The Silver Lining

Every cloud has one right! Believing in a concept so simple can really help you march through life. Yes, terrible things happen, we don't always get what we want, we don't always act like our ideal selves. But after the rain, comes a rainbow. There are silver linings.

I have believed this for a long time. Adopted this attitude following hardships, mostly because I had to in order to survive and grow.

I wax philosophical because I could use a little reminder every now and then.

And because I literally created my own silver-lined clouds this weekend. Where you ask? On a scrapbook layout of course! I continue to have a thing for clouds. They have been totally overused everywhere, by everyone. But, gosh, they make me happy!

Here is a new layout about my daughter who never stops! I used lots of October Afternoon here. Gosh, there papers and products are so pretty.





Supplies: Paper & Journaling Card: Farm Fresh by October Afternoon, Chipboard Flowers and Woodgrain Letters: Cosmo Cricket, Buttons: BasicGrey, Clouds: Fancy Pants Designs, Foam Alphabet: American Crafts, Butterfly Punch: Martha Stewart, Bling: Prima

Who isn't happy just looking at these clouds? I am, even if I am exhausted after a day with my beautiful daughter!

Buzz...buzz...

In Between

You know that in between stage from when you first start dating someone to when you decide to make it more permanent. You know you are interested, maybe even in love. You so want it to be the one. You play a little hard to get, acting coy, yet you keep glancing over to see if it really does feel right.

I find that I no longer participate in this ritual in terms of the dating scene (since I am happily married). However, this describes my current relationship with a scrapbooking layout. It is in between. It could take me days to decide what to do next.

I know it needs something. So I experiment. I set it up one way and leave it in a visible place. I look away, acting shy and then look back. I will even leave the room and then come in as if I don't know its there. I am waiting for the "just rightness" to jump out at me. I will rearrange and then start the whole flirtation over again.

I need a life huh?

No really, do you do this too??? Be honest!

Here is a layout that I did the same thing with. I added and subtracted and finally arrived at this!




Supplies: All from My Scrapbook Nook Fall Mini-kit featuring Little Yellow Bicycle

LYB has these cool transparencies. I cut this one up to fit the layout of my page. I also hand-cut those leaves from a piece of paper! In the end, I am satisfied.

Here's to hoping that happens with the one waiting for me to come back into the room. Wish me luck!

Time to Crop!

Who is looking for a good crop this weekend? I have the perfect place for you to visit! My Scrapbook Nook is hosting a virtual crop beginning today and going through the weekend! We have lots of very creative challenges, prizes and fun in store!

Plus, a lucky scrapper will win a January Guest Designer spot on the DT. All you have to do is play and make an impression and you could be the lucky winner. Details are here!

I am hosting a challenge worth a $5.00 gift certificate! I was inspired recently by the concept of opposites and decided to incorporate that into my scrapbooking. I pulled out my Graphic 45 and went to town! Here is what I created:





How would you incorporate opposites on your project? Using paper, shapes, sizes, photos or words? I would love to see so be sure to come on over to the crop and have some fun!

See you there!

My New Love

Sigh...love is glorious, wonderful, keeps you happy and gives you lots to do! I am in love...

with my new iPhone. Who knew that you couldn't live without an app for the grocery store, being able to check your email every five minutes and unlimited access to Facebook? Giggle...not sure I needed another addiction, but here I am.

Speaking of great addictions, I scrapped on Sunday and actually enjoyed it again. LOL! I adore this hobby. It centers me and brings me joy. So, those moments when it is not flowing are difficult.

Made this layout using the November kit from My Scrapbook Nook!




We are about to host a great online crop this weekend! If you are looking for inspiration and good company, be sure to head over! I will be debuting a new layout for one of my challenges!

I am off to admire the shiny one I adore. Hope you get to spend time with your great love today too!

Double Trouble

Well, at least when I am referring to my two page layout! The subjects of such a layout involve three little rascals who love to do everything together! Nathan, Ella and Christian. They are all super-tight--call them the triple threat! My SIL, Sue, is such a planner. So she typically cooks up our seasonal adventures and I, thankfully, tag along! I am not taking advantage at all--things just go better when she is in charge! LOL!

Every year my hometown celebrates fall in a big way. Residents and business owners in the historic district create these elaborate and very cool scarecrows. We head down there each year and take a nice stroll. Well, I freak out about the kids being so close to the road and traffic and all sorts of irrational things. LOL!

I made a double page layout to showcase all of the cool photos I took!





All supplies are from the My Scrapbook Nook Fall Mini kit featuring Little Yellow Bicycle!

I am still in a funk--I have too many photos, too many papers, too many ideas. Couple that with a lack of focus and confidence. Double Trouble.

At least there is a great online crop starting over at The Nook! Leah just posted a great challenge with a cool prize up for grabs! The rest of the challenges will be up beginning next weekend! Be sure to stop by and check it out!

If time this weekend doesn't fix it, that probably will! Happy Scrapping!

Ha! Ha!

So I just sat down to type my post and accidentally hit the publish button. Thus, an empty blog post showed up. If any of you came to visit during the time I hit enter and typed, you would see a date with no other information.

I am laughing because it sums up how I feel these days. The change of seasons or my lack of success or lots of obligations have gotten to me. A bit empty...

And I hate feeling like this because I have sooo much to be happy about. So much to be proud of...! I guess we all go through this though and it is my turn.

This feeling has translated to my scrapbooking. I just pushed paper around all weekend. Gorgeous beautiful paper and great photos. But blankness...I did end up with a layout and the theme is perfect for my mood lately.

I need to be grateful and appreciative, not down. Here is my reminder:





Supplies: (All from My Scrapbook Nook Fall Mini-Kit) All: Little Yellow Bicycle

I actually taught an online class on this layout here at the Nook.

Yes, I pushed paper around. It took a while to be inspired. But in the end, it turned out okay.

So, let the blank, empty post now be filled. Let me take steps to feel more like me. And it will all turn out okay...

Happy Halloween

We had fun!

The kids are at a great age--they enjoy treat or tricking but don't want to go to far on our walk! LOL!

We hung out with family:


ate this using an old family recipe!



had a blast watching these guys!








I was actually teased (over and over) from family members about how my blog makes life seem super sweet. So yes, there was a fair share of Ella being a little s&*t and almost running out in front of a car, Nathan melting down because Uncle Jimmy wore a costume that was way too scary for kids. There was my dear husband and I bickering over who would do what. Aunts being loud, MIL's causing trouble, and SIL's picking on me as always.

But the truth is, all of that makes a family. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

I Got Nothin'

no title, no real thoughts for this post!

LOL!

Going through each day, busy but happy, creative and inspired.

Dancing in the living room with my daughter, feeling so connected with my son, going out with friends tonight for dinner.

It is all good!

Here is a recent creation using the purty November kit from The Nook!





Supplies: (All from the November The Nook kit) Paper: LilyBee Audrey Line, Star: Bazzill, Buttons: Making Memories, Alphabet: American Crafts, October Afternoon.

I am heading out for a burger and sweet potato fries. Probably some dessert...
What? You only live once!

Happy Wednesday!

Switcheroo

So, since turning age five just a couple of weeks ago, plus going to preschool, Nathan has had quite the turnaround. He is more cooperative, calmer, shares better and has far better self-control. What used to be a NO or B...B..But has been replaced with an Okay.

Yesterday at Target, the two of them were goofing off. A lot. Yes, I was boring them a bit, looking at the cute new clothes and even trying some things on. I realize that situation stinks for them. (But there was a adorable purple sweater I had to try). But they should listen. Life does not just revolve around them!

I told them a fairy tale about a mom who really wanted to buy a new movie for her kids, but they weren't listening. Then I asked them directly to please stop. Nathan flipped a switch and totally listened. I almost fainted.

Ella on the other hand...ugh!

So I am just very proud of the little guy he is becoming. There is so much potential and I love being able to witness and mold. (I know Ella will get there too!)




Supplies: Paper, Die-Cuts: Collage Press; Buttons: Little Yellow Bicycle

The Collage Press papers kinda scrapped themselves here. Gotta love a great paper company!

I wanted to let you know that the November kit is available from The Nook. Gorgeous LilyBee--the Audrey line is so sophisicated!



I can't believe it is Sunday already. Somebody block Mr. Time's way and slow him down! I have too much to clean, too much to scrap, too many hugs to give!

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Only a Few More Hours

and it is the weekend! I am very excited and just need some chill out time!

As a matter of fact, I will be getting cozy on the couch tonight and spending the evening with all of my favorite reality TV shows. I am an addict. Ever just need those nights where you veg? Eat cookies and flip through all the channels. Top Chef, America's Next Top Model, Project Runway--I love it.

One of the reasons I am so tired involves my feisty three year old. She talks a lot. Every night, I snuggle with her at bedtime. It is a nice quiet way to end the evening and have some quality time. I admit that I sometimes power nap.

Or I used to...because she has developed this habit where she sings, tells stories, blows in my face and pushes all my hair in my face. Good times huh?

In spite of that...she is stinkin' cute and makes my heart happy.





Supplies: Paper and journaling tags: Collage Press, Sequins: Making Memories, Alphabet: American Crafts, Small Alphabet: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Button: Making Memories

I used some of those little golden sequins that come in the Vintage Finds packages from Making Memories. I have had them and was not quite sure how to use them. You can't tell, but they have all this sparkle and glimmer.

Just like Ella!

Lucky Me!

In spite of cold, damp weather, a pouch belly, and a crazy schedule...

I am counting my blessings.

Here are three to be exact...Steve, Nathan & Ella






Supplies: Knave of Hearts by Collage Press, Alphabet by American Crafts, Button from my stash

These guys are my heart and soul!

And they don't mind the little pouch...LOL!

Happy Anniversary

to me!

Yep, six years ago, Steve and I had our dream wedding. It was held right in our hometown at a beautifully rustic and charming historic barn. The ceremony was personal and warm. I will never forget that day because I knew I was getting married for all the right reasons.

I have discovered that marriage is so much more than just the wedding or the things you see in fairy tales. It is about more than love, although there is plenty of that.

It is about everyday choices, interactions, how you handle stress, and how you chose to spend your time together. It is about how you fight and how you make-up.

Steve and I are a great team. When there is a job to be done, we click into team mode and tackle it. We do bicker a lot too---let's call it passion. LOL! Lots of bickering over how much we each do--as if we are competing. Sometimes it causes arguements, but it really is humorous.

Just to prove how equal things are, I made this layout! It could help us decide who the better housewife is!




Supplies: (All supplies from the My Scrapbook Nook October kit) Paper, Tags: Graphic 45, Alphabet: Prima, Buttons: Hand-dyed from the kit

This one makes me giggle. And we all know that laughter in a marriage is important too.

Hi Out There!

Its me...Stacey. Whew...life is a blur right now. I am in the midst of educational conferences galore, learning about all the new initiatives in teaching and different techniques to help students. It is nice to be out at conferences and have thoughtful discussions with my colleagues. The big piece of chocolate cake that came with the lunch buffet didn't hurt either...

Gets me all fired up...I am a dork like that.

I don't think I have cooked dinner in like a week and a half between family events, leftovers from going out and nights where either Steve or I aren't home.

I will admit...I don't miss it much!

I look forward to Friday--hoping to scrap and to do some blog visiting. I am needed a friend fix! LOL!

Here is a layout about Steve and me...when we actually see each other.




Supplies: Studio Calico September Kit

Notice how I am no longer typing my journaling, but am photographing it instead.

lazy...or just efficient?

You decide...

Can I Have Some of That?

...energy, energy, energy! Nathan is so full of it. Sometimes I wish he would share some with me! Then I wouldn't be such a crab first thing in the morning.

Or need 3 cups of coffee to feel awake...

Exercise may do it. If I had the time...I know, I am supposed to make the time but there are only so many hours in a day.

Britney Spears just shared that she lost her last few baby weight pounds by taking Acai berry supplements. Hmm...I have a bottle of those in my medicine cabinet? Will that help!?

Perhaps if I went to bed before midnight. But then how would I get my pages done...

Life...so full of dilemnas!

Giggle!

Maybe I will just hang out with this kid more often!





Supplies: Paper, Journaling Tags: Cosmo Cricket's The Boyfriend, Alphabet: American Crafts, Metal Arrow: American Crafts.

The small brown circles within the brown circles are actually tiny glue dots that I dabbed with cornstarch and inked brown. I was trying to be clever for a call for Scrapbooks Etc...

Never got around to submitting this one, though.

Too lazy...