Scrappin' Everyday Life

a little Project Life love...

2011-06-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Project Life, 2011 won't be quite the BLUR that living it has felt like! Ugghh! Seriously. Having a senior in high school this past school year has been an emotional ROLLER COASTER! Thanks for the memories Jeremy...we love you!

So back to Project Life...my last blog post was on FEB 1st my friends...my Project Life kit had just arrived. Fast foward 5 months. I'm still taking pictures...mostly everyday. I'm still collecting bits & pieces from our everyday lives. Is my album current? That would be a negative. Am I giving UP? Not gonna happen! January 2011 is completely documented in our album. Our Febuary photos are chosen and being ordered this week & I started on the journaling this past weekend. I'm full steam ahead. I LOVE THIS PROJECT!

Here's a glance at what our January 2011 looked like:

I really like adding inserts into our album...here I have a page protector cut in half holding a total of 6 extra photos :)

Next is a closeup of Jeremy's Facebook post after a disappointing loss in the league basketball tournament...

More recently, this is what I just worked on over the weekend...February 2011. I included an 8 1/2 x 11 insert on a child that we decided to sponsor...I wanted a way to add some journaling, so I chose to use a bi-fold journaling card. I wrapped it around the papers so I could journal on both sides; I then stapled it once and then slid the papers into a page protector. This also serves as a tab at the top of the page :)

Well, that is the quick update on our Project Life for 2011. I've got a long ways to go...but have accepted that. I love the process...documenting our everyday!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

I {heart} Project Life

2011-02-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

So just a quick little update on Project Life * Milford Family 2011....

*Pictures for January are taken! check!

*Project Life - Turquoise Edition arrived today! check!

I just had to dive in and start playing! check!

I {heart} Project Life! check!

More to come...thanks for stopping by! Take care! Stacy

Project Life - Our Life * Milford 2011

2011-01-10T21:01:00.000-06:00

Happy 2011 to my dear blogger friends! I have been a horrible blogger...like, my last post was in August 2010. YIKES. That is probably some indication that my life, our life, has been overwhelmingly BUSY. In a good way. MOST of the time :) I have many people tell me I need to learn to say NO. Hmmm...doesn't seem to be in my vocabulary!

Project Life....

I love you Becky Higgins....

I want the turquoise album....

& so I wait....

patiently....

you can bet that I will not procrastinate one more second when I see those babies are back IN STOCK!!!

2011 seems like a perfect year for my family to document our life...everyday. We did this with Project 365 in 2009 - LOVED IT. Is the album completed? not quite...but the majority is & it will get done :)

So back to why 2011 is the perfect year....

It's a year of many happy times....and for sure, sad ones too....

My oldest turns 18 in a matter of days....

He is smack in the middle of making decisions that will affect the rest of his life....

What an exciting time....

But I'm telling you right now, that Momma is gonna be crying like a baby come August 2011....

tears of joy, tears of sadness....

and then what?

Things will be different....

Joel will be missing his big brother like crazy....

& that, for me, will be the hardest part.

So my goal with Project Life - Our Life * Milford 2011 is to capture the everyday...& the big stuff too! How about a peek at how things are looking so far:

Jan 1st (Saturday): Lots of photos from this day! My family waited to get together for Christmas this year over the New Years holiday...what a way to kick off 2011! So I have decided that my opening pages of my album will feature photos from this day :)

Here I am talking to my brother on ooVoo...this is a first for me. He is stationed in Africa & scheduled for leave at the end of January! Thank you for your service to our country!

Me again...giving some lovin's to the newest addition to our family! Little Miss Taelyn! What a doll, right!?! She was born with a heart defect, had surgery to fix her all up, and just recently went for a check up & is doing super-duper!

The cousins all camped out in front of Grandma's tree...patiently waiting to open gifts!

My brother, Craig aka Mountain Man...& his girlfriend, Karen! Cute couple, huh!?! Craig doesn't make it home very often, so it is always fun to have him around. & it was fun meeting Karen for the first time...hope we didn't scare her away! ha, ha!

Another great shot of the cousins...I just couldn't resist including this one!

Jan 2nd (Sunday): Celebrating Cousin Kambrey's 10th birthday! Love ya kiddo!

Jan 3rd (Monday): Joel got a pup this past summer...Cash aka THE BEAST is now 5 1/2 months old. Isn't he beautiful??? Bird dog in training for sure....

Jan. 4th (Tuesday): Grandma Kay and Grandma Sarah cheer on the boys at Bucklin. They are the best Grandmas!

Another photo I had to include...Joel's first game back since breaking his foot in November. Still hurts...

Jan. 5th (Wednesday): The life of a cat! I'm.SO.jealous. Who do they think they are anyway? That just happens to be my bed!

Jan. 7th (Friday): Jeremy vs. Rolla - takin' it to the hoop! Not the best photo...a little blurry...but I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. It is our life. (Did you notice no photo for Thursday? Again, not sweating the small stuff...)

Jan. 8th (Saturday): Took the boys out to eat @ Cruisers after church. We had a gift certificate that just had to be used! & no, Jeremy is not drinking a red beer. LOL!

Jan. 9th (Sunday): So with Jeremy on the verge of 18, Dad decided today was the day. Jeremy's so-called peach fuzz was out of control. LOVE that I got this photo...like father, like son. Jeremy was about to KILL me, but that didn't phase me a bit :)

And another shot from Sunday...added 3 more patches to Jeremy's letter jacket...lookin' good kiddo!

Well, there you have it...a glance @ how the Milford gang is living life in 2011. Week one is documented. Turquoise album or not...it will be mine...soon...very soon :)

For those of you that I haven't visited in a while...I'm sorry! I actually do pop in on occasion, but just haven't left you any LOVE! I have missed you all! There are no guarantees when my next post will show up...hopefully I can keep my Project Life updated....crossing my fingers!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to leave me a quick comment...I'd love to hear how you are doing!

Take care!

Stacy

melt in your mouth good...

2010-08-21T17:44:00.000-05:00

Did I get your attention with that blog post title!?! ha, ha! First things first though...

Yes. It has SERIOUSLY been a month since my last blog post. WHAT.THE.HECK.HAPPENED!?! Hmmm...maybe I had a case of burnout. Had to let the creative stuff go for a bit. I don't know about the rest of you...but if I am honest with myself, this blog-creating-posting-visiting thing can really eat up any free time I might have...

ANWAY! I have missed all of my online scrappy buddies...I still visit you ;o) but I don't always leave a comment...sorry about that little detail!

So back to the whole "melt in your mouth good"...

I have had 4 zucchinis laying on my kitchen counter for longer than I want to admit. I made some zucchini bread that turned out pretty good. Then, about a week ago, Joel asked me if I could make a chocolate zucchini cake. Funny you ask kiddo, because I just happened to find a recipe...so, a week later, I finally found some FREE time (see above...) and made THE cake today. Joel & I had a piece while it was still warm....OMG!!! It was delish...

Looks good, huh? You.have.no.idea.

Zucchini Chocolate Cake

2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/4 c. baking cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. margarine
1/2 c. cooking oil
1 3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 c. grated zucchini
1 (6 oz) pkg chocolate chips

Sift together flour, cocoa, soda, salt & cinnamon. Cream together butter, oil & sugar in mixing bowl until light & fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Blend in vanilla. Add dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk to creamed mixture. Beat well. Stir in zucchini. Pour batter into a greased 13x9x2 inch pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes (mine took closer to 50 minutes) or until cake tests done. 16 servings.

So that it for today. No promises on my blogging. The boys start school on Wednesday - Joel will be a sophomore & Jeremy a SENIOR! Not possible! We have his senior photo shoot scheduled with Amanda Johnson (she is going to take some family photos too!!!) and a couple of college visits coming up in September. This year is going to fly...

As always, thanks for stopping by! Take care!

a blog & giveaway...worth checking out!

2010-07-22T09:14:00.000-05:00

Well, how about another QUICK post from me? Ha, ha! There appears to be no end in sight for the rat race of a life I am currently living...boy, I just can't wait for school to get started...with a SENIOR this year, I'm sure time will stand still....

So I recently discovered a new to me blog thru Ali Edwards' blog...she had many guest posts this summer and Miss Monika Wright was one of them...come to find out, Monika recently joined the Write.Click.Scrapbook design team (what a fun website if you haven't already found it!)

ANYWAY...Monika is doing a giveaway on her blog to celebrate one month of blogging...go check it out!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

a quick hello!

2010-07-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

This is what I would call a "drive by" post...short, sweet & to the point!

1. A quick hello to my blog readers! I miss you all & just don't have ANY extra time lately!

2. My son, Jeremy, made it home from Colombia!!! & he has so many wonderful stories!!! & pictures :o)

3. My latest Scrapjazz article can be found HERE. I {heart} the Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type alphas! & they have numbers coming out @ CHA!!!

Gotta go! Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

A little of this...a little of that...

2010-07-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Hope your 4th of July was fabulous...& you got a chance to kick back & relax! Me? Not so much. A wedding on Saturday. A baby shower on Sunday. Preparing burgers, hotdogs, & beans with our youth group for our city 4th of July celebration. No rest for the wicked. THEN I had to work on Monday. Is it the weekend yet???

A little of this...

My 17 year old son, Jeremy, left on a mission trip to Colombia last Friday - so proud of him! They made it to their destination safely and enjoyed 2 days @ the beach (only because they arrived during "holiday", so they were FORCED to go to the beach...ha, ha!) Today was the first day for working in the community and VBS. If you would like to check out their blog: http://www.servingfriends.blogspot.com/ Your prayers for a successful mission and safe travels back home would be much appreciated!

a little of that...

I did the July sketch challenge for Scrapjazz...HERE is article! I have really enjoyed creating a few sketches of my own...this one is 8 1/2 x 11 which I then adapted and created a card...LOVE how it turned out!

As usual, I have lots of things that are calling me away from here...so I will catch you later!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

my poor, neglected & lonely blog...

2010-06-30T19:23:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that it has been a whole week since posting here...I'd say that means I am busy (or rather WE are busy!)

The boys have finished up harvest - both working for local farmers...really pretty disgusted because I didn't do a very good job of picture taking this year, but here are a few:

Joel - his first summer helping a farmer - so proud of him! But he really did NOT want mom out there taking photos...can you tell???

Joel - in charge of the grain cart!

Jeremy - caught him headed to town with a load of wheat. This is his 4th summer working on the farm! Like I've said before...time flies!

Makes me just a teensy bit nervous...

There's just nothing quite like a gorgeous Kansas sunset :o)

What else have we been up to? Oh yeah...the boys have played in 2 weekend basketball tournaments, so I've enjoyed sitting in super comfy bleachers...NOT!!! Then last Sunday, we made a trip to Dodge City for some last minute items that Jeremy needed to prepare for his mission trip to Colombia...he leaves in 2 days...keep him & his team in your thoughts & prayers...thank you!!! While in Dodge City, we treated ourselves to Toy Story 3! What a great movie...& the 3D is amazing!

Last, but not LEAST! I recently had another Scrapjazz article publish...a product review of Cosmo Cricket's Garden Variety paper crafting kit...here are a few of the projects that I created for the article:

Isn't this line just adorable? & this card went together super easy & quick! (Blogger is not being my friend right now...I can't get this photo to center!?!)

I used a simple sky blue colored gift bag, added some Garden Variety & ta-da! Perfect for something fresh out of your garden as a gift to someone special!

Well, that's it for now! Gotta go get something scrappy done...I'm putting together a journal for Jeremy to take on his mission trip...an easy place for him to jot down notes, thoughts, emotions...what an amazing opportunity for him...more on that later!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

oh my, how time flies...

2010-06-23T20:28:00.000-05:00

oh my, how time flies...

20 years ago today...

I said "I do"...

to a wonderful man...

what a great husband...

and father...

I love you Kevin! Happy Anniversary!

Here's a quick photo share...a few of my favorites from our recent trip to Vegas!

Hanging with the Blue Man Group...

Gorgeous flowers, huh!?! I think this was @ Flamingo...

Having a great time in downtown Vegas...

Enjoying dinner @ Diegos, MGM Grand...

*****************************************************************

So how about something scrappy? My latest article over at Scrapjazz posted yesterday - I did the June Color Combo challenge and used this photo as the inspiration:

And here's the layout I created...I used photos of my nieces & nephew, taken by their mom, Lynn. Cute kiddos for sure! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this layout turned out!!! It is definitely one of my all time FAVES! I framed it up & gave it to Lynn...just because :o)

Speaking of Lynn & her family...my brother, Brian (Lynn's hubby) recently deployed with the Army National Guard...please keep him & his family in your thoughts & prayers!

Well, that's it for today...I have a layout to share tomorrow...it's another one I did using a Sketchy Thursdays sketch...LOVE those things!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Hurry...go VOTE for your favorite :o)

2010-06-21T13:55:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Made it back from vacation...we spent 4 nights in Las Vegas!!! We had a blast...it was so nice to get away, but it is ALWAYS so nice to be back home :o) I hope to share some photos soon...

I just wanted to share some exciting NEWS!!! My layout "don't blink" has been chosen as a finalist for the Sketchy Thursdays July GDT Sketch challenge!!! I'm so pumped...WOW...so many amazing entries! Now it's up to you...go on over to Sketchy Thursdays to VOTE for your favorite...(pick me!!! ha, ha!!!) You have until Wednesday @ noon, so don't delay!!!

As always...thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Quick Scrapjazz article...& un-PLUG-ing...

2010-06-12T19:14:00.000-05:00

Hi all!

Hope you are enjoying your weekend...don't they just go by too fast!?!

I wanted to share the link to my latest Scrapjazz article :o) I did a Step By Step article on creating a cute little circle scallop shaped card...go HERE to see the article!

Here's the card....happy hello...

I think it turned out so stinkin' cute! It is headed with me tomorrow for my mom...she had both knees replaced on Wednesday this week & is still in the hospital...thought this would cheer her up!

I'm going to un-PLUG for several days...so looking forward to it! I will share all about it in my next post...

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

don't blink...

2010-06-08T22:09:00.003-05:00

It is so true what they say..."Don't blink...your kids will grow up in a heartbeat..."

I used to be like, "yeah, right..."

But then guess what happened...yep, you guessed it...time is flying by...my little boys have turned into wonderful young men...they make me so proud :o)

As soon as I saw the July Guest Designer sketch challenge over at Sketchy Thursdays, I knew that the recent photo of my boys would be perfect.

I just did a little flip of the sketch & here's what I came up with:

Something *new for me* that I tried on this layout is the fun doodle line around the edge...I've seen it done by others but had never been brave enough to give it a try...call me a perfectionist, but it's really hard for me to do stuff freehand...I think it turned out pretty good :o)

Also, brand spankin' new product on this layout includes the Jillibean Soup Corrugated Kraft Alpha and the Core'dinations Core Impressions Cosmo Cricket cardstock (thanks to Diana-part of the goodies I won on her blog!) LOVE that you can sand the Core'dinations cardstock & it reveals the cool pattern...

Here's a close up of the alpha...I inked the edges and then popped a few up with foam adhesive.

I picked up some 7 Gypsies stickers @ Hobby Lobby...I can tell that they are going to become a favorite of mine :o)

Great sayings, huh?!? LOVE these stickers!!!

Supplies:

8 1/2 x 11 white cardstock (bulk purchase @ Walmart)
Core'dinations Core Impressions Cosmo Cricket
PP-The Paper Studio-Rulers
PP-daisy d's-Classic Blocks (love to use older supplies!!!)
Jillibean Soup-Corrugated Kraft Alphas
Making Memories-tiny alpha-white on black
Versa Magic chalk ink-Midnight Black
Martha Stewart journaling pen
7 Gypsies-Inspire stickers
Date stamp
Sand paper

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

missing these boys...

2010-06-02T23:01:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share this great photo of my kiddos that I took recently...they are @ a team football camp right now & I'm just missing them! Such great young men...LOVE you guys! They get home on Thursday & can't wait to see them...

I really want to share something scrappy, but don't have anything ready...I did the June Color Combo for Scrapjazz, so I will be sharing that with you as soon as it posts! I LOVE the layout I created...so it's been tough keeping it under wraps :o)

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

changes...

2010-05-28T15:47:00.000-05:00

Notice anything new around here??? Do you like??? Just thought I'd play a bit with my blog template & this is what I came up with...

Here's to wishing you all a fab-U-lous holiday weekend! Keep our soldiers in your thoughts & prayers! I {might} post again this weekend...or I {might} not! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

random

2010-05-18T20:20:00.004-05:00

Hello out there to my blog readers...it's been a while, huh? I have read several blogs recently that indicate I am not alone in this "crazy, busy, hectic" life that we all lead! I really don't have anything scrappy to share @ the moment...several things in the works though!

So excited for school to be OVER on Friday! My boys are just stressed & they have had it with school...can't really blame them! But they don't get much of a break during the summer either...it's just different though...in a good way!

I'm counting down the days to a getaway planned for me & hubby during the month of June :o) I have been to Vegas 4 times on ALL GIRL trips, but hubby has NEVER been. I have promised to take him...well, we finally got the trip booked! We will be celebrating 20 years of wedded bliss...should be tons of fun! Hope to take in a couple of shows too...just gotta decide which ones! There are so many great ones! I think hubby would really enjoy the Blue Man Group and I could easily see the "O" show again...but it is so PRICEY!

Well, that is about it for now...I have taken up reading again & am in the middle of another Nicholas Sparks book "The Rescue"...I love his writing!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

the REASONS why...

2010-05-09T15:49:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone! Hope this finds you all enjoying your day! Especially those of you that are MOMS! It is one of the hardest, but most fulfilling jobs on the planet...I love being a MOM to my sons...I gotta give them credit though...they make the job so EASY! Love you guys!

I have a fun layout to share with you today - I created this layout last weekend for National Scrapbook Day, & then just never had time to get it posted to my blog :o( I was just excited to actually have time to do some scrapping!

I played along with Scrapbook.com and entered the All Day Challenge and also did many of their hourly challenges...I didn't win anything, but I did it more for the fun of it anyway! The All Day Challenge was to create a layout that answered this question: WHY DO I SCRAP?

So, I grabbed the spring school photos of my sons & got busy! I created this 8 1/2 x 11 layout (have you all tried this size? I have all along been a die hard 12 x 12 scrapper, but really enjoy MIXING THINGS UP with the smaller size too!!!):

the REASONS why

& here's a close up of my journaling:

I can't get enough of the Jenni Bowlin Die Cut Circle Label Mini Papers...they are so fun! AND the Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Alpha! LOVE both of these scrappy products!

Not only did I use some brand spankin' new product on this layout, but I also dug into my stash for some older stuff too...LOVE it when that works out! It feels good!

Supplies: White cardstock-Georgia Pacific (bought in bulk @ Walmart), PP-Daisy Bucket Designs-Playlist-Fast Forward & Shuffle (had these in my stash for quite a while...feels so good to use up older supplies!!!), Jenni Bowlin Die Cut Circle Lable Mini Papers, Cosmo Cricket-Tiny Type alpha in green, Making Memories-Mini Shimmer Alpha in Metro Black, Stampin' Up-Mini Deco brads & Black ink, Date stamp, Machine Stitching

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

A little Moxie Fab & PageMaps Challenge fun :o)

2010-05-08T15:00:00.009-05:00

Hope the weekend is treating all of you just right...& Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful moms out there!

So how many of you have heard about Moxie Fab World? Am I seriously the last scrapper on the planet that finally got connected? What a fun & inspiration-filled website! & they give STUFF away all the time - gotta LOVE that! So, I couldn't wait to play along...

Their Three Cheers for Chairs Challenge is going on now thru May 10th ... so you still have time! All you have to do is create a project that incorporates a chair of some sort in an innovative way...& then link it back to their site. Easy Peasy, huh!?!

So I grabbed the PageMaps Blog Card sketch for the American Crafts Letterbox challenge and got busy! Here's the PageMaps Cards sketch & fab prize up for grabs over @ the PageMaps Blog:

And here's the card I came up with: RELAX

I am tickled with how this turned out! & I tried a little something new...I printed the image from Microsoft Office Publisher clip art & then used Stampin' Up Pastel chalks with a Blender Pen to color in the image...looks just like a stamp! Too cute!

I picked up these Letter brads by The Paper Studio on clearance @ Hobby Lobby some time ago...how fun are they!?!

So, that's it! 2 challenges in one project! LOVE it when that happens :o)

Supplies:

PageMaps card sketch, The Paper Studio-White card base, Letter brads, foam adhesive, PP-Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paperpad, Creative Memories-square punch, Stampin' Up-Pastels chalk & blender pen, Fiber-unknown, Scrapbook Adhesives-EZ Dots Repositionable, Machine stitching, Microsoft Office Clipart

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

May 2010 Sketch Challenge @ Scrapjazz

2010-05-03T14:54:00.006-05:00

Hi blog visitors! Whew! It's been a while, huh? Well, that "Week in the Life" project really got me excited about the everyday around here & I loved taking all those pictures! Now, to get the album completed :o) I've got a decent start...but a ways to go yet! I promise, I will share when it is done!

Just wanted to link you up to my most recent Scrapjazz article: May 2010 Sketch Challenge

Here's the sketch (my 1st EVER!!!):

& here's my layout inspired by the sketch:

I used some yummy Making Memories products on this layout...LOVE these photos from our San Diego trip in 2008!

If you play along, I'd love to see what you create! Link me up, ok???

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Scrapjazz....& "a week in the life".....

2010-04-21T22:14:00.021-05:00

I just never quite know when my articles will be posted at Scrapjazz...I was surprised to see another article of mine post today! It is a fun article on creating a mini album using empty toilet paper rolls...go check it out...just for fun :o)

****************

I'm loving the process of "a week in the life"...having lots of fun taking tons of photos and gathering bits & pieces of our life this week! Here are just a few of my favorites so far:

MONDAY 4.19.10

{feeding Lucky...she deserves more attention than she gets!}

{school gear}

{Jeremy & Joel - giving Mom a quick smile before heading to school-thanks guys...you made my day!}

{Me - on the commute to work}

{Dad & Joel working on the lawnmower}

{Girl kitty, Shadow - she's one sassy cat & doesn't much care for the camera...}

TUESDAY 4.20.10

{Lunch with Kevin - the unsuspecting camera angle...gotcha!}

{track meet @ Ashland - Joel finished in 6th place in the triple jump!}

{these smelled amazing}

{Jeremy finished in 6th place in the javelin!}

{Dad & Jeremy - LOVE this picture}

WEDNESDAY 4.21.10

{a touch of Spring}

{Joel is all smiles today}

{getting the mail}

{Joel cleaning @ the locker}

Well, that's it for now...will try to check back in before the week is over...Prom is this weekend, so things will be busy around our house!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

My latest Scrapjazz article is up :o)

2010-04-20T22:40:00.008-05:00

Just thought I'd do a quick post tonight to let you all know that my latest Scrapjazz article was posted recently...& it was a fun one! I did a review on the EK Success Binding Edge border punch :o) LOVE that punch!

Here are the projects that I created for the article...pretty tickled with how both of these turned out!

Thank You card:

Kraft cardstock base-The Paper Studio, PP-Crate Paper-Season Collection-Summer, Winter & Rainbow, Half Pearls-Basic Grey, October Afternoon-Road Map-Label Stickers, Buttons-Favorite Findings, Embroidery thread, EK Success Binding Edge Border Punch, Machine stitching

ncyc '09:

and a close up of that amazing punched border ;0)

PP-SEI, PP-Cosmo Cricket-The Boyfriend-Borders, October Afternoon-Road Map-Journal cards & stickers, American Craft Foam Thickers-Cream Soda in black, Making Memories Tiny Alpha, Glitz-Frosting in green, EK Success Binding Edge border punch, machine stitching, Martha Stewart journaling pen

Thanks for stopping by! I will be posting an UPDATE to my "week in the life" project...some really great photos to share...lovin' this project :o)

Take care!

a week in the life...

2010-04-17T18:14:00.005-05:00

Happy weekend everyone! So far, my Saturday has been spent getting a color & haircut, which was much needed...& then of course, there is the ever present LAUNDRY chore!%$&*#@ I swear my teenage sons must change 3 or 4 times a day...ok, maybe that is a good thing :o) We sure wouldn't want them running around all day in the same clothes that they do early morning weights or basketball workouts in, now would we!?!

I have been LUCKY enough to sneak in some scrappy time too...just don't tell anyone! ha, ha! Actually, working on an article for Scrapjazz...would LOVE to give you a sneak peek...ok, how about a sneak peak?

What a fun little project...can't wait to show the whole thing!

As some of you may know, I did Project 365 in 2009. LOVED taking photos everyday. LOVED putting together the album. STILL putting together the album...LOL! So, because my 2009 project was not completed, I decided not to do the project in 2010. Let me just say...I miss doing the project :o(

That is why I have decided to join in with Ali Edwards and do "a week in the life"....here are a few photos of supplies I have gathered. I am following Ali's lead & using page protectors and I have created my very own page title cards and journaling cards...I will share more next week as I take photos & get my album put together...wish me luck...next week is BUSY!!!

I can't wait to get this project started! It is going to be lots of fun!

Have a great weekend...take care!

I've been "BLOG SPOTTED" by Cards magazine :o)

2010-04-12T22:21:00.007-05:00

Ok...seriously excited about this! & totally surprised! & shocked!

I received an email today indicating that I had a new comment on my blog...well, if you are like me, you LOVE getting comments! I think we all just need that little bit of positive reinforcement & it's always fun to get comments from blogger buddies...so the new comment was posted on THIS post by Hannah @ CARDS magazine. Holy cow...are you serious? She told me I had been BLOG SPOTTED!!! Total surprise for me! Thanks Hannah!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Happy Easter...how about a Christmas layout???

2010-04-03T15:45:00.007-05:00

So I thought that things would SLOW down after basketball season...yeah right! Who am I kidding? Apparently, only myself!

After a LONG withdrawal from all things scrappy...I snuck in a little bit of time last night. Want to know what inspired me? Well, the American Crafts blog...that's what! They have fun challenges EVERY week, but this is the FIRST time I have actually played along!!!

So, what to create? I dug thru my very small supply of Flair :o( and decided to go with the Christmas ones I picked up at Hobby Lobby last year....I tried a card, but my MOJO just wasn't feeling it. SO....I retrieved the pile of Christmas card photos we received in 2009 and decided to do a collage of those photos. I kept it super simple and tried something new for me...a double page 8.5 x 11 layout...on white cardstock. LOVE the results!!!

And a few closeups of my FLAIR...

This little tree is so cute...

I really LOVE the clean & simple look to this layout...really lets the photos shine! (I think I was trying to channel Ali Edwards here...photos + words...gotta love it!)

Supplies: White cardstock-Walmart, Red cardstock-Creative Memories, Flair by American Crafts, Fiskars Threading Water border punch, zig zag machine stitching, Martha Stewart journaling pen, The Paper Studio-sentiment stamp, Stampin' Up-Real Red ink, date stamp

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter weekend! Take care!

Looking for a good cause???

2010-03-18T18:51:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would jump in here for a quick minute or two...hope everyone is having a great week! As I said in an earlier blog post, my family is headed to Hays, KS on Friday to volunteer at the Special Olympics State Basketball Tournament...I think we get to help with the clock & scorekeeping :o)

Also want to share a quick link to a friends blog: Randi's Adventures in Wonderland

Randi is a family friend...she is raising money for a mission trip to Africa in July. If you feel moved to donate to her cause, she would be so grateful! Her husband is a pastor for a local church and they have a LARGE family, so she is really counting on the kindness of others to make this mission trip a reality.

Well, that's it for today! Have a great weekend! As always, thanks for stopping by & take care!

{My Best Friend}

2010-03-14T18:14:00.012-05:00

Hello, my fellow blogger buddies! Hope your weekend was fantastic! Mine has been great & the really good news? I am taking Monday off...YIPPEE!!! & Friday too...double YIPPEE!!! I'm headed to the BIG city on Monday to do some spring shopping (& goofing around with the boys) and then Friday our family is volunteering @ the Special Olympics State Basketball tournament...really looking forward to that!

Just want to send a shout out to EAD Designs...thanks for sharing my "nerdy bird" card on your blog :o) & to Amy at Caffinated Cropper...she has a fun new kit she is selling (GO CHECK IT OUT!) and I won some EAD Designs vinyl rubons from her...thanks Amy :o)

I have a PageMaps inspired layout to share with you today...I am really tickled with how it turned out, but first the details! PageMaps Blog is hosting a Cricut Giveaway...YES, a Cricut Giveaway by A Cherry On Top!!! I have been wanting a digital cutter for a long time now, just haven't been willing to shell out the big bucks yet...maybe I won't have too :o) ha, ha!

Here's the sketch & the only other rule is that you have to use the theme of Appreciation...

My layout: My Best Friend

This photo of me & my DH is a favorite from last summer...& he really is my best friend! The journaling reads: I cherish those moments in time where it's just you & me...we are best friends!

I broke open the Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety scrapbooking kit that recently arrived at my door from Scrapbook.com & found some fun patterns that I'm lovin'!

Here's a few fun closeups:

Aren't these chipboard cherries cute? They came from a Creating Keepsakes kit of the month "Mix It Up"...

Supplies: PP-Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety-Sunday picnic (both sides) & bloomers, Mini die cut circle label-Jenni Bowlin, Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety-cardstock stickers, Journaling card (cut into strips)-Jenni Bowlin, Thickers Daiquiri-American Crafts, Vintage Findings-word fetti expression stickers-American Crafts, EK Success-binding edge border punch, Chipboard cherries-CK KOTM "Mix It Up", Martha Stewart journaling pen, date stamp, Stampin' Up ink-Glorious Green, zig zag machine stitching, ric rac-unknown

Thanks for stopping by! LOVE to read all of your comments! Take care!

How about some nerdy bird???

2010-03-12T21:24:00.005-06:00

The PageMaps Blog is hosting a Sassafras "nerdy bird" card contest...well, of course, I just had to play along...would love to win some nerdy bird! AND I have the perfect vinyl rubons by EAD Designs in my stash that I was just dying to use :o)

Here is the sweet nerdy bird prize & sketch:

My take on the sketch follows pretty closely...and uses a brand spankin' new Hero Arts sentiment stamp set that I just ordered from Scrapbook.com! LOVE the gems that were included with the set :o)

JUST SAYING HELLO:

This card will be perfect to send to one of Jennifer McGuire's special kids...to hopefully brighten their day! I like the fun & funky vibe of this card...

This Hero Arts stamp set is my first ever...& let me tell ya, the stamps are amazing! Such a clear image for a clear cling stamp...I'll for sure be adding more of these to my stash! & notice the fun holes I poked along the bottom part of the card? I did this by placing the card on a rubber-type mouse pad, & then slowly poked the holes using a needle. It's hard to see in the first photo, but shows up well in the close up...just adds a little something for interest :o)

Supplies: Cardstock base-The Paper Studio, PP-Sassafras-ziggy, Bella Blvd-Camped Out-Fireside, Pink/white polka dot-Target, Owl rubon-EAD Designs, Sentiment-Hero Arts-Sparkle Clear Classic Messages 2x3, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Circle, Large, Cuttlebug, zig zag stitching

Thanks for stopping by! Take care & have a GREAT weekend!

if i could create daily...

2010-03-11T23:05:00.009-06:00

I just couldn't resist the LURE of a guest design spot over at Sketchy Thursdays! I just love Diana & Heidi's sketches...they are just so fun & they tend to push me to do things that are out of my normal...whatever my normal is! LOL!

The guest design spot challenge is sponsored by The Pink Ninjas and up for grabs is their first kit "Three Little Birds"...looks like tons of fun:

So the challenge for the April Guest Design Spot at Sketchy Thursdays is this...

1. Prompt - Fill in the blanks: "If I could __________, I would ________."

2. Technique - Mist or paint IN PINK.

3. Sketchy Twist - Use this sketch:

I had to give the prompt quite a bit of thought, but kept coming back to "if i could create daily"...so I went with it! Next, the PINK mist or paint...well, there's just not a whole lot of pink in my scrappy supplies at all...guess that happens when you are scrapping mostly BOY stuff :o) I found some PINK acrylic paint & some large bubble wrap @ work & decided that would create a fun circle background...so here's my layout:

I just have to say that I had a blast creatingthis layout! Not only was the paint fun, but I also went with the 8.5 x 11 format...totally out of the norm for me...I can totally see myself doing more of this size...I also played with the sketch quite a bit, but was totally inspired by it :o)

My journaling (using those wonderful tiny alphas by Making Memories!): if i could create daily i would be on cloud 9

Here's a close up of my title embellishment:

How fun is that gem pin!?! I love it!

Supplies: White cardstock-Walmart, PP-KI Memories & Dream Street-Birdie Bits & The Paper Studio-Butterflies, Die Cut journaling paper-Making Memories, Tiny alpha-Making Memories, Foam Alpha Thickers-American Crafts, Transparency frame-Colorbok, Flower-Making Memories, Large Jewel Brad-Brights-American Crafts, Gem Pin-Making Memories-Vintage Findings, Beads-Fashion Glass-Oval mix olive, Buttons-Favorite Findings, Embroidery thread, bubble wrap, Folk Art acrylic paint in Tickled Pink, staples, zig zag machine stitching

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

FINALLY found some scrappy time :o)

2010-03-10T21:57:00.014-06:00

I think I was dangerously close to suffering from scrappy withdrawal...& that was SCARY! LOL! I'm a BIG fan of the wonderful sketches over @ Sketchy Thursdays...& just haven't had any time to play along...until now :o) I have a feeling my post is a little past the deadline, but I still wanted to share my layout!

So here's the sketch...

I had some San Diego vacation photos laying out & decided that a couple of the kayaking photos would work well with the sketch. Please forgive me for the POOR photos...they were taken with a waterproof camera (I didn't want to chance ruining my digi) so they are not the greatest, but I still wanted to document this fabulous part of our trip!

Paradise Found:

Absolutely nothing fabulous or amazing about this layout...& I'm ok with that. Girls, there is something very liberating about creating something that YOU love & keeping it simple :o) Sometimes I feel such pressure to create something that will knock your socks off...that's when its not fun for me anymore. So...that said, I love this because it documents our life...our family vacation...it gets our story told.

Here's a few closeups:

This fun journaling spot is by Little Yellow Bicycle...I love it! I was worried that it would be hard to journal on, but it was amazingly easy! I used a little bit of clear adhesive dots to secure & then decided it would be fun to add some stitching...love how it turned out!

Supplies: Cardstock-unknown, PP-Making Memories, Stickers-Making Memories, Flower-Making Memories, Journaling spot-Little Yellow Bicycle-Clear Cuts, Button-Favorite Findings (Walmart), Journaling Pen-Martha Stewart & some zig zag machine stitching!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Yep...I'm still here :o)

2010-03-05T00:19:00.006-06:00

Seriously??? Has it really been that long since my last post??? That is totally what happens when you have 2 sons playing high school basketball...I was barely able to stay above sinking in January, but W-O-W...February was just a BLURRR....

Well...the boys are now done with basketball (kind of a bummer, but they really did have a great season all things considered!) & the high school class that my DH & I have been teaching since September will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation this coming Sunday...that will be a HUGE relief! An amazing experience...but so ready for it to be DONE :o)

As for scrapping...well, just have not had much time at all for anything extra (that is kind of a bummer too, my friends...) I hope to find a little free time soon...gotta feed this addiction, you know! I have been drooling over the fab-U-lous creating going on over @ Scrapbook Circle...the new design team is just amazing & Lisa's kits have been just over the top...Go check it out!

My latest article @ Scrapjazz is up...it is so fun (& cool) to actually see the article when it's posted online...this one is called "Travel Scrapbooking:Colorado". I shared a number of my vacation layouts from our various trips to Colorado...these layouts are older, but some of my favorites :o) Would love to have you check it out HERE!

Hope everyone is doing well...I miss you all! Take care & hope to get around to your blogs again soon....

Take care! Thanks for stopping by!

Inspired to try something new...

2010-02-08T20:34:00.013-06:00

If you "follow" my blog, you know that I have been guest designing for SPCC...this is my last week :o( I have had such a great time & been so inspired by everyone that plays along! & Samantha gives us great color combo challenges! I look forward to playing along with SPCC in the future as well! This week Samantha has a pile of decorative edge scissors to give away...I'm thinking I need to dig mine out & put them to use...thanks for the reminder Samantha!

Here is SPCC #34:

I love this color combo...gorgeous colors! I had it in my mind that I would create a Valentine's Day card...then I came across a FABULOUS tutorial at Scrapbook Circle by Aymee! Here's a link to her blog...you will want to make her a favorite! I knew I had to give her Easel card a try :o) She is so talented & always willing to let us in on her secrets...ha, ha! Thanks so much, Aymee, for sharing your creative talents with us!

So here is my easel card...."light UP MY LIFE":

I am LOVING how this card turned out! & it really was EASY! & the colors turned out so pretty together! Hope you get a chance to play along with SPCC this week!

Supplies:

Cardstock-Hobby Lobby, Jenni Bowlin Mini Calendar Card set 3x3, PP-Creative Memories & The Paper Studio, Kaiser pearls in chocolate, Double Frill elastic velvet ribbon in brown-Hobby Lobby, K & Company-Urban Rhapsody Icon Saying-Grand Adhesions, Fiskars Threading Water punch, machine stitching, Tombow Momo Adhesive, tutorial by Aymee.

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

This totally cracked me up!

2010-02-03T20:16:00.005-06:00

Just had to share this funny ha-ha that my dad shared with me...thanks dad...you totally made my day!

First, just a little background: 1)My oldest son's name is Jeremy. 2)I love to scrapbook. 3)We had a snow storm move into our area last week on Thursday evening...I was PRAY-ING (yes, that is my one little word for 2010) for a snow day on Friday...'cause I really did not want to go to work. But I called my hubby & he said the roads were clear...darn it! I had a ton of work to do anyway, so I headed for work.

Then Friday at the basketball game, my dad hands me an envelope & says "I really wanted to get this to you yesterday..."

So I open up the envelope to find this note:

Along with this ZITS cartoon:

Priceless, huh? I LOVE IT! & so did my family...apparently they can relate :o)

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

SP Color Combo #33 & a sweet sketch!

2010-02-01T22:48:00.013-06:00

Wow! Week #3 already for my Guest Diva honors over at SPCC...& this week the color combo is is FUN! Just take a look.....

SPCC #33:

I decided to use a sketch from Sketchy Thursdays...LOVED this sketch when I first saw it, but just didn't have a chance to enter the challenge.

Here's my layout using SPCC #33....i (heart) u

I am really liking how this turned out :o) A picture of my 2 favorite kiddos in the whole wide world and some fun colors & an awesome sketch...I just couldn't go wrong!

Supplies:

PP-Sassafras Vintage Yummy-Memory Lane, Prima Flowers-Lollipop Punch, Making Memories-Jumbo Blossoms-Paper Flowers-Daisy Red, Making Memories-crystal brad, October Afternoon-Road Map-Label Stickers, Sassafras-Sweet Treats cardstock stickers (heart), Stampin' Up Ink-Real Red, Jillibean Soup-Kraft Corrugated Alpha, Foam Adhesive-The Paper Studio, Buttons-Favorite Findings, Martha Stewart journaling pen, embroidery thread, watercolor paint, Alpha-EK Success

Thanks so much for stopping by! Take care!

Before & After

2010-01-31T15:22:00.012-06:00

Hi everyone! Hope you have had a wonderful weekend so far...in just over an hour I will be getting ready to host the high school youth groups from 3 towns for a pizza party and then we are all loading up and heading to the movie theater to see TO SAVE A LIFE. I can't wait! I have heard so much about this movie & hope that it will be a blessing to those that see it!

UPDATE on me: I'm almost back to 100%...LOL! If there is such a thing! See this post. My smile is back...yeah! & my eye will almost completely close. Still wearing glasses, but maybe this week I can go back to contacts. Thanks to those of you that sent prayers my way :o)

My niece had a baby this past week, so any excuse for me to go shopping for baby girl stuff is always fun! I picked up this $1 gift bag @ Walmart & already had this pink scallop card in my stash:

I looked over a few other gift bag options that were much more pricey...& then decided to add a little something to my $1 bag & scallop card.....

Holy cow! This turned out so stinkin' cute if I do say so myself! Here are a few closeups:

The double frill elastic velvet ribbon is new to my stash :o) & I LOVE IT! You can find it at Hobby Lobby!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

SP Color Combo #32

2010-01-26T20:22:00.005-06:00

This is my second week as Guest Diva over at SPCC and I have loved every minute of it :o) Thanks again, Samantha!

So here's Color Combo #32:

This color combo was a little bit tough for me for some reason! I think it is very masculine...but I ended up adding a flower to my card anyway! ha, ha!

Follow Your Dreams:

Here's a close up of the Kaiser paper flower with Stickles-Star Dust added just for fun :o)

Supplies: Kraft card stock-The Paper Studio, PP-Creative Memories, PP-Creating Keepsakes-KOTM Project 365, Rubons-Creative Imaginations Narratives by Karen Russell, Kaiser-paper flowers, button-unknown, October Afternoon-Road Map Label Stickers, Sentiment-PSX-Pixie Affirmations, Ranger Stickles-Star Dust, Stampin' Up ink-Close to Cocoa, embroidery thread, machine stitching

Would love to have you play along over at SPCC! Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

Thinking of Valentine's Day yet?

2010-01-24T22:38:00.007-06:00

I was lucky enough to sneak over to my scrap-happy place late this afternoon...& decided to create a Valentine. I'm pretty tickled with how quickly this came together...& how it turned out :o)

I used this card sketch from Sketchy Thursdays & their Second Chance Challenge: (super cute ippity by Unity stamps are up for grabs!)

A pretty funky sketch...but inspiring for sure! I just had to "tone" it down a bit! ha,ha!

And for the fun challenge site of Caardvarks (can't believe I just discovered this site-I can see that I might get addicted to this one too!): Red Heart Challenge

And for another challenge I found while blog hopping...Belli Challenge #83: Use hearts

So here's the card I came up with:

How fun is this??? I used empty toilet paper tubes to create the inked circles...I had been wanting to give this a try forever & finally found a sketch that it worked for! So easy & fun! Like I said, I toned down the sketch a bit...I just can't do GRUNGE...ha, ha!

Here are a few close ups too:

I used a red heart ribbon brad by The Paper Studio & a fun red bling heart that I picked up last year at Hobby Lobby. & of course, no card is complete without a little stitching :o)

Notice the "stamping tubes" in the background?

Supplies:

Pink scallop note card-$1 bin @ Target, white cardstock-The Paper Studio, Heart Ribbon Brad-The Paper Studio, Heart Bling-Hobby Lobby, Sentiment stamp-Inkadinkado, Journal w/ Brackets stamp-Stampabilities, Inks-Pink Passion & Real Red by Stampin' Up, Onyx by Stampology/Autumn Leaves, red tulle-recycled from Christmas gift wrapping, machine zig zag stitching

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

A Scrapjazz article by ME :o)

2010-01-23T17:15:00.011-06:00

Hi ladies! Just wanted to share a link with you to my latest article for Scrapjazz! I did a product review of the FABULOUS Jillibean Soup Corrugated Kraft alphas!

I absolutely LOVE these alphas! & did you see the CHA sneak peak on the new corrugated alphas coming out?????? Cute, cute, cute!!!

Just got up from a much needed, lazy, Sunday afternoon nap :0) Wow...I can't tell you how long it has been since I've done that!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

What to do with all of these cards???

2010-01-21T21:53:00.012-06:00

I wouldn't exactly call myself a cardmaker, as compared to some of the fabulous ladies out there that really ROCK card making...but I dabble :o) I love that card making lets me get those creative juices flowing in a project that is often easier for me to complete than a layout. So, I play along with challenge sites like SPCC, Sketchy Thursdays & 2 Sketches 4 You...

Then my cards just kind of start piling up...

There are several great card drives that are going to be receiving these cards and I thought I would share links...just in case YOU have wonderful handmade cards that need to find a home :o)

Jennifer McGuire sponsors the CARDS FOR KIDS drive...there are so many kids out there that just need to know we care! as well as their familes!

Operation Write Home (formerly known as Cards for Heroes): Helping Heroes keep in touch with home! Read here to find out more about Any Hero cards.

My goal is to get these cards prepared with personal messages, etc. and sent off over the weekend! It makes me feel good to know that these little creations of mine will make a difference for someone, will bring a smile, will offer encouragement.

Do you have cards laying around? Do something good with them! If you know of other ongoing card drives, be sure & leave me a comment about it!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend & take care!

Stacy

I'm tickled to announce....

2010-01-18T19:57:00.008-06:00

Finally, after months of keeping a scrappy secret....

I am the Guest Designer Diva at SPCC for January/February 2010!!!

I was beyond excited when Samantha asked me to be a guest designer :o) I have played along on the SPCC Color Combos blog as time has allowed from the very beginning...& have met some wonderful scrap buddies too! Come on over & join in on the fun! The new color combo has been posted, along with details on the weekly prize up for grabs!

Color Combo #31:

This one was definitely a challenge for me! The Apricot color threw me a bit...but I had the perfect patterned paper....here's the card that I came up with:

Get Well Soon

and a few close ups...

I used my Cuttlebug to emboss the background cardstock and then used ink to "highlight" the embossing. LOVE how this turned out! & so easy! Gotta love that too!

Supplies:

Cardstock-Creative Memories & unknown

PP-Flair Designs-Spicy Dots

Sentiment-Printworks-Clearly Defined-"Caring Thoughts"

Cuttlebug

Cuttlebug Spots & Dots Embossing Folder

Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle, Large

Brads-Target-Autumn Collection

Ink-Stampin' Up-Pink Passion

Ink-VersaMagic-Pixie Dust

Thanks for stopping by! I'd LOVE to see you play along over at SPCC Color Combos! Take care!

Another Second Chance Challenge !!!

2010-01-10T22:01:00.008-06:00

Apparently, once I discover a "new-to-me" challenge site...especially a sketchy one...I just can't help but play along! Call me addicted.

So here's my entry for Sketchy Thursdays Second Chance Challenge; the sketch is fantastic:

and here's what is up for grabs! I would love to get my hands on some of these....

It worked better for me if I just rotated the sketch a bit...LOVE to play around with things sometimes :o)

YOU R TWEET:

Using more of the wonderful vinyl rub-ons from EAD Designs...they are so EASY to apply! & again, isn't this image just the cutest??? Thanks Emily...love 'em!

& a few close-ups...so you can take a good look!

Supplies: White cardstock-The Paper Studio, PP-Basic Grey-Lemonade Paper Pad 6x6, PP-Cosmo Cricket-Early Bird-Sunrise, EAD Designs Vinyl Rubon, Alpha stickers-unknown, Buttons-Favorite Findings-Fun, Machine stitching & sanding.

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

God won't give you more than you can handle...right?!?

2010-01-10T15:51:00.002-06:00

But I do believe that God has a way of telling you in not so many words...slow down, take care of yourself, learn to say no (ok, I'm struggling with this one!) & so ironically, following the lead of the fabulous Ali Edwards, my ONE LITTLE WORD for 2010 is PRAY....

So here's how my week unfolded....

Monday: Everything is great. Back to work. Yippee!

Tuesday: Work is busy, busy, busy this time of the year. I wear contacts and my left eye just started driving me crazy today. It felt dry, scratchy, itchy...not good. Then I noticed that my good 'ol 32 oz. Diet Pepsi just wasn't tasting quite right...seriously, it felt like I had burnt my tongue with hot chocolate and my taste buds were not functioning....weird, huh??? My boys played basketball tonight & I just couldn't wait to get home to get my contacts out.

Wednesday: Woke up with the left side of my face feeling numb. Yes, numb. I was a little bit freaked out. Eye still messed up. I couldn't close my left eye. I couldn't feel the left side of my nose. I couldn't spit after brushing my teeth. I couldn't smile. First phone call went to my eye doctor. Told him about my symptoms; he said he thought it sounded like Bell's Palsy & I better get into my doctor. Ever heard of Bell's Palsy? I hadn't. Luckily, I got into my regular doctor today by 11AM and she confirmed the diagnosis of Bell's Palsy. Causes aren't easy to determine, but generally a virus infects (inflames) your facial nerve which causes things to quit operating as they should. Most people fully recover within 2 months. Let's hope in the "most people" category! Prescription for steriods, an anti-viral & eye drops. Have you ever tried to sleep with one eye open? My DH gave me all kinds of grief...LOL!

Thursday: Not much change, though my sense of taste may be a bit improved. My mouth function is a whole different story....you know what it feels like after you have been to the dentist & your mouth is numb for a couple of hours??? Yeah, that's what it is like. I called my kinesiologist and he scheduled an appointment for Friday....

Friday: My kinesiologist worked me over for about an hour. Acupuncture included. He feels that since we got on top of this right away, I should recover fairly quickly. Of course, he asked me about 3 different times, 3 different ways "Are you worried about something?" "Are you stressed?" My answer? No, nothing out of the ordinary....but ordinarily I live a pretty crazy, rat race of a life...like most everone else on the planet. He gave me the "you need to take care of yourself talk...you are a busy mom of 2 teenage boys, a wife, working full-time....you need to slow down & take time for you...." WAKE UP CALL.

Saturday: Feeling fine, the left side of my face is still just frozen, or droopy or puffy...whatever you want to call it! My eye really started driving me crazy tonight...grrr....

Sunday: TODAY. Eye is messed up & bothers me the most. Of course, when I try to talk or smile, my problem is pretty obvious. Just praying (I am putting my ONE LITTLE WORD to good use already in 2010!) that I recover quickly...but knowing I will just have to be patient :o) If you are the praying type I'd really appreciate it.

I'll be back later with a card I created for the Second Chance Challenge @ Sketchy Thursdays!

Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

Stacy

It's official....

2010-01-07T21:37:00.005-06:00

My very first article written for Scrapjazz was published today! I'm so tickled to be a contributing writer for Scrapjazz...who would have thought? I admired the gallery layouts and browsed the site for a year before becoming a member in August 2008. Then I began posting layouts, cards & other projects into my own gallery. When time allowed, I played along with their fun monthly challenges sponsored by Scrapbook.com. So it just blows me away that they chose me in their recent search for additional writers! This really is the perfect scrappy "job" for me...during the school year I just don't have enough free time to commit to the demands of being on a design team (hopefully I can do that again in the summer!). But writing for Scrapjazz suits me perfectly :o)

This is the layout featured in my article: Step-by-Step: Christmas PJ's

Go check it out...& join in on the Scrapjazz fun! The ladies are all so nice & great prizes are up for grabs each month...gotta love that!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

Sharing a link to Simple Stories...

2010-01-02T14:49:00.004-06:00

As many of you are aware....Ali Edwards has wonderful giveaways on her blog every weekend... and this weekend SIMPLE STORIES by Memory Works really caught my eye!

I added their blinkie over to the left....just click it & go explore their site. I love everything about scrapbooking...but sometimes find myself overwhelmed with all of the options, choices, well...you know what I am saying! Anyway...if you are looking for a simple solution, this just might be it. & it is gorgeous!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

Second Chance Challenge...

2009-12-29T22:51:00.005-06:00

So I came across a sketch blog that I just had to try out :o) Yes, I'm a total sucker for challenge blogs...especially sketchy ones! It's Sketchy Thursdays and it is founded by Diana, who just happens to be a new design team member @ Scrapbook Circle! So here's the sketch:

I just had to rotate it a bit...& tweak it a bit...but loved it just the same!

Here's my card "Good Wishes":

Isn't that bird adorable? It's a vinyl rubon from EAD Designs...I've been hoarding them :o) And here are a few closeups...just for fun!

Supplies: Kraft card base-The Paper Studio, PP-Basic Grey-Lemonade 6x6 paper pad, Basic Grey Opaline Half Pearls in green, Ribbon-The Paper Studio-Black Polka Dot, Sentiment stamp-Printworks-Clearly Defined "Caring Thoughts", Button-Le Bouton-crystal, Vinyl rubon-EAD Designs, Adhesive-Foam Sticky Doos-The Paper Studio & Scrapbook Adhesives E-Z Dots, Embroidery thread, machine stitching, Versa Magic chalk ink-Midnight Black.

What's up for grabs??? A super cute {ippity} by Unity stamp set! Thanks for the chance to win some scrappy goodies to the ladies over @ Sketchy Thursdays!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

These are a few of my favorite things....

2009-12-15T21:53:00.007-06:00

Well, it's finally done! My Christmas decorating that is... Just thought I would share a few of my favorite Christmas decorations with all of you...you will notice I have a "thing" for Santas & Snowmen :o)

LOVE the handmade ornaments that came home with my boys over the years...this is one of my all time favorites! I have two of them hanging on my tree :o)

And here are my favorite Santa ornaments...

Ahhh...I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit...will share a few more in my next post!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

& the winner is...PLUS a PageMaps contest :o)

2009-12-02T21:35:00.007-06:00

Hope you all had a great time visiting the Scrapbook Circle Design Team blogs during the Scrapbook Circle Blog Hop yesterday! Lots of great inspiration out there, huh? I am always blown away by what all of the other designers create...& we each have our own "style" that shows just how versatile the monthly kits @ Scrapbook Circle are!

So...enough of me rambling! the winner of my little scrappy prize is:

vegetablog

Congrats!!! For a list of all of the winners from the blog hop, be sure & check the Scrapbook Circle Blog!

Now, for the PageMaps Blog sketch contest! I love creating layouts using PageMaps...it is a NO FAIL way to scrap! Gotta love that!

So here is the sketch:

I chose to create a 12 x 12 layout featuring a picture of my son, Jeremy, & his multi-tasking skills....the cool thing about this layout is that the photo was taken in July 2009, but the journaling is about a goofy conversation he had with his coach in November 2009. & NO, HE DID NOT CALL HIS COACH...it was just a goofy conversation...I think this layout is super fun...Jeremy, on the other hand, thinks otherwise. I told him "I'm the mom, I can do whatever I want!" LOL!

This layout was quite a challenge for me because I wanted to use the December Kit "Reindeer Games" from Scrapbook Circle; well, it was full of Christmas themed papers & embellishments...but I think it turned out just fine!

HEY coach:

and here's a close up of the title; using my two favorite alpha letters: Jillibean Soup Corrugated Kraft Alpha & Making Memories tiny alpha!!! This is the first time I have inked the Jillibean Soup alpha; LOVE the result!

I hand cut & layered these stars, then topped with a button & tied with embroidery thread. I think I must use stars more often...love how these turned out!

Supplies: PP-Crate Paper-North Pole Collection-Sleigh Bells, Snow & Pine, PP-Basic Grey-Eskimo Kisses-Woodland, Crate Paper North Pole Collection-Chipboard Accents, Jillibean Soup Corroguated Kraft Alpha (Nov kit), Making Memories tiny alpha black on white (Aug kit), Button (Aug kit), Kraft journaling card (Nov kit)

My stash: Martha Stewart journaling pen, machine stitching, Stampin' Up ink-Real Red, Offray Ribbon-Sheer Petit Dot Brown, staples

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

Scrapbook Circle's First Ever Blog Hop !!!

2009-12-01T00:01:00.009-06:00

Welcome to Scrapbook Circle's First Ever Blog Hop!!! If you have come to my blog "mid-hop", please start at the beginning HERE. If you came from Claude's blog, then you have arrived right where you are supposed to be!

I am so excited to be a part of Scrapbook Circle's Blog Hop; the monthly kits that Lisa puts together are always amazing and the online "community" is full of lots of fun & friendly scrappers! & what's even better? A chance to win the December Kit from Scrapbook Circle! & a chance to win a blog prize from me!

The Blog Hop features creations by the Scrapbook Circle design team using the just released December Kit "Reindeer Games". The kit is packed full of lots of goodies that I have really enjoyed creating with!

The project that I would like to share with you today is a Christmas card created using the December Kit:

"LOVE peace JOY"

I absolutely LOVE the Crate Paper North Pole Collection of patterned papers & chipboard accents that are included in the December kit; they are just so adorable! Here's a close up of the chipboard accents:

I chose to sand the edges of the chipboard just a bit...gives it that worn look that I really like. I popped up the chipboard circles with adhesive foam to add some fun dimension!

For me, a scrappy project just isn't complete without a little machine stitching :o) Here's a close up of of the patterned paper that I criss-crossed & stitched, along with the Crate Paper brad:

Supplies from the December Kit "Reindeer Games":

Patterned Paper-Crate Paper-North Pole Collection-Frosty & Sleigh Bells, Crate Paper-North Pole Collection-Chipboard Accents, Crate Paper-North Pole Collection-brad

From my stash:

White cardstock base by The Paper Studio, sanding, machine stitching

Official Blog Hop Rules:

1. To be eligible to win the December Scrapbook Circle Kit, you need to leave a comment on each of the Scrapbook Circle design team blogs.

2. Once you have visited all of the Blog Hop blogs (5 + the Scrapbook Circle blog), leave a comment on the Scrapbook Circle blog letting us know that you visited each of the blogs in the Blog Hop.

3. Each design team member will be giving away a RAK (random act of kindness). Winner will be randomly chosen from the comments left on their blog.

4. The Blog Hop prize (a Scrapbook Circle December Kit) winner will be chosen randomly from the comments left on the Scrapbook Circle blog.

SO, leave me a comment for your chance to win my RAK: Cosmo Cricket Blackboard Abby's Album, American Crafts Thickers-Cream Soda foam in Black & an American Crafts Christmas Pagemakers Kit which includes patterned paper, buttons, brads & ribbon!!!

Now, it's time to hop along to Melanie's blog. Her talent just blows me away! Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

A video, a movie & a reminder :o)

2009-11-29T21:52:00.006-06:00

Hope everyone survived Thanksgiving without gaining too many unwanted pounds...ha, ha! The joke around the family most of the weekend was that if we weren't constantly grazing, then we were definitely eating! SERIOUSLY!???! But it was wonderful! My family wasn't able to all be home, but my DH had his entire family home...at least 40+...what an awesome gift!!!

So for the video that I am sharing....my brother's son, Drake, age 3, was enjoying some coloring pages on Thanksgiving day; well, he completed one and he went over to Grandma and said, "I want another Cornucopia". Just like that. It was plain as day. I thought this was rather impressive for a 3 year old (considering that I just had to search online to figure out the correct spelling!) So, I decided to video him right quick...he got just a little irritated with his Aunt Stacy :o)

Cute, huh???

Now for the movie...my sons are avid sports fans. So, when a new sports movie comes out, we just have to see it. We hadn't been to the theater together as a family in quite some time as it is considered a treat for us, so we thought it would be great to see a movie today, before the work/school week got started.

So we went to see THE BLIND SIDE. What an awesome movie! We all loved it...& if I were guessing, we all shed a few tears too. Just a great movie with a wonderful message about looking past what you see, following your heart, opening yourself up to a whole new world...& the movie had a great Christian message as well. Just can't say enough good about it. On top of that, Sandra Bullock was terrific as usual, & Tim McGraw (be still my heart) was great too :o) Definitely recommend!

Finally, a reminder: Be sure to stop back by on December 1st! It's the first ever Scrapbook Circle Blog Hop! & there will be a chance to win a December kit from Scrapbook Circle AND a chance to win a blog prize from me :o)

Well, that's it for now! Thanks for stopping by!

Take care,

Stacy

Happy Thanksgiving!!! & the December Kit reveal :o)

2009-11-25T21:26:00.006-06:00

I received this great FREE Thanksgiving garland "printable" from HP via email yesterday...so I decided to print it, have my family write in what they are thankful for & ta-da! This super cute & festive garland! Love it!

After you have stuffed yourself with turkey & all of the fixin's, be sure & check in over @ Scrapbook Circle...the full reveal for the December Kit "Reindeer Games" is up and there is a HUGE sale going on! You MUST go check it out! Plus, on December 1st, Scrapbook Circle is hosting it's first ever BLOG HOP! A chance for prizes along the hop, PLUS a chance @ winning a December kit!

Remember, be sure to join in on the fun on Dec. 1st for the Scrapbook Circle Blog Hop, starting at Scrapbook Circle's blog!

Happy Thanksgiving! Take care & thanks for stopping by!

Stacy

Scrapbook Circle Design Team Call !!!

2009-11-17T21:06:00.002-06:00

Here's your chance to work with a wonderful monthly scrapbook kit designer! Lisa @ Scrapbook Circle has announced a design team call on the Scrapbook Circle blog. Be sure & go check it out! The monthly kits are AMAZING & Lisa is wonderful to work for! Good luck!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

Go checkout this GIVEAWAY :o) & some NEWS!!!

2009-11-15T21:48:00.004-06:00

One of my favorite blogger buddies, DIANA, is having a giveaway! Go check out her blog & show her some LOVE :o) She's giving away Unity Stamps to 3 lucky winners....be sure & tell her I sent ya!

& some scrappy news to share...I was chosen to be a Scrapjazz Contributor, writing articles for their website!!! Scrapjazz was my very first home in the online scrapbooking world...so excited to be honored with this opportunity!

We are supposed to be getting snow here in SW Kansas...where the heck is it??? I WANT A SNOW DAY!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

Blessed with another blog award :o)

2009-11-12T21:18:00.009-06:00

Thrilled to receive a blog award from one of my FAVE blog buddies...she is just such a cheerleader for ME :o) Thanks a ton, Diana! You are the best!

This award is bestowed onto blogs that are exceedingly charming. These bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes cut, even more friendships are propagated.

So I'd like to pass this award along to: Lisa W & Claude. Both of these blog buddies have styles that I just love...

********************************

Just realized that I never shared a card that I created using the November kit from Scrapbook Circle! I can't imagine how that slipped thru the cracks...yeah right! Let's see...am I coming...or am I going??? (he, he, he) That is nervous laughter. Seriously, something has GOT TO GIVE!!!

So, back to the card...

The November kit is simply AMAZING...thank you Lisa, AGAIN, for putting together such wonderful products every month! & for the opportunity you have given me to get to PLAY with them each month! I have loved every single minute!

give THANKS:

One of my favorite things in the November kit are those Jillibean Soup corrugated alphas! So much FUN!!!

This card went together so easily! To give the white Bazzill scalloped cardstock some texture, I ran it thru my Cuttlebug using the Swiss Dots embossing folder. The ribbon was not included in the November kit, but rather, I "recycled" it from a previous Stampin' Up project :o)

Supplies from the November kit:

Bazzill 6x12 Scalloped-white
Crate Paper-Season Collection-Friendly
Lily Bee-Audrey-Delightful
Jillibean Soup-Corrugated Kraft Alpha
Crate Paper-Season Collection-Journal Stickers

My stash:

Cuttlebug
Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder
Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle, Large
The Paper Studio-Kraft card base
Stampin' Up-Orange stripe ribbon

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

{ Operation Christmas Child }

2009-11-10T20:08:00.008-06:00

Just popping in for a quick post tonight! Hope your week is going great...mine is off to a FAST start...but that is becoming the norm around here! LOL!

Have you ever filled a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child? Want to know more? Here's a link to their website:

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

I just love doing this each year and have been involved for a few years now. This year, our church youth group is also filling shoeboxes...can't wait to see how many we collect!

For the first time, I took my boys shopping with me for gifts for the shoeboxes this year. Why had I not done this before??? They really enjoyed picking out items & they had some great ideas!

Here are a few pictures taken the night we packed our boxes...it just makes you feel so good to know that you are making a difference for a child :o)

Joel tries to concentrate on his homework in the background while Jeremy gets organized...

Leave it to Joel to clown around...

Joel is very proud of his box of gifts...color coordinated in green :o)

So if you are looking for a fun family project, Operation Christmas Child is perfect! The kids will love it!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

SPCC #22 & an award :o)

2009-11-06T21:37:00.019-06:00

TGIF! I'm definitely ready for the weekend...only to be super busy doing stuff! LOL! You know the routine...no time during the week to get much done around the house 'cause I'm working for the boss man, then all I do all weekend is laundry, cleaning (usually a feeble attempt) & more laundry! Guess what I forgot to get @ the store...laundry soap! How am I supposed to get thru all of these piles of dirty clothes??? Looks like I will be making a "special" trip to the store...

Enough about my household chores that I so easily ignore :o) I came home tonight from work & decided it was WAY past time for me to be doing a SPCC Color Combo! I have missed them so much!

As soon as I saw this combo, I knew that the Cosmo Cricket Earth Love pp that was in the Nov. kit @ Scrapbook Circle would be PERFECT! I had recently purchased some fun scrappy fall goodies for my MOM but have yet to give them to her...so I found an empty checkbook box & it was just the right size!

season for JOY:

The Nov. kit @ Scrapbook Circle also has Rubons and Journaling stickers by Crate Paper Season Collection that couldn't have worked better for this project! The tiny circle alphas are by Pink Paislee and were part of the Oct kit...love it when that happens :o)

Supplies from Scrapbook Circle: PP-Cosmo Cricket Earth Love-Remember, PP-Crate Paper Season Collection-Friendly, Crate Paper Season Collection-Rubons & Journal Stickers, Pink Paislee Expressions Cardstock Alphas in Chocolate.

My stash: Cardstock by Paper Temptress, machine stitching, ribbon, metal button, staples & foam adhesive.

*****************************

Now for my blog award...a HUGE thank you to Lisa H.! She is the sweetest blogger buddy a girl could have! I just love her! & her blog makes me smile :o) She is super talented too! Go check her out!

Here's the rule: I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word. Here's goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? charging

2. Your hair? spiky

3. Your mother? strong

4. Your father? hard worker

5. Your favorite food? sweet

6. Your dream last night? NONE

7. Your favorite drink? DietPepsi

8. Your dream/goal? peace

9. What room are you in? office

10. Your hobby? scrapbooking

11. Your fear? cancer

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? retired :o)

13. Where were you last night? home

14. Something that you aren't? high maintenance

15.Muffins? blueberry

16. Wish list item? health

17. Where did you grow up? Fowler

18. Last thing you did? created ;o)

19. What are you wearing? sweatpants

20. Your TV? dusty

21. Your Pets? kitties

22. Friends? sweet

23. Your life? BUSY

24. Your mood? content

25. Missing Someone? nope

26. Vehicle? minivan

27. Something your not wearing? socks

28. Your favorite store? HobbyLobby

29. Your favorite color? blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? tonight

31. Last time you cried? Hmmm....

32. Your best friend? DH

33. One place that I go to over and over? church

34. Facebook? weekly

35. Favorite place to eat? Jalisco's

Ok...that was hard! & only a couple couldn't be answered with ONE word! LOL! So, now I get to pass this along to 5 fabulous ladies....

Diana - Love you girl! Love her scrappy projects & ideas!

Lisa - super talented & generous!

Jen - so real! Love her clean style!

Jennifer - amazing scrapbook artist! She will WOW you :o)

Danielle - such a GOOD person...love her Shimmerz projects!

Well, that is it for now...hope everyone has a great weekend...I will hopefully post again this weekend about Operation Christmas Child...one of my all time favorite charities!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Stacy

PageMaps blog contest :o)

2009-11-02T22:43:00.010-06:00

I have once again created a layout using the latest sketch for the contest over on the PageMaps blog...I love these sketches :o) & there is always a fabulous prize up for grabs!!!

So here's the wonderful PageMap sketch:

And the wonderful prize up for grabs from Kit Creations:

I decided to scrap one of my MANY kitty pictures...this one is of KitKat...she is just a doll & was taken about a year ago...isn't she just the sweetest thing???

GIRL kitty:

I used the brand new November kit from Scrapbook Circle...it is just wonderful!!! The patterned papers included are from Crate Paper, Cosmo Cricket & Lily Bee!

Here's a close up of the title I created using Crate Paper Season Collection Rubons & the ever popular Jillibean Soup Corrugated Kraft Alphas :o) They are amazing!!!

And a close up of the journaling:

LOVE all of the journaling spots/notes included in this kit! The Shabby Chic Vintage Artisan Notes are great & the Elle's Studio Kraft Black journaling cards & way cool!!! The Making Memories tiny alpha I used were from the SOLD OUT August kit @ Scrapbook Circle...one of my fave products for sure!

And there are also journaling stickers by Crate Paper Season Collection! & one more closeup showing the Crate Paper Season Collection Rubons & Journal Stickers along with the fun Basic Grey Opalines Designer Half Pearls in blue!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope everyone's week is going well! I get a little bit of a reprieve from sports with a break from football before the boys start up basketball practice in a few weeks...I LOVE basketball!!!

Take care, Stacy

Radiant Harvest

2009-10-29T23:16:00.003-05:00

Just popping in to share the full November kit reveal @ Scrapbook Circle! It's gorgeous...now if I can just find a sliver of time to actually get to play with it! ha!

RADIANT HARVEST

Double-sided Patterned Paper
Crate Season Summer
Crate Season Love
Crate Season Winter
Crate Season Rainbow
Crate Season Friendly
Crate Season Fall
Cosmo Cricket Earth Love Remember
Lily Bee Audrey Delightful
Lily Bee Audrey Smashing

Cardstock
1 sheet Bazzill 6 X 12 Scalloped White 

Embellishments
Crate Season Journal Stickers
Jillibean Soup Corrugated Cardboard Alpha
Basic Grey Blue Half Pearls
Crate Season Rubons
4 Shabby Chic Fall Flash Cards
(styles will vary)
2 Shabby Chic Vintage Artisan Notes
(styles will vary)
2 Elles Studio Kraft/Black Journaling Cards
(styles will vary)


Go check it out!

Thanks for stopping by!  Take care! & have a great weekend!!!

November Scrapbook Circle Sneaks !!! & a contest !!!

2009-10-19T19:55:00.004-05:00

Hi all! This is going to be a super quick post...where has all of my time went these days??? ha! I came down with the FLU (yuck!) a week ago today...not sure if it was H1N1, but probably...then a nasty sinus infection followed...so missed 4 days of work last week...So today was back to work & feeling like I was a part of the real world again!

My baby brother, Jason, & his finance, Anne, are getting married this weekend! in New Jersey! So I will be traveling with my parents this Wednesday to the East coast! Never been there before, so really looking forward to it! Can't wait to share pictures when I get back :o)

So are you ready for some fun sneaks of the November kit @ Scrapbook Circle???

This kit arrived in my mail box last week & it is fabulous!!! & it is packed full! YOU WILL LOVE IT! Guess what! You have a chance to win it too! Go to THIS post for the contest...good luck!!!

That's all for now! Take care & thanks for stopping by!

Yippee! I got to complete a challenge :o)

2009-10-08T20:57:00.005-05:00

I have missed doing challenges...time just hasn't been on my side lately! As soon as school fired back up, all of my FREE scrappy time got sucked up by lots of other stuff!!! But every once in a while, I find a little piece of time & sneak over to my little scrappy place...my happy place :o)

I saw the sketch @ 2 Sketches 4 You earlier this week & thought it would be fun to try! I also wanted to make a card for my sister-in-law's sister, Julie, who is currently battling cancer. Thought it would help keep her spirits high to know that others are sending warm thoughts her way :o)

Laura's Sketch #36:

Here's my card:

and a close up to show the fun dimension of this card!

Got to use some fun new supplies on this: new stamps by Printworks and a 3 in 1 butterfly punch by Martha Stewart...so fun to play with new scrappy stuff!

Supplies:

The Paper Studio-Kraft card base, PP-Pink Paislee Amber Road-Autumn Blossom & Bonfire (both from the September kit @ Scrapbook Circle), Butterflies Twill-The Paper Studio, Martha Stewart 3 in 1 Classic Butterfly punch, Basic Grey Opalines Half Pearls, Fiskars Threading Water Border Punch, Printworks Clearly Defined-Caring Thoughts Clear Stamps, Stampin' Up ink-Close to Cocoa, Elmers Memory Book, Zig zag machine stitching

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!!!

{ Lots to Share }

2009-10-07T19:33:00.017-05:00

Just realized as I was logging into Blogger tonight...this is post #100!!! Just might be a good excuse for a giveaway.... (let me think about that for just a bit...)

So if you visit my blog regularly, you know that I adore PageMaps! & I try to enter each sketch contest hosted by the PageMaps blog...so you could call me a "regular"...he, he!

Here's the sketch & the great prize up for grabs:

and here's my layout, ALL BOY:

Journaling reads: Joel absolutely loves being outside...it's his favorite place...He would love to live in the country...but it's just not possible...so he likes to bring the country to town! His new sling shot got quite a workout...watchout little birdies! May 2008

I created this layout using the rockin' new October Kit from Scrapbook Circle! Supplies from the Kit:

PP-Sassafras Amplify-fractal garden, PP-Sassafras Amplify-ziggy, PP-Bella Blvd Super Stud-Cyber Kisses, PP-Bella Blvd Super Stud-Camped Out, Kaiser Scrapbook-Rubons-Boyz Border, Bella Blvd Super Stud-Label Additions, American Crafts Large Jewel Brads-Brights

& from the September Kit @ Scrapbook Circle: Jenni Bowlin Vintage Black Stickers

& from the August Kit @ Scrapbook Circle: Luxe Designs-Simple Alpha Sticker-Black

From my stash: Ivory cardstock, Making Memories Vintage Findings-Tickets, Staples, Zig Zag Machine Stitching, Martha Stewart Journaling Pen

Here are a few closeups:

I haven't had a chance to share my other October kit creations for Scrapbook Circle....so here goes!!!

"Anybody can be COOL...."

Journaling down the right side reads: I love that Jeremy plays the guitar like a piano...how cool is that?!?

PP-Bella Blvd Super Stud-Planetarium, PP-Sassafras Amplify-ziggy, Bella Blvd Super Stud-Label Addtions, Kaiser Scrapbook Rubons-Boyz Border, Pink Paislee-Expressions alpa in Chocolate, American Crafts-Glitter buttons

From my stash: embroidery thread, zig zag machine stitching, Martha Stewart journaling pen, The Paper Studio Sticky Doos foam adhesive

and here's "life is full of suprises":

Used my brand spankin' new ek sucess binding edge border punch...LOVE it! You will be seeing more of it...for sure!!! & a 52sketches52weeks sketch!

PP-Bella Blvd Camped Out-Fireside, PP-Bella Blvd Super Stud-Robot Love & Eclipse, PP-Sassafras Amplify-light bright, ziggy & fractal garden, Pink Paislee Expressions alpha in chocolate, Sassafras cardstock stickers-Sweet Treats, Bella Blvd Super Stud-Label Additions, American Crafts-Glitter buttons

From my stash: American Crafts Remarks letter stickers-Roosevelt in white, embroidery thread, machine stitching, date stamp, Stampin' Up ink-Close to Cocoa, Creative Memories journaling pen, ek success-binding edge border punch

Whew! What a post! & Blogger is kickin' my butt...I have one more project to share that I created with the October kit from Scrapbook Circle...but my patience is running on EMPTY...so I will save it for another day!!!

I will be doing a giveaway soon...in honor of 100 POSTS! Just gotta figure out what it's gonna be :o))))

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

what a C-R-A-Z-Y week!!!

2009-10-04T16:48:00.009-05:00

Yep! I'm here.....I know.....it's amazing.....you all thought I'd had dropped of the face of the earth, right???!!!??? Not so. Just.got.busy. Like CRAZY busy! So here is a quick recap of the past week....

Monday: Work. But not just a normal day of work for me. Drove 2 hours to Hays, KS to train our peeps on COMPLIANCE. Sounds absolutely fantastic, doesn't it??? Specifically "Red Flags" compliance & training....thanks to the government for making it almost impossible to sell an automobile these days :o)

Drove back home Monday afternoon; got home just in time to head to the Powder Puff 2009 flag football game between the Fowler Goldbugs high school football team & the cheerleaders...what a great time we had! & the watermelon afterwards was to DIE for :o)

Tuesday: Work. Again. But this time training on COMPLIANCE @ our dealership in Dodge City, KS. Again, so much FUN. Not. Nothing extra going on this evening....

Wednesday: Woke up between 2 -3 AM with a feeling that the bedroom was spinning. THIS.IS.NOT.GOOD. at all. I didn't want to wake up DH, but seriously thought I might be loosing it. Fought the waves of nausea...finally it was 6 AM when DH got up & I told him I really wasn't feeling too great...I ended up staying @ home from work; felt just okay most of the day, then decided to lay down for a late day nap...round 2 of the spinning room thing...I finally did vomit (felt a TON better) & then slept the rest of the night.

Thursday: Took it easy this morning. Finally decided to go to work. My head just completely felt disconnected. Called the doctor. Explained the vertigo (spinning sensations). Got a prescription for a motion sickness drug. Within an hour of taking the first dose, I was feeling almost back to my old self. Apparently, the vertigo is caused by an inner ear imbalance. I have taken the medication off & on over the past few days as needed...don't know how long this will last....

Friday: Football homecoming. Love this time of year. But SO busy! Here are a few photos:

Locker signs made by me :0) The jeans pocket was the new addition for this week. My original creation was much "cuter", but the boys said it was too girlie...it included ribbons & a foam football...they got their way this time....I tucked a football shaped brownie into the pocket :0)

Lost the game, but still proud of my boys!!! Go Big GOLD!!!

Saturday: Slept in....felt so good. Woke up kinda grumpy though??? Got some stuff done around the house, then settled in for some scrappin'. Headed to mass @ 5:30. Before mass, I suggested that we go out to the bar for supper. DH thought that sounded good, since we hadn't went out for supper in forever...

We pulled up to the bar; looks very busy. My DH says "looks like we should have called ahead." Well, this makes me MAD each & every time he says that because I'm thinking: what else do we have to do tonight??? Anyway, we head for the door. As we come around the corner of the building, I see there are even more cars there. I say: "Looks like someone is having a party...& we weren't invited".....I open the door.....&.......SURPRISE!!!!!!! Holy Cow!!!! They got me good!!!! I had no idea!!!! Didn't even suspect it at all....

So it was a surprise party for my upcoming 40th birthday....which is actually Oct. 6th. Had a great time...enjoyed the fun, the food, the cards, the gifts, the cake, the family, the friends, the laughter, the beer, the almond tequila....whoa....don't drink too much of that stuff :o)

Me with the notorious "Milford 40 Year Old" coffin...it has gotten passed down through quite a few of us :o)

My nephew in the official party hat :o)

& a quick photo of my gifts...& the bottle of almond tequila...thanks, Cathy! Guess who the OLD BAG bag came from...none other than my own mom! So mean! But she made me the cutest mini album...will share that soon :o)

Sunday: A day of rest. Got to do a little creating....played with the Halloween Kit from Scrapbook Circle...lots of FUN!!!

Here's the card I created using the kit & a few of my own supplies!

my first attempt @ embossing...I think I'm hooked :o)))

Head on over to Scrapbook Circle to grab yourself this kit! Lisa did a great job with this special edition kit! Hopefully, I will be posting my layouts/projects created using the October kit soon...like this week...time just hasn't been my friend lately....

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Scrapbook Circle's October Kit sneak!!!

2009-09-23T21:33:00.001-05:00

I'll just let the pictures do the "talking"....'cause all I can say is....WOW!!!

The full reveal is coming soon :o) I can't wait!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

A Sept. Kit from Scrapbook Circle is up for grabs!!!

2009-09-22T18:27:00.005-05:00

In order to celebrate her birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LISA!!!) Lisa has decided to give away a September Kit @ Scrapbook Circle!!! Isn't she just the greatest???

I've shared the photos, but I'll go ahead & let you drool over them one more time....

AND, entering the giveaway is super easy! All you have to do is leave a comment HERE!!!

So, just click it & leave a comment!!! Good luck girlies!!! It really is a FAB-u-LOUS kit!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

A challenge has been issued! & a sweet prize is up for grabs!

2009-09-17T09:51:00.012-05:00

Copied from the blog post by ME at Scrapbook Circle:

{September 09 Card Challenge Contest}...a prize is up for grabs!!!

How about a card challenge contest girls??? Do I have any players??? I know we have some fabulous card makers out there!!!

& yes, Miss Lisa has agreed to put a prize up for grabs!!! Thanks Lisa :o)

The prize includes:

6 sheets of Kaiser's brand new Pina Colada line
Kaiser Pina Colada Embroidered Badges
Kaiser Pina Colada Color Rub ons
Kaiser Bling Hearts
Kaiser Girl Bling
Kaiser Word Rub ons
Making Memories Mini Blue Alpha

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE working with sketches...so, I chose a PageMaps CardMap sketch from June 2009 for your inspiration:

I love this one because I could incorporate several patterned papers and the design is clean & simple!I decided to create a "Thank You" card, as one can never have enough of them on hand! Here's what I came up with:

I used Jillibean Soup pp's and a journaling sprout from the August Kit here at Scrapbook Circle. As you can see, I followed the sketch VERY closely! For the contest, you can change it up however you see fit; rotate, substitute an embellishment or element, etc. The sketch is only meant to INSPIRE :o)

Here are a few closeups:

In order to create the upper left circular element of the card, I chose to cut out a circle from the Jillibean Soup patterned paper. I thought it would be fun to use as the base of my flower embellishment.

Here is the upper left corner of the card with the flower & brad layered over the Jillibean Soup circle...

The Jillibean Soup journaling sprout came with printing on the other side, but I chose to use the blank side for my "Thank You" sentiment, stamped in red.I used an eyelet & some embroidery thread to attach the sentiment to the card & it was done! Super simple & easy...but I really like the finished project!

Supplies: June 09 CardMap White card base-unknown Jillibean Soup pp-hot water (both sides), mixed veggies (both sides) - AUG KIT, Jillibean Soup-journaling number sprout - AUG KIT, Stampin' Up-eyelet-Night of Navy, Spare Parts by The Paper Studio-silk flower & brad, Embroidery Thread, Machine zig zag stitching, Stampin' Up ink-Real Red

The RULES & fine print: Use the CardMap sketch above to create a card of your own with your choice of supplies. Post your creation to your blog, then post a comment to this post with a link back to your blog. Better yet, upload your creation to our Scrapbook Circle photo gallery & note "Sept 09 Card Contest" in the title of your photo upload. Either way, you will be entered into the contest which will run until September 30, 2009. A winner will be randomly chosen and announced on October 1, 2009. (There's no fine print...I was just kidding about that part!)

So, let's get those creative juices flowing & get some fabulous cards made! I can't wait to see what you come up with!!!

***********************************************

So to you my faithful blogger buddies...get busy & get a card created! I'd love to see what you come up with...& you'll be entered for you chance at that fab PRIZE!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Studio Calico PageMaps Sketch Contest!!!

2009-09-13T22:58:00.015-05:00

Hi all! Just getting this posted @ the wire...hmmm...ever since school fired back up, all of that "ME" time that I had enjoyed during the summer has completely disappeared...LOL! But my Sept. Kit from Scrapbook Circle arrived at the post office on Friday...so I got to play & create this weekend!!! If you haven't checked out Scrapbook Circle, you really should. Lisa puts together the most amazing kits---all with the latest & greatest scrapbook goodies! Last I heard, there were only a few September kits available!!!

So here's the PageMap sketch for the Calico Studio contest (along with the goodies up for grabs!!!):

and here's my take: "this moment"

The sketch called for a 5x7 photo, but I didn't have any photo paper at home that size, so I decided to print the photo onto cardstock...I think it supports the "vintage" feel of the layout :o) Plus I played with the Picaso photo editing software & created a B & W image with a soft color focus on the hunting vest...so cool...

and a few closeups:

Aren't those Jenni Bowlin mini circle alphas just the cutest??? Love 'em!

and the Pink Paislee Amber Road Borderlines Clear stickers are gorgeous!

As always, Becky Fleck's PageMaps are so fun to work with!

Supplies:

From the Sept. Scrapbook Circle Kit....

PP-Fancy Pants Kraft Kuts-Ledger, PP-lily bee-Vintage Poppy-Curio, Pink Paislee-Amber Road-Harvest Hayride, Jenni Bowlin-Vintage Black stickers (circle alpha), Jenni Bowlin-Memo Book Black, Pink Paislee-Amber Road-Borderlines Clear stickers

And from my stash...

Chipboard-CK KOTM "Mix It Up", Butterflies Twill-The Paper Studio, Zig Zag machine stitching, Martha Stewart journaling pen, Stampin' Up ink-Really Rust, Dimensional adhesive-The Paper Studio, Elmers Memory Book Glue pen

Thanks so much for stopping by! Take care & have a great week!

VINTAGE HARVEST so much to love!

2009-09-06T11:13:00.002-05:00

sept_kit_full-770575
Originally uploaded by 2jamscrapper

The September kit @ Scrapbook Circle is GORGEOUS! So full of yummy patterned papers & embellishments! I CANNOT wait to get my hands on this one!!!

It will for sure sell out...so hurry on over to get yours!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great 3 day weekend! Take care!

Scrapbook Circle reveals "Vintage Harvest"

2009-09-01T19:48:00.008-05:00

Yep! It's that time again! Is it just me? or are the months just flying by lately??? Well, the first of the month always brings a brand spankin' new kit to Scrapbook Circle...just when I think Miss Lisa just can't out do the previous month...hello??? The BOYFRIEND by Cosmo Cricket was in the August kit...quite possibly the biggest hit @ CHA this summer!!! Anyhoo...take a look at the September kit photos...

Vintage Harvest:

Looks absolutely gorgeous to me!!! I'm dying to get my hands on it...not here yet though...I'm trying to be REALLY patient :o)

& here's another fun sneak...these colors just look wonderful!!!

From Scrapbook Circle:

This kit is loaded with lots of brand new product. We are so excited to share with you product from a new company: Lily Bee. We know that you are going to love their paper as much as we do. We are also featuring Pink Paislee and we know you already love their products. Lots of new goodness from Jenni Bowlin too. Hope you have a fabulous time playing with this kit!

Patterned Paper
Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Shabby
Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Chic
Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Treasure
Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Dainty
Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Market
Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Curio
Fancy Pants Kraft Ledger
Pink Paislee Amber Road Apple cider
Pink Paislee Autumn Blossom
Pink Paislee Harvest Hayride
Pink Paislee Bonfire

Embellishments
3 Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Frame Die Cuts
Pink Paislee Amber Road Postcards
Pink Paislee Amber Road Borderline Stickers
1/2 Jenni Bowlin Memo Book Black
Sassafras Gray Buttons
1 sheet Jenni Bowlin Mini Circle Alpha
1 Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Black Tulle Flower
Jenni Bowlin Black Border Stickers

The kits from Scrapbook Circle have been selling out every month...so don't delay...get on over there & check it out! You will THANK me for it :o)

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Quite a surprise for me :o)

2009-08-31T22:17:00.003-05:00

Earlier this summer I came across Your Memories By Design (YMBD) & got involved in their "92 Days of Summer" contest....well, let's just say that I thought since I was already doing Project 365...that this contest would be easy to accomplish...hmmm...I sorta got derailed somewhere along the way :o) I'm still taking photos everyday, but somehow they aren't landing in my album on a regular basis...I have until the end of September to complete about 11 weeks worth of "weekly" layouts in order to qualify for the SLICE giveaway...WISH me LUCK, would ya???

Okay, so the ladies over at YMBD are just so sweet and even though I'm WAY behind on the "92 Days of Summer" contest, I still check in...well, they had a contest last week and the PRIZE was the Guest Design Spot for October! Guess who won??? HOL-E cow!!! I was blown away when I got the email...so many talented scrappers out there...so I'm excited & can't wait to get the goodies...thanks Catherine!

Tomorrow is the scheduled full reveal for the September kit for Scrapbook Circle...haven't got the kit yet, so I am anxious to see what Lisa has put together for us...as usual, it will be FABULOUS!!!

That's all for tonight! Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

More love for the BOYFRIEND...

2009-08-30T16:01:00.005-05:00

Just popping in quick today to share a layout I finished up today using Sketch #34 over at 52Sketches52Weeks:

LOVE this sketch! & I had the perfect photos...I just snapped a ton of photos at the Blast Off Party held during the first week of school...plus I still had supplies left in the August kit from Scrapbook Circle...Cosmo Cricket's the BOYFRIEND...perfection :o)

FUN 2009:

(for some reason, the photos on this layout appear dark...sorry about that!)

& a few closeups:

I popped up the 2nd strip with foam adhesive to give the layout some dimension...& aren't those Making Memories tiny alpha just the coolest thing???

I cut out a few images from the Border strips and layered a few October Afternoon Road Map Label Stickers...LOVE those journaling spots!!!

Just can't do a layout without machine stitching...LOVE how this zig zag stitching ties the pp's together...

Supplies:

From the August Kit @ Scrapbook Circle: PP-Cosmo Cricket the BOYFRIEND-Borders, Homework & Art Appreciation, Red Button, Making Memories-tiny alpha-black on white, Luxe Designs-Simple Alpha-black, October Afternoon-Road Map label stickers

From my stash: Favorite Findings-button, embroidery thread, Date stamp, Stampin' Up ink-Real Red, Zig Zag machine stitching, Fiskars Border Punch-Threading Water

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Cards for a Cause & MORE!!!

2009-08-26T22:11:00.013-05:00

Wow...seems like forever since I last blogged...things sure changed around here as soon as school got fired back up! Didn't take me long to get STRESSED out! LOL! But the boys are doing great & the new school year is off to a wonderful start!

First off, I'd like to share a link with you...the link will take you to Jana's blog, This Little Card of Mine, where I first came across a story about a special little girl named Kate & her family. Jana has it all lined out HERE.

I haven't been making cards for all that long, but knew that I could easily dig through my stash of previously created cards & find cards that I could send in for Kate & her family. I found three that would work, but didn't have anything for her little brother....so....I got busy & came up with this:

This card was super easy to put together...a little Cuttlebug embossing, some pp, a little stitching, a super cute chipboard rocket from the Creating Keepsakes "Mix It Up" kit & it was done! {I finally tried out some of the Elmer's glue that I won from SPCC...I used it on the "flames" & it worked wonderfully! Dried clear too! I will be using it again for sure! Thanks again Sam!}

& here's a photo of the cards I'm sending to Kate's family:

So, all of you cardmakers out there, click on over to Jana's blog for all the details! Let's send some love Kate's way!!! :o)

*****************************************************************************

Now, on to my weekly challenges...yes, I am talking about SPCC Color Combo challenge & 2Sketches4You!

SPCC Color Combo #12:

Gorgeous colors, huh???

And the weekly sketch @ 2S4Y is from Laura #33:

I really like the card sketches @ 2S4Y...they always leave plenty of room for your own interpretation...

Here's "Believe In Yourself":

LOVE that unexpected splash of orange! Definitely not something I would normally choose, but it just adds a fun touch :o)

Here's a few close ups...my mom won some Shimmerz a while back & she let me borrow it...well, I still haven't actually used it, but I did use one of the paper flowers that my mom applied Shimmerz to...it is so pretty & well, shimmery :o)

Supplies:

Kraft card base-The Paper Studio, PP-Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paper pad, Fiskars border punch Threading Water, Cuttlebug, Cuttlebug embossing folder Swiss Dots, Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle-Large, Felt flower-Making Memories Noteworthy, Paper flower-unknown, Shimmerz-Angel Wings, Button-Favorite Findings-Citrus, Stamp sentiment-PSX-Pixie Affirmations, Stampin' Up ink-Chocolate Chip, embroidery floss & machine stitching.

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure & check out Cards for Kate!!! Take care!

Gotta love a chance @ some blog candy!!!

2009-08-26T21:59:00.004-05:00

I came across some fabulous blog candy tonight...so just had to share it with you! Julie is a fellow SPCC'er :o) and has a wonderful blog Julie's Open Window. Go & check it out! Valued @ $125!!!

WE HAVE WINNER(s)!!!!!

2009-08-22T12:32:00.005-05:00

Hi there my blogger buddies! Hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing weekend! (yeah right...I don't know about you all, but my weekends USUALLY mean time for me get caught up on things that I can't find the time to do during the week...like laundry, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning out the cat litter box, balancing the checkbook...seems like the list just goes on & on!!!) Guess that is what happens to me when I ignore all of these things, so that I can do some scrappy things :o) :o) :o)

OKAY...I owe everyone a huge "I'M SORRY!!!" I really meant to get the winner(s) of my 1st anniversary blog giveaway posted yesterday....but, sometimes, life just happens & you go with it! My boys went back to school this week & a fun night for the kids got planned for Friday night...so glad we went! All of the kids had a blast & I got some GREAT photos! I will share a few of those later this weekend :o) My favorite event from last night? The local sheriff's deputy brought "drunk" goggles for the kids to wear while pushing a classmate in a wheelbarrow...it was a total riot!!!

On to the giveaway!!! Let me just say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who commented, followed, linked and so on! You guys are the best! You sure know how to make a girl feel good! The online scrapping community is just AMAZING & I truly enjoy being a part of it! The best part? Now I have all of you to come & visit too! When time allows....I will drop by from time to time to check on you :o)

So it took me FOREVER to get everyone's comments, links & following names into a bucket :o) NOTE TO SELF: Do it different next time! LOL!

So I shook up the names.......................................

and shook them up some more.....................................................

Seriously, I was so nervous..................................................

& I reached in (with my eyes closed, of course!).........................................

and pulled out this LUCKY name.....................................................

Carly said...
Awesome blog! Congrats on the year in blogging! Hope to make it there myself! I am now following you and posted a link on my own blog! j-and-a-mama.blogspot.comfound you from scrapforfun!
August 18, 2009 4:19 PM

CARLY you are my 1st ever 1st Anniversary Blog Giveaway Winner!!!!!! Congrats!!!!!

& guess what????? Carly was sent over by Scrap4Fun!!! So that means she wins too!!!!

So girls, send me an email with your snail mail addy so I can get your goodies headed your way!!! ksmilford@fairpoint.net

Thanks again to all of my blogging buddies! You are all so inspiring! Love ya!

Sorry for the wait....WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

2009-08-22T11:17:00.001-05:00

So many things to share...never enough time :o)

2009-08-18T21:58:00.014-05:00

A quick reminder (or announcement if you are new to my blog) You still have time to enter my 1st anniversary Blog Giveaway! Deadline is August 20th! Just click the link in the upper left column to get the details! I am just blown away by the entries...& yes, I am adding some goodies, but don't have a picture...trust me, I really want to share the Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paper pad with you...you know, one for you, one for me, one for you, one for me :0) & I already have set aside another pile of the CUTEST ever chipboard pieces from the Creating Keepsakes KOTM "Mix It Up"!

***************************************************************************

Well, it's back to school for my boys this week! They were not exactly enthusiastic about the thought of hitting the books again, but deep down, I think they were ready to hang out with all of their friends. 2 a day football practices started up on Monday as well...seriously, you must LOVE football to drag yourself out of bed @ 5:30am...not me...I made my DH make sure they were up & moving around :0) Of course, once you are awake, I'm finding it nearly impossible to get any decent additional zzz's before the alarm goes off again between 6am & 6:30am.

So on that 1st day of school, I decided to be a little bit late to work, just so I could snap the traditional back to school photo of my boys. They got home from practice @ 7:30am, took quick showers, put on some smell good stuff, ate a quick bite of breakfast and were ready to roll. I didn't even have to beg them for a photo op...apparently, I have them well trained! yeah right!

So here is the official back to school photo for the Milford boys:

So hard for me to believe they are both in high school this year! Growing up so fast!

If you follow my blog at all, you know that I have an addiction...no not the Diet Pepsi problem that I seem to have...I'm refering to online challenges, etc. Seems as if now that I have started...I just CANNOT stop :o)

Just found out today that my altered frame placed me into the Top 10 for SPCC Color Combo #10 (usually the Top 5, but Samantha just couldn't narrow it down to 5!!!) Thanks Samantha! Seriously, there have been so many wonderful entries & I LOVE taking a look @ what everyone is doing! Tons of inspiration!

So here is SPCC Color Combo #11: (Copic markers are up for grabs again this week too!)

The other challenge that MUST be done each week is the sketch challenge @ 2Sketches4You. If you haven't checked this out, you really should! Tons of entries each week...& the work is AMAZING...I can't even believe I actually submit my cards! These girls are just crazy good!!! I mostly just drool over all of the creations...so, THANKS for the inspiration girls!!!

Here's Kazan's Sketch #33:

The prize this week @ 2S4Y? A gift certificate to Clear & Simple Stamps AND a Guest Designer for a week spot at 2Sketches4You! Now, wouldn't that be fun???

I must admit, I struggled with this sketch at first. Not sure why? Sometimes I try too hard. So I just walked away...well, actually ran out of time too! A girl has got to get her sleep! So I gave it a try again tonight, and I am pretty tickled with the result :o) I wanted to make a birthday card for my mother-in-law....(SO, KAY, IF YOU ARE READING MY BLOG...I SUGGEST YOU NOT SCROLL DOWN) LOL!

What? How did that cute little RED bird get on my card??? (Sorry, Samantha...if that disqualifies me this week for the color combo challenge, it's ok...he was just too stinkin' cute not to include!) ALSO, I'm a bit of a perfectionist...well, on some things at least...& my sewing machine buggered up the stitching on the bottom of my card...front & center...grrr...but I just didn't have it in me to re-do...

Here's a fun close up..just because!

These cute chipboard pieces were all part of a kit that I purchased from Creating Keepsakes called "Mix It Up". There are just TONS of pieces (I included some in my BLOG GIVEAWAY) and they are all just adorable! & who doesn't LOVE the tiny alpha stickers by Making Memories???

Supplies:

White card base & kraft cardstock by The Paper Studio, PP-Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paper pad, Chipboard-CK KOTM "Mix It Up", Die cut frame-Making Memories Noteworthy, Opaline half pearls-Basic Grey, Offray Ribbon-Sheer Petit Dot Brown, Making Memories Chloe's Closet tiny alpha stickers, dimensional adhesive squares. Tools: sand paper, sewing machine & Creative Memories Borderlines-scallop.

Well, time for me to sign off...I can hear the thunder & rain outside...I should sleep like a baby tonight :o) Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

"Vintage Harvest" sneak peak @ Scrapbook Circle

2009-08-17T23:15:00.006-05:00

Ok, this is a super quick post, but I just have to share this sneak peak photo from Scrapbook Circle for the September kit!!! Look at these patterned papers!!! New stuff from Lily Bee Vintage Poppy Line and Pink Paislee Amber Road Line...can't wait to play!!!

These kits have been selling out fast, so if you are interested...you just might want to scoot on over the Scrapbook Circle :0)

I tried to create a birthday card tonight, but the creative juices just weren't quite flowing...maybe tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Burned Biscuits

2009-08-17T07:44:00.003-05:00

We have all received tons of email over the years...you know, the stuff that gets "Forwarded"...well, every once in a while, one comes along that I actually read & it ends up really touching me. Just felt like sharing it with you today...thought it would be a great way to start out a new week :o)

******

When I was a wee "tike", my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now & then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extemely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter & jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Baby, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!" You know, life is full of imperfect things...and imperfect people. What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket! Keep it in you own."

******

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Another SPCC project! & Join Scrapbook Circle on Facebook!

2009-08-14T23:06:00.019-05:00

Happy Friday all! I just LOVE to see them roll around each week! This is our last free weekend before the boys start back to school on Monday...I have been in such denial...the summer just went way too fast!

After creating the "Thinking of You" card for SPCC color combo challenge #10, I realized that a frame that I rec'd as a RAK from a very special blogger buddy was just the perfect item to alter...AND...it fit the Pale Plum color category!!!

Once again, here is SPCC #10:

And my altered frame:

This Bazzill magnetic mini frame is just the cutest little thing! But it was very plain...so I thought I'd "alter" it a bit...LOVE how it turned out! Now I just need to find a photo of ME...then will give it to my DH :o)

The flower on this was created just like on the card shown in my last post: I cut it out of pp, then added some Ranger Stickles Star Dust and finished off the center with a clear button & some twine. Super simple, yet adds lots of dimension to this little project!

Another great thing about this project was that I dug into my supplies & pulled out some KI Memories cardstock border stickers...I first used the strips along the top & bottom of the frame, then realized that the perfect color of circle stickers were left behind after another one of the border stickers had been used on a previous layout...

See the circle stickers that got left behind once the border sticker had been used? Well, they were perfect for this project! I added just a little bling to finish them off :o)

***************************************************************************

As a member of the design team at Scrapbook Circle, I am happy to announce that we now have a fun fan page on Facebook! It is brand new, so we'd love for you to come & join us!

Scrapbook Circle Fan Facebook Page

***************************************************************************

Well, once again it is past my bedtime, so it's time to sign off for now! Be sure and check out my BLOG GIVEAWAY if you haven't already done so! The link is at the top left column of my blog! The comments are coming in pretty steady...I'd really LOVE to add a few more goodies to the giveaway...I'd say by Monday I will be adding a little bit of "lemonade" (hint, hint)

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

A blog award =) and 3 challenges in one!!!

2009-08-13T07:18:00.011-05:00

One of the sweetest blogger buddies a girl could ever have awarded me with the coolest blog award....thank you so much Diana! Please go visit Diana's blog...she is on the DT @ Scrapbook Circle with me & she creates fantastic scrappy stuff....cards, layouts & other fun projects! Did I mention that she is the sweetest blogger buddy????

This award is called the "Eye Like Your Style" from Janis at Pause, Dream, Enjoy. This beautiful award was created by her daughter.

The rules are easy....1) by accepting this award you recognize that the giver "likes your style." 2) you agree to proudly display this award on your blog and post a link back to the giver. 3) you will share this award with those whose styles you like...because there are so many wonderful blogs out there!

So I would like to pass along this award to the following girls:

1) Susan Z

2) Kristina

3) Jen D

Go check them out & give 'em some love!!!

*******************************************************************************

Now, on to the 3 challenges in one!!!

Not sure what it is about challenges lately...but I seem to be on a roll! & because time seems to be limited lately for scrappy endeavors :0( creating cards seems to be what I am loving!

So I combined this week's color combo @ SPCC #10 with Laura's sketch #32 @ 2Sketches4You & the monthly card challenge @ Scrapjazz, which is to create a sympathy card.

SPCC #10

Laura's Sketch #32 @ 2Sketches4You

I realized that I don't have a sympathy sentiment stamp in my stash, so I chose to go with "Thinking of You":

I turned the sketch on its side this time around & really made it my own! :0)

and a close up of the flowers:

I handcut these flowers from patterned paper, then inked them a bit, added some stitching, and then blinged them out with Star Dust Stickles. I am not exactly thrilled with how this card turned out...but I do like the color combo...soft & muted.

Supplies:

Kraft card base - The Paper Studio

PP-Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 paper pad

PP-Fancy Pants Delight Strips (May kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

PP-American Crafts Craft Fair-Elenore Battington (May kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

Multi Borderlines cardstock border stickers - KI Memories

Stampin' Up-Great Greetings sentiment stamp

Versa Magic chalk ink-Jumbo Java

Ranger Stickles-Star Dust

Zig Zag & straight machine stitching

You should really go check out these fun challenges! Did I mention what's up for grabs??? Copic markers worth $80 at SPCC! $30 of scrappy goodies at Scrapjazz! 3 sets of printable stamps/cutting files from The Cutting Cafe' from 2Sketches4You!

If you haven't already done so, please check out my 1st Blog Anniversary Giveaway! The link to my Giveaway post is at the top of the left side of my blog!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

For the love of PageMaps...

2009-08-11T23:39:00.013-05:00

I'll admit it once again...I'm addicted to PageMaps!!! They are my favorite sketches....& there is something up for grabs again, so you should go check out the PageMaps blog!!!

Here's the sketch:

& the only criteria was to create using a SUMMER theme...so I grabbed my Scrapbook Circle kit from June because I knew the Cosmo Cricket Snorkel pp's & the Fancy Pants Summer Soiree pp's would be PERFECT!

Soak up the Sun:

These photos are of my son Joel hanging out at Gma Sarah's pool in June '07. He took one look at this layout & said "Wow, I've changed, haven't I MOM?" Yep. It's amazing what 2 years will do to ya! The biggest difference is no braces now...& that really changed his looks.

A close up of the journaling...because I still haven't figured out how to load my photos into blogger so that you can click on them to get a "zoomed" view...anyone an expert out there???

A favorite technique for me right now is folding, distressing & stitching paper to create strips...they add so much dimension! & they were perfect for creating the "frame" in the sketch!

Aren't these October Afternoon Road Map label stickers cool? I just love them! They were included in the August kit @ Scrapbook Circle :0)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplies:

PP-Cosmo Cricket Snorkel: School's Out (June kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

PP-Fancy Pants Summer Soiree-Sunkissed & Cards (June kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

Making Memories Puffy Alpha-brown (July kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

October Afternoon Road Map label stickers (August kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

Making Memories tiny alpha-black on white (August kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

Creative Memories journaling pen

Zig Zag machine stitching

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notice how many supplies I am pulling into this layout from several different Scrapbook Circle kits??? Gotta LOVE that!

And as a reminder: I am celebrating my 1st year anniversary in blogland! So, go check out my giveaway post...a link is located on the left hand side of my blog, right @ the top!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

How about a GIVEAWAY???

2009-08-10T19:25:00.006-05:00

****************************************************

CONTEST NOW CLOSED - Winnner to be posted today :o)

****************************************************

I think that a GIVEAWAY is order! Exactly one year ago today, I decided that it would be fun (& necessary) to create a blog...& well, the rest is history! My DH still doesn't quite get the whole concept, & my kids beg me on occasion...MOM, PLEASE DO NOT POST THAT PHOTO...or MOM, TELL ME THAT YOU AREN'T GOING TO TELL THAT STORY!!! he, he, he :0)

I have made some FABULOUS, WONDERFUL, FUN, UBER TALENTED & DELIGHTFUL friends via this blog...I am so glad that I took the plunge a year ago! Thank you so much for all of the "love" you have shown me, for all of the encouragement, and because I do stalk a few of you...thanks for sharing your stories with me! You know who you are! LOVE YOU GIRLIES!!!

That said, I'd love to make some more blogger buddies! & to celebrate my first year as a blogger, here's a little something for one lucky blogger:

Not the greatest photo...but I just couldn't get one that I really liked... :o( Here's a rundown of what's up for grabs:

SEI Scrapbook in a Bag-Aunt Gertie's Sidekicks 8x8 Memory Book Kit
Making Memories Flip Frame Album
3 - Jenni Bowlin mini calendars
4 - Making Memories Vintage Findings tickets
Various pieces of Creating Keepsakes Kit of the Month "Mix It Up" chipboard (so CUTE!)
3 - Bazzill Chipboard Ribbon Sliders
American Crafts Thickers-Daiquiri foam alpha
2 - American Crafts ribbons
Chipboard alpha - baby blue/glitter
4 - Scalloped notecards w/envelopes
The Paper Studio-Spare Parts-Fabric Brads
Making Memories Noteworthy tiny alpha "Tara"
Misc. silk flowers
6 - Making Memories Noteworthy spiral notebook pages (1 of each design)
Fancy Pants About a Boy-Rockin' pp
3 - Making Memories Noteworthy pp

So here's how you could win these goodies:

1) Follow me - but only if you really want to :0) I'd love to get to know you too! The more blogger buddies the merrier, right??? If you follow me, that is one entry!

2) Post a link about my 1 year blog anniversary giveaway to your blog. Then leave me a comment with your link. That's another entry!

3) Simply leave me a comment. You guessed it, that's another entry!

4) If someone leaves a comment & tells me that you sent them over & they win the giveaway, well, my blogger buddy, that means I will send you a special "surprise" RAK too! How about that???

So you have up to 4 chances to win some scrappy goodies! I will link this post at the top left of my blog for 10 days...then on August 21st...I will announce the lucky winner!

P.S. I have MORE scrap goodies that I would love to add to this giveaway...so let's get those comments & links & following going...I'd love to add some Cosmo Cricket & Basic Grey!!! :0)

Thanks again for a wonderful year! Take care!

SPCC Color Combo #9 & 2Sketches4You

2009-08-04T22:49:00.008-05:00

Why not throw a couple of challenges together??? I had a lots of fun creating this card...I RARELY get to scrap with "girlie" colors & flowers & stuff like that...so when I saw Samantha's choice of colors for this week's color combo, well, I just knew that I would have to find some time to PLAY along :0)

Here's SPCC #9:

and Kazan's card sketch #32 at 2 Sketches 4 You this week appealed to my style:

So here's the "Thank You" card that I created:

I'm pretty happy with how this card turned out...my yellow is a little more INTENSE than Barely Banana...but as I look at the cards I've created lately...I'd say bright, cheery, happy, full of color is what I'm all about!!! :0)

and a close up:

Supplies:

White cardstock base-unknown, Cocoa cardstock-unknown, Basic Grey Lemonade 6x5 paper pad (how fun are these???), sheer ribbon (recycled from gift wrap on a pkg), silk flowers, Basic Grey Designer Glazed brad, Stampin' Up Great Greetings sentiment stamp, Stampin' Up ink-Orchid Opulence & zig zag machine stitching

Thanks so much for stopping by! Take care!

P.S. My 1st year BLOG ANNIVERSARY is right around the corner...I will be posting a fun GIVEAWAY sometime tomorrow...so be sure & check it out!!! :0)

August Kit @ Scrapbook Circle!!!

2009-08-03T22:21:00.019-05:00

The brand spankin' NEW August Kit is up @ Scrapbook Circle! & I have had lots of fun playing with it :0) Lucky ME, huh???

The August kit is loaded with lots of BRAND NEW pp's! Cosmo Cricket's the Boyfriend is so much fun...especially since I'm scrappin' teenage boys! It's just PERFECT! Here's what you will find in the kit:

Patterned Paper
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Homework
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Tube Socks
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Studyhall
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Drivers Ed
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Art Appreciation
Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup Mixed Veggies
Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup Hot Water
Jillibean Soup Alphabet Soup Alphabet Pasta
Glitz Olivia Stripe
Glitz Olivia Hearts
Glitz Olivia Roses

Embellishments
Assortment of Jillibean Soup Journaling
Circle Numbers
Glitz Red or Green Bling
Cosmo Cricket Borders
October Afternoon Road Map Labels
October Afternoon Road Map Postcards
Making Memories Tiny White Alpha
Luxe Black Alpha or Basic Grey Alpha
1/2 yard black Twine
Assortment of Coordinating Buttons

Here are the layouts that I have created so far...I've got several more ideas floating around in my head...just gotta find some time! Anybody know where I can get some??? LOL!

"License 2 DRIVE":

Close up of titlework...gotta love that Glitz Frosting bling!

Close up of folded paper/stitching...this just might be my new favorite technique :0)

Close up of the fun journaling cards/labels by October Afternoon:

Here's "day one":

Close up of the Jillibean Number journaling spot/October Afternoon Road Map labels:

and a close up of the October Afternoon Road Map journaling card/buttons & football (cut from Cosmo Cricket the Boyfriend-Borders):

and finally, "DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME":

How fun is this anyway???

If you are looking for a monthly kit club, I encourage you to check out Scrapbook Circle!!! You will not be disappointed! Lisa, you did a fabulous job again with this kit! So cool to get NEWLY RELEASED goodies...ladies, these were just unveiled at CHA!!!

I will be back tomorrow...I have a blog award that I can't wait to show off!!! This crazy world of online scrapbooking has brought me some wonderful new friends...it's just incredible!!!

Well, as usual, it is getting LATE...too LATE for me to be up!!! Thanks for stopping by! & take care!

Take the high road...

2009-08-03T13:23:00.002-05:00

Hello there blogger buddies! Sorry it's been awhile since my last post...I must have needed to UNPLUG for a few days :0)

The past week has been a bit on the tough side for my family...without going into all of the deets...here's a quick recap: We live in a VERY small rural community. Everyone pretty much knows everyone. & we are proud of our little town, our little school, etc.!!! Well, we got "news" about a week ago that friends of ours had decided to move to a neighboring town (just 10 miles away) & would be enrolling their kids into this RIVAL school. Let me just say:

WE WERE MAD.

WE WERE ANGRY.

WE WERE HURT.

It's still just UNBELIEVABLE. Our kids had grown up together & would all be in high school together this year...so for my boys, it is like losing your best friend...

The good news? The healing has begun!!! We have done all we could do to convince this family ( & their possible followers) that they are making a mistake. After a week of negative thoughts, anger, hurt feelings....my DH pulled his family together yesterday...& we prayed together. What a wonderful man to lead his young sons to acceptance, healing & forgiveness.

So the next time you feel like the world is falling apart around you, like you can't take one more disappointment....just remember, God won't give you more than you can handle. Remember to pray. Remember to take the high road....

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

P.S. The PLAN is to post again tonight!!!

P.S.S. My blog anniversary GIVEAWAY is heading your way...very soon!!! :0)

I {heart} SPCC Color Combos!

2009-07-29T21:27:00.008-05:00

Well, I'm a bit delayed in getting this posted to my blog this week...you know, sometimes life just won't allow for scrappy time!

I was thrilled to find out on Monday that I was chosen as the winning entry for SPCC Color Combo #7!!! Thanks so much Samantha!!! Can't wait to try out the Elmer adhesives that are headed my way!

And I also recently was a winner of some Basic Grey! I was randomly chosen as a winner on the Kenner Road blog! A 6x6 Basic Grey Lemonade paper pad & opalines arrived in my mailbox on Tuesday! These are so fun! & perfect for card making :0) Thanks Kerry Lynn! Your kits look amazing...I just drool...

Here is the SPCC color combo challenge for this week:

I decided to create a card again...I am just having so much fun lately with that! Plus, I was needing a special anniversary card :0) & here's a card sketch that I came across on Diana's blog (go check her out, because her card is AMAZING! Love her flower technique!!!)

The sketch is from 2 Sketches 4 You:

There is a $100 gift certificate up for grabs at 2 Sketches 4 You for JustRite Stamps this week! Hurry, go get a card made!!! :0)

So here's my take on both challenges:

As you can see, I didn't wait long to use some of that fabulous Basic Grey Lemonade! I got as close as I could on the "Dusty Durango" color...I think mine is a bit darker, more like rust, but it works! The Happy Anniversary sentiment stamp is from a Stampin' Up set - Great Greetings and I used Stampin' Up ink - Cameo (it matched the Dusty Durango almost perfectly!). I created the stamped circle image using a Martha Stewart stamp from the Heart & Flowers set and then cut it out...a really fun set that I haven't used much yet, but I am definitely going to be playing with it more! The Stampin' Up ink I used was More Mustard.

Here's a close up of the button/flower/sentiment:

Supplies:

Sketch from 2 Sketches 4 You

SPCC Color Combo #8

White card base - unknown

Cardstock - unknown

PP - Basic Grey Lemonade - 6x6 paper pad

Martha Stewart Heart & Flower clear stamp set

Stampin' Up Great Greetings sentiment stamp

Stampin' Up ink - Cameo & More Mustard

Fiskars Threading Water Border punch

Flower & button - unknown

Embroidery thread & machine stitching

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

2009-07-25T15:29:00.012-05:00

I have really been into creating cards lately...maybe because it's usually a smaller & quicker project than a layout, but still oh so fun???

My mom's birthday is today! Happy Birthday, MOM! Love you! & so I just HAD to (yeah, I hated every minute of it) make her a very special birthday card!

***************************************************************************

Note to MOM: If you don't want to spoil opening your card and it being a surprise, then I suggest you DO NOT scroll down :o)

****************************************************************

I found a few CardMaps at PageMaps and finally settled on this one as my inspiration:

I had received a wonderful prize of scrappy goodies from Danielle a while back & I had really been wanting to use the Prima Flowers, so I thought this card sketch would be perfect! I also just used bits & pieces of scraps from the fabulous July kit @ Scrapbook Circle! If you haven't checked out this monthly kit club, you really are missing out!

So here's the birthday card for Mom:

I LOVE how this card turned out! It is so bright & happy! I think my Mom will love it! :0) Here's a close-up of the cute Prima Lollipop Punch flower: (thanks Danielle!)

and a close-up of the folded & stitched stem I created using the ever popular Cosmo Cricket Early Bird Sunrise paper from the July kit @ Scrapbook Circle!

and finally a close-up of the birthday sentiment by Stampin' Up; I stamped it onto the kraft cardstock using Stampin' Up Old Olive ink:

Supplies:

June CardMap @ PageMaps
White pre-folded card - unknown
Bazzill Kraft cardstock - July Kit @ Scrapbook Circle
Cosmo Cricket Early Bird - Farmers Market & Sunrise - July kit @ Scrapbook Circle
Sassafras Vintage Yummy - Darling Dear - July kit @ Scrapbook Circle
Creative Memories - Green pp
Prima - Lollipops Punch flower
Stampin' Up - Old Olive ink & birthday sentiment stamp
Tools - Sandpaper & sewing machine

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

I wasn't about to let that die cut card get the best of me...

2009-07-23T20:34:00.011-05:00

Well, I'm back with another card created for SPCC Color Combo Challenge #7. I encourage you to play along! Everyone is super sweet & it is really fun to go see what everyone is creating!

Here's the combo:

If you read my previous post, I ATTEMPTED creating a die cut shaped card, but had a major mental block & gave up on it. But, not to be a quitter, I was determined to use the diecut shape!!!

I started with the white cardstock base that I had previously cut using my Cuttlebug & the largest Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle die. It measures approx. 4 inches across. I let the die hang over the edge of the card fold, so that when cut, it would create a hinge at the top.

Here's "BLOOM where you are planted":

I have to say that this is one of my favorite recent creations...something about it just makes me SMILE :0) I think it the fun scallop edge & the yellow cardstock...it just screams SUMMER!!!

Here's a view from the top so you can see where it hinges...

& finally a close-up of the flowers. I cut them from a K & Company Wild Saffron tag using an exacto knife, then curled the petals to create some dimension & finished them off with a Kaiser pearl in the center of each!

and a project just isn't complete for me without a little bit of stitching!!!

Supplies:

White cardstock base-unknown
Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Scallop Circle Large
Bazzill cardstock-yellow (May kit @ Scrapbook Circle)
Sassafras Vintage Yummy-Memory Lane (July kit @ Scrapbook Circle)
K & Company Wild Saffron Tag pad
Kaiser-Chocolate Pearls
Autumn Leaves Rhonna Farrer-Swirls clear stamp
Stampin' Up ink-Old Olive

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Gotta love a challenge...& a photo from Iraq!

2009-07-21T22:02:00.007-05:00

So my creative juices started flowing after I read Claude's card challenge on the Scrapbook Circle blog today...& I couldn't wait to get home & make SOMETHING, ANYTHING! LOL! Plus, I love playing along with Samantha's SPCC Color Combo challenges!!!

SPCC Color Combo Challenge #7:

I have to admit that when I first saw this color combo, I wasn't quite sure what I'd do. That OLD OLIVE was throwing me for a loop!!! Guess that's what the challenge is all about, right? To force yourself to step outside of your usual...outside of the box!

So, as Claude instructed I dug around in my scraps of pp's from the July kit @ Scrapbook Circle. Then I dug even deeper into my stash & decided it was just about time that I actually use the HUGE foam alpha's that were part of the Creating Keepsakes KOTM "Mix It Up".

& here's the fun, FUNKY & perfectly colorful card that I came up with:

You wouldn't believe where I started on this card...I have long been wanting to try a die cut shaped card, so I used my largest Nestabilites scallop circle and cut a white card, leaving a bit at the top to hinge. Then I cut the olive green scallop you see on the card above. Then I just looked at it for what seemed like....FOREVER....hmmm....now what??? I just couldn't come up with ANYTHING!!! So I set aside the really cute die cut card for a future project :0)

Supplies: Sassafras Vintage Yummy-Pleasantly Puzzled & Darling Dear & Kraft cardstock(from the July kit @ Scrapbook Circle!!!), PP-Creative Memories, Foam alpha-Creating Keepsakes KOTM "Mix It Up", Alpha stickers-K & Company, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, Nestabilities scallop circle, machine stitching, Stampin' Up ink-Tempting Turquoise (this was the closest I had to Bermuda Bay!) and I used it to ink the white foam alpha.

Now for the photo from Iraq! My nephew, Jay, is currently deployed in Iraq. He proudly serves in the Navy for this wonderful country of ours! I may have lost count, but I believe this is his 4th tour of duty...he ocassionally emails my sis-in-law and most recently he included a photo! He says he is home sick & ready to get home. It's looking like November.

Looks like a big sandbox, huh? A really HOT one! I know that he would appreciate prayers & happy thoughts sent his way!

Well, that's it for tonight! I have a book that is calling my name...

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

I think I will need a few more days...

2009-07-19T20:33:00.011-05:00

to recover from Fowler Threshing Days activities! Too many late nights! I got a NICE nap in this afternoon, but I'm feeling like that may not have been enough! LOL! We finished the week out with a Dodgeball tournament on Thursday night (@ which I helped sell concessions), a volleyball tournament on Friday night (@ which I helped sell concessions) and then a full day of activities on Saturday, starting with a parade & ending with a street dance...lots of summer fun!!!

I have a quick layout to share tonight & then I think I will be enjoying the cool evening air on our back porch...

This layout was inspired by yet another sketch contest at the PageMaps blog. Up for grabs? A $50 gift certificate to EAD Designs!!! Here's the sketch:

I rotated the sketch and came up with "YOU & ME":

This layout didn't come together easily for me. Probably because I really wanted to use the My Mind's Eye background patterned paper 'cause I think it's really cool...but maybe I should have used something else??? Anyhoo...in the end, I'm happy with the layout & I LOVE this photo of Joel & I.

Supplies used: (It was fun to dig into my stash & used some old with some new!)

PP-My Mind's Eye-Out & About No. 1 Tiny Dots Paper & Front Porch by Traci Sims-Perfect Plaid, Sassafras-Serendipity-Owl Pals-Flirtation

Alpha-Sassafras cardstock stickers

Journaling strips-K & Company Wild Saffron Tag Pad

Paper Flowers-My Mind's Eye-Graceful

Button-American Crafts-Romance Flair Love

Ribbon-Offray-Sheer Petit Dot brown

Ticket-Making Memories-Vintage Findings

Rubon-Fancy Pants Delight (May kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

Card-Fancy Pants Delight (May kit @ Scrapbook Circle)

Journaling pens-American Crafts & Creative Memories

Ink-Stampin' Up-Chocolate Chip

Tools-Date stamp, sewing machine, Fiskars border punch

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

P365 2009 * POTD * 7.15.09

2009-07-16T06:05:00.006-05:00

Mission: Project 365 2009

Task: Take a "Picture of the Day" everyday

Goal: Create an album that documents a snapshot of everyday life

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last night...

It's 11PM

Yes, 11PM...why on earth was I not already in bed?

Joel suddenly realizes that he is hungry...

AGAIN!

There he is in the kitchen...

trying to fish a dill pickle out of the pickle jar.

What is it about the dill pickle?

I'm not a huge fan,

but some kids (& adults) just go crazy for them????

ANYWAY...

I suddenly realize that the POTD has NOT, I repeat, NOT been taken!

This is not good.

Not good at all.

MOM: Hey, Joel...I haven't taken our POTD.

JOEL: (standing at the fridge with a rather large dill pickle hanging out of his mouth, turns to me & he's like): Take my picture already...(but he doesn't actually say that because of the dill pickle...)

MOM: Ummm...Joel, I'm not taking your picture with the dill pickle stuck in your mouth.

So....

He poses for me

I snap the photo

I review it

MOM: Joel, this is actually a really good picture of you!

He takes a look

MOM: You are really cute!

He walks away, with a funny grin/smirk on his face...

Knowing just how cute he really is...

He's gonna break hearts someday, huh?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P365 * POTD * 7.15.09

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

[note to self: in the future, prior to taking photos in the kitchen, do the dishes first]

It's a crazy week around here...a sweet award & a layout to share!

2009-07-15T19:57:00.013-05:00

I'm LOL about my blog entry titles lately...seems so random...guess that is what happens when LIFE gets crazy and you have lots to share :0)

The small town that I live in has a big celebration every year called "Threshing Days"-the original idea behind it was to celebrate after the wheat harvest! Beginning a week before the actual celebration, we start having nightly events. Night golf, movie night in the park, flag football tournament, potluck in the park, night swim, dodge ball tournament, volleyball tournament, & so on! Lots to do!

Here's just a couple of fun pics:

The above photo was taken @ the park on movie night...& yes, it might be considered a little bit red-neckish, but we don't really care! LOL! My nephew rigged up this old wheat truck several years ago with a "big screen" attached to the side of it. He uses a projector to display the movie on the "big screen"...it works like a charm! We had beautiful weather & a great family movie "RV" starring Robin Williams. I had forgotten just how funny that movie was!

& here's my guys playing flag football! They put together a high school team, but were definitely outsized by the rest of the "adult" teams...I think they had fun anyway?

Now for the blog award! I have rec'd this award before, but it is always such a sweet surprise to be honored by a blogger buddy! I rec'd this ONE LOVELY BLOG AWARD from Kristin. She really has a great blog with challenges & such (scrappy goodies up for grabs too!) so you really should go check her out! Thanks Kristin! Now, I am supposed to pass this award along to some newly discovered blogs...I have found some great blogs thru the SPCC Color Combo challenges. Here's a few of my faves: Raechelle & Amy! Go check them out...they have great blogs & are very talented scrappers!

Here are the rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered (sorry but I just don't have time to pass it on to 15!!!)

3) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

& finally a layout that I want to share! I created this layout for a guest design team spot contest at Back Porch Memories using the PageMap provided. I love entering this contest because you have a chance @ being chosen to guest design, plus you have a chance to win a scrappy prize! Well, sad to say, I didn't win either. LOL! But, the bonus for me is that I created a layout that I absolutely adore...I can say that, can't I??? :0) It's of my DH & I (for some reason, we hardly ever have our picture taken together, so for me, it's priceless!)

19 years:

the journaling:

the embellies close up:

Most of the supplies used on this layout came from various kits @ Scrapbook Circle. I am loving their kits...go check them out! You won't be disappointed.

Supplies:

PP-Cosmo Cricket Early Bird-Apron Strings
PP-Cosmo Cricket Early Bird-Farmers Market
PP-Sassafras Vintage Yummy-Memory Lane
PP-American Crafts Craft Fair-Elenore Battington
Bazzill Edges in Lime
Fancy Pants Delight notebook journaling page
Jenni Bowlin mini calendar & chipboard button
American Crafts Flair button-Love
Paper Flower-Kaiser
Silver brad-Making Memories
Sassafras-Retro card
Marks Paper Co-Printable Patch (journling spot)
American Crafts-Remarks Mumbo Jumbo's alpha-brown
Martha Stewart-Flocked Alpha-brown
Fiskars Border Punch-Threading Water
Date stamp
Stampin' Up ink
Creative Memories-journaling pen

Well girls...(& guys?) that's all I have time to share tonight! I have a layout that is begging to be finished... :0) So hopefully I can ignore the house chores that are calling my name & get some creative time in!!!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

another card created from "Vintage Sunrise"

2009-07-12T08:58:00.004-05:00

Ok...I just can't get enough of the wonderful July Kit "Vintage Sunrise" from Scrapbook Circle! I have had SO much fun playing with the patterned papers! :o)

"My Best Friend"

These bright colors just put a smile on my face! Of course, I just had to do some zig zag stitching and sanding...but I also re-used the packaging from the Making Memories Puffy alpha...the color was perfect & who doesn't love polka dots??? I just ran it thru my Cuttlebug using a scallop circle die.

Here's a close up...I haven't done hand stitching for what seems like forever...just had to add a little to this flower!

Thanks for stopping by! Take care!

Doing a little happy dance!

2009-07-10T20:27:00.008-05:00

Today's post is definitely going to be RANDOM...so, now that you have been warned...let the fun begin!

Why are we doing a little happy dance @ our house? Well, a certain young man, age 14, successfully passed his written driving test on the 1st try...AND...passed the driving test as well...so he officially has a farm permit tucked away in his wallet!!! I tell ya, I was NERVOUS for him & he told me tonight he thought he was going to throw up...hate that! Anyway, he texted me a photo and his smile was bigger than DALLAS! Just made my day! I had to take a few photos when I got home too...I was going to post the photo with license too...but then decided maybe I should crop that out...a 14 yr old doesn't need his identity stolen :0)

Rec'd a fun little surprise in my inbox tonight...a super sweet blogger buddy (you know who you are) is sending me some ribbon...out of the kindness of her heart! Another reason for a happy dance! THANX a BUNCH!!!

I recently threw my "hat" into a sketch design team call. I didn't get chosen. It's hard not to get your hopes up. I'm kinda bummed. But it's not the end of the world. I'm so lucky to get to scrap at all, so life's not too bad. Besides, here's the layout I created & I think it's pretty darn cute (that's all that matters anyway!) Some of you that follow my blog will wonder who the heck this cute little girl is because, well, I don't have any cute little girls in my house! It's my niece's daughter...isn't she just adorable???

"just the cutest little...water baby"

a close up of the title & journaling...gotta love AC Thickers!

and here's the fun circles that I cut from Cosmo Cricket Snorkel-Umbrellas. I sanded the edges and ran a fun zig zag stitch thru them...

Supplies: Green cardstock-unknown, Cosmo Cricket Snorkel-Boardwalk, Umbrellas & School's Out, Fancy Pants Delight rubons, AC Thickers Daiquiri foam letter stickers, Daisy D's cardstock stickers-Arrows, K & Company Wild Saffron-Tag pad (journaling strips), Stampin' Up Black ink, Martha Stewart journaling pen, Fiskars border punch, Favorite Findings buttons & embroidery thread. (The pp & rubons were from May & June Scrapbook Circle kits!)

and last but not least, this is on my wish list...I really NEED one for my backyard...I keep thinking they will go on clearance...

That's it! Told you it was random! Take care!

Scrappin' Everyday Life

a little Project Life love...

I {heart} Project Life

Project Life - Our Life * Milford 2011

melt in your mouth good...

a blog & giveaway...worth checking out!

a quick hello!

A little of this...a little of that...

my poor, neglected & lonely blog...

oh my, how time flies...

Hurry...go VOTE for your favorite :o)

Quick Scrapjazz article...& un-PLUG-ing...

don't blink...

missing these boys...

changes...

random

the REASONS why...

A little Moxie Fab & PageMaps Challenge fun :o)

May 2010 Sketch Challenge @ Scrapjazz

Scrapjazz....& "a week in the life".....

My latest Scrapjazz article is up :o)

a week in the life...

I've been "BLOG SPOTTED" by Cards magazine :o)

Happy Easter...how about a Christmas layout???

Looking for a good cause???

{My Best Friend}

How about some nerdy bird???

if i could create daily...

FINALLY found some scrappy time :o)

Yep...I'm still here :o)

Inspired to try something new...

This totally cracked me up!

SP Color Combo #33 & a sweet sketch!

Before & After

SP Color Combo #32

Thinking of Valentine's Day yet?

A Scrapjazz article by ME :o)

What to do with all of these cards???

I'm tickled to announce....

Another Second Chance Challenge !!!

God won't give you more than you can handle...right?!?

It's official....

Sharing a link to Simple Stories...

Second Chance Challenge...

These are a few of my favorite things....

& the winner is...PLUS a PageMaps contest :o)

Scrapbook Circle's First Ever Blog Hop !!!

A video, a movie & a reminder :o)

Happy Thanksgiving!!! & the December Kit reveal :o)

Scrapbook Circle Design Team Call !!!

Go checkout this GIVEAWAY :o) & some NEWS!!!

Blessed with another blog award :o)

{ Operation Christmas Child }

SPCC #22 & an award :o)

PageMaps blog contest :o)

Radiant Harvest

November Scrapbook Circle Sneaks !!! & a contest !!!

Yippee! I got to complete a challenge :o)

{ Lots to Share }

what a C-R-A-Z-Y week!!!

Scrapbook Circle's October Kit sneak!!!

A Sept. Kit from Scrapbook Circle is up for grabs!!!

A challenge has been issued! & a sweet prize is up for grabs!

Studio Calico PageMaps Sketch Contest!!!

*VINTAGE HARVEST* so much to love!

Scrapbook Circle reveals "Vintage Harvest"

Quite a surprise for me :o)

More love for the BOYFRIEND...

Cards for a Cause & MORE!!!

Gotta love a chance @ some blog candy!!!

WE HAVE WINNER(s)!!!!!

Sorry for the wait....WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

So many things to share...never enough time :o)

"Vintage Harvest" sneak peak @ Scrapbook Circle

Burned Biscuits

Another SPCC project! & Join Scrapbook Circle on Facebook!

A blog award =) and 3 challenges in one!!!

For the love of PageMaps...

How about a GIVEAWAY???

SPCC Color Combo #9 & 2Sketches4You

VINTAGE HARVEST so much to love!