For my Kids

Not sure if I mentioned it before, but Nathan and Ella are sooo into looking at my old scrapbooks.  Well, I should call them their old scrapbooks.  They love the photos and especially enjoy hearing the stories.  It makes me realize that I started this hobby to do just that.  Record their lives.

Ella still brings up the old house.  "I miss my old house." are her exact words.  They love it here, but I think we are all missing our routine.  Nathan will tell me about how he dreams of the house at night and remembers what we did there.  So I decided to make a mini-album to record the stories behind our old house.  Every room really does tell a story.

Since I had Word Weds. at the Pink Paislee blog and the focus in on the journaling and stories, I finally felt motivated to get it completed.  Here is my 8 X 8 Artisan Element Canvas album!

Since the album is a bit bigger than some of the true minis, I decided to have the side by side pages be cohesive.  I simply treated them as smaller double page layouts.  It came together very quickly because of how complete the Pink Paislee collections are.  I loved using the Flip Notes!

To see more, head over to the Pink Paislee blog!  I used mostly elements from the 365 Degrees collection:  Flip Notes, Die-cuts, Cork Buttons, Rub-ons, as well as the Red Weathered Wood Expressions Alphabet and Artisan Elements. 

It was moving to me to write these stories down.  It was as if I relived those beautiful moments again.  And now, my kids can as well.  We are making new memories and someday I will have a book about our new home.  That is how life works.  It goes by so quickly and I am afraid that stories will be lost if they don't get written down!

A gift made for my babies.  Now if only I can get them to stop fighting over it...LOL!

Moving and Dodging

Isn't that what we all do?  Move in a forward direction (well most of the time) and dodge obstacles that try to get in the way.  I feel like the summer is slipping away.  I would actually like to stop it from moving. 

I got Nathan's letter from his kindergarten teacher yesterday.  It is so real.  I can't believe he is entering school.  It is such an emotional time.  I just want everyone to see the best in him because he is one fantastic kid.  Sort of like I want everyone to do the same with me.  I suppose every parent feels this way.  Each day when I am teaching, I try to have on that parent hat too, hold onto those hopes, dreams and fears I am concerned with so that it gives me perspective.  It is an exciting time and I will be happy when the initial transition is over.

We have put the smack down on Ella.  She is so fiesty and strong.  Really, I have quite a pip on my hands.  I love that she is confident and sure of herself, but it needs limits.  She has this habit of screaming really loudly when things do not go her way.  It makes me nuts.  She is now going to her room every time she does it.  I hope she gets the message.

In the theme of moving and dodging, here is a new layout.  I have been having so much fun with the August Nook kit.  Something about using Sass that makes me want to be free and experiment a bit.  It is good for the creative soul.

The design team call over at the Nook is just about at the deadline.  Be sure to apply...it is a great team and a great community!

Oh, and something cool.  One of my layouts is up on the Lily Bee blog as a Friday favorite...made me smile!

Time to move off the computer and maybe dodge the list of chores that I have...

Happy Sunday!

Trying to Ignore

I am trying to ignore the fact that there is chaos and disorganization all around me.  The kitchen looks fabulous...MOST of the cabinets are up, granite is in, tile is put up in the range area.  I have running water and will have a stove by tomorrow.  So we will be functional.  Just not clean and beautiful.

Steve and I both crave order so this is hard and is beginning to effect our moods.  So I am trying to just walk by it all and ignore it.  "I don't see it.  I don't see it." is being repeated. 

I am also trying to ignore the fact that school will be here before we know it.  I am so totally not ready to go back.  I will need a vacation from my renovation (that might be a scrappy page title).

I am ignoring things by getting out with the kids, by painting some rooms in the house, by scrapbooking.  I have been so inspired by the My Scrapbook Nook August kit.  (I am ignoring the fact that there is a design team call and the current team will be no more...not so good for us, but a great opportunity for you.  You should check it out!) Something about Sass that makes me want to get grungy, messsy, free!  Although you willl still see my clean lines, because I can't help myself. 

I got a little creative here!  First, I created a heart shape in Microsoft Word.  I printed it out and cut a mask from it.  Laying the mask down, I sprayed with mist.  It was pretty, but needed more.  So I trimmed the edges using the Basic Grey Doilie tape.  I simply cut it to get just the edge and then applied it all around my heart. 

My Ella...she comes up with the cutest things and this is one that I did not want to forget!  Words right from her own mouth.

Time to ignore the fact that there is laundry...and dusting...and closets to clean.

Happy Friday!

Along the Lines of Really Cool

I received an email a couple of months back from the owners of Scrappin' Patch, a popular scrapbooking store and site in New Zealand.  They run an annual competition called "Stars in Their Eyes" where a very cool grand prize is given away.  Think along the eyes of design star (one of my favorite shows)! Each of their talented design team members gets to chose a "star" for the contest participants to emulate.  Participants then create a layout utilizing the same style of the star, while not scraplifting. 

I was humbled and honored when the very sweet Annelie picked me as her star.  I actually thought maybe they meant to send the email to someone else.  LOL!  How cool is that!  Annelie has a thing for Pink Paislee so we share the same guilty pleasure! 

I wanted to say thank you and welcome the girls who are visiting my blog!  It was so thrilling for me to be a part of something that is happening on the other side of the globe!  I can't wait to see all the amazing work the talented participants will create...they have rocked it so far with the other stars!

Annelie wanted me to define my style and it is always hard for me.  I love paper and goodies, gaining the most inspiration there!  Here is a recent layout that I shared on the Pink Paislee blog!  Lovin' the Artisan Element Swirls and the new ones are to die for...I promise you will love them!

I gave some insight into how I created this layout over at the Pink Paislee blog.  I used Queen Bee paper, Flip Notes, Die-cuts, Cork and Stamps as well as the Artisan Element Swirls.  While you are there, check out the other girl's work and the new collections.  Inspiration galore!

Be sure to look at the post below to take part in the My Scrapbook Nook Blog Hop...talk about great prizes!  If you leave a comment for that, be sure to put in under that post!  it runs until August 7th! 

Thanks Annelie and Scrappin Patch for making me blush and letting me take part in your fabulous contest!  I am honored! 

My Scrapbook Nook Blog Hop

Welcome to the My Scrapbook Nook Blog hop! You should have just left the uber-talented Zarah's blog. If you didn't - start at the blog of Leah Killian and go from there, to make sure you don't miss out on a clue!

There is so much monthly inspiration to be gained from My Scrapbook Nook Kits. Are you ready to WIN ONE FOR YOURSELF? Our kits are packed with the latest and greatest scrapbooking products, all perfectly coordinated to save you time. These kits are a great value, always only $28 and always with a $15 to 35% discount! This month's kit features brand new Sassafrass Lass Indie Girl, and matching goodies from Jenni Bowlin, Basic Grey and other brands you know and trust!

Our message board and gallery are hopping and loaded with ideas on how to create with your kit, as well as step by step instructions on tons of great layouts and cards!

Now, here's how you WIN! Hop the Design Team blogs- leave a comment to win the prize featured on that designer's blog- then collect the words (in order) from each blog to answer this question:

What's the scrappy cure for the summertime blues?

My word for you is: my

When you've collected all the words, piece them all together to form a sentence and then go to our message board and send a personal message (pm) to Leah with your guess. One person with the correct answer will be drawn at random and will win a 3-month subscription to the kit club here at My Scrapbook Nook. Wow!

Other prizes include gift certificates to the Nook store, Quik Kutz dies and past Nook kits. Winners will be chosen at random from comments left on each design team member's blog so the more blogs you visit, the greater your chance to win a prize. The winners will be announced in the forum after the close of the blog hop.

The prize that I am giving away to one lucky blog hopper is: a $20.00 gift certificate to the online store!

Good luck! And remember: Don't wait to create! Join our scrapbooking kit club today-if you sign up for a 1 year subscription you'll receive a free kit to start and after a year you will receive your 13th kit for free.

The next stop on your hop is the tremendously creative LG ! Her work is just fabulous, so enjoy your visit.! The Nook always has an outstanding team...don't forget to check out the Nook's current DT-call! Apply today and who knows - you might be among the lucky ones who get spoiled by Pam & Leah each month...!

Just to send you off with some scrappy mojo - here's a layout I made with the August kit!

Enjoy the hop!

A Natural High

Yep, I feel good!  I am coming off a great week full of awesome scrappy goodies.  It makes me want to scrap, create and explore!  The best part of the week was spending time with scrappy friends and meeting so many people.  To put a face with the names of people you have talked with for years is quite fun!  I got the chance to spend some time in the Pink Paislee booth and meet members of the team.  What fun it was!

As much fun as I had, I am glad to be home.  I missed my kiddos and Steve.  Something happens when you go away...I feel like I keep noticing Steve across the room and thinking about how handsome he is or how much I love him.  Those butterflies again.  Sometimes you lose that when you are caught up in day to day activities and stresses.

I came home to tons of progress with the house.  The base cabinets are in as well as my farmhouse sink.  I keep caressing it. LOL!  The granite has been templated and will be in next Tuesday.  I am ready...

I have something fun for you tomorrow!

Yep, a blog hop from My Scrapbook Nook with the chance to win a ton of great prizes!  They are having a Design Team Call right now.  I can't believe another term flew by just like that.  I encourage you to try out...it is a fantastic team to be a part of!

Here is a card I made with the July kit featuring Lily Bee!  You should check out the August kit too!  It is amazing!  I plan to dig in today!

Hope you find a few things to make you smile today!

Be sure to come back tomorrow for the blog hop!

CHA Love

So the show has been fun!  I have really loved many of the collections and wanted to share a few favorites with you.

Pink Paislee is fab!  I am in love with the Parisian Anthology and all of it!  I had the chance to play with the resist papers and they are fun.  Get your mists and inks ready!  I love how detailed and delicate the Artisan Elements are...they are so dimensional this time around too!  You must see them!

October Afternoon and Cosmo are super cute!

Bella was sooo cute and the DT work was great!

I adore Crate!

 I had so many little embellishments I loved!  These Wood Veneer shapes from Studio Calico are awesome!

Vintage Brooches from Sass.

These canvas flowers from Punky Sprouts.

Prima was pretty!

I really loved Webster's Pages too, but can't seem to find pictures.  I will try tomorrow!

I met so many friends!  Jing-Jing, Jenyfur, Charity, Suz, Jenn, the Pink Paislee girls, Aphra, Pamela Young, Emily, Paula...it was fun to see people I interact with and follow!

And there is MELISSA too!

And of course, I have adored spending time with the Scrapstreet girls.  We have had a blast!

I am one lucky girl!

and yes, we are in the marble bathroom, taking our group photo.  Quite the tradition!

Material Girl

Well, not really!  I do like to keep a nice house and look fashionable, but most of my clothes come from Target. LOL!  I am a material girl right now as I am at CHA taking in all the goodies.  I have scheduled this post in advance.  Hopefully, I am walking the floor and seeing all the beauties.  Pictures soon to follow.  Let me know what you want to see and I will try to get pictures!

While I am not really a material girl, my daughter...well...she loves all things clothes, jewels, and shoes.  It is one of the first things she notices about people.  She is just a girlie, girl (yet can run, jump and play in the dirt with the rest of them).

She loves her Auntie Sara because Sara is also a material girl.  Not is a bad way, but she loves her jewels, shoes, and dresses.  Ella loves when she visits and loves even more when Sara takes her to the mall!  Hence this layout!

I used Cosmo Cricket's Material Girl here!  The alphabets are American Crafts!  I just love CC's chipboard!

Can't wait to see the new collections in person including Pink Paislee, Webster's, Crate and Sass!  What are you anticipating the most?

I know, its hard to pick just one...LOL!

There was a Surge

...a power surge that is.  One that knocked me offline for 3 days.  We had a huge storm here and right after, several of our electronical systems were zonky.  It ended up frying our amp and network card.  So I sat, unable to access the computer.  Which again meant more time for other things and a quieter way of being.

Not bad...for a couple of days!  I am getting ready to leave for CHA.  I can't wait to see my girls again and just relax for a few days.  I adore seeing all the goodies up close and being a part of the excitement.  Can't wait to see the Pink Paislee booth! If you haven't seen the new releases yet (yeah right), head to the blog. I can't pick a favorite...EVERYTHING IS FABULOUS! I will post pictures here as usual so be on the lookout! If you are going to CHA, let me know so I can look for you!

I need the break for other reasons too.  I have faced some disappointments lately which had me feeling a bit sad.  You know when you just can't get past a feeling.  So I asked for some guidance and it came. 

I need to give some background though.  I was a high school cheerleading coach for 5 years.  Started with the program with a team that had skill but no training.  My first year I lost at least 5 girls because my expectations and theirs did not match.  The next year was better and it grew from there.  I took a team to the UCA National Championships my fourth year.  Then my final year, I had an outstanding squad.  We had all been together since my seniors were freshman.  We wanted to win right from the beginning with a week at camp.  Success as we beat the Rhode Island State Champs.  We set goals, we were all on board.  The main goal was to place at the CT State Championship.  We were well on our way.  The day of the competition came and they looked great.  A little bobble in the middle, but no big deal.  Then it was our last stunt...very difficult.  And they fumbled a bit.  My girls were fighters so they saved it...they announced third, second and first and we were not called.

When I got the score sheet, it was like being slapped in the face.  We missed third place by 0.5.  That one bobble doesn't happen and we are in third.  We missed second by 1.5.  That end mistake...

I couldn't believe how close we were.  I couldn't understand why it just couldn't have happened for us that day.  To want something so badly...I got on the bus and shared the results.  Usually I can contain myself and be a role model.  But that day, I cried and felt all the sting.  I knew it was my last chance.  It was not anyone's fault and I certainly did not want anyone to carry it.  It just was what it was.  I still look back on that day with disappointment.

But the other day, my family went out to lunch.  Standing in front of me in the restaurant was one of my old girls. When she recognized me, I got the biggest, warmest hug and I gave one back.  There was an instant connection as we had spent 5-6 days a week together for 8 months a year.  Times three. And we are bonded by the same amazing experience.

That feeling and warmth brought me back to what was really important about my coaching days.  In the end, I don't really remember the winning or losing.  If I hold on to the big picture, it is about the relationships that were forged and the common vision we all followed.  It was about that smile of recognition. It was a special time.

That was my guidance.  To remember what is important.  Disappointment is a part of the journey, but it doesn't have to signify an experience or represent who I am.  It is about growing, learning and feeling.  Sometimes things just don't go the way you want them to and you have to believe there is a reason.  Even if you don't understand.

As a mom, I think about how my children will feel when they face disappointments like these.  I want to protect them but know there are opportunities in that conflict.  I hope I can translate that to Nathan and Ella as they grow.

Speaking of Ella, she is not really a baby anymore.  Looks and acts more mature.  My girl!

Supplies:  Paper, button, journaling card:  Webster's Pages; Alphabet:  American Crafts

I hope when she asks for guidance, she receives it just like I did!

Fun with a Perk

I have to admit that moving and all the renovations have impacted upon my pure love for this hobby.  I am scrapping in such a little space with my supplies a bit disorganized.  It has been hard to get to my stash.  I don't have a shortage of good photos or ideas, just energy.

With that, I am glad to have a kit come once a month (one that I love) as well as to have Pink Paislee and Scrapstreet assignments.  It has at least kept me scrapping.

I made a layout recently just for fun!  I love the feel of these photos and wanted the page to reflect the playfulness! 

Being in a bit of a rut, it was a nice surprise and burst to receive an email from Amy over at GingerScraps.  She is running a scraplifting challenge this month.  See, GingerScraps is a digital site.  Amy is showing how paper layouts can serve as inspiration for digital.  She did an awesome lift of my Goofy layout found here.  And the gals playing along with the challenge have produced some amazing digital pages!  Check it out! 

Thank you Amy for making my day brighter!

Speaking of fun with a perk, go checkout the reveals over at Pink Paislee!  

Here are some highlights! Look at these ruffles!

And the Sweetness Line...yum!

I am in love and I know you will be too!