.

Christmas is coming!

2009-10-21T09:32:00.002-07:00

EEK!! I am so not read for it to be Christmas time already. This year has flown by. This week's FOBTY is about Christmas shopping. In years past I have always been tempted to over spend, because gifts=love, right??

This year I have decided to embrace the Christmas Mantra of a fellow digi-scrapper:
Something you want
something you need
something to wear
something to read

Which means that there will only be 4 presents per child (and I only have 2) under the tree. Wow seeing it like that is a little scary. I hope the tree doesn't look too bare LOL.

Very sweet indeed!

2009-10-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

You Are Pumpkin Cheesecake

You are sweet and smooth. You charm people without even trying to, and you leave a lasting impression.

You seem rich and sophisticated yet down to earth. Most people feel immediately comfortable around you.

With each new season, you look forward to revamping yourself and upgrading your style. And autumn is no exception.

You love to step out of your house in a nice new coat and scarf. Maybe read a new book. Try a new restaurant. It's all about change.

What Pumpkin Treat Are You?

Blogthings: A Fine Line Between Insight and Stupidity

The Season Is Changing

2009-10-06T21:29:00.002-07:00

Well, September has come and gone. With September went the triple digit temps and humidity. It also means that our wedding has come and gone. Now that we have the cooler temps of "Fall" in Yuma, we keep saying that we should have waited a little longer to have a cooler wedding day.

I still love our "Fall" here in Yuma. Cooler temps, a little wind and relief from the heat.

FOBTY

2009-05-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

Your Star Wars Name Is Ambev Krnap

Your Star Wars Title Is Snacho of Enitsuj

What Is Your Star Wars Name and Title?

Layout Sharing

2009-05-07T10:05:00.004-07:00

It has been a while since I have posted a layout or project, so I thought I would share a few of my recent favorites:

Gabrielle:

Bill & I:

Anthony:

All layouts were done with digital kits by Dani Mogstad. You can visit my SSD Gallery for credit!

I need a .....

2009-05-07T10:02:00.001-07:00

You Are Spring Break

You are fun loving and celebratory. You live for good times with friends and strangers.

You like meeting and mingling. You are a social person by nature.

You like to "play hard"... even if you don't work hard.

You are able to let go of your worries and truly enjoy life.

What Part of Spring Are You?

Digi-Scrapping ... the best part

2009-04-29T23:30:00.002-07:00

As I dabble more into hybrid scrapping and stopping in at my LSS more often, I have come to discover that being a Digi-Scrapper is MUCH better for the environment. Look around your local LSS. Most elements are sold in plastic wrappers of some type. The paper probably accounts for whole mountain sides of tall trees. Last but not least, everything I purchase can only be used ONCE.

Yep, digi-scrapping is definitely the eco-friendly way to scrap your memories.

My One Thing

2009-04-21T22:03:00.002-07:00

No matter how tight money is I always have to have my fountain Diet Coke:

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T00:44:00.000-07:00

You Are an Easter Egg

You're so sweet, you don't need candy. You much prefer the taste of artificial coloring instead.

What Easter Candy Are You?

The Biggest News EVER!!!

2008-05-17T09:18:00.003-07:00

I am so VERY excited to announce that I was chosen to be on SSD's very first Hybrid Team!!!
I had to read the email over and over just to be sure. It is definitely my dream team, I have been applying at SSD for years now. It is such an honor to be part of such a great site! Here is the official announcement with the rest of the hybrid girls! There is also a new Hybrid Babe Gallery that will soon be filled with inspiration for everyone. I have my first project ready to photograph, so it should be in there this weekend.

A Few Altered Items

2008-04-29T11:29:00.004-07:00

Since I am on 3 different Altered/Hybrid teams I want to show off my recent projects that I have done for them. Let's start with my new team .... Manda Bean!

This my first project for Manda, it is an album for Justine & Dominic:

It turned out SO cute and they both LOVED it. There is a spot on each page for them to journal and since I printed on Matte paper it will be easy to write with any type of pen.

I also made these cute 4x4 chipboard magnets for my mom. I used the chipboard coasters that I bought on eBay before Christmas. I got a 100 square and a 100 round so I need to start using them up LOL. I made little 4x4 layouts, then put them all on a page and printed them. It was very easy, I was done in less than a hour start to finish:

Onto my projects for Dani Mogstad:
On the Girl Talk blog I did a post on how to transform a Starbuck's Frappacino Carrier into a storage space for extra hybrid supplies

I also put together this chipboard album of our 2005 Family Reunion for my mom:

Last but not least, Traci Reed
On the Hawt Mama blog there is instruction to cover a little wooden purse that I found at Michael's a while ago. It turned out really adorable and is the perfect size for a few pens and some envelopes for my desk.

and then I made ANOTHER chipboard album ... this time with the pictures from Ellie's birthday:

It has been a busy month that is for sure ... and with National Scrapbooking Day on Saturday I am sure I will have a bunch more stuff to show off soon.

Ellie turned 4!

2008-04-29T11:06:00.005-07:00

Oops - I guess since I didn't blog last month I forgot to mention that Ellie has turned 4!! She had a fantastic birthday with her cousin Lillian and a few friends. Since Ellie and Lillian are only 6 weeks apart we chose a date in between both birthdays to have a party at Grandma's house. The girls wanted it to be a Princess Party. So Grandma decorated the dining room and turned it into a Princess dressing room, with a rack of play clothes, a table full of jewelry and tiara and of course a great big mirror to admire their new attire.

Princess Justine arrived to help the girls get dressed and they each took a photo with her to go into their craft project (a foam Princess Carriage frame). Then she read them the Princess and the Pea while Sara and I served the girls snacks on Grandma's china and punch in champagne glasses. When the girls finished eating their fruit tarts and heart shaped sandwiches we opened gifts. Ellie and Lillian sat on their thrones and everyone was able to watch them open the gifts.

The crowing moments was when each girl was presented with their very own cake. I had made 2 pillow shaped cakes, complete with tassels and then placed a real tiara on top. Instead of cutting into the beautiful cakes we gave each of the guests a cupcake, which was SO much easier.

Each little princess left with their craft and a goody bag filled with princess jewelry & makeup. It was a wonderful party and everyone had SO much fun!!

My fellow CT members on Dani Mogstad's team have made some adorable pages from the party:

Anthony started Tee-Ball

2008-04-29T10:59:00.004-07:00

So the biggest highlight this month has been Anthony starting to play Tee Ball .... followed by our trip to Nascar. Here are some layouts of Anthony playing:

1st Game:

Batter Up:

I am sure there will be more to come. We still have another month of games!

All Time Favorite!

2008-04-29T10:44:00.002-07:00

Every week I have a new "Favorite" kit from one of the amazing SSD designers. To pick my all time favorite is VERY hard. I am choosing:

Vintage Garden Fairies by Dani Mogstad & Shabby Miss Jenn

I love the colors and the whimsical feeling of the fairy wings and flowers. Plus it is from 2 amazing designers.

World Wise

2008-04-29T10:40:00.001-07:00

For not having been to most of these places I was pretty surprised I did this well LOL
You correctly answered 11 out of 16. You score is 70%

Yeah ... this too is random

2008-04-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Your Thinking is Abstract and Random

You are flexible, adaptable, and creative.

There's many ways that you can learn - and you're up for any of them.

You relate well to other people, and you do well working in groups.

You can help people communicate together and work with each other's strengths.

You don't work well with people who are competitive or adversarial.

You prefer to work toward a common goal... not toward conflicting goals.

What Kind of Thinker Are You?

I never won any Spelling Bees

2008-04-29T10:06:00.003-07:00

but I won one today!!!

Your Spelling is Perfect

You got 10/10 correct.

Your spelling is excellent. You also have a great memory and eye for detail.

How's Your Spelling?

(I was VERY surprised at my win - I will be honest)

Knock on Wood

2008-02-29T10:49:00.002-07:00

ok, the SSD Blog challenge is about being sick .... but I am knocking on wood because we have managed to avoid most bugs this year:

1. How often do you get sick with a cold? The flu? Something else? I rarely get sick. After working in child care so long my immunities all buffed up.

2. Are you the sort of person who goes to work or school no matter how sick you are or are you willing to stay at home when it gets bad? For the most part, yes. Unless it is something that is going to get others sick

3. How do you like to treat a cold? What remedies do you like and why? Do you go to the doctor willingly? I hate having a runny/stuff nose and I have found that Claritin D eliminates that symptom pretty well. I don't go to the doctor unless I have a high temp and not getting better.

4. What do you do to keep from getting sick in the winter? Honestly ... nothing. No flu shots, no bottle of hand sanitizer. Nothing.

5. What is your favorite thing to do when you stay home from work or school? Scrap!! Of Course!!

Politics

2008-02-22T11:15:00.001-07:00

ok, only doing this for the SSD Blog challenge:

You Are a Moderate Mama

You're not overly political, and your views fall more with the American mainstream.

In fact, it may be difficult for you to decide who to vote for at times!

Your approach to politics is reasoned and well though out.

Are You a Liberal Lady or a Conservative Chick?

V-Day Wrap Up

2008-02-19T12:06:00.003-07:00

Well I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I took a quiz from the SSD Blog and only got 2 out of 10 so I must not know a lot about Valetine's Day LOL! This year was my first with Bill though, so that made it special. It wasn't a perfect day - but in the end I have some very sweet memories. Here is my layout with the roses I got from him:

credits

Movies! Movies! Movies!

2008-02-19T11:44:00.002-07:00

I love movies, I must have over a hundred DVD's and that is NOT counting the kids movies (which is probably another 50 at least) PLUS I have a Blockbuster account so I get movies from them in the mail AND I return them to my local Blockbuster to get another free rental. Right now I have been catching up on my favorite TV shows on DVD. (You know since the writer's strike ruined this season)
Currently I have:
Friends Season 4
October Road Season 1
Desperate Housewives Season 2
The Office Season 1
The Real Housewives of Orange County Season 1

What do I do besides scrap?

2008-02-19T11:35:00.002-07:00

Man there are some days when I feel like I do nothing but scrap (but I wouldn't say that too loud around the office) LOL.

I am luck to have taken over as the office manager for our family business when my mom retired due to health problems.

It is a wonderful job and I love my boss (he is my dad after all). I am in the office alone most days. As long as I get my daily work done I am able to play around online and post my layouts and such.

Before I took over the position full time I worked half a day and stayed at home in the mornings with my kids. Now that my oldest is in Kindergarten (full day) it was easier to make the transition to full time.

I still miss my lazy mornings with the kids crawling into my bed, but we still get that on the weeknds they are home.

Who can resist a good challenge?

2008-01-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

Back when I first started scrapping I overdosed on challenges. I think I got kind of burned out. So I went on a hiatus of sorts ... but I found my scrapping slowed down. I had nothing to jump start my creativity. So I started surfing around trying to find a site that matched my style and had challenges that gave me the starting point I needed. Then I rediscovered the Sweet Shoppe again. I fell in love with their challenges. My favorite by far is the Cookie Decorating 101 challenge. I can't help but LOVE a good template and these ones are always top notch! Here is one of my recent layouts from the recent challenge, it is also with Dani's newest kit Love Struck.

What is ahead??

2008-01-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

SO, now that I am officially on my 2 dream teams I have to make some new scrap "goals" for the year. I decided to make it a short list, then hopefully I will accomplish them!

Improve and advance my hybrid skills
Scrap more pictures per page
Include more journaling

See a nice short list!

Best Wedding Dance EVER

2008-01-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

One of my best friend Beth introduced me to this You Tube. It is the BEST wedding dance ever. I laugh everytime I watch it.

Me?? Coffee??

2008-01-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am not really a coffee drinker, but I just HAD to go see what kind of coffee I would be when the quiz was posted on the SSD Blog. Here are my results:

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new.

However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like.

You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation.

You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

I guess it sort of makes sense when you read the description. I just don't think I have ever drank a cup of cappuccino LOL.

A few good projects

2008-01-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

I told you I would be back with some of the projects I have been creating for my 2 new teams. It took me a while, but here I am. Let's start with the projects I have completed with Traci's stuff today.

I got to kick off January with a project that I have wanted to do for a while. I finally made Ellie a bow holder to display & store all her cute little hair clips. It came out SO cute. Here it is with just a few bows on it ... but now it is full. I think I will need to do her whole name if she keeps collecting bows like this. For a full set of instructions go HERE

I am also VERY proud of my Mini Mailbox

I made these cute little tumbers for Ellie class at Christmas before I was on Traci's team, but I still love them!

Check back soon for more projects

My BIG Announcement!

2008-01-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

I said I would be back with my announcement but I got busy and didn't get back to post yesterday. If you take a peak at my side bar you may notice the change!! I am now a part of not one but TWO fantastic DREAM teams. You are now looking at an Altered Girl for both Dani Mogstad AND Traci Reed!!!!

Welcome 2008!

2008-01-02T13:58:00.001-07:00

I hope that everyone had a fun & safe New Year's Eve. Since the kids were still with their Dad in California, Bill & I decided to spend the evening with my friends Justine & Dominic. Justine was Anthony's very first babysitter about 5 years ago now. For the longest time she was the kids ONLY babysitter. At one point we stopped saying "babysitter" and she became our Nanny. She even went on a family trip to Hawaii in 2004. So needless to say we have been together in good times and bad. Yet through these years we have definitely become friends. Now that she is over 21 and married it is a whole lot easier to be "friends" since we have more in common.

Bill had to work at his store so for a couple hours it was just the 3 of us. Basically all Justine & I did was watch Dom play the Wii (which was MY Wii BTW) Eventually we convinced him that since we did have 4 controllers we could all play!

Once Bill arrived we cooked the Pizza's and opened up the beer. Justine & I opted for a concoction of Rasperry Pucker & Sprite. YUM! I got cut off pretty early so I would be sober to drive home after Midnight though.

The 4 of us had a blast playing on the Wii. Then we rang in the New Year by watching the "pre-recorded" Time Square footage on the local station in town. We had picked up poppers at Wal-Mart while shopping earlier so took a few pictures and then let off the poppers outside.

We then decided to keep the TV off and played Catch Phrase. While this game is fun sober (I should know) it is a LOT of fun when playing with friends that have been drinking. We kept rotating teams and laughing. It was great fun.

New Year's Day was full of excitement as well. First & foremost, I went and picked up my kids from their Dad's. I hadn't seen my kids since Christmas morning so I was definitely overdue for hugs & kisses from them. They had lots of stories to tell and talked just about non-stop till we got home!

At home Anthony was greeted with a brand new room!! While he was gone we took the opportunity to redecorate. He got a set of bunk beds with some new bedding and then we painted over the old border in his room and made a magnetic border all the way around. It just looks like a painted green border - but with the metallic pain under it the magnets stick to the wall. SO COOL! My mom also bought all the "sports" accessories that she could find for his room.

We added some Wallies around the painted boarder:
It turned out SO cute. Pictures to come soon - I promise. As well as some scrapbook related announcements as well.

In Search Of ....

2007-12-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

I am in search of some fantastic kits & ideas for my son's Pirate birthday party. He keeps saying that he wants a Pirates of the Caribbean. I just don't think this is really appropriate for a 6 year old party, maybe for MY 30th birthday ROFL

I bought Penny Springerman's Pirate Kit and Template and Kate Hadfield's doodles as well. I just can't seem to get them to combine into a theme I like. I need a kit more "kiddish" like the colors in Kate's doodles I need papers and some more elements to go with the doodles.

I think that I will attempt this cake:

We will be having a Treasure Hunt of some kind, and I already bought some craft stuff for the kids to do, so hopefully that will be enough. Not sure though. I did score at Joann's after Halloween and I have a bag full of goodie bag stuff that I got 75% off!! I am going to do the bags like these:

So PLEASE help!! Lauren could you PLEASE put something together so I can do the invites and have stuff to scrap the pictures :)

Christmas Movies

2007-12-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I haven't watched an entire Christmas Movie all season. The kids and I have started to watch a few of our favorites, but something always comes up and we don't finish them. A few of my favorites that I missed watching this year are:
Elf
The Santa Clause (1, 2 and we started to watch 3)
The Christmas Story
The Nativity Story

New Layout!!

2007-12-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

I finished up a new layout last night and I am just IN LOVE with it, so I need to share. Just click it for credits. This is Anthony and Serena on Thanksgiving. Anthony is of course the oldest grandchild and Serena is Adam's newest daughter and the youngest grandchild. Anthony couldn't get enough of her!

With the Holidays ...

2007-12-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

comes stress. I actually am feeling much less stress than I have in past years. I think I will actually get ALL my gifts bought and or finished in time! I have some special things planned and with the kids old enough this year we will be going some craft projects as well.

Your Holiday Stress Level is Moderate

The holidays sometimes stress you out, but mostly because they wear you down.

Take it easy! You can have a fun holiday without running yourself ragged.

What's Your Holiday Stress Level?

It is December!!!

2007-12-03T23:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, so December actually started a few days ago, but the countdown to Christmas has definitely started. To help my kids countdown to "the big day" they helped me make a Hybrid countdown calendar.

Here are a few pictures of the painting:

I created the background digitally with Traci Reed's Reason for the Season collection, using mostly Reindeer Games. Then printed it out and trimmed it up. Then used my Mod Podge to carefully glue it down.

After it dried a few hours I used the Modge Podge to cover the painted area of the wood to seal it. Then while I was waiting for that coat to dry I cut out all of the Numbers from Traci Reed & Kristen CB's Upper East Side kit that I had printed out. Then used my Memory Makers silent setter to make the smallest hole possible.

When the calendar was dry I screwed in the 2 small hooks and hung the numbers. Here is the final product!!

Handwrinting Analysis

2007-12-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

Took a fun quiz today!!

What Your Handwriting Says About You

You are a fairly energetic person. You know how do pace yourself, and you deal well with stress.

You are somewhat outgoing, but you're not a natural extrovert. You think first before you act. You tend to be independent, rational, and logical.

You are balanced and grounded. You know how to get along well with others.

You need a bit of space in your life, but you're not a recluse. You expect people to give you a small amount of privacy, and you respect their privacy as well.

You are somewhat traditional, but you are also open to change. You listen to your head and your heart.

You are a decent communicator. You eventually get your point across, but sometimes you leave things a bit ambiguous.

What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?

Not sure if it is 100% accurate or not.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

Happy (late) Thanksgiving everyone. I wanted to share a thanksgiving layout with you, so I did one with pictures of Ellie last year. We have the WHOLE family at Mom's this year so I will have plenty of pics to use this year.

and just for some fun some quizzes from the Sweet Shoppe Blog!!

Your Pilgrim Name Is

Constance Hopkins

What's Your Pilgrim Name?

You Are Mashed Potatoes

Oridnary, comforting, and more than a little predictable

You're the glue that holds everyone together.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

Favorite New Goodies

2007-11-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have been on a shopping spree lately at the Sweet Shoppe! There are a bunch of new designers and they have been putting out SO many new goodies. My paypal account probably doesn't thank the new designers, but am loving everything I got so I am thankful.

Here is a list of what I have purchased from the designers (some was picked up at their personal shops):
Those We Love Collection by Traci Reed
Upper EastSide by Traci Reed & Kristin Cronin-Barrow
Ahoy Mateys by Penny Springmann
A Pirate's Life Template by Penny Springmann
Coconut Creamer by Laura Deacetis
Tumbler Template Trio by Penny Springmann
Pieces Of You Bundle by Shawna, Micheline & Bree
He Loves Me... by Robin Carlton & Traci Reed

My favorite Product though - that I am MOST excited about is this:

after doing 2 Shutterfly books this month I could not bring myself to put together a Full Sized Calendar - and these little mini ones are going to be a hit.

My Favorite Layout

2007-11-28T10:50:00.001-07:00

Over at the Sweet Shoppe blog they have some fun challenges and sometimes thought provoking questions for you to answer on your own blog. The next few blog will be from those.

First Up - My Favorite Layout

It is SO hard to pick just one. My styles change and what may be my favorite one minute is over taken by a new favorite. Right now my favorite is one that I did for SUAS but I submitted it to a Magazine Call so I can't post it right now. So here is technically my "2nd Favorite"

I did this layout for SUAS as well, but the journaling on this is very special and that is really what makes it my favorite. When I was scrapping this picture it really occurred to me that I do need to document little moments like this because even though it doesn't look "memorable" now - in a few years when my mom can't walk anymore, it will be a very cherished memory.

Summer Recap

2007-11-12T01:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, let's see if I can do this .... I think I remember how. All I have to do is type write, right? I am sure that no one else is reading anymore since I never post anything. If you do happen to read this say hi so that I know there are actually people out there.

Let's see .... What we did this summer (In Layout Form)....
MAY
She had a "minor" mishap with a pair of scissors. That particular Saturday morning we went and both had out hair cut at my stylist. Later that afternoon I walked out to find a pile of pair in the living room! Yes - that is right ... Ellie decided to give herself a haircut! So Sunday after church we went back to my stylist and she fixed it the best she could. It was SO SO SO SO super short. I had a hard time not crying :( At least it is starting to grow out now and isn't quite as short. Here is a layout from the mishap:

JUNE

While Krystal (the Summer Nanny) had the kids at the park, they got their picture taking and ended up in the newspaper. I big color photo on the front page of the 2nd section!

JULY
We had a big family party at Mom & Dad's. Uncle Bill & his family came to town, as well as Adam & Sara with their kids. Bill was able to join in out fun, so the whole family finally got to meet him. Here are a few layouts

At the end of July we went for a week long vacation to Orcas Island up in Washington. The kids had a blast. I am not gonna share pics yet - because I have a surprise for a later blog post.

AUGUST
Anthony started Kindergarten!! He has alreadygot his 1st report card. We have had a few behavior issues but he gets back on track quickly. He is very good at math (counting, sorting, graphing) He seems so much older to me now. He is pointing out words when we are out places now, and attempting to write them occasionally. Today I even heard him sounding out words on his Power Ranger movie. How cute is that? Here is a scrapbook page of his first day of school:

Mose updates to come in later posts (I Promise)

NSD!

2007-05-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

Yep! That is right Saturday was National Scrapbooking Day. In the words of one of my friends "wow, they have a day for everything." I stopped in the day before at the local scrapbook shop on my lunch hour and chatted with the owner a little. I was gonna do some shopping, then ended up talking too much and had to leave to get back to the office.

In the Digi-Scrap world NSD is HUGE!! I was so overwhelmed with all the sales, contests, chats and specials that I decided to just retreat into my own little laptop world and scrapped a few pages. Wanna see???
This one was done using Traci Reed's new kit Unbound. I LOVE the colors in the kit, definitely a must have: For a list of credits go here.

and this adorable layout will be my mom's Mother's Day gift this year. I will be printing this out to create an altered canvas for her. I used Traci Reed's OTHER new kit in the Scrapbook Graphics store this week, Serene. For a list of credits go here.

In other CT new .... have you heard? Amanda Rockwell has her very own place!! Go check out Amanda Rockwell Designs
I will be working with some of her great new stuff this week so come back to see some layouts .

In kid world there isn't much new to report. Anthony did get to enjoy his very first "Nascar Experience" in April with my parents & I at Phoenix International Speedway. I of course scrapped it! He really had a blast and is excited to go again next year.

Ellie did not get to go this year, she got to spend the night with Justine and Dominic, and watched a BUNCH of Princess movies! I think that was a better choice for her. I can't imagine trying to keep track of 2 kids with those crowds! WOW.

OH!! On the shopping front ... at PIR I came home with my very first pair of Crocs! I absolutely LOVE them!! They are (of course) lavendar. I got the mary jane style and they are SO comfy.

Ok, must get back to work now.

2007-04-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hey, look it is me blogging ... so my blog really isn't dead after all! I can see that I need to do some blog cleaning and post some current layouts. Life is just flying by. Wait until you see how big the kids are!
Here are a few pics from Ellie's birthday in March. Can you believe she is three???

Ok, off to do some behind the scenes cleaning. Be back later with layouts!

A week of Ups & Downs

2006-08-21T22:54:00.000-07:00

I knew this week was gonna be hard. I had totally prepared myself (at least I hoped I had). I had not expected it to be such a rollarcoaster of emotion though. It started last Sunday (8/13) Justine & Dominic were in town and normally that means lunch after church with Scott, the kids & maybe some other friends. This time we ended up needing to do dinner instead. I decided to leave the kids with Grandma & Grandpa to have a nice evening out with my friends at Olive Garden. I stayed a little bit longer than I should have, and had some ice cream (which I really shouldn't have) but while in Coldstone, Dominic told me that he had just got the ring and was going to propose to Justine that evening! So I went home to get the kids and wait by the phone for her call. I am so incredibly happy for the two of them. Made a page to show my love:

credits: Thanks Mom! Kit by the Scrapmommie Designers, Sketch by Traci Reed WCM freebie, fonts, MA Sexy and Pookie

There was a planned dinner for Scott on Thursday, but I was having second thoughts about going for various reasons, one being that it was going to be all co-workers. I changed my mind when Scott IM'd me Tuesday night to tell me what resturant he had picked. He then followed up Wednesday night with a phone call to give me the time. Dinner ended up being great. I had so much funny meeting his co-workers and spending the evening with him.

Friday night was the big night ... the night I would have to say good bye. Friday night is our normal Bible Study night so I conspired with the leader/host to plan some special stuff for afterwards. We all went to dinner (well the taco stand) and left him at home to decorate. I had picked up the card the week before as well as a cheesecake & fresh strawberries. I also finished up his album - all 16 pages! R put together a little Scott Trivia ... which I won ;) and then we prayed over Scott and anointed him with oil. He really liked the album, noticed him pause at the page with him and I.

The group thinned out a little and left a few of us to play Hilarium, till I had to go home at 11pm. I wish I could have stayed longer, but my sitter asked me to come home so she could go out. I felt bad that she had been at my house 2 weekends in a row so I left early. It was decided that I would bring the kids to the airport to say goodbye to him though. It went really well, I didn't tear up or anything. I was surprised that Ellie had such a reaction to him leaving. She kept trying to go thru security and finally just stood with her little hands & face pressed against the window watching him walk out to the plane. The best moment by far was right before he walked out and he turned and looked right at me. I headed home after that, there was no need to actually watch the plane take off. I shed a few tears in the car, but nothing too bad. I had a wonderful surprise later that afternoon when he signed on to MSN and messaged me to let me know he got in safely.

Sunday morning without him was hard. I don't like having to sit alone in service and then it just wasn't the same with him not helping in my classroom. I tried to keep my mind off him though and went about my normal routine. The kids had a birthday party later that afternoon so we went to Target to do some shopping. How does gift shopping lead to a $90 total at the cash register??

As I was walking out I got a text message from Justine with her new cell number so I gave her acall. We talked for a while about my week, then about wedding plans. Then, she asked me to be a bridesmaid!!! Of course I said yes, she also wants the kids in the wedding. Looks like I definately need to plan a trip to Phoenix now to go to David's Bridal. I did some looking online, but I can't wait to see everything in person. The date is set for March 16th. Hopefully I will have a date with me at this wedding.

The party was LOTS of fun. It was at the Gymnastics place in town so the kids ran & played while I sat and talked with the moms. I love these kind of parties. Then it was back home where I finally felt like scrapping a page of Scott & I:

credits: Papers by Faith True from Toddler Boy at Elemental Scraps; Layered Sketch (altered) by Traci Reed, WCM freebie; Doodle by Holly McCraig blog freebie; Silver heart by Lauren Grier from Punky Mom at Elemental Scraps

A few layouts

2006-08-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

I decided I needed to post some updated layouts on here. These are a few of Scott & the kids (well and me). I am trying to get a project finished up for him before he heads over to Iraq, that is what the smaller layouts are for. There are about 10 cards (maybe more) that will make up a little mini scrapbook. It is kind of my going away gift for him, wouldn't want him to forget about us while he is gone. I was rushing to finish it by tonight because tomorrow was supposed to be his last day in town, but his departure date got pushed back a week. Now I have a little more time to get it finished without rushing. Maybe after the weekend I will actually have a picture of us together to post LOL.

2006-08-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

4th of July - Me, Scott & the kids. Seeing Red (white and blue) by Sherri Tierney at Scrapmommies.com

2006-08-10T23:36:00.000-07:00

Anthony & Scott the same day. Trading Card Album by Amy Bleser at Scrapmommies.com

2006-08-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Ellie and Scott after lunch on Sunday. Trading Card Album by Amy Bleser at Scrapmommies.com

Home Again!!

2006-07-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am back from my brother's wedding/vacation. I was in Northern CA for 12 days. For the most part I had a nice time. There was some family drama before the wedding, but it turned out okay in the end.
Unfortunately I somehow hurt my back before the ceremony. I had been playing with the kids all morning so I am not sure what did it. All I know is that I went to stand up during the ceremony and could barely move. No one had any pain pills though, so after the champagne toast ... I just kept filling my glass. It never really took away the pain and I didn't really get "drunk" I could walk annd talk and function normally. I was just REALLY happy! About half way thru the reception I snuck out and escaped to make a few phone calls. I *think* I sounded coherent LOL.
And here are some photos of the wedding day:

Grandpa and his girl

My little Mafia Man

Ellie crashed after the first couple photos at the house before the ceremony.

Anthony posing outside of the church.

Anthony and Ellie walking down the aisle AFTER the ceremony (they were not allowed to actually be in the ceremony)

My cousin Tracy & I

Gabrielle with the Maid of Honor's bouquet. This is the one photo I kept trying to take all day long & finally got it.

Oh - and I "caught" the bouquet! I think Angie forgot to actually do it during the reception and there was only a handful of single girls there anyway. So on her way out she tossed it to me.

I have more LOTS more photos from the wedding and from other activities from the past 2 weeks. I am seriously itching to scrap. I tried to on my mom's laptop but it just wasn't working for me LOL.

Bad Blogger

2006-06-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Man, I really didn't mean to go MONTHS between blogs. Life has just been crazy and I have been using my My Space blog a whole lot more. I need to do some updating on this page. First and foremost - I am a SCRAPMOMMY!!! In April I was accepted on as part of the Creative Team there and I could not be more excited. I will post some of my new layouts with the awesome products that are sold there a little later. I will be adding a link to my gallery there as well. On a sad note, with the new responsiblities at ScrapMommies I decided to step down from 2 of my creative teams. I am only at Elemental Scraps and Scrapmommies now. Will update again soon - I promise.

2006-03-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

This layout was a scraplift of PicklesMommy at scrapmommies.com. I used Anita Stergiou's Monochromatics Collection :: Pourpre �touffant Paper Pack and Blog Freebie.

2006-03-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

This layout was done with the Essentials Collection :: Ribbon Roses Blue Paper & Element Packs bt Anita Stergiou

It's Back!

2006-03-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I think my blog is back up!! I will be uploading some AWESOME LO's here so keep your eyes peeled!

Testing Testing 1-2-3

2006-03-17T02:25:00.000-07:00

This is a test to see of my blog is still alive. I have some great layouts to upload and some fun chit chat from the month. Let's see if this posts before I write more.

I am a SHOP-A-HOLIC

2006-02-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well since the next Rakscraps Blog Challenge is to make a wish list or show your recent purchases, here is my confession. I can not resist a good sale. I can't pass up a bargain. Whether it is the clearence rack at Target, an underpriced ebay item or a SCRAPBOOKING sale. They are all the same in my mind. So since just about EVERYONE was having a sale on V-Day I bought myself a treat - well a LOT of treats. At least these treats won't make me gain weight. LOL
So here are my purchases in order by artist.
Ashley Olson's Sweetheart Paper Pack

Ashley Olson's Soothing Paper Pack

Ashley Olson's Flirt With Me Papers and bonus!

Ashley Olson's Fit for a Princess Paper Pack

Ashley Olson's Groovin' Paper Set

Ashley Olson's Boy Board Shorts

Meredith Fenwick - Be Mine Hand Drawn Brushes

Meredith Fenwick - Little Miss Messy's Loving Brushes

Meredith Fenwick - All You Need Is... Love Papers

Meredith Fenwick - All You Need Is... Friends Papers

Rakscraps Blog Challenge

2006-02-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

1. What colors do you use the most when you scrap?
It really depends on the pictures I am scrapping. I have used everything from orange, to purple to tan. I have realized lately that when I am buying kits my eyes are attracted to cooler colors.

2. What is your favorite kit theme? (like boys, girls, heritage, special event, etc)
Definately a toss up between boys and girls kits.

3. What are your favorite elements to use when you scrap?
I love using ribbons and bows and I have been on a flower kick lately.

4. Describe your style (even if you don't think you have one!)
I think I would describe my style as "clean and simple" I don't like things over crowed when I do (but love it on others).

5. If you could have one kit made especially for you, what would it be for?
I have HUNDREDS of photos from our Christmas in Hawaii from 2004. A lot of them were taken while we were all wearing out coordinating "Christmas Hawaiian" shirts which have a lot of red & green in them. The Christmas kits just don't have the Hawaiian spirit and all the Hawaiian/Beach kits are typically too bright. See the photo below so you can see an example

2006-02-16T11:49:00.001-07:00

my new fav LO of Gabrielle and I in Hawaii.

2006-02-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE working with Gina's designs. Everything on the LO is from her.

2006-02-06T23:31:00.000-07:00

I guess THIS is my last one, I thought this posted earlier this weekend but I was wrong. This is Gabrielle's Newborn picture. How beautiful is she at 12 hours! Backgound my Gina Miller from her Beautiful Florals, Doodle from Dawn's Doodles by Hunibuni, font 2Peas Blueberry Pie & At Last Greeting

2006-02-06T23:26:00.000-07:00

Last upload for the night ... here is my hair the night I got it cut. Not the best pic since I took it myself.

2006-02-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Reworked a layout I did a few weeks ago. It was a scraplift and at first I couldn't figure out how to make the curved dotted line. I figured it out though!! My 1st layout with Tabatha Reed's My World kit. Great colors it is available at www.digiscrappin.biz

2006-02-06T23:23:00.000-07:00

My first Layout with Anita's stuff. I am SO excited to be on her Creative Team. This is her Playful Posies kit available at www.NDISB.com

2006-02-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

My Sunshine ... Gabrielle this past October in her newest (at the time) Gymboree dress. My World Kit by Tabatha Reed. I SO love creating layouts with her kits.

My 1st Tag

2006-02-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Anita tagged me ... It is my 1st so it is exciting for me.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was in my junior year of High School (man I feel a lot younger now)

2. What were you doing 1 year ago?
Just about the same thing that I am doing this year, except last year I was seperated not divorced.

3. Five snacks you enjoy:
Dorito's, sharp cheddar cheese, french fries, apples & carmel, cake

4. Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
Beautiful One by ByTheTree, Heart of Worship by Micheal W. Smith, She Let Herself Go by George Strait, Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle, and just for fun .... A Sailor Went to Sea

5. Five bad habits:
Posting on my favorite message boards (LOL - it is bad because I do it at work!) staying up TOO late, slacking on dishes, slacking on laundry, eating fast food

6. Five things you like doing:
digi scrapping, shopping, reading, taking pics of my kids, collecting digi scrapping kits

7. Five things you would never wear, buy or get again:
A-line swing dress (come on they look like a tent), stir-up pants, tappered leg jeans, high heeled shoes (not since I broke my foot), anything strapless

8. Five favorite toys:
My new digital camera, PSP 8, can't think of anything else LOL

9. Five people I want tagged - My F&F Girls
Katie
Amy
Yvette
Amber Lynn
Aimee

ER Last Night

2006-02-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Did anyone watch ER last night with the ALS patient?

I watched it and it was really emotional for me. My mother has ALS as does her older brother. By Uncle is already on a vent but we hardly ever see him. Like MAYBE once a year. After seeing the episode last night my parents were talking and have decided to get paperwork drawn up saying that my mom doesn't want to be on a vent when it comes to that point. They have already had problems with the doctor in the ER trying to "push" procedure on them so after seeing that last night on the show it is really prompting them to put stuff in writing. We will of course all sit down as a family and talk everything out in the near future, but it is still hard to think about it.

Shows like this really accurate display ALS patients and are like a looking glass for us to see what the future will hold for my mom (since we really don't see my uncle). She was diagnosed 4 years ago and it has not rapidly progressed, and my uncle was diagnosed in 1992 but he is in the end stages. She still talks, drives, walks functions basically like you and I with some modifications to make it easier for her. For example during long distances she uses either forearm crutches or her motorized chair.

I am kind of rambling here, but I wanted to share with my friends how I was feeling today.

On a totally differnt note ... ScrapMommies is up and running again! YAHOO! Now to figure out which LO's I need to post to get my Kit from last month.

2006-02-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

My layout from the block party crop at Scrapbook Bytes this past weekend.

Small Dot Paper by A Wolff
Large Dot Paper by Tania Cordova
Both from the January '06 RAKScraps Mega Kit

Looks like I am going

2006-01-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well after much debate within myself I have decided to attend the Purpose Driven Children's Ministry conference in April. It will mean 4 days away from the kids but I know it will be okay. Between my parents and Justine I am comfortable leaving them. Of course, my opinion may change as the date approaches.

Still not positive about this new cut and color. The cut is pretty basic it is actually styling it cute that has me on the fence. I really wanted to just blow dry it into my normal style this morning. I took a chance and tried to do the piecey, textured, spikey look instead. It looked okay in the mirror but I didn't have the right products to make it last all day. So tonight I went to go by some texturizer and gel. I was in sticker shock! It has been way too long since I have purchased salon hair products and now I remember why. I just can't justify $15 for a little tiny bottle of this stuff.

Onto the color ... it is really dark, definately out of my comfort zone. I think the last time I was even close to being this dark was my Junior Year in High School and I didn't think it looked good then either. I am hoping that it will fade fast into a shade that is more ME. Next time I am NOT going this dark, unless she does some more highlights.