My new hobby....

Yesterday I showed you a couple of my digital scrapbook pages and today I thought I would show you the rest of what I have done.

First let me tell you a few things. My friend Kimberly is who got me started. If you get a chance stop by her blog and see her pages too....she's done some really neat ones. I was pretty skeptical at first. I thought the pages looked great on the computer but I really wondered what they would look like once they were printed out. I was very surprised at how beautiful they look when they are printed and as soon as I saw a few I realized that it was something that I would like to switch over too. It had been over 3 years since I had done any real scrapbooking the traditional way and I really think it's because of the time. I would dread getting everything out, set up and then cleaned up and that doesn't include that fact that I have four kids that would be trying to "help". With digi scrapbooking you can do just a bit at a time and save wherever you are at and come back to it when you have finish cooking, cleaning, changing diapers and whatever else might take you away. Plus, I can sit on my couch, watch TV with Ben and still scrapbook!

Ben got me Adobe Photoshop Elements for Christmas so that is the program that I am using to do all of this and then Kimberly gave my an online class from http://www.jessicasprague.com/ for Christmas. I would have been totally lost without that class. I have only taken 2 of the 4 classes so I know there is still so much to learn but I am having so much fun and can't wait to do more.

Ok, so now you can look at the pages....

I hope that answered your questions Katy (and whoever else was curious). I would happy to answer more if you have more. I will keep posting more pages as I get them done but for now, that's all I've got!

My first official run!!

So today I did something that I never thought I would ever be able to do....I ran a race!! Bloomsday is a race here in Spokane that is the biggest timed road race in the US if not the world. It is a total of 7.46 miles (12K) and that's a really long way to run. I was pretty sure that I would walk at least half of it but guess what? I RAN the whole way!!! Now my run was pretty slow but I still ran it. My sister-in-law Crystal came over and ran it with me. She a tough chick and pushed me, I mean encouraged me the whole way. We don't know our official time but we think we did it in about 1 hour and 20 min, maybe 30 min. They will post the results tomorrow probably. I am very very sore tonight but so excited that I did it. I will be running more and maybe I will work my way up to a half marathon. Here's a few pics of us before the race. I will let you know the official time when I find out. I just had to tell you all about my experience.

A really cute little girl and some comparisons....

I know that it has been a really long time AGAIN! I have been feeling really unmotivated with blogging lately. I've still loved looked at all of my friends' blogs but just have lacked the desire to do any of my own. I won't promise to do better because I have no idea how long it will be again before I do another post (hopefully not long!) but I have a fun one today I think.

I was getting my daughter ready this morning and as I do just about every morning I was also trying to think of a cute way to fix her hair. Having a little girl has not gotten old to me at all. I still LOVE dressing her cute and fixing her hair and many fun ways. So this morning I fixed it like this and couldn't resist taking a picture of it.
I just have to say isn't she sooooo cute!!! So it made me think of this picture that I had of me when I was a little girl. I was probably a year and a half older then Sarah so my hair is longer and I look older but do you think she's mine? heehee
Then I got to thinking about this other picture that I have of me on my first birthday and thought I should also share that one too. I pulled it out for a few of my friends and some actually thought that the picture was of Sarah and not me. The first is Sarah and the second picture is of me.
That's about all I've got for today :) I have been working on a couple of projects around the house that I will post pictures of soon. I need to go outside now and enjoy this totally awesome 60 degree weather we are having here.

Confession time for Angie

I have a couple of confessions to make to you, my faithful bloggy friends. I will start with what I consider the "lesser of two evils" confession.

1) This weekend while Ben's cousin was here we broke down and bought Guitar Hero World Tour for our Nintendo Wii. It is an awesome awesome game. We played for hours on Saturday night. So, what's the confession you ask? We stayed up until 2:45 (we thought it was until we went to bed and saw the time had changed) playing the stupid thing. We actually went to bed AFTER the time had changed. How pathetic is that? In all fairness - a) I never had video games growing up so I'm just making up for lost time, b) I was hanging out with our cousins, c) I was spending good quality time with my husband and d)the most important thing to remember is that I was learning how to play the guitar and the bass guitar. Now you can't fault me for my lack of sense when it comes to the whole time thing.

2) I am afraid that my computer time is going be shared from this point on. I promise I won't leave you bloggy friends totally. I still love you and my blog is still a great way to keep you all updated on our life but i did it, I finally broke down and signed up with a Facebook account. It's also a great way to keep up with friends and family. I have to say that it is sucking me into it's world right now. I know that the newness will wear off soon and I will be back to spend some more time on my blog. I just thought I should tell you before you heard it from someone else :)

If any of you are part of the Facebook world I would love to have you as my friend. Just search for Angie Abshire and you will find me. Goodbye for now.

I've been tagged

Ok, Mia tagged me today. So I need to come up with 7 random things about myself to share. Now I just did 100 things last week so I am going to try and do 7 things about my childhood that I didn't share in the 100 last week. You are so lucky to hear more about me!! Here goes....

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be 5' 9" so that I could be a super model. I stopped just shy of 5' 7" and I round up every time that I have to say how tall I am.

2. I used to LOVE going fishing with my dad. My whole family would go a lot but I always liked to go with dad.

3. My family owned an apple orchard for a lot of my growing up years and I remember having to be quiet during the day because my dad would be up in the night turning on the windmills or lighting the smudge pots. I don't know how my mom kept us quiet.

4. I loved Anne of Green Gables. My mom read them out loud to me and I'm sure that I read them at least twice. I still have the movies too. Maybe I should watch them again :)

5. I mentioned in the 100 things that we had a boxer named Bo growing up but I didn't say that for the last few years of her life she only had one eye. I remember when she came home from the vet, I thought it was so gross. Her eye was sewn shut with stitches. It was really sad but she got along fine with just one eye.

6. I had a friend who used to cut her Barbie Doll's hair. I always wanted to do the same but my mom would never let me. I'm glad now, it would drive me crazy if my kids wanted to do that too.
7. I cried when I saw the Jungle Book. I don't know why but I remember my dad carrying me out of the theater crying. Maybe I was sad that Mowgli left Baloo.

There, I hope that I didn't repeat anything. Now I'm supposed to tag a few more people but most of my friends have been tagged. So, I will tag a couple....

Kinslee
Heather
Katie
Brandi

You girls are it!! Have fun!!

100 Things About Angie

From all the blogs that I've seen and read, I have learned that it's a blogger tradition that on your 100th post you have to list 100 things about you. I'm not sure if I can actually do this without putting you all to sleep (me too) but I will certainly try. I'm sure there are things that I will put here that you already know but I'm sure some that you don't know. I also want you all to know that I totally expect you to read EVERY word :) Just joking...if you don't want to read it just skip but if you do read it feel free to leave a comment and tell me how weird, funny, a little dumb, or whatever else you think I am. So, here goes....


1. I was born on July 2nd, 1978
2. In Omak, WA (a town of about 5,000 people)
3. I was home schooled all 12 years
4. I loved it!! A lot of people worry about social skills of kids that are home schooled but I never had a problem with that. If you know me....
5. I am a VERY social person. (like how I pushed that one to number 5?)
6. I took one college class right when I was done with High School (it was music theory at Cal Baptist in Riverside CA)
7. I almost went to college there the next year
8. I got a job as a dental assistant when I was 19 (the reason I didn't go back to collage)
9. I also thought about going to the University of Idaho. I met the head of the music dept. at a piano competition and he asked me to come there. I'm not real sure why I didn't go...it just wasn't in God's plan for me.
10. I worked as a dental assistant for 4 years -- 2 different dentists. When I got married I moved and found a job in Cheney.
11. I got married in June of 2000. It's really easy to remember how many years that we've been married!!
12. When I got married it was first time that I had ever lived away from home.
13. It was really hard moving away from ALL of my family.
14. It took about 5 years before Spokane really felt like "home" to me.
15. We have lived in 4 different places in the last 8 years. 2 apartments and 2 houses. We plan on staying in this one for a long time.
16. I am married to my very best friend.
17. I "went out" with Ben when I was 15.
18. He was my first date. We went to the prom together.
19. We went out separate ways for about 6 years then got back together.
20. I told him that I was in love with him before we started dating again. I knew that I was going to marry him before he did.
21. I have the 4 cutest kids in the universe (go ahead and tell me that I'm wrong if you want...I still won't believe you....but yours are a close 2nd)
22. I love being a stay at home mom. It's the best job ever....and the hardest too!
23. I think that I'm going crazy in the head most days....my kids are busy!!
24. I hate doing laundry....it's my enemy and is never ever done.
25. I am also not a big fan of vacuuming. Maybe I need a Kirby or a Dyson :)
26. I don't know how to keep up on my house either
27. It's messy most of the time (this is where you can give me hints)
28. I feel like I'm always cleaning/picking up and it just never gets done. I guess that's 'cause we live in it.
29. There are days when I wonder if my kids are crazier then anyone elses or if they are just normal boys.
30. I think my hair is already graying!!
31. I can't believe that I'm only at 31!!
32. I was scared to death when I had Jacob
33. I didn't even really know how to hold a baby...I had never babysat infants.
34. There was nothing to worry about....it all clicked.
35. I love having babies.
36. I could have a million of them as long as I didn't have to bring more home :) I know that sounds bad...I love my kids but I just know my limit.
37. I have the perfect number of kids
38. I was also scared to death to have a girl....I only knew boys! I'm still a little scared but getting used to it.

*Break*

Are you making it through this horribly long post? I hope so...I need to take a break though.

***

39. Sarah looks just like I did when I was a baby. When she turned 1 I compared my first birthday picture with hers and if you didn't know it would be really hard to tell who is who.

40. Luke also looks like I did. It's just a little harder to tell since he's all boy.

41.When I was little I had some friends who nick named me "walky talky" heehee...makes me laugh now (are you laughing Shiloh?)

42. I think that I could probably still have that nick name really.

43. I learned to ski when I was a kid and skied with my family lots.
43. I was also on a ski racing team. I sucked big time. I'm pretty sure that my name was at the end most of the time. I guess I just wasn't daring enough to just "let go" and take off.

44. I started snowboarding when I was 16 or 17. I never got very good at it but it was fun.

45. Someday Ben and I want to take out whole family skiing/snowboarding.

46. I broke my thumb when I was about 10. I was skiing.

47. My thumbs are different lengths. When my left one broke it was the spot where it grows and so it never grew after that.

48. The only time that I've ever had to stay in the hospital was when I had kids.

49. I loved being there....like I said earlier....you can say I'm weird. It's just fun being taken care of.

50. I knew 5 great-grandparents and 3 grandparents growing up.

51. We had a Mamoo and Pop, they were greats. I remember them really really well. Pop lived until he was 96 (?) and I was 19 or 20.

52. My mom's dad died soon after I was born so I don't remember him at all.

53. My Nana and Grandad still live in the same house as they have my whole life (that actually where the winery is.)

54. I grew up living in two different places.

55. My family owned a business in Southern California. It was an apple business so during the apple season, August through December, my dad, mom, brother and I would live in Oak Glen, CA.

56. I worked for them. It was such a great experience for me. I think that has a lot to do with the "social" part of me.

57. I got to go to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Sea World a lot when I was a kid.

58. Once Chad and I got old enough to drive we would got to concerts. We went to hundreds of Christian concerts.

59. I just found out the other day that I actually know the keyboard player for Switchfoot. He used to be in a band called Mortal and we saw them several times and I met them the first time I saw them. His name is Jerome in case you were wondering.

60. I want to go back to Oak Glen sometime with my family. It's been at least 10 years since I was there last.

61. I went to Hawaii when I was 21. The dental office that I worked for went for a convention. It was such a cool place. I wanted to move there, Ben proposed to me when I got back. I got married instead :) good thing.

62. We will go there together someday. Maybe for our 10 year...in 2 years!!

63. I went to New York 2 1/2 years ago with my friend Kristin. We went to see our two friends Jen and Melissa.

64. That was the first time I had been away from Zac and the longest from the others. It was so much fun and we did a ton stuff.

65. I have the best mom EVER!! She is always doing stuff for me and she still "takes care" of me. I love her so much and I don't tell her enough. (I love you mom!!)

66. Our friends used to call my mom Betty Crocker. She is quite the cook. I've always wanted to be like her.

67. I really enjoy cooking....I have since I first got married.

68. I started Weight Watchers in July and I have lost about 14 pounds and Ben has lost 30!!

69. It hasn't hindered my cooking at all. I've just had to change it a little.

70. I still have 30 more "things" to go?? It's starting to get hard.....

71. I have played the piano since I was 3 1/2. My mom started teaching me then when I got a little older I took from other teachers.

72. I played in competitions. I won state once and came in second a couple of times. That was one of my favorite parts.

73. I taught lessons when I was 15 through 19. Then got my dental assisting job.

74. I just started teaching my two neighbor girls. I am loving it!!!

75. I still play some. Mostly for my church. I wish I had more time to work of classical stuff but it takes so much time.

76. I used to play the drums for church too (when I was younger). I had a friend that was a great drummer and he taught me some stuff.

77. Someday I'm going to learn how to play the guitar. I would love to be able to sing and play with the kids.

78. I love my friends and I love spending time with them!! Unfortunately I am so busy with family that I don't get to spend time with as many of them as I would like to. They are all awesome!!

79. I drive a Suburban...what else could my family fit into.

80. I don't really like snow. It's okay for a few days but I don't like to drive in it and I'm not a fan of cold weather.

81. I love the spring, when it's warm enough to be outside.

82. I also like the crispness of fall too. I just don't like what comes after it.

83. I am starting to become a football fan. That's another good thing about fall. Ben is starting to wear off on me I guess. Although our poor Seahawks suck this year!!

***

*I know I'm almost there but I have to take another break to think about more stuff*

***

84. I used to be a lifeguard. I started when I was 17. It was the best job...I got to sit out in the sun and get a tan.

85. I also taught swimming lessons. It's a little ironic that my kids are just now learning how to swim.

86. Growing up we had a Boxer named Bo. When we got Dash (our dog now) we looked at some boxers. I've always thought that it would cool to have another one. She was a really good dog.

87. I know that I've told you this before here but I will say it again....I love coffee. I know that I drink way too much of it but I really really like it. My favorite way at home is with some Coffee Mate Coconut creamer in it. If I go out, I go to Starbucks and get either a Carmel Macchiato or a White Mocha.

88. I play pinochle. I have since I was young and it was just my luck that Ben plays too. We don't play enough but whenever there is a family gathering we usually get a game or two in.

89. I married into an awesome family!! I love Ben's family...all of them. He has a ton of cousins who all have kids around the same age. We don't see them enough but when we do we all have a blast.

90. My sister-in-law Becky is an amazing person. I have been friends with her for longer then Ben and I have been married. She also has a cool family!!

91. I enjoy reading when I have time. It takes me a long time to finish a book now though. My new thing to do it download books onto my MP3 player and listen while I do my housework. It make the time go by pretty fast.

92. My favorite book?? I would probably have to say Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series. They are great books...I would highly recommend them.

93. I Love Jesus!!

94. I have been a Christian my whole life. I don't remember any distinct point in my life that I become a believer...I just am and have been.

95. I have had some tough times but I always come back to God and realize that there's no way that I can do anything without Him.

96. We helped with a church plant about 6 years ago. We are still there and both Ben and I are very involved. It's cool to be able to serve God in different ways!

97. I pray everyday that my kids will love God and grow up serving him.

98. I wish that I could be in more then one place at a time. Then I could do way more stuff and be way more productive!!

99. I'm amazed that I've made it to 99!!

100. The most profound thing about me that you probably all know....I'm a goof ball!! :) I like to joke around. I get that from my dad...he's quite a joker. I'm pretty sure that at least one of my kids has gotten that from Papa too. We'll see about the rest of them.

Oh my goodness....I'm done!!!! Hope you stuck with it and if you have any questions about any my 100 things please ask. I love to share about my life and please please leave a comment to tell me that you read it.

Is She Hungry?

On Thursday night my family ate before me because I had a meeting that's right at dinner time. So by the time I got home all the kids were fed and in their PJs ready for bed. As I was eating my taco salad, Sarah climbed up on the table (if you haven't seen it click here ) to watch me eat. It was pretty funny how close she got to look at it. I did finally give her a bite and when I did she said "ummmm!" I think she just likes to eat my food. I thought the pictures were cute so I thought I'd share.

I've been Tagged!!

I know this is going to sound really silly but I've really wanted to be tagged and today Daiquiri at calledblessed.blogspot.com got me!! Thanks Daiquiri, I'm so excited!!

So I'm supposed to share 10 things about me so here goes...I'll try not to bore you (since most of you are family and very close friends you might know all of this)....

1. My husband and I have been married for almost 8 years but I've known him for 14 years. We "dated" (I was only 15 and couldn't really date yet) when I was 15 and then 6 years later he fell in love with me (it took him a little longer then me).

2. I never thought I would have 4 kids. I wanted 2, 1 boy and 1 girl. Man oh man what I would be missing out. God sure knew what he was doing giving me my four kids.

3. My first car was a 1987 Jeep Wrangler, brown, hard top, half doors. I would love to have another one someday. Good luck fitting myself and 4 little kids in one though.

4. I love coffee of pretty much any kind. I will drink it with creamer or just plain black. I just like it.

5. I am addicted to Starbucks coffee mugs. I have no idea how many I have...hold on...19!! and they are all really cool ones too.

6. I really like to watch TV. I know that it's a waste of time but I like it. My favorite shows...American Idol, Survivor, 24, Lost, The Biggest Loser....I'm sure there's more but that's enough for now.

7. I really would love to have more bloggy friends. I'm pretty new at it but I love it and would love to meet more bloggers.

8. When I was a kid my friends would call my mom Betty Crocker!! She is a great cook and hostess. I would love to be like her some day. I'm sure that I will spend my life trying.

9. It doesn't take much to make me cry. It has gotten worse since kids but I've always cried very easy. My poor husband, doesn't know what to do with me sometimes.

10. I love wine. I didn't used to but about 4 or 5 years ago I really started to enjoy it. My folks, along with my aunt and uncle, are starting a winery and I have really enjoyed learning more about the process of making wine.

Well there it is. I hope I didn't bore you all. It was fun to share all that.

So this is the sad part...I've only got 4 friends that actually blog and Daiquiri got tagged by one of them and then tagged one of them so that leaves one left. Hee Hee. I know it's pretty pathetic but oh well. So I am tagging Kimberly at web.mac.com/kerith8 You better do it Kimberly, it will be fun.

Have a good night everyone!!