Leiterman Happenings

Dreaming of a Cure

2010-01-21T23:25:00.001-05:00

I came across this beautiful poem on another blog and was so touched by it. I felt like it was written about my thoughts on Karissa's arthritis.

In my dreams, she dances,
floating through the air like a dandelion puff on the wind, a wish in progress...

She lands, soft as a kiss

without a wince or pause.

In my dreams she runs, fast and furious

Long gait of colt legs,

On and on into the horizon

In my dreams she plays soccer,

and is a gymnast and competes.

She is not the slow one, the last picked.

She is not pitied.

In my dreams she is limitless,

no bounds of swollen joints, stiffness, fevers or pain.

She is unfettered by needles,

doctors and medical jargons.

She is continuous, endless hope... all possibility.

In my dreams she grows into a lovely woman.

Arthritis is a distant hazy memory...

A forgotten nuisance of childhood -

a boogeyman long since retired.

She is free.

Copic Atyou Spica Pens...MY FAVORITE SCRAPBOOKING TOOLS!

2010-01-03T13:41:00.003-05:00

OK, everyone asks what is my favorite must-have tool for scrapbooking and without a DOUBT-both COPIC Spica Glitter Pen Sets. I'm all about BLING and ANYTHING that sparkles and use my Copic Spicas on almost EVERY project! I think it should be mandatory that every scrapbooker and card maker own their own Copic Atyou Spica Pens!

You can get both sets here at Scrapnesia Scrapbook Supplies and Invitations.

Copic Atyou Spica 12 Color Pen Set A includes one each of Lavender, Pink, Red, Orange, Lemon, Melon, Olive, Turquoise, Sky Blue, Black, Gold and Silver. They are non- toxic, acid-free, transparent, pigement based and have a no-clog tip.

Copic Atyou Spica 12 Color Pen Set B includes one each of Pitch Black, Garnet, Lipstick, Blossom, Chocolate, Sand, Peach, Buttermilk, Lilac, Baby Blue, Mint and Clear. They are non-toxic, acid-free, transparent, pigment based and have a no-clog tip. Each pen writes for over 360 yards!

NOW....GO BUY THEM RIGHT NOW!!!

It All Started With A Cat Named Scrappy!

2009-11-05T10:09:00.003-05:00

I started volunteering at the Loving Home Rescue when I came upon an ADORABLE kitten aptly named Scrappy.

As most of you know, I am a self-professed scrapbooking addict! I attend crops at a store called Scrapnesia (hence the kitty’s name Scrappy) in Greenville. The crops are usually on Friday nights and sometimes last into the wee morning hours! Anyway, one evening I saw a cute little white bob-tailed kitten in the parking lot behind the store and instantly my heart went gooey! For some odd reason, I immediately felt like I had to save this kitten. I’ve always been an animal lover, but have never really gone gaga over cats. But it was almost like a command from a higher power telling me, “Save this cat!” Ask anyone, they’ll tell ya’!

I started feeding the cat at every crop (and we left food for it throughout the week) to try to earn its trust and get him to come to me. One Friday night, Cindy, my kitty-cohort-in-crime and I even followed the poor little kitty across the railroad tracks on Woodruff Road, through the briars and brush and fed him by flicking wet cat food off the tip of a branch until 2:00am! What a sight that must have been! Naturally, the other scrapbookers thought we were nuts! Needless to say, not much scrapbooking was accomplished!

Finally, Evelyn caught the cat by utilizing her clever ‘MacGyver’ skills! She placed some yummy cat food inside her cat carrier which had a secret string attached to the gate. Once the kitty entered the carrier to eat, she pulled the string to close the gate! Voila!

I now had to find Scrappy a home. As much as I wanted to keep the Scrappy, I knew it could not be. Our dog is 16 years old, and he does not get along with any animals. It would just be too traumatic to him or possibly Scrappy. So, that night I tirelessly searched online for any shelters to take in Scrappy.

The next morning, I called Ed McKnight who operates the Loving Home Rescue and Adoption. He took the cat in without any hesitations. Karissa went with me to drop off Scrappy and we both fell in love with Ed’s rescue. I knew I had to help in any way I could after learning that Ed is a disabled marine who runs the No-Kill animal rescue out of his home using donations and even his own income. I have sense started volunteering and have recruited others along the way!

JOIN ME IN VOLUNTEERING and HELP SAVE LIVES!

Loving Home Rescue and Adoption simply could not survive without the help of dedicated, caring animal lovers just like you who generously volunteer at the Loving Home Rescue. Our volunteers improve the quality of life of life for each and every homeless pet sheltered at the Loving Home Rescue and Adoption. Because we rely so much on the time and help offered by volunteers, the Loving Home Rescue and Adoption invites everyone from teenagers (16 years old and up) to retirees to join our volunteer corps. You can work as much or as a little as you prefer!

Ways Volunteers Help:

Adoption Center: Dog walking, socialization, feeding, cleaning, grooming, rescue, basic health care, training and obedience, adoption counseling, answering telephones, making follow-up phone calls to adopters, etc.

Administrative Assistant: Everyday, we have lots of administrative tasks that we simply can't get to; each vitally important to the achievement of our goal of saving more lives. Tasks include record keeping, answering telephones, filing, scheduling appointments, etc. Make and distribute flyers for events. Put your skills to work saving animals.

Corporate Support/Team Project Member: Employees from local companies give their time throughout the year for one-day projects that enhance the quality of life for our animals. If your company would like to help, please call (864) 399-2612.

Special Events/Fundraisers: You probably don't know this, but it costs us more than $500 to prepare the typical homeless pet for adoption. Special needs animals cost much, much more. Because we receive no government funding, we rely exclusively on individual donations and special events to support our lifesaving work. Volunteers aid our essential fundraising activities immensely; our events and even office work are always fun for everyone involved!

Social Media/Web Marketing: Help the Loving Home Rescue and Adoption build and manage our online community! Become part of a dedicated team of volunteers, spending time online promoting the Loving Home Rescue and Adoption's no-kill mission and causes. You won't even have to leave the house!

Dog Walker: Was more exercise on your agenda for 2009? It’s not too late to start! Get moving outdoors and provide exercise for our dogs. Take a dog for a walk or play ball in a fenced yard. By giving a dog some one-on-one attention, you are also helping with its socialization. It’s a very rewarding experience!

Community Liaison: Locate new donation box locations; pick up donation boxes from current locations.

Carpentry Projects: Put your carpentry skills to work! We are always looking for help with improvements to our rescue!

Our Volunteers at Work:

Be a Dog Walker!

Volunteering at Loving Home Rescue and Adoption is just as therapeutic for you as it is for our animals, maybe more so!

Spending time with our kittens will make you feel like a kid again!

Help save a life!

Contact us today!
Please call (864) 399-2612 or visit our website at http://www.lovinghomerescue.com/.

Help Our Team Make A Difference at the 2009 Upstate South Carolina Arthritis Walk

2009-10-05T11:16:00.004-04:00

Walk With Us at the 2009 Upstate South Carolina Arthritis Walk!

The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. It is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children doctor-diagnosed with arthritis. Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. In many communities, pet owners are invited to bring their dogs along for the walk.

Arthritis is a very difficult disease to manage, and even more so when you’re only 6 years old. We hope to raise awareness that arthritis is not just “an old person’s disease,” when approximately 300,000 children in the United States suffer from the often debilitating disease. So, together, our family is taking on the challenge to make a difference in Greenville, South Carolina by participating in the Arthritis Walk on October 25th at Cleveland Park in downtown Greenville. Here is the link to our Team’s page for the Arthritis Walk.

Karissa is so excited to be the “team leader.” I am working on coming up w/a cute t-shirt design and a funky blue hat for her to wear. I’m thinking a blue tutu worn over leggings or denim w/a fun t-shirt will be perfect for her. Maybe use a boa trim around the hat or tiara. Sorry to digress--my daughter is a little diva in training and I love designing outfits for her.

Please support our “Team Karissa” with the upcoming arthritis walk. In addition to the arthritis walk fundraiser, I’m also organizing a local scrapbook charity crop at Scrapnesia on October 17th. Here's a little info about the crop:

Use Your Memories to Help Find a Cure For Arthritis! 100% of the crop fees will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation through Karissa’s team. Round-Up your purchase through the month of October and donate your spare change to Arthritis research.

Your $15 Crop Fee Includes:

Crop from 11am until 10pm

FREE Make & Takes

Double Auction Bucks

Cropper’s Goodie Bag

Grand Prize Drawing

Silent Auction

Bring a Friend...Get a Gift

Free pizza and lots of CHOCOLATE!

Call Scrapnesia to reserve your spot today! (864) 288-7771!

Please help support “Team Karissa” in any way you can. If you can’t donate financially, please join our team and walk with us! Please say you’ll join us!

Our Story:

Our 6 ½ -year-old daughter Karissa was diagnosed with JRA (polyarticular) when she was about 2 ½ years old. Karissa’s arthritis symptoms appeared just after she started to walk. Sometimes she would drag her leg, or walk stiff-kneed like Frankenstein. I took her to doctors, (even videotaped her strange gait) yet after a whole battery of tests, we were told it was just growing pains. Being a new mother, I trusted the doctors and hoped it would pass. But her symptoms worsened until one day when she woke up from her nap and literally could not walk. She had to drag herself to a chair and she had a big red golf-ball sized knot above her knee. This was NOT growing pains! For some kids, diagnosis is agonizing because it’s often a case of determining what it ISN’T before you can determine what it IS. We went to doctor after doctor and refused to accept it was growing pains. And finally, after many more doctors and tests, she was finally diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). We have to take her to Duke Children’s Hospital in North Carolina- 4 hours each way, because there are no pediatric rheumatologists in South Carolina.

To look at Karissa, you would not know that she has this awful disease. She is a gorgeous little girl, who loves to sing, act, twirl and dance and adores anything that sparkles! But she’s also tough, and wants to be a super-hero--that’s my girl! However, Karissa has arthritis in both knees, both ankles, both wrists, most of her fingers and even some of her toes. It has been a long journey and we are fortunate that she’s doing well thanks to many prayers and her great doctors.

Please visit our team web page and consider joining Team Karissa or making a donation to help us meet our goal. We hope to raise awareness and funds by walking so that one day there will be a cure for arthritis! And we need you on our team!

Charity Crop for Arthritis! PLEASE JOIN US!

2009-10-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

CHA...Here I Come!

2009-07-27T23:26:00.001-04:00

I’ve been patiently waiting for everyone from Scrapnesia to hurry up and get to Florida! I’m so excited for CHA-I can’t stand it! I’ve been in Florida for a week now. Did the whole family Florida vacation. You know, lots of sweating, everyday family chaos, sweating, and sick children. I thought vacations were to rejuvenate you…HA! Did I mention mosquito swatting is a popular sport here? I don’t know how I survived living in Florida my whole life… Anyway, my husband and daughter are back home in South Carolina and now I’m here waiting for the REAL fun to begin! Make sure you check out the BLOG everyday! We plan on uploading lots of pics, videos, you name it. And we have a few surprises up our sleeves. Did I mention I LOVE BLOG CANDY? I wish tomorrow would hurry up and get here already!

Perfect Layers Rulers...The MUST-HAVE Tool Every Scrapbooker Should Own!

2009-06-25T23:36:00.004-04:00

Many people have been asking where they can purchase the Perfect Layers Rulers now that they have been discontinued from Stampin Up and QVC. Well scrappers, hold on to your seats....your search is over! Head on over to Scrapnesia and get your Perfect Layers Rulers today! From what I've been told, Scrapnesia is the ONLY store that carries these must have tools, as they order them directly from the manufacturer! What is the Perfect Layers Ruler, you ask? By using the Perfect Layers Rulers, you will have perfect mats for your photos every time!!! No more crooked mats from a wobbly paper trimmer!!! Cut borders and trim pieces in a variety of widths--without guessing or measuring! The Perfect Layers set makes it simple, giving your paper crafts a professional edge. Includes: Ruler #1 - widths of 1/8", 5/8", 1/4", and 3/8" Ruler #2 - widths of 1/16", 1/2", 3/16", and 5/16" (Cutting Mat and Exacto Knife not included) Scrapnesia recommends purchasing the EK Success Cutter Bee Self-Healing Mat and the Fiskars Fingertip Craft Knife for use with the Perfect Layers Rulers.

Vero Beach High School Class of 1989 20 Year Reunion!

2009-06-12T23:58:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it has been 20 years since I graduated from Vero Beach High School! I certainly don't feel that old and I hope I don't look it! Anyway, here are the details for our upcoming 20 year reunion... The Vero Beach High School Class of 1989 20th Reunion will be Saturday evening, July 18th at Quail Valley River Club on A1A in Vero Beach (Old Riomar Club). Invitations were mailed out in April. The price is $60 per ticket and includes the facility, dj, and dinner.Email VBHSclassof1989@hotmail.com with any questions! Hope to see you there!

Check it Out! Upcoming Bloom & Grow Altered Clipboard Class: May 16th!

2009-04-29T08:50:00.006-04:00

I made this altered clipboard for an upcoming class I'll be teaching at Scrapnesia. I just LOVE how it turned out! The paper and embellishments are so bright and cheery AND I added a pocket to the outside! How cool is that?

Take my class and you’ll learn how to take an ordinary 6 x 9 wooden clipboard and turn it into a work of art using the fabulous papers from the My Mind’s Eye Bloom & Grow line, dew drops, Stickles glitter glue, paint, ribbons and more. Not only will you learn how to alter a basic clipboard and turn it into a scrappy masterpiece, all the techniques used can be applied to your scrapbook layouts. You will leave with a beautiful altered clipboard to display in your home or office or to give as a gift. Perfect to use as a teacher’s gift or for a friend! Class Date: Saturday, May 16th at 3:00 Where: Scrapnesia 1178 Woodruff Road, Suite 7 Greenville, SC 288-7771 Class Fee: $15 Supplies to bring: trimmer, adhesives (glue dots, pop dots) and scissors You must sign up in advance to ensure all the ‘prep’ work is done for you!

I LOVE Actions! Free Photoshop Actions!

2009-04-14T09:20:00.005-04:00

I posted this to another site, but thought I would spread the love! I'm not the best photographer. I have a pretty good digital, but really don't know all the cool features it can do. But, what I do know is Photoshop and love touching up my images using Actions... Anyone familar with using Actions? Here's a GREAT site to download FREE Actions with easy explanations on how to use them... FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS Check out the Before and After Pic of my little cutie pie....

My Scrappy Layouts, Cards & Altered Projects

2009-03-20T08:11:00.062-04:00

Here are some of my many layouts, cards, projects, etc. In no particular order. Some were completed YEARS ago! Can you tell how I have evolved as a mad scrapper? LOL

A Winter Wonderland...In March?

2009-03-01T20:24:00.013-05:00

It's snowing today! Started around 4:00 this afternoon and has not stopped! We all went out and had snowballs fights and built a snowgirl. It was so much fun...I felt like a little kid! All the Greenville County Schools are closed tomorrow. I hope we don't lose power! Check out a few of the pics...

For All My Scrappy Friends...Charity Crop on April 25th!

2009-02-25T08:39:00.007-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let you know there is an upcoming charity crop in Greenville, SC on April 25th. There is a new organization called "Momas" - that coordinates volunteer paper artists who make and donate cards and photo-ready scrapbooks to several interest groups.

“MOMAS” volunteers are ministers of memory and script to such groups as soldiers stationed overseas, Alzheimer/dementia patients, Special Olympians, foster children, Hospice Moms, and Moms who have lost an infant child.

The proceeds from their first crop will be used to purchase the needed supplies for "MARTY BOOKS". Marty is an acronym for Mommy Always Remembers Tiny You. Marty books are memory books that will go to Moms who have lost an infant child. Marty is the only child lost to our founder’s family and this branch of the organization is named in honor of this precious little boy.

When: April 25th 2009Time: 10 am to 10 pm

Where: New Greer Hospital Campus

The Cottages at Brushy Creek (#101)

Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at door(16 and older please)

Please call Sondra Bright at:(864) 877-5805 to reserve your seat

Cash/Check/MO

For Credit Card:Please contact Funkie Munkie(864) 288-9400

Spread the word!

BUY THIS RIGHT NOW!!! COPIC Spica Glitter Pen Set

2009-02-18T09:06:00.006-05:00

OK, everyone asks what is my favorite must-have tool for scrapbooking and without a DOUBT-both COPIC Spica Glitter Pen Sets. I'm in love with them and use on almost EVERY project! I think they should be mandatory that every scrapbooker and card maker own these!You can get both sets here at Scrapnesia.

NOW....GO BUY THEM RIGHT NOW!!!

Time to Get Creative!

2009-02-15T18:13:00.013-05:00

Now that the holidays are behind us, I hope to spend more time scrapbooking. I have attended a few crops and also scrapping alot with Karissa. Yes-I'm proud to say our daughter is now a bonified scrapbooker and card maker! And I have to say, she's pretty good for only being 5 1/2. The only drawback is that she wants to use all my supplies... UGH! Yes-I'm a stingy scrapper... I'm also proud to report my Mother is now majorly into scrapbooking and attended her first retreat. She loved it! And I have converted another Scrapper. My friend Vicky is now very much into it and comes down from Asheville to crop with me once a month. She used to say I was nuts for all the stuff I owned and the money I spent on supplies and such. Now it's not unusual for her to call me from the craft stores to ask my opinion on tools, embellishments and such. So funny! AND...Todd has mentioned once or twice that we should relocate my scrapbook room to Karissa's room, move her bedroom to the guest room and make my current scrapbook room our guest room. When Karissa and I scrapbook together, we end up on the floor because we run out of table space. Believe it or not, Karissa is totally receptive to the idea. She loves being in there and many times I'll walk by the room, and find her painting or working on some sort of craft. Her bedroom is quite large (17x15) so we would have plenty of room to spread out. Just what we need, another project. By moving my room, I could also have crops at the house. We'll see what happens! Here are a few pics of my scrapbook room right now...Scrapbook Room We had a party here yesterday to celebrate Valentine's day. We grilled steaks, had a few drinks and roasted marshmellows around the bonfire pit. Shame on me, I didn't take a single picture!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas...Well Almost!

2008-12-09T21:22:00.013-05:00

It's been a long time since I have updated out blog. Busy! Busy! Busy! Seems like we can never get a chance to just slow down and exhale! Whew! We spent our Thanksgiving with Mike and Deborah in Maryland. We had such a great time! We went to the zoo, Deborah and I went shopping and their friends were nice enough to include us in their festivities. I loved this picture of us girls taken after dinner and thought the quote I added was perfect!

Todd's Christmas party for HD was Sunday night. There was a visit from Santa and Karissa sang Jingle Bells again this year with her little friend Jessie. They were super cute! Imagine that...

Karissa told Santa she wanted a remote control unicorn...where on earth can we find that? For some reason she's OBSESSED with unicorns, even though she has no unicorn toys or books. Which are just about impossible to find...TRUST ME ON THAT ONE! Luckily, she has other interests...namely Princesses, Fairies and anything pink or sparkly!

Our Trip to Hilton Head

2008-10-26T12:54:00.017-04:00

We took a little trip to Hilton Head last week and had a wonderful time. My Mother and my Aunt Kay met us there. We had not seen them in a long time and won't see them at Thanksgiving or Christmas so it was nice to spend some quality time with them. We stayed pretty busy, although my Aunt Kay did nothing but relax, read and scrapbook. She had just returned from volunteering with the hurricane victims in Texas and really needed a break. Todd, my Mother and Karissa went fishing, we took lots of walks on the beach and also rode bikes. We stayed in a freestanding 3-bedroom villa located along a lagoon filled with turtles, minnows and a one-eyed alligator! Karissa would sing to the turtles and they would swim right up to her. It was the cutest thing! I think I'll nickname her the "Turtle Whisperer." We took some nice pics on the beach. I didn't realize how hard it could be to get a good picture of everyone with their eyes open (the sun was so bright)!

This is the path we took to get to the beach-about a 5-minute walk from our villa. It was filled with the scent of jasmine and we were greeted by some very friendly butterflies. I could have stayed there all day!

Has Anyone Seen My Mojo?

2008-10-26T12:37:00.006-04:00

It's been a LONG time since I have scrapbooked or created anything crafty (although I have made a card or altered picture frame here and there). We've been busy with with typical family life and work. But we've always been busy w/those kinds of things. So, my question is: Why have I lost my motivation to do one of the things that makes me so happy? For me, scrapbooking is the ultimate form of therapy. I'm taking a little time out for myself and spending time with my friends, while doing something constructive and positive for my family. Yes, many argue (those who don't scrapbook) that it can be expensive and excessive, but so can any hobby. And YES, shopping for supplies can be addictive, but at least it's not against the law. HA! Right now, I should upstairs in my scrapbook room creating a new masterpiece. But instead, here I sit typing away on the computer. Lately it just seems there are more important things I need to be tending to. Like cleaning my house and working on the pile of laundry that is threatening to overtake the entire second floor of our house. Funny, I was always the one that told my scrapper friends that cleaning and laundry could wait....Go SCRAPBOOK! And now it's my excuse. Let me know if you have any ideas to get my creative juices flowing again. I'm going to go fold another load of laundry. Oh the joy!

Rampant, like herpes, but for positive

2008-10-13T08:11:00.003-04:00

I saw this on a friend of mine's blog and just had to lift it! You'll need to turn off my music player.

My How Times Flies!

2008-09-16T16:29:00.002-04:00

Karissa's First Day of School

2008-08-19T18:01:00.011-04:00

It's official! Karissa is now a kindergartener at Bethel Elementary School. After Bethel, she attends an afterschool day care progam located across the street from her school. Even though it's so close, a little bus picks her up. She really liked it there because they have a BIG playground and two kittens. She had a LONG day-with many more ahead. Up by 6:30, at school by 7:30, home by 5:30. All this with no more naps! Poor thing is worn out and falling asleep on the couch as I type this. We met with her teachers last night and really liked them, as did Karissa. Let's hope they are up for the challenge! LOL

Lordy, Lordy My Brother is 40!

2008-07-31T17:54:00.003-04:00

I can't believe my brother is 40! Time flies! Happy birthday big brother!

GREAT NEWS!!

2008-07-01T08:39:00.015-04:00

We took Karissa to Duke last week and once again her doctors were thrilled with her progress. They didn't see any signs of active arthritis. So they switched one of her meds to a pill instead of the dreaded SHOT. Hurray! It's the same medicine, just in a much lower dose. She still has to have the Enbrel shot once a week, but one shot is better than two right? Please pray that she continues to improve!

I can't believe Karissa is now 5 years old! We celebrated her birthday at the Jumpzone. It's basically a huge room with a bunch of inflatable bounce houses. The kids had a ball! After playing, we went to the party room, where we ate pizza, cake and Karissa opened her presents. She received so many nice things (including her "Rock Star" glasses shown above). It was like Christmas!

Karissa and I have started a special project for just the two of us. We are painting her sandbox and then her swing set in light pink, soft yellow and honeydew. We started the sandbox last night. So far, so good! Karissa is a great little painter! She was so focused and serious. Todd thinks I'm nuts-our backyard is going to look like Candyland once we're done! Todd and Dale added shingle roofs to her play sets Sunday. Originally they just had canvas tarps on them but the wind constantly tore them up and they looked terrible.

The Littlest Graduate

2008-06-02T19:37:00.006-04:00

Karissa had her K-4 Graduation Thursday night. The kids sang songs and Karissa's class 'signed' the alphabet. Afterwards, each child went to the microphone, introduced themselves and then told us what they learned. It was very cute! Karissa got all dolled up in her cute white dress but once we arrived to the ceremony she got to wear a cap and gown...I can't believe she starts kindergarden next year...TIME FLIES!

Our Little Dancer...

2008-06-02T19:03:00.006-04:00

As soon as we got home from FL we had Karissa's dress rehearsal for her recital and then her recital followed that Saturday. She was excited to wear stage makeup...I got a glimpse of what Karissa will look like at 16....I almost cried. OMG...She's so beautiful...

I don't have pics from her recital becasue no cameras were allowed...DRATS! But I did get some cute ones from her dress rehearsal and in front of the fountain at Furman.

Karissa & Kaysi's FL Vacation

2008-06-02T18:30:00.005-04:00

I'm a little late in posting this, but better late than never...right? Karissa and I went to FL. Originally I was only going to go to surprise my friend Meg at her baby shower...YES--she's having a boy! (Meg was my neighbor in Vero Shores) Anyway, the quick trip turned into a week. We ended up celebrating Karissa's birthday early with our Vero friends and family since we could not make it to the reunion this year. Nanny Carol made her a GORGEOUS cake...check it out...Yes-Karissa's name is spelled wrong-but it would'nt be perfect if Carol did not mispell it...LOL We LOVE you Carol!

We also went to the beach and also....SEA WORLD! My mom and I took Karissa and her cousin Alex. We had so much fun. It was hot, but breezy, so that helped. Check out the portrait we had taken of Karissa and Alex...Too cute!

Updates....this and that

2008-04-18T21:07:00.014-04:00

It's been a while since I have updated our blog. Have had a lot going on, but that's nothing new! I have anew, improved scrapbook room. LOVE IT! It's about 99% finished. Just have lots of little things I want to do...Check it out:

Karissa's doing fabulous, as usual. Her arthritis continues to be under control and she's growing like a weed! She still takes tap and ballet lessons and really enjoys it. She had her dance pictures taken Monday night. I brought my camera along, hoping to catch some candid snapshots of her and her little friends all in their tutu's. Naturally, as soon as she saw the camera she turned into a little Cindy Crawford! I tell you, this child is such a ham! A natural entertainer! Check out the pics I took. She posed all on her own. I swear I did not say a word! The photographer there was rolling in laughter. She could not believe her eyes...She's just so stinking cute!

I'm still having issues w/hip pain. I have been to so many doctors. Let's see, first my family practitioner, who thought maybe its arthritis because of Karissa. So I waited almost 6 months to see a rheumatologist and turns out thankfully I don't have arthritis. She ran about a million tests and turns out I'm anemic, low in vitamin B, D, and E. Oh joy. So I've taking vitamins like crazy and yet I'm still. So now I'm getting B-12 shots once a week. Did I mention how much fun all this is? NOT. The doc ran more tests and thinks I might have Celiac disease. This is almost like an allergy to gluten. I also went to an orthopedic who said it was a classic case of back pain and a pinched nerve. He ordered an MRI and referred me to a pain management doc. The MRI came back perfect! Woo-Hoo! But that still does not explain the hip pain. The pain management doc thought it might be fibromyalgia...SO...now I'm right back where I started from. Oh, and I failed to mention every doc prescribed some kind of pill. Well, I've decided not to take any more pills. Enough is enough! But I am taking my vitamins. I'm thinking of trying acupuncture...we'll see. I’ve had it before with amazing results.....Wish me luck...Stay tuned for the continuing saga!

Have not been scrapbooking much because I'm just too tired after working, taking care of house and such. But I'm hoping my new room will get me motivated!

Todd's had some changes at work, but feeling a little stressed. They have an inventory coming up next week, so hopefully things will get back to normal soon.

Poor Karissa wiped out BIG TIME in the street today. She tripped and scraped her knee and elbow and has a big goose egg on her forehead. She's lucky she did not split it open. Poor thing, she has a serious case of ROADRASH! She's whining instead of slepping. Gotta run and tend to her.

Peace!

Color Me Happy!

2008-02-25T15:59:00.004-05:00

This is a layout using the "Glee" line from Bo Bunny. They have the cutest papers! Of course it helps when you have an adorable daughter!

Halloween Parade

2008-02-24T09:55:00.001-05:00

This layout was fun to make. I believe the paper is KI Memories. The pic w/the ribbon is actually like a mini-album attached to the outside of the page protector so you can flip through and see the 6 other pics it's holding. A great way to add lots of pics to your layout without having to scrap 10 pages! The photo sleeves I used are made by WeRMemory Keepers/Raw Goods.

Dear Santa...

2008-02-24T09:51:00.006-05:00

Loved this paper for Karissa's portraits with Santa. I used Making Memories clear glitter glaze to add some sparkle to the page elements. LOVE IT!

Cry Baby...Cosmo Cricket Dutch Girl

2008-02-24T09:49:00.002-05:00

LOVE the Cosmo Cricket "Dutch Girl" line of paper. It was perfect for this layout! Karissa was throwing a fit, so I thought I would take her pics so she could see how foolish she looked. Gotta scrap the good and the bad right?

I Love You Because...Creative Cafe

2008-02-24T09:47:00.002-05:00

This is a layout taught for the Creative Cafe Scrappy Hour class at our local scrapbook store. The pocket holds little "love notes" to Todd.

More Layouts....

2008-02-24T09:45:00.003-05:00

This layout was a real hit at the Scrapbook Supply Store. I love all the buttons and how they act as the "patterned paper." This layout used the Bazzill scallop paper and Creative Cafe buttons and elements.

My Favorite Layout...at Least For Today!

2008-02-21T16:08:00.004-05:00

This layout is by far one of my favorite. I know I say that about all my layouts, but really...this is it! I love the soft romantic patterns and the paper screams "Spring" to me. I am so tired of Winter...sigh. Anyway, the paper is from the Fancy Pants Botanical line and the buttons are Creative cafe of course! This is a very simple layout, but it looks like I spent hours hours on it! This project will be offered as an upcoming Scrappy Hour class at the Scrapbook Supply Store.

2 of a Kind

2008-02-21T16:05:00.003-05:00

I can't get over how much Todd and Karissa look alike. He can never deny being her father that's for sure!

Great News!

2008-02-16T11:03:00.019-05:00

We took Karissa to Duke yesterday and the doctor was very happy with Karissa's progress. She is in "Medical Remission" meaning she is symptom free while on her meds. She said if she continues to do this well, they will begin to taper her off her meds in June. It will take about a year to taper her off the meds, but it's a start. Needless to say, we are thrilled! We hate having to give her the shots. It's still very hard on her...and us. Please continue to pray for her and her continued improvement.

It's been a while since I have posted any updates and pics. It seems like we are always so busy. Always something to do. Right now Todd is repainting the downstairs (after 6 paint samples!) He did not like the deep yellow/gold color. Wants it softer, like our FL house was painted. And he hated the window treatments. So, we bought new treatments for the sliding glass door-sheer panels with a garden type print in saiges, gold, rusts and reds. Will hang them with clip rings on a black wrought iron rod. The other two windows will have sheer ascot valances in a silver saige color. We moved the washer and dryer upstairs and now we have a HUGE pantry in the kitchen! HURRAY! Love it! The washer and dryer is now in the master bath where the old shower stall used to be. We removed the garden tub and put in a large custom shower. It's really beautiful and makes such a difference! Dale built it and my brother tiled it. They did a FANTASTIC job!

We decided that we'll send Karissa to public school. We toured the school we're zoned for and really liked it. We talked to other parent's who send their children there it was like a Bethal love fest! They have had nothing but good things to say about it. So, we'll give it a try. They have the multi-age classrooms and lots of extra-curriculear activities. They have a new principal (she lives in our neighborhood-right aound the block!) and she has made MANY improvements in the short time she has been there. If we decide we don't like it, we can always pull her out. We register her next week. I can't belive our little baby starts school in August! She's growing so fast!

We had a great Christmas. It was nice to spend it at home. Karissa received so many toys. If it had a Princess on it-she got it! She still LOVES the Disney Princesses! We went to Orlando for a week in January. We took Karissa to Disney World. It was her first trip and she loved it! She got to meet Cinderella and Aurora. She was so excited she was shaking! I took alot of pics!

Todd got me a new camera for my birthday! It's a red Cybershot and it fits in my purse. I love it! I always have it with me. And it takes GREAT pics! My Aunt came up for the weekend of my birthday. We had a crop at the Scrapbook Store. It was so much fun! My friend Vicky came up from Asheville too. She FINALLY started scrapbooking! Woo-Hoo, I converted another one! We also went to the Ringley Brothers circus. It was an amazing show! Karissa loved it! It was her first time at the circus and she was amazed!

We went to the Melting Pot for Valentines day. We decided to take Karissa with us. She only liked the chocolate. Mmmmmm! I want a fondue set! Todd and I both really like it. Todd got me a dozen red roses, he got a professional whip canister for his cold coffee drinks he likes and Karissa received a little gold chain with a floating heart.

That's it for now! Have a great weekend!

Peace!

Karaoke Cuties

2007-12-11T14:36:00.001-05:00

Todd's company had their Christmas party Sunday night. We had so much fun. Todd did most of the planning for it-he did a fabulous job!

They had a DJ and karaoke, so of course Karissa graced everyone with her musical talent. LOL

She sang Jingle Bells and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer w/another little girl. After taking a few pictures, I realized my camera also had the capability to record video--although not very good, sorry for the bad quality! This motivated me to learn how to use our video camera and find the charger for it! I'll make that my New Year's resolution! Ha!

Karissa was so funny! She forgot the last line to Rudolph, so she just started the song over...like 3 times! And if you can't tell, Karissa's the one w/the louder voice, or should I say stage presence.

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!

2007-12-04T20:32:00.001-05:00

We decided to go all out with Christmas lights this year. The house looks great! Todd and our friend Dale hung the lights. I was in charge of the front porch. I really enjoyed doing it. It was almost therapeutic and relaxing for me....like gardening. I took pics of the house and wouldn't you know it, half of our wreath went out. Todd's going to fix it tomorrow.

Karissa is so excited for Christmas! She said she wants us to wake her up so she can see Santa and Rudolph when they come to the house. She had her picture taken with Santa on Saturday. I can't wait to get them back-they turned out so cute! She really hammed it up with him! I wish we could have ordered them all, but that would have put us in the poor house!

We had a family pic taken this year. Turned out great! Check it out......

More about us....

Todd finally had a full physical...only took me 5 years to get him to do it! What's with men and going to the doctor? Anyway, turns out he has high cholesterol and hypothyroidism. So, the doc put him on meds. He should start feeling better and have more energy wants the meds kick in. Hurray! He would sleep the whole weekend if I let him. LOL

I'm having surgery on my wrist Dec. 17th. Seems I have a gangleon cyst inside that driving me nuts! My wrist hurts all the time. The timing could not be worse, with Christmas right around the corner, but I met my deductable so it's now or never if I don't want to pay for it. Oh joy...wish me luck!

Karissa is doing well. She's had a few episodes of her knee hurting. I think it's from the change in weather. She's learned how to write her name. SOOOO CUTE! She is a singing FOOL! This morning, when I dropped her off at school, she had to go to the "ladies room" . While she was taking care of business, she was belting out the song "A Whole New World" from Alladin. Now mind you, the door was shut, but you could still hear her singing. Everyone in her class could hear. It was so cute. She is destined to be an entertainer. I remember singing like that at her age. I didn't stop singing until my senior year in high school.

Happy Halloween! A Little Late......

2007-11-17T07:03:00.001-05:00

Can you guess what Karissa wanted to dress up as for Halloween this year? Well, Cinderella of course! Her FAVORITE princess! She was so adorable! She wore her costume to Goddard (her preschool) and they had a parade and a party. All the kids were so cute dressed up. Later that evening our friends Michelle, Dale and Brian, along with their sons Kristopher and Braeden joined us for Trick-or-Treating. The kids had alot of fun, as did we!

New Pics of Our Little Ham....A little of This...A little of That

2007-10-16T11:05:00.000-04:00

Greetings! Fall is right around the corner in good 'ole Greenville South Carolina. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing. The windows are open and the breezes are blowing! It is just so beautiful! Last weekened we went to the pumkin patch and came home with 6 pumpkins of various sizes. Needless to say, we now have a pumpkin patch in our front yard, complete w/hay bales and scarecrows! Happy Fall Everyone!

What a cute family!

Picking the perfect pumpkin!

The Pick of the Patch!

Our little pumpkin patch

Ok, so I just love this picture and had to include it!

Our little monster! Could she be any more dramatic?

A Little Bit of This...A Little Bit of That!

2007-08-28T22:52:00.000-04:00

It's official! Karissa can now swim like a fish! (Actually, she learned the beginning of August, I'm just very behind!) Swimming is the best exercise for her arthritis, so we are thrilled that she LOVES the water! Her favorite thing is doing "Cannon Balls" and then swimming to me...so cute! Check out the video from her last swimming lesson:

She's in her "Sweet" stage right now and is such a joy to be around. She's either Super Sweet, or Really Rotten!

We leave for New Hampshire next Tuesday. I can't wait! All three of us really need a vacation! It's been a rough year! We will be staying with Jim & Nancy (Todd's parents). Plan on doing lots of nothing! Might bring some scrapbook projects to work on, we'll see. They have a pontoon boat, so I'm sure we'll be fishing and touring the lake. We will also visit a real castle. Karissa is VERY excited to see it! Need to remember to pack her princess dress. Wouldn't that be a cute pic!

My gallbladder was removed a couple of weeks ago and I am fully recovered. Hurray! My Mom came up and took care of me and the fam. She has made Karissa THE CUTEST dresses! Karissa is all about TWIRLING! If the dress does not twirl, she does not want to wear it! Here's a pic of her twirling in one of the dresses my mom made. Isn't she talented? I'm sure my friends with little girls will be fighting for these hand-me-downs!

That's it for now!

Stay tuned for the continuing saga of the Leiterman Family!

The Debate is ON! An Exhausted Mother Vents....

2007-07-19T11:34:00.000-04:00

Karissa is such a debater. She'll make an excellent politician one day. It's very exhausting-her debates, that is. Anything I ask...or TELL her to do turns into a debate. And she's only 4! Is this normal? I've about had it. And she does not only act this way towards us. Yesterday at swim lessons she had the same attitude w/her swim instructor. Her lesson took twice as long because she would not keep her mouth shut and just do as she was asked. I was so embarrassed, I wanted to crawl under the patio table. So I ask you, how should we handle this situation"? I need super nanny to the rescue! She's such a little Drama Queen. She would not do the things at her swim lesson until the other people swimming in the pool stopped and WATCHED HER! Can you believe it? She would whisper "But Momma, I want them to watch me." As if this child does not get enough attention! Calgon, take me away!

Leiterman Happenings

2007-07-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

Welcome to our new Leiterman Happenings Blog. I thought this would be a great way for everyone to stay connected. We are still loving South Carolina! Summer is here and the weather is hot and sunny. But not Florida hot and muggy! A wonderful thing!

Karissa turned 4, can you believe it? Time sure does fly! We had her birthday party at the Greenville Equestrian Center. A great time was had by all! There were two ponies, so the children had as many pony rides as they wanted. They also took a little trip to their petting zoo, by way of a hay ride. Her party was so much fun. The weather was perfect! She received somany nice gifts. Thank you to everyone. I still have not sent out her Thank You cards. Shame on me, I know. There are not enough hours in the day! Sometimes I wish I could clone myself! LOL

Took Karissa to Duke about 2 weeks ago for a follow-up visit. Her doctors were thrilled with her progress! The meds are working great and as long as she continues to take them, she is symptom free. It's still hard to give her the shots, but we we're hoping that as time goes by and she get's a little older, she'll get used to them. The hardest part is taking her every month to get her bloodwork drawn. But, we have to do it to make sure the meds are not affecting her liver and other organs. They also check to make sure the meds are still working at keeping the inflamation away.

I'm still scrapbooking and Todd is still finding projects to do around the house. His next project is crown molding in our master bedroom. After that, who knows what he'll come up with. Might have to buy another house, so he'll have something to do...LOL

We're trying to plan a vacation to New Hampshire to see Jim and Nacy. We REALLY need a vacation! Everytime we pick a date, something comes up or we get sidetracked and put it off. But, I can't wait to go!

Well, that's it for now. Hope you subscribe to our blog so we can stay in touch!

Cheers,

Kayi, Todd and Karissa