On a Roll...

My little stretch of good luck with Memory Makers magazine continues on! This layout is in the July/August issue and I couldn't be happier. I really loved how it turned out and am thrilled that it got a little love. I have to laugh because I avoid being in a bathing suit as much as humanly possible and actually refuse to take off the terry cloth pants I am wearing in this picture. It figures that a photo of me in such bathing suit and pants would get picked up for publishing. HeHe! I really adore the journaling on this one. It reads: There we are as usual--leaning on each other for support. I just love this family--2 boys + 2 girls, 2 adults + 2 kids, 2 daredevils + 2 a little more cautious. No matter how you add it up, it equals 4 happy & lucky Michauds. Lean away everyone--we will not fall!

I have been scrapping a ton, but can't share much. Two layouts are for submission to ScrapStreet. The end of the month is upon us so get those submissions in AND be sure to check out next months calls in just a few days. I am working on a layout to submit for a special newstand issue of Memory Makers. It is all about scrapping spaces. I have a great title, concept, cool little non-scrappy item I think will fit--yet I can't put it all together. Hate that. I either need to go way simple or layer the crap out of it--you know, go big! I have lost the bug to submit to print mags these days! I am hoping to have some more luck with MM to get me going again. Off to make dinner. Well, to take the pizza out of the box! Then you wonder why I don't like to be in a bathing suit. LOL!

Happy Summer!

Gotta say that I am feeling like a different person! Summer vacation is nice. It has its moments being with the kids every second--especially when they are 3 and 2 years old. Lots of behavior management going on in my house. But, Steve and I are home together just enjoying the weather, the kids and our house. I do much better with less stress. I have been scrapping a ton--feel re-energized! I think this layout is my new favorite! I ADORE these Making Memories papers--something about the colors just makes me happy. I caught Ella being overly dramatic one day--so perfect to get these images on film. Journaling reads: You can pour it on thick--the pout, that sigh, those puppy dog eyes. You're so good--I call you "my academy award Oscar winner." Too much Elle!

Happy Day!

Lovely Lavender!

I typically scrap with very warm colors and purple is a hue I rarely use. Unless I get sucked in by patterned paper, which happened to me with this My Mind's Eye yummy stuff! I have had these pictures of Ella for a while. She puts her sippy cup inside of a large pail, hoists the entire thing up to her mouth and then takes a sip. She puts the pail on her arm like its a purse, grabs her baby doll and says, "Bye, Mommy, bye". It is a riot and I had to document it in a layout! I bought those cute K & Company sticker purses, but couldn't make them work on this layout! (Instead, I created this cute card using the Card Positioning System sketch and used the stickers there.) Oh well, I really like the Primas on the layout so it is all good. The journaling reads: I just cracked up the first time I saw you do this. You fashioned yourself a juice purse! Work it girl! It could be the next big trend!

HeHe!

Crop Weekend!

Wow! I scrapped my little heart out this weekend! ScrapStreet had a crop weekend that just rocked! The challenges there are so creative and really got me going. I combined a challenge to use a transparency with the Color Combos Galore challenge to create this layout. The photo was taken on Halloween--Nathan was struck with a fever and stomach bug that night & Nana took care of him. Those two are tight! Journaling reads: I see the way Nathan & you adore each other. Your little jokes and loving routines just brighten the room. You take such good care of him. So I thank you... with all my heart! Feels good to use paper and glue again...

The Mojo Has Returned!!

So I finally scrapped! I was determined to complete this week's Creative Therapy Catalyst where the challenge was to do a project about what lesson I would like to teach my kids. I have been reading this book about how we have all adopted the mantra that we want our kids to be happy, but maybe that's not the best approach. It speaks of how we need to teach our kids to recognize, accept and be able to cope with many different emotions. So I decided to pass along the advice that life is full of ups & downs. My charge is for them to live it to the fullest! I needed to write more than that though, because I am wordy and I want them to understand why I picked this lesson. I created an accordion album right on my page as a place to include more journaling and pieces of advice! See the post below for how I did it!

How to!

Putting the accordion album onto my page was relatively easy! First, I created an accordion album by simply folding sturdy pieces of BasicGrey! I jazzed up each visible sheet with paper and flat embellishments. I decided where my stuff was going on my page. I needed to create a way to close the album and keep it flat so I came up with the idea to use ribbons to connect the album to my photo block! To create each tie, I used eyelets on my photo block and the album, placing the eyelets directly across from each other. I tied one end of a ribbon into a knot and threaded the other end into the eyelet, repeating this on the photo block too using the second ribbon. To keep the album closed and flat, I just tie the two ribbons together. I glued the back of the album down! The small metal clip holds it down also! Easy! I love how it came out!!

Determined!

I am determined to scrap today! I have like 6 different ideas and now I just have to pick up my stuff and go! I took some allergy medicine and it is helping. So--cheer me on as I try to jump back in!

I did this layout a while back, just haven't shared it yet. It documents one of those everyday moments in life! I stamped the numbers and then cut them out of the paper. The blue waffle-like piece is actually a plastic cross-stitch canvas that I painted. This stuff is cool and has lots of possibilities! Journaling reads: So it was a typical Saturday morning around 8:00 when I asked, "Who's hungry?" "Waffles or french toast?" I inquired next. Your usual answer, "Waffles and french toast." Not today. "Umm, 2 waffles," you answered in a matter-of-fact voice while holding up 2 fingers. Excuse me-2 waffles! Since when do you make such specific requests. I laughed out loud (& then thought, "What is this, the Olympia Diner?"). It was another shift for you. Apparently, you know what you want and your not afraid to order it?

Time of Transition

Going through something right now. Feeling drained and overwhelmed with all that needs to be done and all that I want to do too. Today is my first day of summer vacation. Unfortunately, Nathan is sick with the stomach bug and high fever. At least that is what I think it is. Yesterday and last night I dropped everything to lay on the couch with him and cuddle. He has been nailed this month. We were up most of the night. He is big enough now to tell me when he is going to be sick so we pulled up a stool to the potty and waited. The way he looked at me with those confused eyes, how he sought comfort... We were so bonded that it was powerful. Of course, I don't want him to be sick, but in those moments I felt like a Mom, felt grateful to have that unmeasurable love for another person. So everything else will have to wait, because he is most important.

Oh, I guess I was a little hard on myself in my last post. I received some lovely feedback about the "Teach You Love" layout here and at some other sites where I post my work. I appreciate the boost to my confidence. I guess being unsure is just another testiment to how I can't really "see" things right now. I am going to ask for clarity in all areas of life right now! It will come.

Father's Day Inspiration!

Okay, so I really don't like this layout. I want to. I love the idea behind it. I like it in person...Maybe I can latch onto the journaling. It reads: "I learned what to look for in a good man by having a GREAT man as my father. Just watch Belle---Daddy will show you everything you will need to know."

I guess we have to take the not-so-good stuff we do with all the rest. At least I made something. It felt good to cut paper and use rub-ons again. I think I just tried too hard. Oh well, such is life!

This week I hope to
1. Take out my camera and use it
2. Get an adjustment from the chiropractor
3. Do the Creative Therapy challenge
4. Do the Color Combo Challenge

Happy last day of school tomorrow!

Seriously....

...has it been this long since I blogged? I think the close of the school year has just taken its toll. I haven't scrapped anything!!! But today, driving home, I had several images of new layouts pop into my brain. So the mojo is creeping back! I feel it. Best part, my summer vacation starts on Weds. so I won't be so darn stressed out! Happy Father's Day to my dad and my dear husband! Hope you all enjoy!

Hugs & Kisses

Under the Weather!

Well, I have been struck with allergies or some kind of virus that has resulted in swollen eyes and a rash on my back/belly. It has zapped me of all energy. I can say that I miss scrapping because it has been like 4 days. I have made a card in that time, but that is about it. So unlike me.

So I decided to share something pretty that makes me happy. A layout about my dear Ella. Caught this photo one day when she was being highly dramatic! I handcut the Pink Paislee flowers and used some glitter to jazz them up. The mini letters from Making Memories spell out "I'll be there." The title here reminds me of the Phil Collins song from the movie Tarzan. Love that song and it holds meaning because Steve and I danced our last dance to it at our wedding. Journaling reads: Ella, where ever we go, you look back to make sure I am there. I know that one day you will feel confident enough to just go. But always remember, if you need me, I'll never be far. All you have to do is just look over your shoulder.

Weekly Ritual

One of my favorite things to do each week is participate in the Color Combos Galore challenge. Janet and the team are so talented and come up with great variations of the combinations. I always feel challenged to create a layout I will be proud of. It makes me look for the "just-right" photo! Here is my layout for this past week's colors! I also found a cool new site, affectionately known as The Nook! The gallery there truly rocks! In other news, I am putting the finishing touches on two articles for ScrapStreet Magazine. One will feature some very talented ladies. The other is my journaling column. I can't wait until it debuts in July. Be sure to keep checking the calls. We would love to see your work. Off to make a card now!

TGIF!

So happy it is Friday and the weekend is almost here! Only 7 days left of school...oh, I can't wait. I need to recharge and exercise. I just want to be able to scrap whenever and hang out with my kids! Wanted to share this layout today--I was really happy with how all the elements came together on this one. I stamped the pink circles using paint. It was one of my HOF entries. I have been thinking lately about how entering that contest and the ScrapStreet Star contest have impacted my scrapbooking. Doing more on-line challenges and pushing myself has made a difference. Wanted to enter MM Masters, but not sure I can get done it time. I have all my concepts in my brain. They are not doing a whole lot of good up there. Just random thoughts.

Journaling on this layout reads: Your trademark cry-bright red face & square mouth. You cry with your whole heart and soul, even over the small stuff. Dramatic, frequent, loud & just precious.

In Living Color!

Nathan just amazes me! He is so observant and aware of his environment. Sometimes I worry that it works against him, pulls his focus in too many directions. I have to remember that he is only 3 years old and hopefully he will channel this skill as he gets older. I am in awe of his memory. We took the kids down to Old Wethersfield last weekend. We park at the start of the historical district, walk to the cove, to the playground and then back. The last time we were there was last summer. As soon as we pulled into the space and he saw where we were, he made a comment about the water and the ice cream place. It hit me that he is constantly remembering things! Gosh, will he be successful later in life!

I was inspired to do this layout because of that story and because of this photo! The colors are soo bright, not ones that I usually use. I handcut the gears out of the sheet of paper and added some doodling! I love the quote! Journaling reads: Your mind is always working. Daddy & I are amazed by your unbelievable memory. You constantly make connections & associations. Sometimes I wonder if you get tired in there. I believe that you wil perform amazing acts in this world so imagine, question & think!

One More!

Just wanted to share the second layout from May/June Memory Makers. This is my favorite photo ever of Steve and I. Our photographer, Andrew, is quite gifted and he caught so many great pics that day. Steve and I were giggling together, not really aware that he was shooting. So the laughter here is real. I love how his hand is on my back. We were just happy. This Luxe overlay was perfect for this layout!

Journaling reads: As we begin our life together,I have many hopes. One is that we continue to share smiles everyday. When life is serene, stressful or somewhere in between, let's remember to laugh. With that, we'll always be able to hold onto hope.

BTW, wanted to share some good news. Be sure to scroll down when you get here! Have a good one!

First of the Month...

...means a new issue of ScrapStreet.com Magazine is up! I have to say that I am so impressed by this issue. I feel super lucky to be a part of this talented team and be on this amazing adventure. I wrote my very first article and I can't even begin to tell you how much fun it was to choose layouts, think of the title and create the article! I also created two layouts using beautiful papers from Kaisercraft for the Showroom fixture. The icing on the cake...my very good friend Jenn had her first e-zine publication in this issue. Check out the June issue--you will be so inspired. And be sure to view the calls for the August issue and submit. My column, The Open Road, is all about journaling so I am looking for layouts that showcase the basics including handwriting vs. typing as well as clever placement ideas for your text! Yeah, happy day!