Always Keep the End in Mind

Dandric Moten, (a guy I went to high school with), started a program with his mom, Thelma, called Excel. They work through the schools and try to encourage kids to make good decisions. Dandric said his mom has always told him to "keep the end in mind." Hard concept when you're talking to young kids who live for today and don't think of tomorrow. So I'm reminded of Thelma's advice when it comes to things I'm dealing with right now. I need to step back and look at the big picture--things will come together.

Family Time

On Saturday, we took a long drive through the Natural State. We went with some friends of ours and just made a complete day of enjoying the fall scenery. We drove up to Mt. Nebo, and then on to Mt. Magazine, which is the highest point in Arkansas and also the highest point between the Appalachains and the Rockies. (Little known trivia facts).

I was really hoping to get a good family photo, but we didn't have a lot of luck. Brian set the camera and Allison took the photo--we just couldn't get the lighting right and the wind was brutal--IT WAS COLD on top of that mountain! This one was about as good as it got, and we look really windblown.

I swear that someday I'm going to learn to use our camera. I take almost all my shots on auto and Brian changes the settings constantly and always gets some neat photos with different lighting and angles. You'd think I would have soaked up some of his knowledge over the years, but I've yet to pay attention when he's explaining stuff. I just say "here, you do it." The first two photos are by me and the last two are by him--definitely a difference on the coloring!

This is the new lodge up at Mt. Magazine--it was extremely crowded up there and they even had a wedding going on--it was beautiful and breathtaking--I'm sure they have it booked up for many months to come. They have lots of cabins up there too--I'm thinking I'd want to stay in a cabin instead of the lodge--seems more secluded.

We had a great time except for the cold air, and we all slept on the way home--Brian had to drive, so he was left to his own company. Can't wait until we can do something like this again.

Stay Tuned

I was going to post some pics from our trip to Mt. Magazine, but blogger IS NOT COOPERATING. No pics being uploaded tonight, at least not for me. Stay tuned--hopefully I'll get them posted tomorrow.

GREAT MAIL DAY!

I'm participating in a Halloween Secret Sister exchange over at Create My Keepsake. I got a whole lot of goodies in the mail today--somebody is SPOILING ME!! Thank you to my secret sister! (These photos aren't the best, but you'll get the idea!)

I'm Here

Just busy doing a whole lot of stuff and not feeling like I've accomplished anything!

My Maw-Maw is holding her own--she is just so weak. I appreciate everyone's concern and prayers.

We went to our Sunday School class's fall party Friday night. It felt good to hang out with friends from church (since we never get to anymore). We didn't go on the hayride because there were about a gazillion kids on the trailer. We just hung out at the fire instead. Clayton was just as happy to do that . . . we also went to my nephew's birthday party Saturday. There were so many kids, and many had snotty noses. I spent the whole time praying Clayton wouldn't get sick--my stomach was in knots. I know those other parents think I'm a freak. I finally said, c'mon Clayton, you can't be around sick kids (as someone's daughter was coughing up their lung). The mother just looked at me weird and gathered her daughter up. My dad said I didn't sound hateful and that I handled it well, but in my mind I was freaking out. I just hope she didn't take it personal.

We still haven't made it to the pumpkin patch. I was really hoping to take Clayton out there this year. We had a really good time last year--maybe we'll still make it. It feels like fall and I think I've offically decided this is my favorite time of year. Funny, I always thought I was a summer person. Things change I guess, even your favorite season.

Reading . . . AGAIN!

Anyone remember this layout? For those who don't, it's all about how ever since the boys were born I haven't been able to concentrate on a book, let alone finish one. Reading was one of my passions and the traumatic experience we went through just took that passion right out of me.

Well, I'm not sure what happened, but a few days ago I dug out one of my favorite books that's an easy read. And guess what? I'm still actually sticking with it! I wouldn't say I've become some die hard bookworm, but hey it's a start! I remember people commenting on this layout and saying "save your books," you will want to read again. I didn't believe them. But I'm so glad that I saved my favorites because it was nice to just pick one up and start reading again.

Distracted

Just to prove how distracted and out of it I am right now, let me tell you what I did yesterday: It was pouring down rain all day, so I loaded Clayton and all of his stuff in the van before I ever opened the garage door. I also had to coax Katie into the car (she was riding with us for this particular trip). She hates the van, so I have to trap her to get her to go. After I finally got us all three in the van, I started it up and put it into reverse. Yep, you guessed it. BAM! I ran right smack into the garage door. What a bonehead move (direct quote from Brian). So it did raise up after that, and I was able to close it too. Brian had to work on it when he got home--it looks much better! Just a small dent now as opposed to the huge dent I had created!

What Matters Most

I'm neglecting so much these days. My house needs to be deep cleaned so bad! I'm just barely keeping up with the laundry too. I need to go to the store so bad (we are out of everything), and Clayton needs some warmer clothes. I hope I can make time soon for all of this. My time is limited, but at the moment it's really more important for me to help my Maw-Maw by being there for her--she is really feeling bad from a major fall Thursday night. She loves to see Clayton and I think it takes her mind off of her body when he is over there to hang out with her. So in the whole scheme of things, I think my house can wait and I've got plenty of old clean panties I can wear. :)

We're Back!!!

Wes, Shella, Ashley and Brian

Memory Trends 2006

Las Vegas, Nevada

We are back from Vegas and we have more work than ever ahead of us! It was so worth the trip--I think many people enjoyed getting to meet us after receiving emails from us for the last few months. Lots of companies were very receptive to our idea of being different--I could see several heads nodding and silent "amens" as I talked about the void in the market for a useful tool that both a regular scrapper can use and can also inspire the serious scrapbook artist.

Overall, the show was extremely slow, which worked to our advantage. People had lots of time to talk, but I think they were more than frustrated with the lack of retailer traffic. We could have used two more days, we were so short on time. But we did what we could while we were there. And yes, my feet still hurt!!!!

I looked for several people that I knew would be there, but I saw no one I recognized. If I saw you and didn't say hi, it's just because I had no clue who you were and was probably concentrating on my next booth to visit!

The only bad thing about the whole trip was the plane ride home and afterwards. Some idiot decided to smoke on the plane and harrassed the flight attendants to no end. He had police waiting for him when we landed in Little Rock. And we also didn't realize it until we got home that we had the wrong suitcase! Brian got up early this morning and returned the suitcase we had and found out ours had never arrived at all. We finally got it here tonight. I was getting worried because every bit of makeup I have was in that bag and my hair dryer was too. Clayton has a doctor's appointment tomorrow and I wasn't sure they wanted to see the all natural me!

Speaking of Clayton, he did fine at my parents' house. He must have played hard because he has spent most of today sleeping with me! He just seemed exhausted! And speaking of sleeping, we're off to bed!!

Viva Las Vegas!

Tomorrow we leave for Memory Trends which is held in Las Vegas. My mind is on overdrive with everything I'm trying to do before we go. I'm excited and nervous and worried about little Clayton. I'm trying not to imagine all the bad things that can happen to either us or him! He will be in good hands, staying with my parents. But a mommy's work is never done and I'll be worried about him until I come back. At any rate, we have LOTS of people expecting us to come by their booths and say hi--I'm looking forward to introducing Classy Scrapper Magazine to so many companies. It will be interesting!!!!

Coffee Bean

Someone told me yesterday I'm a COFFEE BEAN. It's a compliment, really . . . read this story:

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee... You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a wordIn about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see.""Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, "What does it mean, mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

So thank you Dianna for making my week--you gave me the ultimate compliment!

CRAZY DAY!

Things I did today:

1. Emailed 30 people to request their layouts for Classy Scrapper Magazine.

2. Cooked brisket, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and rolls for my friend who just had surgery.

3. Answered about a gazillion emails re: submissions and general stuff for Classy Scrapper Magazine.

4. Had a meeting with my business partner re: Classy Scrapper Magazine.

5. And I was mom during all of this too!

Whew, I feel like I've been in a whirlwind! Majorly productive day, though--I can't wait to see what else I can get accomplished this week. I have a lot to do considering I'll be at Memory Trends in Las Vegas next week! (EXCITING!)