorite of mine!!

Enjoy your holiday and be safe!!

Florida and Family

2011-06-24T10:12:00.002-04:00

My sweet niece Kelly got married one week ago today on the beach in Florida.
It was a beautiful perfect wedding!

My brother Rick, kissing his daughter for luck!

The beautiful bride and her groom saying their vows.

My beauties just before leaving for the wedding.

It was certainly a special time for our family.
I am blessed to have such an amazing and fun family!
What a great trip!

For some reason Blogger won't let me upload more photos...
So, more photos to follow soon!

Welcome to the World

2011-06-13T09:30:00.003-04:00

Welcome Baby Mia...

My niece gave birth to this beautiful baby girl on June 4th. I cannot wait to meet her!

Today's DIY Project

2011-05-29T17:55:00.003-04:00

I've had this window for several years...

At first I was going to put four scrapbook pages in each window and hang it over our bed. Then I thought I'd do wall words in each pane and again hang over our bed. I never did anything.

Then, I became addicted to the website Pinterest. Yes, addicted. That could be an entire post in itself. Anyway, I saw something perfect for me on Pinterest and perfect for my window. Today, the window became a jewelry holder.

First, hubby removed the glass for me. Then we roughed it up a little bit and cut
some yard cloth to size and stapled it to the back.

I hung it in the perfect spot between the two front windows in my bed room.

I used small open "S" hooks to hang my beaded jewelry.

Taa-Daa!!!

A close up.... yes, I made about 95% of this jewelery.
I filled the entire thing and I have a lot more beaded jewelery...
But, I'm thrilled with the results and it was a fun project for a rainy day!

So, if you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, and you've already joined, you can find me here:
http://pinterest.com/lyoutzy/
If you haven't joined, it's by invitation, so let me know and I'll send you an invite!

Enjoy!

Come out, come out wherever you are!

2011-05-10T15:16:00.002-04:00

I've looked everywhere. I've looked high and low. I've searched inside and out.
I cannot find it anywhere.

I lost my mojo. My paper crafting mojo.

I want to scrapbook. I want to make cards. I do. I really want to.

I want to want to.

But I just can't get in the mood. I've searched blogs. I've browsed on-line stores. I've gone to Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
I even bought some paper and ink at a scrapbook store not too long ago.
Nothing has helped.

Where did it go? Why can't I find it?

Magazines don't help. My own scrapbooks don't get me motivated. My photos that are begging to be scrapped, are pushed aside.

What can I do to motivate?
Can you help me?
Any suggestions, I'll take them!

Help me find my paper crafting mojo... it's lost and cannot find it's way back!

Goin' Coastal

2011-05-09T21:42:00.004-04:00

Kenny Chesney + Super Fun Friends = Awesome Night!

Lisa K., Me and Kim

The Three G's... Gene, Greg and Greg

Me and my guy

Uncle Kracker

Billy Currington

Kenny Chesney

Easter Dinner plans

2011-04-23T18:04:00.002-04:00

The menu is:
Ham
Cheesy Potatoes
Fresh Green Beans
Fresh Hot Baked Bread
Deviled Eggs
Black Olives
Texas Sheet Cake

I've spent the afternoon in the kitchen, but I love it! I made mango salsa (possibly for tomorrow, most likely just for me to enjoy!), the Texas sheet cake, the hard boiled eggs and the cheesy potatoes. Allison colored the Easter Eggs, so some will go in a pretty basket in the center of the table. The rest will become deviled! Tomorrow I just have to let the bread dough rise, cut the green beans, devil the eggs, and put the ham in the oven. Easy dinner!! Yummy Dinner! My dad and Greg's dad will join us.

Tonight it's turkey burgers on the grill. And I think a few bites of that Texas Sheet Cake. It would be WRONG of me to serve it not knowing if it's suitable for the grandpa's.
Right?
Yes, I thought so!

Have a blessed Easter...

Who's a Lucky Girl?

2011-04-14T10:18:00.002-04:00

ME!! My countdown has started! In 22 days I get to see:

Uncle Kracker

Billy Currington

AND Kenny Chesney!!!!

AND, I'm going with the most fun people ever... Lisa and Greg (squared - because I'm Lisa and I'm married to Greg and our friends are Lisa and Greg too!) and Kim and Gene and of course my Greg. AND it's a Saturday!! Whoo Hooo!! Party in Grand Rapids! We'll head out in the afternoon for drinks and dinner, then the concert and then the After Party!!! Guess who we're counting on to show up... Kenny!! And probably Uncle Kracker too - we hear he enjoys a party!

I can't wait!!!!

Western Michigan University

2011-04-12T13:33:00.003-04:00

So, I have a real job. I work at WMU in the Food Marketing Office. I am the Office Associate. The biggest part of my job is planning the Food Marketing Conference which is held every year in March. This year was the biggest ever. We had over 500 guests. It's like planning a HUGE wedding every year! It's actually really fun and exciting and extremely rewarding. I do really like my job. I thought I'd share a few photos from the this year's conference...

My boss before the conference as we are running crazy and freaking out!

This is the main ballroom at the Radisson Plaza Hotel.

My two wonderful registration beauties. I couldn't have done this without them!
Julianne and Kim ... they rock!!

Yummmmmmm..... shrimp! And my cool ice sculpture!

My two Most Favorite Food Marketing Majors... Nate and Brock. They are going to graduate in a couple of weeks. I'm so excited for their futures, but I'm so sad to see them leave! I will miss them so much!

Frank presented me with my "beauty queen bouquet"! Every year he gives me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. This year it was a dozen yellow roses. They were so gorgeous and I enjoyed them for over a week.

This year I was so sick during the entire conference! What a drag! I had a stomach bug that lasted almost a week. I have no idea how I did it, but I pulled it off!!! I'm glad it's over. But, of course, we are already planning 2012!

Hello Gorgeous...

2011-04-10T19:26:00.002-04:00

...I've been waiting for you. All winter long.

Beautiful warm sunny day!

It was 84 degrees in Michigan today! Sunny and amazing! It won't last - tomorrow is supposed to be 45 degrees and it could *snow* on Sunday. But, today it was amazing and we enjoyed every second of it!

Happy Spring!!

Sharing

2011-04-07T09:43:00.006-04:00

So, here I go again! It's been three months. My job is insane from December through March. Plus I'm selling Thirty One and lets not forget that family of mine! So, something had to go (and it's not my favorite TV shows) so, it had to be the blog. Let's see if I can do better throughout the spring and summer months!

I'm sharing my new beautiful baubles that I made last weekend. I can't take all the credit of course! This tutorial:

http://makebraceletsblog.com/2011/01/12/beaded-wrap-bracelet-video-tutorial/

was amazing! I couldn't figure out how to make these awesome wrapped bracelets until I watched this. So, here are my results!

While browsing Tracy's site, I then found a tutorial for this little pretty:

And of course, I needed a necklace to go with the beautiful sparkly black bracelet. So I can up with this with the left over beads.

Ooooo so pretty!!!

And the fun buttons that these bracelets take... now I'm on a button hunt! But, I'm pretty cheap. Not too interested in paying $2 or $3 for one button. So, guess what I found? Three awesome buttons on a card for $1.50 - $1.75 at Walmart. While making these bracelets, I looked at this pretty button and knew it was destined to be a ring!

My co-worker said it looked like a big diamond ring! Yay for that!

So, please tell me what you think? I'm so in love with these pretties!! Now, watch Tracy's video and go bead!!!

Thirty One

2011-01-10T19:58:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited! Check out the new Thirty One Catalog!
http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/Catalog/Spring11_Catalog.pdf
We can start ordering from this new catalog on February 1st. I can wait to get the new goodies!
If you want to order something wonderful, let me know!!
YAY!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T15:20:00.002-05:00

Goodbye 2010. I have to say I'm glad to see you go... We lost two very important people to us in 2010. It was a year of ups and downs, but more downs than we needed.

Welcome 2011! I am very excited for this year. It WILL be a good year!

I wish all my friends and family good health, lots of love, laughs and peace for the new year.

I'm spending today quietly at home. I've been watching the new Oprah network and HGTV and pursuing a lot of blogs. Just chillin'!

Enjoy your day - whatever makes you happy!

Contest

2010-12-28T20:04:00.001-05:00

Want to win a Silhouette? Well, I do!
Check out this awesome blog and enter to win!
http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/2010/12/silhouette-giveaway-humungo-discount.html
Good Luck!

What a Wonderful Holiday!

2010-12-28T13:17:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We really did. Christmas Eve with Greg's family was one of the nicest holiday's with them ever. Greg's mom was certainly with us! Greg's dad was happy and so pleasant to be with. He even posed for photos with each on of his grandkids. This has never happened!!

Christmas Day was our usual enjoyable morning just the four of us. The girls were fun and happy. Late in the afternoon we went to my sisters for an amazing dinner and wonderful family time.

I am so blessed to have my family. I love each and every one!!

And the award goes to.....

2010-12-17T10:41:00.002-05:00

ME! For the worst blogger in Kalamazoo! Life has interrupted this blogger. So, let's see... October I had shoulder surgery. One week later I had a terrible cold. One week later I had a horrible stomach issue that lasted for over a month and involved several doctor visits. In between all that, I had PT (pain and torture) for my shoulder. It still hurts, two months after surgery. I am a very positive person, but this is dragging me down and I'm beginning to think I will never have the range of motion I want. Then of course we had Thanksgiving. I cooked. It was delicious.

Then we cut our Christmas tree. I decorated it. It is beautiful.

My Babies and Me!

Since then I've shopped, baked, wrapped, celebrated a wee much, and worked and worked and worked at the office! My work laptop has decided that it doesn't want to work any more. This is a problem, as my boss doesn't feel the same!! So, needless to say, as much as I'd love to be blogging and catching up on my blog reading, it just isn't going to happen quite yet. Maybe next week. I begin my two week holiday break on December 22nd. I can hardly wait to sleep in!!! :))
Happy Holidays to everyone in blog - land. I hope Santa brings you just what you want this year!

Pin Cushions

2010-10-20T15:18:00.003-04:00

I saw this general idea on a blog recently. Again, I am so bad about giving credit where it's due. I'm sorry - I don't remember which blog. But the idea is darling.

I bought a dozen mini jelly jars.

Then I cut a circle out of fabric that was larger than the lid of the jar.
Then I put some fiberfill in the middle of the fabric and put the lid on top.

Then I used some hot glue and I glued the fabric to the rim of the lid, tucking all the fiberfill under the lid.
After that I cut a circle of cardstock to glue over the rough edge on the bottom of the lid. But, I forgot to take a photo of that!
Then I put the lid thru the ring of the jar and pop it on the jar. Stick a few pins in the puffy top and store the rest of the pins in the little jar.

Stinkin' Cute!!

Autumn Decor

2010-10-18T21:56:00.002-04:00

My guest bathroom is dressed for fall... This is the frame that I make over for each season/holiday. What do you think? I love it!!

Fabulous Fall

2010-10-17T21:41:00.005-04:00

It's been such a beautiful fall!
Here are a few photos of our trip to the cider mill and the pumpkin patch.

I made these adorable mini caramel apple bites.
They were too cute, but the caramel didn't stick to the apple!

Amazing fall colors!

Our visit to Gene the Pumpkin Man!

Allison and Lexie went straight to carving the pumpkins!
They chose the non-traditional carving and I think they
turned out adorable!

Happy Fall!

What's New?

2010-10-10T18:09:00.003-04:00

Well, I just had shoulder surgery, that's new. It's a painful recovery, but I'm only on the 4th day and I'm hoping that each day this week is better and better. I have physical therapy tomorrow that I'm really not looking forward to. What I am looking forward to is being pain free!!

Greg has been amazing. He has taken wonderful care of me. I appreciate him so very much.

The other new thing is that I have just become an Independent Consultant for Thirty One Gifts! I'm super excited! My kit should arrive tomorrow and my first party is October 26th. If you've never heard of Thirty-One, you really need to check it out. Here's my website: www.mythirtyone.com/39999. We sell purses and tote bags and gifts and most things can be personalized. The quality is great and the prices are too. I fell in love with the product and had almost every page of the catalog flagged. That's when I decided to do it! If you find something you love, let me know. I can do a book party, web party or regular home party for those that live in the area. If you ever need a gift or know someone that would like Thirty One, please pass my name along. I'm really hoping this will be a successful business!

So that's what's new with me... What's new with you?

Yummy Chicken

2010-09-21T10:12:00.002-04:00

Ok - no photos of this yummy chicken because we were starving and it smelled so good. I never even thought to get the camera out! But it was so easy and tasty that I have to share!

Crockpot Chicken

1 whole chicken
salt & pepper
paprika

Ball up three bunches of tin foil. Put these on the bottom of the crockpot. Wash and dry the chicken. Set the chicken on top of the tin foil balls. Salt, pepper and paprika the chicken thoroughly. Cook on high for one hour. Set heat to low and cook for 8-10 hours.

That's it. The house smells like heaven and the chicken falls off the bone. It was moist and oh so tasty! This worked out so well for me. I prepared the chicken the night before and left the crockpot in the fridge. When I got up I put it on high for the hour while I got ready for work. Just before I left the house I turned it to low. When I got home I peeled some potatoes for mashing and fixed some frozen veggies. Done. Easy and Yummy!!
Enjoy!

Thank You

2010-09-18T12:10:00.002-04:00

Thank you my blogging friends. I don't really know any of you. But you bring me great joy! Thank you for sharing your paper crafts, your baked goods, your home decorating, your holiday projects, your beading and sewing talents, your funny stories.... all of it. I am amazed and in awe of you. You inspire me and encourage me to be creative, even if you don't know it! So, thank you. I've so enjoyed this gloomy, quiet Saturday morning by visiting many blogs. So, friends in blog-land, you make me happy and I thank you so very much! Now, in between my laundry and cleaning today, my mind will be swirling with all the awesome ideas I saw this morning and I will be so anxious to get to my craft room and play!

Jewelry For Sale

2010-09-12T17:49:00.003-04:00

Well, as promised a long time ago, here is the jewelry that I've been making. This is all jewelry that is for sale. My friend and I are going to have it at a salon. I hope I sell it all! Nothing is expensive, everything is under $12. What do you think?

These are called Black Tie and Stormy Day.
The pendents are both made with buttons.

These are fall colored beads. The pendant again is made from three buttons.

This one I named Denim Days. Hard to tell, but blues and browns.

These are just a few of the wire wrapped rings I've been making. I LOVE them. They are like a pretty little silver nest for these super fun beads.

Here we have a cotton candy necklace and an assortment of earrings.

And this is Green with Envy eyeglass chain and Anything Goes glass bead necklace and bracelet.

So, I love to bead, can you tell!! I haven't been in a paper crafting mood lately.
Maybe this fall that will come.

You won't believe what I did today! I got our 6 year old sewing machine out and started to teach myself how to sew. It took me about an hour to get it set up, thread the bobbin, thread the machine, etc. But, I did it and I sewed a few pieces of material together. Next step is to scour the blogs for a very easy sewing project to learn! I'm kind of excited. I needed a new hobby. As my husband said... like I need another hole in my head!

I'm off to make pancakes and sausage for dinner. Breakfast for dinner is my dad's every Sunday night. So, I'll call dad too, since I'm thinking about him.

Leave me a comment on the jewelry.... I'd love some opinions!

It's coming....

2010-09-01T15:44:00.003-04:00

FALL IS AROUND THE CORNER!

While getting ready for work this morning I looked out the window and noticed some beautiful red leaves on the tree. On one hand I'm ready. I love the crisp fall weather, wearing jeans and sweatshirts, football games, pumpkins, apples, cider all that goes with fall. On the other hand, I LOVE summer and I feel (like every year) I didn't get to the beach enough, I didn't have enough cookouts, I didn't go get ice cream often enough.... you know the summer stuff! But, since I have absolutely no control over the seasons, I'll be ready for the the cool fall days to roll in. In the meantime, I'll enjoy every last second of summer!

Be watching... I've been making rings! They are too cute and I want to share with you!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2010-08-19T10:51:00.003-04:00

So here is my favorite sandwich. So delicious. It's a California Ruben. Easy!

Just butter your bread like you would for a grilled cheese sandwich. Ingredients for mine are turkey, swiss cheese, red onion and coleslaw. Turkey and coleslaw are the main ingredients. Add whatever else you like!

Put the cheese on first (ymmmm melty and goey), then the turkey, then the onion and pile on the coleslaw. Top with another buttered slice of bread and grill until golden brown. Quite tasty with a few potato chips. Now I'm hungry for lunch!!

Another favorite thing of mine is daughter #2. First of all let me say that daughter #1 is also a favorite of mine (I don't want any family feuds here). But, daughter #1 is 19, living on her own, working a full time job, taking some classes and isn't around much. Therefore, not many recent photos of daughter #1, whom I love very much. That said, daughter #2 LOVES the camera!

Isn't she cute? So, daughter #2 just finished drivers training and has her permit. She drives us everywhere. I do wish I had a break peddle on the passenger side of my car. Her daddy surprised her with this.

A cute little black car. It needs some work, but she has been out there every day cleaning and helping dad fix it up! The deal is that dad will drive it to and from work for the next year and let her drive it when we run errands, but it really is her car when she turns 16. Luckly little girl, isn't she?!

And ladies, can I just leave you with my very favorite thing?

Ain't nothing sexier than a man doing housework. Don't you agree? Ok, so he's not dressed too sexy (nice socks there dude), but hey, he's mine and he's cleaning. I'm a happy girl!!

Critters

2010-08-18T16:04:00.005-04:00

Remember these?

Walking sticks or stick bugs? I haven't seen one since I was a kid. This guy was on the siding one day as I went out on the deck. Pretty cool, huh?

------------------------------------------------

How about these guys? Pretty ugly fox, wouldn't you say?

We had two fox in the yard last year that were beautiful, full fir, big tails, playing together. These two look like they have mange or something. I feel bad for them, but they aren't too cute.

--------------------------------------------

And then, my favorite.... my twin bambi's!

How cute are they? Didn't see the mama this day, they were just hanging out in the back yard having a snack. Just made my day!

Road Construction

2010-08-17T15:43:00.005-04:00

YUCK!! This is my road, my driveway and my yard. Double Yuck!! They are installing sewer lines.

We explored the equipment on Sunday evening. Greg and Allison loved it. Me, not so much. It's very dirty....

Us girly girls don't really enjoying playing in the dirt!!

Yeserday morning as I left for work -- a lot of guys in front of my house.

This morning's view out my living room window. Nice. Big hole in my front yard. Not to mention the gross dirty windows and siding on my house!! We will have a major cleaning project when this is over!! AND I cannot even open my windows to let the fresh air in. The dust just flies.

Can you tell I'm not enjoying this little road construction project on my road!!

What a week...

2010-08-06T14:31:00.003-04:00

Wow - it has really been a week. Starting at 3:30 a.m. on Monday morning when my mother-in-law passed away. She has been ill and we knew it would be soon. We were prepared and we had said our goodbyes. I told her nine hours before she died that I would do my best to take care of her boys. It doesn't make it easier. We are taking comfort in the fact that she is no longer in pain, she is with her mom and her sister, she is watching over us. Among other things, I will miss her potato salad, she made the best. Allison will miss her favorite peanut butter pie - mine just doesn't compare. Kaitlin will miss shopping and cooking with grandma. Greg will miss the long talks he and his mom used to have. Greg's dad will miss his wife, his best friend for over 50 years.

I've spent this entire week planning the luncheon. No funeral, no visitation. Greg's dad doesn't want it. But he wanted a luncheon and that is what he is getting. I've written the obituary, planned the menu, bought the food, sorted the photos and made the photo boards. I am taking care of Paula's boys. I promised her.

Greg's mom and dad at our wedding, May 23, 1987

Greg's mom and our girls on Mothers Day, 2006

Greg and his mom, Mother's Day 2004

Rest in Peace, Paula. You will be missed.

Bon Jovi Weekend!!!

2010-08-01T20:43:00.004-04:00

Finally! My Bon Jovi weekend in Chicago arrived!! We took the train from Kalamazoo to Chicago.

We had lunch at a Thai restaurant when we arrived and then wandered the streets a little. Cocktails in our room as we got dolled up and then took the bus to Soldier Field.

After a local band played, Kid Rock rocked the stadium. He was amazing! I couldn't believe how great it was. He must have played an hour and left the crowd wanting more for sure!

And then the big event! Bon Jovi took the stage after 9:30 and played until midnight nonstop. They were unbelievable and energetic and wonderful! They sang a lot of oldies mixed in with the new songs and I knew the words to every song and sang loud and proud!!! It was a blast.

Kid Rock joined the band on stage to sing a cover version of Bob Seeger's Old Time Rock and Roll. It was such fun! And the band went out to a circle stage in the midst of the crowd. It was so very cool! I was wishing I was sitting right there!!

If Kim and Lisa weren't convinced before the concert, they are now. Seeing Bon Jovi live is something you will never forget and want to do again and again! And I will.... until the next tour!

It's time!

2010-07-30T08:55:00.002-04:00

I'm off to Chicago with two wonderful friends for a hot date with Bon Jovi!
Stories and photos to follow....

Button Necklaces

2010-07-25T20:49:00.003-04:00

I've been doing a lot of "blog stalking" in the last couple of days. I love to visit all different blogs. I love blogs where people are decorating, cooking, baking and my favorites are crafting. I saw this button necklace idea here at The Nap Time Journal.

I found the buttons at Joann Fabric's and something similar at Michael's all priced at $2.99. This is where the weekly coupons will come in handy. I want to check Hobby Lobby's button supply too.

I had a harder time finding the bale's to make a necklace, but did finally find them at Michael's.
I didn't have the E6000 glue that was suggested, but I had an instant bond glue for jewelry. It worked just fine... however, please do not let glue get onto your skin.

My fingers may never been the same!

All you have to do is glue the buttons on top of each other and glue on a bale. For now I will use a black cord or a silver chain that I already have. But, wouldn't it be so cute with a matching beaded chain? Yes, it would!

SUPER CUTE!!! I love it!

Now of the three below, I only glued the middle black and white one. The other two I used thread and fastened the three buttons together that way and glued the bale on the back.
I Loves it!!!

I'm off now to pick out outfits to wear to work this week that will go with my new necklaces!! Yippee!

Scenes from Summer 2010

2010-07-22T11:40:00.006-04:00

Happy Summer!

Me and my brother, Rick's Birthday celebration and his puppy Elvis!

4th of July with just my sweetie and me! Fireworks!

South Haven Beach Day with good friends!

Annual Toes in the Sand photo!

Allison's result of a new bathing suit and not enough sunscreen.... ouch!

All dressed up for a summer wedding on a beach.

Vacation at Diamond Lake!

I hadn't seen one of these bugs in forever... A stick bug, walking stick... what do you call them?

Hope everyone is having a hot and sunny summer!

Prayers Please

2010-07-19T16:12:00.002-04:00

Please keep my mother-in-law and our family in your thoughts as we continue on a very sad journey. Greg's mom has end-stage liver disease and we've put her in Rose Arbor Hospice. It is the most beautiful facility with the most caring staff. She is having a good day today. We pray for those... days of peace and tranquility. Thank you!

I'll post some photos very soon of my recent beach day and vacation at the lake. It was a short vacation, but a wonderful relaxing three days of sun and water!

Bambi

2010-07-07T15:51:00.005-04:00

I love my Bambi and her momma. When they are in the yard, I get very excited! They just make me happy. We have another momma with twins too! I kept saying that I don't even need a tv - we'll just watch the Discovery show in my backyard!

Weekend in Review

2010-06-28T09:01:00.002-04:00

Humid. Stormy. Rum. Cleaning. Baking. Family. McDonalds. Pizza. Laughs. Friends. Computers. Shopping. Hair. Mall. Sleep. Read. Music. Crafts. Sunshine. Laundry.
Never - Long - Enough!!! :)

I Have Nothing to Report.

2010-06-23T14:36:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry. I want to blog. I just don't have anything exciting to blog about!
Allison is in Cedar Point with friends. I bought a new dress last night for an upcoming wedding. The deer have been in our yard every day. I'm getting a hair cut and color on Friday. It's been raining and storming a lot in Michigan. I wish I was home napping, scrapping or even cleaning instead of at work. We are taking my dad to Red Lobster for dinner tonight as his father's day gift. There. You are all caught up on my life! Nothing exciting. I told ya!!

President Obama's Visit

2010-06-11T11:04:00.006-04:00

Allison and I were lucky enough to get tickets to see President Obama give the Kalamazoo Central class of 2010 commencement speach. The energy in the arena was like nothing I've ever felt before. Regardless of your feelings of Obama, he is our President. And how often are we ever going to be in the same "room" as the President of the United States! It was a great honor for those graduates to hear the speach and shake hands and hug the President. I feel very blessed to have been able to be present while history was being made!

Good-bye is Hard

2010-06-05T18:55:00.003-04:00

Greg lost his best friend this week. John was an amazing guy. Always smiling and joking. Always there for Greg. They fished and hunted together. They started out racing go-carts, then remote control cars and then stock cars. They dirt biked together. They worked on other peoples race cars and Greg's drag race car together. They talked about everything. We vacationed with them and had many wonderful times together as families and couples. John and Greg were truly best friends. John passed away on Sunday. His funeral was yesterday. It's been a hell of a week. A week of crying, anger and trying to understand. Probably the most emotional week I've ever had. Please pray for John's family. And please pray for Greg.

It's Our Anniversary!

2010-05-23T18:45:00.004-04:00

Happy Anniversary Greg! I LOVE you as much today, if not more,
than I did 23 years ago!!

It is a beautiful day in Michigan - hot and sunny! We took a trip to Lowes and Menards and got some flowers and a tomato plant. We got our pretties planted and then had a delicious dinner of chicken on the grill and cheesy potatoes and green beans... YUMMY!!

My Crafty Self

2010-05-19T11:21:00.005-04:00

I finally have the craft bug again! Seems to go in streaks. So, here is what I've been up

to the last couple of weeks!

Total Silpada copy. I LOVE this set and it was fun to make.

Simple silver strechy beaded bracelet and a silver and gold set

to match my new Silpada ring!

Very ugly door with a crack in it... always bothered me.

Very pretty door with a hanging that matches my kitchen!

Close up of door hanging. Very skinny and flat against the door. I'm hoping for a nice family photo this summer and a black and white 5x7 would be perfect on the red spot.

My craft room.... I brought home layouts that were on the walls at the scrapbook store

and put them up on my wall to add some color. I like it!

Place card holders for Beth's upcoming bridal luncheon. The little shot glasses will be filled with colorful hard coated mints. They turned out waaaaay cuter than I thought they would. I'm so excited about them!!

Beth's gift for her upcoming bridal luncheon.

I love the way this turned out and I hope she will too.

And last but not least.... just because she is soooooo darn cute!!
It's my chubby bubby Zoe in-the-box!

It's a sunny warm Wednesday in Michigan! Have a great week my blogging friends!

I Love My Kitty!

2010-05-06T08:41:00.005-04:00

This is Zoe...

She has quite the life...

She loves us and we love her...

Masterpiece Memories

2010-05-05T09:18:00.003-04:00

This is the name of my scrapbook store. Not mine, like I own it, but mine because I love it. I work there a few times a month and the girls are like my family. I'm sad to say that the store will be closing in the very near future. I will miss the store and the product very much. It will be hard to shop at another store, not to mention that there isn't another LSS in Kalamazoo (only big box stores). Life is all about change and we are in for a change. Not one that any of us want, but a necessary one. I'll miss "my fun job", but I'll miss the girls more. I see parties, scrapbooking nights and BBQs in our future. Masterpiece Memories.... that is what we'll take with us!

Allison, the Family Photographer

2010-04-30T13:36:00.005-04:00

Allison is 14. She was just accepted into the Education for Employment Photography class for next year. She is so excited! Allison is a great photographer and has a very creative eye. I'm sharing some of my favorites that she has taken.

What do you think? Talented, huh?

Wow...

2010-04-29T10:07:00.006-04:00

It's been more than a month since I've posted on my blog. I'm sorry! I keep in touch really well on Facebook and occasionally on Twitter. I really need to try to be better! Today I'm going to enjoy looking at the blogs that I love and have missed. Here are just random photos of the last month of my life!

My teenage Beauty Queen and me!

My dear sweet hubby traded his camaro for a truck.

A drag racing truck... watch out race fans - here comes Greg!

Here's Elvis!!! My brother's family just got this adorable

Golden-Doodle puppy named Elvis. I'm in mad love with this dog!!

My dad, Elvis and Rick.

Kaitlin and Elvis on Easter Sunday.

I'm still obsessed with BON JOVI!! I'm not counting down

the days just yet, but can hardly wait for July 30th. Chicago,

Bon Jovi, two awesome friends... really something to look forward to!

The 2010 Food Marketing Conference! We put so much work

into this conference and it was a huge success!

The Marketing Department Banquet. Me and my girls, Jen and Sara

and then us with the work study students being our usual goofy selves!

So, I've been busy the last month or so! I also been crafty and made

some jewelry, scrapbooked a few pages and helped my friend Beth

make her wedding invitations. Life is good, it's full and happy and

my goal is to try and share all the love

with my friends in blog land!! Stay tuned...

The bad blogger award....

2010-03-04T09:23:00.001-05:00

... goes to me!
Sorry! Work is so busy. My conference is March 24-25. I have no time to blog and really not much to blog about, except work!! I'll try to be better after the conference. Until we meet again....

12 Hour Crop, Moving Child and New Room

2010-02-21T18:40:00.007-05:00

Well, hello my blogging friends. My 19 year old daughter has officially moved out. She and her best friend have moved into their new apartment. They are both exhausted and excited! Greg is currently at the grocery store with them buying them their first few groceries! It's just too cute! We said we'd help where we can, but they are on their own. This is a good thing for all of us!

So, because she has moved out of her room, I once again have a scrapbook room! No, I didn't waste any time! I was very happy to have a room again. I had my stuff in the basement, and then a table in my bedroom... just not efficient. So... here it is. It's pretty plain right now. I'll keep working on it over the next few weeks. When we first moved here this room was my scrapbook room. Kaitlin wanted to have her room in the basement. But after a while she realized she didn't like that and I really wanted her up with us. So, we moved everything around. Now that she has moved out, I am excited to have my room back!

Yesterday I went to an all day crop with my friends. We had a fun day. Tons of snacks and laughs and several layouts complete! That's always a good day!

And just because she's so darn cute... Zoe is catching the mouse!

I'm now off to do the dinner dishes, finish folding the laundry, do my nails and get ready for work tomorrow while watching good Sunday night tv! Have a wonderful week everyone!

Super Bowl Sunday

2010-02-08T08:59:00.008-05:00

So, just ignore that I haven't blogged in almost a month. Sorry. I'm a busy girl at work right now. And at home. Here's why...

I have to feed the fish.

And of course there is all the piles of laundry.

And then there is the belly that must be scratched.

This is very important!

I made Valentines. You might get one.

Isn't that a good reason for not blogging?

And then there is that little obession of mine.

And it was Superbowl Sunday after all. How could I go to a party without bringing something homemade? I just couldn't. Here's my cupcake football. Don't laugh, I know it's the funniest looking football ever, but hey... I was getting into it!!

And just before we left for the Superbowl party, Greg spotted this.

We new they were around all the time. Check out my back yard highway!

So, that's why I haven't blogged in almost a month. Forgive me?

I'll try to do better from now on. At least once a week, ok? Thanks, friends!

Here's what I've Been Up To!

2010-01-18T08:30:00.006-05:00

So far this morning, this is all I've done!

I've been working and working and working! The big Food Marketing Conference is just around the corner and I have so much to do!

This weekend we had the chance to go to dinner and catch up with our dear old friends Denise and Roger. We've been friends since high school and with our busy lives and children, it's been tricky to get together. But, our kids our growing up and it's our time now! Can't wait for more fun evenings!

I've baked...

And beaded...

And scrapped...

Zoe loves to help mommy hold the pages while I take pictures!

And crafted more home decor...

I've also been hurting. I have a knee cap issue (it has a long technical name that I can't remember!) I have a very hard time walking my first few steps after sitting for any amount of time. So, I limp a bit. This leads to ankle and foot pain. It's a nasty cycle of pain. Motrin is my friend right now. I've been going to physical therapy. So far it hasn't made me feel better, but I'm hopeful it will. So, after everything I've been doing, this is what I should be doing right now...

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. day and WMU is closed. I have the day off. I have no official plans, but am happy to still be in my pjs and just putzing around the house!

Sorry I've been MIA from my blog, but now you see why!

Have a wonderful Monday blogland friends!

Time....

2010-01-12T14:20:00.004-05:00

I need more time! I have no time to post on my blog! I have photos to upload and stories to tell and no time to do it. I'm sorry I'm a bad blogger. I'm going to try to make it a priority to catch up this weekend. Don't hold me to it, but I'll try!

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-31T12:23:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year's Eve Day to all my blogger friends! My wish for you is a happy, healthly, hopeful, safe and fun 2010! We are spending New Years Eve with dear friends and I know the evening will be filled with good food and lots of laughs! Today I am working (yes working on vacation) and doing laundry and making a dessert for tonight. I'd love to dig into my scrapbooking stuff, but it is last on the to-do list today! Lots of cold and snow are in the forecast here in SW Michigan for tonight and the rest of the weekend. Be safe and have fun...

Lazy Vacation Days

2009-12-29T10:28:00.005-05:00

Happy Tuesday After Christmas!! Here are a few shots from our Christmas day.

We opened stocking and gifts at home. We gave the girls a Wii on Christmas eve and they both got a camera from Santa. It was a very nice and relaxing Christmas morning.

Here are my beauties just before we left for the day.

Our next stop was Grandma and Grandpa Youtzy's house for a yummy turkey and ham dinner and loads of gifts. This is a photo of all the Youtzy's grandkids.

Our last stop was my brother Rick's house where the Riggin family gathered our Christmas. We played the stealing game with gifts and then ate a wonderful turkey dinner. Luckily we all like turkey!!

And before we left Rick's house, we took a family photo. It was a beautiful Christmas day!

I'm on vacation until January 7, 2010. Yeah!! Yesterday the girls and I did returns and shopped. I was exhausted. Two teenage girls at the mall is a bit much for this old mom!! Today I'm going to putz around the house all day. Tomorrow I work at the scrapbook store and New Years Eve we are going to spend time with friends having dinner, playing games and ringing in the new year!

I love Vacation!!

Lucky, Lucky Me!!!

2009-12-17T10:26:00.004-05:00

On Thanksgiving Day I won a gift basket from the amazing scrapbook artist Donna Downey. I was so excited to receive it earlier this week. It was full of amazing scrapbooking supplies! I don't even know where to begin! And the coolest thing was original art work from Donna. It is beautiful and I LOVE it!

Thank you so much to my friend Patti, who posted the contest on her Facebook! I have a little something to share with you!! And thank you to Donna and her husband Bill who were very kind to me and contacted me a couple of times. I feel so lucky!

And... I actually plan to scrapbook over Christmas vacation!!! Yeah!

SNOW DAY!

2009-12-10T06:50:00.002-05:00

We are under a blizzard warning. It's COLD, Snowy and Blowing.... that means WMU is closed!!! The University doesn't close often and this is the last week before exams. So you know it's bad out for WMU to be closed. This means a day at home for me!! I'm going to bake and craft all day. No cleaning. No laundry. No housework at all. Just baking and crafting for me! Yeah!!! I hope you enjoy your snow day too...

Christmas Tree Hunt

2009-12-07T16:27:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we went on our annual hunt for the perfect Christmas Tree. It is one of my favorite days of the season! The weather was cold and sunny and perfect! It took us about 20 minutes and there she was.... all tall and pretty and perfectly uneven branches for decorating! I LOVE it!

Such silliness and fun!!!

Crafts and Cookies

2009-12-04T12:42:00.007-05:00

I'm in the Holiday spirit! I saw this idea on someone's blog... really I must be better at paying attention. So, I'm sorry I cannot give credit where it's due. This is not my idea, but my version. If you know me, you know I'm no where near perfect and in fact when crafting, tend to like the imperfections that make it homemade. So, this is now hanging in my guest bathroom. LOVE it!

It is simply punched squares of coordinating patterned scrapbook paper in an 11" x 17" frame. I die cut "Be Merry" and glued it on. I think I will do this for each season/holiday for this bathroom. Maybe next time it will be a little more even!! I don't care - I love it!

This idea I saw somewhere too.... can't even remember if it was online or on tv. Anyway, I bought a big container of shatter proof ornaments and I strung them on a hanger. First I hot glued the tops on so I didn't have any falling ornaments. I hated working with the hanger and will probably end up remaking it and putting it on a thinner wire. I don't have the hand strength to twist the hanger, although it holds all the ornaments nicely. This wreath greets you as you come in my front door.

Last night I made one of my favorite Christmas Cookies - Nestle Crunch Snowballs. YUMMY!! They are a perfect little butter cookie with Nestle Crunch bars in the dough and then rolled in powdered sugar. What could be better? Why sharing with you of course! ENJOY!

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
5 (1.55 oz. each) NESTLÉ CRUNCH Candy Bar, chopped(about 15 snack size are perfect)
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 375° F. BEAT butter, 3/4 cup powdered sugar and salt in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in vanilla extract; gradually beat in flour. Stir in chopped Crunch bars. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 10 to 12 minutes or until cookies are set and bottoms are lightly browned. SIFT 1/4 cup powdered sugar over hot cookies on baking sheet; cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes. Carefully remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar if desired. Store in airtight containers. Freezes really well.

Times Have Changed

2009-12-03T08:31:00.002-05:00

You know times have changed when your 14 year old daughter sends you an instant message on Facebook that she is ready to be tucked in! I couldn't stop laughing!! I was in my bedroom right next to hers. I was on the laptop on Facebook and she had her Ipod Touch and was also on Facebook. It was really funny!

I'm A Winner!!!

2009-11-29T20:15:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited! I won a give away on Donna Downey's blog on Thanksgiving Day!
Check it out!
http://donnadowney.typepad.com/simply_me/2009/11/i-am-thankful-for-you-giveaway-basket.html

The goodies look amazing and I cannot wait to get it and check it out. I'm so very thankful to my friend Patti who posted the giveaway on facebook. I'm going to share some of the surprises with her! I always say I never win anything... can't say that anymore!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. We were with family all day. Greg and my brothers and nephews headed up north for a weekend of hunting and the girls and I were on our own. I spent way too much time messing with my laptop which had a virus and then somehow lost its wireless card. Frustrating, but now fixed. Thank you Austin!

I decorated the house, did a little shopping (but not at 5 a.m!), saw a movie (The Blind Side - excellent) and made a very cool ornament wreath. Tonight I have a headache that is trying to become a migraine. I'm off to bed in hopes it goes away!

Paper Ornaments

2009-11-19T13:42:00.005-05:00

This year the LSS where I work, Masterpiece Memories is putting a decorated tree in the Festival of Trees. This is a huge fundraiser for the local Junior League. Our tree theme is "Cut and Paste" and all ornaments on the tree are made of scrapbook paper. This is a fun, but time consuming project! Kim put lots of hours into this and our tree looks amazing! I made hundreds of paper beads, sealed and glittered them and then strung them for the garland on the tree. Let me just say, there is glitter in places where glitter shouldn't be!!!

Above are the last batch of paper beads that I made for the tree. They are so colorful,

shiny and pretty!!

These were fun to make too, and I put beads on some of them. They didn't work well on the tree for the Festival, so we'll use them on the store tree. Great way to use up left over

Christmas scrapbook paper.

Here are a few of my favorite ornaments that made it on the tree. The folded paper wreaths are amazing and the little paper ribbon bows are just too cute!

And TA-DA!! The finished tree. So cute!!

Let the Christmas Season begin!

Tatertot Casserole

2009-11-11T10:24:00.004-05:00

I made one of our families favorite dishes last night -- tatertot casserole. The recipe is so easy and it's a quick weeknight dinner. Last night it was Greg, Allison and I home for dinner. Usually, we'd have leftovers (which I LOVE for lunch the next day), but for some reason it tasted so very good that we ate the entire casserole!! Yes, we are pigs. No leftovers today!

Tatertot Casserole

1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 can cream mushroom soup
milk
1 can green beans
1 bag frozen tatertots
cheddar cheese

In a casserole dish, mix a little milk with the soup to make a sauce. Add the browned ground beef, tatertots and green beans; mix well. Add about a handful of shredded chesse, mix in. Then sprinkle another big handful of cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake at 350 degress for 35 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy!

(How do you like my technical recipe... a little milk -- a handful of cheese... sorry - that's how I cook!!)

Another little hint for quick weeknight dinners. I cook several pounds of ground beef at one time and freeze one pound containers. When I'm ready to make a casserole, chili or tacos, I just pull the already cooked beef out of the freezer and microwave for a minute or so and then add to recipe. Easy peasy!

The Circle

2009-11-10T12:01:00.002-05:00

Bon Jovi's "The Circle" is out today! I'm on my way to Target....

Best Day Ever!!

2009-11-05T16:53:00.003-05:00

I got my BON JOVI tickets today!! Woo Hoo!!

Chicago in July with Lisa and Kim. I cannot wait!

Halloween Party

2009-11-02T11:18:00.004-05:00

Happy November everyone... can you even believe it's November? I really cannot. Christmas shopping this month. Wow!

Saturday night Greg and I had a few friends over for Halloween fun. Jello Shots for everyone!

We had good food, good friends, lots of laughs and several cocktails!!

And, I was so very excited to have about 15 trick or treaters visit the house! I love little costumed children asking for candy. Such a fun night!

And today, my poor Greg has a terrible ear ache. Possible double ear infection. Off to the doctors office this afternoon. He is so dizzy that I will drive him. And, who just called me, but Allison. "I think I'm getting sick again". NO NO NO!! We MUST not be sick in our house again.

MUST NOT BE SICK.

Lysol wipes, here I come.

Riggin Family Wedding

2009-10-27T11:42:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we made another quick trip to Tennessee to attend my niece Melanie's wedding. What a beautiful ceremony and fun reception. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family. I was missing my mom just terribly and as it turns out, I wasn't the only one, of course. I am so glad that we were able to be there for Melanie and Clayton's special day. Enjoy the photos!

Scrapbook Layouts

2009-10-18T14:41:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I went to a 12 hour crop. It was great! I got 8 2-page layouts done My good friend, yummy treats and scrapbooking. The perfect day! Here is what I accomplished. (Just click the photo to enlarge it.)

The girls Spring photo shoot in the backyard.

Allison's trip to Binder Park Zoo with friends.

This was the mini class I signed up for. This two page layout was included in the cost of our crop. I love it! Now I just have to find the perfect photos to go here. Zoe is thanking me for putting the album on the floor so she has something to lay on!

This is my birthday. The close up is the detail that I did on the photo mats of a few pictures. Thanks to my dear friend friend Patti who posted a layout she had done with this simple idea to add a little interest to the page. That's my brother Rick and his wife Cathy. It was Rick's birthday celebration too!

This was a fun layout to complete. It was a contest, using the directions and the sketch that Amy gave us, we had to come up with a layout. Everyone then voted on the finished layouts. I didn't win the prize, but I got an awesome layout done in an hour, so I was very pleased!

Diamond Lake Vacation

Fall Decor

2009-10-14T10:55:00.006-04:00

So, last weekend I got the last of the fall/Halloween decorations out. I love to decorate for Fall. It is truly my favorite season here in Michigan.

My newest little decor is from our summer trip to Shipshewana. Aren't these little guys cute?

I'm a silk flower junkie. This fun Halloween vase is in my kitchen with these beauties adding color to a corner.

And here is a cute pumpkin trio that lights up with batteries and my favorite Partylite tealight holders for fall. I love getting these out every year.

The main floor bathroom gets hit with fallness too! But my family knows they'd best not use the cute towel... it's just for looks (and company of course!)

And don't laugh, but even the laundry room isn't safe! Hey, I spend an awful lot of time in here - might as well enjoy the fall colors while I'm there!! I was excited to get these cool autumn picks half off at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago.

And decorating wouldn't be complete at my house without a candy dish! And this time of year would be incomplete without Brach's Autumn mix. Those pumpkin candies are to die for!!

And because I was so domestic last weekend, I also scrapped a few pages!!

Isn't this precious! It's my mom with my brother's. I just love how proper and ladylike she was. And the twins are just too darn cute in their little matching outfits! I used the new Basic Grey fall line for this page.

These two pages are for Kaitlin's 2003 book. More Basic Grey papers - I'm in love with Basic Grey! On our annual camping trip in Petoskey we took a couple of day trips. One to the Cross in the Wood, which is just an amazing site. So peaceful and comforting. It was a place my parents took me many times and I couldn't not take my kids there. And then the page below is Charlevoix. Another favorite place of my up north. Just a beautiful pier and the boats are amazing. I love up north Michigan and I love scrapping it too!

I'm getting ready for this coming weekend! I'm going to a 12 hour crop on Saturday and I cannot wait! I have all my photos organized and my papers and embelishments packed. An entire day of doing what I love - yeah!

Soup and Brownies

2009-10-10T19:17:00.004-04:00

All I can say is Yummmm... and you really should make these soon!

Caramel Pretzel Brownie Bites

Brownie
1 German Chocolate Cake mix
1 egg
1/2 cup butter

Pretzel Crumble
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 cup crushed pretzels

Caramel Drizzle
About 15-20 caramels
2-3 Tbsp. evaporated milk

1 cup milk chocolate chips

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, egg and butter until smooth. Scoop batter into mini muffin tins sprayed with non stick spray. Scoop about 1 Tbsp. pretzel crumble on the top of the brownie batter. Pat down lightly.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
Immediately after taking out of the oven, drizzle the caramel over the top of the brownie and press in a few chocolate chips.

ENJOY!!

And, ok, because we can't live on these treats alone, I made "homemade" chicken soup too!

I love this easy recipe. It takes simple ingredients that I usually have in the pantry and makes a quick easy soup that my whole family likes.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup
5 2/3 cups water
1 pkg. long grain & wild rice mix
1 envelope chicken noodle soup mix
1 celery rib, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1/3 chopped onion
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup cubed cooked chicken

In a large saucepan, combine water, rice with contents of seasoning packet and soup mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the celery, carrot and onion. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cream of chicken soup and chicken. Cook 8 minutes longer and enjoy -- approx. 5 servings.

The domestic goddess is now tired. I must put my feet up and rest for a while!!

Sick House

2009-10-06T22:03:00.003-04:00

Yes, it's the sick house. Greg says he wants to go "home"... his mom's home where there are no germs!!! Allison has the flu and bronchitis. She is now on antibiotics and cough syrup. I haven't felt good all day. I have had this annoying cough for three weeks, since I had the flu. But, today it's has been a non-stop cough and I'm feeling very blah. I am assuming that I now have bronchitis too. Wonderful! Stay away from the Youtzy house -- far, far away!

Paper Beads

2009-10-05T11:47:00.004-04:00

Thanks to my blogger friend Becky at http://infarrantlycreative.blogspot.com/ I tried something new and fun (a bit messy, but cool). I made paper beads. Those that know me know I spend lots money and time on beading. I choose some coordinated scrapbook paper and went to town.

I rolled my paper strips up and glued the ends with the Diamond Glaze.
Then I used a small paint brush and put two coats of the Diamond Glaze all over the beads and let them dry. Small hint here - toothpicks would be handy! I didn't realize I didn't have any until it was too late! I used the inside of an ink pen, which worked fine.

After the beads were dry and oh so pretty I strung them on some wire with silver spacers and then used the black tubing to hide the wire. Very cool necklace. I'm anxious to play around with other colors and designs of scrapbook paper. These aren't by any means perfect - what first attempt is! But I love the uniqueness of it. Thanks Becky - keep on keeping on with those cool ideas!

I'm home today with a sickie. Poor Allison has a BAD case of the flu. They don't test here, unless you go to the hosptial. Her doctor said to assume she has H1N1 and treat the symptoms. Poor thing is miserable.

Birthday!

2009-10-02T12:59:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday to my baby! Allison is fourteen today!

I just cannot believe it! Hard to imagine that this photo was taken 14 years ago!
(Allison took a picture of a picture instead of letting me scan it -- but you get the idea!)

Tonight we'll have her favorite dinner (Shephards Pie) and then she and friends will go to the Homecoming Football game. After the game we'll have cake and ice cream. Oh, and PRESENTS! The best part of birthdays!

Love you, Allison!!

Smile

2009-09-24T15:16:00.002-04:00

I just LOVE this song.
Smile by Uncle Kracker

Lyrics:

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me
Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade

Chorus:
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile

Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack and just like that
You steal away the rain and just like that

Chorus

Don't know how I lived without you
Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile

Chorus

Here is the link to the video:
http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?artist=1111171&vid=426988

Enjoy!

I Feel Like Baking

2009-09-21T14:22:00.003-04:00

So, today its hot and humid! Not a fallish day... but, nonetheless, I feel like baking. I've had the baking bug all weekend.

Sunday I made homemade donut holes from a recipe I found on Songberries blog http://songberries.blogspot.com/2009/09/golden-puffs.html. My mouth just waters at her daily recipes. These were yummy! I never deep fry anything, so I was a little nervous about how they'd turn out - no worries, we loved them!

Then Sunday afternoon (my baking bug still present) I made Greg a pineapple upside down cake - his fav. Just a box mix of pineapple cake, and then I used crushed pineapple on the bottom (top) instead of rings. This way you get a bite of pineapple in every bite. Very enjoyable.

Today, I'm busy visitng all kinds of food blogs. Check out http://thehungryhousewife.blogspot.com/ So much awesome food!

And how about http://www.bakerella.com/ Wow!!

Then there is Jennifer at http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/. I am SO going to make those Caramel-Coconut Fudge Brownies!!

I'm pretty sure I've gained 10 pounds just by browsing through these awesome blogs!

Enjoy visiting the blogs and let me know when you've found a keeper receipe!

A Quick Trip

2009-09-10T13:02:00.008-04:00

Here are a few photos of our trip to Tennessee:

The rock walls just amazed Allison! And the rolling hills were beautiful!

The reason for our trip was to celebrate the marriage of my nephew Tyler and his beautiful new bride Tristin. It was wonderful to get to know her. They are the perfect match for each other!

Here are two family shots with the bride and groom.

And here is Allison with her favorite cousin, Tyler and her newest cousin, Tristin!

These are just shots of cousins...

And lots of love for Papa!!

And lastly, my baby and me just chillin' at the party:

We had a great time. I'm a little disappointed in myself that I didn't get any photos of Greg and I or many with the other guests at the party. I was focused on seeing the kids I don't see much and Allison wanted her picture with each cousin that was there and then I was drinking and socializing... and well, you know how it goes!!

I love my family.

Headed South

2009-09-03T10:49:00.002-04:00

It will be a quick trip to Tennessee, but it will be packed full of fun!
Going to Franklin Tennessee to visit my brother and his family. My dad is already there. We are celebrating my nephew Tyler's wedding that took place last weekend. I cannot wait!
Working until noon today, home to do laundry, pack, make cookies and finish some jewelry. I hope to even have an hour to sit in the sun on the deck!
Have a wonderful Holiday weekend, all my blogger friends.
I'll post photos of the trip next week!

Here Comes the Bride!

2009-09-01T09:20:00.005-04:00

My nephew Tyler was married last Saturday in Philadelphia. He is the only Riggin boy in a big family of girls and the first of my parents grandchildren to marry. We weren't able to go to the wedding, but my neice Kelli sent me many photos. It looks like they had a wonderful wedding day!

Tristin & her Dad

Tyler, my nephew

The Bride and Groom during vows

The wedding party

The Dance!

Luckily we will be able to go to their Tennessee reception this weekend. We leave Friday morning and cannot wait to see the bride and groom and hear the details of their day. It will be a very fun, family filled, party weekend at my brothers house! Dad flies out tomorrow and Greg, Allison and I will drive on Friday. Poor Kaitlin cannot get off of work, and will not be able to go with us. I'll take tons of photos for her to see.

I cannot wait to be with the family and get out of the Zoo for a few days! The rest of this week will be spent getting ready for the road trip!

Weekend In Review

2009-08-24T12:56:00.003-04:00

Busy and fun weekend review:

Friday - Shipshewanna with Luann and Cheri from work! What a perfect day for shopping. I spent too much in the bead store, but otherwise, we had fun roaming in all the little shops and eating.... JoJo's pretzels and then on to Essenhaus (however you spell it!) for a yummy chicken dinner. Good friends and a fun day!

Saturday - up early to work at the scrapbook store. Would you believe I got 25 Christmas cards almost done!! I'm surprised at myself and very happy with my progress!! After work I drove straight to Gun Lake. Again a day with girls from work. Luann has an adorable cottage on the lake and she invited Cheri, Betsy, Cindy and I to enjoy the day. Unfortunately the weather wasn't very cooperative, but we had a good time anyway! The boat ride around the lake was great (sweatshirt on - sweatshirt off type of ride!!) Yummy snacks and drinks and lots of laughter. Such fun!

Sunday - beading and laundry. All day!!

I was invited to do a couple of other fun things this weekend, but just couldn't fit it in. Would have loved to see Loverboy and Kansas in concert with Denise and Roger and also would have loved the good-bye party for Christine (I counted 8 bottles of champaigne - wow - they had FUN!) I was wondering why everything had to fall into one weekend when I already had a weekend full of plans!! Oh well... maybe next time!

Today is back to work and reality. The count down to students has started! I'll be glad to have them back in the building - they make the job fun!

I hope my friends in blog-land have a wonderful week!

Martini anyone?

2009-08-17T10:06:00.004-04:00

Cutest card ever!

Wish I could give credit where it's due. I totally lifted this idea off the web, but for the life of me do not know where I saw the idea. So, to whoever came up with the idea... thank you!
My sister's birthday was yesterday and we will celebrate this week. She loves a martini - only one she says!! So, she'll really like this.

A day on the Lake

2009-08-14T10:25:00.005-04:00

Good Friends...

Dream Homes...

And beautiful sunsets...

Vacation Photos

2009-08-10T16:18:00.008-04:00

Vacation Week at Diamond Lake, August 2009! Sunning, fishing, boating, scrapbooking, reading, ice cream, games, relaxing, beautiful sunsets and time together. What an awesome vacation!

Latest Project

2009-08-09T18:34:00.003-04:00

So, just before I went on vacation, I saw this idea on HGTV. I have had a blank wall in my kitchen since we've lived here. Never had an idea that I really liked and would rather have a blank wall than something I don't really like. As soon as I got home from the lake and got unpacked and settled, I headed to Hobby Lobby for supplies! I made this wall hanging out of foam core board and scrapbook paper. It is NO where near perfect!! But, not bad for my first try. I'm kind of in the home decorating mood for some reason. After I finished this project I moved a things around and now it feels new and fresh. What do you think? My photos aren't great - they are cell phone pictures. My camera broke while on vacation... so bummed about that!

These are the finished project. Once I got it on the wall, I decided to add some words and a few more strips of paper.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll post vacation photos. What a great week we had relaxing at the lake!

Time for Vacation

2009-07-30T11:12:00.003-04:00

After today, I will not be connected to my computer for one whole week! Yeah for me! Vacation starts tomorrow and I cannot wait. I will read, swim, boat, eat, drink, craft, relax and sun myself every day! It will be a different vacation for me from all the others. Greg and Kaitlin both have to work all week. We'll have a great family weekend at the lake with friends visiting both Saturday and Sunday. But, Sunday night, they will head home and Allison and I will be alone on vacation. Allison decided not to invite a friend this year, so it will be lots of mommy-daughter bonding time! I know we will enjoy our week and each other. If the weather is nasty and/or we are tired of being alone, we'll come home early. At least we have options!

So, if you need me after tomorrow, I'll be at the end of the dock, headphones in, sunglasses on, book open and diet coke in hand!! I'll come back in a week with photos!

Reminiscing

2009-07-28T10:41:00.006-04:00

The girls and I have been going through old photos. I am hoping to get some scrapping done while at the lake next week and I want to work on the girls books. I'm at year 2003 for Kaitlin and 2005 for Allison. Once I get the photos out, they love to look through them. So, they've picked a few and Allison "took pictures of her pictures" and I scanned a few. Here are my babies.

Kaitlin's 2nd Birthday party at daycare

Kaitlin with newborn sister Allison

Kaitlin and Allison Christmas 1996 (I think)

Allison isn't too sure about Santa - apparently I like Santa!

A favorite photo of mine - Allison & Emily camping in Petoskey

Allison playing in the sprinkler

Kaitlin went to Hackett's Homecoming with her friend Andrew.

Kaitlin, Miss Photogenic; probably 2004

Kaitlin at almost 16 working on her first car with daddy.

My babies are growing up so fast. It's fun to remember the "good old days" but I sure am looking forward to the years to come as well.

Bling Bling!

2009-07-22T10:47:00.004-04:00

Check out the rings I made last night -- how fun are they?

Every girl deserves a little bling in her life, right?

My Family

2009-07-21T10:54:00.005-04:00

Last week was the annual golf tournament that my brother Jeff comes "home" for. This year, due to my dads recovery, dad didn't play. My brother's played together and dad followed in a golf cart. They had a great time. The dinner Saturday night is always like a Riggin reunion. My brothers and my sister and I and our spouses always attend with my dad. It's a photo opportunity for me! The big family photo was taken by the photographer of the event. I'm hoping that he emails the photo soon! I can't wait to see it!

Jeff, Dad and Rick Dad & Me

Julie & Tom Cathy & Rick

Me & Greg Vickie & Jeff

This week Greg has dental surgery on Thursday morning. Poor guy has been in pain for days. Pain meds worked good for a few days, but they don't seem to be doing the trick as much. Especially at night. He was up several times last night. So, I'll be off Thursday with him to take care of him as he recovers! Aren't I the good wife!!! Then Friday I'm off for a vacation day. I'm hoping for a beach day... keep your fingers crossed!

Next weekend begins my one week vacation at my brother Rick's cottage. It will be a different vacation for me as Greg cannot get the whole week off and Kaitlin started a new job and won't be able to come during the week either. Allison, her friend and I will be lonely on the island. I'm praying for hot sunny weather. I'll park myself on the end of the dock with my book every day and be in heaven!! If the weather doesn't cooperate, we'll come home and spend the week doing stuff around town. Either way - it's a week off work for me!

Happy July 4th... and 5th!

2009-07-08T09:38:00.005-04:00

So, our fun July 4th turned into a lazy day at home. The weather just was not good enough to spend the day at Gun Lake with friends. It was cloudy and gloomy all day. But, I enjoyed a nap and a HGTV marathon! By about 6 p.m. the sun came out a little bit! We grilled brats and had corn on the cob... YUM. Close to dark we talked Greg into DQ before fireworks - again... YUM!! We went to the airport in Plainwell, found the perfect spot on the side of the road, put the back hatch of the truck down and enjoyed the light show.

Allison and mommy! Me and my sweetie!

My idea of dressing for the 4th! Boom!

July 5th was another lazy day. Wow, I could get used to this! After dinner at Greg's parents house, we went to my friend Patti's church for more ice cream and fireworks! The ice cream was wonderful and the fireworks were just great!

OOooooooh! Ahhhhhhhh!

Now we feel like it's officially summer!

My birthday, Visitors and Silliness

2009-07-01T16:26:00.008-04:00

So I had my birthday this week on Monday. It was a nice, uneventful day. Treats at work, gifts from good friends, hubby cooked a wonderful dinner and then cake & ice cream at my sisters house. Just a very nice day! Here are a few photos:

Last night the mommy deer and her two babies were having a blast playing in my yard. I am so in love with these creatures! They mesmerize me and I just love watching them. Of course my photos are blurry as I'm not the greatest photographer, and I'm trying to capture a moving object, and it's through a screen! But, still just so awesome to see.

A week or so ago my camera crazy baby took these silly photos of her and I. Just too fun.

I've been a bad blogger! I haven't had too much to post and I just keep forgetting to get here and write something! I'm becoming addicted to FarmTown on Facebook -- oh my goodness! What a silly thing that is, but for some reason, I have to keep checking to see if my crops are ready to be harvested!!! I've also been busy scrapbooking and beading. I also had some time to enjoy the Michigan summer. So far, so good!

Looking forward to a low key Fourth of July weekend. Hope everyone out there in Bloggerland enjoys the holiday and stays safe! God Bless the USA!

She's a Freshman!

2009-06-11T10:40:00.004-04:00

My baby is officially a Freshman in High School. OMG!!

The bell rang 10 minutes ago and she's done. It's been a busy week! Here are a few photos before the 8th grade awards ceremony and dance.

Isn't she pretty!!!

These are pictures of Allison and some of her friends at the school.

And here is Allison with Emily:

They have been friends since before they were born!!

The kids had a great time at the dance. The awards ceremony before was LONG and HOT!

Poor kids were just antsy to get out of there to the fun!

Allison won an award for good citizenship and for being on the honor roll. Yeah for her!

After the dance, about 50 Hillside students went to Applebees! I didn't pick Allison up until 11:45 p.m. - way too late for mom on a week night! Then yesterday they went to Michigan Adventure all day. When I picked her up last night, the kids were stumbling off the bus, exhausted and sunburnt! But they had fun.

These 8th grade memories will be cherished forever.

Now, mom needs to get scrapbooking these photos!!

Weekend Crafts

2009-06-01T09:24:00.004-04:00

So I was crafty this weekend! Lots of jewelry making. Do you like?

Sunday I sat down to create a scrapbook page for the store. I LOVE it!

Saturday was errands and groceries and running Allison around to friends. Saturday night was a birthday party at Main Street and then my bed and book! Sunday I was so lazy, but it felt good. I did get laundry all done, fixed a good dinner and a yummy mandarin orange cake. I also sat on the deck for a couple of hours. My face is red to prove it!
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and are off to a good start of the week!

God is Great

2009-05-21T11:50:00.006-04:00

This time of year is just another reminder of how great our God is. Spring in Michigan couldn't be more beautiful. This morning I was able to get two quick (blurry) shots of the baby robins by my front door. New life is a very cool thing. Mama Robin would really rather I not peek at her babies, but I just can't help myself!

The birds are singing, the grass is green and my flowers are blooming. Here a few treasures in my yard:

Two beautiful Lilac bushes that smell like heaven.

Lilly of the Valley. May's flower and one of my favorites. I always think of my wedding as I had Lilly of the Valley in my bouquet.

This could be a weed for all I know. It's just a very cool looking plant.

The last of the daffodils. Just such a cheery flower!

I noticed last night that the Iris is starting to bloom. Maybe in the next few days I'll get a shot of that. Iris always reminds me of my grandma. She had many in her yard and they were her pride and joy each spring!

I hope you can take some time to enjoy the Spring that God has given us. It's a time for new beginnings. I almost feel like this is the beginning of the year instead of January 1st!

Enjoy!

New Work Space

2009-05-20T15:26:00.004-04:00

Ok - so, since last September when we had a flooded basement and my carpet was ruined, I have not felt good about my craft area in the basement. It's just a basement without the carpet. It's cold and damp and dreary. I've struggled all this time trying to figure out what to do to make it better. I was either not crafting at home, or doing beading projects upstairs that don't require an area. I also put a card table in the living room a couple different times to create. Just wasn't working for me. So, while deep cleaning our bedroom a couple of weekends ago, I thought about the big space under the window. Perfect spot for my table. I didn't think Greg would like the idea, but he had no problems with it. He brought my table up and viola - a new craft space!!

I only have my basic, reach for every time, tools up here. But, usually if I'm working on a project, I gather what I need together before I begin. If I have to run down to the basement, it's there, just not as convenient. But, I don't care about convenience!! I care about a comfortable place to be creative. I have the window looking out to the woods, the tv just to the right and my radio on the bedside table. I get the best breeze with the windows open and although it isn't the brightest room in the house, it is brighter than the basement. I'm very happy and have been able to create some great graduation cards, a birthday gift and several beading projects in my new work space!

Happy Anniversary

2009-05-18T13:42:00.004-04:00

This coming Saturday, May 23, is our 22nd wedding anniversary. We have gone through a lot in the 22 years we've been married. Greg is a wonderful man. He is a great husband and father, provider and caretaker. I love him in a different way today, a better way, than I did when we were married. We were so young and naive, but very in love. A forever love. It has grown from a young, fairly carefree love into a very mature love and respect for each other. Not that it's perfect! But, he is my one and only, my best friend and I am really looking forward to the next 22 years with him!

Happy Anniversary Honey!!

jewels

2009-05-16T21:04:00.003-04:00

Today was a good day. I worked at the scrapbook store this morning and even tho we weren't extremely busy, it was a good day. When I left work, I ventured out to Vicksburg to the home of a co-worker to bead. There were four of us, tons of wonderful food and wonderful margaritas! It was such fun to be creative and make jewelry with friends. I'm so blessed to have so many fun friends! So, here's what I made. The multi stone knotted necklace is a gift. The black necklace has a matching bracelet that Imade last week. Both are kinda fun!

This is a braclet I've been working on for weeks. Just can't get it just the way I want it, but I think I'll stop here. What do you think?

Maybe I'll even have time to play some more tomorrow!

Go Greg!

2009-05-12T09:14:00.004-04:00

Greg has worked hard for two years on his 1984 Camaro. Last Friday he took the car to the Martin Speedway for "test & tune" night. The place was packed and he had a great time. He had the best time he's ever had. The photographer was taking photos and this was one of Greg doing his burn out before he takes off. Pretty cool!

BOYS WILL BE BOYS!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:46:00.002-04:00

What a great day! I got to sleep in and Greg brought me a yummy treat from Panera Bread, coffee and my paper in bed. The girls gave me beautiful cards and I napped, made a few cards and was just plain lazy!

My camera is broken. I'm so sad. I hope it can be fixed. How will I get by without my camera?!

Spring in Michigan

2009-05-07T09:21:00.004-04:00

Yes, Spring is here! The weather has been wonderful and the tulips and daffodils are blooming, the trees are turning green and my attitude is so much happier!! Another sure sign it's springtime in Michigan are the robins return. My cat surely has been happy with all the birds in the yard. One mama robin in particular has caught the attention of Zoe. She is perched on the front porch daily. Well come to find out, she has made her nest right next to our front door!

Here is the wreath that Greg gave me many years ago for our anniversary. Each spring I get it out and hang it next to the front door.

Here is the surprise inside this year!

I cannot wait to see the three little babies. We've asked the kids to not use the front door as much, or if they do, try to call out to mama robin that you are coming up the walk so she flies away before she is startled. Kaitlin came home late the other night and didn't know about our little nest. She was terrified when mama robin flew away as she approached the front door. She even came in our room at midnight to tell us we had a nest next to the front door!!

I'll try to get more photos when the babies are born. It's tricky because I don't want to get too close to the nest. Oh, and here is Zoe on her perch. She is constantly watching over mama robin!

Margarita's on May Day

2009-05-02T15:46:00.004-04:00

We had a great time last night with our good friends, Kim & Gene, Patti & Steve and Lisa & Andy. Kim had us over for a yummy dinner, super yummy margaritas and games. Not sure how many margarita's I had, but probably a few too many! I haven't had a night like that in a long time! We had such fun just talking, telling jokes (some of them bad jokes, I must say!) and playing games. It was a good break for me. I feel like all I've done in the past month or two is work, and take care of people and things. The soul needs some fun now and then! Thanks to my friends, my soul is refreshed and happy today!

Such a Bad Blogger!

2009-04-24T14:47:00.003-04:00

So, here I am... the baddest blogger! I should get an award! I have been busy, overwhelmed and just too pooped to post!

So, here's the latest scoop. My dad came home from the hospital on April 14th! The first week was rough. But, he is getting better every day. Today I went at lunch time and he was dressed! This was a first in eight weeks! For the last several days he has been able to get his breakfast and lunch and we've been taking turns having dinner with him. I try to go at lunch most days too. I'm so thankful that he is home and recovering.

I've tried to be crafty lately, but feel like I haven't accomplished too much. I made several more breast cancer thank you cards for Susan, a few birthday cards and a couple of pieces of jewlery. I just don't remember to take photos!

Today is a beautiful day. I'm hopefuly to have a cocktail on the deck tonight and enjoy the day outside for most of tomorrow. Yeah for springtime!!

I'll try to take more photos and be a better blogger in the next week!

Cool New Website

2009-04-13T11:03:00.002-04:00

Check this out! Go to www.wordle.net and have fun. Just put whatever words you want with a space inbetween and it will create an image for you. If you just want one word - it's still really cool. What a great thing to add to our blogs, scrapbook pages or anything! Have fun!

Photo Tag

2009-03-30T15:41:00.003-04:00

I"m tagging Patti and anyone else who visits my blog!

The tag how-to...

Go to the photos folder on your computer.
Go to the seventh folder of photos.
Go to the seventh photo.
Put the seventh photo on your blog along with a description.
Invite seven friends to join.

Oh how my friends will laugh at me.

My seventh folder is my Bon Jovi folder! Not only are they the photos from the concerts I've attended, but also photos I've found on line of Jon. I know... I'm a silly obsessive teenager wanna be! Oh well - it makes me happy, ok?!

This photo is one of Jon when he was on Oprah.

The band gave her one million dollars towards her housing project.

Let's see what your seventh folder holds!