Welcome to Janet's Blog

Looking to join a DT...

2012-01-23T10:03:00.000-06:00

...Then check this out:

I am having an open call for 2 people to join our DT @ Scrapping the Moments.
We are a small, friendly, scrap booking/paper crafting community.

I am looking for someone to head up the weekly photography challenge.
You do not need to be a professional photographer to do this.
But I would like someone who is excited about taking photos & know their way around their camera.
You would have to come up with a weekly idea of what we should photograph.
You can see what we have been doing here http://www.scrappingthemoments.com/index.php?topic=2267.0
If you are interested please send some of your photos, ideas you might have for the challenges, a little about yourself,
and if you have a blog please send me a link to it, to pat@scrappingthemoments.com By February 4,2012
If you can't post on the members board or gallery please do not apply.
I am only looking for people who can participate & show interest in our community.

The 2nd position will be doing an ATC challenge. We have just started doing these & there is a lot
of interest in these ATCs by our members. Only apply if you can commit to doing a monthly challenge
and to participate on the message board & gallery. If interested please send me some samples of your
work,especially ATCs you have done & if you have a blog or gallery send a link to that also.
You can send this info to pat@scrappingthemoments.com by February 4,2012.

There is no compensation at this time for our DT members. But there is joy from sharing our talents with others.

Pat Bishop

Friday Fast Track

2011-11-10T20:37:00.003-06:00

is awesome and you have to come join me! Every Friday from 7pm to 9pm Eastern time, Pat or Cindy of Scrapping the Moments (see link on right side) post a sketch. You have 2 hours to complete the LO and post! A hint is usually put up on Thursday...today! The hint for tomorrow is one 4x6 photo...landscape.

Last week I actually got mine done within the time. (I'm a very slow scrapper...I NEVER finish on time!) I was amazed that I finished and love the layout. (photos taken in the evening are not that great, but what is a girl to-do!)

Its tons of fun...come play with me tomorrow!

Scraplift time

2011-11-03T12:38:00.004-05:00

Yep...November 1st had come and gone...which means it was time for me to post my scraplift challenge!

I had a blast this month! I picked this wonderful LO by April. I LOVE everything about this lo...the photo, heart, misting, frame, and clusters of embellishments.

Then I took this photo of my family at Illinois City pumpkin feast...and well...I couldn't resist using April's lo as my inspiration!
I hope I have inspired you in some way. If soo...I'd love to see your lift. Come visit me at Scrapping the Moments (link on the right) and post your lift!

Trick or Treat?

2011-10-31T12:29:00.003-05:00

Yep today is the day...the munchkins get to wear their costumes and go trick or treating. I also get to post a treat. We just finished the 12 days of Halloween at Scrapping the Moments. Our wonderful DT member Jess challenged us to create a LO with only adding what she says on each day. The first day was 3 1x12" strips of patterened paper. Next was a banner...I adlibbed here a little and created the scalloped branch with the owls. Next was 2 journaling spots and then a photo. I matted my spot to count for 2. Then the journalling followed by a piece of ribbon, a handmade embellishment, a spider, 3 brads or buttons, a stamp or rubons, some bling, then finally the title. Viola...
I LOVE IT!!! Thanks Jess!

Quad City gymnasts practice with Olympians

2011-10-28T08:45:00.001-05:00

Kelly was on TV! She is in the blue leo in the center group shot and she is waiting her turn at the trampoline.

Quad City gymnasts practice with Olympians

It is Christmas Time!

2011-10-26T10:09:00.003-05:00

Well...not really. I mean Halloween isn't even over yet. But I am soo ready to decorate and start crafting for the season. I got to work with MME's 12 days of Christmas line for some of my DT projects this month. And well...I LOVED them! Check out this wall art I made....

I took a $5 frame from Walmart and added the background. I alcohol inked some Maya Road bottle caps, added some trim and embellishments from the MME line. Then the star...and viola...
I have to admit altering is not my thing. But, the challenge of it is way fun! I just love the way this turned out. So...if you are local...Go out to the Scrapbooking Studio to see this puppy in person, because the photo does not do it justice. And load up on some MME 12 days of Christmas!

Happy Birthday

2011-10-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

to my dear friend Cathy!!! I did not get a chance to get her card in the mail...So here it is for her (and all you to see). She is the Number 1 Doodlebug fan, and well, I have to use Doodlebug for her cards! I hope you like it Cathy and it is in the mail!
Also...the October layout tag reveal is up! I have soo much fun with this every month. I created this seriously monster lo about Max. You can't go wrong with Jillibean Soup product!

Christmas LO

2011-10-20T16:44:00.003-05:00

Wow...It has been a while since I posted. I've been scrapping, but scrapping super secret stuff that cannot be revealed yet. But I can show you this lo. I love it. I knew the MME Christmas papers would be perfect for these photos. Then Scrapping the Moments posted a wonderful sketch which was the inspiration and viola...
Misting, glubers, sewing...Way fun LO!!

Challenge time!

2011-10-02T20:28:00.004-05:00

Yep, it is the 1st of the month, which means new challenges at The Moments. I host the scraplift challenge...Every month I post a layout for the members to lift. This month I chose this fabulous layout by Peggy. I just love everything about this lo. From the clouds, to the clustering of elements, to the cute photos.

Her layout inspired mine. I diecut the clouds and used them as masks then watercolored over them to create the sky. Way fun! Then added my photos and elements...viola!!
I hope I have inspired you in some way...and if I did...come join me at the moments and share your creation!

Layout Swap

2011-09-22T15:36:00.004-05:00

Scrapping the Moments does a layout swap. Layout swap? you say. Yup! We email our photos to our ring leader Pat. She sends photos to us to create a page. We don't know who's photo it is until the big reveal. We all have a lot of fun with this. Some...even created "trick" los...good one Cindy!

I got this adorable baby boy photo. I thought I'd create a lo with the title "Adorable". But when I went searching for paper, I came across this Doodlebug paper. Oh yeah...So "Oh the Places you'll go" was created!

Halloween projects

2011-09-21T10:11:00.004-05:00

So...my first assignment for the Scrapbooking Studio was Halloween. I had the very yummy lines from Echo Park and Reminisce! Check out these creations....

I also had this cute chipboard album. The Echo Park Apothecary line was screaming Orange and Black Tim Holtz inks and stains. So I prepped the chipboard and played! Inking, staining, misting, swirling...and viola...a gorgeous background for the Apothecary papers and stickers. I decided Halloween is time for HAunted houses, Lizard Legs, Oh soo spooky stuff, Witchcraft and Wizardary, EEk spiders, and Nevermore. Get it...all the CAPS spell Halloween. Anyway...all that lead to this:

Then I had to do a layout using that Echo Park line about my Favorite Spooks! Well they aren't very spooky...but they are oh so cute. I just had to cute out the skulls and use them as o's!

The Reminisce line is soo bright and colorful with lots of spooks and ghouls...Perfect for photos of my spooks trick or treating. I wanted a little drippy mist for the background to spook up my layout...but...it did not show up as dark as I would have liked. A little twine and some bling finished it up:

The "eat, drink, and be scary" sticker was screaming party invitation to me.

Another double pager

2011-09-07T09:10:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I just get on a roll...this time it is with double pagers. I had fun making all the strips of patterned paper and stitching the edges of them. I really need to work on my photography...this one did not turn out well at all! The papers are a mixture, Bella, MME, Pink Paislee...which is unusual for me...I normally don't mix and match. But I love how it turn out. The flower is wired ribbon, I pulled the one wire to pleat and stuck it on a Gluber.

Doodlebug...gotta love....

2011-09-05T08:27:00.004-05:00

Doodlebug. Especially when you are friends with their #1 Fan, Cathy! LOL!!! She basically buys entire lines with a couple of other friends, including me, every release. So I have all this yummy goodness in my stash. She has trouble actually using hers and I think that trait has rubbed off on me. But I couldn't resist cutting into the party lines. It was perfect papers and embellies for Kelly's 6th birthday. I love how it turned out. Then I made a fab birthday card with the scraps...Double the fun!

My Canvas

2011-09-04T08:14:00.003-05:00

Hey all...Happy Sunday! I've finally finished this canvas I've been working on. I was inspired by Angela's class over at the Scrapbooking Studio. I couldn't take the class because we were out of town that weekend...But I didn't let that stop me. I bought a canvas...added the spackle for texture...used masks and mists. The patterned paper is Crate. The title is grungeboard with TH stains and inks. Same for the angle wings. I LOVE it...can't wait to hang it in my scrappy space!

Thanks Angela...for the inspiration!

Time to HOP!

2011-09-01T04:00:00.002-05:00

Yep...the designers at Scrapping the Moments are hosting a blog hop! How fun is that! And guess what...I'm one of the designers! LOL!!! I just crack myself up sometimes.

So...if you came here from Diana's blog and her Sketch challenge, then you are in the right place...Otherwise head over the Jess's blog and her OLW challenge to get started!

Back to School - OH YEAH! Blog Hop! Good morning! I hope you are enjoying your hop around DT blogs so far! My challenge is the Scraplift challenge! This month I decided to challenge myself also. I am a pretty linear, clean, and simple scrapper. I decided I needed to get out of the box and do something with circles. I saw this wonderful layout by Pam and knew I had my lift. Check out Pam's wonderfully round-ish lo!I was also watching the Gymnastics nationals at the time with my daughter...circles, gymnastics...led to Olympics. Now, I had the rings and the photos and some of the other elements of the page...but it was missing something. Then Jess posted her watercolor layout! VIOLA...the final touch...some watercolors.

So my challenge to you is to lift Pam's lo, use circular photos, and get messy...use mists, water colors, paints...whatever! Get out of your box!
My take:
And....to spice things up during our little hop...I've decided to offer a RAK! Oh yeah...and not just any RAK, a copy of Betsy Flot's Inspiration Station. This is a got to have book for all scrappers. There are 606 pages of quotes, titles, and ideas. This is a $30 book. Check it out --> Inspiration Station.

All you have to do for a chance at this awesome book...is do the challenge, post it here on the challenge thread at Scrapping the Moments by September 15th, and leave a comment on this blog post. Decide to follow my blog for an extra draw for the book.

Easy Peasy...can't wait to see what you create!

Now off to the next stop on the hop...which is Jessica's blog.

Here is a complete list of blogs...in case you got lost...

start --> Jess - http://jessicahagland.blogspot.com

April - http://causeaprilsaidso.blogspot.com

Cindy - http://grammashappyplace.blogspot.com

Diana - http://itsmylifeandimscrappingit.blogspot.com

Janet - http://jpaluga.blogspot.com

Jessica - http://myscrappycorner.blogspot.com

Pat - http://ascrappinnana.blogspot.com

finish --> Resa - http://hardlyworkinggirl.blogspot.com

Just LOVE Doodlebug!

2011-08-30T13:59:00.002-05:00

Check out this lo I did of Max's birthday! It just doesn't get any cuter than that! LOL!!
And it looks like I need to look at my white balance on my camera...that is a white label...not blue!
All materials Doodlebug except happy & third letter stickers...AC and baker's twine...WeRMemory Keepers.

Blog Hop!

2011-08-25T08:51:00.002-05:00

Hey all...just a heads up! On Sept. 1st I will be a part of The Moments Back to School, OH YEAH! blog hop! The designers will be posting their challenges on their blogs and you get to hop to each one and see all the goodness. There even maybe a RAK or two offered! How cool is that!
Make sure you come and check it out!

The Scrapbooking Studio DT

2011-08-23T11:41:00.002-05:00

Woohoo!!! I made my LSS, The Scrapbooking Studio DT! I'm soo excited to be designing for this awesome store! The owner, Amy, keeps it stocked with all the wonderful scrappy supplies I love!...MME, American Crafts, Nikki Sivils, JilliBean Soup, and more... Oh...all of Tim Holtz's colors and yummy inks! I can't wait to get started!

So...be checking my blog for my upcoming creations.

And...guess what...I'm going to be working with the following talented designers:

Jennifer Chapin

Mollie Deem

Marion Estes (can find her on Facebook)

and Stacy Rodriguez

Make sure you check out their blogs and the Store link (you can shop online) and the Scrapbooking Studio's blog! It's gonna be some great stuff!!!

Back to School

2011-08-17T09:10:00.003-05:00

Kelly does her supply drop off today. I saw this incredible pencil cup on facebook. It was done with Nikki Sivils' Back to School line by one of her designers (I need to write names down!). It was so cute, I just had to make one for Kelly's teacher.

Well...I didn't have Nikki Sivils paper and my LSS didn't have it yet so I had to punt. I used some old Moxxie papers I had. I ended up using a can that was too wide. I also wished I had used shorter pencils...You put a pencil or pen in there and you can't see it! It ended up being bigger than 12" in circumference, so my paper didn't make it all the around...bummer. Then I made a card and viola...we are ready for school.

Kelly's Favorites

2011-08-16T10:40:00.003-05:00

I'm finally caught up with Kelly's favorites. Every year, April time frame, I ask her the same questions:
Favorite Food
Favorite Toy
Best Friends
etc...
Pretty cool...it is neat to see what changes and what stays the same. I even get her signature every year. For some reason, I did 1st and 2nd grade first. I finally finished with Kindergarten. I couldn't resist these MME papers.
Looks like my camera needs a white balance adjustment!!! Sorry...that is a white library card in the pocket!

More Mini book pages

2011-08-09T10:14:00.005-05:00

Oh yeah...here are some pages from the mini book I just finished. I just love this cute little book! I guess I'll have to make one for Max too!

It's a girl!

2011-08-08T12:38:00.004-05:00

LOL!!! Lynn from Scrapping the Moments sometimes compares the creative process of a LO to birthing a baby. Her LO's are her babies. Well...this mini book...feels like I had twins or maybe triplets. But, I have to admit, it was worth every minute. It is one of those maze books, every page filled, every pocket with a tag, the whole enchilada!!! I LOVE Doodlebug products. They are soo easy to work with. Here is the cover and first page! I'll post more photos later!

Another Doodlebug LO

2011-08-02T19:54:00.002-05:00

Inspiration...ya just gotta love sites like The Moments! The One Little Word challenge this month is to use the word "be". Well, Jess created a beautiful layout with the title "just be yourself". I just took these shots of Max and thought that would be the perfect title for this LO!

My Scraplift Challenge at The Moments

2011-08-02T08:22:00.002-05:00

Hey all...The first of the month is upon us and that means new challenges at The Moments. My challenge to the member is to lift this lovely layout by Jess. Plus you would need to use photo strips...check out the challenge at The Moments. Here is my take:

More Doodlebug

2011-07-30T10:10:00.003-05:00

I decided to use some more Doodlebug for last night's FFT at The Moments. These papers are really part of a cooking line. But the colors were perfect for the photos...And well...it think it worked out well. Everything is Doodlebug except cardstock and twine. The twine is WeRMemory Keepers.

Argh...A Pirate's Life

2011-07-27T18:55:00.003-05:00

Check out this lo...I didn't think I'd like it...the photos were sub-par. But that pirate ship laser cut (Paper Wizard)...Wow...made the lo! The title sticker is from Karen Foster. All the rest is just card stock. Clouds and waves were cut with the cricut.

Doodlebug LO

2011-07-25T17:30:00.002-05:00

My friend Cathy is a huge (probably not a big enough adjective) Doodlebug lover. I go in with her every year and get most of the lines. Well...when I saw the cherries on Kelly's shirt, I knew what paper I had to use!

More Layouts.

2011-07-22T10:08:00.005-05:00

Well...it sure seems I've gotten my mojo back. I'm scrapping like crazy...and get this...pages are taking only hours instead of days! This week I actually have gotten 2 layouts done on 2 different nights. That is 4, yes 4 layouts in a week and the week isn't over! Yahoo!!!!

This one uses MME American Made, but I changed it to "You are an American Now!" Design is from Michelle Donner Ramsey from Scrapaganza.

The next 2 use Echo Park Country Days

It's my Birthday!

2011-07-19T22:54:00.002-05:00

And I actually managed some me time today! Woohoo!!! Although the day started shaky with my son...we managed! I actually got two layouts done today. I think I've found a grove. As long as I start with a sketch or a lift, I can actually scrap at a decent pace!

I totally LOVE Echo Park. And their Summer Days line is soo bright and colorful! I just had to use it for these photos!

Surprise challenge!

2011-07-18T20:17:00.003-05:00

I just love the challenges at The Moments. They have inspired my soo much. Check out my latest layout. The design is based on a Jana Eubanks sketch and was originally started for the color challenge: yellow, orange, and red. The problem was that I fell in love with this BoBunny paper and well, blue was calling to me. No worries...Surprise challenge to the rescue. Add some rub-ons to the photos and handmake a flower. The flower was made using CosmoCricket's Gluber adhesive circles. The instructions for making the flower is on the back of the packaging.
I soo LOVE this layout!

Ya just gotta love a good crop!

2011-07-11T20:58:00.005-05:00

I attended the Favorite Things crop run by on of my LSS this weekend...OH BOY! I had a blast! It was the perfect mix of scrapping, socializing, snacking, prizes, and fun ativities.

Plus...I did not realize how much I needed some scrappy therapy. I was soo run down and defeated before this crop which was held Friday and Saturday. I was tired on Sunday but felt soo much better. Even though packing for a crop is a huge PITA...the rewards are worth every second of the agonizing packing process! I definitely need to attend more crops!

Here are a few of my creations:

Love Sketches

2011-07-11T20:44:00.002-05:00

Hey all...Looks like I'm consistently scrapping again! Yahoo!!! And...I just have to say again...I LOVE sketches. The moments has a sketch challenge every month and this month they used a sketch from Sketchabilities! I just LOVE Karan's sketches...Here is my take on Sketch #50. Make sure you check out the 2 sites...they are 2 of my favorites!

OMG!! I'm scrappin' again! Woohoo!

2011-07-02T20:26:00.003-05:00

Finally!
Check out these layouts...
I did this layout for the Ice Cream Social Crop at The Moments. It was for the sketch challenge. Way fun! The crop was super fun...You'll have to join me for the next one!

This layout is for the Scraplift Challenge at the Moments. I challenged the members to use a grid on their layout.
And then on Fridays the Moments. Every Friday from 7-9 Eastern a sketch is posted and we chat and scrap. This is the layout I did for 7/1 FFT.

A crop...

2011-06-20T08:14:00.003-05:00

...at the Moments!!! Oh yeah! This is their first online crop! There will be challenges, games, and tons of fun! Come join me...this board is filled with fun ladies! June 25th!!! See you there!

Fancy Pants --Dancing Girl

2011-05-06T14:31:00.002-05:00

I sooo love those papers that I bought some of them twice! LOL!! Well, I finally busted them out for the Scraplift Challenge over at The Moments. Check it out...

I wish the lighting was better when I took the photo. The journalling reads: This is the 1st dance practice I got to watch @ Miss Louise's studio. You sure look like you are having a LOT of fun! Will dance be your passion?

LOVE Challenges

2011-04-20T13:11:00.002-05:00

Check out this layout. I love it. It is a combination of a lift and color challenge. I just LOVE lifts and challenges. Great stuff to get the scrappy mojo flowing. Scrapbook Heaven is having a lift crop. I lifted Carla's choice for this photo. It became perfect for the color challenge at The Moments because of the purples in the photo. I used my favorite Doodlebug papers and brads. The glimmer mist made the perfect background. LOVE LOVE LOVE the purple/green combo. Most materials are doodlebug (pp, brads, stickers). The purple scallop border is Martha Stewart painted with smooch. Letter stickers are AC, EK, Kaiser, and Adorn-it. The journaling block is from a nestabilities die.

Title: My Baby is growing up. Journalling reads: WOW! My heart skipped a beat when I saw this photo. It was taken in May of '06, 5 years ago. You are growing up soo fast. I wish I could slow down time, and yet I can't wait to see who you become!

A layout!

2011-04-14T14:48:00.003-05:00

Yep...I have finally scrapped! I hadn't scrapped since August and this unfinished layout was buried on my scrap desk. So...viola. I think it started from a sketchabilities sketch...but not sure anymore. It felt good to get it done! And...I think it is one of my new favs! Ya just gotta love the MME product. I had soo much fun playing with it!

It is also the first layout I've photographed with my new camera (Canon 50D)...I'm not sure I like how it turned out. The lighting wasn't that good...but it seems fuzzy to me. I'll have to play with the settings on the camera.

I've been making some cards also. Birthdays have been coming up and I haven't had time to make my loved ones cards. So, I assembly lined about 10 of them the other day. It feels good to be ahead in this department. I'm already working on Mother's Day cards and more Birthdays. I want to have a card for everyone pre-made for the year! Then it will just be grab and go.

I'm planning on attending an online crop at Pages in Time April 30/May 1st. Nothing like a crop to get those hibernating mojo juices going...I can't wait. I hope you can join me. I miss all my online scrappy friends.

Now...as to what happened. Well...I guess I needed to learn something about myself. And the good lord wasn't getting through to me...so he threw some curve balls my way so I'd have to listen! It all started with being let go from a design team...a way big blow to my ego. Then my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer. I had to drop off from volunteering for an organization I love, moved my mom into a nursing home, Christmas, big blow up with the hubby, Father-in-law passes away, dropping off another volunteering position, and my hubby has been diagnosed with a 40% blockage on the widow maker! PHEW! It was just too much...especially on top of a very busy schedule.

During this time, I think I read every book written by Kristin Hannah. Very, very good stuff. There seemed to be a recurring theme in all her books...relationships, how not speaking up, not telling the truth and the impact that has on our relationships. I had realized how I was doing the same thing. Not speaking up, not asking for what I need, and just sitting back wishing and hoping it would be different. Being the victim. Poor me. So I spoke up and let go of a bunch of stuff. Because sometimes...it is what it is. And you know what...it is pretty good!

But, there was one more thing. I also realized I do a lot of things just to feel special. Message boards, design teams, volunteering, etc. All those things make me feel special...Oops...feeling special has to come from inside! Wow, no wonder I was crushed when some goofy things happened last year.

So...I'm going to focus on being the best wife, mother, daughter, scrapper, and friend I can be. I'm going to stop looking for the external recognition and give myself the recognition inside. Thank you Lord for waking my behind up!

Cinch or Bind-it-all

2011-01-19T11:27:00.002-06:00

Well...I have to admit I groaned when I saw WeRMemoryKeepers came out with the Cinch. I already had the Bind-it-All...and well...I wasn't really all that happy with it.

I bind 6 12x12 Calendars every year. I do not bind all the way across the top. I cut a binding wire into 4ths and use 2 on each calendar. 6 holes twice. Sounds easy, right? Nope...the Bind it All is not all that sturdy. I had to hold the pages up, make sure they didn't topple out and hope for an even punch which was difficult. The bind it all doesn't have counter weight to the punching side.

The Cinch is heavier, can punch more holes at a time, and the paper lays flat...a win right there. I happened to have 50% off coupon at my LSS, so I thought I'd give it a try.

The Cinch is a MUCH better punching system. Easier to line up, easier to punch, and easier to load the wire. Plus I could punch more pages at a time! I was thinking the Bind-It-All was going to become garage sale fodder. Then it came time to bind...the actual squishing of the wire. Cinch works with 3/4" wires and above. It would not smoosh my 1/2" wire...bummer. So I used the Bind-it-all for that.

The Bind-it-All might still end up in a garage sale. I can't see punching with it anymore. And maybe I can find a way to shim the smooshing process on the Cinch.

If you are only working on smaller...I'd say 6" or smaller books...then the Bind-it-All would be fine. Once you start creating larger books...Cinch is the way to go!

Almost caught up!

2011-01-17T11:01:00.002-06:00

Well, it's January 17th. I finally finished the 6 calendars last night. I just need to bind them up and ship them out! I'm just now prepping for my class tomorrow. New book, new software...I'm not near ready or comfortable. I hope to get the Christmas decorations finally down this week. AND I hope to finish getting my mom's finances all settled this week.

Hmmm...I remember selecting "Balance" as my one little word that I'd work on for 2010. I don't think I actually accomplished it. But I did learn a ton. I think I will continue to work on "balance" again for 2011.

I really need to work on asking for support. Adding the second kid, teaching part time, having a daughter on team gymnastics and cheer, and still volunteering...well I just can't do it all by myself anymore. Support is a beautiful thing...it is soo easy to give, but much harder to ask for (for me anyway). I don't think I can create balance without support.

Me time...this one seems so easy, yet I also find it difficult to implement. I always put the needs of others before myself. Taking time for me...reading, relaxing, scrapping, eating healthy, exercising...etc is always last on the list. I did better with the healthy eating and exercising last year. I joined a gym close to Kelly's gymnastics so I can work out while she practices. I ate healthy for about 2 months. It became stressful. I need to find a way to implement the plan in a non-stressful way this year.

I also need to get back to scrapping. I had some very bad online experiences last year. I love the online community, but not the drama that comes with it. I love the challenges of being on a DT, but have yet to find the right fit. Maybe I'll just start out with some online challenges and see where it goes.

I hope to post about Kelly's cheer competitions. She's doing so well that she doesn't want to quit. She is finishing the season and then focusing on gymnastics. I'll also put up more photos of the calendars. They seem so simple, but took a long time. I think this year I'll buy the card stock with the pattern papers I'll use. I spent a lot of time looking for matches. I'm also going to work on them monthly. I said this last year...and was much farther ahead when it came to November...but life took over. It was a crazy Christmas this year.

So that's it for now. I hope to have some scrappy stuff up soon!

January

2010-12-19T10:17:00.003-06:00

Well here it is. My Calendar for January. Simple but sweet. Now to make 5 more of these and then on to February.

I ended up adding a lot of glitter to January. It took a lot of time and now I'm out of white glitter--I didn't realize how low I was. I guess I should have taken stock of my stash before starting the project! The problem is that I'm such a poor planner! I do have all the months printed out and I bought 2 of each month of the Creative Imaginations line (I hope that is enough...time to be frugal!). But who knows what I'm going to add to the pages! LOL!!

Hopefully these calendars will re-stoke my scrappy mojo and I'll make time to create again. I do miss it. And I miss my scrappy friends. I guess it is time to go find a friendly message board to hang out at.

Back?

2010-12-18T20:55:00.002-06:00

Well, sort of anyway! LOL!! Moving my Mom was a bit more complicated than I expected. We brought her down on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and then moved her into her new apartment in the assisted living portion of Lutheran Homes Monday evening. Tuesday morning she had an appointment with her new wound Dr. He immediately put her in the hospital. Geez...Welcome to Muscatine!

Anyway, she stayed in the hospital until Thursday and is now in the Nursing Home portion of Lutheran Homes. Needless to say, I've been spending way more time with my Mom's situation than I expected. The plan is to get her into her apartment by the end of the month. I am hoping, praying, and providing as much support as I can to motivate her to do what she needs to do to get into the apartment. Otherwise, it looks like the Nursing Home will be her new home.

I am finally working on my calendars! Yeah...scrapping. I have not scrapped since the end of September. I'm definitely going through withdrawal. I haven't been on a message board, walked into a store, or even blogs. I LOVE having my Mom close by, but it is like I now have a third kid. I need to work on balance again. The schedule has just been too crazy. But, I can see the light...no more gymnastics competitions until next fall. Cheer competitions will be done in January and we won't be continuing that sport. And Christmas busy-ness is almost over.

I never thought I'd get to the point were I actually need to schedule time for me, but I really need to look at this in the new year. Maybe even create some scrappy goals to motivate me.

Tomorrow I'll put up my January mock-up up. I try to keep the calendars simple (I am making 6). But somehow...I always manage to make them a little more complicated. Oh well.

Bald is beautiful?

2010-11-15T19:50:00.003-06:00

Update: Here it is...Mike decided that he and Max needed to shave their heads in honor of Papa Billy. Papa Billy lost most of his hair due to Chemo, so he shaved his head this weekend. And of course, the testosterone was flowing in the Ball family with challenges and dares gallore. So here are my two dudes sporting the bald look! LOL!! I just wish I had taken the family holiday photo before the clippers came out! Anyway, Billy seems to be doing better. He is breathing better, they don't need to drain his lung, and he is finally home. Seems like the Chemo is working. He is still very weak and is on oxygen...but he sound more like his own fiesty self!

Mom came in for her evaluations at two facilities last week. We finally overcame her reluctance to moving down here. She likes Lutheran Homes and I think she is looking forward to the move. I hope to get details of her move finalized this week. It looks like sometime right after Thanksgiving she will be moving. Kelly is looking forward to seeing her Grandma more often.

Kelly has been doing awesome with her gymnastics! So well that the coaches moved her up to Level 5. She has another meet this weekend along with her first cheer competition of the season. It is going to be a busy weekend!

And me...well...I'm still trying to catch up. The house is still a mess...but the laundry is caught up. I hope to be caught up with everything by Wednesday. I can actually see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I haven't scrapped since September and I am missing it. I am still trying to get used to my new camera...Canon 50D with a 28-135 lens. I LOVE the zoom capabilities and the speed of the action shots. I'm still having difficulty getting it to focus on what I want it to focus on. And my action shoots are still too blurry. I really need to practice and learn how to use the features instead of staying in auto-mode.

I'm feeling the holiday crunch already. I have my Christmas cards somewhat designed and need to order the materials. Calendars...I started off wanting to keep up monthly all year...but alas this did not happen. I don't even have all the photos printed out! ARGH! Looks like I need to get hot!

When it rains...

2010-10-31T14:53:00.002-05:00

...it pours. Sigh...Just when I think the worst has past, just when I think things can get back to normal...well closer to normal...sigh...another stressor gets added. Mike's Dad is doing a little better, but the outlook is bleak. My Dad is ok, but on constant watch...eventually he will require a risky surgery.

But everything is stable. I thought I could get back to scrapping and get back to blogging. I have calendars and cards and now a project for a client to work on.

Yea...not so much. Now I get to add my Mom to the list...she has been given 30 days notice to find a new home. She lives in a senior center. Her health has deteriorated, but the senior center environment has helped stabilized that. The problem is that she is not complying with the rules. She says she has been complying with the rules (that have been set up for her benefit), they say not. My Aunt is tired of this battle and it has come to me. I need to find her a new home. The problem is that she doesn't want to move and doesn't want to face the reality that she needs help.

The plus side is that I'll be moving her closer to me. No more 3 hour one way trip for visits. I guess I'll focus on the plus. I'm just not sure where I'm going to find the time to get this done. 'Tis the season to be busy and I just got busier!

Thanks to all those that have left well wishes!!! They put a smile on my face every time I read them. Thank you soo much!

Random thoughts...

2010-10-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Sorry...I haven't posted in awhile. It is amazing how life works sometimes. And today, nature reminded me of that. I'm sitting at my computer catching up on email and I notice movement out of the corner of my eye...So I look. Here are the leaves falling from the trees in my back yard. Lots of them. It was absolutely beautiful...so much so I almost cried. For those that know me...I don't cry easily. I don't think I have ever stopped and noticed the leaves falling before. Ya know...time goes so quickly. Fall starts, then all of a sudden the leaves are down and it's snowing.

Today I stopped...and just appreciated this simple moment. It was gorgeous. Leaves falling...ready to give nourishment back to the earth. The ending of a season and start of another.

I think this touched me deeply because of what is going on in my life right now. Mike's Dad has been diagnosed with late stage cancer. We don't know the details yet, but just the term "late stage cancer" is enough. A season ending, a life ending. Maybe the falling leaves are a reminder to notice the bigger picture and find joy with what was and what will be. Thank you nature.

So...everything happens for a reason. Although I was crushed and somewhat bitter with being one of 2 designers that lost their DT spots at ScrapGal, I am now so grateful. Grateful that I don't have those responsibilities right now. My husband has been back home since Tuesday to be with his family while all this was happening. Not having to worry about being on the board, blog posts, contests, monthly projects has been a blessing. Thanks to the higher powers that created this for me!

Last random thought...My new camera should be arriving today! I'm soo excited. I found a great deal on the net for a Canon 50D with a 25-135 mm IS lens. I will be taking some awesome photos of Kelly's gymnastics meet on Sunday. I can't wait! Soon, I'll have photos to post.

Each day is a blessing...it is up to us to find it everyday!

Frosted Designs DT call...

2010-09-30T21:47:00.001-05:00

Hey Scrappy friends...

Check out this design team call...looks like a pretty cool place! And you can't beat the name Frosted Designs...YUM!!!!

Frosted Designs DT call

Last Sketchabilities reveal

2010-09-30T02:00:00.000-05:00

Oh...with a sad heart...here is my last Sketchabilities reveal...for now...I LOVE working with the sketches from Karan's site. This last one was no exception!! Check out my 2-Cute-Rex! All product is MME except for the felt flower and tulle -- MM. Small letters are My Little Shoe Box.

Make sure you check out the Sketchabilities blog to see the original sketch and the rest of the team's take!!

Homeless again...

2010-09-29T10:49:00.002-05:00

I find myself at a loss and very very sad. I love scrappy message boards and the community of scrappy friends -- sharing news, tips, and layouts/projects. I love being on design teams -- the challenge of designing and inspiring others...love it. I put my heart and soul into the position. Yet, I'm having the worst luck.

I did not get an extension at Sketchabilites and just got dropped from the team at ScrapGal after 2 months, it was a 6 month term. The ScrapGal news hurt...a lot and was unexpected. I worked my butt off for those two months. Creating blog posts were a bit more challenging than I expected. Plus I hosted 2 games, a challenge, sent out raks, etc...

I hope someday I will find the silver lining/learning in all this...today I'm just shaking my head...why? I find it hard to believe that the economy has changed all that much in the two months. And why not let everyone know on the site what is going on?

So...time to move on. I'll be posting my last Sketchabilities reveal tomorrow...I think you will like it. It will also be my last layout for a while. My camera died on me. On Sunday morning at Kelly's first gymnastics meet! I was soo mad! I took the photo of the layout the day before. Two fully charged batteries, tried both, and the thing just won't power up. It is a Canon EOS rebel. I bought it 5 years ago. Needless to say I don't need the expense of fixing it or purchasing another. Oh well, at least I don't have anymore deadlines to photograph! LOL!

Kelly did awesome at the meet. She placed:
2nd on beam
5th on vault
7th on floor
and 7th for all around. This is out of 22 6 & 7 year old level 4 gymnasts.

Until tomorrow...

Sketchabilities EAD reveal

2010-09-23T08:45:00.002-05:00

It is time for a reveal and it isn't even the 15th or 30th of the month! That's right, Sketchabilities is having a birthday celebration and today EAD is the sponsor. I received these beautiful clear stickers that screamed card at me! So I used one of Karan's wonderfully inspirational sketches and created this birthday card for my mom! She loved it. The stickers are from EAD, pp from MME, inks and stamps on the little tag from SU!, distressing ink Ranger, and dew drops from Robin's Nest. Make sure you check out the Sketchabilities blog for all the fun inspirational stuff going on this month!

Sketchabilities reveal & ScrapGal blog hop

2010-09-15T04:00:00.000-05:00

It's a busy day on my blog! First I have the Sketchabilities September 15th reveal...Another fabulous sketch to work with!!! And here is my take. Another clean, fun layout of my kids...playing with bubbles. Make sure you check out the sketch at the Sketchabilities blog and all the other designers takes!

Ok and now the ScrapGal Fall Haul Blog hop! We are having a Fall Haul crop and want you all to come. So we thought we'd spread the word by having a little blog hop!!! The crop will have tons of challenges, a couple of games, and plenty of chatting -- you definitely do not want to miss chat! So make sure you come and visit the message board on Friday for more news about the crop. Plus, I will be RAK'ing 2, yes 2, $10 gift cards to the ScrapGal store. You just need to participate in my challenge or game to qualify. How cool is that!!

Now to hop...You should have started the hop here at the ScrapGal Blog.
You should have stopped at Donna's blog before arriving here.
Once you are done at my blog, you need to visit Judean's blog.

Once you finish...make sure you hop back to ScrapGal Blog to qualify for the prizes!
Happy hopping!

Sketchabilities Celebration

2010-09-08T14:17:00.002-05:00

Hey my scrappy friends. I thought I'd share with you the birthday celebration that is going on all month long at Sketchabilities. There will be extra sketches and Guest Designers. You are not going to want to miss it.

Check out what Patti McCarthy did with the first sketch! It is absolutely amazing! Check it out here.

And don't forget to keep checking the blog!

Sketchabilities reveal -- August 30th

2010-08-30T03:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know how she does it!!! One fantastic sketch after another. This sketch was super awesome and inspired this layout. I think it will make my all-time favorite list! Make sure you check out the sketch and the rest of the DT's wonderful creations. Sketchabilities.Journalling reads: You did it! You make team! All those years of practice have paid off. Now you get to compete at the sport you LOVE! Photos taken 8/09, made team 1/10.

Materials:
PP, tags, chipboard letters -->7 gypsies
velvet letters --> American Crafts
pearls/rosettes --> Prima
Brads --> SU!
flower handmade from ribbon lace.

First day of school

2010-08-27T14:09:00.003-05:00

Yep...Kelly is back in school!!! And my little one is napping. I have to admit...I am loving the peace and quiet of these 2 hours...I haven't even turned on the radio! LOL!!!

Anyway...check out this back to school gift we made for Kelly's 2nd grade teacher. I had the pink box laying around and dug out all the Moxxie school papers. I saw this idea in the latest Scrapbook ETC. I think it is on the last page (128) of the latest issue. It would have been a little easier if my box didn't have the handles and was perfectly square...but I made it work. We filled it with pencils, pens, a ruler, scissors, post-it notes, thank you cards, and chocolate! The chocolate was her favorite! PHEW!!! We don't find out who the teacher is until the day before schools starts. I just threw in my favorite chocolate!

So here is the project and a photo of Kelly on her first day of school!

Today is the day...

2010-08-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

...for my blog post at ScrapGal. Want to learn how to make these hand stitched stars? Well, then you'll have to check out the ScrapGal blog. I have a step by step tutorial posted...so check it out.

AND don't forget August is Prima month at ScrapGal. This layout is all cardstock and Prima. Yep...you can do a boy layout with Prima. Prima is more than flowers...go figure. They have some phenomenal papers, rubons, brads and stickers. Don't believe me, then check out the ScrapGal store. Plus, if you post a layout with Prima product in the gallery, you go into a draw for the monthly prize...Pretty cool! And there is still plenty of time to get your layout posted!

Sketchabilities DT call!

2010-08-18T18:59:00.002-05:00

That's right...Karan is looking for new designers! And this time it is for a 6 month term! You just gotta check it out! The sketches are just fabulous to work with! Check out this link for the details --> Sketchabilities DT call. There is plenty of time to sub your work. Applications are due September 10th.

Sketchabilities reveal -- August 15th

2010-08-15T09:57:00.003-05:00

Yep...It is that time of the month again! Sketchabilities reveal time! The sketch for today is absolutely fabulous! I thought it would be perfect for this photo with Mickey!! Make sure you visit the Sketchabilities blog to see the sketch and ALL the DT takes on it. They are all very cool!

ScrapGal

2010-08-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

I just realized I never posted the layouts I subbed for my ScrapGal DT application. AND as part of my DT duties I will be posting to the ScrapGal blog every other monday. Today is my first post...so make sure you check out my misting tutorial.

And here are the layouts:
The first one...NO! I used Bella BLVD papers I got from Queen Scraps. I couldn't resist shooting these photos. And the robots on the papers made me wish I had an instruction manual for this little dude. So...vioala... LOL!!! I can't help but laugh when I look at this. He is cute even when he is mad! LOL!!!
We took this photo on Mother's Day. Lilacs are one of my favorite flowers and I had all this purple MME stuff...And well. My family is adorable, I couldn't resist. I fun with a lot of stitching on this one. I even added french knots to the flower twill ribbon. You can't really see them in the photo.

Yahoo!!!

2010-08-01T14:04:00.002-05:00

Today is August 1st and I finally get to spill!!!

I made a design team!! I am now designing for the really cool online store/message board --> Scrapgal

I lost my scrappy "home" a while back. I was floundering around trying to find a place to chat and stumbled upon Scrapgal. The forum is awesome and the community very warm and welcoming! I love it. Plus, they were in the middle of a DT call...so I thought I'd give it a try. It has been awhile since I've been on a compensated DT. I can't believe I made it.

Please come check the place out! I'd love for you all to come hang with me!

Sketchabilities reveal -- July 30th

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yep...it is that time again...time to reveal my take on the latest sketchabilities sketch. I had soo much fun with this sketch. AND I knew these shoe pictures would be perfect for it. You see, you cannot leave your shoes out or the Shoe Elf will nab them. Max LOVES to play with shoes and it didn't matter who's shoes they were.

Make sure you check the Sketchabilities Blog to see the catch and the rest of the designers takes!

Alcohol inks...

2010-07-26T21:19:00.002-05:00

...have me intrigued. I always LOVE what others do with them. But, I'm am way to chicken to try myself. Well, I follow YourSrapabookStash.com and they posted this wonderful altered tin. It is gorgeous and was done with alcohol inks. They provided a little tutorial which SHOULD push me over the edge to give them a try....hehehehe...that "should" word!

Anyway...check it out --> YourScrapbookStash Alcohol Inks

Another layout!

2010-07-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

Woohoo...I really am on a roll. Look, another layout is done! This one is for the Simple Obsessed Just Beachy crop that is going on! What a way fun crop! There are tons of challenges and games to pick from.

This layout sort of came together because of my messy desk. I had the photos picked out and the background pp. But I was wavering on the background pp. Then I saw the left over strips from my previous layout. I had a couple 1 inch strips of that misted background left over. I thought they would make a great border. Then these flowers were sitting on the desk with the glimmer mist from the previous layout. So, I misted them to match the border. I added the stitching, made the brads with the I-topper, and viola! All materials are basically LYB. Oh, the layout is based on a sketch from www.txpaperdoll.blogspot.com. I found it through Simply Obsessed.

Layout and news..

2010-07-22T19:32:00.004-05:00

Ok...news first! I submitted some layouts and a completed book to the Muscatine County Fair...AND guess what?? I won a blue ribbon and a red ribbon. Then, the blue ribbon project got the big blue Rosette! I won best scrapbooking project! Yahoo!!! My completed project won...I turned in my 92 Days of Summer book. Here is the page they are displaying at the fair. And...I got this layout done for Scrapbooking Heaven's Sketch crop! What an awesome crop and a great group of ladies. This layout was inspired by Stacy's sketch. I didn't really like the pp that I pulled to use for the background. So, I made my own by randomly misting yellow and pink glimmer mists. I also wanted some orange which I didn't have. So I made my own...I filled a mini mister with water and added some orangey refill ink that I had. I wish I had some perfect pearls to add to that mix.

Beachy Crop

2010-07-19T09:49:00.002-05:00

at Simply Obsessed!

Come check it out. Some challenges and games are already up today with everything being due on the 25th at midnight.
And while you are checking out the crop...make sure you check their DT call...Yep they are looking for new designers. Great community, great kits, great challenges and crops!

Sketchabilities reveal

2010-07-14T21:17:00.003-05:00

Yep, it is that time of the month again. Time to reveal my July 15th layout for Sketchabilities!
So without further ado...here it is!!I strayed from the sketch a little this time. I knew I wanted to use these photos so I needed to turn the sketch. When I started pulling product, I came across the Fancypants transparency. LOVE it, but then the label paper wouldn't work. So vioala...some old WeRMemory Keepers paper, Moxxie and Fancypants rubons, and a Pink Paislee journalling spot. It is not like me to mix vendors like that. But I LOVE the way this one turned out.

Make sure you check out Sketchabilities to see the original sketch and the rest of the Design teams takes on it!

So much for scheduling this post...I was working on scheduling it for 8am tomorrow morning and it posted anyway. Sorry...the reveal and sketch won't be up until the 15th.

I've been published!!!!!!!

2010-07-11T19:27:00.002-05:00

I sooo can't believe it!!!!!! One of my layouts is in a glossy magazine...YAHOO...AND the best part is, you can download it for FREE! Yep...I said FREE.

The layout is "Wonder" and it is on page 47 of Scrapbook & Cards Today. They are a Canadian magazine stuffed full of incredible inspiration!

Happy Dance, Happy Dance, Happy Dance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sketchabilities reveal

2010-07-07T19:33:00.002-05:00

Here it is...My June 30th reveal. I splatter painted the background. Used some old Moxxie papers and embellies I had stashed. I added crystal effects to the round stickers and popped them up.

You just gotta check out the Sketchabilities blog every 15th and 30th of the month. The sketches are fantastic. The design team provides tons of inspiration for each one.

I'm a moron!

2010-07-02T07:54:00.002-05:00

Yep...In case you hadn't already figured that out. It is official...I am a moron!

I was supporsed to post my Sketchabilities layout on June 30th. We were leaving for vacation that day and I'm a big procrastinator when it comes to getting ready for vacation. I knew I'd forget to post if I didn't pre-post and schedule it for the 30th. Sure enought...mid-way through the drive to Colorodo I remembered I never scheduled the post and did forget to post first thing that morning! DOH!!!!

So...make sure you chedk out Sketchabilities. The sketch and layouts are up and they are awesome!

Favortie Things Crop

2010-06-27T11:48:00.005-05:00

was a blast!!!!! And even though I tried to prep in advance, I was still rushing at the end. I only got 1 full page kit done and 2 more partials. So I found all my kits that have not been disassembled, loaded up the trunk and off I went.

I got 5 pages done (3 one page and 1 2 pager) and started a 2 pager before coming home last night. 2 of the pages are for Sketchabilites...so I can't post those. But here are the other 2.

This first one is from the page kit I got completely put together. Although I had not originally pulled the green ribbons. It is based on a Page Maps sketch. Materials are mostly from the Echo Park summer line. The sun is a button from Charlene's Buttons You can get to here etsy shop from her blog. The felt flower is MM and the brad was made with the I-topper by Imaginesce. The scallop border is Bazzil. The Journalling reads: Kelly kept complaining that she could net see the board at school. So we both went to the eye doctor for check-ups. Sure enough she has my eyes and needs glasses. She picked a SpongeBob-esk pair. She LOVES wearing them. And I have to admit, she takes great care of them!

The next layout was done using a kit from the Scrapaganza club that I attended monthly. I had these zoo pictures of Kelly feeding the animals that I thought would work with this Jillibean line. It also contains ribbon from KI and letter stickers from Pink Paislee. The design is based on another pagemaps sketch. Journalling reads: Kelly had a blast feeding the animals at Niabi zoo. The birds drank a sugary syrup. Daddy had to lift Kelly so she could reach the birds. The goats ate corn and grain right out of her hand. Daddy tried to keep the bigger goats away. The other layouts I completed will be posted on July 15th and 30th. Sorry...you'll just have to wait!

Grrr!

2010-06-25T09:20:00.002-05:00

Debit cards...I love them. They make shopping soo much easier. I don't even carry my check book anymore. Well...someone somehow got a hold of my number! Made a transaction in Ireland on 6/22 causing my debit card to be somewhat shutdown. I say somewhat because the last 2 times I've tried to use it I couldn't. But somehow that person was able to make another transaction today.

I have to file two separate claims to get the money back. But my card has now been canceled! PHEWW...It could have been worse...they could have over drawn the account. But now I'm without a debit card for a while. Guess I need to carry the check book now!

I am soo thankful my bank has a good fraud system in place!

OH NO!!!!!!!

2010-06-23T19:41:00.002-05:00

LOL!!!!! So...In my last post I mentioned that I'm actually PREPPING for my crop coming up. I just pulled out my Navigator to load up the first page kit I put together. It was feeling kinda heavy...I don't remember an empty Navigator feeling soo heavy. I just chalked it up to a faulty memory. NOPE...there were kits in there from the last time I went to a crop! LOL!! AND I cannot remember the last time I used the Navigator. It maybe for this crop a year ago!!!!!! CRAZY!

The Horror!!!!

2010-06-23T13:37:00.002-05:00

LOL!!! Ok...Some of my scrappy friends who know me well...well...they need to be sitting before reading the rest of this post! And to help the rest of you...here is some background...

I NEVER prep for crops! I always run out of time. So I grab the kits I haven't dismantled and my stash of photos and wing it. I rarely get much done at a crop because I end up not having "something" or I want my photos a different size or I don't have the right color of something and it is at home. But, I still LOVE to go! It is time away from the house (kids, hubby, responsibilities, etc) and I just love socializing with my scrappy friends.

Well...guess what...I've been PREPPING for the Favorites Crop this weekend!!! I cannot believe I'm actually getting ready for the crop more than an hour before I leave! LOL!!! I've got photos selected and sized for one sketch that I'll be working on. Working on photos for another. Then I'll be picking supplies. I don't leave until 2pm on Friday...who knows how much prepping I can get done!

It will be interesting to see how this crop goes. I don't think I have ever experienced being ready for a crop!

Oh and it is an overnight crop. It goes from 6pm until midnight on Friday and 10am til midnight on Saturday. I got a hotel room so I don't have to drive the 45 minutes home Friday night. I'm soo excited!!! I haven't had this kind of me time in a LONG time!!!!

Woohoo!!!

2010-06-17T10:12:00.002-05:00

I have been selected for a second term for Sketchabilities!! I just love Karan's sketches! In fact...most everything scrappy that I have been posting lately have been inspired by her sketches.

Make sure you check out the blog at Sketchabilities Reveals occur on the 15th and 30th of each month.
And she has a message board...Sketchabilities Message Board

I hope to see you there!!!!!

B.I.T.C.H. update

2010-06-16T20:38:00.002-05:00

Yep...time for an update. I have to admit that I haven't wanted to update. I kinda plateaued at 8 pounds lost and got side tracked with the diet. Well, more than side tracked...I jumped ship! LOL!!!

Yep...the diet got thrown to the way side around Memorial Day. I have to admit it is a very difficult diet. Eating a protein and fruit/vegetable every 3 to 4 hours is difficult. I found myself becoming more and more resistant to it and rebellious. I totally rebelled Memorial Day weekend and just couldn't get back on track. Then hubby was out of town last week. And well...fast food is just soo convenient when it is just me and the kids.

But, I didn't stop working out. My trainer, Kami, was still kicking my behind and enjoying it! LOL!!! Well, almost as much as I enjoyed complaining! Anyway, I could tell I was getting stronger each and every workout.

And, I visited my Dad this past weekend, and he asked if I was losing weight! YAHOO!!! The words everyone wants to hear when on a weight loss journey!

So, I finally stepped on the scale this morning. Just to see what damage had been done. And you know what...I'm down 10 pounds!!!!!!! I didn't gain any weight and I lost 2 more! Yahoo!!! I'm soo stoked!!!

Lesson learned #1...not to be soo hard on myself. The gym that I work out at has a quote above the water fountain. I think it changes daily...it seems to be different every time I go. On Tuesday it was this..."Strive for progress, not perfection." So true! I felt like a failure because I wasn't following the diet PERFECTLY! ARGH...and I was stuck with the loss. I was soo focused on the failure, that I forgot to see the progress! Thanks to who ever selects and puts up the quotes at Body and Balance! I am soo making progress and I need to celebrate that!!!

Lesson learned #2...(ok Deb...you can stop reading here) Maybe the diet is too restrictive for me. Or maybe I was eating too much healthy food. I'm not sure...but I need to find something that works for me...some kind of happy medium. I'll be working on that next.

Anyway...YEAH ME!!! I'm down 10 pounds and probably at least one jean size. The 12's I bought at the beginning of the journey are loose! Yahoo!!! All my shorts from last summer (that were tight) are way loose also!

June 15th Sketchabilities reveal

2010-06-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yep, it is that time of the month again. Time to reveal my latest layout for Sketchabilities. Again Karan has come up with a wonderful sketch full of inspiration. To see the sketch go to http://www.sketchabilities.blogspot.com/.

And here is my layout...Once Upon a time...a little girl
went fishing with her Daddy for the very first time. She loved to cast and reel in the fish. She wanted nothing to do with the worms...which is to be expected from this princess. So Daddy baited the hook and removed the fish. Everyone lived happily ever after.

Sheeesh!!!!

2010-06-09T11:47:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe how busy I have been!! Soo busy that I TOTALLY forgot to post this on the 31st!! I'm soo sorry Karan. I guess I need to learn how to schedule posts! LOL!!! Anyway, this layout is for the May31st Sketchabilities reveal. The sketch was another fantastic sketch and perfect for these first grade photos. Behind the smaller photo is an library card with all of Kelly's favorites of 1st grade, including her signature. I plan on doing one of these for every year!!

Now off to scrap...need to get another layout done!

Almost scrapping!

2010-05-28T13:52:00.003-05:00

I say almost because I had planned on scrapping today. You see the inlaws are in. That means the house is clean, dinner in the crock pot, and Max is occupied. So scrappy time for me, right? Ah no...the tooth fairy forgot to come last night!!! What was she thinking!!! LOL!!

But, I did make this anniversary card last night. Hubby tells me his parents 45th anniversary is on Wednesday...they are leaving Tuesday morning and he wants to give them a card...Nice warning. This card is one of the reasons the tooth fairy forgot to come. Anyway...did you know the 45th anniversary is the Sapphire Anniversary. So, I use sapphire blue as a them. The heart is chipboard that I painted white and glimmer misted silver...many coats of silver. Stamping was done with Brocade Blue. The embossing was done with a Score-it-All. Works perfect!

Scrappy news??

2010-05-21T12:02:00.002-05:00

Sorry ladies...I haven't gotten much scrappy time lately. I did finish a layout for Sketchabilities, but cannot post until the 31st. I have freed up some time and hope to be spending more time in front of my creative place. Oh...my hubby works for a office furniture manufacturer! I just got a new comfy scrappy chair! I can't wait to sit in it and create! Hopefully, I'll have a layout or two to post soon!

Day 21 of the B.I.T.C.H. project

2010-05-16T20:25:00.003-05:00

Yep...I have made it through 21 days. I soo cannot believe it!

I'm down about 8 pounds, started working out 4 days a week this week, have taken a multivitamin everyday and am eating MUCH healthier.

I haven't been perfect...today especially. But, I get back on track RIGHT AWAY! I have a lot of trouble on the weekends. Don't know why yet...but eventually I know I'll figure it out. Eating a protein and fruit/veggie every 3-4 hours is key! I'm not hungry and not really craving food/sweets. I'm also drinking 100 ounces of water a day and only having diet coke with my splurges.

I don't know if I'm on track to lose 2 jeans sizes in 8 weeks...but I don't care! Because I know this is a permanent change and eventually I will get there!

Sketchabilities reveal

2010-05-15T10:00:00.003-05:00

May is finally here and I can reveal my latest layout for Sketchabilities! Our Poor Trees! This is a layout about our poor trees after a Derecho blew through in July of 2008. Our back yard looked like a war zone. I used the Pebbles line So Tweet...love that line! I cut a tree from Paper Dolls and used the negative space and misted my background. I heat/wet embossed the tree embellishments. The journalling block was cut with a spellbinder's die and then misted. Then I added some Robin's Nest dew drops. And vioala...Our Poor Trees! I'm putting this into a WeR Memory Keepers album and using those photo pages for all my extra photos! LOVE that idea!

Journalling reads: On the morning of July 21st (5:30am), sustained widespread 90+ mph winds blew through. A Derecho caused massive damage all over, our poor trees included. Several hickories topped, a couple snapped and one fell with in 4 feet of our house. Our Oaks lost numerous limbs. We had to buy a chain saw, borrow a cart for our lawn tractor, and hire a bucket truck to remove limbs still stuck in the trees. It took over 2 weeks of constant work to clean everything up.

So...make sure you check out the Sketchabilities blog: http://sketchabilities.blogspot.com/

Also...Karan and her team's sketches ROCK!! She is hunting for new DT members...Interested?? Check out her call: Sketchabilities DT call

Done!

2010-05-11T20:27:00.002-05:00

Yep...I am done teaching for the semester...YAHOO!!!! I can't say that the final went well...but it is graded, final grades turned in, and I just have to drop off the paper grade sheet tomorrow morning. NO MORE Tuesday prep work!

This was a tough semester. I choose a crappy book! The book I wanted was delayed due to manufacturing problems and would not be ready for the semester. So, I had to pick a different book on short notice. I picked the one I did because at a quick glance, the TOC (table of contents) looked ok and it had labs/questions. I was excited. It also came with an instructor dvd...oh yea!

But...It was written for programmers, not system administrators...so it was missing A LOT! So, I punted and pulled material from last year. The students did not have a reference for over half the semester.

I have been retired from the computer industry for 7 years! My knowledge is very outdated and RUSTY!!! Having a crappy book compounded the problem! I'm soo glad the semester is over!

Oh get this...Max, who just turned 2 on 4/28, started telling me poo-poo BEFORE making it! WOW!! Could he be ready for potty training?!?! Well, I tried 2 times...the first time he did it! But, he did not like sitting on the potty. The second time...no dice. Now he won't tell me! LOL!!! Oh well...maybe next month!

Calling all Scrappy friends!

2010-05-07T09:47:00.002-05:00

Check out this DT call --> Lucky Girl Crafts
I don't know about you, but I just LOVE the name of this new kit club! And check this out --> Sample kit. She says her kits will be like this, but BETTER! Better...I thought this one looked really good! There is still time to submit for the call...Due date is May 14th. Go for it!

Teacher Appreciation Gift

2010-05-06T19:36:00.003-05:00

Look at what I made...
I think I saw this in a magazine and thought..."Cool! That would make a great teacher's gift!" Plus, Kelly's teacher Mrs. Haag lost a plaque she bought at a craft show during her classroom move this year. The plaque said "Is it FRIDAY yet?" So, I found out her favorite colors and viola...

I really like it. Some times I make and "altered" item and I hate it. This is just soo cute. The colors worked out great. I think there are about 80 corsage pins in there. I also put a decent dent into my green buttons.
Anyone wondering how my Healthy Living quest is going? Well, after my little weekend slip...I am rocking the house! I hadn't had to use a splurge all week, so I decided to treat myself tonight....YUM! AND...I'm not hungry, finally. I'm eating every 3-4 hours and drinking 100 ounces everyday. It is not as hard as I had thought...go figure, we are SO are own worst enemies! Also, I'm still working out 3 days a week! I hope to get in a forth next week!?

Scales are EVIL!!

2010-05-04T15:10:00.002-05:00

Yes...that stupid thing that we weigh ourselves with is EVIL! I was doing soo well last week that I just couldn't resist. I wanted to see the pounds be gone! So I stepped on Friday morning and guess what...I wasn't happy with what I saw!!! GRRR!!! It was about a 4 pound loss. I don't have an exact starting weight, so I'm not sure. Can you believe that! I was unhappy with the number. Like I'm going to lose the weight over night. It took YEARS of neglect to put it on, it is NOT going to come off in a week.

I had to stop myself. I was going down the sabotage path...you know the one. The one were we berate ourselves with EVERY little thing we do wrong, instead of celebrating all the little things we do right! Making ourselves want to quit and take the easier/yummier path. But, my jeans are already looser and I have way more energy than I used to...so this is what I say to the scale...weight schmeight!

I want to say something else...will power, schmill power! ATTITUDE is everything! Let me explain...the weekend was ROUGH! By Friday I could feel it building. I was starting to CRAVE everything...chips and dip, chocolate, sugar of the refined kind, and DIET COKE! But, I stuck to the plan on Friday including my workout. I knew we were having a BBQ on Saturday and I was planning on using a SPLURGE that night. So I enjoyed myself that night. Had a couple of alcoholic beverages, chips and dip, and just enjoyed the night.

But Sunday rolled in and well...I think all the work I put into the week caught up to me. I did not follow the plan at all. I finished up all Diet Coke in the house, had a sausage McMuffin (my favorite breakfast), and KFC for dinner. I pretty much became a couch potato that day. I think I needed it. I made a lot of changes which required a lot of thought and energy that week. Monday morning I felt refreshed...weird.

Yet, that little respite cost me 2 pounds. Although I feel I needed it mentally, I don't think it was worth the physical cost. I'm back on track. Eating healthy every 3-4 hours, drinking 100+ ounces of water, and exercising every other day!

Next...this gorgeous layout. I just love it. It is based on a Sketchy Thursday sketch. I used it for the Challenge Masters NSD crop. I did a build-a-page challenge or blind challenge. I gave the instructions to create the layout one at a time. The participants were not allowed to peak at the next instructions or the projects that were created. It was way fun...I think everyone had a blast.

Let's see, the materials are: Sassafras PP and border strip, Pink Paislee journalling block, SU! stamp and punch, and thickers for the title. The journalling reads: Max, Today you are 2! I don't think you "get" birthdays yet...So I'll wish for you. My wish for you today is that you will always DREAM BIG while you are discovering who you are! Happy Birthday!

Sketchabilities reveal

2010-04-30T11:41:00.004-05:00

I have been dying to post this layout! Sketch #15 by Karan at Sketchabilities just ROCKED! I had a blast working with it! Stitching seems to be my thing lately. I cannot seem to create a layout with out it...whether I use machine stitching, hand stitching, or both as I did on this layout. I used the negative space of a scallop, versa ink, and embossing powder for the green scallop areas. I really wanted to mist that area, but I couldn't find the right color.

Journaling reads: I cherish these everyday moments. Kelly, you waited 3.5 years to be a big sister. The moment you met Max, you loved him & being a big sister. You two have been great PALS ever since. Holding hands, sliding down the slide and posing for photos.

Inspired to scrap? Need a little inspiration? Well, then come visit Challenge Masters. We started our NSD crop today and the challenges are rocking the house!

I have a confession...

2010-04-29T12:26:00.003-05:00

Yep...I must confess...I'm not doing this alone! LOL!!! I think I mentioned in my very first post that I found this program "Skinny Jeans" at a gym near where Kelly practices for gymnastics. I joined the gym even though I cannot participate in the program. The class times do not coincide with Kelly's practice times. But the gym, Body and Balance, has an AWESOME manager! Deb has come to my rescue! She has been doing the program for 6 months and has achieved her own incredible results. So, she is helping me figure things out! Thanks Deb...you rock!

Yesterday she helped me with some questions about the diet. First that my hungriness might have been caused by the craisins...dried fruit...too much sugar...DUH! No craisins today and I am doing much better.

Wheat...Rachel Cosgrove left wheat products off her shopping list, but did not really explain why. Wheat, or gluten, seems to be something we have had too much of. The clients Deb has worked with seem to do better without it. Also, it is difficult to get these products without added preservatives and other chemicals. So...no wheat.

Mayo...I really wanted to use mayo for chicken/tuna salad. The ingredients look good...except for added sugar. GRRR! Why do they put sugar in everything. Deb suggested making my own mayo or make a dressing from the Greek yogurt that is out.

I think my body is going through a major de-tox. I woke up thirsty at 3 am! LOL!! How can I be thirsty after 2 days of 100+ ounces of water and NO diet coke. I'm not complaining. Years of unwanted chemicals are going to take a while to get out of my system. So, I'm drinking my water! And, I don't know if this is wishful thinking or not, but my skin is already feeling softer and smoother...go figure!

I did Rachel Cosgrove's Base -A workout yesterday. MAN OH MAN!!! Even the warm-up kicked my behind. I am soo out of shape!! Oh well...Anyway...here are the photos I promised. I cannot believe I'm posting these. LOL!!! Yet, how can I say I'm proud of myself and what I have done up to this point and not. I will not regret the journey that got me here...I will honor it and learn from it. So here I am...

Tonight I will be using a SPLURGE! We are celebrating Max's 2nd birthday and I will be enjoying some birthday cake. Did you know I have not had any chocolate since Sunday?!?!? Have I said how proud I am of myself! I'm eating healthy, exercising, and still feel like I'm supporting my family. DOH! I can do both! I don't have to be last! What an incredible concept!

And for my scrappy friends...Sketchibilities reveal is tomorrow!!! Plus, Challenge Masters NSD crop starts tomorrow! It is going to be a blast.

Day 2...a little harder!

2010-04-28T10:33:00.003-05:00

Oh yea...a little harder yesterday. I was HUNGRY ALL DAY LONG!! So, I kept drinking water and eating protein and veggies. I need to figure out how not to be hungry. I must not be eating enough protein during my meals.

The eating plan is simple. Eat non-processed foods, a protien and fruit and/or veggie, every 3-4 hours. No wheat...so normal bread, even whole grain is out. Bread is usually what keeps me full. The problem was that I did not start the day with enough protein. I had a yougart and oatmeal with craisins. I need a "bigger" protein...I think. I tried something different today.

Also, the goal is to eat this plan 90% of the time. Which means, 10% of the time you get to "SPLURGE"! I LOVE that term. SPLURGING is part of the plan!!! Every other plan I have done, there seems to be no room for error. Or it becomes a game...counting points. Here, no counting calories or fats and 3 to 4 SPLURGES a week! That means every other day I can SPLURGE! How cool is that!

I ended up using a SPLURGE last night. I teach on Tuesday nights and I used to "treat" myself to fast food before class. How silly is that! Fast food is NOT a treat! LOL!!! Anyway, I did not have a meal planned before class, so I thought I'd get a fast food salad. Well, I'm salad rookie. I ordered the salad thinking I'd get grilled chicken...it was fried. There was cheese on the salad and a dressing I don't like. GRRR!! But, I was HUNGRY...so I used my SPLURGE! I enjoyed the salad, croutons, and chicken. Had a dressing I liked and topped it off with a Diet coke! YUM! I took care of my hunger and didn't feel DEFEATED for going off plan!!! You know why...because it is PART of the plan.

I also got in my 100 ounces of water yesterday. It was WAY easier than I thought! I have a red water bottle that is about 30 ounces. So, I know I need to drink 3+ water bottles of water. So, I kept drinking and viola...I think I actually drank 4 bottles worth. Way cool!

Tonight I go for my second workout. I'm going to start Base plan A that is outlined in her book. I'm really excited about the workout!

Oh...I took before photos this morning. Well...had Kelly take the pictures...she was so cute. I'll get them up tomorrow.

Now...off to scrap!!!!!

Day 1 completed SUCCESSFULLY!!!

2010-04-27T09:27:00.002-05:00

I am sooo PROUD of myself! Yesterday, I followed the basics of the eating plan....protein and fruit/veggie every 3-4 hours and completed my first work out. Yahoo...No diet coke...no wheat products (this will be hard). I was even away from the house for 2 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening...still got all my nutritional, non-processed meals in! And, for the first time in a long time I am soo committed to myself! It feels soo great.

In case you are wondering...I'm following "The Female Body Breakthrough" by Rachel Cosgrove. I'm just over half-way through the book. It soo makes sense to me. She talks about strength training vs. cardio and why strength training is better for fat loss! Oh yea...I hate cardio...boring! No matter what kind I do. LOVE strength training. Muscle burns fat. So many studies have been done to validate this workout!

Today is a 15 minute stretch day and fine tuning my eating. I got through that chapter this morning. Did you know you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces to be properly hydrated! For me, that is 100 ounces of water a day. I don't think I have ever drank that much or even the 64 ounces of water in one day! I'll be focusing on that today!

Oh...and as part of being a B.I.T.C.H. I feel I need to be PROUD of my current body. This body and what I did to it brought me to this point. I can't moan and groan...drown in a daily pity party anymore. Attitude is everything...So, I bought tight fitting workout clothes yesterday...tank top and shorts and strutted my fat self into the gym. Being proud of myself starts NOW, NOT when I'm a size 8!

I'm a B.I.T.C.H!!!

2010-04-26T12:25:00.002-05:00

LOL!!! Did that get your attention? Sorry, but I am sooo stoked!!!!! Let me explain.... I have been miserable for a while....don't know why, I have a great life, husband, kids, etc. But I have been. Adding the second child at 16 months of age was very difficult. It brought issues I had with me, my hubby, and life in general to a boiling point. I finally exploded a couple of weeks ago! Maybe a month ago already.

But, what I realized is that I lost myself somewhere along my married/mommy journey. For some reason I thought it was a good idea to immerse myself in my marriage and totally support my husband, leaving my needs as secondary to his. I did this with my daughter also...I waited so long for her and wanted such a different life for her than mine...my needs became secondary to hers also. Then add the second child...Well you can imagine were I ended up on the list...rock bottom. I thought I was doing the right thing by supporting everyone else and leaving me last. But, all that created was a miserable, bitter, and resentful woman! Nobody was happy...not even the people I was trying to make happy.

I started the year wanting to create more of a balance...my one little word to focus on. But what I didn't realize was the balance was about my needs...not everyone elses.

So...me first...and with that I HAVE to focus on my health and fitness. But how...I was a gym rat...I know what it takes to be a size 4, but I am NOT willing to go through that regime again. There are too many other important things in my life now.

So, here is where B.I.T.C.H. comes in. Kelly is on team gymnastics in Iowa City/Coralville. 45 minutes from here. So, I stay with her. I thought this would be a good time to work out. One of Kelly's teammate's mother is a trainer at a gym up there and they have a program called "Skinny Jeans" --> lose 2 jean sizes in 8 weeks. She says the women are doing it! My interest is peaked!

So, I checked out the gym and program on Friday! The program is based on Rachel Cosgrove's book...I don't' have the title at the moment. I'm only through the first five chapters so far. But bottom line...it is about being a B.I.T.C.H...Becoming Inspirational, Totally Confident, and HOT! Attitude is everything! So true! I LOVE what I am reading...she was a ton of experience, stories, and everything is backup scientifically.

I busted my behind yesterday to get ready to start today. And well...attitude is everything. I feel different just making this commitment to myself! I bought a pair of jeans 2 sizes smaller...I can't wait to fit into them. I have also modified B.I.T.C.H. I don't like the word becoming...it is not strong enough. I am going to focus on what I am! Also...Hot...not a big thing for me...but Happy...oh yea! So for me...B.I.T.C.H. Stands for Beaming Inspiration, Totally Confident, and HAPPY!!!!!!

So here are my starting points...publically...I have been wearing size 14 jeans, but they fall a lot. So I tried on the 12's...tight with the belly roll, but wearable. So my skinny jean goal size is 8! I'm hovering around 200 pounds.

So scrappy friends, I hope you don't mind. I will be documenting my skinny jeans journey on my blog. My little accountability piece. I'll title the posts appropriate if you don't want to come with me on my journey.

I did get a layout done this weekend. This is one I started at class last weekend. I found photos, modified the design a little, and viola...Family. Journaling reads: Owl will always love my family. From my honary step-mom, to my awesome hubby and beautiful daughter. And of course, my generous father who is always taking photos for me!

Most materials are MME. I don't remember the manufacturer of the cloud paper...it wasn't MME. MM did the tag frames, BoBunny the acrylic arrow. Of course some stitching. I can't seem to have a layout lately without it. In fact...I meant to stitch on the tree also!

I got a couple layouts done!!!

2010-04-23T14:11:00.003-05:00

Woohoo!!! I can post one today, but the other you will have to wait until my reveal on April 30th...or maybe I'll try to do a little sneaky peek!

First is for the Scraplift challenge at Challenge Master's. July picked an awesome layout by Lady Grace...make sure you go check out the original. Anyway, this layout is a miracle...you want to know why? I did it in an HOUR start to finish!!!! WOOHOO!!! Gotta love an occasional quickie! It is the cover page for Kelly's 6th year album. I LOVE the simplicity of it and the Fancy Pants paper I used!

Ok...here is an attempt at a sneak peek! I probably should have taken a sneak peek photo, this is just a crop of the original photo...but, I think sneaky enough! LOL!! It is for Sketch #15 over at Sketchabilities. The reveal will occur on April 30th. So make sure you come back then to the entire layout!

I'm soooooooooo excited

2010-04-20T14:26:00.002-05:00

Yep, I'm sooo doing the happy dance right now! I'M GOING TO BE PUBLISHED!!!! I obviously can't spill the details. It has been a LONG time since I was published. I had 3 layouts in the very first Scrapbook News and Review e-zine. But this one is going in an actual magazine.

Oh yeah...Happy dance...still doing it! LOL!!!

Sketchabilities reveal!

2010-04-15T10:00:00.005-05:00

Today is the day! Here is my first layout for http://sketchabilities.blogspot.com/
I just Love working with sketches...Next reveal will be on the 30th! So, stay tuned and make sure you check out the blog for the sketch and all the other designer's take!!! There are some WAY cool layout up!

The journaling reads: Kelly...I hope you always find JOY in nature like we did today. We had a blast with all the broken branches and fallen tree limbs from the horrible storm that happened yesterday.

Easter Card

2010-04-01T10:05:00.003-05:00

I was using these cute glossy dimensional stickers by K & Company for my zoo layout. I thought the bunny would be perfect on an Easter card...So...viola...I even used the packaging. The cream papers are actually from the packaging the bunny and other stickers came in. Go figure...I reused!!

Finally Done

2010-03-31T13:02:00.004-05:00

I've had this layout on my desk for quite a while...finally it is done! Per Cathy's request...here is the journaling:
4th of July weekend we went to the Niabi Zoo. I was a little leary...We come from the Chicago area with Brookfield and Lincoln Park zoos. But, Niabi was absolutely wonderful! Kelly had a blast and I took a ton of photos.

Most materials are Pebbles. The dimensional stickers are K&Company. Letter stickers are Doodlebug and CosmoCricket. Dies are Spellbinders nestabilities. The background was glimmer misted...that is way it is kinda curly. I stitched a border.

The layout is based on an Audrey Yeager sketch and sample posted at Challenge Masters. Although to be honest...It is almost a direct lift of her sample! I loved the dark background she used and I thought it would work for these photos and pps!

Bye-Bye Ribbon Bowl

2010-03-22T12:13:00.003-05:00

Ok...my friend Cathy, who is my organizational consultant, is not going to be happy! LOL!!! I originally kept my ribbon on floss cards in an artbin floss holder. I quickly grew out of that system. Cathy convinced me to roll all the ribbon and keep it in a big hurricane jar. It would be pretty.

So, after she promised to do all the rolling, I tried it. The jar is pretty...and I could find ribbon I was looking for. But, I out grew the jar, didn't feel like rolling the ribbon myself, and felt I wasn't using ribbon as much as I could. Note: I should have taken a before photo of the jar. The jar was WAY more overflowing than this before I dumped it! LOL!!!

So on Sunday I did dump the jar! I had purchased additional holders from Menards...2 for $5. I thought I could get all the ribbon in the 2 containers and my art bin...NOPE. I ran out to Menards and got 2 more. Now all my ribbon is sorted by color. Theme and multicolor ribbons are in a separate container. I'm soo excited. I feel I can use the ribbon more now that I can see what I have!

Now I need to figure out what to do with the hurricane! It is pretty!

1 Hour Challenge!!!

2010-03-21T09:51:00.003-05:00

Check this out.....I did a layout in....1.5 hours! LOL!!! For those of you that know me...you know that is incredible. I am such a slow scrapper! Last night at Challenge Masters we had a 1 hour contest. We were told to pick photos and "stuff" to create a layout. Then we all showed up at the site at 9pm central time to find out our task. Audrey created a layout for us to lift...the catch...we had just an hour to complete it!!!

WOW...we all had a BLAST! I had a couple of groups of photos picked out...but no papers or embellies. So, I lost some time picking papers and yes...I can still hear Stacy tell me..."I told you so!" LOL!! But it was worth it...these are the perfect papers for those photos! And I had a great time scrapping!

Woohoo!!! I'm desinging for....

2010-03-17T15:53:00.002-05:00

Sketchabilities!!! http://www.sketchabilities.blogspot.com/

How cool is that! I'm sooo excited. Check out the blog and meet all the rest of the wonderful designers. Then come back on April 15th to see the new team's first reveal!!!!

One year ago today...

2010-03-16T09:32:00.001-05:00

...we met Max for the first time! Our lives have forever since changed!

One hour contest

2010-03-15T20:06:00.002-05:00

You just gotta come and check out Challenge Master's "One hour" Contest this Saturday, March 20th 9pm central time. Check out what Audrey is doing....

Ladies, are you ready for some FUN???????

This Saturday, March 20, we are going to have our very first ONE HOUR Layout Contest!

The contest will start at 9 pm CST (10 pm EST). At that time, I will post the criteria for your LO. It might be a sketch, it might be a recipe, who knows??? (Well, I know...but I'll tell you on Saturday!)
You will have until 10:20 pm CST (11:20 pm EST) to get your LO uploaded into the gallery AND make sure you have it tagged correctly.

At 10:21 CST I will choose one random winner for a RAK from me! In addition, the DT members will choose one of the entries, and that selected person will be a GUEST DESIGNER FOR THE GROUP OF THEIR CHOICE FOR APRIL!! How fun is THAT????

If you have never done one of these before, please come and try it out! They are so much fun! If you have any questions please post here. I will be offering more hints throughout the week.

Current Designers, you are eligible, too! If you are chosen as our winner, you can guest design for another group!!

A Dad's love

2010-03-14T09:45:00.003-05:00

So pagemaps does it again. Becky's sketches are soo inspirational. I created "A Dad's Love" from one of her sketches to highlight how I appreciate the way Mike loves Kelly. Papers are Pebbles, lots of machine stitching...I was having way too much fun doing that. In order to get the white thickers to match the color I wanted, I colored with a copic marker and then smooched with luscious lime. I also used markers and smooch on the chipboard hearts. Rain drops are from Robin's Nest and scallop punch from Stampin Up! And viola...A Dad's Love. Journalling reads: I totally appreciate how you love Kelly! I think she does too!

Challenge Master's DT call

2010-03-09T22:21:00.002-06:00

Hey all my scrappy friends. Check out this DT call. Challenge Masters is an awesome challenge blog and they are looking for new designers. You gotta check it out:

Ch{all}enge Masters is looking for new group leaders! We are filling all our groups:
Altered
Ad/Art
Blade Masters
Blog
Book of Me
Calendar
Cards
Color
Go Green
Hybrid/Digital
Journalling
Kitchen Keepsakes
Photography
Recipe
Scraplift
Sketches
Stamping
Technique

We are looking for individuals that are passionate about scrapping and paper crafts, love to have fun with fellow crafters, and want to share their passion of their hobby (obsession) with others! Come check out Challenge Master's at www.challengemasters.ning.com

Group Leader Requirements:
*Post 1 new challenge on assigned date each month along with a project sample to your challenge group. The DT term will be April through September...6 months.
*Make sure you leave a comment in the gallery on each of your category's submissions.
*Be as active as possible on the forums and in your group. We focus on having fun while providing inspiration for our members.
*Check the Design Team group daily for posts containing important information or requiring your response.
*If you have stuff going on in your life, you're going on vacation or whatever & you can't be around...no problem, just contact a member from the site's ADMIN and let us know.
*Since there is no compensation for your design duties, you are eligible to participate in all of our challenges to win the prize each month!!! Please play along as much as you'd like!

To apply, please:

1. Send a link to your blog and/or main gallery to: challengemasters@gmail.com. Please send a .jpg of 1 {only 1 please!} layout/project that best represents your style.

2. Please provide your full name & email address.

3. List current design team/site commitments.

4. And a brief statement as to why you'd like to be on the team.

Submissions will be accepted until Saturday March 26th. Don't forget to let us know which positions you would like to fill.

The new team will be announced on March 28th!

We look forward to receiving your application! This is going to be fun!

Happy Birthday!

2010-03-05T12:13:00.002-06:00

Yep...today is Mike's 43rd birthday! So...I made this Bird-day card for him! I tried to make it look like the bird is singing Happy Bird-day to you. Not sure you can see that in the photo... It is also based on a pagemaps card sketch!
Happy Birthday!!!!!