To everyone.
This Thanksgiving was a special one, as I celebrated being with my Rick's family and friends. We went to his cousin Brenda's house and the dinner was one to be remembered. Brenda has a BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, or should I say, mini mansion and it is decorated so nice. I hope we will be able to have a house that grand one day. Only one thing or should I say one person was missing. My mother did not come with us, she wanted to spend the holidays with her family, which was okay, but it was just odd not having her with us and the twins missed her. They had their other grandmother, Grandma Dot there along with Uncle Ben, Pa Pa Erskine, Auntie Rochelle, Auntie Vicki, Great Aunts Lucille and Maxine, Great Uncles L.S., and John Henry, along with a host of cousins and other family members and friends. I was able to take a few photos of the evening as I was totally stuffed with a great dinner. I was even pleasantly surprised to be able to eat some chitterlings made by Auntie Vickie. I really need to learn how to make them. Rick does not eat them and my mother always makes them for me, I only eat them once a year so I need to learn. I really wished that my mother came with us. She wanted to spend time with her family, she went by her SIL house and by her best friends house, Alberta. We did not get in until late and the twins were exhausted. We had planned on going by Rick's dad house but did not make it. We have to be sure to see him before Christmas.
Today, was a lazy day.
We had originally planned on going to the show to see This Christmas and maybe American Gangster
I did not want to do the Black Friday shopping...too crazy. I did it one time when the twins were one. Maybe I will do it when they are a little older. I called the store a few times today to see how things were going. They were really busy...I am glad that I took off today. I will be there on Saturday and Sunday. I hope that some scrap supplies are left for me to buy. I have really curbed my shopping habit of scrap supplies lately. Which is good and bad...good, since it making me use my stash more and rediscovering items I purchased in the past, bad, since it is making my wish list longer...what is a scrapaholic to do
Well, I am off now to do a little laundry and more relaxing...we have been in our pajamas all day long and I have been loving it. I might even scrap a little tonight as Rick announced he will be watching basketball all night.
I do not plan on being up too late since I have to work tomorrow and I am teaching my Acrylic Frame class on Sunday. That class did really well for me. I taught to a total of 9 people. I hope that my Acrylic Album class will do just as well. I have to start thinking and working on samples of more classes for next year.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
So Blessed...
To be so loved by many people...
I have not had a chance to update my blog...I have been trying to keep myself busy at Windy City Scrapbooking.
First...I wanted to let everyone know that I am so thankful for all of the calls, emails, hugs, and prayers that I have received from all during my experience. I know that through time, prayer, and with every one's support that I will feel better and do better...which is what I inspired 2 Be at all times anyway.
I was not going to share with people about my experience initially but I wanted everyone to be aware that danger is out there and to be careful...first and foremost. Sharing has also been a way for me to heal...all of the prayers that have been given to me...I have also prayed for the two men that did what they did to me and I hope that they will become aware of their wrong doings and stop before they hurt someone...they need prayer too.
I returned to work this week. Christina, the owner of the store was so generous as she gave me a bag of scrapbook supplies and she told me if there was anything else I needed to start to replenish my stash, just let her know. Another one of my friends, that works at the store part time, Deanna (she is a chiropractor and fellow Bradley Alumni) left me a gift certificate to the store along with a tool kit. I was also blessed by another one of my friends, that works at store, Jen, and she gave me the same tool tote that was stolen from me along with some stickles (to start my collection over again). Then today...I was so surprised that another one of my friends, Laura, who is also a customer at the store gave me a bag of scrap supplies and then she also overwhelmed me with a gift certificate and also another friend who happens to be one of the teachers at the store also blessed me with a gift certificate. I was so taken by everyone generosity and those that know me...know that all I did was cry tears of joy, happiness, and all of that in between. Retail therapy is great but scrapbook retail therapy is the greatest.
Again...I am so thankful, blessed and lucky and I truly appreciate every one's emails, calls, prayers, etc. I value all of my friendships.
I truly feel as though, now that I am getting over this experience, or whatever one may call it, I am meant to do something greater than what I am doing. I am not sure what it is, but I do know that my life was spared and that angels were watching over me...I know one in particular, my dear father, Albert, who passed away August 26Th, 1999. He was definitely there watching over me and shielding me with his wings. I still have the voice mail that he left on my phone just a few weeks before he died...he ended it by saying, "...your my heart, your my Puddin, bye"...Puddin was my nickname that only he called me. He never called me Alraynita unless he was upset at me. He is my guardian angel...and he watches over the twins too.
So I am going to continue, I know to strive and just be the best that I can for others and myself.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I have not had a chance to update my blog...I have been trying to keep myself busy at Windy City Scrapbooking.
First...I wanted to let everyone know that I am so thankful for all of the calls, emails, hugs, and prayers that I have received from all during my experience. I know that through time, prayer, and with every one's support that I will feel better and do better...which is what I inspired 2 Be at all times anyway.
I was not going to share with people about my experience initially but I wanted everyone to be aware that danger is out there and to be careful...first and foremost. Sharing has also been a way for me to heal...all of the prayers that have been given to me...I have also prayed for the two men that did what they did to me and I hope that they will become aware of their wrong doings and stop before they hurt someone...they need prayer too.
I returned to work this week. Christina, the owner of the store was so generous as she gave me a bag of scrapbook supplies and she told me if there was anything else I needed to start to replenish my stash, just let her know. Another one of my friends, that works at the store part time, Deanna (she is a chiropractor and fellow Bradley Alumni) left me a gift certificate to the store along with a tool kit. I was also blessed by another one of my friends, that works at store, Jen, and she gave me the same tool tote that was stolen from me along with some stickles (to start my collection over again). Then today...I was so surprised that another one of my friends, Laura, who is also a customer at the store gave me a bag of scrap supplies and then she also overwhelmed me with a gift certificate and also another friend who happens to be one of the teachers at the store also blessed me with a gift certificate. I was so taken by everyone generosity and those that know me...know that all I did was cry tears of joy, happiness, and all of that in between. Retail therapy is great but scrapbook retail therapy is the greatest.
Again...I am so thankful, blessed and lucky and I truly appreciate every one's emails, calls, prayers, etc. I value all of my friendships.
I truly feel as though, now that I am getting over this experience, or whatever one may call it, I am meant to do something greater than what I am doing. I am not sure what it is, but I do know that my life was spared and that angels were watching over me...I know one in particular, my dear father, Albert, who passed away August 26Th, 1999. He was definitely there watching over me and shielding me with his wings. I still have the voice mail that he left on my phone just a few weeks before he died...he ended it by saying, "...your my heart, your my Puddin, bye"...Puddin was my nickname that only he called me. He never called me Alraynita unless he was upset at me. He is my guardian angel...and he watches over the twins too.
So I am going to continue, I know to strive and just be the best that I can for others and myself.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Monday, November 12, 2007
So grateful...
to be alive today...November 12th
I had a terrible experience this past Saturday, November 10th that may have changed my life...maybe for th moment.
I was robbed at gunpoint by two young men at 7:15pm in a nice neighborhood. I was in the Chatham area. I was going to one of my SOS members mother's home to scrapbook the night away as usual. I was getting out of my car and I had saw one of my SOS sisters...it was dark and I had asked her which house it was at (it was our first time being at this house)...she pointed in the direction of the house and went in...I was just a few houses away when suddenly, two guys came from behind me and demanded money...I thought is was a joke at first but once I saw the young man with a gun pointed to my head I dropped everthing. He continued to way the gun in my face and keep asking me for money...I did not have any. I dropped both of my scrapbooking bags and the bags that held the pop and snack that was to be shared with other members of my group. I tried to back up and the one guy keep pointing the gun in my face while the other guy went through my scrapbook bag. The one with the guy told me to get down on the ground and I pleaded with him not to kill me...I remember saying it over and over again. The faces of my children and my husband flashed in front of me and I even saw on the prominent news casters telling my story on the news. The man backed off and him and his friend ran away getting into a car and drove off. I was finally able to scream and I ran to the nearest house banging on the door. I could not believe that this happened to me...not me...why me? I thought for sure they would have killed me...no masks...I could identify them with no problem...at least the one guy with the gun.
They did get away with my cell phone...which I had shut off and they got away with my scrapbooking tote with all of my tools, pens, inks, adhesives, etc. I guess it looked like a purse to them. My wallet was in my bigger shoulder scrapbag but they did not look good enough for that and my camera was in there too. They did not get that either...Thank goodness. All of my sisters from my scrapping group were there for me and they contacted Rick to tell him. He immediately came over...as he was just finishing up deejaying a wedding and he was just relieved that I was not harmed in any physical way. I did not want him to miss work, since he is working nights now...I told him that I would be fine and for him to go home and get some rest since he had to work that night. I stayed with my friends and they made sure I got home okay...Radiah followed me home.
Before this incident happened, I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of Junkitz Company...Stacy and Kenny Panassidi on Friday at Windy City Scrapbooking. When I asked Stacey when did she have time to crop, she informed me that she takes the time to scrap everyday...no matter what. Now that this happened to me...I feel moved to do this too. I feel as though my life and all that it entails need to documented...no matter how good or bad. My babies, Alex and Allegra need to know about me, their father, family and themselves along with all of our friends. Life is so precious and I do not want to be guilty of taking advantage of it.
I feel very scared now...not sure of who or what is lurking around the corner...can not trust anyone. I do not want to be like that. I do not want to live in fear. I love life...but I am scared. I keep playing the incident in my head...replaying it over and over again, putting it in slow motion, pause...wondering what if the trigger was pulled? why did it happen? what lesson am I to learn from this? what? why? why? why?
Not sure what I am to gain from this...strength, security, be afraid, no...more aware of my surroundings
I just want the images to be gone...happy thoughts only.
When I came home today...I blew my car horn for Rick to come to the window to watch me come in the house. Alex asked me if I was afraid and I told him..."Yes" and he asked me if I was afraid of the man with the gun...and I could not lie and I told him "Yes" and he asked me if he had my scrapbook stuff and I told him "Yes". Alex and Allegra were around when I told my mother about the incident on Sunday morning when I went to go and pick them up. When I did pick them up...I just kept on hugging and kissing them and tears were in my eyes. I told my mother what happened and I did not say gun to loud but Alex heard me anyway and he remembers from 2 days ago.
I am up here crying now...why can I not let this go...I am alive, I am here, why does it hurt?
Rick is sleeping now...he has to go to work...I do not like him working nights...leaving us here by ourselves...especially now.
I have so much to do and catch up on.
I just had to be sure to post this...to write about it...to get my feelings today off of my mind, my chest.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I had a terrible experience this past Saturday, November 10th that may have changed my life...maybe for th moment.
I was robbed at gunpoint by two young men at 7:15pm in a nice neighborhood. I was in the Chatham area. I was going to one of my SOS members mother's home to scrapbook the night away as usual. I was getting out of my car and I had saw one of my SOS sisters...it was dark and I had asked her which house it was at (it was our first time being at this house)...she pointed in the direction of the house and went in...I was just a few houses away when suddenly, two guys came from behind me and demanded money...I thought is was a joke at first but once I saw the young man with a gun pointed to my head I dropped everthing. He continued to way the gun in my face and keep asking me for money...I did not have any. I dropped both of my scrapbooking bags and the bags that held the pop and snack that was to be shared with other members of my group. I tried to back up and the one guy keep pointing the gun in my face while the other guy went through my scrapbook bag. The one with the guy told me to get down on the ground and I pleaded with him not to kill me...I remember saying it over and over again. The faces of my children and my husband flashed in front of me and I even saw on the prominent news casters telling my story on the news. The man backed off and him and his friend ran away getting into a car and drove off. I was finally able to scream and I ran to the nearest house banging on the door. I could not believe that this happened to me...not me...why me? I thought for sure they would have killed me...no masks...I could identify them with no problem...at least the one guy with the gun.
They did get away with my cell phone...which I had shut off and they got away with my scrapbooking tote with all of my tools, pens, inks, adhesives, etc. I guess it looked like a purse to them. My wallet was in my bigger shoulder scrapbag but they did not look good enough for that and my camera was in there too. They did not get that either...Thank goodness. All of my sisters from my scrapping group were there for me and they contacted Rick to tell him. He immediately came over...as he was just finishing up deejaying a wedding and he was just relieved that I was not harmed in any physical way. I did not want him to miss work, since he is working nights now...I told him that I would be fine and for him to go home and get some rest since he had to work that night. I stayed with my friends and they made sure I got home okay...Radiah followed me home.
Before this incident happened, I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of Junkitz Company...Stacy and Kenny Panassidi on Friday at Windy City Scrapbooking. When I asked Stacey when did she have time to crop, she informed me that she takes the time to scrap everyday...no matter what. Now that this happened to me...I feel moved to do this too. I feel as though my life and all that it entails need to documented...no matter how good or bad. My babies, Alex and Allegra need to know about me, their father, family and themselves along with all of our friends. Life is so precious and I do not want to be guilty of taking advantage of it.
I feel very scared now...not sure of who or what is lurking around the corner...can not trust anyone. I do not want to be like that. I do not want to live in fear. I love life...but I am scared. I keep playing the incident in my head...replaying it over and over again, putting it in slow motion, pause...wondering what if the trigger was pulled? why did it happen? what lesson am I to learn from this? what? why? why? why?
Not sure what I am to gain from this...strength, security, be afraid, no...more aware of my surroundings
I just want the images to be gone...happy thoughts only.
When I came home today...I blew my car horn for Rick to come to the window to watch me come in the house. Alex asked me if I was afraid and I told him..."Yes" and he asked me if I was afraid of the man with the gun...and I could not lie and I told him "Yes" and he asked me if he had my scrapbook stuff and I told him "Yes". Alex and Allegra were around when I told my mother about the incident on Sunday morning when I went to go and pick them up. When I did pick them up...I just kept on hugging and kissing them and tears were in my eyes. I told my mother what happened and I did not say gun to loud but Alex heard me anyway and he remembers from 2 days ago.
I am up here crying now...why can I not let this go...I am alive, I am here, why does it hurt?
Rick is sleeping now...he has to go to work...I do not like him working nights...leaving us here by ourselves...especially now.
I have so much to do and catch up on.
I just had to be sure to post this...to write about it...to get my feelings today off of my mind, my chest.
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Monday, November 05, 2007
Long Day Today...
It was a long Monday today...as always, so much to do, not enough time.
I was pleasantly surprised by my dear mother this morning...she came ringing the bell as I was getting the twins dressed for school this morning...at first I was worried that she just came by as I thought something was wrong...she said that she just wanted to see the twins, that she had not seen them and that she missed them.
You see, I waited late in life to have children and my mother is much older...she is 82. Alexandre' and Allegra are her first grandchildren so she really tries to help me out and enjoy them as much as she can. She is my primary sitter for them for I have not found someone outside of family that I truly trust and can rely on...and the only thing I have to pay her with is time with them. I wish that I would have had my children earlier in life but I know that things happen for a reason.
Here is a photo I took of her with them back in August of this year
She will see them on Wednesday night...she wants them to sing in her church's children's choir so the will begin practice on this Wednesday...it will be their first practice. I have to work that night so I will have to make sure to go the following week. She will also have them on Friday and Saturday. I am attending a wine tasting on Friday night and I am scrapbooking on Saturday night. So she will get her fill of the A team.
I worked at Windy City today...I was surprised to see that Christina, the owner, was putting all of the Halloween items on sale at 40% off. I gladly helped her as this will make it easier to change things out for Thanksgiving...you know I put a few things aside for myself too ;).
I am working heavy at the store this week...the holidays are coming up fast and the twins will be 4 this year. We still have not decided upon whether or not we are going to give them a birthday party...we better decide in a couple of weeks...especially if we are going to go to a place and do it as I am sure that dates are booking up if not already booked. We will have to see. I also want to make sure they have a nice Christmas. I really want to get Rick something nice too. Things have been hard on us this year with his work situation and I just want him to know that I do still believe in him and I know that we will make it through this....we will only get stronger and better....and as I stated earlier...Things happen for a reason.
I am working tomorrow morning but I am getting off early. Rick has gotten into a business venture with his brother Benjamin and also another young man by the name of Dexter. I am not that knowledgeable of the product but they are going to start having business seminars at Leona's on 87th street every 2nd Tuesday of the month. He is going in the Tahitian Noni business and I truly support him in this...I want him to succeed and do well. He has always supported me in everything I have done and not done an still does to this day. He encourages me with scrapbooking and does not hold me back...I wish him luck and I plan on doing all that I can to encourage him and help him in his business venture...I will even scrapbook his events for him ;)...His first meeting is tomorrow so I hope it is a good one. Rick and I act like an old married couple...we have been together for 12 years and married for 6 of those years....looking forward to more.
Well...I have to go and wake him up to get him off to work and maybe go watch my Tivo for a bit...
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I was pleasantly surprised by my dear mother this morning...she came ringing the bell as I was getting the twins dressed for school this morning...at first I was worried that she just came by as I thought something was wrong...she said that she just wanted to see the twins, that she had not seen them and that she missed them.
You see, I waited late in life to have children and my mother is much older...she is 82. Alexandre' and Allegra are her first grandchildren so she really tries to help me out and enjoy them as much as she can. She is my primary sitter for them for I have not found someone outside of family that I truly trust and can rely on...and the only thing I have to pay her with is time with them. I wish that I would have had my children earlier in life but I know that things happen for a reason.
Here is a photo I took of her with them back in August of this year
She will see them on Wednesday night...she wants them to sing in her church's children's choir so the will begin practice on this Wednesday...it will be their first practice. I have to work that night so I will have to make sure to go the following week. She will also have them on Friday and Saturday. I am attending a wine tasting on Friday night and I am scrapbooking on Saturday night. So she will get her fill of the A team.I worked at Windy City today...I was surprised to see that Christina, the owner, was putting all of the Halloween items on sale at 40% off. I gladly helped her as this will make it easier to change things out for Thanksgiving...you know I put a few things aside for myself too ;).
I am working heavy at the store this week...the holidays are coming up fast and the twins will be 4 this year. We still have not decided upon whether or not we are going to give them a birthday party...we better decide in a couple of weeks...especially if we are going to go to a place and do it as I am sure that dates are booking up if not already booked. We will have to see. I also want to make sure they have a nice Christmas. I really want to get Rick something nice too. Things have been hard on us this year with his work situation and I just want him to know that I do still believe in him and I know that we will make it through this....we will only get stronger and better....and as I stated earlier...Things happen for a reason.
I am working tomorrow morning but I am getting off early. Rick has gotten into a business venture with his brother Benjamin and also another young man by the name of Dexter. I am not that knowledgeable of the product but they are going to start having business seminars at Leona's on 87th street every 2nd Tuesday of the month. He is going in the Tahitian Noni business and I truly support him in this...I want him to succeed and do well. He has always supported me in everything I have done and not done an still does to this day. He encourages me with scrapbooking and does not hold me back...I wish him luck and I plan on doing all that I can to encourage him and help him in his business venture...I will even scrapbook his events for him ;)...His first meeting is tomorrow so I hope it is a good one. Rick and I act like an old married couple...we have been together for 12 years and married for 6 of those years....looking forward to more.
Well...I have to go and wake him up to get him off to work and maybe go watch my Tivo for a bit...
TTFN
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Sunday, November 04, 2007
My Silly Babies
This was a photo I took of Alex and Allegra a couple of weeks ago. We went downtown to the Chicagoween event that was at Daley Plaza in the loop. Of course I took more photos than this one but this photo captures them now...Silly. We had a great time that day, eating popcorn, watching the Midnight Circus, hanging out with big brother Adonis, and the Cratin clan: Sammie, Andrew, Caroline, and Sesil and they even got to slide down the Picasso that day. You know I got pictures of that.
Okay...
Good night for real this time
Hugs & Kisses
Me
Did someone forget...
to give Alex and Allegra the memo for Daylight Savings Time last night?
I tell you, those two were up at 6:30 this morning like it was 9am. I will be getting the slacker mom of the year award for this morning. I gave them a bath, put their clothes on, gave them a morning snack, turned on the television and went back to bed...of course I could not stay sleep for long since they wanted to come and tell me about every little thing that Dora did. Gotta love Daylight Savings Time.
So I woke up and decided to make breakfast before Rick came home. I had been ill the past couple of days (great excuse for not posting since Wednesday) but I am feeling better today. So , since the house had been in an uproar with me being ill, I cooked every one's favorite. Sausage, eggs scrambled soft with cheese, buttermilk biscuits and grits with just the right amount of butter and sugar. I called Rick before he left work so I could time him. He was very surprised to see breakfast ready for him. After breakfast...I had to get ready for work at Windy City Scrapbooking. I had a class this morning and was working afterwards. I was glad that Diane Anderson, the owner of Scrap and Spa, the retreat I went to a couple of weekends ago, had signed up to take my class along with her daughter. Class went well and I am so glad that I am scheduled to teach my acrylic frame class again this month and already I have 3 students. This frame does make a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. I can not wait to teach it again.
Once I came home, Rick had dinner ready for us...we had KFC...hey, I can not knock him for trying and I do appreciate not having to cook tonight.
The twins are asleep and I think I will follow in their footsteps now...till next time
Hugs & Kisses
Me
I tell you, those two were up at 6:30 this morning like it was 9am. I will be getting the slacker mom of the year award for this morning. I gave them a bath, put their clothes on, gave them a morning snack, turned on the television and went back to bed...of course I could not stay sleep for long since they wanted to come and tell me about every little thing that Dora did. Gotta love Daylight Savings Time.
So I woke up and decided to make breakfast before Rick came home. I had been ill the past couple of days (great excuse for not posting since Wednesday) but I am feeling better today. So , since the house had been in an uproar with me being ill, I cooked every one's favorite. Sausage, eggs scrambled soft with cheese, buttermilk biscuits and grits with just the right amount of butter and sugar. I called Rick before he left work so I could time him. He was very surprised to see breakfast ready for him. After breakfast...I had to get ready for work at Windy City Scrapbooking. I had a class this morning and was working afterwards. I was glad that Diane Anderson, the owner of Scrap and Spa, the retreat I went to a couple of weekends ago, had signed up to take my class along with her daughter. Class went well and I am so glad that I am scheduled to teach my acrylic frame class again this month and already I have 3 students. This frame does make a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. I can not wait to teach it again.
Once I came home, Rick had dinner ready for us...we had KFC...hey, I can not knock him for trying and I do appreciate not having to cook tonight.
The twins are asleep and I think I will follow in their footsteps now...till next time
Hugs & Kisses
Me
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