Friends and Family

Nice when you can call your family members your friends as well! I have that ability with all of my sisters as well as my sister's-in-law! Nathan calls Christian his best bud and they are first cousins. There bond is so strong. What is nice about it is that I can call Christian's mom a friend. One of the best. I knew Sue well before I met her brother, Steve. She has seen me through many things, good, bad and ugly. Our relationship has had ups and downs, but now we really are sisters. Stuck with each other...but in a good way (I know you are giggling right now!). She sees through me, right to the inside and can read me better than anyone. Which sometimes pisses me off because I can't hide a darn thing! LOL...no, I am so appreciative that she gets the real me and loves me in spite of it. She tells me like it is when I need it and never judges me when I need true understanding.

We spend lots of time together as families because the kids are super close. Nathan and Ella just adore her, looking to her like a second mom. I know she would do anything for them. So I had to scrap this beautiful photo and document what she means to our family.



I created the paper flower on this layout. I had cut several of the flower circles from a sheet of paper and imagined doing some scattered thing. Then I realized that I don't scatter well. Giggle! So I grouped them together to make petals! Easy and cheap!



All supplies are from the February kit from My Scrapbook Nook! It is a beauty!

Did I Call Them Sweet the Other Day?

Giggle...my kids...did I rave about their sweetness?

I may have jinxed myself because the last few days...whew! Life in this house has been full of if/thens, you lose, no more, I don't like...And lots of fighting and arguing between my kiddos!

I actually had one of those embarrassing nights where we took them for dinner at Friendly's and well, it didn't go so well. Most times they are polite and well-mannered. This night, not so much and I thought...I am so embarrassed.

It is our fault when it happens.

They were too tired, it was late, we had a busy week. I still expect them to act a certain way though. However, they are children. I should have had enough sense to leave the restaurant and call it a day...

maybe it was the ice cream sundae at the end that kept me hanging on!

I guess that is how it goes when you are a parent. Its a cycle, it goes up and down. What is bad will be good again and vice versa! There are days of fun and success and others, not so much!

I think this layout will serve as a good reminder to me. To hold on to those better days. To remember that Nathan and Ella love each other and this family. Most days we are building great memories!





Supplies: 365 Degrees Collection by Pink Paislee (Paper, Borderline Stickers, Punch-outs, Chipboard Alphabet, Stamp, Cork Buttons), Small Alphabet: Expressions Alphabet

Here they are...the two terrors across all four seasons! The white paper in this collection has a faint circle that you can see in person. I simply added hand-stitching around it to frame the photos! I adore the Lifetime stamp and it really drove the theme of this layout! The rest scrapped itself really!

Off to start the weekend. Let's hope it goes better
or I'll be having yet another hot fudge sundae to take the edge off!

Sweet Something

Ah sweet chocolate brownies I made with the kids a few days ago!

The sweet smell of warmer winter days...

The sweetness between my two kiddos. They seem very grown up lately. When we are getting ready in the morning, they can race each other to see who gets dressed first. When I come down stairs, they are ready to go, shoes and all.

I caught this adorable picture on Thanksgiving and it made our Christmas card this year. I had to scrap it...first using a photo action to make it creamy brown.





I used the absolutely gorgeous February kit from My Scrapbook Nook to create this layout! I purchase the chipboard and BG alphabet add-on, but the rest is included! Love the big Bella Blvd. flower!

Sweetness...making 5 layouts in just a few hours because this kit inspired me so much! (My DH asked me if I was making things in sets of 4 now since I have been scrapping with collections for the last few weeks! Giggle!)



Speaking of sweet, deals that is, here is another from The Nook. The next 8 new members will receive our MEMBERS SPECIAL THIS MONTH: Retail Value paper collection of &35.00, yours free when you sign up for a year membership. Description: Includes 18 sheets of 12"x12" papers, one sheet coordinating alphabet stickers and one sheet coordinating element stickers/Plus mini stickers, 1 package of pops, tags, and 1 doilie. In addition after a year you will receive your 13th kit for FREE! Sign up for a year membership and then go to the add-on page and add the members special to your order.

Pretty sweet, huh?

Another!

Happy Monday...well...

Before I head off to work, wanted to share a couple of more Bayberry Cottage projects using new Pink Paislee! These colors are so fresh...not intimidating at all once you get moving!

I love to look for little patterns within the paper that I can hand cut! I immediately looked at the bold green sheet and saw little waves...I also saw some sea creatures, but decided to not go in that direction! Giggle!



From there, I was drawn to do a beach layout! This is actually an 8X8, not a size I scrap often so I keep most of the detailing down so the photo wasn't overwhelmed! See the little wave I cut...



I used the awesome stamp set around the photo!

Here is another project I completed as well. The houses are made by cutting and using a variety of Punch-outs and the Flip notes! Cute and relatively easy...



I am dying to know how the show is going! If anyone sees any good photos, link me up!!

Finally...a layout!

Yep, I can finally share some of my work from the last few weeks! I am starting with a layout made from the new Pink Paislee Bayberry Cottage line! I so adore these colors and imagine pictures of picking blueberries and enjoying the summer! I went for a little whimsy on this one!

I love when I can catch my kiddos having a great time. Those natural smiles. It is the reason I stand there with my camera, taking 400 photos of them in the pool (come on...I am not the only one right!). The colors of these photos were quite bright and mixed. I solved it by desaturating it a bit, giving it a vintagy feel.





The new Flip notes are so easy to incorporate! The white cloud up in the left corner is actually a cut-up Punch-out. I then handcut the other two! Notice the pleated ribbon that I simply twisted to make the flower. Gone are the days when you have to stitch your own! And, how I love the big, distressed alphabet letters!

I will admit that I am so nervous about sharing. I feel all weird about having to be good enough...I know I will ease into it and just be myself. It is a matter of when...LOL!

Off to finish my Sunday...laundry and cleaning don't care about nerves! Giggle!

Glad it is the weekend

How about you? It was a short week but a crazy one!

I had an allergic reaction to my hair color! And am on a steriod to stop the rash and itching that formed. I swear this stuff only happens to me! LOL! The color looks good, at least, so it is not all terrible!

I haven't had many projects to share lately because everything I have made has been for CHA or the magazine! I think I can start showing some Pink Paislee things over the next few days so hang in. I so wish I could go to CHA...if you are headed there, have a complete blast. It is the Disney of the scrapbooking world!

Wanted to remind you that Pink Paislee has had a complete reveal of all their winter releases. Did you see the pleated ribbon? My favorite! I still can't pick a favorite collection because they get better and better everytime I play!

Head over to the blog today to have a chance to win one of these, the new canvas albums!


I am curious what you think about the new stuffs? And I want to know what you are working on...I am having a bit of a lull & would love some inspiration!

Happy Friday everyone!

Plain Old Good Stuff

Yep! Wanted to share the second Pink Paislee collection for the winter release! 365 Degrees revolves around the theme of everyday life conveyed through primary colors and beautiful patterns...it fits so many topics and uses!

I am always on the lookout for a good primary collection because my young children often wear reds and blues! I have had a hard time in the past, but now...this collection will be perfect!




Here is a sneak peek of a layout I made using this new line!



I really can't wait to show you all of my work for CHA and for you to see the entire design team reveal!

Another bit of good news, the winners for the My Scrapbook Nook Blog Hop have been announced! The winner of the gorgeous Fall Mini-kit featuring Little Yellow Bicycle is Nitasha! Congrats girlie! Please, contact Leah at myscrapbooknookdt@yahoo.com to claim your prize! Don't forget to type your full name and your address.
If a prize has not been claimed before midnight PST on January 25:th, a new winner will be randomly drawn.

Off to get the kiddos ready for bed! Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!

Like a Kid in a Candy Store

...with my big box full of Pink Paislee's new releases! I have had a great week playing and creating projects for CHA. Am I lucky enough to type that!? LOL...

you will all adore the new products! Sneak week has started...Rebecca shared all the products from the Bayberry Cottage line. We are talking a bold, refreshing color palette like you have never seen! CHECK IT OUT HERE!

The team has created the most amazing projects...you will be blown away!

We are at the start of a three day weekend and I am soo happy. Ella and I will have a mommy-daughter date tomorrow when we go see the Princess and the Frog! Other than that, can you say pjs all weekend!

I am such a hibernator in the winter. Home truly is the best place to be! Nothing wrong with that except I get a bit antisocial January through March...

I need a girl's night or something!

Here is a layout I haven't shared yet. I used the January kit from My Scrapbook Nook! Only a few more hours to get that great deal on the kit subscription!





Pink Paislee's Cupid line here with a Maya envelope. I created a heart using the beautiful ribbon that came as an add-on. Total happy accident as it just kinda folded like that!

Gotta love it when that happens!

Splendor

Splendor is having a fuzzy fleece lined pajama jacket on a cold evening. It is ordering these...warm and so cute...



It is having dinner with my family. Splendor is watching Steve take care of Ella, who is currently sick with the croup. She needed to go out into the cold air tonight...not so appealing to her. So Steve bundled her up and gave her a flashlight to use so that it would be interesting to her. Totally worked!

Splendor certainly is a big box of Pink Paislee. It has made me thrilled and nervous and I have so many creative thoughts! I promise it will do the same for you!

This is what splendor looks like in my world:





Hope you have a sweet and wonderful day!

Bippity-Bloggity Hop!!!

The Contest Is Closed! WINNERS ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY!

Welcome to the My Scrapbook Nook blog hop! Before you read on too far, make sure that you have started at Leah's wonderfully written blog! If I am your second stop, then you are all good!

I have had the honor of designing for Leah, Design Team Leader and Pam, Owner of The Nook, for three terms now! (Let's hope it is four! wink...wink...). I love the warm community, the blazing gallery and the amazing kits. It is always a joy to share my life and my work there!

I have had many of my online friends became a part of The Nook and they love the community as well. So...now it is your turn!

The Nook has the best deals around involving their monthly kits and special promotions! If you sign up for a subscription on or before Jan. 15, you can earn a $20.10 credit to the online store. Go here for specific details involving the coupon code to receive this deal!

To sweeten the deal even more, Leah and Pam just announced that there will be amazingly "deep discounts" to all members of the kit club! Hmm...curious now?

To begin your obsessions with the monthly kits, you have the chance to win this beauty, the Fall Mini-kit featuring My Little Yellow Bicycle!




I created this layout (which is on my top 10 of 2009 list!) using the kit:



If you want to win this kit (and you know you do), just do one or all of the following to be eligible. You need to let me know which of the options you completed when you leave your comment on my blog! I will randomly draw a winner at the conclusion of the blog hop!

1. Leave me a comment on this post and you're in the drawing!
2. If you want another chance of winning, blog about the bloghop and/or tell your Facebook friends about it!
3. You can also earn an extra entry by signing up for our creative newsletter!
4. You can earn another entry for signing up for our message board!

For the REALLY eager - there are bonus opportunities though.
4. If you sign up for our kits today (don't forget to use the store credit code I mentioned above) you'll get FIVE more entries - meaning FIVE more chances of winning this kit! Go here to sign up today!

Do you realize that you can earn as many as NINE chances of winning...!

Even better, each design team member is giving away a different kit so don't stop here! Keep moving and visit everyone's blog!

Hop on over to Camilla's blog! She is super talented and inspires me every day!

Have fun and I can't wait to see who wins!

Word of the Year

Any of you choose a word of the year? I believe it was Ali Edwards who started this trend and it sure has caught fire. Seems to me that choosing a word is actually more popular than making resolutions!

Last year's word was Be. Just be at home with myself. Realize that contentment is good. The blessings I have are wonderful and are more than enough. That led to the creation of this layout, which still remains one of my favorites from 2009:



I really tried to remember that wish all throughout this year. It seemed to work most of the time!

To continue that pursuit, I have decided on the word Balance for the 2010 year! I want to make priorities, learn how to say no to things that aren't right and yes to things that yield a greater good. I want to spend enough quality time with Steve and the kids, to embrace every second we have as a family.

Along with that, I need to honor me. I need to scrap, to exercise, to have time with the girls. I need to drink more water and have less coffee. I know that I can do it, finding my way to balance. I think it will lead to an even greater sense of serenity!

It will lead to a happy me. I don't have a layout with this word yet...but this one is close to conveying my happiness. I scrapped this one for an issue of Scrapstreet, using the phrase, "How Can You Not?"



So here begins the pursuit of balance. An attempt to stay more even and remember what is most important!

How about you...what's your 2010 word?

P.S. Be sure to check back in here on Friday, Jan. 8th starting at 3:00 p.m. for the Nook Blog Hop! We are having amazing giveaways that you don't want to miss!

Still Flying High

yep...life is good right now! Feeling super charged and very elated.

I wanted to thank you guys for all the supportive words and thoughts! I very much appreciate each and every comment!

In the spirit of loving all things Pink Paislee, I wanted to share a recent layout and a card I made using my January kit from My Scrapbook Nook!






I used the Cupid line for both of these projects! Love the die-cuts and journaling tags...they really scrap themselves!

Wanted to let all of you know that The Nook is offering an amazing deal from now until Jan 15th-sign up for a six month subscription and you will receive a $20.10 credit to your account to be spent in the store. We are talking add-ons people! The kits are so wonderful there...I have NEVER been disappointed and you won't either! Additional, important details are here!

I can't believe another CHA is just around the corner! I am loving all the sneak peaks we are starting to see and cannot wait to see/get the new Pink Paislee collections.

SQUEAL, JUMP, FIST PUMP!
Happy Tuesday!

Ummm...Huh...WHAT?!

uh...did what I think just happened, really happen?

is my name on that list of super talented designers, many of whom are my scrappy idols?

do I really get to play with my favorite products all throughout this year, spreading my joy and enthusiasm?

I am still in a bit of shock to see my name on the Pink Paislee 2010 Creative Team list. I dreamed and hoped and sent good vibes. I may even have put a hex on Rebecca (LOL! Just jokes)...

but for it to really happen! nah...

yet it did and...



I am just plain happy and excited and thrilled!

If I could insert a picture here it would be me doing cartwheels around my house, spirit fingers and all! If any of you girls were here, I would be doing the jump, shriek and hug with you! My DH said that he would play along, but he doesn't totally get it! LOL!

Thank you for the incredible opportunity!

Eeeek!

Doing What You Love

Here is Ella during a recent dance class! She adores taking ballet and tap. Just yesterday, she said, "Mommy, is it gonna be Monday soon?" As someone who is dreading Monday (even though I love my job), I wondered why. Then she clarified and informed me of how much she misses dance class!





Supplies: (All from the January Nook kit) Paper, alphabet, brads: Pink Paislee, chipboard butterfly: Scenic Route
This again is one of the layouts where the whole thing was done, but it seemed plain! I did my whole staring trick and left it overnight. The next day I put down the transparent border. Still not enough! I added the chipboard antenna last minute and it was better--but then the bottom swirl! Done!

It is pretty easy to guess what I love! The creative process centers me! I am also excited about my favorite TV returning this month including 24 and Lost!

Nathan loves anything that comes in a set! LOL! He is a collector, (hello, look at his parents!). Give him the Batman cave or his Cars race track and he is all set!

Steve...

just received this for Christmas. No joke, he has set it up in the living room every night. He watches TV while lounging. I guess this gift was a hit! We love to watch Criminal Minds...gosh that show creeps me out. I hate it and love it!

So important find what brings us joy! This year, I would like to read more, exercise because I love how I feel after and learn how to use my camera on manual focus! Just doing what I love!