I'm Alive, I'm Alive

covered in dust and newspaper ink, tired of smelling cardboard, feeling overwhelmed by the lack of space and time there is to organize my life right now...but it is all good.

Why...I can see the future. I am experiencing the now. I went for a run today in my new neighborhood. Steve and I took the kids for a bike ride and weren't afraid of a busy road. I have cooked dinners in my kitchen and have decorated the dining room. My scrappy stuff just got unpacked.

We are living with my in-laws, who have been amazing. They are trying to make us feel like this is our house. Steve and I look forward to completely moving in soon, but also know that our kids are getting precious time with Nana and Grandpa. Nathan beams everyday when he sees her.

Yes, it is tight right now. There is a lot of stuff to be done. But it is all good.

Even the DH and I are making our way through exhaustion and stress...taking time to talk about all of our grand plans. Connecting over the life we have built.

Brings me to this layout. Steven and I banter. A lot. We have a back and forth that is teasing, jabbing, and bickering. It can turn into more, but for the most part it helps us burn off steam.

Our family has this thing where we compare the state of affairs to the weather. Is is sunny and bright or partly cloudy? Stormy means there was fight. It is a cute thing that sisters in laws and mothers say to figure out things.

It calls for a layout. I decided to use some weather elements to go with the theme!





So things are pretty sunny right now, a light wind...here's to hoping they stay that way!

My Pleasure!

A short while ago, I received an email from Dana over at Ally Scraps asking me to be a guest designer. My answer was an enthusiastic YES! Ally Scraps was actually my first online home when I initially started this whole DT quest. It was a fantastic forum full of sweet, friendly gals!

And they have a great stock in their store! I decided to play with some new Sass to complete my assignments. Grabbed a little Cherry Delicious and some Apple Jack, mixed in some Cosmo and Jillibean and I was good to go!

I forget how much I adore Sass until I start playing again. The little glitter alphabet was my favorite!

Here is a layout I created. I loved the vintage toy images and knew I had these pictures of Nathan and Ella holding favorite toys. So I was inspired. The cute number stickers nudged me to do a list of the things they presently love!



I made several layouts all in a few hours...this collection is so fun! Be sure to head over to the AS blog to see many other great projects as well as the new sketch for their current contest!

Happy Thursday! (well, almost Friday...LOL!)

I have hit a wall

sooo tired and really feeling like I can't get it all done. I know its just because Mondays and Tuesdays are hard. Hard even when I am not packing to move in just a few days or hard when I have all sorts of projects due, but no energy. Hard even when Nathan doesn't have a fever.

I just have to get to Weds. when I can put in some time for packing after school. I just have to abandon the thought that I can get everything done in an orderly way. It ain't happening...

but in the end it will get done right?

I think I need to send myself this gift right now...Give me some butter cookies to go with the jam and I will be all set! At least for a few minutes! LOL...




This project appeared on the Pink Paislee blog last week and I gave a tutorial on how to make that flower!

Now if only someone can give me a tutorial for moving...that would be helpful!

Every Little Bit Helps

every little bit helps...to find my center, and to stay there. Which is the greatest trick of all! Daily kisses from the kids, scrapping, and exercise (which I need to do more of) help.

I have another fascination...which I have witnessed during my packing episodes. I love self-help books. Most are about the universe and the power of positive thinking. Some are based on phrases and sayings that resonate with me. Many are on the Oprah book club list!

When I spotted the cute owl in the Little Boy Blue line by My Mind's Eye, I had the idea to do a layout about seeking wisdom. I just happened to have a self-portrait of me reading one of those self-help books.

This is the final result:




All supplies came for the April The Nook kit:



Pretty great, huh!
Have a great Easter weekend...may the wisdom be with you!

For Now Anyway...

This is my closet...right now...March 2010. All of my favorite things in one small place.

I was inspired to make this layout after seeing Celeste Smith's awesome card using the little Maya Road hanger. I thought...that hanger is super duper cute. And the thought of my closet popped in.

Maybe it is the move or just the need to find new topics, but I have been into scrapping about things. My everyday, all that surrounds me. How fun to look back one day at all the small things!

And, my closet is pretty small! LOL!

Here is the layout, complete with hangers.




All supplies are from the March Nook kit featuring Pink Paislee!

Take a good look now, because in just a few days, that closet will be empty!

Around the House

I start packing today...like official, clear the house, we are moving soon packing. I only have about 3 weeks in this house before I leave.

I have loved this place. There is an energy here...a happy light. You can tell it has been here a long time. I love the morning sunshine that comes in the dining room. I will miss all the details like the curved arches, molding and french doors. I planted the tree in the front yard and created all the gardens, along with Steve of course! We bought this home knowing we were getting a dog who would need a big fenced in yard. Cooper loves it here. We started our family here...walking each newborn in through the door, wondering what new adventures would follow. I adored the nursery...how bright it was and how that corner room seems to sit up higher than the rest. Made me feel protected and safe.

I had to document all the sights around the house that bring me joy or remind me of special moments. Perfect for a double pager, huh!?




Kept the design simple here! My photos have a lot of colors so matching these with coordinating background paper would have been difficult. So I just stayed true to my love affair with Kraft. It needed some kind of pop though so I made the title circle large and bold. Placed it there right on top of the photo of the house to give your eye a starting place.

and yes...I still continue to adore banners. I can't get enough!

Almost time to start packing up my dining room. Hmmm...if I pack ALL the dishes, does that mean I don't have to cook for the next 3 weeks?

Answered Prayers

Thank goodness...really...
my dad came through his surgery with flying colors. He ended up needing quadruple bypass, but they said that he did great!

I cannot tell you how important this man is to me. My true hero in life. He is not my biological father. But before age 5 took me under his wing as if I were his, heart and soul. He has been steady and supportive, protective, yet encouraging. He has always pushed me and has always told me how proud of me he is.

We may not share a bloodline, but we share memories, bonds, and love. He has always been my dad, a true father. And I have never viewed him as anything but...

I had to pull this from the archives, but did find a layout about him. Makes me realize that I need to grab my camera at Easter and take lots of photos of all of my family members.





Thank you for all the well wishes and prayers. I believe they protected him. I know he was watched over by our guardian angel, Baby James. Those two forces together kept him safe and for that I am forever grateful.

Wednesday...

...of a busy week. Flying in today to say thanks for all the well wishes and support I received after my last post. I means so much and I know all the positive thoughts will help.

The kiddo's daily antics and distinct personality traits help brighten the mood too. They crack me up and make me smile.

Ella continues to become her own person, and she is clear about who that is! Actually, she is developing a conscience lately. I remember Nathan going through this shift and it was awesome to see his behavior change!

Whenever I need fresh photos, I grab my camera and snap some in the driveway before we get in the car to leave for work/school. I always end up with the cutest pictures and the ones on the layout below are no exception.

There is Ella, wearing a coat that is one size too big and a hat made for an 8 year old. Bless my mom's heart, she loves to spoil my kids, but she often buys wrong sizes. Ella loves it though and wears that hat all the time. It cracks me up to see how bulky everything is. Deserves a layout right?




I used the awesome Artisan tape from Pink Paislee to make this little bow! Fold it in half to make it a bit thin and then just mock up a bow. Meaning...its not really tied together! Made this layout using my March The Nook kit and beautiful Pink Paislee!

Off to work...fun is...

It Happens, Right?

...a little weepy today. Life really is great overall...my kids are happy and healthy, my future is bright as Steve and I get ready to move into our dream house, I have seen some scrappy goals come to fruition, friends are good...

but I am weepy. I have a reason. I am nervous about my dad. He will be having open heart surgery at the week's end. Truly, I realize that it is a routine operation these days and the success rate is fabulous. But he is my dad. Has been my rock for all of my life. There is no one quite like him to me. So I am nervous.

It is probably exaggerated by the fact that my family can't take any more tragedy or loss. We have suffered so much this past year. Everyone is just coming out of the grief. There will always be a sadness, regret and loss. But the light is back in people's eyes and plans for the future are being formulated with great enthusiasm. So I am nervous.

I didn't realize it until I was standing in my kitchen and started to cry a bit. It happens, those days where you just feel off no matter what is happening around you.

And so, I share it. Put it out into the universe, write about it, scrap about it because I gain strength from that process. And I know that I am supported, that prayers will follow.

Wanted to share a layout I created for the ezine...captures all the emotions surrounding family loss.



I know that happy days can't exist without weepy days. That I will have many moments where I am nervous. It will be okay...it has to be!

My Fix

ahhhh...in an effort to has the freshest product following CHA, we settled on a later kit over at The Nook. I didn't realize how much I missed getting them until they were gone. What's the saying? Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

This month's kit features the fabulous Bayberry Cottage line from Pink Paislee! Here is the thing about a great collection...you don't get tired of using it! Here is my first kit layout!



Nathan and Ella...they laugh a ton. We can't figure out what is so funny...but they get the inside joke apparently! I stacked my title a bit here...a technique I am loving lately.

In other news, ScrapStreet.com Magazine is adding to their staff. Here is the call:

Details:ScrapStreet.com Magazine Team CallDate: April 10, 2010
Note: ScrapStreet.com Magazine is looking for fun and creative designers who
love to scrapbook to add to our team. Traditional, hybrid, digital, layout,
card, and altered artists are all encouraged to apply.

The Job:
Our team publishes a monthly ezine with thousands of subscribers and a 5
year history. We love finding and showcasing talented scrappers and
beautiful products. If you are selected for our team, you will write a
monthly article which will include selecting and requesting the work of
designers, combining the work into an interesting article, and meeting your
deadline.

You will also receive products at least 6 times a year from a variety of
manufacturers and will scrap several items to showcase their lines. It is
an excellent opportunity to increase your visibility in the scrapping
community while having fun.

To Apply:
Send the following to designteam@scrapstreet.com
contact information
a short statement of why you are interested in joining us.
3 of your favorite creations showcasing your style.
a link to your blog.
a link to your gallery.

I hope you check this call out! It is a great place to design for and my teammates have become great friends!

Time to make chocolate chip pancakes...our Sunday morning ritual! Only a few more Sundays in this house...can't believe how fast it is all moving. Super excited over here!

Happy Sunday!

Happiness in a Triangle

Some things just inherently make a person happy. Cupcakes, puppies, newborn babies, and well, banners! I see banners everywhere these days and while the scrappy world might be saturated with them at the moment, I still love them. I am reminded of country fairs, birthday parties, and carnivals! I have been using them a bunch on projects and decided to create my own using Pink Paislee products!

Loving a good theme, I went with the whole race car/Lightning McQueen feel. Nathan adores the movie Cars so it makes this layout even more special to me:



Nathan really never stops moving. We have had a million talks with him about personal space because he can't stop himself quick enough from entering into someone else's! I caught these pictures one day in the driveway and loved how they had a certain motion to them! This layout was born!

To see exactly how I made the banners, pop over to the Pink Paislee blog. I give step by step instructions! I used mainly the 365 Degrees collection here along with touches of Queen Bee! Everything really goes so well together!

Time to race off and start my day! Hope yours is fabulous!

Putting It All Together

ahh...isn't furniture shopping supposed to be fun...instead, my head hurts because I get a bit obsessed by stuff like this. I like to call it focused. Driven. Analytical.

It will work out and if not, there are always slip covers right?

Speaking of focused, the teachers at Nathan's preschool have been fascinated by his puzzle-building abilities! One of his teachers has brought in a couple of different ones to challenge him, but he keeps on putting them together fairly easily. He has a great visual memory and can see the big picture! I hope he uses these strengths to the best of his ability!

I created this layout about his ability to think big and how I hope it continues!





Speaking of putting the pieces together, who is following Lost this year? I have really loved the last couple of episodes and find myself enjoying the parallel universes. I just wonder if things will become clearer. Didn't watch all these years to leave feeling confused.

Just what I need, another thing to make my head hurt!

Here's to hoping you have a great weekend, full of easy decisions!

Trusting Your Decisions

Steve and I made the deliberate and well-thought out decision to wait a year prior to sending Nathan to kindergarten. He turned five this past October and could have started school.

But we knew that he needed some extra time. His mind and thoughts were ahead of his emotionality. His passion and intense nature were more than he could handle.

This is a kid who is full of curiosity and energy and happiness. That is a good thing, unless you can't control yourself. We didn't want his positive traits to be perceived as negatives...so we waited.

We sent him to preschool after he spent his first four years with Nana. She gave him so much love and confidence. That was as important to us as him learning to cut, paint and transition to centers.

Last September, I was worried about his ability to cope with changes at school. To focus and listen. We had a transition the first month and he learned how serious we were about his doing well at school.

Something happened. He shifted, grew into himself... blossomed, really. He has a love for learning, for doing puzzles, for drawing and writing words. He enjoys stories and has many friends.

That special guy we adore is shining through. So the worry is gone. I am so looking forward to next year when he will enter kindergarten as a six year old. And in true scrapper form, I made a layout to celebrate this fact and to document our decision!





Supplies: Paper, Punch-outs, Alphabet, Flip Notes: 365 Degrees by Pink Paislee


This experience has taught me to trust in our decisions. It has taught me that worry won't get me far, but belief in myself and others will take me to great heights!

Easy as 1,2,3...

I've Been Bitten by the Bug

As in the decorating bug...

it has been a long time since I needed to shop for a new couch or think about color schemes. Today found me visiting Pottery Barn after my lovely husband took the kids for a couple of hours. I could spend all day there. I found a gorgeous pillow that will be my inspiration for the new house...it will help me determine furniture pieces and paint colors.

I can't find it online except as a part of this living room arrangement. It is on the chair:




So in love with this piece:




Adore this couch for my "sitting room":




sigh...

I can't wait to visit Marshalls/Home Goods and just walk around for hours, scanning and scouring. Treasures are in those aisles. I liked doing it 10 years ago, but now I think I will be good at it. I have matured, have a sense of what I consider to be timeless. I think scrapbooking helps as I have a better idea about incorporating texture and pattern while maintaining balance and flow.

If you have any good sites that could serve as inspiration, please leave a comment. I am hungry for ideas right now!

Since we are on the topic of style, here is a recent layout about my daughter! She is a riot...a 3 1/2 year old who adores fashion. She notices cool shoes, trendy necklaces, new shirts. Calls things she likes, "stylin'" Mom, don't I look stylin'! These pants are stylin'! It deserved a layout!



Ahh...I just hope I can be as stylin as her!