tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66654045231626953032024-03-12T21:26:55.130-06:00~ Only Cute Shoes Need Apply ~Why would anyone wear ugly shoes when there are so many cute ones in the world? ~ desirae burtenshaw ~~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-45105361463553587092011-03-04T14:02:00.000-07:002011-03-04T14:02:15.276-07:00Sh*t my kids say:<div style="text-align: center;">So I'm reading this book, Sh*t My Dad Says, by Justin Halpern, and laughing out loud at every page I turn. I wish I had started a blog or site quoting the things my kids say. Then I thought, well, maybe it's only funny to me?? Anyway - I'm not trying to get any followers, or write a book, or get my own TV show, but I have to share some of the funny things my kids say from time to time... I just gotta! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ Here's a few for this week! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ty, on being voted Most Gullible Guy in his Freshman class: "Really??"</div><div style="text-align: center;">******</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maia (10 years old) At the dinner table, responding to something Jake said. (And her comment was so funny, we don't even remember what Jake said.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maia - "I love him. He's so stupid!" - And if you were here to witness it, you'd have heard all the seriousness and sincerity in her voice. It was priceless!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">******</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mesa (11 years old) - After softball practice as I, the coach, tried to get the teams attention: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Me - "Girls, can you hear me?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mesa - "Who can't?" (insert eyes rolling and a heavy sigh)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never been accused of having a quiet voice. Never.</div><div style="text-align: center;">******</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jake (7 years old) - "I love Fridays at school."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me - "Really, why?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jake - "Because we don't have to learn anything new on Fridays. We just have to take tests and prove that we learned something all the other days this week."</div><div style="text-align: center;">******</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Signing off ~ XoXoXo ~ Des</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-25836199016643620432010-09-28T09:40:00.001-06:002010-09-28T10:39:36.148-06:00There are no words ...I have had quite a lot on my mind lately, but I just haven't been able to vocalize my thoughts, or feel ready to share them ... And I still think there are some things I'm not ready to share, and I may never be. But I do have a few things I think everyone should hear. First, I have a new found understanding of many, many things. The loss of a loved one in an untimely manner will do that to you. I know everyone grieves differently, and in their own ways and on their own time, but I still believe that everyone who loses someone close to them re-evaluates every aspect of life. Some more than others, but everyone does it. <br />
I don't think I'm an extremely critical person, but I do judge. Yes I admit it. And I also admit that I judge even before I may know or understand the whole situation or story. And most people who judge others do it in the same manner... ie: I would have _____. She shouldn't ______. If I were her I'd _______. I don't know why they _____. Because for some reason, I'm under the false impression that I know everything, and I could handle every situation the best way it should be handled with no mistakes. Funny that I think that, because most of the time, all I can see are my OWN mistakes, and my own flaws. So why would I think I'd have any better solution to people's problems when I can't even get a good handle on my own? ~ Human nature?? Maybe? I know! It's the optimist in me. I still believe I can fix everything and everyone. However, my efforts are proving me wrong in that department. <br />
Anyway... Back to my new found understanding. This takes a lot of guts for me. See, I have to admit that I was judgemental, insincere, and hypocritical. And that's tough for anyone to admit, but I know I was wrong so I guess I'll admit it. Admission is the first step to recovery ... Right?<br />
My brother passed away 5 weeks ago. There are no words that describe how one feels at a time like this. None. It is an emotional roller coaster that no one wants to ride, but some of us get the unfortunate experience anyway. I spent the first 24 hours trying to understand how I was supposed to react, but not reacting at all. No I was not numb. I was paused. I was ... I guess letting all the information sink in. I was trying to understand my own feelings. Then I spent the next 24 hours being tough and doing what needed to be done. Helping mom and dad, taking whatever burdens off of their shoulders that I could, keeping funeral plans moving along, pushing away tears, and making sure my brother's two little girls were OK. And after that day I lost it... I just finally let go.<br />
My husband asked me a simple question, and everything came rolling out. My sorrow, my guilt, my anger, my questions, my fears... everything. I had a good cry. I had a sense of understanding, and yet I was still confused. My husband tried to comfort me, as he too knows what it's like to lose a loved one, and watch your parents suffer thru that emotional trauma. He's done the questioning of himself, he's suffered the pain, he's seen the aftermath of sorrow, guilt and anger when he lost his baby sister just short of her 2nd birthday. It's something you deal with. It's something you move past, but it is not something you forget. It is not something that gets easier, it's just something you learn from and adapt to. But you always hurt, and you always question. <br />
Everyone has and will continue to tell me that I can't feel guilty, or question my own actions and behaviors. Go ahead, tell me that all you want ... It won't change a thing. As of today, I believe that I will always feel some guilt, and I will always question myself. I may come to terms with one or more things as time goes on, but I know that I made mistakes throughout my relationship with my brother, and for that I have a right to feel guilty. I have a right, and need, to remember those mistakes, and to make them right in every other relationship I have with my loved ones. It was a tough lesson to learn, but obviously one I needed to learn. I am humbled beyond comprehension. This guilt is a way of reminding me that I can, and should do better.<br />
I know my brother knows that I love him. I know that because I believe that since his passing, he has access to my hearts desires and knows how and what I am feeling. But he didn't know it while he was here. Not on this earth, with me. <br />
While he was here, I saw his addictions. I saw his flaws. I saw very few of his talents or contributions, but they were there. I was just blinded by the negative, and I allowed it to create a distance between us. I was judgemental, insincere, and hypocritical. I was wrong. I was mad at my parents for allowing him to continue on the road of destruction, I was mad at my brother for not seeing what it was doing to my parents, and I'm now mad at myself for not doing anything about it. I'm mad because I bitched and complained about his actions, and about my mom and dad's actions, and I never did anything except stand back and judge. <br />
I know my brother was sad. I know he had issues. I know he needed love and acceptance, and I know I didn't give it to him. I know and understand why my mom and dad did what they did. I know how the protective instinct grabs a hold of you, and how you'd do or say anything to defend your son/brother. I know all of this now... now that he is gone. I know he had his own demons, but once you lose someone, you begin to reflect on everything you'll miss about them. And guess what? Their flaws are not the things you think about. You think of their smile, their laughter, their talents, their accomplishments, and their love. And that's all you want others to remember as well. <br />
That's where this protective instinct kicks in. And until that moment, I didn't understand my parents thoughts and/or actions. But I do now. I still don't think they were right, and I would like to believe I would have handled things differently, but I can't say for sure that I really would have. Because they were letting their hearts and emotions guide them. When maybe a little less emotion and a little more tough love might have made things better... But there's that questioning. Who knows? And I bet my parents are even questioning themselves. I'm sure they are. But they will never know how or what would have changed things. No one will ever know. We think that a different course of action may have changed the outcome, but it's not guaranteed. All we can do is learn and move forward. <br />
One thing I do know... is that T.R should have known that I truly loved him. He should have known that before he left this earth. For that I will forever feel guilt. <br />
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XoXoXo~ Destry~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-56687857216845495302010-07-15T16:20:00.000-06:002010-07-15T16:20:55.036-06:00Ok- I get it. Drama doesn't stop after Jr. High<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Soooo</span>... A very crazy week here! Well - few weeks for that matter. And I know some of you will be offended by this, but female bosses (for the most part) are psycho, high n mighty, control freaks! Yikes! (And to think, she runs a company that employs nearly 80 other women!) Now I know there are a few women out there in leadership roles that totally rock... I've even had a few for bosses at one time or another. But most of you will have to agree with me (even those of you who ARE the female bosses), that most women bosses are MORE personally i<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">nvolved</span>, and LESS professional when someone they don't care for is under their supervision. Right?? You know you agree.... and I know it, but you can deny it. Some of you will, and if so, then you're probably just like the one I'm referencing. Again, I'm not saying ALL, but sadly, most. <br />
<br />
So... a few weeks ago I get home from a weekend camping trip and retrieve my voice messages. <br />
<br />
1st message is from the above noted 'boss' - (sort of - I'm legally self-employed, but they do handle the contract and cut the check... so)... anyway, the message says: "Oh, sorry I missed you. I hate to leave this in a message, I really need to talk to you today. (By the way, this message was left on a Friday afternoon at 1:30 and she was leaving for a 10 day vacation the following day) Anyway, she continues her message, "They (the co. I'm contracted to) are requesting a change for <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Whatshizname</span>. (My client, and the one I consider my real boss, because he is who I actually work for.) Anyway, in order to make this less confusing ... I'll just recap... in a general manner...<br />
- She says he's being reassigned. <br />
- But.. the next message is from my client, Mr. <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Whatshizname</span>, and he says "Hey give me a call, do you know what's going on here?"<br />
- No, I don't --- No he doesn't... So who requested what change?? huh?<br />
<br />
Anyway long story short, and to spare those of you who are already lost in this mess, she basically doesn't like me - not really news to me, but I don't care, I don't like her either. However, she came very close to losing business by trying to pull this crap... She's the kind of person who has been able to <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ge</span>t her way for most of her life, ... until she tried to take me on... But because she doesn't like me, she thought she could pull one of my best clients from me, give him to someone else, and assume that he and I weren't going to question it?? And believe me - she had some great explanations... or rather B.S. excuses! ... Anyway, once I started to question her and her actions, and once she realized that I had more info then she thought I did, and once she stared feeling the heat of being asked to explain herself and her reasons/actions, she threw her hands up. She quit responding to me, and pushed the responsibility off onto another woman who is also in her employ.... CRAZY, and totally unprofessional.. Not good when you're risking the loss of business from a multi-million dollar company. But again, she's probably been able to push people around her whole l<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ife</span> with little or no confrontations, and then .... THERE WAS ME! <br />
<br />
I'm sure she's still reeling... because I know I am, and I won. But I still wish she'd have called me back, because there's still a few items I wanted to have her explain to me. Still question's I want answered, but then again... she doesn't have a professional answer, and I've already debunked all the other excuses she gave me... so I guess that's a little satisfaction. I'd just l<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ike</span> to say, "So, what is it about me that makes you feel so threatened?" And "Was this attempt of yours to 'try to put me in my place' really worth the possibility of losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in business, by showing the management of your biggest contractor how <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">UNprofessional</span> you can be??" Maybe she needs some counseling.<br />
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Signing off ~ <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">XoXOXo</span>~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-37612933751754573132010-06-29T12:12:00.000-06:002010-06-29T12:12:32.826-06:00Notes to myself:* Quit drinking coffee when I'm wearing white. It doesn't matter how careful I am, ... I'm gonna SPILL.<br />
* Try and remember those lessons I taught myself when I needed to SAY NO. .... I'm a little rusty I guess!<br />
* First and foremost, be a mom.... the rest of the world can fend for themselves for all I care.<br />
* Don't be too quick to judge. I may not know the whole story.<br />
* Even if I don't know the whole story, I still know all the answers!(Why can't people just be like me?)- j/k<br />
* Love myself .... .... ..... ..... ..... .... (at least try)<br />
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<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">XoXoxO</span>... Signing off!~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-60709762217246983172010-06-13T16:00:00.001-06:002011-01-19T09:43:28.816-07:00My Own Cynical Sunday Sermon...I know, we should all give service, and be charitable, but I'm in some sort of mood today! Why is it that we are ALWAYS helping the SAME people? Seriously, week after week, year after year?? Yes, I actually went to church today, and what I heard was great, and actually has nothing to do with why I'm writing this now. But someone from our church called my husband last week, - again - for help with their car. Now, I know Santo can't take the time to 'teach this person to fix his own damn car', but isn't ther that old saying "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him always." So why is it, that this so-called charity we give is to the same people - over and over again. I'm sorry, but it feels less and less like charity each time you give these people your service. (I know, I'm going to Hell - No Surprise there) But seriously, I'm having issues. When do these people learn to better THEMSELVES? I think, unfortunately, that so many of these people fall into the 'helpless zone' and WANT to stay there. Of course they do, no responsibility on their own shoulders. Just let everyone else do it for you. Now, don't get me wrong, I honestly do enjoy helping people out, and I am willing to give charity, but when it's REALLY charity, not just because someone wants to take advantage of me again, and again, and again... When it's really charity, I feel great, proud and honored to help out. When it's the 10th time in one year with little or NO effort on their part, I feel USED. Ther are no physical limitations holding this person back from keeping a full time job. (Mental ?? Maybe, but nothing clinically diagnosed; just apathy) And if they would try keeping any sort of job for a while, maybe they could spend a few bucks and get their car checked out by a garage. My lover hasn't been home for more that about 24 hours in the last week, (because he's one of those people with a full-time job - and then some,) so yeah, I'm a little selfish when they want him to take more time away from home and family to be USED again. ( Satan, leave the light on for me.. I'm sure I'll be there soon.) <br />
<br />
Anyway, I haven't updated the blog for a while, so I thought, "What the Hell... I'll teach the Sunday School Lesson today - and vent it all out on my blog!" Hope you enjoyed the Cynical Sermon - Be Happy, and Be Charitable! :) <br />
<br />
Signing Off! XOXOXO~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-13335917428264963052010-05-26T21:54:00.000-06:002010-05-26T21:54:24.691-06:00end of school update!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">WOW! There's always <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">SOOO</span> much going on at the end of every school year. Concerts, dance performances, award programs, etc.. etc ... Then on top of that, we have to start the sign ups and practices for all the summer activities... so with the overlap it's a CRAZY time of year!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UBIjegmT7hEhCAkXGtMDevKZQ8DE4eD0lKjUNu5BASPufV36AW51AmJkiQeYpnP8IFp3aKJHXdJZZQ0SCHd-fM6V9k4yzWI_isGUkQKnV5BhQ8Y-Iv0hrtQ44DoQXWVqGRQLWxnzlGrX/s1600/IMG_0771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UBIjegmT7hEhCAkXGtMDevKZQ8DE4eD0lKjUNu5BASPufV36AW51AmJkiQeYpnP8IFp3aKJHXdJZZQ0SCHd-fM6V9k4yzWI_isGUkQKnV5BhQ8Y-Iv0hrtQ44DoQXWVqGRQLWxnzlGrX/s200/IMG_0771.JPG" width="143" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL5c6FobzohcNN-ysAVCFMOtWea1u63cZd51bSoSfp0fUYtlO5C2ilBdvmafB9VkNY5QcwZ2wSyuvl7zZn6QM_NncD79eMl9kT_Hl1bsNukNYCDN2MMr217zL0-M3Yk-9R21kEmbJ4fgq/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL5c6FobzohcNN-ysAVCFMOtWea1u63cZd51bSoSfp0fUYtlO5C2ilBdvmafB9VkNY5QcwZ2wSyuvl7zZn6QM_NncD79eMl9kT_Hl1bsNukNYCDN2MMr217zL0-M3Yk-9R21kEmbJ4fgq/s200/IMG_0818.JPG" width="143" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-1ZtZM4kuW1vj_h8yoxaIoL1XDC-eEdh-r39xNVdWbbn6ZsPVZucxmHXq9vQaTIFhGJpZCI__oGj9d5YVVygVo5R5FMZfLH_HJM-IhV0aHRQI5gW9ZI-XfIbAfpamcf1dfB-mm9NyDFy/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-1ZtZM4kuW1vj_h8yoxaIoL1XDC-eEdh-r39xNVdWbbn6ZsPVZucxmHXq9vQaTIFhGJpZCI__oGj9d5YVVygVo5R5FMZfLH_HJM-IhV0aHRQI5gW9ZI-XfIbAfpamcf1dfB-mm9NyDFy/s200/IMG_0769.JPG" width="143" /></a>We had Maia's Ba<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">llroom</span> performance the end of April, moved right into Mesa's Ballroom performances, then to the Flag ceremony and awards program for 5th grade. And on top of that, we started softball (which I'm coaching again), and baseball. Throw in Mother's Day, Mesa's birthday, and PTO, and that comes out as a VERY busy month! Oh, and <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Santo</span> changed jobs in the middle of the month as well, so we had a going away party for him from the site, and we are now trying to get used to the new schedule he'll have with the new job... I'm a little overwhelmed some days! What a baby ... I know there are mom's out there doing more than me. Anyway - here are a few pix from what's been tying up my time this month!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrgSnEza7LlC-7KLWQY6OWVuZKKnvnWpMBmE6kodPDjz08ham1qaqJI3I2sP8tfL7vvkDu-AluR6BpB3IsPyXNNZMB6GhmcW-3WngolHPBK1Gsj3mzlDIlRSS28ulwFxROZX2pL-Vm9Zp/s1600/IMG_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrgSnEza7LlC-7KLWQY6OWVuZKKnvnWpMBmE6kodPDjz08ham1qaqJI3I2sP8tfL7vvkDu-AluR6BpB3IsPyXNNZMB6GhmcW-3WngolHPBK1Gsj3mzlDIlRSS28ulwFxROZX2pL-Vm9Zp/s200/IMG_0802.JPG" width="150" /></a>Mesa was the only student in her class to score a 100% on her Flags test. So she was chosen to present the awards to her class.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxlWmCaeG0gnG654J1hxsGMuxNb1KzushYhb9E0ZrAkEze-jGUazLLC-pgFDhASL5EGt8HwvyXbZNIoeEJeLHi4C-LWdytp9a2acssTsk17VYfoJmJnJoHBTasu02IqGGIvk6d5PsWq8j/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSxlWmCaeG0gnG654J1hxsGMuxNb1KzushYhb9E0ZrAkEze-jGUazLLC-pgFDhASL5EGt8HwvyXbZNIoeEJeLHi4C-LWdytp9a2acssTsk17VYfoJmJnJoHBTasu02IqGGIvk6d5PsWq8j/s200/IMG_0883.JPG" width="200" /></a>Here's <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Santo</span> with some of the guys he worked with out at <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">SMC</span>. He's really going to miss that place, and the guys he worked with.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">It has been CRAY - BUSY, but in all - a Great Month!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Signing off ... <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">XOXOXO</span> ~<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Destry</span></div>~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-85119446695813498552010-05-11T08:50:00.000-06:002010-05-11T08:50:55.304-06:00Shoes for MOM!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy_flKn3v4nCy9cWJfbcTpZLtXzmSrCAlcq8faCj592aVXg7GJ1EtW6vUhbyu2GwFevqTKC2xthv9zmgGiz1lssWND0py9Zc1Na5TMVdsP2xkPQBFo8_psHqhurv87LbJivDq3r0laQei/s1600/0064922568531_150X150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAy_flKn3v4nCy9cWJfbcTpZLtXzmSrCAlcq8faCj592aVXg7GJ1EtW6vUhbyu2GwFevqTKC2xthv9zmgGiz1lssWND0py9Zc1Na5TMVdsP2xkPQBFo8_psHqhurv87LbJivDq3r0laQei/s200/0064922568531_150X150.jpg" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div>Ok.. what does a shoe freak buy their mom for Mother's Day? ... Shoes of course! And I don't know how many of you know my mother, but she has a thing for zebras - So.... I found her a perfect gift. Zebra striped Keds. AND to top it off... my little sister got her a zebra striped shoulder bag... Voila! Mom's got 2 of the most important pieces of the perfect outfit! Now I guess we just have to take her out on the town so she can show 'em off! Happy Mother's Day to moms everywhere~~~<br />
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Signing off XOXOXO~~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-42740715866987992722010-05-06T12:09:00.000-06:002010-05-06T12:09:50.310-06:00on the lighter side ...Ok .. this is going to be random for a lot of you reading this .. (Like I have a ton of followers). However, I'm writing because for about a week now, I have been living <em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>"on the lighter side."</strong></span></em> No .. I'm not dieting - I should be- - - even better ... I'm LIVING!<br />
You don't realize just how much anger, hurt, and bitterness you hang on to, until it's gone. .... ... I believed I had let it go. That It didn't bother me, and that things were the way they were, and I'd just have to learn to deal with it and move on... Which I did ... - Or so I thought. ... But it was always there. The questions, the worries, the anger, the frustration ... hiding underneath all the smiles and laughter. Under all the strong, courageous, actions - it was there - and not far from the surface, I might add. ... But I'm not weighed down with it anymore.<br />
Forgiveness is a wonderful thing. Especially when it's a true act of forgiving. When those involved have been healed enough to feel ready for it. The giving and the receiving. For understanding mistakes, and realizing the need to mend things. I've made many mistakes in my life, and I'm sure I will continue to do so, but I will always give myself credit for learning from those mistakes, and growing, and moving on in a more positive manner. ... .. Do I deserve forgiveness? ... I hope so! I know that I won't take certain things for granted anymore. I know what is important to me, and I love and appreciate all that life offers me. I have been relieved of the heaviness I was carrying around - - a weight of, anger, guilt, sorrow, and bitterness for years... I didn't realize how much it consumed me. And I had no idea how freeing it would be once it was gone. The burden started to feel normal... like it would always be there, and I would need to drag it with me thru the rest of my life. And then one day - out of the blue.... it's gone, and I'm finally living back <strong><em><span style="color: #660000;">"on the lighter side"</span></em></strong> of life! -- I'm almost floating on air... <br />
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~ Signing off XOXOXO~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-60163580563260166902010-04-22T14:19:00.000-06:002010-04-22T14:19:14.448-06:00My Grandma ~So... I was thinking about my late grandmother the other day and it made me smile. :) A few months ago, I was also reminiscing about my times with her, and I wrote down a few things that always reminded me of her. Things she did, things she had, things she said.... And I shared it with my sisters. They each had more to add to the list, and we all smiled and laughed after each, "oh, and remember when ... ?" So, I thought I'd share some of them... Even though, to many of you these won't mean a thing, but for myself and my siblings, it makes us smile! <br />
* "Oh Bucket!" * Honeysuckle<br />
* Daisy Mae * Chior <br />
* The red white and blue jumpsuit * Vo5 Hairspray<br />
* Sunday dinners * Buckwheat pancakes<br />
* The plant in the corner of the dinning room * 8 track tapes<br />
* Driving gloves * The BOX of SHOES !!! <br />
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XOXOXO Signing off!!~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-66676776416365680642010-04-20T08:34:00.000-06:002010-04-20T08:34:08.306-06:00Step in gum???Ok... here's a tip we ALL need from time to time. So you hop out of the car, and start across the parking lot into the store, when you realize your foot is sticking to the pavement with each step! AGAHH! You stepped in gum! Here's a great way to get that gum off your shoe without all the pulling .. ooey gooey mess. TaKe NoTE:<br />
<br />
When you get home, place your shoe in the freezer for a few hours, untill the gum is frozen. Then take a knife, or a flathead screwdriver, and pry it off. It'll come right off!~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-32651455483672974162010-04-14T16:36:00.002-06:002010-04-15T14:57:53.630-06:00Photo Memory Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7_n5GCYa4pC13XKpnPO9VK5nSzxLyetwL5MCdTzgeM3D-7TQ4GcHosatRT-Lq83ihMvVnBjSb1OPmVmqLGXnH8AH7Z3B8kQGQzCzsQHslN1rqTDHrnDgSblECB-jfWJA9F2DUin3d7B2/s1600/13-47538407-0-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7_n5GCYa4pC13XKpnPO9VK5nSzxLyetwL5MCdTzgeM3D-7TQ4GcHosatRT-Lq83ihMvVnBjSb1OPmVmqLGXnH8AH7Z3B8kQGQzCzsQHslN1rqTDHrnDgSblECB-jfWJA9F2DUin3d7B2/s200/13-47538407-0-2-1.jpg" width="200" wt="true" /></a></div><span style="color: #660000;">I remember when I was first introduced to these amazing little books. They were so expensive! ... I made one for my brother as a Christmas gift a few years ago, and I believe I paid around $40 for it. It turned out great, but it was just an 8x12 inch book with 20 pages total. (10 front and back) I just found this new site - (I know there are more out there but...) - these guys have awesome layouts, embelishments, backgrounds, you name it. The only thing I wish they had more of, is font selections. But get this... an 8x8 book with 20 pages is only $9.99!! Add more pages for just $.50 a piece! It's a fantastic deal. ~ I've got Mother's Day, Father's Day and Christmas already planned for both my parents, AND my in-laws. Plus I have so much fun creating them. It IS VERY time consuming though... Well, at least for me... I'm kinda picky. So it can take a while to create each book. I spent over 11 hours on this one here, and it's only a 25 page book! But I get lost in my work, and the time flies by... before I know it, no dinner has been made, no homework has been done, and it's bedtime for the kids! ~ Yikes! But,... I have a great family memory!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">XOXOXO ~ Signing off ~</span><br />
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Referral Link : <a href="http://www.artscow.com/?Ref=830690">http://www.artscow.com/?Ref=830690</a>~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-55194651194119641052010-04-12T09:43:00.000-06:002010-04-12T09:49:41.705-06:00Fun Shoe Tips!!<span style="color: #741b47;">Here's a few ideas that you may want to keep in mind. Little things I've learned over the years to help keep my shoes in tip top shape! - - -</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">~ I live in Idaho, and I wear my suede boots all winter long, thru the ice, snow, and the salt used for melting the ice and snow... If you're like me, then you've probably noticed the salt stains left on your boots after sloshing thru the wet winter weather... TaKe NoTE:</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">* White vinegar cleans salt-stained leather and suede shoes. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Dab it onto a cotton rag (or a nylon-bristle brush if you're cleaning suede), rub gently over the entire shoe, and let dry.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">~ This next tip comes in VERY handy when you have a 6 year old boy in the springtime. My son LOVES puddles... (I think he's magnetically drawn to them) And in the springtime when everything is melting, and there are hundreds of puddles calling his name, I welcome home a very soggy footed first grader nearly every day... TaKe NoTe:</span><span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">*Help wet shoes preserve their shape―and speed up drying―by placing crumpled newspaper in them overnight.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">I think these are <em>GREAT TIPS</em>! Hope you can use them and enjoy them as well!</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;">~XOXO Signing off ~</span>~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6665404523162695303.post-59165293258813479132010-04-08T18:53:00.000-06:002010-04-11T17:14:39.995-06:00<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: lucida grande;"><em>Blogging???</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: lucida grande;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: lucida grande;"><em>I'm only a few years behind, I suppose?? And I have to admit, It's all still a bit intimidating... I want to share my favorite pix, music, memories, and of course my Love for SHOES!! </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: lucida grande;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: lucida grande;"><em>So I'm jumping on the band wagon, but still playing my own tune. </em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">I love- above all else- my husband and my kids! I have the greatest family in the world, and I am so blessed to have the chance to be a wife and mother to them. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">I think I am busier than every other mother in the world, but I know I'm not. However... juggling 4 kids, and all that they are involved in, a full time job, volunteering at the schools, time with my husband, running a household, and ocasionally taking time for myself, I keep pretty busy. But I take some time for my own pleasures once in a while.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">Like....</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><em>Photography - Scrapbooking - Writing - Reading - Cooking - Singing - Music - Digital Memories</em><span style="font-family: georgia;"><em> - AND SHOPPING FOR SHOES!!</em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: georgia;"><em>Why shoes, you ask? It's simple you see... Shoes are loyal. That's right... I said loyal. Over the past 20 years I've worn jeans and dresses in sizes from a zero to a twelve - up, down, all around and back again... But guess what... My shoes stayed the same size! Maybe a little tighter with swelling from pregnancies, and maybe a little loose after being worn over and over, but always the same size! So you see, if I'm gonna spend money on something for my wardrobe, it's gonna be on something that will last... and Shoes win~!</em></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">*Plus, they might tell you what kind of mood I'm in ???.... Where I'm going???.... Where I've been??? .... (But don't be fooled - It's quite feesable to see me at the grocery store in my heels!)</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">Like Forest Gump says: "You can tell a lot about a person by the shoes they wear."</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br />
</span><br />
<em><span style="color: #b45f06;">~XOXO Signing off~</span></em><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: georgia;"><em></em></span>~ * ~ Destryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06293601178626490072noreply@blogger.com3