I honestly can't remember the last time I made an entry. So much has happened. I left Life Academy to become the third grade teacher at CCS (Christian Community School). This is my second year in an online program at GCU (Grand Canyon University) where I am working towards my BS in Education with an emphasis in English. So far, I'm an A student. I've been working very hard balancing work, school family and oh yes, I forgot to mention the Ice Cream Truck.
I keep thinking that I want to do some inspirational blog and I may still. Perhaps I will leave little bits of advice on how to turn lemons into lemonade. I think I shall continue to post pictures from Autumn Brown Photography (which is doing rather well I might say).
Any suggestions you have out there would be appreciated.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Monday, April 22, 2013
I must be an idiot
All I want to do is one simple (you'd think) thing. I just want to take a photo, make it black and white, then select an object from that picture and add color.
Sounds easy enough.
I can do it on my iPod with the bazillion apps that I have. I can't however do it with the "expensive" software that I got for Christmas 2 years ago with the sole purpose of achieving the 'fore said mission. The big deal? When I do it on the iPod, it gets "pixilated" when I try to print. If I can figure out how to do it on my computer, problem solved.
One would think it would be as simple as 1-2-3.
It's not.
Trust me.
I've got to find someone who can translate the instructions into Blonde/English for me!
Sounds easy enough.
I can do it on my iPod with the bazillion apps that I have. I can't however do it with the "expensive" software that I got for Christmas 2 years ago with the sole purpose of achieving the 'fore said mission. The big deal? When I do it on the iPod, it gets "pixilated" when I try to print. If I can figure out how to do it on my computer, problem solved.
One would think it would be as simple as 1-2-3.
It's not.
Trust me.
I've got to find someone who can translate the instructions into Blonde/English for me!
Monday, March 25, 2013
It's been a while hasn't it?
It's been about a year. So much can happen in a year. Instead of catching you up on what you've missed I'm just going to start fresh from here on out.
I'm really REALLY going to try to keep up this time. Really.
Of course I will try and post pictures along the way. That's what I love to do.
My Monkey (You know her as Aubrielle) is growing by leaps and bounds. She's going to be a big sissy any day now!
I love that little Monkee!
I'm really REALLY going to try to keep up this time. Really.
Of course I will try and post pictures along the way. That's what I love to do.
My Monkey (You know her as Aubrielle) is growing by leaps and bounds. She's going to be a big sissy any day now!
Samantha and her beautiful family. I can't wait for the little guy's arrival!
I will do my best to keep blogging, and keep posting pics. Instead of doing two blogs (this one and the photography one) I'm combining both (as best as I can at least).
Wish me luck!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Saying Goodbye
Today sucks.
I'm not going to sugar coat it either.
I've had nothing but bad news today. I won't even tell you ALL the bad news I got today because I don't think you can handle it. I'll just share with you what I can:
My mom's dog, Maggie whom we've had for almost 14 years (so my children have literally grown up with her) is having kidney failure and will have to be put down on Monday.
God gave us this dog.
For real.
I have never in my life met a dog so well behaved or talented as Maggie.
She can never be replaced.
I love you Maggie.
I'm not going to sugar coat it either.
I've had nothing but bad news today. I won't even tell you ALL the bad news I got today because I don't think you can handle it. I'll just share with you what I can:
My mom's dog, Maggie whom we've had for almost 14 years (so my children have literally grown up with her) is having kidney failure and will have to be put down on Monday.
For real.
I have never in my life met a dog so well behaved or talented as Maggie.
She can never be replaced.
I love you Maggie.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
The Bucket List
I decided to make a bucket list. Not your typical bucket list either.
No. This is a special bucket list.
This is my bucket list if life was like Hollywood.
Yup. That's what I said...Hollywood.
So here goes...and in no particular order either.
1. Get in a fight and totally go MATRIX on somebody. You know with the whole bend over backwards dodging bullets kinda thing.
2. Go DUKES OF HAZARD at some random moment. You know, drive my car off the on-ramp (or is it on the off-ramp?)
3. Jump from roof top to roof top like in any given action movie
4. Break out into random song and dance...only everyone joins in...or those who don't just go about their business like there's nothing strange happening at all.
5. High Speed car chase (GONE IN 60 SECONDS) Ya, I know, ironic...but keep in mind it's Hollywood style so I will NOT get hurt!
There will be more added to this list at a later date. I had some really good ones but these were the only ones I could remember. Feel free to add to it if you come up with some good ones!
No. This is a special bucket list.
This is my bucket list if life was like Hollywood.
Yup. That's what I said...Hollywood.
So here goes...and in no particular order either.
1. Get in a fight and totally go MATRIX on somebody. You know with the whole bend over backwards dodging bullets kinda thing.
2. Go DUKES OF HAZARD at some random moment. You know, drive my car off the on-ramp (or is it on the off-ramp?)
3. Jump from roof top to roof top like in any given action movie
4. Break out into random song and dance...only everyone joins in...or those who don't just go about their business like there's nothing strange happening at all.
5. High Speed car chase (GONE IN 60 SECONDS) Ya, I know, ironic...but keep in mind it's Hollywood style so I will NOT get hurt!
There will be more added to this list at a later date. I had some really good ones but these were the only ones I could remember. Feel free to add to it if you come up with some good ones!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
February 11, 2012
I just don't feel like blogging. I've noticed that not too many people have been reading my blogs anyway.
I feel incredibly overwhelmed.
I had a meltdown the other night.
A real one.
I'm in so much unbearable pain.
I feel incredibly overwhelmed.
I'm sick and tired of people asking me if I'm OK.
Most importantly, I'm sick and tired of the answer being NO.
I feel like I'm getting worse.
Much worse.
K. I'm done venting
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
That's some TASTY lemonade!
This year is off to a rip roaring start! There is no sarcasm in that phrase whatsoever either. January 1st my son Robert decided he wanted to give Colorado a try for a full year! (Something we've been praying for for over 13 years). Then I found a disability attorney that is looking out for MY best interest (finally). We had a major debt (the default on our mortgage) forgiven by 2/3...that's a pretty BIG deal! My attorney set up an appointment for me to have a Functional Capacity Evaluation on Wednesday and he is paying for it out of His pocket!
Yes, I do believe this will be the year of lemonade!! Yum-O!
Yes, I do believe this will be the year of lemonade!! Yum-O!
Monday, January 2, 2012
The year of lemonade
So "Little" Robert has decided to stay with us for a year!
We are very super excited about this.
It's going to be a great year. I'm anticipating answers, miracles and many, many blessings!
Yes, I believe that 2012 will be the year of lemonade for me!
We are very super excited about this.
It's going to be a great year. I'm anticipating answers, miracles and many, many blessings!
Yes, I believe that 2012 will be the year of lemonade for me!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year New Blog?
So I did it. I kept a blog going for an entire year. Now I'm wondering...and hoping for some feedback. Do I keep Lemons v. Lemonade going? Or should I start a different blog for 2012? I'm not real certain that I kept the whole "turning lemons into lemonade" thing going...a lot was just talking about my lemons! LOL.
I will let y'all help with the 2012 blog. Would love ideas on what the topic(s) should be, layout and etc.
I will let y'all help with the 2012 blog. Would love ideas on what the topic(s) should be, layout and etc.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Looking back
So looking back, the theme of my little blog is Lemons vs Lemonade. I have to ask myself, "Did I do the best I could with the lemons that life gave me?"
I don't know. Life gave me some pretty big lemons this year.
Sometimes you can make lemonade from them.
Sometimes you have to take them and squirt them in your enemy's eye!
Sometimes all you can do is sit back and suck on them.
I'd like to say that 2012 will be better....
I gotta get rid of some of these lemons in my basket first!
I don't know. Life gave me some pretty big lemons this year.
Sometimes you can make lemonade from them.
Sometimes you have to take them and squirt them in your enemy's eye!
Sometimes all you can do is sit back and suck on them.
I'd like to say that 2012 will be better....
I gotta get rid of some of these lemons in my basket first!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Christmastime
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Or so the song goes. Seriously though, I am excited this year. Little Robert is coming out for Christmas and it's the first we've spent with him in 13 years! So super excited.
I realized that I only blogged once in November, but at least I did at all...so I'm just touching base this month.
Very excited about what is under the tree for me and Autumn Brown Photography! 2012 is going to be FULL of pictures!
As we get closer to Christmas I may post more....remind me sometime to post my thoughts regarding family and Thanksgiving!
I realized that I only blogged once in November, but at least I did at all...so I'm just touching base this month.
Very excited about what is under the tree for me and Autumn Brown Photography! 2012 is going to be FULL of pictures!
As we get closer to Christmas I may post more....remind me sometime to post my thoughts regarding family and Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Family Time
Had a great time with my family today. Even if it seemed...loud (which was fabulous because it was laughter filling my home) Crowded (because I have so many loved ones in my home).
We realized after family started departing how much we need each other right now. Everyone. No one will be left out. This is family we're talking about here.
We need each other more than ever. Praying for each other. Supporting each other. Shoulders to cry on. Burdens to share. Heartaches that need healing. I truly hope that any member of my family that may read this understands truly how blessed we are and how much I love them and appreciate each and every one of them.
I'm not being nostalgic because it's thanksgiving and a time for reflection either. I want my family to know that my door is always open (my phone line is open 24/7). If you can't reach my cell phone because I don't have any minutes, call my house...anytime. I love to listen. I let people cry when needed. I love to make them laugh when necessary as well.
We realized after family started departing how much we need each other right now. Everyone. No one will be left out. This is family we're talking about here.
We need each other more than ever. Praying for each other. Supporting each other. Shoulders to cry on. Burdens to share. Heartaches that need healing. I truly hope that any member of my family that may read this understands truly how blessed we are and how much I love them and appreciate each and every one of them.
I'm not being nostalgic because it's thanksgiving and a time for reflection either. I want my family to know that my door is always open (my phone line is open 24/7). If you can't reach my cell phone because I don't have any minutes, call my house...anytime. I love to listen. I let people cry when needed. I love to make them laugh when necessary as well.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Denied
So today after waiting 2 1/2 months for an answer from SSA...I finally got my letter.
DENIED
In big fat bold letters. Followed by 6-7 pages explaining why.
In a nut shell?
My complaints and physicians notes were inconsistent.
Because this week I saw the doc for my knee pain but 2 weeks ago I saw her for my back pain.
Because I DIDN'T have surgery on my knees or back.
Because there were too many gaps in between visits.
Because my doctors all chose to be conservative with my treatments. Because the spine specialist told me he didn't want to do surgery on my back because it's too risky but didn't bother to put it in my notes. (I HATE it when they do that to).
She felt that the physicians were just "pacifying" me. Hmmm....I guess all those nights I cried myself to sleep were my imagination...I must be making this up.
What it doesn't say, is that I don't have any money or insurance to see the doc once a week....or that perhaps my doctor will charge me an extra $80 for discussing more than one issue. That I didn't have $120 to go see Dr Wetwer just to tell him that the shots only lasted 2 months.
I wish my attorney would've let me have one or two witnesses.
So now I have to decide if I want to appeal this (once again).
If I do, I'm pretty sure I want a different attorney to do it. Someone local who will listen to my entire case before going before the judge.
I don't know what to do.
DENIED
In big fat bold letters. Followed by 6-7 pages explaining why.
In a nut shell?
My complaints and physicians notes were inconsistent.
Because this week I saw the doc for my knee pain but 2 weeks ago I saw her for my back pain.
Because I DIDN'T have surgery on my knees or back.
Because there were too many gaps in between visits.
Because my doctors all chose to be conservative with my treatments. Because the spine specialist told me he didn't want to do surgery on my back because it's too risky but didn't bother to put it in my notes. (I HATE it when they do that to).
She felt that the physicians were just "pacifying" me. Hmmm....I guess all those nights I cried myself to sleep were my imagination...I must be making this up.
What it doesn't say, is that I don't have any money or insurance to see the doc once a week....or that perhaps my doctor will charge me an extra $80 for discussing more than one issue. That I didn't have $120 to go see Dr Wetwer just to tell him that the shots only lasted 2 months.
I wish my attorney would've let me have one or two witnesses.
So now I have to decide if I want to appeal this (once again).
If I do, I'm pretty sure I want a different attorney to do it. Someone local who will listen to my entire case before going before the judge.
I don't know what to do.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
This one's for Mariah
I was thinking of you today Mariah as I was driving through town today.
Why?
Well besides the fact that I adore you and love you a million times over it was also because I saw Mr. Saggy Baggy pants.
And I thought of the poop walk.
Sorry, couldn't help myself.
I'm sure that in those saggy baggy gangster pants he HAD to have had one of those brown slugs you were talking about that visited Max this summer!
I'm sure that is THEE only reason for Mr Gangster Saggy Baggy pants to be wearing his pants down around his thighs....because it is chalk FULL of brown slugs!
Seriously.....he was doing the POOP WALK!
Maybe Max could give him a few tips?
Why?
Well besides the fact that I adore you and love you a million times over it was also because I saw Mr. Saggy Baggy pants.
And I thought of the poop walk.
Sorry, couldn't help myself.
I'm sure that in those saggy baggy gangster pants he HAD to have had one of those brown slugs you were talking about that visited Max this summer!
I'm sure that is THEE only reason for Mr Gangster Saggy Baggy pants to be wearing his pants down around his thighs....because it is chalk FULL of brown slugs!
Seriously.....he was doing the POOP WALK!
Maybe Max could give him a few tips?
Monday, October 10, 2011
Autumn Chocolate Cake....So worth being on a diet for!
Yes, I said it. Autumn Chocolate Cake and diet.
Yes, both in the same sentence.
Yes, I can do both.
BOTH I SAY!
Robert and I started the Food Lovers Fat Loss program 3 weeks ago and we love it.
LOVE IT!!!!!
I mean, look at what came in my "diet" cookbook.....
Yes, both in the same sentence.
Yes, I can do both.
BOTH I SAY!
Robert and I started the Food Lovers Fat Loss program 3 weeks ago and we love it.
LOVE IT!!!!!
I mean, look at what came in my "diet" cookbook.....
Yeah, you're mouth is watering too huh?
Chocolate cake
Chocolate pudding
Hot Fudge
Caramel
Whip Cream
Seriously loving this "diet".
Did I mention that I've lost 5 pounds and Robert's lost 10?
:D
Monday, September 19, 2011
My nose knows!
My nose must be my favorite part of my body.
I love the smell of coffee, I love the taste of coffee.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!
Seriously. It's an issue.
My favorite aisle at the grocery store is the coffee aisle.
My nose knows EXACTLY where it is!
When my nose is good to me.
I love that I had this 2.5 pound bag of coffee to smell ALL THE WAY HOME.
Yes, I'm that serious about coffee. It gives me a "high". Like shoes for Chantel or Shopping for Becky.
I should be in AA meetings for it.
I love chocolate covered coffee beans.
My favorite ice cream?
MOCHA ALMOND FUDGE.
Not too concerned about which brand. I love the stuff.
Don't waste your time sending me flowers....
Give me Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream.
I'm not a big fan of fourbucks. Yes, I go there every Sunday because my favorite little coffee shop went out of business.
I like the mom and pop coffee shop hole in the wall places.
Most of the time at least....
Sometimes it's my enemy.
Today, it was most certainly my fave!
Robert bought me 2.5 pounds of Hazelnut Coffee.
I
LOVE
COFFEE!!!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!!
Seriously. It's an issue.
My favorite aisle at the grocery store is the coffee aisle.
My nose knows EXACTLY where it is!
When my nose is good to me.
I love that I had this 2.5 pound bag of coffee to smell ALL THE WAY HOME.
Yes, I'm that serious about coffee. It gives me a "high". Like shoes for Chantel or Shopping for Becky.
I should be in AA meetings for it.
I love chocolate covered coffee beans.
My favorite ice cream?
MOCHA ALMOND FUDGE.
Not too concerned about which brand. I love the stuff.
Don't waste your time sending me flowers....
Give me Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream.
I'm not a big fan of fourbucks. Yes, I go there every Sunday because my favorite little coffee shop went out of business.
I like the mom and pop coffee shop hole in the wall places.
Much like this one. Cozy, intimate, personal.
I love to walk in....and take a big whiff!
Go ahead, go in and try it sometime.
Your nose will thank you!
I guarantee it!
You can thank me later.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Fall is in the air
I love the smell of FALL!
I love the sounds of FALL!
I love the colors of FALL!
I love the feel of FALL!
and let's not forget, I love the taste of FALL!
The smell of chimney smoke filling the air as families have their fireplaces going. The smell of the last bit of grills going before summer is officially over.
The sounds of Fall? That would be the sounds of the school buses stopping on every other corner to pick up the children for the new school year. The sound of the leaves as they crunch underneath my feet while I walk in the cool of the evening.
The colors of FALL. The oranges, reds, browns as they line up the streets and fill my back yard with the beautiful trees I've inherited with this move. I cannot wait for Color Sunday when we go up to the Mesa and take photos.
The feel of Fall? When you use your heater during the morning drive to drop off kiddos at school. Then towards the afternoon you shed the hoodie that mom "made" you wear. That's the best feeling in Colorado...Cold in the morning...hot by afternoon...cool by evening. Love it!
Finally...the TASTE of Fall! Mmmmm....just think about it. Apple pies, apple crisp, pumpkin EVERYTHING!
Seriously, what's NOT to love about autumn? (Don't answer that if there is such an answer...please don't bust my bubble!)
I love the sounds of FALL!
I love the colors of FALL!
I love the feel of FALL!
and let's not forget, I love the taste of FALL!
The smell of chimney smoke filling the air as families have their fireplaces going. The smell of the last bit of grills going before summer is officially over.
The sounds of Fall? That would be the sounds of the school buses stopping on every other corner to pick up the children for the new school year. The sound of the leaves as they crunch underneath my feet while I walk in the cool of the evening.
The colors of FALL. The oranges, reds, browns as they line up the streets and fill my back yard with the beautiful trees I've inherited with this move. I cannot wait for Color Sunday when we go up to the Mesa and take photos.
The feel of Fall? When you use your heater during the morning drive to drop off kiddos at school. Then towards the afternoon you shed the hoodie that mom "made" you wear. That's the best feeling in Colorado...Cold in the morning...hot by afternoon...cool by evening. Love it!
Finally...the TASTE of Fall! Mmmmm....just think about it. Apple pies, apple crisp, pumpkin EVERYTHING!
Seriously, what's NOT to love about autumn? (Don't answer that if there is such an answer...please don't bust my bubble!)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Nonna's Lil Peanut
She is by FAR the most beautiful baby girl I have ever laid eyes on!
Wouldn't you agree?
Of course you do!
She is my precious Lil Peanut!
That's her. The one that stole my heart :)
Who couldn't fall in love with such a precious Peanut?
These guys did that's for sure.
Nonna has big plans for this little Peanut! Baking pies and cookies together, play dates at the park...you know, Nonna/Peanut stuff.
Wouldn't you agree?
Of course you do!
She is my precious Lil Peanut!
These guys did that's for sure.
Nonna has big plans for this little Peanut! Baking pies and cookies together, play dates at the park...you know, Nonna/Peanut stuff.
Yeah, it wears me out thinking about it too.
Love you baby girl!
My cup runneth over!
Brandon said to call him as soon as our miracle came. I know he was thinking it would be a healing, but our miracle was even bigger than that.
We needed a house. Immediately.
We needed a better house.
We got a house, at a fair rate. The landlord even let us work out "payments" to break up the deposits and such.
Then we needed food...badly.
The food came...in abundance. I have enough beans to feed an army!
I will be making many many many peanut butter cookies with the 12 jars of PB I have.
Maya, I told you there was more to come...and the blessings keep pouring in!
We needed a house. Immediately.
We needed a better house.
We got a house, at a fair rate. The landlord even let us work out "payments" to break up the deposits and such.
Then we needed food...badly.
The food came...in abundance. I have enough beans to feed an army!
I will be making many many many peanut butter cookies with the 12 jars of PB I have.
Maya, I told you there was more to come...and the blessings keep pouring in!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
A New Beginning
See? Here's the proof....
and of course here......
Now we're moved into our new home!
I'm very excited.
Hoping Garrett can stay at Thunder Mountain.
We live in a GREAT neighborhood.
Look for the Barbecue announcement to come soon!
oh yes, Sophie likes it too!
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