Wacky Neighbors

Some of you may remember that I used to have a blog on MySpace. On it, I generally complained about my job (which I have since left, yay!) and talked about our crazy neighbors.

Since switching over to Facebook and devoting this blog to most things scrappy/crafty, I have neglected this part of my life. Well, last night, some events unfolded that made me want to document it for your (hopeful) enjoyment.

Here's a little backstory:
We live in a lake community, which is gated, and for the most part, we love living here. Well, recently, there have been some things that have made us think twice about it--burglaries, loud boom cars and just inconsiderate, loud people in general.

Anyway, across the street from our house, there is a rental house. This house has seen many, many odd (and a couple normal) characters through the years. In the seven years we've lived here, that house has had:

* a graffiti artist who used the backyard as his "studio," and plywood as his "canvas". Yeah. It was purty.

* a family with two small children, one of them being a girl of about 3 or 4, who loved to frolic naked all in their yard, and one time, our yard. Wow.

* a quiet family who didn't bother anyone and whom we absolutely LOVED. We didn't even know they were there. The best kind.

* and now, recently (a month ago), an odd couple moved in. They seriously act like they're on meth. I've seen Intervention, y'all. They might need one, for reals. Anyway, they don't seem to work, have cookouts randomly on weekdays in the middle of the day, and the dude tenant LOVES to ride his lawn mower. I mean, LOOOOOOOVES it. Rides it everyday if he can.

Last night, around 7 PM, he was outside moving his car. Oh yeah, they drive their cars all willy-nilly through their yard. Fun, fun. Well, he proceeded to drive his car directly into one of the posts that supports the carport. Yep, he crashed his own car into the house. He got out, looked ever-so-briefly at the damage, and then promptly got on his lawn mower and rode off towards the lake, where he stayed for a good two hours. He got back after 9 PM, and we are assuming went inside to pass out. Because y'all, that whole ordeal was clearly sponsored by Alcohol.

We are keeping an eye on them, because of their entertaining shenanigans, but also because they're just odd (and a little concerning). And we kiiiiiinda want to end up on the local news, being interviewed about living across from them after they're caught cooking meth or caught with their hands in some other form of Illegal Crazy. It's only a matter of time.

Update, With Projects!

I've been kind of lazy about updating lately. Sorry!

Here are some projects I've been working on since my last update.
Click the images to view them larger if needed.

A card I did for the Scrap n' Art blog a few weeks ago:



A card I made for my father-in-law's birthday:



My all-day challenge for NSD at scrapbook.com:



Mother's Day Card for Mama:



Mother's Day Card for Brian's Mama:



A layout for the Week-Long Challenge for NSD on scrapbook.com:

The journaling reads:
I don't ever remember a time that my Mama did not make a homemade birthday cake for me. Her cakes were sought after all over the county--she is a very talented cake decorator. Even to this day, for every birthday, I have a beautiful, delicious handmade cake to look forward to. How Sweet It Is that she started and continues this tradition.



And last, a sweet layout about my parents, who will be married 45 years next month. They are what love looks like:



So, that's what I've been up to! Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everybody!

Fun With GCD Studios

Check out my project using GCD Studios' Homespun Chic and Ava Collections, today on the Scrap n' Art Blog!

Sugar-Free Strawberry Trifle

My Mama asked for a sugar-free strawberry trifle for Mother's Day, so I made her one. I had a couple people ask for the recipe, and it's really easy. Here it is, with pictures! :D (You can click the pictures to view larger if needed.)

You will need:
2 pounds (or 2 cartons) strawberries, rinsed, drained and chopped
1 (1.5 oz.) box Vanilla Instant Sugar-Free Jell-O Pudding Mix, prepared according to package
1 tub (16 oz.) Lite Cool Whip, thawed
1 sugar-free angel food cake (I used storebought), cubed



In a large trifle dish, begin layering as follows:
Half the cubed cake
Half the prepared vanilla pudding
Half the strawberries
Half the Cool Whip

Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. You should have enough to complete all four layers twice. Garnish top layer with sliced or whole strawberries if desired. Cover and refrigerate to chill at least 4 hours or overnight.





Enjoy! Happy Mother's Day!

Wanna Win Some Great Scrappy Prizes?

Come celebrate all weekend with Scrap n' Art! Leave a comment on the Scrap n' Art Blog for your chance to win one of FIVE prize packs!! Happy National Scrapbook Day!!