Happy Day after Christmas

Well, as usual, I'm a day late posting lol. That's just me, what can I say? I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. While it has been a year of trials, I feel truly blessed. The past couple of weeks, we've been fighting colds here, Marisa, me, then Buck, so it's been interesting. The kids and I went over to Mom's for Christmas Eve and my birthday, got to spend some time with Mom, Jack, Wendy and her family. Marisa went with her dad for their holiday program, I came home, picked up Buck and we went to Wendy's church to see their program. It's so great to be able to share the evening with everyone. Christmas morning we got up, opened our presents then headed off to Bucks' families. Did get some phone calls in during our travels. Hope everyone had a wonderful day.
Here are some pictures of our Christmas Eve.
Marisa got me these beautiful flowers for my birthday.

Our traditional kids by the fireplace at Christmas pic. I've been trying really hard not to think about how it will probably be Josh's last Christmas home for awhile. It's been hard, but I just have to stay positive that he'll be here next year.

Josh's Christmas present to Grandma

Sunday

Well, Christmas is almost upon us, where has the year gone? It certainly has been an interesting year, full of life's up and downs. Major milestones were made, high school graduations, teen hood achieved, and health issues. Wow, this is turning into a sad blog lol That was not what I intended when I sat down.
While "tidying up" yesterday, I found some great pictures that I thought I'd share. All you scrappers out there, don't get on me about how I should scrap them. Just enjoy the youthfulness of them. Josh and Mark had decided on one warm summer day that they would have an improptu yardsale, this is the boys at work. They used to be always into something when they were younger. Also keep in mind, that one of those young men is now 16 and old enough to drive, and the other will be joining the United States Marine Corps in April. My new motto will be "Semper Gumbi" (be flexible)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! While this year has been full of trials and tribulations for me and my family, I still consider myself terribly blessed and thankful. I keep trying to remind myself to make sure to remember all the little things to be thankful for, and I am, very much so.

Lil' about me.

Haven't really had a chance lately to blog, so hopefully this will calm the masses :-)
This is from Wendy-mine are in BOLD

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Happy Birthday Wendy

Today is my wonderful sister Wendys' birthday. I can't say enough about her, we have definitely been through good times and bad. And not a day or year goes by that I don't thank God for her. So here's hoping that you have a wonderful b-day sis, even if you are old enough to need a walker :-)

Blog backgrounds

Well, I have gone and done it. Yep, this is not an optical illusion, I have totally messed my blog up and can't seem to fix it. While I thought I was pretty computer savy, I have no idea how to do this lol So if anyone has any words of advise, please feel free to share.

Life

Yeah, yeah, I know, I haven't posted in a while. Lots of things going on in my corner of the world. Just when life seems stable and predictable, here comes another lemon. While I'm trying to make lemonade, seems I keep running into the seeds. When I started with this whole blog thing I thought, great, I can keep updated with my family that's spread all over, plus get to promote our jewelry. Seems like it's almost been a diary of sorts, yet I can't post but so many things. There are too many private things that are going on right now, so I'll just ask if you are reading this to send some good thoughts my way. Hope everyone is well out there in the blog world. Much love!

Peanut Fest Parade

Jersey and I were in the Peanut Fest Parade this weekend for the Humane Society. People who had adopted an animal from the shelter were invited to join us, just trying to show the general public what great animals were out there for adoption. The Humane Society actually won the best float LOL. We didn't even have a float, just all of use walking our dogs. The weather turned out absolutely beautiful, Jersey and I ended up having a nice 3 1/2 mile walk.

Hello Again

Yep, I know, I've been slacking on the blogging thing again. My days just seem to run together here lately. I'm either doing something with/for the kids, working, or doing the volunteer thing. Well today, being Tuesday and my official "half day" I decided to make some jewelry, finally. Came home, the house was nice and quiet and remembered how much I enjoy it. Here is what I made, when I was making it, I thought of Wendy and how she would probably like it. Feel free to critique.

Baby Kylie

This past weekend Buck and I finally got to meet his sisters new baby Kylie. What a sweetie and so small. We headed up to Fairfax to visit and get some snuggle time in, of course :) Unfortunately Buck couldn't hold her due to a nasty case of poison ivy, but you can bet I did, every chance I got lol I honestly forgot how much energy it takes for a newborn, phew! But she is a beauty and I wish them all the best.

Mutt Strut Results

I would have to say that the Mutt Strut was a resounding success! What a beautiful day it turned out to be. Unfortunately Buck and I weren't able to walk Jersey, but still managed to walk the "circuit" quite a few times. I can honestly say I have never seen so many dogs and dog lovers in one place. Anything from the smallest Chihuaha to a beautiful Grand Mastiff that came up to my hip! The latest count for the amount raised was $70,000!!! Is that amazing or what? Thanks again for everyones support and encouragement. If you'd like to read the full story, just copy and paste the link below. Pictures to follow, soon, I promise.

http://hamptonroads.com/2008/09/dogs-suffolk-event-was-just-walk-park

MEME by Gary

Gary has tagged me with a MEME it's a pretty short one so I will play along.

I have a wide variety of movies that I like, with the exception of horror/slasher types.
1. The movie you have watched the most?
Probably Wedding Crashers or 40 Year Old Virgin..I love those movies!!

2. Name your favorite actors (male & female) and the movies you liked them best in.
Tom Hanks: Cast Away & Forrest Gump
Julia Roberts or Jennifer Garner just about anything either of them are in.

3. List your favorite 3 movies:
1. Wedding Crashers
2. 40 Year Old Virgin
3. Dodge Ball

4. What movie cartoon character is your favorite?
Hmm, that's a good one. Probably the Genie in Aladin. Does that count Gary?

Guess I'll tag anyone who wants to blog it lol

Winner

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their encouragement, you guys are awesome. A special thanks to my lil' sis Wendy. I love you girl and thank you again!! The total amount that we raised was $340!! Now, on to the winner.......Missy, with the winning bid. Thanks so much for support, contact me with your address and I'll get this beautiful set off to you. Thanks again everyone. Much love to you all!

Jewelry Auction

As most of you know Buck and I have been trying to raise funds for our Humane Society's 1st Annual "Mutt Strut". Buck, myself and Jersey will be walking to raise awareness and raise funds for our cause. We have set a goal of $500 for ourselves but are falling short, so I have decided to have an auction for a handcrafted piece of jewelry from CJ Creations. Bidding will start at $10 and will go to the highest bidder. Bidding will end Friday at 5:00 p.m. EST so please, help us out. All donations are accepted and appreciated. Just follow the link below
www.firstgiving.com/carolcunningham1

If, in the past, you've seen something from our previous pieces that you liked and would rather have one of those, feel free to leave me a message and all proceeds from that sale will go to the Mutt Strut.

This hand crafted necklace is hand strung by me on individual gold toned eye hooks, red coral are accented with gold toned beads. Hanging at 20" This auction will also include matching earrings on gold toned balance hooks hanging at approx. 1"

Thanks for looking, and happy bidding!!

Larry

I've been meaning for a while now to blog about my friend Larry. Larry left this world 4 years ago and a day hasn't passed that he hasn't been in my thoughts at least some point during the day. I feel so blessed to have had him in my life, and I know there are many others who felt the same. We first met on December 26, 2001 and were immediate friends. He knew no strangers and had a pleasant word for everyone. He was the best shopping buddy and a true "guys guy". Loved to laugh, be serious, good conversation, dancing, music and people. We spent many a night putting together jigsaw puzzles or laughing over nothing. I remember one time we went to a movie and laughed through just about the whole movie, what was strange tho, seemed like we were the only ones laughing. A few days after Larry passed I started finding pennies in strange places. I received an email not long after that about pennies from heaven.

Out of this tragedy I was blessed again and made another friend who i'm sure will be in my life forever. Her name is Joanne and what a blessing she has been. Jo and I had never met, but had talked at length on the phone when we decided to meet to "visit Larry". Was so strange when we met, we had on almost the identical clothes, same hairstyle and the same weird sense of humor. As we were talking I mentioned finding the pennies, wouldn't you know it, Jo had been finding them too. Thing about it though, I would find mine face down and she would find her's face up. So today I'd like to memorialize Larry and hope he's looking down on me from heaven. Here's too you buddy!! Gone, but certainly not forgotten.

Blogging

I really have to admit, I'm a terrible blogger. I do have to apologize for that. I have good intentions, just doesn't seem interesting to post my day to day living. Plus, been a little busy trying to get the kids settled into school again, plus some other personal things. I was busy this weekend tho, repairing and making jewelry. So hope everyone had a good weekend and here are some things I made. One of them is especially for Wendy, wonder if she can figure out which one?

Dog & Cat Journal

I received this in an email today, and just thought it was so funny that i'd share it.

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary


8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!
6:00 pm - Oooh, bath. Bummer
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm- Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm- Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Diary





Day 983 of my captivity.

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.

They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow--but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.....

Happy Birthday Mom!!

Saying Happy Birthday to the BEST Mom on the planet! My Mom is just an amazing woman. I have her to thank for so many things. From my creativity to my stubbornness, from my strength to my passions. Sitting here, I honestly can not think of just one word that describes my Mom the best. She has ALWAYS been there for me and my sisters, through good times and bad. She has this amazing way of loving someone that makes them feel like they can conquer the world. We didn't always have the best growing up, but we always knew that it would be fun. I remember when we were younger, and money was very tight for us, we made our own Christmas presents. Now, at the time, we didn't realize that, we thought we were making them for kids less fortunate than us. Yeah, us 4 girls, who at one time shared a 1 bedroom apartment, were making presents for kids who had less. That's a story that I share with my kids now about them giving something back. I didn't really think that it was possible, but as an adult, I realize we had the BEST gift anyone could ever give. Their unconditional love. That's what Mom gave to all of us. So today, though she is thousands of miles away, I want to wish her the most amazing birthday. I hope you're having a wonderful time, I miss you and hope you have many, many more birthdays. I love you!!

Prayer Chain

I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but I have a special request today for anyone out there. One of my best friends Chris' daughter is very ill and in ICU in a Richmond hospital. Her name is Deborah and a young mother of a little 1 year old girl. She told her mom this weekend that she was having some numbness in her face on Saturday, by Sunday she was having numbness in her right arm and leg. So much so where she was getting unable to walk. This young lady has a history of having a brain tumor when she was only 8, and has a shunt in her brain since that time. They thought initially that she had another tumor growing, come to find out she has a brain hemorrhage. So I would like to start a prayer chain, I'm not real sure how to do that, but please, if you do pray, could you pray for this young mother, her mom, child husband and family. And if you're not, could you please just send some positive thoughts and well wishes her way?

More layers

LAYER FOUR:

1. Pepsi or Coke: Neither...Dr Pepper!
2. McDonald’s or Burger King: Neither, Taco Bell
3. Single or group dates: Both? Are you supposed to date when you're engaged?
4. Adidas or Nike: Neither
5. Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: Neither
6. Chocolate or vanilla: Definitely Chocolate


LAYER FIVE:

1. Smoke?: Unfortunately
2. Cuss?: Unfortunately
3. Sing?: Love to, just not very well.
4. Take a shower everyday?: You betcha
5. Do you think you’ve been in love?: Yes I am in love!
6. Want to go to college: Never had the money and now I don't have the time.
7. Liked high school?: No!! I never fit in.
8. Want to get married?: I'm engaged
9. Believe in yourself: Yes, most of the time.
10. AlwaysGet motion sickness: Sometimes
11. Think you’re attractive: Sometimes
12. Think you’re a health freak: LOL no
13. Get along with your parent(s): Yes! Especially my Mom
14, Like thunderstorms: No
15, Play an instrument: No


LAYER SIX: In the past month…

1. Drank Alcohol: No
2. Smoked: Yes
3. Done a drug: No
4. Made out: No
5. Gone on a date?: No
6. Gone to the mall: Yes
7. Eaten an entire box of Oreos: No
8. Eaten sushi: No
9. Been on stage: No
10. Been dumped: No
11. Gone skating: No
12. Made homemade cookies: No
13, Gone skinny dipping: Yes
14. Dyed your hair: Yes regularly
15. Stolen anything: No

7 Layers of Me

I liked Judi's 9 Layers. I decided to do the layers in sections. Here is Layer One-Three

LAYER ONE

1. Name: Carol Ann (Kalo)
2. Birth date: December 24
3. Birthplace: Rochester, N.H.
4. Current Location: Suffolk, VA
5. Eye Color: Blue
6. Hair Color: Blonde with the help of some color. If not colored my hair would be Grey.
7. Height: 5-6" (I'm the short one in the family)
8. Righty or Lefty: Right handed
9. Zodiac Sign: Capricorn


LAYER TWO

1. Your heritage: French Canadian on my Dad's side and a little Cherokee Indian on my Mom's
2. The shoes you wore today: Crocs.
3. Your weakness: Dr Pepper & Food
4. Your fears: I have a fear of Heights. Not seeing my kids grown, happy & healthy
5. Your perfect pizza: Pepperoni, Mushroom, Onions & extra Cheese
6. Goal you’d like to achieve: To Retire

LAYER THREE

1. Your most overused phrase on AIM: LOL
2. Your first waking thoughts: Do I have to work today?
3. Your best physical feature: Probably my hair or my smile
4. What you miss the most: All the people that have passed on.

Sheri's Shower

Buck's sister Sheri Lyn is expecting her first child. Yesterday they had a shower for her, OMG, I know she had at least 30 people there. I kind of forgot how exciting having a child was. But, she seemed like she had a good time, and got lots of nice things. The photo book and thank you cards that Wendy made were totally appreciated by all. Here's a few pics from the day.

Sunday

What a fun day Mom and I had today. There was a Bead/Jewelry sale down at the Va Beach Pavillion. Of course we had to meander down there and check things out. OMG, the beautiful stones and pieces of jewelry we saw. Let's just say, our eyes were bigger than our pocketbooks! We did manage to pick up some beautiful stones that we will be working with in the next couple of weeks, so please feel free to share any ideas you may have. Sorry the pictures aren't clearer, they look so much better in person.

Reality TV

I hate to admit this, but I have discovered that I am a reality TV addict. With the summer months upon us, and all of lifes great mysteries solved, I have mothing but reruns to watch. Here are some of the things I ponder......


Will Christina really be able to handle the new kitchen at Chef Ramsay's new restaurant or would Petroza have been a better pick. Maturity being on his side. Christina was definitely a novice in the cooking industry.


Will David Cook actually be able to record and put out a song that's popular in todays music industry?







I'm so glad that Artist beat Jonathan on Groomer Has It. He was so much more humble and seemed to genuinely care for the animals, not just the money.




And lastly, will Deanna and Jesse from the Batchelorette actually get married on TV, will their love stand the test of time or will Jesse leave her standing on a mountain top somewhere in Colorado? Tune in next year for more exciting episodes of all my favorites.

Long time, no blog

We have a hummingbird feeder in our backyard and every year I look forward to them coming back around. I could spend hours watching them, they are so funny. Yesterday I needed to refill their feeder and I caught about 7 of them going at it. Was so funny to watch the dominate ones trying to keep the other ones away. I caught some of them with my camera flying around. But what a hoot watching the male ones (I think they're the ones with the red on their necks), getting all puffed up and chasing the other ones . The whole thing lasted for about 10 minutes, them zooming back and forth. All the while, Jersey was just laying there, protecting the world.

Marisa

This past weekend Risa had her friend Andrea over. They spent almost all day long in the pool. What fun they had! They'd swim for a little while, then come in and listen to music, paint, play some games, just had typical teenage girl fun. They have been friends since they were both toddlers and she is a real sweetheart.