Angel In My Pocket Designs

http://justmeida.blogspot.com/

Wishing you Holiday Greetings

May you have a lovely holiday with lots of peace and joy.

Visit here for another neat freebie a ornament frame kit.

Art Trails

Some Scrap Soup for The Holiday Season

2008-12-22T05:47:00.008-04:00

Thank you to scrapbrat for the lovely award of this blog has heart, you can visit her blog here. Thank you.

I humbly accept this award, from her, I am supposed to pass this award along, I cannot choose any one person to pass this on to, there are to many people in my world that are so deserving of it who do not openly express themselves as I can. In my heart, I felt the best person I could pass this award unto is someone who is no longer with us, but who had such a great influence on my heart when I first discovered him. The first book I read by him was Living, Loving and Learning.

A particular story comes to mind, from that book, a little johnny story.

Little Johnny, was in art class one day, and the teacher was showing the students how to draw a tree. She drew on the black board a trunk and colored it brown and a cloud like top which she colored green. She looked to the students and said now boys and girls, draw a tree. The children took out the crayons and got busy drawing there trees, while the teacher went up and down the isles viewing there progress, stopping and helping where she could, until she got to little Johnny, little Johnny was busy, with colors of purple, red, yellow, green swirling them over his paper. She looked and said to him, that's not a tree I asked you to draw a tree. To Johnny that was a tree with all the beautiful colors he had seen in trees in one beautiful place, on his paper, what that teacher forgot was..to tell her students to draw my tree!

Being yourself is a very difficult thing in a world that teaches us and expects us to do and be like the majority. So I would like to pass this award along to Leo Buscaglia, who is no longer with us in this world, whose lectures, books, videos are still here for us to be inspired from and to share.

My heart part of me is because of part of him, when I was looking, for things in life I was not even sure of what it was..in reading his books, listening to his lectures, that who I am now became to be, In a world where many question if speaking from our hearts is professional, I have only to think..if it was not why would the people who share from their hearts (such as the chicken soup books) make so much money doing so ..if somewhere underneath we were not all longing to hear..the realities of living, loving and learning and know that we are a doing okay.

I wish you all peace, joy, happiness, love..enough food to not be hungry, warmth from the cold and food for the soul. I will be back again with Christmas Goodies, I have been pretty sick since the 3rd of October and awaiting a cat scan to confirm what is going wrong, which may be kidney stones. The medical care system is slow..and I am still waiting and that is on a urgent consult, but I am hanging in there..even though there are days..when I feel like biting a towel, the greatest gift a person can have is there health..without it..you are almost powerless to change anything in your life and I am grateful I still have health of mind, for those not so fortunate in life to have health of mind and body..they depend on you, your heart, your kindness to ensure that those that will abuse the weak , and feeble to defend them and ensure they are cared for with dignity, I hope each of you finds someone special to care for in your life's this Christmas..
and all year long, it is only through our hands and hearts will we change this world and make it a better place for our children.

Please enjoy the video!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6741106990650052510
You can open up another page and continue browsing and making your rounds as you listen to it. My wish is that it will be ScrapSoup for your heart....love, Joanne

Idas lovely gingerbread

2008-12-11T16:55:00.002-04:00

There is a lovely christmas freebie on my friend Idas blog, so cute and perfect for christmas, thank you Ida for sharing it with us all.

Check it out on her blog here.

Leave her some love if you download please.

It is her first freebie.

I think they are so adorable.

Just some more pictures

2008-12-11T16:13:00.004-04:00

We had such fun making his cake together. He picked out all his own colors and did all the work to create a beautiful birthday cake.

This is our little girl, she is going on 6 years old, she is the small one of the pets and is always with me by my computer. She is so gentle and kind.

This is our big boy, has he ever grown, and is such a loving animal...he thinks he is a poodle..smiles..!

Something Special

2008-12-11T13:26:00.004-04:00

This little sweetie is the puppy of our older husky Meikan, who sired the pups, playful as my son has named him arrived for Sammy's Birthday and has been growing like a weed right before our very eyes, My son is so in love with is new friend, he faithful trains him everyday for an hour....and playful can now sit, give both paws separately and sometimes will lay down. Sammy is very protective over him. We have had more then a few smiles..listening to Sammy being mom and dad to his new baby, hearing our parenting skills coming out in the talks he has with his pet.

This good natured little pup..is very much like his father and has a lovely disposition.

Father and son..play well together..and Sammy loves them equally with all his heart.

It was his birthday, November the 11th, and we spent the day making his birthday cake together, playing games, and having fun.

My boy is 13 now, a teenager, where do time fly..he is growing up before my eyes, taller then me now..and a real little gentlemen, he is doing well learning things and being home schooled has brought the joy back into his eyes and everyday you can see his confidence blossoming.

I will never regret the decision to home school him. I was worried at first, that I might not be able to get my little boy back to the same little boy I put in school, but I can honestly say now..that that fear is gone and that he is back and that I did pull him out of that place whereby he was so very misunderstood, just in the nic of time.

When I first took Sammy out of school, he was severely withdrawn, retreated to his room and had nothing to do with anyone, the shine was gone out of his eyes, and had absolutely no confidence in himself..he spent countless hours in his room not participating in the world around him..now it is the total opposite..its been so long since he spent time in his room, I am wondering if he needs one..smiles..he just loves being in the center hub of things around the house, he now greets people and welcomes them in..shows off his accomplishments and offers his opinions on things...He is just blossoming more and more everyday..right before my very eyes..

It was easy to focus only on him and not all the wrongs of what happened to him..and the seeing the reward for those choices of keeping focused on him..has been so rewarding.

He loves science, anything about animals, and how things work, he love to cook, and like every child..don't like the cleaning part..smiles..but he is even so much more cooperative about helping out then he was..he does what you ask now..with the usual mutterings of a normal teenager..

He was very proud of his birthday cake again this year..

when I get a chance I will post some pictures on his blog..

which I have lots of updating to do as well..

thank you for visiting, I hope to get caught up on a few more post today.

huggies, Joanne

Fall Splendor Blog Party

2008-09-30T22:04:00.005-03:00

Fall Splendor Blog Party

Its Fall, the perfect season of the year, with all its beautiful colors.

It's time to have a blog party, which was lovely arranged by Kristine.

Here is my contribution a lovely cd calendar which can be made and put on ribbons to hang or

put month by month on a plate stand..

Enjoy and Happy Scrapping!

Special Thank you go to a lot of talented commercial use designers in the making of this gift to share.

This is just a small collective sampling of a few of the wonderful commerical use designers out there in the digi scrapbooking community..of which there are so many it was impossible to showcase them all..

Special Thanks to Kristine for starting this wonderful idea and taking the extra time involved to cooridinate putting it all togethor..the gentle reminders..the smiles..and her own digital contributions..special thanks to all who have come togethor to contribute and make this special event..happen..

If you were one of the first 6 to download..download the fixed file here..!

Fixed Jan. File

A Special Thank You To:

Christy Haig-DigiScrapWarehouse.com-(cd-template modified-Oct)

Gypsy Chick (Jodie Patterson)-ScrapArtist.com - http://thegypsychick.blogspot.com/ - http://www.gypsychick.net/

JulieO-stoneaccentsstudio.com(Lovely Dried Roses-May

Nicole Viars-digiscrapwarehouse.com(stacked Papers-Feb Dotted overlay used on my cardboard torn star)

Kimberly Wresh-Mrs. Wresh Designs-scrapbook-elements.com-thedigichick.com-mrswresh.blogspot.com(frame-Aug)

Misty Cato-(Plastic Style-April Elements)sweetshoppe designs

Atomic Cupcake-http://www.atomiccupcake.com/-(Gems used for Brads-Dec-March-May-June-Sept)

Cyndi Wetmiller-Wetfish Designs-Divine Digital-www.wetfishscraps.blogspot.com-(FishHooks-June and Feb Button June)

Nicole Perry-Digiscrapwarehouse.com-(Tree-June)

Kim Broedelet-Kimb's designs-http://digital-scrapbooking.org-(Paper Tears-Aug)

bsilvia-graphicsillustrations.com (Brushes-April)

Cindy Doerksen-Digiscrapwarehouse.com-(Bow-May)

ShariaBraxton-www.elementalscraps.com-(Doodles-July)

Michelle Boroni-http://studiostyledesigns.com (Sept Frame-modified-Sept)

Sweet Angel Scraps-http://sweetangelscraps.blogspot.com/-(Ribbon on Frame Sept)

Dani Alencar-www.daniarteira.blogspot.com-(Frame-Aug)

Amanda Rockwell-www.scrapartist.com-(overlays)

~ Tania Ramalho Designs ~ Digital Design-Commerical Use Calendar pngs.
http://colorindo-a-vida.blogspot.com/

ScrapGirls-Melissa Renfro-Dynamic Brushes(stitching)Edge It Action

CREATIVE VICTORIAN DESIGNS-http://scrap-n-tag.com-http://creativevictorian.com/boutique/Metal Wire Style-Jan

Everything Else From Art Trails-www.dustybear.com

I have done my best to make sure I have properly read all tou..and properly credited all individuals..if I have made an error it would be an honest mistake and not intentional...many of the designers listed do not require credit..but I have tried to credit them all as a show case of some of the many talented designers out there..!

If there is something I need to fix please email me!

All For the Love of Sam...As God made Him..in his image too!

Please be kind and promote an inclusive community for physically and mentally challenged individuals to participate in the world too!

Happy Scrappin...

For more of this terrific kit please visit

Blog Party Central

Sweet Orange Blitz Freebie Cd Album

2008-08-10T16:03:00.003-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Cd Album (10 Pgs)

Sweet Orange Blitz Freebie Album (10pages)

For Dial up users.

Download in two parts on 4-Shared

Here

and

Here

Download Full Album on Rapidshare

Here.

I have to say a special thank you to Maria..from digifree who motivated me to blog today..smiles..

She never forgets to list me and help you find me..she holds no favorites..

thank you to each of you, who take the time to list me..and to each of you who visit, leave a little love or take away a little keepsake..to make happy memories with..

consider Paying it forward, do something kind for someone.

huggies, Joanne

Sweet Orange Blitz Journaling Tabs and New Bracket Shape

2008-07-27T14:30:00.002-03:00

Download Bracket Shape

Rapidshare Here

Download Journaling Tabs

Rapidshare Here

Sorry for my absence in blogging..real life...things needed my attention..

this is almost the last part of Sweet Orange Blitz...

I have a bonus pkg..and cd album..that I will be uploading this week..

Thank you to Elizabeth who left the idea for a tree in my suggestion box..and that will be included in the bonus pkg...

We are finally getting some summer weather ..with that comes the heat..today it is over 40 cls and wow..what a lot of heat that is..thank goodness for fans..and air conditioner..

Thank you for visiting..Thank you for comments..and for listing my blog..

Happy Canada Day

2008-06-30T13:50:00.001-03:00

May Peace, Happiness and Kindness find there way around the world and may we all come togethor as a united world! Promote Kindness, lets all dance togethor..for a brighter tomorrow for our children!

Fun and a Freebie

2008-06-18T21:12:00.008-03:00

It is not easy being green!

Credits: So You think you can design - Scrap Orchard Week Three 2008

Commerical Use Credits.

Special use Thanks to all those listed below.

Cindy Doerksen...ribbons..ribbon frog..daisies, raffia ribbon..leave..sealeaves..gogglie eyes..

Film Frames....Dani Alencar at Go Digital Scrapbooking

circles overlay Eva Kipler

style used in tag..Misty Cato

both now at Sweetshop Designs

little Gem Atomic Cupcake

I had such fun making this quick page..

I purchased this weeks commerical use tools by

Cindy Doerksen from DigiScrap Warehouse

the minute I opened it..I got so excited and those creative juices just started flowing..with this idea..for a quickpage..

I am sure we all have moments that we could use it for..! Unfortunately..like a bump on the toe..etc..that are also a part of our memories..

It is not easy being green..traveling on a boat getting sea sick..having a sick day or an unfortunate event happen in your life..that has you feeling sick..

I made this quick page so that it can be used to remember..the love..and help..received during those special times..when others so helped get us through it..some thing you can make and give to the nurses and doctors or people involved in your care as a way to say thank you for being there for us...or me..because it sure isn't easy being green..!

I dont usually plug someones work..I try to buy no credit required because I have difficulty remembering..and documenting everything..but sometimes..something just impresses you enough..you have to let others know..

I love her commerical use bags..and try not to miss getting one..because the things in them are nice, clean, not blurry..and a great bargain for anyone on a limited budget...and just so inspiring for me...the things I like to create with.

I would highly recommend them if you are just starting into designing..or even designing for a long time..

Thank you for visiting..for sweet comments..that make it all worth while..and for the freebie blogs that link me up with you ..and display my treasures..I hope brings someone a smile..and something to create those cherished memories..we have with the ones we love..

Have a super day!

2008-06-16T22:56:00.003-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz overlays..

good to use with all of your papers..

one with a floral border..one white vines..and the others a soft frost..and heavy frost..

4 shared link here

Rapidshare link here

Thank you for visiting.

I want to say a special thanks to all those that list me..and list all the freebies..it really takes alot of work, time and energy..and these beautiful people deserve a big special thanks for linking us all up in the digiworld..that is how we often find each other..get to meet each other and know each other..linking in from freebies list..and people who share information and knowledge about what each of us do in the digi community..

This is a very special thank you to each of you!

I think the very first freebie list..I seen was Ikea Godess..

who was your first freebie link blog!

Did you feel like you have discovered a treasure chest of wonderful surprises..

I do when ever I check with one of the awesome people who share the links to others blogs..

Thank you!

I received a new link to a new freebie list as well..

Suzie Q's Stuff ...♥"Link Love"♥...

I am a slow poke..and have been tagged 3 times

2008-06-16T22:41:00.004-03:00

I got tagged..tagged again and tagged one more time..so time to fess up and to tell you seven random things you don't know about me..
so lets..go..tells you what a slack..I am..

I've been tagged by Tammy, Bunchie's Blog

by Kristine..http://www.digidelights.blogspot.com/

by Suzie Q ...♥"Link Love"♥...

Here's the rules.

Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
Share 7 facts about yourself, some random, some weird and put them on your blog.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post and leave their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I hate blinkies, no reason why..!

2. I bite my tongue when I a deeply concentrating on something..no have not bitten it off yet...lol

3. I like dipping plain humpty dumpty chips in strawberry icecream.

4. 3 years ago I was given 5 years to live, the doctor that said that is now deceased and died one year later.

5. I have had to learn alot about forgiveness. I can't change the past but I can share and help others.

6. It took me 25 years to learn to love myself.

7. When I was still single I spent 16 days at sea, on the maiden voyage of the Northern Ranger and traveled the full labrador coast and tip of Newfoundland...and got kissed on the starboard side.

I really don't know who to tag...

Sweet Orange Bliss Journaling Notes

2008-06-07T23:32:00.002-03:00

Sweet Orange Bliss Journaling Notes

4-Shared Here

Rapidshare Here

Thank you for visiting my little Garden

and being a part of it.

For those who list me..A very kind Thank you for helping you find your way here..

For those of you who have left me wonderful comments..words of praise and encouragement..

I sincerely Thank you as well...for being home with Sammy being able to teach him at home..

and be there as he grows..as much as I can means the world to me. Thank you.

The Flat Minty Project

2008-05-31T08:01:00.004-03:00

To see the rest you can click on my Peppermint Gallery on the right.

To read more about this project

click to go to Miss Mints Blog here!

I used Miss Mints Wild Weekend Freebie

available at her store here!

Thank you for this lovely kit and the fun with flatty minty!

I wonder where she will go next...?

The flatty Minty project is an ongoing project

to see all the places she will visit.

Pass here around and let her visit your town.

Sweet Orange Blitz Glitters

2008-05-30T03:53:00.002-03:00

4 shared link here

rapidshare link here

Evolution of Dance

2008-05-29T18:07:00.001-03:00

Dancing was a all one time favorite thing of mine to do..until I got sick..but I still enjoy watching..it..
I was watching the movie..the secret..and got to thinking...this pain..has been taking control of my life..and I need to put a bit of humor back into it..so..watched a few funny video..and then this one really caught my eye..and brought back so many fun memories..man..I wish I could dance like this again..some day..right..enjoy..I will be back later ...with another post..after I find myself off you tube..smiles..catch you later..huggies, Joanne

A Long time ago..

2008-05-28T05:38:00.003-03:00

I would have been 16 months old here..smiles..to the left is my mother and father..and to the right..pop and nan..and my brother billy...pop was a seafaring captain...of a boat which ran freight from boston to st.johns.

Captain Billy he was called.

I can see from this picture why my mom said sammy looks so much like my dad..he really do..

I remember pop..but don't remember nan..nan died early from the same illness I have..

I remember visiting pop..and getting out the charcols..and paper and sketching his old boat photos..he had..for years he had a huge one I did hanging over his mantle..I don't know what happened to it after pop died..living so far away ..I have lost so much of my past...family history..so was ever so pleased when my sister scanned these photos and emailed them to me..

Thank you for viewing..

have a nice day

Happy Scrappin

Snow in Labrador

2008-05-28T05:26:00.003-03:00

Credits:From Prince to a King by Stacey Carlton

my own doodle flourishes.

Hard to believe that on May 24th, it snowed here..I remember years ago while out biking for the day getting second degree sunburn..but got no worries about that now..smiles..

I am blaming all the pain I have had lately on the dampness..and praying for sunshine long enough to dry up the ground..we live in a bog area..and the land is very damp..

While it seems most of the world is ready for summer flowers..we are so far behind..

Meet Harley, my Goddaughter

2008-05-28T05:18:00.004-03:00

This is my goddaughter Harley..

she is such a sweetie..and so smart..

She is so loving and I love how she says my name..

All you need is Love

Green Leave Doodle and Word Art - Christine Ousley-Love in Paris

Newspaper Doodles - Elizabeth Quintana-Love Letters

Kissing Birds, Flower - Love In Paris - Kristin - Digidelights

Ruby Brad - Paris-Malinda Hulshoff

Backwards Staple and Green Ribbon - In Love In Paris - Calalily Design

White Flower - Paris Love - Wendy Page

Paper - NeverlandScraps - Love In Paris- pixietreasure.com

Frame - Amour fou - by Franziska Altmann - Tabrizia

Some Awesome Layouts

2008-05-28T05:02:00.004-03:00

10 perfect little toes..how lovely this is..this wonderful layout was created by Tracy of her daughter's perfect little toes..I love the expression she used in her words..so true..you can read more about this layout on Tracys Blog..and also download a beautiful fathers day freebie as well.

Visit here blog Here

Thank you for sharing this with me Tracy and for understanding how slow I am..smiles..

This Beautiful layout if from Benita

Benita has been living in Holland for over 25 years and knows all the wonderful things about Holland I got to see and we miss..

Holland is so different from here...so we are sharing pics of where we live..

visit her lovely gallery here over at the Scrap Orchard..

Thank you so much Benita..I still have to do one more layout of our sites for you..

A Special gift From Scrap fiends

2008-05-27T07:27:00.005-03:00

A Special Gift from Scrap Fiends Just For You..

Faith and Lucy have kindly created these special brag book pages just for you

from The Sweet Orange Blitz Kit as a added bonus..

They are going to put up two a day for the next six days.

Thank you very much Scrap Fiends!

To collect this wonderful book..pop on over to visit

Scrap Fiends Here.

Remember to leave some love..for this wonderful gift..to add to your collection.

Thank you again..well don't know about you but I am off to download..smiles..

thank you girls..awesome..brag book pages..I feel so privelaged..

Suggestions

2008-05-26T02:04:00.004-03:00

Left to share with this kit are the:

Glitter pkg

Journaling

Overlays

Pattern Fills

Terms with a Treat of a new style Bracket Matte

While I have been uploading and sharing these..

I have been working at a few things to go into a Bonus pkg...that I think I might be missing..

as you might notice I am weak on creating word art..do I ever admire those that do make nice word art..I am going to add some journaling strips..and will put some word art on them..and may try to create..one fancy word art..but would like to get some suggestions for word art.

If you have some suggestions...could you please leave them in the comment section of this post..

and I will try to create them..for you..on the strips and pick one to work on and make into real word art..and when I am done add them to the bonus pkg I will share when I have the rest of the post above shared..

Sweet Orange Blitz Trims

2008-05-25T01:01:00.004-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Trims

4 Shared Link Here

Rapidshare link Here

Happing Scrapping

Can you believe it..it snowed here today..and I wonder why my arthritis is acting up..

I got a pic of it to share..as soon as my camera batteries charge up and I get them on computer..

we have not finished spring and it is snowing again..is that a threat that we are going to miss summer..I sure hope not..although I do hate the flies of summer..a little warmth on my bones might be nice for me..smiles..

thank you for visiting and for listing me...

have a nice day..

Torn Side Borders and Rumpled Ribbons

2008-05-23T20:45:00.003-03:00

Torn Side Borders and Rumpled Ribbons

4 Shared Links

and

RapidShare Links

and

This is a quick post today..not one of my better days managing my arthritis.

Thank you for visiting!

Happy Scrappin

Papers Preview

2008-05-23T20:43:00.001-03:00

This is just a preview of the papers so you can get a better idea of all of them.

Sweet Orange Bliss Paper Pkgs

2008-05-21T07:08:00.004-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Paper Pkgs

I have made a total mess of uploading these paper packages..please forgive me..and if you think you are confused..maybe you will understand how confused I am..

to try to make it a bit easier for me..and hopefully for you too..I am going to post all the links..one time to the paper packages..

the links that have shared written beside them are ones that if you already downloaded the papers you have..the rest are new..

the preview..above is for paper pkg 6 of the 4 shared links..

There are some nice papers in these downloads and do not think you will be disappointed..in them..I tired to provide a variety of styles..for mixing and matching for different layouts..some fun and funky to more elegant and soft..a little something femine and masculine..

again..sorry if I have confused anyone..

Thank you for visiting..and for all the wonderful comments..I wish I could thank you all personally..because you are all wonderful to take the time out to leave little old me a comment..a bit of praise..or thank you..you are what gives me purpose to my personal time after being a mommy and wife..all day..without you to share it with..what would be the purpose of it..smiles..

Thank you to those that list me..too..without you..how would anyone find me in the great big digi scrapbooking world..which just gets bigger and bigger each day...

a few more element pkgs to go..and then..I have a nice bonus to share that matches all this..and hopefully you will have about a cd full of goodies..that you can pull up and create with it..

Anyone interested in making brag pages..to share..feel free to do so..but I so would love to see if you do..

much love..have a great day even if the sun is not shining..the rain waters the flowers of our gardens..and helps the flowers grow..and just like you ..makes the world..a much brighter and more beautiful place..to be in..

Happy Scrappin..

4 shared links below

Orginal(shared)

Rapidshare Links

Orginal(Shared)

One(shared)

Two

Three and Four(shared)

Sweet Orange Blitz Hardware Pkg

2008-05-17T17:10:00.002-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Hardware Pkg

Download Rapidshare Here

Download 4 Shared Here

Filled..with little bits of antique and bold..mixed, versatile to match almost any kit.

Happy Scrapping

Thank you...for the lovely comments..they truly are inspiring,and encouraging.

Thank you..to those that have listed me..Marie, Ikea Godess, and I just recently discovered..I was listed at digiscrap4all.

It is so nice to have you visit..

have a great day..and come visit again..

Sweet Orange Blitz Elements

2008-05-14T20:38:00.002-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Elements

Ric rac comes in the trims download

Download Rapidshare Here

Download 4 Shared Here

Lots of little things to decorate your layouts and frames..

Thank you for stopping in..and visiting..and for all the sweet comments..on days when arthritis just hurts to much..I get a great deal of strength and encouragement to keep working away at something to share later..that is so kind..

Thank you to Marie for listing me..and to others who may list me and I don't know about

Have a happy day!

He is forever blowing bubbles.

2008-05-13T05:08:00.004-03:00

Credits: Digi Delights

That's my baby..oh my I have had these pictures on computer for what seems like forever waiting for the right inspiration to come along and scrap them...

For a long time..I have never really found a place to call home on the internet...the digiscrapbooking world is just to big..to try and find a place to feel at home..

I am a women..who needs a sense of humor in her life..as I am way to serious about things..

and I have been enjoying my visits to ScrapOrchid and always read a post or two that brings a smile to my face..They have a contest going on..so you think you can design...

I found this wonderful freebie there..and right away I got inspired..and remembered these photos..sitting there just waiting..for me to do something with them..

I visited the creators blog..Digi Delights her name is Kristen..and her blog to has some very nice free things to scrap with..the quality impressed me..no jaggies..or blurry elements or papers..

and I fell in love..with the duck..too!

Thank you Kristen..for the lovely gift..my little boy looks so cute in it..

Looking at the pics..I miss the younger years..smiles..

He still loves bubbles though..and water...this past week..he has been having a blast soaking my kitchen counter and floor making water balloons to through outdoors at our broken down car..he tells me he is cleaning it for me..I don't mind a bit..at least the dog has been spared his mischeif..smiles.

Happy Scrapping..

Another Alpha

2008-05-12T15:12:00.004-03:00

Full set, Including numbers and symbols

Download

Rapidshare Here

For those that maybe wondering the chain etc will come in a hardware pkg later.

Thank you for visiting!

Thank you for comments they have been so encouraging for me, I love reading them.

Thank you to Maria and Ikea godess for listing me, there are so many blogs out there and the listing is very appreciated.

I had a lazy mothers day..playing solitaire...love playing spider..smiles.., watching some of my favorite shows on video, and just doing nothing all day..

I missed my mother of course..it was strange not to pick up the phone and call her..one of my dear friends husbands had a stroke..she is like a mom to me..and I have been praying for his recovery and wishing I could be there with her..

It has been a bad few weeks for arthritis pain...kind of drives you mad some days..I live on a bog area..and with all the snow melting am begining to think that the reason it is so bad lately maybe due to all the damp and cold..coming from the ground..if that is the case..I hope summer comes soon..we still have patches of snow on the ground..but hopefully it will be gone in a week and the ground can start drying out..and my bones will feel a little better..too!

Sweet Orange Blitz Frames

2008-05-10T17:49:00.004-03:00

Meet Sammy's new bunny..sammy adores him..but his dad not..as dad got bitten twice..

we think he was harrassed a bit..before we got him..so we are just letting him slowly get used to us..Journaling reads...

Dear Nanny

are you watching me from heaven.

I miss you.

This is my bunny.

He bite daddy twice.

but he don't bite me.

I give him carrots and I give him water.

Mr little wants to play with him

Meikan wants to eat him.

Rapidshare Link Here

4 Shared Link Here

Have a great day!

thank you for the encouraging comments and for listing me.

comments are sometimes the only way you know..if people like it..smiles..then you know what more to make..

Sweet Orange Blitz Mix and Match Alpha

2008-05-08T22:09:00.003-03:00

Mix and Match, Make your own Alpha to match your layout.

Make your chain..short or long. reshape your base to a oval..attach it to a different brad...use it to monogram your ribbon wrap and to more personalize your layout..

Download Rapidshare Here

Download 4 shared Here

Thank you for visiting and for listing or promoting my little garden.

Sweet Orange Blitz Paper 3 and 4

2008-05-08T21:34:00.005-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Papers 3 and 4

Rapidshare Here

and

and

I also left out a paper pkg link for Paper Pkgs 1 and 2 from rapidshare on a previous post..so if you downloaded from there here is the missed link for the first two pkgs..Missed Pkg

sorry about - the 4 shared links were okay.

Thank you for visiting..and thank you for listing me.

Sweet Orange Blitz Bows and Wraps

2008-05-07T17:46:00.003-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Bows and Wraps

The Ribbon Wraps can be personalized with Intials or Brads to suit your layout.

The cotton bows..are nice and rich and not blurry..

Enjoy..and Happy Scrapping..too!

Download via

rapidshare here

and

4 Shared here

Feel free to grab the preview for your folder if you like..

At the end of all the uploads..I will be adding a bonus..and a folder with all the previews..

Thank you for dropping by...and visiting..

and thank you to those that let people know how to find my little blog..

spring is finally starting to come but there are still patches of snow in my backyard..

Hopefully they will be gone in a few weeks..and soon the boats will be running..again..

bringing in new goodies..to our stores..and new prices too I gather..the only bad part about fresh products..

I don't know if the prices of food have gone up as much as the news is saying ..I hope not..

have they gone up much where you live?

Sweet Orange Blitz Paper Pkg

2008-05-06T16:45:00.003-03:00

Rapidshare link here

This link has been added later as It was missed when I did the orginal post so if you did use rapidshare to download from..I had missed this link as I did not have it uploaded.

the missed link is Here..sorry about that.

which includes pkgs one and two

4 shared link here

for pkg one

for pkg two

Thank you for visiting..and have a great day..

Thank you for listing my little blog..

Sweet Orange Blitz Chipboard Alpha

2008-05-05T11:58:00.003-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Chipboard Alpha

Download Here

Rapidshare Link

or Here

4-Shared Link

Feel free to grab the previews here as I forgot to put previews in the folders!

Elements in preview come later.. special thanks to atomic cupcake for the use of her action in the making of this alpha..link in the side bar.

Make your own Brad Kit (Sweet Orange Blitz)

2008-05-04T18:13:00.005-03:00

Mix and Match or make you own Brad kit for Sweet Orange Blitz Kit.

Rapidshare link here

4 shared link Here

Happy Scrappin..

Thank you for listing me again Maria..and thank you to those who visit..and leave comments

after weeks of working on something it sure cheers a girl to know someone likes it..smiles..

Special Thanks to Atomic cupcake for the commerical use action purchased from her..her link is in my sidebar.

Thank you to Bannerwomen for the use of her square brad..she creates some great digital commerical use files and you can purchase her stuff..at lots of sites..

Sweet Orange Blitz Freebie

2008-05-03T22:50:00.005-03:00

Sweet Orange Blitz Freebie

I made this kit..to celebrate international scrapbooking day for the next few weeks..it is over 700 megs, created in 300 ppi...full of nice alphas, brads, overlays, elements, journaling bits, and papers.

This lovely alpha..was created with the help of a new toy I purchased...from

Terry Maruca's Shop at ScrapBook Bytes

It is going to be one of my favorite tools..to work with..I just love the idea of having a sewing machine on my computer, and can picture my grandma..who taught me to make my first quilt..having such a smile at the thought of being able to do it on computer.

I hope, I have done this lovely action justice as I am just learning adobe elements and can't quite get it to do everything I want to do yet..like I can in paint shop..

Download this first part of this kit..

Rapidshare link

4 Shared Link

Shabby Miss Jean Blog Challenge

and each day I will be adding another part until I have all 26 links up and shared..

If you have a rapidshare account..and want all 26 links now..without waiting for the previews..email me..raggettyjoanne at gmail.com and I will be happy to send..the links.

I do not have them all up on 4 shared yet as that service is much slower from my area ..sorry.

Thank you for visiting my little garden..and happy scrapping no matter where in the world you live...Joanne

Happy Inter National ScrapBooking Day

2008-05-03T22:39:00.005-03:00

Door One Links

Door Two Links

Door Number Three Links

Rapidshare

4 Shared

PICK A DOOR

Pick a door and get the surprise, I have modified this post and you can download all doors via 4 shared or rapidshare your choice. It never occured to being a trusting person that some people may not like the idea of emailing..have fun..and enjoy..

Sammy handmade one of the prizes behind one of the doors.It is something he loves the most that he gets from his momma for good work.

Happy International Scrapbooking Day!

CranBerryRose Quick Page and Mini Sampler

2008-04-19T16:43:00.003-03:00

12 x 12 Quick page 300 ppi

Bonus Paper, rick rac, doodle and cross-stitch word art.

Download from rapidshare

here

or from 4 shared

here

Thank you for visiting and thank you for listening but most of all thank you for sweet comments that is what keeps me going..hoping everyone is having a lovely spring..!

Huggies, Joanne

1/2 Man, 1/2 Tree

2008-04-17T09:05:00.001-03:00

I thought I was having a bad day because I am having complications with my diabetics and have developed a leg ulcer and may need surgery. I am scared out of my mind..that I may loose a leg before I reach 50...Then, I checked my email and found a picture of this man..and decided to research it to see if it was true, I know longer believe I am having a bad day.
Human Beings have the most amazing strength to face the most difficult of circumstances. I hope they can find the money to bring this man to the USA or Canada or anywhere where he can get the medical attention he needs.

Childhood Memories

2008-04-07T01:38:00.003-03:00

Childhood Memories

Silence My Child

You cried a tear you thought no one heard,

You thought no one cared....

In your imagination you played,

You danced and you sang

Until you could forget,

the anger and pain.

You put your heart in a place

not many could see

drawing and writing ,

You created to be free.

To Be Free

from the abuse

that hid you away

and would not let you

out to play!

So many around you, have happy memories to share.

I have only my art, my childhood is lost in there.

It shouldn't hurt to be a child.

Credits

Art and Poetry by Joanne

Paper and Floral Accents by Shabby Miss Jean

Font-kgd-Joanne2

Looking Forward to Summer

2008-04-04T05:16:00.002-03:00

Sammy loves Summer on the PlayGround!

In summer whenever we can we take Sammy to the playground in Goose Bay. He loves it there. It is his favorite place to play.

We will be glad when summer comes again..and the playgrounds are not buried beneath the snow..makes for a long winter..

Credits:

Flergs Grab Bag for a Boy

MCATO_About-A-Boy-5-to-9-Years

Thank you for viewing!

Bloggers Beware Two

2008-04-04T05:12:00.002-03:00

These are both attempts to ruin my pleasure in sharing my blog with you!

Shabby Miss Jean Blog Challenge - Layout Three

2008-04-04T04:59:00.004-03:00

This is the my third layout using this lovely blog freebie from Shabby Miss Jean.

Other Credits:

Frame Template by Dumpty

Word Art (altered) from SBB Bytes Collab-Jeri Ingallis

Butterfly and Burned Scalloped Borders from my own stash.

I really like the colors and textures of it..and love that branch..

These two..they literally talk to each other..I woke up early one morning to see what all the noise was about..here was mr. little having a grand old conversation with Meikan..and Meikan..with a low bark back at him..it was to funny..they often play..Meikan literally puts..mr. littles head in his mouth..but never hurts him..they get gailing around the house..and if there every was a cat..that liked literally teasing a dog..mr. little loves it..he loves to tease Meikan..notice I don't talk about our other cat...Pikachu..smiles..

that is because Pik..would rather eat him..and has left more then a few scratches on his nose..Poochie our black toy poodle..goes into a barking frenzie when the rest are playing..it gets to be quite entertaining around her sometimes..

Meikan is pretty smart..still says I want it for his treats..and working on out for going out doors..he sits..gives paw..and I can't believe..let me trim his nails...a few days ago...

Shabby Miss Jean Blog Challenge Layout Two

2008-04-04T04:51:00.004-03:00

Paper, flower and frame from Shabby Miss Jeans Blog challenge Freebie.

Frame made using the paper.

Star Element-Misty Cato Affirmations

Word Strips-Misty Cato Starting in Style Word Strips

Shabby Miss Jean Challenge Layout One

2008-04-04T04:44:00.004-03:00

Meikan

Meikan is innu for wolve, he is a pound rescue and came to us very sick from lack of food...and nutrition..he has doubled in size in a few months and now is boss of the kitchen door..and guards it with his life..when one of us are in the kitchen. We think he will always have food issues..but he has done real well and has learned to share..when he is being watched...being watched being the major clue here..but we are proud of him..everyday..he gets some kind of bonus treat and a good brushing which he loves..

CrossStitching - My Own

Everything Else from Shabby Miss Jean's Blog Freebie

Bloggers Beware

2008-04-03T08:34:00.003-03:00

Okay I was in posting on my blog this early am..enjoying my quiet morning to do these things....shortly after posting..my new freebie..I get a comment to moderate...to soon..so I check to see if it was downloaded yet..nope..not downloaded..the comment said to visit here..and as some bloggers do we often go to a bloggers site profile to pay back then kindness...wary of clicking on the link in the comment, I thought to click on the profile...whoa...I was quick to recgonize it was going to install a program on my computer...closed that of quick...so I want to warn all you lovely bloggers out there of this new..way to make your day....I don't usual post stuff like this anywhere..but there are so many lovely digi scrapbookers out there that do not need something happening to their computers..so beware of what you click on...This also happened once in my chat box..

Seaside Frame and Paper Freebie

2008-04-03T06:40:00.003-03:00

Just a little something for you.

Just a little frayed frame trimmed with a bow and a matching background paper.

300 ppi in psd format, compatible with psp.

Special Thanks to Atomic Cupcake for the use of her Actions!

Link in my sidebar.

Hope everyone is having a nice start to spring.

Thank you for visiting and Thank you to those who have left me comments and listed my blog. They truly are appreciated.

I cracked my egg open and what did I see

2008-03-23T10:41:00.004-03:00

I cracked open my egg and what did I see, I saw Mr. little looking back at me..smiles..!

Files are 300ppi, approximately 2 1/2 x 4 inches, psd format.

7 colors to choose from but feel free to colorize if you wish.

In layers so you can insert your photo in either the inside or outside egg position.

Download your Easter Photo Egg Kit here!

Happy Easter, thank you for visiting my little blog garden, Thank you for comments and for listing my blog!

2008-03-22T01:49:00.003-03:00

There are Bunnies in My garden!

I just had to share them with you.

Here is a Bunny Photo Frame5x7 , some finished 12x12 quick pages, and the Matching Papers and seeing that this time of year 4 shared gets the hiccups I have uploaded them to rapidshare...I will not be putting them on 4 shared.

Thank you to Maria who always list my freebies..and to anyone else who promotes my blog that I may not be aware of..Thank you!

Thank you for all the kind comments left ..it sure inspires a girl to keep creating and is greatly appreciated..as there is not a soul in my whole community into it...to share it with...

We have been having Easter here for the past two weeks without me knowing it..smiles..

I bought several weeks ago..bags of Easter Goodies...and stored them in my room in a large...rubber tub..covered with a blanket..well apparently my boys discovered it..and were just having a great time sneaking in each evening..taking ..one thing out...but daddy would say don't tell Momma....and Sammy would say...don't tell Momma...and it was quite the game...all full of giggles as I watched Sammy sneak in to get one thing for Daddy...smiles..

There will be a lot less to hide...for Easter Morning..but there will still be lots of fun..I print out these little cards..with like 25 cents on them..50 cents...75 cents..and a 1.00 totally a certain amount..and I hide them..we call them Easter bucks..and they have been a hit every Easter with Sammy...

Sammy has been doing good...he has a new fish..who we call for the lack of a name...little blue...he is a Betta fish and we had to have him come in from Labrador City for him.

At first Sammy was excited, then when I told him..he had to take care of him...he ended up going to his room crying...later I discovered..when he came back out a hour later..that he was scared he would kill it..it takes more time to discover what is bothering Sammy he finds it difficult to communicate ...but we figured it out with patience...and I explained that momma and daddy would show him how to take care of it..and he has been doing great with it..and has not missed one day feeding little blue..

I am happy as it seems to be building his confidence.

Well, it is late here and I am off to bed soon...and want to wish you all a Happy Easter.

Midnight Garden Quick Page

2008-03-15T14:46:00.004-03:00

JVM_MidnightGardenQP

Download Capital Letters Here!

For Those of you having trouble with 4 Shared

I have another link for you to try Here.

Or Download Here!

Please feel free to leave a comment in my chat box on the side.

It really does my confidence a bit of good...thank you...!

Thank you so much for the wonderful comments so far..it is so inspiring for me!

Credits:
RaggettyJoanne(Everything Else) http://mypocketangel.blogspot.com/
Commercial use files from:
Cindy Doerksen(scalloped Lace Matt http://cindysdigiscrap.blogspot.com/
Mrs. Wresh Designs(Frame) http://store.scrapbook-elements.com/

Enjoy..Happy Scrappin!

The Truth (Vertigo)

2008-02-23T16:19:00.001-04:00

The Truth (Vertigo)

2008-02-22T13:45:00.003-04:00

Simple words

I believe very much in kindness.

I worry about the future for our children.

I believe that women can change the world we live in if we would only speak our truths that live in our hearts.

You have to watch this whole video to the end to appreciate it.

I added a link to the bottom of my blog that promotes kindness.

Kindness knows no religion it is universal.

It can change the world.

When it becomes a priority in our world.

2008-02-14T14:32:00.012-04:00

Happy Valentine's Day

Two Gold frames for you..one with the bow and one without!.

Thank you for visiting my little garden of life..that helps me in so many way deal with pain..and gives me the opportunity in life to share and give something back to others that may some day give someone a smile.

I put this one on rapidshare..as 4 shared was not cooperating..sorry..

Please leave a little love..this week I could use a bit of encouragement!

Thank you Ida..you made the one post...that I needed to hear.

There is a book called living, loving and learning..by Leo Buscaliga..in which..I learned..the value of one smile..one word..in life.

Never put of saying I love you to those that you love and never forget the value of a kind word..or a smile..promote kindness and make the world a better place for each other and our children.

Happy Valentines Day!

Thank you to Marie who always list me..and to others who list me that I may not know about..

Hey and Congratulations to my dear friend Jannidee...she has her own...shop now..and she makes the most beautiful scraps...check her out in my side bar and I just love reading her blog..too..

my friend rosa has scraps up to..she is in my side bar she has some freebies as well..

Download Here!

How we met on this day!

It was 13 years ago on this day that I boarded a plane to travel overseas to a place I had never been before.

The Netherlands, Holland

What brought me on this exciting trip?

Well three bored women one labor day weekend had nothing to do..two of them were married..I was hanging around enjoying their company..when one of them..my makes me laugh all the time friend Stella..decided to call the party line..that was advertised on TV.So..1-800 here we go..and left a message!

We were taking turns as to who would answer the call..and just being silly girls, enjoying our day..

It was not supposed to be anything serious..!

From out of the blue .. comes the lovely accented voice .. of this man.
Hey, he did not want to know ... any of the wrong things .. He had such a sweet voice..

We chatted, exchanged addresses and promised to send each other a little bit of information..about where each other lived..

I had no intention of taking any of it serious..I had told a white lie..about my weight..and my age..of course..I made myself younger and weigh less...what women wouldn't smiles..
That was the end of the call .. so I thought.

Low and behold...I got a call again the next day .. just thinking about you..and wanted to chat again.
Well one call..lead to another call .. and big phone bills .. and letters daily back and forth to each other.
I was in love with a perfume .. called ombre rose .. and sealed the envelopes of the letters I wrote with it.

He carefully wrote each one to me in calligraphy..!

We sent each other little gifts..He sent me a tape of love songs..

Eventually the two of us..talked about meeting each other in real life..
exchanged words of love..and looked forward to each moment..we could talk or read a letter from each other..
We said I love you!

The country mouse and The city mouse

I live in the boonies..and him in the big city.
I had lived alone 8 years..been there done that and had made my mistakes in relationships..I knew now what I wanted..and he to had done the same..and knew what he wanted..we learned from each other..we had many of the same values and beliefs for a relationship..

He learned more English, I learned more Dutch..at least the words that mattered.

I decided enough of this..I was going..to see this man that I spent my evenings and nights listening to music he sent..dreaming of ...for the better part of 5 months.

I saved my pennies and dimes..ate next to nothing..I mean I had to loose weight..in order to meet him..after all I did tell those little white lies in the beginning..that I somehow could not get around to telling the truth about..so diet I did..and tell him I was gaining weight..all that time..my age..that was another matter, was not sure how I was going to fix that one..but did I ever have regrets..for having done that..We had pictures of each other..that left something to our imaginations..his when he had been working out..and in top notch form..and mine..hiding behind Santa..

I had lost a lot of weight..was feeling pretty good about it..when I boarded the plane..I was still overweight..but ..was happy with myself..he on the other hand..did not believe that I was really going to be there..when I told him a package would be arriving wearing a heart on her coat..for him..on Valentines Day at the Amsterdam airport..

So here I am ..boarding the plane to go meet him.

I had booked my ticket so I could spend three months there..had back up plans for almost every foreseeable event that could be less then what it was supposed to be..my minister thought I was nuts..one of my friends thought I was going to be put in a slave ring..and oh the possibilities of what could go wrong..all carefully gone over.

My mom..well..we had a little gig..set up to make sure I got there okay..she silently worried..but she never once said do not do it..if anything she trusted my instinct..and the fact that she knew me as a daughter who would analyze anything to pieces..one of my better qualities..and worst ones..at the same time..

As I neared..Amsterdam..my mouth grew amazingly dry...I could not swallow..and the person sitting next to me..gave me some gum..thank goodness..well I was here..and it was happening and there was no going back..

I got off the plane..it was so different..from the little tiny airport I had left..it took forever to travel that long belt..to where..I checked through with my passport..collected my luggage..there were no people around..anywhere..where were all the people..did I go the right way..etc..going through my mind..
Would I recognize him...would he see me..would he be there...so many questions..

He was my soul mate..I could feel it!

I went through the door to where the people were that had a corded of barrier rope..I was looking at where I was steering my cart..and heard my name....I looked up...oh my...he is so tall..and so much bigger then his photo..He is here, I am here!

We drove to Den Hague..holding each others hands all the way..once there we sat together chatting..he could not believe I was there..I was not in his apartment long..when a knock came to the door..and his father poked his head in ..to make sure his son..was not hurting from a girl that did not arrive..his father put the warmest smile on his face..when he met me..

I had the time of my life while I was in Holland..I felt like I was 19 all over again..but a better 19..a 19 that I had missed..I hopped trains..went to the efteling...bought salt instead of sugar..rode sneaky snakes..(the city trams..) and visited all his family and friends..then he asked me to marry him..and stay there forever..but I owned my own home back here..had commitments..I had let my house to someone while I was gone..and had to go back..in May..and I needed to know something more about him...could he do the same..be committed enough to come and see my world..!
Housing in Holland is not cheap..and giving up a house that is owned is never an easy thing to do..so I asked him to save his money and come and see my world..

Saying Good bye from Holland was not easy..for either of us..!

That September..he came here..and has been here ever since..we married..and the following November a little over a year later...our little miracle of life was born...neither of us..were suppose to be able to have children..
Last night after 12 we wished each other.. a Happy Valentines Day..and thought back to that first moment..when we physically met each other and what we first thought..
me..oh my he is so tall..him..oh my she is really here and some short..and after 13 years of marriage..I still have to get him to put things down on a level I can reach....smiles...we have been there for each other through good times and through hard times..we have faced the world hand in hand..what more could a girl ask for..!

I did within the first week of being there tell him..how old I really was...it was a very difficult thing for me to do..as I knew I was falling deeply in love with him..and one night..after he had brought belgium chocolates and icecream to bed, I knew I had to tell him that I was actually five years older then I had told him..that meant a 12 year age difference and that I was actually closer in age to his parents then I was to him..He sat stark up when I told him..looked out the window for a bit..no saying anything then turned to me and said..I still love you and know you must love me to..because that was not easy to do. We made a promise then to always be true to each other and me...I learned a life lesson..that even the smallest of white lies..can lead down a road that you may not want to be on..but will come back on you.

While I am not rich in Gold, I am rich in love and thankful for so many things.

I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy..but lost my health..and stength..and have not been able to walk proper since, but he has always stood by me. I think of our marriage vows..for better ....for worst..in sickness and in health..till death do you part and feel blessed in love.

Down in the River to Pray

2008-02-11T17:04:00.002-04:00

Matching Little Bird Alpha

2008-02-11T10:12:00.001-04:00

Matching Little Bird Alpha by Request

Download Small Letters Here!

So sorry it has been so long since I posted, real life..keeping me busy these days..home schooling Sam is my first priority and takes a good part of my day, I am so proud to say he is doing well.

He is slowly coming out of his shell, and actually greets people at the door sometimes now. Instead of hiding in his room when someone comes. He enjoys playing this game with me called Timbre, a stack of wooden blocks piled into a tower, that you remove a piece at a time hoping that it don't all fall down when it is your turn.

The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Education released changes to be made to the special education system here in the province. There have been 75 recomendations as a result of a independant report. 70 of them have been accepted, it states that parents were involved but I have yet to find a parent in Labrador who participated.

You can read about these changes here! No apology Sammy..No apology mom's..

I put Sammy's Home schooling application in on September the 24th,2007 and was emailed back that I would here from them within a week..I have yet to receive a reply. That to me only indicates some of the same problems I have experienced along the way. Bullying and intimation being only one of the problems I have had to deal with in wanting my child to have a good chance at a good education in life. I did receive one phone call in Mid November..Hello, (in a derocatory tone.....)when is Sammy going to be in school, because I am paying a student aid and he is not there. My reply, well Sammy is in School, He is being home schooled and I am waiting for his application to be approved and if it is not approved he will not being going back to that school and I think I have good reason considering his testing results on top of what happened to him to make that decision in his best interest...oh what testing results...the ones that confict with his first two assesments and the one done last at the school that I was told that my child was normal and that his only problem was his behaviour...done by *****. The one as a parent that was never reviewed by me as a parent...I was then told there is no such report...well, I seen a copy of it at the Janeway..well I never heard of such a report..I don't have a copy of it..

So, what do we have here, another missing report...just how many reports disappear..when it conterversial..really, for Sammy this is the second time..since school..I have reqested this report by email ..several times..and have yet to be sent it..Is this respect? That the Janeway has a copy of it..but not his mother..I will most likely have to request it from the Janeway in order to get a copy of my son's testing at school..the one that was considered wrong.

Good enough then and he hung up...there was no...how is Sammy doing? How are you doing with home schooling? Is there anything that you need that we can help you with? It was just a belittling experience...of power..and disrespect ...typically of the experiences I have had in dealing with the majority of staff...within the school system..

It happens because we are a poor family, if my son was the son of a doctor, teacher or social worker..it would be different....so very different..it is called poor bashing..and it happens all the time..there is book, by Jean Swanson called poor bashing the politics of exculsion..which helped me so understand...some of the obstacles I experience in life..and some of the obstacles of the poor..Labrador has a great deal of poverty, children do go hungry and we don't have the community volunteer service agencies to handle it...the hunger leads to...addiction, suicide..depression and dispear..and the way you are treated..by the very hands the government thinks are there to help you..brings you down faster then if you took a low self esteem pill.

Yet that attitude of belittling others dominates!

I have watched it happen to my own family here..since I had to leave work..in October of 2006...this is what you get after a life time of working, your reward..

I worked from the ages of 15 to 47, the last 12 years in chronic severe pain..parking in my driveway, sitting for 15 minutes while I got the mental strength to deal with the pain to get out of the car and crawl up the steps to my door..lean into the counter..and prepare my families meals..there is no such thing as respect..for having done that..

I have had to watch my own child go hungry in a world of plenty, a hurt so deep in a mothers heart..that you feel like you swallowed..a hot burning coal from hell...

this leads me to the final episode...of why I decided to take my child out of school.

Here in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador there is a great deal of poverty, a family on assistance can only afford..one cooked meal a day, on the amount given..for a family of three, that is 730 dollar a month..for everything..food,lights, phone, etc..They have in the school system..a program to feed the children..Kids eat smart program.

Children are given a healthy lunch three days a week.

When my ei sick benifits ran out..I had tough decision to make..pay for life saving medications...that run over 500 dollars..and find money for food..I bought the most important medications..and what little food I could buy, it did not last three days..I applied for emergency assistance for help for food..and a drug card...I had nothing but flour and water in the house..my child ate fried bread for 4 days...it took that long..for me to be turned down..by a nasty client services officer...of the human resources and employment department..

Sammy refused to eat..the fried bread I had to offer him..and had to go to school..thinking he would be getting the school lunch program..I urged him to go to school..and that daddy may have managed to borrow some money to get him a treat..when he gets back..

My child looked at me..with tears in his eyes...and told me I can't go to school momma...mr...***** is sick of feeding me..

If I could take all the hurt in life that has ever come way and wrap it up in one ball..it would not equal what I felt at that moment...my heart broke..

I called a friend ..crying...and told her what Sammy said..asked her if he could come up and..have something to eat before school..and she said send him on up..and call the school lunch program..

I sent him on his way, phone the teacher...and told him..what my child said..and told him I hope you never have to see your child hungry, but that I now know..why..over 20 thousand children die every day in this world....people like you are sick of feeding them..

I then still crying called the women from the school lunch program..who told me the program is there for children like Sammy and that his bin is filled each morning..and emptied at noon and put back in the fridge..where my son was only attending school half days..his teacher felt he was not entitled to it..

This was quite a change from the teacher he had the year before..who knew the family struggle with poverty...

I struggle with feelings of guilt..for months..realizing my child was going without because I was so sick...until the province came out with a new provincial drug program..which was a life saver for many sick people here in the province...

I will never forget that day...when my child cried over that..and I will spend the rest of my life..advocating for the poor..no mother should have had to experience that after a life time of working..

I have had the good fortune to have met kinder and more caring people along this road I seem to be on..who in all honesty were the glue to my faith and my prayers that I prayed each night..and every day...and somehow the good Lord..sees us through..some pretty tough times..when we look back on it..

I lost a good online friend..Diann was her name..she had a heart of gold..the christmas before last..she started a collection..with a few other friends in one of my long time groups..that all pitched in togethor..and gave Sammy Christmas..Thank you Girls...again, my white envelop of love..will always hold dear to my heart as a reminder of goodness, purity and love..

Thank you to the people who reach out and put food on the table for the poor..recycle things for the poor..for you are the hands of Christ...living his love as angels of this earth, making a difference..one day at a time..one moment at a time...

Such is the importance of kindness..

This was a very very hard post for me to make..I said that I would someday have the courage to tell you..I feel so brave..to finally be able to do it..to let those of you who give from the heart..know..just how important you really are in this world...

To Sammy, To me..and to many other good people ...who should find themselves facing illness..that pretty well destroys a families financial life..!

To my online friends, I truly hold you dear to my heart..it is so true behind a monitor is a real person..that we touch with out ever being in the room with them..

Little Bird Brag Book

2008-01-21T00:02:00.001-04:00

Just a little something until I get myself back up and organized a bit..

Little Bird Brag Book

12 pages plus a back and cover pages

Hope you like it..

Matching Kit Pieces

Special Thanks to Atomic Cupcake for the use of her actions in the making of some of the elements in the brag book and matching pieces..her link is in the side bar..

Thank you for well wishes...I have been dealing with lots of pain lately..arthritis so sucks..when it inflames it seems to take forever for it to get better...not even my pain meds..seem to help it lately..but maybe I have built up a tolerance to them..I have been on the same dose now a little over two years..I have also spinal kyphosis which had been acting up as well....This bout lasted over 24 days..and although it is a bit better now..I can sort of feel it there just waiting for me to move the wrong way..

It is my back right side and radiating around to my my front right side..not even sure if it is the arthritis...but it sure took me down at the wrong time of the year..and will have to make it up to my family..later..by having a special day..for them..

Take Care and Hope everyone is doing well..and life is being kind..to you..

huggies, Joanne

Merry Christmas Present for my blog visitors Part One

2007-12-24T02:02:00.001-04:00

Merry Christmas to all my Blog visitors!

This is just a little preview...the frame is not included..and special thanks to atomic cupcake ..for the use of her actions...her link is in my side bar!

You are treasured..with all my heart..

you are an important part of my world..and I sincerely thank you for being a part of my Garden

Seasons Greeting..

May your heart be filled with the joy of the season..

For those of you that do not celebrate Christmas..

I wish you...what brings you joy on your special day.

Happy Tree Freebie

2007-12-16T21:19:00.001-04:00

Don't sit under the Happy Tree, with anyone else but ?

anyone else but ?

With anyone else but ?

but you can download the happy tree..

Here!

Download a Only Happy Face to put where you want it.

Here!

First Set of Missed Frames

2007-12-16T20:52:00.000-04:00

Sorry if you missed this set..when I first uploaded this kit..I left them out by mistake.

If you missed this set..they are here..

listed as Frames now in the orginal link.

You can also download Frames Here.

Missed Frames Set Four

2007-12-16T20:44:00.000-04:00

When I first uploaded Ashleys Polka Dot Christmas Memories

I forgot to upload two sets of Frames

I have included the links below for new comers a few days back..

but am posting them again here for those that may have gotton the kit in full and may be traveling back here..

The link to this set of Frames Four is

below in the orginal post it is listed as Frames Four as well it is the same.

I am trying not to confuse everyone but most days I am confused myself so that is hard..please forgive me ..

Best Pals Ashley and Pepper

2007-12-16T20:35:00.001-04:00

This is Sweet Ashley and her Pal Pepper..layout done by Linda.

Ashley would have been 21 this coming new year.

Thank you Linda..for letting us see your sweet angel..

and letting us spend Christmas with you and your precious memories of your darling daughter.

My God Child

2007-12-11T17:18:00.001-04:00

This is my Godchild, Harley.

This was taken last year, she was pouting about too many dollies, there was no way she was ever going to be able to take care of them...smiles..

She is just the sweetest little girl..and the daughter of a very dear and long time friend, who is so special in my heart. It was because of her..that I met Sammy's Dad.

I am always the serious one...but she brings out the laughter in me..and all those around her.

Another Preview and updated links

2007-12-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

I think 4 shared may have been drinking to much eggnog..with all the christmas cheer going on around the digital scrapbooking world..

I Have uploaded the kit again..in 3 seperate files using my hubbies account and mine..to make it a bit easier..to download..for those with high speed connections.

The links are below.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Remember these are the same files that are listed below but just in 3 easier downloads for those with high speed connections.

2007-12-11T07:22:00.000-04:00

Ashleys Polka Dot Christmas Memories
Merry Christmas Linda...
Thank you for sharing Your memories of Ashley with me.

It is an honor to remember her!

Downloads

This is the download for the two alpha's..so sorry I forgot it.

Alpha's

Make Your Own

Christmas Memories One (Tags)

Three (Word Art)

Four (Papers One)

Five (Bows)

Six (Elements)

Seven (Frames Two)

Eight (Frames Three)

Nine (Papers Two)

Ten (Ribbons)

Eleven (Ric Rac)

Twelve (Frames)

Frames Four

There are loads of goodies not in the preview..like a candy cane glass alpha..

ribbon wrapped frames, and lots of elements and frames, and a even make your own stuff file..nothing is drop shadowed..drop shadow settings for light paper..using psp are included..

an a stocking file..to make your own stocking in your own color..if you would like a tut..that I am experimenting with it on that..feel free to email me..my addy is in my profile..

Christmas is about Love, Kindness, good cheer..but most importantly about the memories we make...each and every moment is precious, anyone who has lost a child or a loved one is going to be able to tell you that. You can't go back, and what you have are your precious memories.

This Christmas..make those precious memories for yourself and for others..stop and drink a nice cup of hot chocolate..every time you feel yourself worrying you don't have enough..can't do it..

The smiles..we give each other...the fun in putting up the tree...drinking hot chocolate..being good to ourselves..and to others..and like the poem says..children live by what the learn..what they see us doing..at the Christmas season..and how we spend those moments together as a family...it is not about the presents..who got what..or how much something cost..but the joy of giving..from the heart...listening to carols..as we bake with someone Christmas cookies..making something special for someone who has less then us..taking that little bit of extra time to wish everyone you see a merry Christmas with a smile..on your face..
thanking those who work hard..to do for others..or have to work..long hours on their feet to make ends meet..
a time for peace on earth and good will towards all..

It is about making traditions....enjoying traditions..and each other..where ever we may be.
There is always someone in this world..that can use a little extra love, or kindness..Make beautiful memories..!

Merry Christmas ... Linda.. Merry Christmas .. to her Angel Ashley, who is not on earth with her...Merry Christmas...Mom and Dad...I miss you..so much...!

I believe in Angels..and a elf told me...that if you listen very carefully..you will hear them speak in your heart...and it is true.
Thank you to all of you who patiently wait for me to get things done..who forgive me when I forget..and for the sweet comments..I have not the time to answer to all of...them..but do appreciate and read them..and they do brighten my days..

I would also like to thank Jane from FolkArtTreasures..from whose site I have learned some of the skills,( Jane you are awesome..and still the best digital tole painter..around... I used skills learned from her tutorials in creating this kit..visit her site..here...try out her membership...if you like her stuff..and want to do her tutorials..!
also special thanks to atomic cupcake for the use of her actions in making an element of this kit..
to gmendes...whose..commercial use file I used to create the Ric rac..

Sharing a tradition..!
When Sammy was little, he would get way over excited about Santa coming to visit..he would not be able to sleep or rest well..so I started a little tradition..I gave him a huge bell...and told him a story about the Christmas elf..who visits each day in December..if you ring the bell once a day..the elf will come and leave a little present..because you have done a good thing on that day...The Elf had a bag of little goodies..like a pkg of smarties..a dollar store toy...
He would ..very carefully chose when to ring his bell..then ask momma..if the Christmas elf would come..oh...I see the elf Sammy he is flying around over there...and he would look with amazement in his eyes to see the little Christmas elf..I wonder what the elf will leave me momma...the elf is here..Sammy have a look around...to see if he left you something..today you helped mommy bring the clothes to the room..and that was a nice thing...
of he would go looking and find a little treat...he say the elf many times...each Christmas..little children..with the joys of sugarplums dancing in their heads..and the magic of Christmas in their heart..Making memories that last a lifetime...

To all a Merry Christmas, Peace and Joyous..Noel.. Joanne

Moms Little Bird

2007-12-11T06:25:00.001-04:00

Please forgive the wall in his room are not finished yet..plastering and painting..have to wait awhile..until we can afford it..but I so wanted to share his world with you

This is moms little bird..at the airport when we went to St. Johns.

I am sorry I have not been around but have been busy working on a few special projects..

Moo Two has a charity kit for a little girl named Chelsey. You can read about Chelsey by clicking on her name.

You can buy the kit at Moo Two at the link Below

Designers and non-designer alike came together to create this charity kit which is called Sweet Butterflies...and being sold at Moo Two Designs Here

My contribution did not make it..so I will be uploading it here to share at a later date.

Sammy has been an angel..had a lovely birthday party..we made his cake together..and there is something to be said..about not having the money to go out and buy it all..because we actually had the best fun...making his cake together..for Sammy is about being the biggest cake ever..smiles..is that not just like a little boy...He wanted fireworks..and fire works he got..mom..bought a little at a time..so he could have a big show..

He only had two friends come..but that did not matter to him..He was the proudest...when the sky lite up and it was all for him..

You can see his you tube video of his cake and singing happy birthday

Here.

We finally have up his video of his dog talking..looks real good..like he is a real winner...smiles..but he is such a funny dog..He thinks he is a toy poodle..and at husky size that can be quite and not so quite amusing at times..but he sure keeps this family hopping..lol.

See Meikan talking here.

That is a big chunk of cheese he is getting..one of his favorite things..smiles..

He has chewed every pair of shoes I own..mitts..purses..and you just about name it and he has chewed it..

I made several years ago..a pair of beaded deer skin slippers for the winter..or if I had to go in hospital again..I put them away..and of course..one of my challenges is remembering I did that..let alone where I put them..until I look behind my computer chair..to see what he is chewing..and there are one of my lovely slippers I never ever wore...chewed..up..all I have is a photo left of them..I was so proud of all the beading..

Now..as if that is not enough excitement..try a husky and poodle doing a mad march chasing each other around the house...remembering now ..he thinks he is the size of a poodle..

they make this mad dash on to the bed..back out to the front door..and 15 minutes later..my sheets..have cuts all over them..from someones..toenails...I wonder who...

How are the cats surviving all this..well...lets just say...scarnose...is slowly not learning his lesson..Mr. Little, just enjoys taunting him...and getting him to chase him places..where he is just out of reach...from him..Pikachu..well...he is not going to play with Meikan..more likely he will eat him..that cat is not scared of anything and it is not unusual to hear the occasional yelp out of the dog that just won't learn!

Sammy has his little Christmas Tree up... in his room..a 3ft tree all decorated. Picture above.

I don't know how to get blogger to put pictures where I want them after my text..and have not been able to figure it out..oh well..this will have to do..

He loves Christmas..and is all smiles..and loves to help out with making things..and we are doing some food for the deer and cocoa pkg for gifts and a card for daddy...and some other things planned..

Judy guess what we got in the mail a few days ago..a beautiful post card...from Adelaide.He was so excited to put the first pin in his map..thank you so much for that..so he says you live very far away..and that I am wrong about kangaroos..there are pigs..on the farms..mom..that was just so cute of him..we had loads of smiles..thank you for making a happy moment for us..that was very kind of you...

My Perfect Little Pumpkin

2007-11-02T22:47:00.001-03:00

Click on the image for the larger view!

He is so proud of his pumpkin!

You can tell by the look in his face.

I think digital cameras are wonderful..because somehow..you sometimes seem to capture those moments in time that you may be used to seeing or miss..and these pictures are one of the ones that will become priceless to me..we were so busy having fun..that I did not quite notice the gleam of pride in his eyes..as he admired his imagination coming to life.

Yep, he went out trick or treating, as spider man..of course..spider man was pretty busy..all over the world..collecting treats from far and wide.

He has to be a hero..to be in so many places and in the heart of so many children.

Sammy's Janeway trip..there was so much to process, when we got back..and we were both tired from the long distances from the hostel ..to the hospital..that had to be walked or wheel chaired..and Sammy developed bad blisters on his feet from all the walking..told me..all I want to do ..momma is rest my feet...they hurt so bad..

and that is what him and momma did..for the first few days..

I had lots of my concerns addressed re: my little sunshine..we did not get it all done..but got some major stuff out of the way..

I am not sure of my emotions..regarding some of it..I am not even sure why..but..

I do know that I am happy to know..that my concerns were indeed justified..

At the school they gave Sammy IQ testing..in Grade 5 and tested him as a 70..which is almost borderline..but it was a very big jump from the 5o he had a year before and I really questioned it......in my heart..I was reading reports..that stated he knew how to recite and sing his ABC's and 123's but at home..where he was more relaxed and more comfortable in his room I would silently listen without him knowing..and knew..what the reports said were not true..he was not able to do either..and I had been told that it was impossible for a child to have made such a gap...but they were telling me he could..and that his only problem was his behaviour...

His testing at the Janeway confirmed that he is indeed functioning at a 51 level..which is about a 5 or 6 year old level..and that I will have to redo his home schooling to a preschool level..

They asked my permission to contact the school board..

How I am feeling...? It is good to know..that my concerns were not just that of an overprotective mother..which I am sure..I would be or may have been viewed as..

It is sad..that I am back to where I was when I first sent him to school...

It hurts that those first years when his brain had the chance to recreate new neuropathways..up to the age of 12..was wasted...in his school time..

Sammy will be 12 years old in a few weeks..He looks like a 14 year old..He is functioning at a 5 or 6 year old level...I am so glad..to know..where he really is in his mind..and what he is really capable of..I am sad..that they expected..work from him at school that he was not capable of doing..and was damaging his self esteem and confidence..and did not give him opportunities to experience success..that really hurts..but I think what hurts even more..is that..they pushed at us so hard..that they actually distorted the way..we saw our child..by insisting..he could do better..and that he just would not cooperate...and that his testing they did proved that they were right..

I don't know..what to say..about that..

I really don't...and although..I know how dreadfully wrong it is..that I have to stay focused ...and move forward with it for his benefit..

So home schooling him is focused around building his confidence and self esteem..giving him opportunities to experience success..and restoring his confidence in himself..I know..it is going to be harder..though to restore his confidence in others..

He is busy planning his birthday party...

He wanted lots of fireworks..so each month I have been picking up a little bit ..for him..and this month..even though..it is not something I can afford..I picked up the big 100 dollar pack..this will be a birthday he will visually remember for a very long time..to come..

he is all excited about it..

and it gives me great opportunities to teach him little things...too..

He is in love with magic school bus games..to..

On the plane going out..I bought a comic..book..jughead..and you know what..he let me read it to him..it is the first time..he has let me read to him..in almost 4 years..I was so happy inside..and we had lots of fun..as mom..being jughead..when we spoke..

He loved the plane..was a gentleman..through the whole trip..

Each day at the end of the day..he crossed of the day on his schedule and would count how many more days until he would see his daddy again..

His father is his strength..his momma his heart..!

We are expecting..part of that storm..from the tropical storm noel..here in Labrador on Sunday.

My arthritic bones tells me it is coming..and only with real major changes in weather do I feel it in my wrists which I do tonight..so am going to cut ..my post short and give them a rest..in some nice warm heating pad..while I watch some of my favorite shows..

in a few days, I will post some more about our trip..some photos..we took..etc..

Have a great week..! Thank you for all the wonderful..support, guidance and kindness, you have so blessed my family with..

Halloween Fun

2007-11-02T22:30:00.001-03:00

Download

Here Autumn Plaid Fills
I hope you enjoy the bits of pieces..of the kit.

It is a older kit of mine that I did last year..so some may have it.

I think it would look nice..with some blends from other kits like cardboard bits..and stuff..

on its own..it don't quite make it as a kit..but loads of nice little bits to mix and match with some other goodies you may collect along the way.

Thank you for visiting or listing my blog.

Happy Scrapping!

Just a quick post

2007-10-08T10:45:00.001-03:00

Thank you..for the sweet comments..we are almost ready now to get on our way..a few more things to do..so will make this quick..last night, he cried going to sleep ..saying mama why do I have to go..I am perfect just the way I am..yes, Sammy you are perfect, my sweetie, perfect in every way...God made you in his image too...at first this morning he still was not going to go..but children sometimes..can change their mind like the wind..when they realize that it is going to happen anyway weather they like it or not..now he is busy packing his suitcase with his father..and all smiles..
This last comment brought a big smile to my face..I needed to be reminded...of that..thank you..and thanks elf for reminding me to put my little pocket angel in my pocket..for those special moments..when you have to be very polite..and hold your ground..about what you feel in your heart..something means to you and to him..well off...to finish packing...ty...Joanne

What is coming when I get back

2007-10-07T13:45:00.001-03:00

When I get back from our trip away I will be uploading this kit I made for Halloween, before I had a blog..it is filled with juicy fun Halloween things..

I still have more..of for the stars kit to upload..but will take a break from it..and upload this one..in time hopefully for some Halloween fun for you..

Halloween is a big deal around here for Sammy, next to christmas..that is his favorite time of the year..and he is already excited about it..

See you when I get back..

Have a great week...

Joanne

My Daddy and Me

2007-10-07T12:38:00.001-03:00

Like Father, Like Son

These are my two boys..

if there was ever a child

who was attached to his father...Sammy is very attached to his Daddy.

Sammy has never been with a babysitter in life..

Only on two occasions..

We are heading out of Labrador me and Sammy

We will be going to the Janeway Children's Hospital in St. Johns, on the island part of the province.

This is like a two hour plane trip.

I am surprised my son has agreed to go with just me.

The first time he went with me alone ..over 4 years ago..

he was very upset to be away from his father..in a new place..

The Janeway is housed in the Health Science Complex

It is a very big building..

Sammy decided to run away from me..because I could not take him right away home to see his father..he decided he would run away to see his dad.

not understanding..just how far and impossible it is to do this..

it took us two hours to find him and another hour to get him out from under the stretcher he was hiding under in the stair well.

This was quite the scene.

Here were these big security guards...threatening him..to get out..and the more they threatened him, the more scared he got.

I grabbed a female security guard who was passing through the stairwell..and begged her to come and help pleading "this needs a women's touch, they are scaring him to death"

within 3 minutes she had him out..back in his wheelchair..and laughing his way..down what seems to a crippled mother..a mile long hallway to the Janeway unit.

This trip out is long overdue, and we have much to cover in the 4 days we will be there.

Sammy will have assessments done regarding his functioning abilities, eye, dental, and surgery consult for his hand, physio consult, Occupational consult, recreation consult etc.

I have debated for a few years over botox therapy..for Sammy's left side..but botox would mean trips to Montreal, every three months.

not easy when traveling such a long distance and although travel is paid for ..under his health care benefits..there are still so many things that are not covered that make it to difficult to do it.

You will notice in the picture that Sammy's left side is much smaller then the right side..especially his hand and arm.

He do not use his fingers on that hand...but will use it like one would use a club..to assist him in stabilizing something..

when Sammy is concentrating on a task or trying to use it..the muscles to the hand tighten up and cause his hand to curl backwards into a unnatural position.

This keeps him from having a chance to use his hand to his maximum potential

If they release the muscle, tendon or ligament that is causing this.

It will give him the best chance to be able to gain more function to his hand.

This was a decision I waited to make for Sammy until I felt that it was something

he could understand and want to work with and I feel he is ready now.

He will be home where his occupational therapy can be incorporated in his daily life..in school..they refused his physio and OT..the principal stating..that no one was coming into his school telling him what to do..that has been not a good thing for Sammy, as all the time he was in school..the individuals working with him..could have done so much more ..in encouraging him and helping them understand how..to incorporate his challenges, if they had been willing to function as a team..

Here in this province as well as other provinces and states they have what is called an Individual Support Service Planning Team.

The Team consist of individuals who are involved in the child's care coming together in the best interest of the child and developing a plan to help identify the child's strengths and needs, so as to best help the child and the family be able to meet those goals to ensure maximum success in life.

Even though I set up the individuals to be a part of that team..being all people involved in Sammy's World preschool, the school refused to have them involved and deliberately stopped calling them to attend his ISSP Meetings and stopped the physio therapy assistant who was coming in the school once a week..doing physio with Sammy and teaching Sammy's Student Aide how to do his therapy so she could do it each day through the week.

The student aid refused to do his therapy stating it was not her job nor was it her job to clean his ass...

knowing this, I knew full well, that should Sammy have his hand surgery, he would not get the help he needed in school to make it successful.

The application has gone in for approval of Sammy's home schooling..but we are yet to hear back from them.

We have been busy though.

Putting back together the team the school dismantled..and once we have this trip over with will have a better handle on what more to be doing for Sammy then we are already doing.

I am pleased to find your support in this matter..but also to know..and understand..that others would be concerned over their child's emotional health and well being.

I never knew how badly these experiences with the school, kept me in constant fear, that one day I would be getting a call saying your child is dead..until I took him out of school..

I am amazed by the amount of mental stress it was causing both of us as parents..and now that it is gone..it is like being brand new people, and think that it was a stress that had grew on the inside of us..that we had become so used to we no longer realized what an effect it was having on us..until it was gone..all I can say is wow..what a difference with out that worry over his physical and emotional well being.

I am pleased he is back enjoying his computer living books..something I have not seen in years.

We have his map up..now for our geography project and have upload a few commerical use in exchange for postcard to Sammy on his blog..link on the side bar.

When we get back we hope to pick out and upload some more photos of interesting things that people may want to use..such as flower and texture photos.

I want to say a big Thank you for all of those of you who left me comments, support, advice and links to help make home schooling Sammy a sucessful experience.

I think it is wonderful to be able to reach out to so many and get such wonderful help and kindness when I am so shut in such a small world.

I cannot say Thank you enough..

Only a big heartfilled Thank you..so very much.

Joanne

For The Stars Part Two

2007-10-07T12:23:00.000-03:00

For The Stars Part Two

300 dpi png format

Two Sets of Star Alphas

with matching regular alphas.

4 Journaling tabs

Two multi stamp frames(One Blue, One Yellow)

One you are my Star crayon Journaling

Four designed half border papers

One rumpled ribbon

Two papers, yellow and black

Two ropes, one blue, one yellow

Two Blank Brads, one yellow and one blue.

Thank you for stopping by..

I love my daddy

2007-09-18T23:53:00.000-03:00

This was my son's favorite book..while he seen momma scanning it he looked at it and asked me to keep it..but he did not want her to read it to me. I longed to read it to him..for him to be as excited about books as he was before he went to school..there is a part in the book..that goes.Daddy loves pickles...and I love pickles to..to which I would go...eeeyou...you love pickles..and it would make him giggle and giggle..when I read it..

There was so many favorite stories..

I am sure you are familiar with the gingerbread man..one.

you can run, run, run just as fast as you can..but you can't catch me...I am the gingerbread man...

that was always a fun one..requested to be read so many times..

Sammy's first report card read.."Joy to Teach, Loves to Learn"

What happened to this little boy of mine.

I know

but can I change it.

What is important to me now is ..him...I feel like I failed to protect him from people I should have been able to trust with him, that I was to forgiving...

My first now is to get back his self esteem and confidence..and the little boy..who loved to learn...

that is going to take some time..but I know I can do it..

I speak very openly about things that concern me..It is important that I say this...It is important to me to talk about what has happened to him..it helps me to understand..it allows me to reach out to others who can help me better understand..it allows others who to have experienced things to know..that they are not alone..

One thing..I need to say..is that I do not want anyone to think I am looking for pity or sympathy in life..that is not the case..but if I do go on a self pity trip..I will post..my pity party..today..in the title..

Your words to me..bring me wisdom..they help me learn..they keep me from feeling alone..especially now...I can not get out much anymore..

okay..whoa...helen ready is coming in my mind..I am women..hear me roar..

The parts of Sammy's life I have shared with you..are only the parts that I can talk about without crying..allot more happened to him...along the way...that still needs to be said..

and I hope to share with you as time passes...at all times..your comments are appreciated,

and help me in many ways...

knowledge without heart..is not wisdom..

I hope I will not bore you..along life's way.

Thank you.

I have a great new project in mind for Sammy..a starting place..which I hope to get up on his blog this week..once we have done the home work on it..

There is this really cool women in our town..Isobelle..who really has done so much volunteer wise to help our community..everything from guides and brownies..to our local library..

Well she gave me a map of the world today..which is going to be a part of Sammy's new home school project..and hopefully going to renew his curiosity in life..

Thank you Isobelle!

Chat with you soon..

My love and kind regards, Joanne

Kindess

2007-09-13T12:22:00.001-03:00

All Photo bend it's used in today's post can be purchased at Lara's lovely dusty bear shop..here!

They are very practically and an awesome scrap item that I find many uses for.

Kindness is the most beautiful gift in life we have to offer one another..

This was a ramp that was built for Sammy several years ago..by the Salvation Army's Men's fellowship...in Happy Valley- Goose Bay.

Did It Hurt!

2007-09-13T10:49:00.000-03:00

Did it hurt?

What do you think...tell me...

If you were his mother and he came home from school and you were undressing him from his school clothes and were lifting his arm out of his sleeve and he told you owey..which is how he spoke back then for hurt..and you discovered this..

Each of his ribs were bruised inside.

I was upset and took the photo and emailed the principle..asking how did this happen..?

on his inquiry I found out that he was being tested by the school educational psychologist, and was fidgeting in his chair tucking his feet under him and out from under him trying to get comfortable on the slippery metal chair and he fell...Apparently he cried but she gave him and ice cream and he stopped..no one examined him...no one called home and said your child is hurt..she returned him to his homeroom class and told the teacher he fell but was fine..

Sammy has no reflex defense movements on his left side...not one soul reached out to keep him from falling..okay..so they did not catch him falling..but any mother..the first thing she does is check to see if the child is injured even if the child says I am okay..we look..don't we..

This is another one of the reasons, my child fears going to school, no one cares if he is safe.

now we are only going to sightly get into..my child going missing from school part..of it all

when he was supposed to be on the special needs bus..but was found at 7 years of age..on the North West River Bridge..and that is a big bridge..trying to find his way to his mommas work..

That was only one of three times he went missing from school that year..

okay lets talk about a little 7 year old child who can't zip his own coat yet with one hand..and the parents who called me saying he was left outside alone with his coat not zipped waiting for the special needs bus..to come..now how much trouble is it for a student aid..to bend down and zip up a one handed child's coat..and put his mittens on..

Tip of the Ice burg

9 year old child with cerebral palsy found frozen on path leading to Grand Lake, North West River.

This could have been what could have happened.

I am sitting at my place of work..I get a phone call...your child has gone missing from school...mom..well where is he we don't know..he ran away from school and is missing..mom..well how come you don't know where he is..

He is off school premises so he is no longer our responsibility...????????

Mom..what..he could die out there ..it is 28 below zero..he has no coat, no mitts, no boots on...and you did not go after him because it is not your responsibility?

Well what do you want us to do ms. vanderMeij..call the RCMP...?

mom..no by the time they arrive here from Goose Bay he could be dead from hypothermia or lost up grand lake...

must go and arrange a search party..for him..bye

We were lucky and we did find Sammy quickly ..and he was at the head of the path leading up Grand Lake..he was exposed to - 28 winter weather for over 1o minutes..his tears was frozen in his face and clothes..and he had the beginnings of frost bite on his cheek..he was shivering...like mad..but his daddy..held him close to his body until his body warmed up...

You know..what seems so wrong in all this..is that if..I as a mother..was the one that these things that has happened to Sammy..happened in my care..he would taken away from me ...

so why..is this allowed to happen in a school..?

I have been as high as the child advocates office in Newfoundland..with no success in improving things for my child..I have talked to as many outside the school as I can..but still nothing changes...

So do you think this has had an effect..and may be the reason..my child..hates school..

This is the way we learn

2007-09-13T10:27:00.001-03:00

This is the way we learn.

This is a photo that was sent to me last year, proudly taken by a teacher who wanted to show me how my child was using a smart board in school to learn.

While I appreciated, that efforts were being made to help my child, what do you think as a mother I saw, I saw how my child was presented in school in front of his peers, with his underwear showing and his backside showing. As Sammy's mother this is not something I would ever let him be presented to the world like..when we go places together, and he gets out of the cars..if his clothes are shifted..the first thing I do is prompt him to fix them..Sammy can dress himself but because he can't use his left hand and struggles with dressing his left side ..he frequently needs to be reminded of that side of his body.

My child had not gone into a regular classroom with his peers for 4 years now..since when he was in gym...another student pulled his pants down leaving him naked in front of the whole class..the student who did this..did it to see if Sammy had shit in his pants. Sammy only has the use of one hand to defend himself..Sammy was never offered any counselling to heal from this assault on him.

He has never returned to a normal classroom environment since. The school has had 4 years to get him integrated back into the classroom...and still have not succeeded in doing it..How traumatic was this event on this child..Do any one have any suggestions as to how traumatic it was.

Sammy needs help with toileting still...although he is 11 he has problems with wiping himself..from the time he entered school, despite letters, visiting specialist, doctors and rehab teams writing and telling the school the child needs help in the bathroom, he still do not receive it..and has come to a point now..where he will not let them help him..because it was made an object of ridicule and pain for him..it damaged his self esteem...the other children teased him when he came from the bathroom smelling like feces..and when it burn his little bum...he scratched at it..and his hands would smell from it and make the smell of him worst for the other children...Am I right in thinking my child deserves better then this.

Can you understand as a mother how I must feel..about this..

I have made application to home school Sammy..Please wish success and pray that it will be approved..I can no longer put my child in a place...that do not care for him or his basic personal care needs or has such little respect for him...

Day of Beginnings

2007-09-13T10:09:00.001-03:00

A Day of New Beginnings

How little we know what the future will bring

when our little ones are born into this world

We hold them with love in our hearts

and hope nothing but the best for them.

I remember so much putting my hand over his little heart and his daddy putting his hand on top of mine and feeling the love of God flowing between us as we were eternally bonded in Gods Love

The love of a father, mother and child.

You look forward to watching them grow, make their first steps, seeing their first smile and saying their first words.

There is no miracle more beautiful.

This photo is one of my most cherished photos which I carry in my wallet.

It is the first time he was held by his parents, seconds after his birth.

I looked at Mario with tears falling from those beautiful blue eyes of his.

Proud to place Sammy in my arms.

This is family, this is what life is all about.

My Sunshine, my rain, my morning dew, my evening stars.

Through good times and through hard times

Faith keeps you strong

when life lets you down

You carry your woes with the grace of a women.

Understanding his forgiveness as you forgive others.

Understanding his faith is your faith and that the strength you gain by letting and trusting in the Lord, that he will give you not more then you can handle, you push yourself forward until you look back and realize that there were indeed two footprints in the sand.

For the stars Brag Book Pages

2007-09-13T09:33:00.000-03:00

For The Stars Brag Book Pages.

Download

Thank you for visiting and hope you enjoy the brag pages!

To view these bragpages in use feel free to visit Sammy's new blog..Here.

For The Stars Part One

2007-08-21T21:02:00.001-03:00

For The Stars

Download Part One Here

Download matching Star Alpha Here

He is one of my stars, but so are all of you.

I am sorry I have not been around...but I have been mending a broken heart which kind of caused me to loose my mojo so to speak..( I now know why my Grandmother owned a cast iron frying pan and said it belonged to Grandpa...but this little star of mine..kept me strong...when I did not think I could be..

and so did many of the kind memories of comments that touched my heart here.

So this is for all of you...The Stars in my world..from those of you...who list my blog, forgive me when I loose an email I am supposed to respond to, and accept me as I am..

Lots of Goodies packed inside...stitched photo bendits..something new I tried there...smiles, a starburst alpha, postage stamps, brads, glitter stars, papers, frames, tabs, a knot, etc. .png format and I even remembered to upload it in zip format..smiles..

When I first started scrapbooking one of the first freebie list I discovered

was Ikea Goddess...like well who has not heard of her...I am sure she is famous all across this world..

I remember the first time she listed me..oh my was I so excited...it was like a major acheivement in my life....I went running to hubby who thought I was nuts..oh I got listed...by Ikea Goddess..

you should have seen the sideways look I got on that one..smiles..

I remembered that she liked stars..and so do my Sammy....something they both have in commmon.

She is one of the special stars in our lifes...and so many more..then I could ever list..This past year has been a difficult one with loads of challenges to face...but it is the stars in our lifes that make the difference and the paths in life a little easier to travel on..

PS. Rosa...you are an angel...at a time an angel was needed..Bless You.

In part two I am going to include some brag book pages..

Enjoy, hugs, Joanne

Ribbon Freebie

2007-07-26T00:27:00.000-03:00

Download Here!

I am sorry I have been away...been missing everyone but have some very important things with my family that need my attention right now.

It has been one crazy life since I got sick..sure changes your world..and so many adjustments to make in so many ways..for a whole family..not just the person who is sick.

Your whole world gets turned upside down..and inside out

My faith keeps me strong but I do get tired..like anyone who faces alot.

Each day I count my blessings..

Hope you like the bows..and thank you all so much...for your patience and kindness.

Princess Pink Quick Page

2007-07-07T20:24:00.000-03:00

DownLoad Here!
A Kind Thank you to each of you who left me comments here on my blog..and in 4 shared..they are much appreciated..as I know that blogger can be difficult sometimes..when it comes to loading the comments sometimes..when I checked about it..I was told that it had to do with and overworked google server..that stores out blogger information..

I am sorry the I cannot always get back to everyone individually...but do want you all to know..that you are truly appreciated..

Sometimes I do have problems..connecting the dots in life..I forget things, put stuff away to do and lose it..forget where I put it..etc..but it is not intentional..so please forgive me if I forget something..

Today...it is rainy outside...and we are baking Daddy a cake...as a surprize...we are both enjoying our time togethor..

Thank you to to Amy and Silvia...who listed me that I know of..and to anyone else who listed..me...you are always welcome to list my blog...and it is appreciated..

Well, time to take the cake out of the oven..and make the icing..humm chocolate...and yep ..he likes to lick the spoon...smiles...

I was asked to share the .png file of the floral cluster...the link for it is

here

If .png files..are better I will keep my files as .pngs...in future...

Have a nice day...and thank you for coming along my way to my little blog.

Bows created with Lara Paytons...commercial use ribbons and bows kit.

Available here at her lovely store...Dusty Bear

Floral Cluster Freebie

2007-07-01T22:18:00.000-03:00

Floral Cluster Freebie

For those of you not celebrating Canada Day today..I have a gift for you as well..for you to enjoy our celebrations.

Download Cluster by itself Here.

Download Cluster with Frame Here.

Have a fun day and thank you for visiting

Joanne

Happy Canada Day Freebie

2007-07-01T22:06:00.000-03:00

Happy Canada Day, Canada

Download Quick Page Here

File is in layers..and the layers are turned off..to reduce file size, so you will have to turn them back on to see them...hope you like it ..... and thank you for visiting me..

I also made a kit...with some mapleleave elements and papers..and labels..for Our Canada Day...

There are 8 papers, Chipped Paint Maple Leaf, Glass Maple Leaf, Chipboard Maple Leaf, some labels..for hockey lovers.

Special Thanks to Atomic Cupcake for the use of her actions and label maker.Her link is in my side bar..

Have a nice Canada Day.

Download Kit here

Have a super day and thank you for visiting and for listing my site.

Joanne

The Wolf Within

2007-06-27T00:18:00.000-03:00