You really can't miss.....

all the wonderful things at Gotta Pixel. WOW. I keep finding some of the most wonderful kits and the happiness continues. I recently enjoyed making these four layouts from products in the Gotta Pixel Store.



On these two layouts I used all products from Cherie Shields:

My Mini Me

Lumieres Dehors (Link Unavailable)











I used all Doohikey Designs on this layout:

SO IN LOVE COLLECTION

BLACK TIE COLLECTION

Me and my "kids"....

Getting all cuddly in the cold Nebraska weather.....

No one knows how much I love my Kids......Buddy, Buttercup, Cheerio and McCook. They are sweetest, most loving pets and love them all sooooo much......

BUT I miss my Button terribly. It makes me soooo sad missing her so much but I loved her and life just isn't the same without my girl. My princess.......GOD I miss you!! Miss you so much!



My Buddy boy...OH how I love you. My rescue dog...Mom and Dad's Dog and we love love love you!!!!!!!!


and....then there is Butterup. She is an OUTDOOR cat but insists on being an indoor cat. I love her but MAN i could kill her when she pees on floor and craps on my rugs.....she is worse then Cheerio!!!!!!!


Here are my McCook and Cheerio. I am pretty sure you two saved me from one major depression after losing Button. I love you both! I am so glad you followed Ron across the street McCook.....I knew you where mine the second I saw you!



..and YOU Cheerio. I have NO idea what got into me. I think Ron thought I was nuts where I called him and told him I got a puppy...BUT guess who loves you too!!!! Guess who wants to take you with him....guess who you wait for to come home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RON~

One little sharpie...

Once upon a time there was a girl who loved being part of the little things. She loved when strange little considences happen to her, when she has the opportunity to silently leave her mark. For most people this isn't a major earth shattering moment, others might consider it is stupid and yes, they will more then likely repaint this white line, but that's ok...for the Price Chopper 400 my name was on the track.

As we approached the walk out fence at the Kansas Speedway I realized our opportunity to sign the track was right in front of me. However, I did not have a Sharpie!! Amazingly enough a nice guy who was attending his first ever NASCAR race in person lent me one so that I could write my name on the Kansas Speedway. While others were signing the start finish line, I found this white area just below the Kansas Speedway on the wall and decided to take it.

As I knelt there writing "GO CLINT BOWYER Love Kristin" I had the tremendous amount of emotion....I am not really sure why, but I just looked around and saw all these people writing their names and wishing their drivers luck and even expressing their love for their respective state........I could almost feel the short history of the Kansas Speedway in my hand that was holding me up so I could write my greetings...........it was tremendously emotional for me.

I walked over to the start finish line and put my right hand on one of the checks and it was awesome. I felt like I had become a part of the Kansas Speedway..........I felt so powerful and empowered to enjoy that beautiful day and enjoy all those things that I sometimes take for granted.....

So someone's midwest generousity by loaning me a Sharpie.......... and someone's radom act of kindess made me want to quickly return the favor and reminded me that you must never ever ever take one little tiny moment for granted....even if it is five little words written on the Kansas Speedway!

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

God is great, beer is good, NASCAR fans are crazy......

......and I am the first to admit that I am probably one of those crazy fans!!!! But little did I know that a generous gesture by Larry Anding giving me his Fanwalk pass would turn out to be such a big fat thrill for me. That is the earliest I have been at a NASCAR track in ages but it was worth it.......

The group of Outlaws who had pit passes........Ron said he took this photo so the police could identify us if we showed up missing or if I was arrested for chasing Clint Bowyer in the pits :) Luckily neither happened......that I know of :) hehehehehe

Chris, Lucas, Kristin, Judy and Julie


The tunnel under turn number 1...I guess it never really occured to me where I was going until I came out in the pits. I wonder where I thought I was actually going??? The sudden realization that I was actually on the infield hit me when I emerged to find myself standing almost on pit road.



I was soooooooo lucky to be able to have my favorite Driver's Pit box right on end and corner of the area that we walked through to get to the infield grass for the Kansas Concert.





Some of my favorite highlights included......visiting the Actual Victory lane and watching the cars going through pre-race inspections and of course seeing the scoring tower close up....REALLY CLOSE UP!!!







And of course there were a celebrity or two:

Kyle Petty - Who was sporting a Kansas Sweatshirt and signing autographs like crazy including one for our very own Judy!!!!


Rick Hendrick - Who did a very nice interview for us fans, and when asked who was his favorite driver responded "Which ever one of mine wins" GOOD ONE RICK!! That is like asking a parent which on of their kids is their favorite......



Kansas Jayhawk Mascot - Who didn't seem all the thrilled to be taking a photo with an old lady UNTIL I whispered in his ear "Go Clint Bowyer" (Clint's a big Kansas Fan)....after all he is from Emporia!!!! HE or SHE Then proceeded to hug me and put his arm around me....of course Julie and Judy just had to ask me if it was a girl or a guy in there.....I told them "It felt like a guy" So technically I felt up the Kansas Jayhawk!!!!!!


The Kansas Concert was great (the group Kansas) get it.....anyway, all I could focus on was Driver Introductions and the fact that from where I was standing during the concert I would be less than 15 feet from Clint when he exited the stage following his introduction. I could barely contain myself. I was so excited. Of course Clint qualified 5th so I had a long wait through introductions to get to Clint...then FINALLY!!!!!

CLINT BOWYER!!!!!!


Luck would be on my side again as Clint and his crew got several awards from the previous race at Dover including spending the shortest amount of time on pit road....so Clint was out there on that stage longer than any driver beside Mark Martin!!! How cool was that for me?????????? TOTALLY!!!!



This is where I am going to stop on this story for now...because there is still some good stuff to this.....and something I want to blog out all on it's own......BTW the race winner was Tony Stewart, which was just OK with me....if Clint could have gotten his lap back I have a feeling there would have been a different top 5!

Nuts for Nationwide.....

Yes, it is true....I love NASCAR Nationwide racing too!! Today's Nationwide race went by so fast. Not too bad of a finish for Clint who started 34th or Justin Allgaier for that matter!!! Both of my drivers a top 10....that can't be too bad.....

Ronnie getting ready to go in for the Nationwide race.


Cars on pit road....Clint is in there in the #29 Holiday Inn Car and Justin in the #12 Verizon Car..........


People filing into the 2009 Kansas Nationwide Race...what a crowd for the race!!!


Me modeling my Cheerios coat that my Auction girls gave me for my Birthday in April! Temperature was just right for me to wear my coat!!! Actually it was perfect for me to wear my coat. Thanks Chris Condreay for being the mastermind behind my coat....it is my first NASCAR sponsor coat ever....and I love it!!!!!!


Joey Logano wins the 2009 Nationwide race........

Lottery luck on the Road...

with the Stock's and Mahoney's headed for the Kansas NASCAR race.

For almost two days we searched and searched for the $150,000.00 lottery ticket throughout Central and Eastern Nebraska but to no avail. Just a few dollars but heck it pays to break even :) Ron and Rex took care of Thursday's hunt and Julie and I joined in on our way to Kansas City the only one close was Julie's close call which turned out to be a false alarm.........



After much deliberation we decided to turn Cheerio into a world traveler and NASCAR dog, like he wasn't already, being named after NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer's sponsor Cheerios....you would think that would be enough, but he was such a good dog and learned the ins and outs of traveling....like Highway 77 south of Lincoln into Marysville is one H of bumpy road!



Upon arriving at the Cottonwood Campground, first priority was to get that Clint Bowyer flag in the air. So Ron and Lucas got all over that for me. Well Lucas did anyway......but Joel joined in as well......





Who would have thought that after HOURS of riding in his carrier Cheerio would possibly want to sleep but he felt pretty comfortable knowing his lounger was right there along with all his toys.......



So begins our NASCAR weekend!!

Diva Lounger

He thinks he is a Diva...but he's my boy and he's NO Diva......he's my Cheerio boy in his brand new Bed I bought him a few weeks ago. I bought him this bed because he didn't look too comfortable sleeping on the hard floor. This puppy is one word......SPOILED!

Good Stuff at Gotta Pixel

There are so many wonderful things that are new and exciting at Gotta Pixel. Check out a couple of beautiful kits that are available at Gotta Pixel.  Here are four layouts that I created using two of the many many gorgeous items available at Gotta Pixel. 

This is beautiful kit created by Sweet Digi Scraps.

Check out the kit link at: 

PURITY PUNK

More goodies at Gotta Pixel. This fun fun fun kit by She's Full Scrap.

Check out the kit link at:

SUMMER SPLASH

Probably the best read....

that I have had in a long time that made me bawl like a four year old girl.  It has been a long time since I read something that made me cry like an idiot for 10 minutes. This guy needs a big THANK YOU from us Husker fans....OMG....wow.......What a read.....and indeed.....

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE NEBRASKA!!!!!!

From the radio voice of the University of Louisiana - Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Share

 Mon at 8:27pm

The SEC THINKS it has great atmosphere....... 
Sep 28
Written by: jaywalker 
Monday, September 28, 2009 8:53 AM 


This is my 18th season covering Cajuns football. And, for eight years before that, I had the opportunity to broadcast selected games on TV as well.

I've been to nine SEC stadiums. (I'll go to a tenth next season at Georgia.) I've seen the grove at Ole Miss, experienced the Gator Chomp, the Mississippi State cowbells, been a part of Alabama football in both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. I've been called "Tigerbait" in Baton Rouge and experienced some pretty good hospitality in South Carolina.

I've said hello to the folks at Illinois and Minnesota. Felt September heat in Tempe, AZ.

Been to Manhattan, Lubbock, Austin, Stillwater and College Station. College Station was probably the best. Folks say "Howdy" when they see you. And they say "welcome."

Haven't been to the Horseshoe, the Big House or Happy Valley. Nor have I seen Touchdown Jesus.

But I've been to College Football Nirvana.

It's located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

From the time we touched down ("Welcome to Lincoln," the police officers doing the escort said) to the time we left the stadium ("Thanks so much for coming, have a safe trip home. We hope you'll come back again") every Cajun fan felt like a guest.

That's right. A guest. Not the opposition...not the enemy....a guest.

Check into the Cornhusker Marriott, not far from campus. Fans of Big Red Nation are already there. Smiles, handshakes....welcome to Lincoln. Good luck tomorrow.

Board the bus for dinner. Arrive at Misty's, Lincoln's famous steakhouse (I mean, you gotta eat a steak, right?). There were about 25 in our party. We had to wait about twenty minutes for them to get everything ready. No problem. As soon as the patrons saw the Cajun gear, they wanted to talk...introduce themselves....welcome to Lincoln....thanks so much for coming. Hope you enjoy the game.....

Is this for real??

And, it continued throughout the evening and into the night. We made lots of friends. We Cajun people make friends pretty easily, but it's even easier when folks want to be friends.

In Lincoln, they all want to be your friend.

Gameday is different in Lincoln. They tailgate, sure....but it's tougher because, well, there's just not a lot of tailgaiting spots. But they do open the soccer field next to the stadium. Families can let the kids roam free. Nebraska radio does a pregame show there. And, a band plays during the commercial breaks.

I did an interview at the soccer field with the Nebraska radio folks. And then, had a pretty good trek to the media entrance. At each gate, the sight was the same. Hundreds lined up, waiting for the gates to open so they could get into the stadium and watch their team warm up.

By the time Nebraska came out, about 45 minutes before kickoff, the stadium was about 65% full. There was no "hey, let's stay outside and pound a few more beers."

Because it was gameday. And they came to see football.

By the time the band was ready to come out, 86000 strong were in their seats. They stood and clapped along when the Cornhusker Band played "Fight on Cajuns" to honor their guests. And when the band played "There is no Place Like Nebraska" I knew that the statement was true.

For the first time ever in my years covering the Cajuns, I did not hear a single boo when the Cajuns came out of their tunnel onto their sidelines; in fact, I heard a smattering of applause.

During the game, 86000 cheered as Nebraska rolled. They didn't leave at halftime to go out and start drinking (and remember it was 34-0 at the half). Some were outside, but they had passes to get back in and by the time the second half was ready to kick off, they were all back in their seats.

In the fourth quarter there were STILL over 80000 in the stands. Security keeps an eye out for the sign of alcohol in the stands, which is how trouble starts. If they see alcohol they don't turn a blind eye. After all, college football is about a FAMILY atmosphere.

And when it ended, the fans stayed for another Cornhusker tradition. They applauded the Cajuns as they left the field.

Now you might say...sure, it's easy to clap for someone when you just beat them 55-0. But they do that when their team LOSES. The newspaper on Saturday morning reprinted a handwritten letter from Florida State coach Bobby Bowden after the Seminoles got a hard fought 18-14 win years ago. Yep, the Nebraska fans cheered them as they left.

More of the same post game. There was a young man in a wheelchair where the Cajun players were getting their postgame meal. As each player came out, the young man thanked them for coming and wished them safe travels home. Many of the players stopped to chat for a minute.

Then it was over. And, as the buses left for the airport, the fans that were still there waved and applauded. No one finger salutes. No "you suck" chants. Simply, safe travels, my friends.

If the two teams should play again in the future, plan ahead Cajun Fans. Make the long drive or the relatively short flight. Come in Friday...leave Sunday. And, you will learn what REAL college football atmosphere is about.

Because, trust me.....there is no place like Nebraska.

Probably the best read....

that I have had in a long time that made me bawl like a four year old girl.  It has been a long time since I read something that made me cry like an idiot for 10 minutes. This guy needs a big THANK YOU from us Husker fans....OMG....wow.......What a read.....and indeed.....

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE NEBRASKA!!!!!!

From the radio voice of the University of Louisiana - Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns.

Share

 Mon at 8:27pm

The SEC THINKS it has great atmosphere....... 
Sep 28
Written by: jaywalker 
Monday, September 28, 2009 8:53 AM 


This is my 18th season covering Cajuns football. And, for eight years before that, I had the opportunity to broadcast selected games on TV as well.

I've been to nine SEC stadiums. (I'll go to a tenth next season at Georgia.) I've seen the grove at Ole Miss, experienced the Gator Chomp, the Mississippi State cowbells, been a part of Alabama football in both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. I've been called "Tigerbait" in Baton Rouge and experienced some pretty good hospitality in South Carolina.

I've said hello to the folks at Illinois and Minnesota. Felt September heat in Tempe, AZ.

Been to Manhattan, Lubbock, Austin, Stillwater and College Station. College Station was probably the best. Folks say "Howdy" when they see you. And they say "welcome."

Haven't been to the Horseshoe, the Big House or Happy Valley. Nor have I seen Touchdown Jesus.

But I've been to College Football Nirvana.

It's located in Lincoln, Nebraska.

From the time we touched down ("Welcome to Lincoln," the police officers doing the escort said) to the time we left the stadium ("Thanks so much for coming, have a safe trip home. We hope you'll come back again") every Cajun fan felt like a guest.

That's right. A guest. Not the opposition...not the enemy....a guest.

Check into the Cornhusker Marriott, not far from campus. Fans of Big Red Nation are already there. Smiles, handshakes....welcome to Lincoln. Good luck tomorrow.

Board the bus for dinner. Arrive at Misty's, Lincoln's famous steakhouse (I mean, you gotta eat a steak, right?). There were about 25 in our party. We had to wait about twenty minutes for them to get everything ready. No problem. As soon as the patrons saw the Cajun gear, they wanted to talk...introduce themselves....welcome to Lincoln....thanks so much for coming. Hope you enjoy the game.....

Is this for real??

And, it continued throughout the evening and into the night. We made lots of friends. We Cajun people make friends pretty easily, but it's even easier when folks want to be friends.

In Lincoln, they all want to be your friend.

Gameday is different in Lincoln. They tailgate, sure....but it's tougher because, well, there's just not a lot of tailgaiting spots. But they do open the soccer field next to the stadium. Families can let the kids roam free. Nebraska radio does a pregame show there. And, a band plays during the commercial breaks.

I did an interview at the soccer field with the Nebraska radio folks. And then, had a pretty good trek to the media entrance. At each gate, the sight was the same. Hundreds lined up, waiting for the gates to open so they could get into the stadium and watch their team warm up.

By the time Nebraska came out, about 45 minutes before kickoff, the stadium was about 65% full. There was no "hey, let's stay outside and pound a few more beers."

Because it was gameday. And they came to see football.

By the time the band was ready to come out, 86000 strong were in their seats. They stood and clapped along when the Cornhusker Band played "Fight on Cajuns" to honor their guests. And when the band played "There is no Place Like Nebraska" I knew that the statement was true.

For the first time ever in my years covering the Cajuns, I did not hear a single boo when the Cajuns came out of their tunnel onto their sidelines; in fact, I heard a smattering of applause.

During the game, 86000 cheered as Nebraska rolled. They didn't leave at halftime to go out and start drinking (and remember it was 34-0 at the half). Some were outside, but they had passes to get back in and by the time the second half was ready to kick off, they were all back in their seats.

In the fourth quarter there were STILL over 80000 in the stands. Security keeps an eye out for the sign of alcohol in the stands, which is how trouble starts. If they see alcohol they don't turn a blind eye. After all, college football is about a FAMILY atmosphere.

And when it ended, the fans stayed for another Cornhusker tradition. They applauded the Cajuns as they left the field.

Now you might say...sure, it's easy to clap for someone when you just beat them 55-0. But they do that when their team LOSES. The newspaper on Saturday morning reprinted a handwritten letter from Florida State coach Bobby Bowden after the Seminoles got a hard fought 18-14 win years ago. Yep, the Nebraska fans cheered them as they left.

More of the same post game. There was a young man in a wheelchair where the Cajun players were getting their postgame meal. As each player came out, the young man thanked them for coming and wished them safe travels home. Many of the players stopped to chat for a minute.

Then it was over. And, as the buses left for the airport, the fans that were still there waved and applauded. No one finger salutes. No "you suck" chants. Simply, safe travels, my friends.

If the two teams should play again in the future, plan ahead Cajun Fans. Make the long drive or the relatively short flight. Come in Friday...leave Sunday. And, you will learn what REAL college football atmosphere is about.

Because, trust me.....there is no place like Nebraska.

My Gourmet......

Anniversary Supper.......as I mentioned in yesterday's post, that I was at Husker Harvest Days...here was the gourmet meal prepared for me on the Husker Harvest Days grounds using a Holland Grill and paper plates.




To top off this fantastic meal...DESSERT!



Hummmmmm.....Happy 18th Anniversary Kristin!

Happy Anniversary......

to Ron and I!! I can NOT believe that we have been married 18 years today! Where in the world did the time go? I have no complaints at all. No regrets. We are sooooo blessed in many small and large ways......



I wish we would have had a better day to celebrate instead of hectic Monday of meetings and setting up for Husker Harvest Days, but we sure had a nice meal :) OK I might elaborate on that.....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to a great husband and a wonderful man...

I LOVE YOU!!!

Cheerio and his anti-shirt.....

Poor poor Cheerio Boy.....refused to keep his brand new Husker Shirt on!! He wore it for a while and then got mad as heck and pulled it off.......He told me that it wasn't that he didn't like the Husker's he just hates a shirt :)

As my friend Keri pointed out....maybe he just wanted his Clint Bowyer shirt on :) Could be....he's a smart dog.......

Dear Jesus....

THANK YOU for making this Husker Game day one of the very best. I am very very happy and grateful that we had a lovely and perfect day to enjoy the game. YEAH we were playing a NO ranked NO named NO one, but it was awesome!!!! There isn't one single day that I don't wake up and say a silent prayer that I live in Nebraska. Indeed "THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE NEBRASKA"



There is NOTHING that could drag me away from the only home I have ever known....good or bad.....it is one of the sweetest places on earth.

I am soooooooo looking forward to our next game....but for now we put football to sleep tonight and get ready for NASCAR! GO CLINT BOWYER!!!!!!!!



I have ALL the faith in you Mr Bowyer that you can imagine. I have NEVER regretted ONE SINGLE moment being a Clint Bowyer fan. Change your number, change whatever.......I AM A TOTAL 100% Clint Bowyer fan..................