Enjoying a Cup

Ahh, vacation. I am sitting here, typing, enjoying a cup of coffee with no real worries. Yes, I need to clean out my kid's drawers and change the kitty litter, but those things can wait. I feel relaxed. Just started Twilight and I am in love with Bella and Edward. Like seriously, the chemistry jumps off the pages. Yes, I know that I am like a year behind jumping on this bandwagon, but better late than never!

I have been creating a bunch. I have never dove into a kit quite like the Jan. one from The Nook! I really am enjoying the Webster's Pages papers and trims! And I have been creating for the Memory Makers calls. It has been so long since I submitted, mostly because I hate having to hold my stuff from being seen. But, I love the topic of this call and it is making me scrap some difficult things like I have been thinking about for a while. Hopefully, I won't be able to share for a while! LOL! The big Pink Paislee decision will be made soon! Gosh, it would be a dream come true. I am sure that like 6,000 people have tried out. But a girl can dream right???

Holiday Surprise!

What a Christmas!

The kids really loved every minute and ended up with some gifts that were suprise hits! Nathan received a train that he adores, and who knew that my two year old daughter could walk in heels. Her plastic, fancy Snow White heels that is! I surprised Steve with Guitar Hero and he has been obsessively playing for days now. I got a surprise too, but will keep that one to myself! I realized this Christmas that I have always loved this holiday. It brings back such good family memories. No matter how shaky it could have been growing up, Christmas was happy. My parents always went out of their way to make it special. I really want to build those same memories for my two. I found myself looking around at all of my blessings and feeling pretty lucky. Now, if only I could slow down enough to just enjoy it!

Speaking of suprises, we received a huge one on Christmas day. My sister handed my mom a frame and told me to get my camera ready. Well, this photo came next.

After getting the shot, I asked, "What is it?", thinking that they were sending her on a cruise. Or maybe they had a family portrait taken, without me. Which made me mad for 2.5 seconds. Then she turned the photo around to show an ultrasound picture! My sister, Michelle, is 4 months along and is expecting a boy to add to her family of two girls. It was totally unexpected and the room just exploded in laughter, yelling, tears and jumping around. What a moment!

Well, I am now on vacation for 12 days and I have been scrapping a bunch! Here is a layout I just did using the Jan. kit from The Nook! LOVE this kit! Don't forget that there is a design team call--you should check it out because it is an awesome place to design for! This layout is about Steve and I going to Burlington, VT. I hope we continue to make it a tradition! Let's pray that we go back there until we are old and gray!

Whew, sorry for the super post! Guess I had a lot to share! Hope you have a fantastic day!

12 Days!

Vacation is almost here and let's hope that these two get along like this over the course of those 12 days. Because when it is not "happy and smiles", it is "pulling your hair, hitting, screaming, and whining". LOL! I am so thrilled to have been able to capture these photos! They look so happy, don't they? I was happy to scrap them using the January kit from The Nook. Sigh! This kit is just amazing. Really, I am in love with the Webster's Pages and had no idea how much I love this product! I have hand-cut my little heart out and have made some of my favorite layouts!

The journaling on this reads: Daddy and I have the honor of watching you two grow. We often look at each other and smile. We can't get over how close you have become-the bond that you have formed. There is real love and affection. It grows every day just as our love for you does. 2008

Last day of work tomorrow and then the fun begins! (I hope...)

Where Have I Been?

Making Christmas cards maybe? Buried under reports and paperwork at school? Lost in the confusion that is my house? Or all of the above! It has been a busy week and I was really feeling it on Thursday. But after making some headway with wrapping presents and having a snow day on Friday, I am better. I can't believe Christmas is only 5 days away! It went by so fast! Since I am in the Christmas spirit, I will let you in on a way that you can win $150 worth of scrappy stuff. Just follow the link here and be prepared to be awed. Wouldn't it be nice??? I also wanted to let you know that the Jan. kit from The Nook is just amazing! I have been playing and will post some stuff soon!

I hope you are all having a nice weekend!

Showing Appreciation!

As we get closer to the holiday and the New Year, I find myself thinking about all those people who are important to me, everyone who plays a role in my life. Most of these people live within reach. I see them on a consistent basis. But some are spread all around. I have contact with them on the computer---like my sisters over at ScrapStreet, the ladies from The Nook, the women from Two Peas! This past week, I was charged to do a layout about wishes that have come true. It is the new challenge that is up over at the So Tell Me Your Story blog. I decided to focus on the scrapbooking part of my life and use this photo of the ScrapStreet girls and me at CHA last year.

All the perks of ScrapStreet are awesome! But the real draw is the community. They support, comfort, redirect and care. This layout is about achieving some of my scrappy goals, but even more, it is about how I got on an airplane by myself. I flew to meet people I hadn't met before. How I jumped into a new situation feet first. Maybe because I knew that there would be people there to guide me! The journaling reads: I dreamed of designing & writing for a scrapbooking magazine, going to CHA--all dreams I held inside. Then, I found ScrapStreet. Best part--I met them.

It really is the best part!

Speaking of So Tell Me Your Story, my time with the Design Team has come to an end. Wow! Six months went by so fast! I truly appreciate the opportunity that Lucy gave me to be a part of the team. I have loved creating the all about me layouts! Thanks Lucy!

Weekend, Whew!!

So happy it is the weekend, although it is going to be a busy one! I am in one of the crazy phases at work too and just need to get through the next few days. It might mean that I need to put my scrappy stuff down a bit...Sigh! I have been creating a bunch the past few days, but can't share yet.

Here is a little gift idea I came up with. I had this vision of altering a candle and my hubbie walked in one day with a Yankee candle in the glass jar. Perfect! I ended up making this cute little "apron" to cover the bottom. It is easy to do. Just decide on your papers and focal embellishment, and start putting them together. As I went to wrap mine around the candle, I realized that I was short. It is bigger than 12 inches around. Made me think about creating a tie in the back! I used eyelets and ribbon to solve my problem. I accidentally came up with the apron concept. I love it because I didn't actually have to adhere anything to the glass. It can be removable so once the season is over and if I still have some candle left, I can just take it off!

I used the Dec. Kit from The Nook to make this! A bunch of very cool die-cuts come with the kit. I have found them easy to use, allowing for all sorts of projects and cards!!!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Is It Friday Yet?

I woke up today feeling pretty icky--sore throat, stuffy, you know how it goes. After being awake for a bit, I feel somewhat better. But I can just feel it, brewing. Waiting for me to push too hard. And I am definitely one to push too hard. Oh well, at least this layout makes me happy. I love Urban Prairie soo much. The colors rock. I layered with a bunch of the stickers and papers. I decorated my daughter's room in the same color scheme! The Ki Paper is very cool. I feel like making placemats with them. I was trying to get a Christmas card photo on Thanksgiving and caught these pictures. They are sweet, sometimes.

Speaking of sweet, I had two of my scrappy friends give me this award! How fun! I am glad that the blog is appreciated. Somedays I wonder if anyone is looking. LOL!

In turn, I need to nominate 5 blogs I love. Well, I love lots of blogs, but I will narrow it to 5.

1. Staci Taylor: I adore her work. Like I think she is super talented! And I am glad for all of her successes this past year!

2. Iris: There is no other like her in the world. The creativity there-whoa!

3. Janine: Another gal who constantly inspires me. She is so amazing!

4. Debbie: She rocks the multiple photos! And she is super sweet!

5. Jen: My buddy from over at The Nook. Not only do we have a ton in common, but she is a very gifted card maker. Just being around her has made me want to be better!

I could go on and on. Stephanie Howell, Danielle, Bri, ScrapScene---the list continues!!!

Decorating Weekend!

Can't wait to put up our Christmas tree this weekend! The kids are very into the holiday season this year and can't get enough of reindeers, Santa, and lights! I started decorating the rest of the house, and will use some crafty stuff I have created. Speaking of Christmas trees, I made this layout the other night using my Dec. kit from The Nook. I swear that I wasn't originally going to "build" a tree. I knew that I wanted to pair the pictures like that and wanted to use the I Love Santa diecut. As I was layering, I realize that I was creating a tree. I put the star on top and was done. One hour. Love when that happens!

These pictures crack me up. Nathan and Ella have both been a little bit afraid of Santa. Last year, Nathan at least sat down, but wasn't very thrilled. I love the look he is giving Santa. Ella just cried, loudly. But what else is new. LOL!

If you want to get in the holiday spirit even more, here are a few links. Check out The Nook's Design Team's cards. We are posting one each and every day for the month of December! Also, Leah is sharing her talents with us, providing a class on how to complete a mini album. I adore what she has shown so far. Check it out here for more!! The Nook is full of amazing inspiration! If you would love to be a part of that, consider trying out for the design team. It has been an amazing experience for me and I am sure you would feel the same way! Check out the details here!

ScrapStreet Fun!

Happy Wednesday everyone! Just wanted to remind you that the new issue of ScrapStreet.com Magazine is up! I enjoyed writing my Open Road column and hope that I provided some easy-to-follow tips to enhance your journaling. This was the first month where I asked guest designers to help me out and I love what they came up with! Thank you to Katie, Jen, Jessica, Audrey and Janneke! I also had the pleasure to write an article featuring the 2 Sketches 4 You blog! Love that place and working with Kazan on the article was awesome (she is sooo sweet). If you haven't checked it out, you need to!

You all might be very interested to know that The Nook is having a design team call. I can't believe 6 months has gone by so fast! I have really loved every second there. I plan to try out again and encourage you to give it a go too! It is a great community with great kits and people!

I leave you today with a few cards I did last month for Showroom in ScrapStreet! Love these colors!

Happy December!

Like seriously, only 24 more days until Christmas. My mom called me to remind me that she bought advent calendars for the kids. She lives about 45 minutes away so we don't see each other too often. I reminded her that December was here. She is making a trip up here on Weds. (my kids will just get double candy!) Did you decorate your house yet for the holidays??? We will do ours next weekend and I am quite excited.

Speaking of excitement, the design team over at The Nook have started our card classes. A different card will be showcased every day for the month of December. This was my card that I posted on Sunday! It has this cute little pocket to hold a gift card. The Cosmo Cricket in the December kit is soo easy to use to make cards and layouts! If you are anything like me, you need to catch up on last Christmas still! If you would like to see instructions on how to complete this card, go here!

And, the new issue of ScrapStreet Magazine is up today. I can't wait to dig in later today!

Happy Monday!

Next!

It is like I can just hear someone yelling out, "Next..." as a signal that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is just around the corner. Maybe it is just a bad memory of the not-so-nice lady at Toys R Us yesterday morning. I know that there were a million people in the store since 5:00 a.m., but it doesn't give anyone the right to be rude. Thanksgiving was great. The kids are at an age where they just play, which meant Steve and I could actually relax this year. Nathan and Ella both tried turkey and stuffing. Black Friday shopping was fun--love hanging out with my other BFFs even if they do torture me all the time. I am on food overload and haven't scrapped in days, which is making me a bit cranky. But all and all, it has been a great holiday weekend.

To get everyone in the mood for the next holiday, I am sharing a Christmas layout. I used the December kit from The Nook. The tree is actually a die cut and then I used the ribbon and some rolled paper to make the garland and ornaments. It was fun. If you want to see my class on how to put this together, just go here. This Cosmo Cricket line has sooo many pieces to it and so many gorgeous papers. It will seriously go on and on for ages. I have done two layouts, four cards and have several other projects planned! Supplies are limited so grab yours soon! These were the big hits of last year: the dollhouse and pirate ship. And these toys stayed popular throughout the year. Hope Santa has that kind of luck again this year!

Oh, I almost forgot to mention---we are doing something special over at The Nook. Each day in December, a member of the design team will be posting a new card as well as a class to show how to complete that card! We actually started yesterday with Jen's card. So if you haven't done any yet or just want to see some great work, head over to the cards forum each day and check it out.

Giving Thanks!

Let's start with the giving part of this post. I saw my BFF Marcia this weekend. Her husband, cute baby Jack and she moved into a house just recently so I wanted to give them a little something as a housewarming gift. It was a sign from Target (love that place) that reads: And they lived happily ever after. I wrapped it is kraft colored paper, but knew that I wanted to make a cute little sleeve to dress up the package. I found a package of houses at my local LSS for only $1.50 (hello, how great is that price). Then, I went back to my stash and favorite paper line to grab this tree. I had cut it from the Pink Paislee paper a while back, but never used it. I think it works perfectly here. After a few alterations, this was created. A helpful hint if you would ever consider making one---score the lines where you will place the folds. It just creates a crisp edge!

Tomorrow is my second favorite holiday of the year! A time to give thanks and ruin your diet! When I tucked Nathan in last night, I was explaining the concept of being "thankful". Being only 4 years old, he doesn't quite get that word so I attached other words like lucky, happy, blessed. We even chatted about God a bit, how He has given us so many blessings. As he dozed off, I just stared and thought about how grateful I am. My life is wonderful despite those bad days, unachieved goals (that might not always be as important as I think), and stressful expectations. Those things need to be put in their place, not allowed to overshadow all that is amazing. Maybe it is all about perspective. Those things help you remember what you are thankful for. So I officially shout out, "I am blessed. I am happy. I am thankful."

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! May it be filled with good memories, good food, and good fun.

Our BFF!

Ever since I read the book "Marley & Me", I find that I appreciate our dog even more than before. And I make sure to find time every day to hang out with Coop! He is our 7 year old, 100 lb. golden retriever. Our original child and now the best friend to the family. It is funny how pets can make such an impact on a family! The journaling on this one reads: I once said that you were one lucky dog. But really we are the lucky ones. You teach us how to be loyal and loving, how to play, finding simple pleasure on a sunny day. You teach us to stop and relax, demanding at least one belly rub every day. You add so much to our lives. Yes, you are a dog, but you're also our bff.

I used some Pink Paislee yummies on this layout. I will never grow tired of the Vintage Moon line. That shade of blue with the oranges--makes me happy! I cut the branch and those sprigs from sheets of the patterned paper.

Speaking of Best Friends Forever, I am off to brunch with my best friends from high school. We decided to not attend our 20 year (yes, I said 20) reunion and just go out to a fabulous dinner instead. Try making that work with three busy women. Couldn't, so now we are doing brunch. I don't care as long as I get to spend time with them and have some quiet, non-mommy time!!! I hope to get some great pics too!!! Have a wonderful Sunday!

**EDITED with pics! Just wanted to thank my two lovely friends Marcia and Tina for a wonderful afternoon. We had great food, great conversation, and great fun! Wish we could do it more often! P.S. We don't look so bad for three gals who graduated from high school 2o years ago! LOL!

Christmas Already???

Every where I look, I see signs of of the holiday season. The stores are packed with decorations, gift bundles and wrapping paper. It seems soo early, but then I remember that Thanksgiving is next week!!! So, to continue to get everyone in the mood for the holidays, I am sharing my latest layout! I used the December kit from The Nook, which arrived a few days ago. I tore right into it because I simply adore the Cosmo papers and the yummy trims! It is a good thing that I didn't scrap any of my Christmas pictures from last year!

The flower and vine on this was handcut from one of the sheets of patterned paper! I did some paper pleating, which seems to be my new favorite technique! We are going to be having MANY card classes over at The Nook, showing a different card each day for the month of December. You really need to head over now and see my fellow DT member, Jen's mini cards! Leah, our wonderful leader, calls her the Card Diva and it is totally true--she rocks and so do her mini cards. Be sure to check it out!

Thankful!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! I can't wait as it is my favorite meal of the year! But it is special for other reasons too. It's a time to stop and really give a quiet thanks for all my blessings. I think I want to start a gratitude journal again. Even if I just try to fill it out once every month. My favorite part about journaling is actually looking back, seeing where I have come from, where I still have to go.

To get us in the mood for the holiday, Lucy posted a new challenge over at So Tell Me Your Story. The charge is to do a layout showcasing what you are thankful for. I came up with the layout above. I used the very yummy Fancy Pants Daily Grind line. I adore these colors and actually handcut most of the details! The journaling reads: Sometimes I find myself smiling, feeling grateful for my blessings. Our babies, this house, our love, friends and family. There was a time when everything I have now felt like a distant dream. But it is real. All these blessing begin with us. So thank you for all the gifts you have given. For loving me.

What are you thankful for?

I Feel This Way Sometimes!

These pictures just make me giggle. That is Ella in full force. Dramatic, stubborn, strong and attention-seeking. She makes this particular face and shows this body language at least two times each day. Did you see the glare in one of the smaller photos? Imagine being on the receiving end of that. Oh, Ella. She doesn't realize it yet, but I am stronger, more stubborn and more dramatic than her. LOL! I love this Making Memories line! The colors are so vibrant and I wanted to pick up the pink in her jacket! I made those flowers by wallpapering some chipboard flowers!

I am working on a cute little gift idea using my November kit from The Nook. I really don't want this one to run out! LOVE the colors so much! I will post it this weekend! I also plan to work on a mini-album and do a layout for The Journaler's Junction. I think I am going to try to incorporate the prompts each week!

One more picture:

Is this kit gorgeous or what??? It should be on my doorstep today or tomorrow! I can wait. Look at that trim and those letters! Puts me in the Christmas spirit for sure!

TGIF everyone!

Happy Wednesday! I can't believe it is the middle of the week already. Time is moving much too quickly. I had the day off yesterday and enjoyed having that slower pace, more time with the kids, and an extra chance to scrap! I recently won a contest over at Color Me Daisy and was sent their October kit. It is lovely and I made this card with some of the product! Gee-any guesses as to why I am wanting to play with Pink Paislee (besides my major obsession with the product) right now? A girl can dream right?

Oh, and something else that is pretty cool--Head on over to ScrapScene to see my "Today" layout and ribbon tutorial featured as one of a few tutorials in today's post by Angie! I don't know about you, but I am addicted to ScrapScene! I take a trip there daily and have found many awesome blogs from their site. Funny thing is, once you go there, it will take you right back here! LOL!

Have a good one!

For a Good Cause!

A few weeks ago, I was asked by a good friend if I would be interested in donating some scrapbooking projects to a silent auction benefit. Her cousin was seriously injured in a tragic accident and is now paralyzed. After brainstorming, we decided that I would do a Christmas-themed basket filled with a bunch of stuff. I altered a notebook, made a set of cards, altered a round box and filled it with ornaments, and created a layout. It was a lot of work, but was totally worth it. It felt great to use my scrapping skills for a good cause. I must say, that it also got me in the mood for the holidays! Have you ever put your skills and talents to good use!? Let me know how! The basket ended up going for $75.00--not too shabby!

I am off from work today and I am quite happy about that. It has been soo busy, and I am exhausted. I think it will slow down a bit for a little while. I am just about done with my scrapping projects for my responsibilities so now I can just play. Have a great day everyone!

Today!

I have 8 billion things to do today. Things I have to do and things I want to do! Any guesses as to which of these will actually get done! I was inspired to create the layout using the title of Today based on the challenge over at the Journaler's Junction. I had the opportunity to write an article in ScrapStreet.com Magazine featuring their very cool blog! I took these pictures the other morning before work. Yup, they were standing in the driveway. I wanted some pictures because I knew this fabulous kit was on the way from The Nook. Seriously, look at the colors and the mix of embellishments. I journaled to capture what this "Today" was like. It reads: "Today you...fought, hugged, screamed, argued, & hugged again. All before 8:00 a.m." Isn't that the way it is every day!

I wanted to create an interesting use for the ribbon in the kit so I made a criss-cross pattern using eyelets. It is all about threading the ribbon using a diagonal pattern. It was very easy to accomplish and I think it adds a nice touch to the layout. I like the idea of the ribbon overlapping and connecting--sorta like my kids do! If you would like specific directions for completing the ribbon effect, check out my technique class over at The Nook.

Hope your today is wonderful!

Thomas, Here We Come!!

Nathan and I are going on a little date tomorrow morning. We are heading down to Essex, CT to see Thomas the Train. The people who run this event transform the steam engine into Thomas. Nathan is going to be pretty excited. Auntie Sue bought him his ticket for his fourth birthday and I guilted her into letting me come along for the ride. How can I miss that photo opportunity?? Look at him laughing in this layout! He has such a zest for life and giggles with his whole being! This layout appeared in my journaling column in the October 2008 issue of ScrapStreet.com Magazine. I actually had Auntie Sue write down her thoughts about Nathan and then incorporated them into the journaling. It reads: Auntie Sue Loves You. She loves how intense and smart you are, the mature conversations you can have. She adores those big eyes & how touchy, huggy & kissy you can be. She celebrates how loving you are to Christian. She treasures that contagious giggle. She loves you.

Just a FYI: I continue to compile a list of guest designers to contribute to my journaling article! Hoping to have a pool full of people and call on different scrappers each month. So if you haven't already, let me know if you are interested in getting involved at some point! My email is on the sidebar! Off to scrap, it is Friday night after all! (yeah, I know. No life...)

Swamped!

I am beyond swamped with life right now! Too many things due at work, scrapbooking deadlines looming, doctor's appointments and laundry. Whew! Being a working mom is soo tough some times! I long to just visit people's blogs and veg out while looking at eye candy! Tomorrow night, I am catching up! I deserve it! I did this layout a while back as an assignment for ScrapStreet Magazine. Love the bright Fancy Pants paper! It suits my daughter's energy! Whenever she gets excited or is proud of herself, she throws her arms out and yells, "Tada". Don't know who taught her that! I wonder we she gets her dramatic streak from! LOL!

Off to bed now. I have been glued to the TV tonight as history has just been made in our country. I want to live in a place where we can live judgement free and where things like color, size, disability and religious beliefs are recognized, honored. A place where we look for strengths, embrace uniqueness, and just care about a common cause. Not sure if this history will help us get there or not. I am choosing to have faith that it will.

Off my soap box and into bed! Good night everyone!