Bucket List

So a few weeks ago I had someone say to me, "It just doesn't seem like you have any hopes and dreams." OUCH! Now I've come to realize that this person's comment was based on their own clouded judgement, and that I can't take what others see as my reality - but it still hurt, it still hurt a lot. But instead of stewing and just letting it hurt I have been looking at what my 'hopes and dreams' are. Do I have dreams - or was this person correct in their comment?

In doing this little inspection of my life I have found that not only were they wrong - their comment was exactly what I needed to kind of get some of these down on paper. One of the way I can document my "dreams" is through my own "Bucket List". I have kind of had this in my mind, a list of things I want to do or accomplish before I die - but I haven't necessarily put them down on paper. So that is what I am going to work on doing. I will probably update it as time goes on - adding things, taking things off that really don't matter. But ultimately it's MY bucket list - so I can do that - right?

I am also finding that through working on this list that I have done some of the things on my list already. Even though my list hasn't been officially typed up to this point - I have still had that list in my mind, and as I've been checking through that list I've realized there have been many items on there that I have already gotten to check off - whale watching, parasailing, a helicopter ride in Hawaii, becoming a mother, moving away from family for an adventure (our summer jobs in Detroit and Cleveland), being published in a magazine, develop my own product (stickers with Kopp Design), gone to the temple, zip line trip, been on a cruise, been to Hawaii and been out of the country. There are many more that I have accomplished and I need to document them better.

As I've been doing this I am reassuring myself that I'm moving forward, that I DO have goals and I AM a dreamer. I'm learning that just becuase we have different goals or dreams doesn't mean that they aren't goals. We need to be more tolerant with others goals and dreams - especially if we want them to respect our dreams as well. So what are your dreams? What items are on your "Bucket List"? I'd love to read your comments - they may remind me or other things to add to my list.

Grandma's visit

We were lucky to have Grandma Tammy come visit this past weekend. She was supposed to be on "medical leave" from work - but was feeling great and decided to use this time off to come see the boys (and us - but let's face it - she missed those grandkids of hers). She got here Thursday evening and had to head back Saturday night, but we packed in some fun while she was here. She brought the boys a bunch of fun treats/toys to play with that they had a great time with. They made molded chocolate suckers and cookies, we ran errands, planted seeds in the boy's own greenhouse (which have already started growing really well!), read stories, did puzzles, built forts, and she taught me how to make a really pretty purse (which I need to finish up, as soon as I do I'll take pictures of it).

On Thursday night when she got there we went outside and spotted a gorgeous rainbow. Gabe was saying that he wanted to follow the rainbow and see if the leprechaun had left a pot of gold at the end. So Grandma got a great idea to find some gold coins at the store and have a pot of gold for them to find. We couldn't find the chocolate kind - but we did get some plastic coins. We got a bucket with some "prizes" in it for the boys and when Grandma left Saturday morning she hid the bucket at the cemetery (where the rainbow seemed to land earlier in the week). The boys had a great time finding the prizes that the leprechaun had left for them and were thrilled to call Grandma and tell her what they found.

Tammy also stayed and watched the boys both nights so Cory and I could go out. THANKS Tammy - it was great to see you, chat with you, play with you and feel of your love. We're proud of you for making the trip on your own! Love you!

Digi Scrapping with New Releases

WOW! Big week with layouts from me. Once I uploaded them all I was a bit stunned by how many I had actually finished. Enjoy!

Template sets used:
This and That Template Collab between ChrissyW and Bella Gypsy
Templates by Crystal V. 1

Kits used:
Fort Wannahockaloogie by Bella Gypsy & Connie Prince
Spring Breeze by ChrissyW
The Fourth by BellaGypsy and Connie Prince
June 2009 Collection by Crystal Wilkerson

Bucket List: Hot Air Balloon Ride - CHECK!

The little dive we stayed at. It actually was pretty clean!

Dang - he's hot! (Love you sweetie!)

Hot air balloons AND cotton candy???? Is this heaven? :)

This balloon is called a cloud jumper (I think...) It didn't have a basket, but like a seat the pilot sat on. It was awesome!

Unloading the balloon. Look at Cory helping out. He wanted me to get a chance to go up in the balloon so he put in the "hard work" and helped out. Thanks sweetie!

It was chilly and the boys weren't quite as excited as I was....but they were pretty good.

It was awesome to see the inside of the balloon as it filled with air!

There were a total of 35 balloons that went up!

The view as we went up - see you later boys!

In the air, or heading up.

I loved looking out at the other balloons that were flying too - it was awesome - they looked so close - and it was just magic to know we were all FLYING!

Me with the pilot and balloon owner - Gene from Arizona

The kids got to sit on the balloon bag to squish all of the air out when they packed up.

First time flyers get a champagne/cider toast after their first flight. This also includes everyone spraying us with their glasses of cider. They also did a little ceremony where Gene told us the history of hot air balloons and gave an Irish blessing for our safe flight.

We spent part of this weekend in Panguitch at a Hot Air Balloon Festival. We had a fun BBQ, went to the balloon glow last night, and got up early this morning for the balloon launch. I LOVE seeing hot air balloons, and after getting to go up I think I'm hooked. I didn't get up very far, or go very far out - but I DID get to fly, and it was awesome. Our friend Rhonda Sherratt's dad owns "The Hitchin Post" campground and RV park in Panguitch and sponsored a balloon. Cory told Rhonda and James that going in a hot air balloon was a dream of mine (on my "Bucket List") and they worked it out that I got to go up. LOVED it!

The Balloon Glow the night before is awesome too - the main street fills with the balloons thethered to the ground and light up the sky - fun music, food - it was great. A fun little vacation not too far from home. Thanks sweetie for making it happen. Love you.

Digi Scrapping Monday

Here are some layouts using new products this week. Head on over to Elemental Scraps - it's their Monday $ Day - get some cute new stuff at a great deal.


Family Day layout
Kit: Fall Leaves by ChrissyW (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22248)
Template: Luv U, Dad by ChrissyW (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22253)


Papa's Birthday layout
Kit: H20-ology by Bella Gypsy (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22121&cat=0&page=1)
Template: Luv U, Dad by ChrissyW (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22253)


Nose in a Book layout
Kit: Bookworm by Bella Gypsy (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22191&cat=0&page=1)
Template: Sketchology - Pasteater by Bella Gypsy (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22208&cat=0&page=1)



Storytime layout
Kit: Bookworm by Bella Gypsy (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22191&cat=0&page=1)
Template: Sketchology - Make Mine a Double by Bella Gypsy (http://www.elementalscraps.com/shoppe/product.php?productid=22057&cat=0&page=1)



Easter Traditions layout
Kit: Blue Skies - The Ettes & Company (http://www.ettesandcompany.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=101)
Template: Templ-ette Collection #7 ( http://www.ettesandcompany.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=9)