Paisley Tea - Creations . Musings . Inspiration

Unsubscribe Button

2012-01-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

I think there should be one big unsubscribe button on the Internet - I have been pushing unsubscribe links and buttons all day. It's my fault really, because I always have good intentions when I sign up to help this cause or save money at that store.

What I actually end up doing is deleting 10-20 emails every day. How can these places really have so many sales?

I suppose a clean slate on the first day of 2012 is a good plan though, so that's what I've been doing (between Pin-fests of Dr. Who and other geeky goodness on Pinterest).

Once the tree comes down, it will be time to look forward to Valentine's decorations. I'm just excited to do something fun, so I foresee some paper-crafts in my near future.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Gone Shopping

2011-12-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

Cindy and I do all of our shopping together 95% of the time, so Christmas surprises are nonexistent. This year we decided that we'd use that to our advantage and not shop for each other, but to shop with each other after Christmas!

What fun! We started out at Ulta with our fabulous gift cards and then a jaunt to Aeropostale (my first time in) before heading north to the Gateway Mall. That was the most fun... I have never been able to shop the clothing at Anthropologie... ok they're still out of my price range but I used to just go in to see the items for the home. Today, I was finding clothes, trying things on and actually enjoying a new side of shopping. Losing weight has been full of those little surprises, and I'm still absorbing all of that excitement. I still ended up giving Old Navy most of my clothing cash, but I had lots of fun window shopping other places I've never been able to shop before doing so.

It was a nice new approach to Christmas, much less stress, and we had a great time just being out and about.

Christmas Eve Sharing

2011-12-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here I am on that day before Christmas wishing everyone a Merry Christmas Eve!

I've seen many wishes on Facebook for a Merry Christmas Eve... this is the first time in my life that I've seen or heard this particular greeting, and I find that I like it very much... so I had to try it on for size.

I have been taking a lazy approach to today, but still have accomplished some things... like starting another Christmas craft project... am I crazy? What must I be thinking? Ah, well, the project is drying now, so it's nearly complete... there's still daylight... and I took the time to send some Christmas wishes through the fabulous email delivery system. You see above that I'm a procrastinator (craft projects on Christmas Eve isn't indicative of this? Really?) so I didn't get any cards out... which means Email really IS fabulous! And speaking of cards, I am currently waiting for the glue on one to dry.... is it lame to mail them after Christmas??

The other day I posted a favorite by Bowie and Der Bingle... but I really couldn't share just one favorite Christmas carol. That would mean neglecting some very favorite performers singing another great Christmas tune or two... so turn it up and enjoy this selection of Christmas tuneage.

Gunnar and Matthew Nelson (@NelsonRockBand) singing "Jingle Bells" a la Rick Nelson

Gunnar and Matthew with Scrap Metal performing Jingle Bell Rock

Merry Christmas

My Favorite Things

2011-12-23T10:37:00.001-07:00

I remember the very first time I saw this - It was an instant favorite. I was a teen, I was into the likes of Duran Duran and at the time was not quite sure about Bowie because all I knew was "China Girl" and wasn't a fan. I loved Bing Crosby because I'd grown up with my grandma Mimi loving Bing and she inspired many of my first loves of music and movies.

This was the crossroads of things I'd grown up with and things I was getting into, so it resonated with me in a sense. Also, the song is beautiful - the way they brought the two songs together with their distinct voices, it was symbolic of the peace they were singing about.

Up until this performance, my favorite Christmas songs were Silver Bells and Silent Night... move over tunes, Bowie and Der Bingle are in town...

Merry Christmas!

Get your Party on

2011-12-18T07:58:00.001-07:00

Brave Cindy-is that laughter? She DID have fun!

Last night, I dragged Cindy to my friend/coworker Lindsay's "Dirty 30" party. She needs to get out of the house more and I need a DD. Alice, my supervisor hosted the surprise party at her house and "Ms. Safety" - you know the "it would be safer if..." person that lurks inside of many of us - almost made me reconsider, however, I was still able to override that creature and go. I think if I'd told Cindy about my wavering she would have encouraged me to stay home... she's still got a closer bond with her own "Ms. Safety".

Sherry with Alice's Caramel Apple concoction... yummy!

I'm so glad I did go, it was fun to get out and be among people, especially people who love to live, drink and laugh with abandon! I hope I continue this adventurous journey and go out with people more often.

Here's to a Very Happy 30th birthday to Lindsay!

Birthday Shots!

Alice taking a picture of me taking her picture...

A Gray Day

2011-12-17T08:19:00.001-07:00

I took my camera with me to work, after all, most of my daylight hours are spent there so I'd hoped to get some use out of it.

It was a gray day, which was ok for lighting but everything except for the berries on this tree seemed to be on the glum side. Even they're a bit shriveled.

There will be more experimentation in the very near future. Probably once the sky lightens up and I take Sheldon on our Saturday stroll... there's always something down our country roads to take pictures of, including that rascally Sheldon.

Giving Santa a Hand

2011-12-15T19:54:00.002-07:00

With an incentive payout just in time for the joys of Christmas, I opted to give Santa a hand and buy myself a DSLR. It's been on my personal wishlist for several years and I knew that if I didn't get a lump sum of money to spend it would probably never happen.

We've been busting our butts for the past 6 months at work trying to get this payout and I knew just what I was going to do with it.

I have a Canon EOS Rebel film camera and still love it. I just don't love the constraints of working with film these days, with it getting trickier to find processing, harder to find the film and working around the film-grain issue. Not to mention the expense of getting the film processed and digitized. I know the poor thing is destined to be practically retired. There is still one good thing about having that camera-the 2 lenses I have for it are going to work with the new one.

I haven't been able to play with the new Canon EOS T3 much since the UPS man brought it to my door 2 days ago, but tonight I monkeyed around a little bit with the limited subjects found in the family room.

I did get one of the best shots of Mickey I've taken in a long time, one that shows the beauty of his soulful brown eyes and his loving countenance without the typical burnout and pet-eye.

He was right on top of my camera lens so he's got a bit of distortion but really, who can look past those eyes?

I've much to learn, this camera is not really much like the film version at all, having about 12 years of technology under Canon's belt since the RebelG was new. I look forward to learning and sharing as I go. In time I'll even learn to note my settings so I can learn a thing or two about what I've created.

My first goal is to be able to get some great (good would even be acceptable) shots on Christmas day... so practice is in order over the next 10 days.

330 days and counting

2011-12-10T05:54:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my daily status update from www.myfitnesspal.com said "funauntsherry has logged in for 330 days in a row!"

Yes, 330+ days ago, I started earnestly keeping a daily log of what I was eating. I reduced my calorie intake from something I don't even dare estimate (I scoffed at "serving suggestions") to as low as 1290 per day.

That said, I don't deprive myself, nor do I feel deprived.. Just last night I helped myself to a delightful cookie from Ruby Snap. I also do not punish or guilt myself if I go over in calories one day or even a couple (which seems inevitable this time of year) of days. I just record it all and go on. After all, tomorrow is always another day!

I'm currently in the 1500 calories/day range and very slowly losing pounds. It wasn't always so slow. In March I bought a pair of pants in size 20 instead of the size 22 I was wearing last December/January. By May, I couldn't wear the 20s any longer. Good thing it was nearly summer and skirt season, because i was able to take in some of my skirts and capris until I started getting the urge to shop in June/July and was able to buy a pair of size 16 jeans. By August I was back to Old Navy on one of their jeans sales for a size 14. I still have those, have to have a belt with them, and I have Cindy's size 12 Levi's that she shrunk out of and they fit me comfortably snug.

It hasn't just been a reduction in calories, I've also been walking. I started walking at about the same time I started tracking my calories. I went out in cold and wet, I was very determined to do something smart. I haven't been half as disciplined in this recent cold weather as I was last winter. I don't know if it's the cold, or if it is just that we've been so busy at work lately that I don't even take my breaks. I do still take Sheldon (and sometimes Mickey) on weekends so I'm not terribly lazy! Sheldon has been a huge asset to me in my walking. He loves his on and off leash adventures.

I need to get back to it! I only walked a few times this past week and I feel kind of like a slacker!

The past 330 days have been amazing. I started out at just over 300 pounds last December and as of my last recorded update I was down to 182. This is so close to my goal of 150, but still so far away. The last 15 pounds I've lost have taken almost as long as the first 100 did.

I have been getting so much good motivation from my coworkers in their timely and excited comments. Kids have the best reaction, because they're SO unedited. Cindy's nieces exclaimed "You've lost SO MUCH weight" when they opened the door this past October and my niece asked "why were you "SO FAT" before?" Hey, they're kids! Honesty is beautiful. I was SO FAT and I did lose SO MUCH weight. And to have it noticed is a far better feeling than one would think.

My best motivation of all has been simple things.. underpants! I have a choice in styles and fabrics at every store I go to.... who'd've thunk it? Tights and boots are also a new addition to my wardrobe. I am no longer resigned to ballet-type flats and long pants and long skirts... lets show off these legs a little (ok, they're not perfect, but they're not trunks anymore either).

I'm not exaggerating... nor is it cheating to show you a photo of me from May of last year, since from May to December of 2010 my appearance didn't change... May to December 2011, on the other hand the change was phenomenal!

Some visual aids - Left: Sherry with Mom, Mother's Day 2010. Right: Sherry at the Gateway; November 2011

I'm excited to see how the next 30+ pounds come off and how it makes me look and feel physically and emotionally. I've never felt quite as content with myself as I do right now, after losing over 120 pounds. I weigh less at 43 than I did in my 30s, possibly even my (late) 20s. I know I've got a way to go but, having been on the other side of things, I don't feel quite as "fat" as I ever did when I was in this weight range before. What a great liberator!

Thanks to everyone for the support, encouragement and for bearing with me through this post.

Why I went to Auburn, CA

2011-09-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

Ok, so it had been seven (7) years since I'd seen Matthew and Gunnar perform live (back on the Styx/Frampton tour) and I was having aserious withdrawals. Once I heard they were to be performing a Ricky Nelson Remembered show in Auburn, CA I was ready to do some travel research (and let's face it - some traveling).

Cindy and I did some preliminary research, then as we got excited about the prospect, some serious planning. I'd already had the time off requested for the following week, we had been contemplating a trip to Disneyland, then we reconsidered due to finances. I had decided to keep my week off (what, with over a month of accrued vacation time, I could well afford it) and when we discovered the date of the show and did some drive-time math I decided to bump the time off forward by a couple of days.

This past Wednesday, September 7th, the technicalities were out of the way and finally travel time had arrived. I was fully ready for some younger-days-adventure so I decided we really should leave in the night on Wednesday. I wanted to squeeze some beach time in so we drove through the night, and got to Santa Cruz by lunchtime.

In my previous post, you can see that we had a terrific time. The next day was the day of the show. I was SO READY for this! After all, I'd been preening and primping mentally for a couple of months, with my weight loss, my innate need to dress up for these encounters, and my compulsive nature you should expect nothing less!!

"Cute" clothes... Check.

Mani/Pedi... Check.

New hairstyle... Check.

Hair drama.... Check.

Of course there was hair drama! I had to wash it in the day and a half after having it styled... so now it had the fuzzies! Oh Dear! but fret not... I found a miracle cure in Ric Pipino's Style My Cut line... Oh Hell Yeah! I was ready to go.

I find it inspiring that the show we ended up choosing to go to (you see, we could have been going to the show in Cheyenne THIS WEEKEND) was the scaled-down, intimate version of the Rick Nelson Remembered show that we'd seen when they had started entertaining the idea of such a show. The usual deal is Multimedia entertainment and sounds so cool... but we chose Auburn and were NOT disappointed with the Old-School style of the fair show.

We got to the fairgrounds with no idea where the stage was [why, it was right around the corner] and just in time for sound check we discovered the location. I think, even though these guys are meticulous about their show, the presentation of it and the polish they've been able to apply to their shows - that I enjoy sound check better than the shows because they're in their own world, working on getting everything to reflect that polish. Voyeuristic? Sure-but who isn't? I enjoy it because they're comfortable in their skin, can put it all together and answer the endless barrage of questions and requests that self-absorbed (innocent) bystanders lob at them with poise and dignity. Yes - sound check ran long, but you made quite a beautiful impression boys!

The show was quite fun... they rock, after all!

I would have enjoyed the full-out presentation, but in the end, I met these boys in an intimate environment and most of the shows I've seen them perform have been more intimate. This suits me just fine... of course, 7 years was way too long and THAT will NOT happen again, so I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing some different shows in the very near future.

I advise you see them when they're in a town near you, and just like in a Pixar movie, stay after - sorry no credits and the outtakes were during sound check - but you CAN meet and greet these sweet (sorry guys, you did it to yourselves) guys.

Can't commit to seeing them live? Watch this video... you might be swayed...

Video: Ricky Nelson's twin sons honor late father's career at Orpheum show | The Argus Leader | argusleader.com:
OR - if you don't have 30 minutes to spare right away...
Follow Nelson on twitter... http://twitter.com/#!/NelsonRockBand
Follow Ricky Nelson Remembered on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/RickyNelsonRemb

(I am not affiliated with Nelson/Ricky Nelson Remembered - I'm just a long-term supporter... and I approve this message... Duh)

@NelsonRockBand press

2011-09-14T11:12:00.000-06:00

Gunnar Nelson-Nelson press

Back to Reality

2011-09-14T11:06:00.001-06:00

Today's my last vacation day. Last Wednesday, I had the day off for road-trip preparations and we then drove through the night to get across Nevada. By sunrise we were at Donner Lake in California. This was good... it went just according to my plans! We stopped, I changed from my driving clothes and into my "Thursday" clothes (beach gear).

We stopped at our motel and were able to get an early check-in. I would recommend the Auburn Motel 6 to anyone... the room was cozy and clean, the service was friendly and prompt and like I mentioned above, we got an early check-in (all I had hoped to do was pay for the room, since I was doing this trip in cash).

As soon as our stuff was stashed in the room we continued west. I had a day at the beach that I didn't want to miss ANY of!

I simply adore Santa Cruz and though the Boardwalk was closed (except for the shops) found that the perfect place to wind down. Wandering the beach, getting soaked, taking endless photos... what more could I want?

Nothing.

Since Cindy and I have been walking and getting into shape for much of the year, we surprised ourselves this time around by discovering just how close we had been on our last trip through here (8 years ago) to the Walton Lighthouse.

We walked along the shoreline, skirting around a carved out rock, saw a young musician on the cliff and continued forward amid playful children, thieving birds, and stick-chasing dogs towards the light tower.

I could so move to-and-live-in Santa Cruz, CA... if only money weren't an issue!

This was just the first of our trip, more to come on the actual purpose of the trip. Right now, it's back to reality. I'm playing nursemaid to my middle pup, Mickey. He didn't bounce back as well as the other two dogs from his vet and dental visit from Monday, so today I'm catering to his needs.

March for Babies

2011-05-14T07:13:00.001-06:00

Well, today's the day! I'm not worried about a 3 mile walk, I've been averaging about 6 per day. I feel great!

I had to use the car wisely, so after dropping Cindy at work at just before 5 this morning, I am killing time before check-in time. I've watched Destination Truth on Hulu; checked in at Facebook and Twitter and now I blog. Yet there are still 2 hours til check-in.

The wind is going strong up on the mountain where the walk will take place. I'm glad I brought a jacket, even if I think I'll wish otherwise in a couple of hours.

The sun is still trying to peek over the mountain.

People are already setting everything up for registration.

I'm very excited about this very important adventure, I just wish I knew ANYBODY here!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Walking and Helping the most innocent...

2011-03-17T20:08:00.001-06:00

I have been walking to get into shape and it hit me, I should channel this to something greater than myself.

Ok, I'm not reinventing the wheel or anything, there are many wonderful charity oriented walks that are worth time and money, but the one closest to my heart is the March of Dimes March for Babies. I mean, who needs protection and care more than babies? and I've been following this story: Daily Scarlette for the past several months. The story of a very courageous family and a very fragile baby girl. This, more than anything was the catalyst for my walking for March for Babies.

Please support this important work. You can make a donation with your credit card, or if you prefer, cash or a check is fine, too.

Your gift will fund March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

Peaceful Feelings

2011-03-16T16:30:00.000-06:00

I get a feeling of peace watching this video. I only wish it were my screensaver!

You're All I Need Tonight.... How's that for Inspiring?

2010-10-20T17:32:00.002-06:00

New music and new music video from Nelson @NelsonRockBand

Flyboy @ sketches: CY

2010-08-21T00:25:00.001-06:00

My favorite recent layout is currently posted at Sketches: Creatively Yours. Called "Flyboy", it is a fun creation capturing some priceless pix of my nephew Julian at the park last year.

I love these Little Yellow Bicycle papers from the Zach'a Life line. Very "boy" inspired.

The sketch was as helpful and inspiring as the papers, be sure to go to
Sketches: Creatively Yours (look for a link on the sidebar)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Activity Over at Sketches

2010-06-14T20:15:00.001-06:00

I have been inactive yet Sketches: Creatively Yours has been running quite smoothly. In this slide-show, my latest several assignments can be seen as well as some challenging and inspiring sketches:

I hope you enjoyed it!

Missing U!!

2010-06-03T22:00:00.001-06:00

It's been a crazy couple of months! The computer is acting up on a semi regular basis and I have a hard time getting online these days. Work has been hectic and continues to be. I recently got a zoo membership so I have been enjoying the outside air up there and I have neglected my design team duties! Oh, I have created and turned in my assignments faithfully but have been terrible at posting here and visiting/commenting on fellow team and creative heroes creations!

I want to apologize! I have been lax in this area for far too long so PLEASE go to Sketches:Creatively Yours and catch up on all of the lovely talent!!

Peep Show

2010-04-10T23:05:00.001-06:00

Ok, you know you're getting tired when you start getting this silly. I used yet another foamy, glittered rabbit on this "Peep Show" ATC.

The background is from a Yogi Tea box (those things are lovely inside) and the "curtain" is some ribbon. The cornice is from 2 pieces that used to be a MME frame, they're pop-dotted for dimension. The brad is Making Memories. The bunny's top is a shiny silver scrap of paper (that reflected my pink iPhone case) and a bit of ribbon.

I know this is silly, but it was fun and funny to make.

It's Reveal Day!

2010-04-10T08:39:00.002-06:00

Due to some blogger issues, the actual reveal came a day late over at Sketches: Creatively Yours. I was anxious for reveal day because I am so excited about my projects. I used the sketch both in the intended layout as well as a sort of flip/rotate version.

Disney on Ice events ruled my submissions this week. Pictures of Annabelle and a story of her cute-itude as well as Lightning McQueen and Julian's fascination are showcased in these layouts.

This first one is Making Memories papers with an unknown transparent overlay and EK Success Snow White embellishments. The ribbon and trim is from Prima and the attitude is all Annabelle. She was so excited to dress up as Snow White for Disney on Ice and she told everyone "You Can Call Me Snow White" and even got into a bit of a verbal battle with her brother because he kept replying to her "command": "I will call you Annabelle". We were in stitches.

The second one is almost all Little Yellow Bicycle - The "stop" sign is Bazzill as are the "racing stripes". The tire was cut using the Cars Cricut cartridge using black and shiny silver cardstock. The rest is Little Yellow Bicycle (I'm in love with the Zach's Life line). Julian LOVEs Cars and Lightning McQueen is his Favorite! So, when the Cars characters ushered in the Disney on Ice show, it was no surprise that he was captivated and that this would be his favorite part of all. The experience was, in face, "Totally Cool"

In addition to these fun layouts of mine, you have to head over to Sketches: Creatively Yours and see all of the other lovely interpretations of Noella's sketch! You won't be sorry!

Recycling Again

2010-04-03T13:24:00.002-06:00

I'm supposed to be putting things away "over there" but instead, every time I go to the table - I start making things! I'm not surprised any more. This is who I am.

I made this card out of some packaging from my nephew Julian's most recent Cars toy - a "big" Mac (truck). I saved the backdrop of the packaging because it was so cute - the spectators and the stands.

I tried to salvage more of this packaging but as I was pulling the image layer off of the cardboard layer it ripped. I cut the cloud shape out where the rip was after adhering the image to my card blank.

I rooted around my saved items and found a picture of Lightning McQueen (I still remember Belle calling him Lightning Bee-Queen and laugh). to cut out. I added dimension by adhering the image to a piece of toilet paper roll. The "Hi" bubble is done the same way.

I know Julian will like getting this card in the mail. I'll have to save it and send it when I think he needs it most :)

Now I really need to go find a home for all that stuff that's piling up so that my little Sheldon doesn't eat any more of my scrappy supplies!

Second Term

2010-03-29T18:12:00.001-06:00

I am happy to announce that I've been brought back to the world of Sketches: Creatively Yours for a second term. I'm pleased as punch to be back for a second consecutive term.

I'm excited to work alongside friends both old and new yet again. It's a comfortable feeling to know what's expected and very exciting to know that the level of inspiration will be so high.

Please follow along with us while we create over the next several months, I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself and be inspired to create!

The Board

2010-03-28T07:01:00.002-06:00

I have been making these ATCs almost as regularly as I scrap or make cards. They were piling up with no place to go. I hadn't made them a storage box yet and they were falling out of the nooks I kept tucking them into.

Until I had an idea.

I would take them to work and decorate my space. All I needed was a length of wire and some mini-clothespins - oh, and some push pins.

I coiled the wire and then pulled it straight, keeping a bit of the wave (you don't have to do this part). I then made a loop at one end (to put the pushpin through later) and started threading the wire through the spring-hole of the clothespin. I determined the length of my first row and how many clothespins I would want on this row. Then I made another loop. I put the wire on my cubical wall and then stretched a short length of wire to the next row (allowing room for the clothespin and a card) and continued forming rows until my wire ran out.

The fun part was putting the cards up, it can be rearranged, added to and taken from, and it has been the object of much admiration by my coworkers.

Annabelle and Julian were even thrilled to see their pictures there when they came to visit me at work last week.

March Finale

2010-03-27T16:18:00.000-06:00

The term is coming to a close at Sketches: Creatively Yours -- who would believe it's gone by so quickly??

I had 2 projects debut there over the last 10 days. I have been so busy that I kept forgetting! Luckily I didn't forget to do them and send them along, I just forgot they were posted!

The first was posted last Saturday:

The "Elephant Zoo"

I switched Ali's sketch up a bit to work this one. I turned the sketch clockwise 90 degrees and trimmed my enlarged photo in strips to fill in the vertical length. I then rotated and angled my journaling area. I used the Hambly Elephant overlay as my decorative element and border.

The small photo was added with a pink camouflage ribbon bit just so that the uninterrupted image could be seen and admired.

Our local zoo is referred to as the "Elephant Zoo" because of this large sculpture of a tribal elephant. It's important to Annabelle that we distinguish our zoo from the small petting zoo with this name :)

This second creation was posted on Friday:

Happy Birthday (Mary)

It's March and thoughts of Green abound. From St. Patrick's Day to the longing for warmth and new growth, I moved from my vast amount of Pink creations to a comfortable and relaxing green.

I was late for my sister's birthday but it's a good thing or she could have gotten caught up in the Pinkness that I was enveloped in this past February.

I used any green or neutral scraps that I could find on my desk. This included an unused piece of gift-tissue. I embellished this simple card with a rescued bit of natural ribbon and an egg-carton flower. I had seen the information on these and they'd stuck in my head. I love doing them, they're so pretty. When I sent it in to Ali at S:CY; she told me where I had gotten the idea... from HER!! Oh MY! I looked at so many flower tutorials, which I didn't save anyplace but in my head. I'm not surprised I forgot. If you're interested in Egg Carton Flowers - go here!

So, there you have it. My final projects for my Term with Sketches: Creatively Yours. Thank you for following along and for all of your comments and support!

A Card for a Departing Manager

2010-03-25T18:41:00.001-06:00

My bestie asked me to make a card for her boss, who was leaving their department for another. She's worked with this boss for 4 years and when I asked what she liked, I stumped my friend.

I finally got out of her that this lady likes the outdoors, camping, etc. That's ok, but doesn't really give me a lot to go on where a handcrafted card is concerned. I figured I'd go with natural textures, and keep the "fancy" stuff to a minimum.

As I rummaged through my scraps, I was starting to give up on my supplies when I found the Cosmo Cricket "Gretel" scraps. Particularly the strip that says "If nothing ever changed, there'ld be no butterflies" Change is precisely what this card is celebrating so I had my jumping off point.

I found a MM butterfly in a brighter version of blue and added some cut-out elements from one of the "Gretel" scraps to add depth and detail.

The pearl embellishments were an afterthought but the colors were perfect.

When I got up this morning, I decided I wanted a replica or reminder of this lovely card so I used some of the scraps, another Making Memories butterfly and the remains of the pearl bits from last night to make this sweet little ATC.

It was a hit at my work and looks sweet on display on my wall.

The card for my friend's boss was also a hit.

I love when things work out that way.

Greenie Day Revisited

2010-03-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

Repost from 2009

Happy St. Pat's!

Mimi, my grandma, used to call it "Greenie Day" and she would show me this lovely shamrock pin. It never had the tag removed until I got her jewelry. I now wear it every "Greenie Day" to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and to remember my grandma.

I hope you remember to wear your green and if you don't, I hope you don't get too many unwelcome pinches ;)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

and...

(new for 2010-courtesy of my cousin Jeremy via Facebook) "When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven! HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!! ERIN GO BRAGH!!!"

You're Gonna Want This (Blog Candy and A Call...) Info

2010-03-16T18:21:00.000-06:00

It's time for some Blog Candy over at Sketches: Creatively Yours. Just go to this topic and post a comment by Thursday, March 18th to be entered in a drawing for some Savvy N Sassy ribbon. To get another ballot in the drawing just create and share a card using the sketch shown.

Also, don't miss the chance to apply for the Sketches; Creatively Yours Design Team. You can read the details here.

You're sure to have as much fun as I have if you're chosen. Good Luck!

Hope it Makes'em Happy - Mail

2010-03-14T09:12:00.000-06:00

Who doesn't love to get mail? I don't mean junk mail or bills, but "someone thought of me" mail? I figured my niece and nephew would love to get some mail of their own, so I made them each a card and tucked a package of stickers (Mickey Mouse for Julian and Princess Tiana for Annabelle) inside.

For Julian's card, I went all BLUE because he loves all things blue, it's his "favorite". So I pulled out a bunch of blue scraps and a blue smiley.

The smiley sticker is from my friend Heather, I knew one day I would use it :) The chipboard shape is Making Memories, as are the star brads. The elephant print paper is Basic Grey Marrakesh The measuring tape paper is from a cheapie paper pack I got at Big Lots! The card blank is an Avery (i think?) printable card that I've had for several years.

For Belle, I started with purple, because it is her current favorite. I added a piece rescued from a Snow White dress-up costume package. Snow White is her current favorite princess.

I used Making Memories patterned paper and Bazzill cardstock on another Avery card blank.

The cut-out paisley is from a DCWV Once Upon a Time piece of paper and the "Princess" Chipboard is from Sandylion.

Snow White was cut out of a packaging/hanger from a Snow White dress-up costume.

I hear they got their mail and were VERY HAPPY!! :)

It's Sketches Time Again

2010-03-13T17:35:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun (once again) using the sketch for my DT assignment for Sketches: Creatively Yours. This sketch was for a card, it's by the talented Ann Seleshanko.

The card was one of my "raisin box rescues". There are some fun Mickey Mouse fruit snacks with comics on the single-serve boxes. I have been hoarding the comics for just such a project as this.

This one was made with several green items, part of some packaging was used both for the background and for the brown pinked square around the comic strip.

I love Donald Duck!

Supplies:

Card blank (local craft store)
Gingham paper: CTMH *scraps
Green cardstock: Imaginesce packaging
Kraft cardstock: gift tag packaging
MM ribbon / unknown rickrack
Sketch: Sketches: Creatively Yours

Best Vacation Ever?

2010-03-01T08:59:00.002-07:00

I've been on a trip recently. A trip down Memory Lane.

This past Thanksgiving my sister Leah was in town. She asked for some photos from when she was living with us here in Utah. I made an earnest promise that I would get the photos down and scan them. I meant it, and I was going to do so. But I didn't.

Recently Leah contacted me and asked if I could look for some older pictures as well and I felt pretty lame about not even pulling the photo box off the shelf yet so, rather than make another earnest promise that would be shelved for months more, I made a point of getting the box down, taking it to work with me so that I could go through the photos on my breaks. This was a nice past-time since I had no book to read - which is my usual breaktime activity. I found good shots, cute shots and some cute-not-so-good shots. You know, adorable and priceless pictures that had terrible lighting problems.

I was happy to get started scanning, now that the pictures were out and in my head and heart and hands. I tried to hook up my scanner, but even though it was practically new, it was older than my newer Laptop computer... so it was not compatible. Yikes, what on earth would I do? Then I remembered that Cindy's mom's all-in-one was newer so I was able to borrow that and hook it up. I sat and watched the Olympics' Open Ceremonies, and Scanned. Then I took a 2 week break.

When I was invited to my Uncle Hondo's house for dinner, I realized I had a great chance to get the photos to Leah so I spent all morning Saturday scanning the rest of the pictures. I did a lot of tweaking of the old, poorly lit, grainy, small originals and got a bunch of printable and a few questionable images. They're my childhood... I remember so many events surrounding these images, my sisters, fighting, singing, playing, going places, visiting with Grandparents. In one of these pictures my sisters and I are playing in the front yard with cardboard box kitchen appliances. In another, my beloved bicycle is in the background, humble and homely and still fondly remembered. There was the "photo op box" at Mimi's apartment, that big green utility box that probably shouldn't be played on but we played on and around it... every time. A picture of the three girls (pre-baby sisters) with Grandma, we're all wearing our "Reno" tees that Grandma and Grandpa brought with them.

We had some crappy times, but we had some good times too. It amazes me how much more of the good I can remember when I see these beloved images.

Clearing the Table

2010-02-15T19:07:00.001-07:00

this is probably my favorite card, ever! I was goofing around with some pieces that were lying around on my table. I used an Imaginesce rub-on on a piece of packaging (that's actually a nicer green IRL). and then I took the packaging for the Imaginesce rub-ons and folded it in half for a card.

I had no idea where I was going with this, I didn't even know that the rub on piece and the card piece would be part of the same project, but when I saw the KI Memories, La.Di.Dah soft rubber frames and the colors on this one, I knew I had another piece of packaging that would be great with the orangey background of the first. One thing led to another and these pieces came together to create this simple, yet elegant "congrats" card. The stamp used for the sentiment was a studio G $1 stamp that I just got yesterday.

Another one of my "clear the table" projects today was to use as many "bits" that coordinate as possible to get rid of them for once and for all. I had some MM Vintage Findings paper - the sheet music pieces in the top left corner and over towards the top right. Some stamps and other creamy-beige papers as well as a strip of paper, a bit of ribbon and a clock face that had a battle with some ink and glimmer mist. the brackets were salvaged and had been lying around, as were the tulle flowers. The "love" was stamped using another Studio G stamp I got yesterday. I had to pull out one chipboard letter and the brown paper at the bottom, everything else was lying around in one form or another.

The first project I posted was mostly a green project, reusing the packaging that my supplies came with. This last one is also green because the base is from a paper grocery sack covered with scraps and embellished.

It is a gift tag that is tied to a gift bag which is also partially re-purposed. The gift wrap was too flimsy to create a gift bag out of for the heft of the gift inside, so I made the base of the bag out of a grocery bag and covered the base with the gift-wrap. I punched holes around the top so that I could run ribbon through to "stitch" it holding the two layers of papers together. The flower embellishment that you can see peeking at the corner of this photo was from a different gift bag that gave its life to give me flowers.

February Birthdays

2010-02-09T21:06:00.001-07:00

I have a lot of February birthdays - lots of Aquarius and Pices friends and relatives. I was helping my niece and nephew make a birthday card for their aunt Mary (my youngest sis) and I ended up with quite a few large scraps from their left-overs.

I tried to give this little flower-butterfly to Belle for her card, but she wasn't interested... so I put a card together myself and used it.

I have some more cards to make, but this got me off to a good start.

addicted to flowers

2010-01-31T07:40:00.001-07:00

I have an addiction, and it is flowers. It doesn't matter if they're silk or paper or crocheted. I have the hardest time using those from my stash but since I discovered the multi-layered flower, I'm overcoming that hurdle. I spent a bit of time yesterday looking for flower tutorials and found a few good ones that I'm going to have to try before I share them here.

Then I wake up and find out that my friend Pam is having a blog candy event giving away flowers! Head over to Pam's Eclectic Stuff and see all of her beautiful creations, follow her blog and post for entries into a drawing for some gorgeous and glimmery flowers.

Here are some of my recent attempts to overcome my hoarding of lovely blooms:

There Lived a Beautiful Princess - scraps and MM blossoms make this pretty pink 6x12.

Nine is Fine - more MM layered with some paper doily petals and some Prima flowers, as well as some blingy Provo Craft flowers; some Colorbok glitter sticker letters and a Thickers "9" are arranged on a piece of black gloss cardstock that was once part of some bling packaging for McKenna's #9 Birthday card.

Love Heals - I hated to have to make this card, my Aunt was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I wanted to send her my best wishes with elegance. Making Memories and Prima flowers on this card which was run through the Cuttlebug. The pink ribbon is some crushed velvet MM ribbon and the stick pin is also MM.

Its That Time Again....

2010-01-30T21:27:00.002-07:00

Time for a new sketch at Sketches: Creatively Yours. I used Ali's fabulous sketch for a Canvas which I made for a friend, I didn't know if it would fit my assignment but since it was so helpful in the composition of the canvas, I figured I would give it a try.

I love Disneyland and in Disneyland I love Pirates of the Caribbean... but not as much as my friend DJ. So when it came time for a Christmas gift, I knew I was going to do a canvas and I was pretty sure it was going to feature Pirates.

I created this canvas by first painting a mix of red and yellow then dry brushing some yellow over the top of the dried paint.

Some Pirate paper and ribbon then a couple of detail photos from the POTC Ride. The trap-door was always intended, but it was initially not going to be functional. I later decided to put the Grungeboard hinges to work (the door hides a photo of DJ, my friend Cindy and me taken at Disney). I used glimmer mist and some distress inks on the hinges, key and locking device to get a metallic-yet-rusty appearance. The door is a piece of chipboard from a notebook back that was painted, then inked, then glimmer misted and then inked some more. The skull and crossbones is a Rusty Pickle chipboard that I painted and then used UTEE on. I placed some "ruby" bling as eyes in the skull.

When I tipped the piece (which was being worked on horizontally on my desk the whole time) the door kept falling open so the latch idea was an afterthought. I fastened a loop of ribbon on the main canvas and lined up the latch with the loop so that it will slip through the keyhole. Then I inked and UTEE'd a toothpick that I tied to a piece of twine and fastened to the back of the canvas. It looks kind of like a rusty nail, which is kind of the look I was going for.

Once I sent the canvas photos to Ali for my assignment, I realized I wasn't done with this sketch, even though it was past the deadline. I used the sketch for this cute layout of my cute puppy. Papers are Bazzill, Basic Grey and MM. The stars are a combo of Doodlebug and some Target Dollar Spot brads, the foam letters are Target Dollar Spot items as well.

Good Bye!

2010-01-29T22:06:00.001-07:00

We had to say farewell to our sweet girl Dott. She was ill, injured and suffering and we couldn't let her continue like that. Over the past month she'd become a lot less active and in the last two weeks she started having weakness in her hind legs. She took a tumble down some of the stairs and was unable to use her rear legs at all. We made the tough decision to have her euthanized this past Wednesday.

I'd rather not think of those things, instead I'll remember her funny ways:

Her constant need to be petted, which if we quit, she would continue by doing walk-bys and head-butting our hands.

Chasing and playing with wrapped cough drops (cheapest toys ever) but not eating them.

waking us up in the middle of the night spinning her ball in its ring or chasing dust bunnies through the hallway.

Escaping the love of the kids - only to chase after them when they finally gave up.

I'll remember that she was silky soft, with lovely blue eyes and a very regal attitude, she was "Princess" Dott after all.

Dott was born in May either 19 or 20 years ago. She was almost completely white, with a small dot of dark on her nose. We - with the help of my sisters - called her Dott because of this and we had nicknamed her "Splinter" because she looked a little rat-like as a new kitten and reminded Mary (Cody) of the ninja master in the cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. As she grew and her color started to change, her dot disappeared and left behind it a "smear" of white prompting Cody to start calling her "Smear". These were the early days of Princess Dott. She was then and remained regal and outgrew her silly nicknames.

Dottie was not a mere princess by the time she neared 20 or 21 years old, she had been crowned Queen and she received all the treatments of royalty in her final years.

Fare Well sweet girl!

Sheldon is Featured on Sketches: Creatively Yours!

2010-01-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was just doing my assignment and he happened to be the muse of the moment, but still, he's handsome and deserves a little ego boost, after all, he's being constantly reminded where he belongs in the puppy hierarchy here at home. Poor little guy is so beat down that he cries and chews the walls!!

Oh, wait, that is probably just teething and separation anxiety. He's an active dog for sure.

Back to the meat of the topic, a new sketch by Deanne Burton is up at Sketches: Creatively Yours and I really enjoyed using it to create what will be the first page in Sheldon's puppy book.

The title is made up of 3 types of Thickers stickers and some chipboard dog shapes from my friend Pam. In fact, the ribbons are also from Pam! Thanks sweetie!

This picture was taken the day Sheldon came home with us.

Make sure you stop by Sketches: Creatively Yours so you can see all of the beautiful interpretations of Deanne's sketch, as well as the actual sketch itself! You're sure to be inspired, there's a lot of talent represented!

A New Sketch = A New Card

2010-01-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

The card sketch by Deanne Burton - Guest Sketch Artist at Sketches; Creatively Yours was a Godsend when I had to make a sympathy card for a friend.

Sympathy cards are hard but with Deanne's sketch I had a starting point! I used my Cuttlebug for the background of the card and a bunch of lovely things I've been hoarding.

I was going to submit this for my chosen assignment and at that time my computer became infected with a pretty ugly virus and I wasn't sure how long I'd be without, so I asked Ali for a later assignment. I'm kind of glad I got the later assignments so even though my computer was back online with much time to spare, I decided to surge forward with things the way they stand.

It won't be long before I can share what I've done for the assigned sketches and I can't wait. I'm in love with both and even though I didn't get to keep one of them, I know the person who got it loves it! Stay tuned for these reveals at Sketches: Creatively Yours.

Meet Sheldon

2010-01-03T14:38:00.003-07:00

Sheldon is 5 months and 11 days old. I met Sheldon at the PetSmart closest to my home (which is still about 20 minutes away) 2 weeks ago. We had gone in for dog food and there were 3 adorable Lab/Pit mix puppies. Two were boys, and there was a girl. The first boy we tried to walk was very uninterested in walking as he had a rawhide treat waiting for him. Sheldon didn't seem to mind being separated from his treat for a quick walk around the store.

I tried to be good, I was not going to be taking him home. I managed to convince myself and I left the store with dog food and no extra dogs. I even managed to go almost two weeks without thinking too hard about him. But as I sat the other night, I was curious. Did Sheldon get a home? What about his brother and sister? I Googled 'Sheldon' and 'Tooele Animal Outreach' and found Sheldon's webpage with a phone number and an email address. I sent an email "Is Sheldon still available?" By morning, I was trying to be patient but I couldn't seem to settle down about it so I called the number listed on Sheldon's web page and left a message. It turns out that Sheldon was still available and more people than just me had started to inquire about him just yesterday. As it happened, my email put me first in line.

We headed over to Trudy's house, (Sheldon's Foster Mom) and made everything legal. It was heartbreaking knowing we were separating him from his sister, but we know our limits, especially with our dominant female Harlee. I am so glad there are people like Trudy and her family - they have fostered hundreds of dogs! The success stories on their living room wall was awesome.

From there, we made a trip to PetSmart for puppy chow and a baby Kong (these things are wonderful for chewers). My mom wanted to meet Sheldon so she came out to see him. We then dropped by Dani's house so that Annabelle and Julian could see Sheldon. When I had told them about him yesterday, Belle told me she wanted to "see Sheldon" at her house (not in the photo I tried to show her) so we had to swing by. She loved running from one end of the yard to another with Sheldon on his leash. She had to hug him before we left. While we were there we met my sisters' new dog Ginger. She's a funny looking little thing with her Dachsund body and Basset Hound feet. But she's a cute little dog, perfect for my sis and her family.

The biggest test of the day was a toss-up between Mickey meeting Sheldon and Sheldon meeting the stairs. I think the biggest would have to be the stairs. Mickey is getting used to this little thing being around. He's still got to be watched, he's barking randomly and being very possessive of his Mom(s). Sheldon's hardly fazed by Mickey but he is NOT happy with the stairs. When we spend most of our time upstairs, this could be tricky. We tried to lay a trail of puppy food on the steps but he's not going past the highest step he can reach with his back feet firmly planted on the main floor... so I am lugging him around after trying pretty diligently.

Currently, Sheldon is napping. He's lying stretched out at my feet on a blanket and he's snoozing contentedly... I think he may get used to the peace of only 2 other dogs around, but maybe it will take a few days or so.

Finally!!!

2009-12-06T20:47:00.001-07:00

It's about time! We finally have an In & Out Burger in Utah! and I was finally able to get there for Lunch!

The place was packed and the line went around the restaurant. The drive-thru takes up HALF of Target's parking lot... but it was quick and we were able to find a table-for-two in the far corner... Yum, it was SO worth it.

2009-12-04T10:28:00.001-07:00

My grandma Mimi would be 99 today. Man, she would scoff at such a comment. I remember teasing her, we would ask her her age, and when she'd shave a dozen or so years off, we'd call her out with our stellar math skills... subtract 10 from whatever year we were in... wow, we were smart! Smart-asses...

She was a fun lady, and a great sport. I sure wish my youngest sisters knew her the way I did. I REALLY wish Belle & Jules could know her.

Happy #99 Mimi! I love you!

December means Time for Fun

2009-12-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

Head over to Sketches: Creatively Yours for a contest, a freebie and lots of great creations! Hurry!

If you're motivated to enter the contest, be sure to say I sent you!

isn't this kitty cute?

Hurry.... there's more cuteness!

Another Assignment Posted

2009-11-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

About the same time we were celebrating Julian's 3rd birthday, my layout of his 1st birthday photo shoot was created then posted at Sketches: Creatively Yours.

I don't know why it took me 2 years to get to these photos, I guess I didn't want to mess them up. Once I started looking through them, I had a really hard time choosing just two... they were all so cute. I finally decided on these sweet shots of Julian with his mommy. I am so inspired by the relationship between my sister and her kids, she's a great mom.

The sketch I followed for this layout was created by Ann Seleshanko and the papers are MAMBI from last year's fall collection.

I've actually been anxious to share this layout on my blog and was unable to until it was posted at Sketches: Creatively Yours. I just got a little busy once it was posted so I'm a few days behind.

I can't believe it's been 2 years since these photos were taken, and how big Li'l J is now! He's my buddy.

Kudos for a 2nd Consecutive Day

2009-11-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

The week got by me and I didn't even realize that Scrapbookers Clubhouse had awarded me with Kudos of the Day for the second consecutive day (11/18) for the invitations that I made for Belle's Zoofari this summer.

I used Creative Imaginations paper, Bazzill Cardstock, my Cricut Zooballoo cartridge and some fun embellishments for the Elephant's ear. Each was different, most had flowers with iTop brad centers. The tiara elephant was a special copy for Annabelle.

The invites were MME "tickets" stuck into a pocket behind the Zoofari Elephant.

I was inspired by a Cricut elephant that I saw somewhere online. I don't remember the where. I thought I had bookmarked it but if you created an elephant with a red and white Hawaiian print (where mine is leopard spotted) thank you for the inspiration! Please let me know so I can credit you properly!!

Blogging via mobile

2009-11-20T20:35:00.002-07:00

I just saw a little phone icon on my Blogger dashboard & wondered, "hmmm... would it work?" so here we are, testing it out. I'm always amazed by technology!

*edited via computer to fix the title. I will have to work on that :)

Kudos!

2009-11-16T21:17:00.003-07:00

Today I found out I received Kudos of the Day at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse for this card:

This little creation took on a life of it's own when I started out with just white cardstock and some almost clear sequins. The Fall Ball mini crop that happened over this past weekend at SBCH featured a challenge to make a Celebration card that included the use of sequins. My sequins were rescued from a camisole and had been laundered enough that the colors were practically nonexistent. I used some alcohol ink directly on each sequin and they came out these great colors... which got me thinking "peacock" and after a quick web search for peacock clipart, I realized that the neatest ones I saw looked surprisingly like stamps I happen to have and I remembered a photo I had taken earlier this year. I really struggled with the "time to quit" on this. I couldn't figure out what I could do to embellish it further, then I realized that I was overthinking it.

So, some Autumn Leaves stamps, CTMH inks and a little creative license brought this fun little card to life and today it was honored with Kudos. I am very happy with the honor!

Tag!

2009-11-16T04:58:00.004-07:00

A darling tag sketch is up at Sketches: Creatively Yours. You should definitely check out the beauty that is there.

I did my tag before I did any other challenges because it just fell together. I love to do small things like Altered Trading Cards and Tags. They are a great way to use up those little bits that are too cute/lovely to toss in the recycle bin.

This proceeded from a piece of blue paper that resembled blue jeans to me. I used the copper eyelets because of that resemblance. The paper needed a little bit of "oomph" so I had at it with a flower stamp that I found in Michaels $ bin and some denim colored CTMH stamp ink. I followed this with an Autumn Leaves swirl stamp and pink embossing powder. I double-stamped and smudged the ink a bit so that I could get a misty sort of look. The word "adore" is from a Making Memories sticker and the "I Love You" is another sticker - the source escapes me. The flowers are Prima and the button is a Making Memories vintage style button. The sketch is by Ali MacDonald.

Don't forget to drop by Sketches: Creatively Yours and see all the inspiration that there is to be had there.

Happy Birthday to my Lil Buddy

2009-11-15T20:43:00.003-07:00

My adorable nephew Julian turned 3 yesterday! I can't believe it's been three whole years since he first melted my heart and he still does an incredible job of this heart-melting every day that I spend time with him.

Today we went to Disney on Ice and he got to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Aladdin and the Genie (also lots of princesses were there to entertain his big sister, but he didn't care). After the show we went to Olive Garden (his request) and then we went to my sister's house for Cupcakes.

Last weekend when we were together, we got to talking about his upcoming birthday and Annabelle asked if I would be making cupcakes for Julian's birthday. I agreed that I could do that and as I asked him what kind he wanted we found out that the requested cupcakes should be "Blue Ones" and their frosting should be "Blue with sparkles". I asked if they needed to have Lighning McQueen on them and he nearly screamed "YES" in his excitement.

I did as requested, with the help of some premade decors for the cupcakes. I'm a fair hand at cake decorating - when I'm in the mood - but you wouldn't think so when looking at these fun little things :)

All that counts is that the kids loved 'em, they tasted great and we don't have them floating around OUR house!!!

a new sketch-new inspiration

2009-11-12T20:57:00.002-07:00

Sketches: Creatively Yours has been updated with another new sketch by November Guest Sketch Artist: Ann Seleshanko and some great projects! This team I am working with is incredible! I'm inspired by all the talent!

Weekend Plans?

2009-11-10T19:51:00.008-07:00

How about a Mini Crop?

Scrapbooker's Clubhouse is having a Mini Crop this weekend, starting in the afternoon on Friday, November 13 and running through Midnight, Sunday, November 15. Join us for Challenges, Prizes and lots of Fun!!

**just for fun I created the above image using scrap blog and their free images**

Third Time's a Charm?

2009-11-09T05:16:00.003-07:00

I am buzzing over being "featured" on Scrap Scene for a third time! The first time was out of this world! I had done an article for the "Scrappin' Green" feature on Scrapbookers Clubhouse's blog and I was shocked to see a picture of my project featured on their blog; the second time was earlier this year when I did a month as a Design Team member at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse; and this time it is announcing the Design Team for Sketches: Creatively Yours! I don't know why this is such a cool thing for me, but there you have it...

interested in the latest feature? of course you are... Scrap Scene: New Scrapbook Designers

Perhaps I should prepare a speech?

Nah... that's just silly...

Assignment #1 Complete!

2009-11-08T18:35:00.006-07:00

My first assignment for the Sketches: Creatively Yours design team is complete, turned in and posted along-side some great work by others on the team... check them all out, you won't be disappointed.

The sketch is by my dear friend Ali and let me just say, she always knows how to force me out of the ole' comfort zone. This sketch almost kicked my butt... then the inspiration came after my bedtime one night when I wandered over to my paper cubby and found 2 sheets that I've loved for a long time but had no idea what to do with. That was it... the challenge of a sketch needed the challenge of papers (the layout itself and a previous post will tell the tale of the challenge of my layout-subject).

"In Spite of Chaos"
Journaling: "I have the hardest time following the simple rule: "clean as you go" so I am always trying to scramble through piles. Luckily I am able to create.... In Spite of Chaos."

Papers are some unknown brand that I got from Big Lots! a few years ago. I've loved them but never had "the project" for them. The photo is what my table looked like as I was working with the paper for the layout... (I actually made some progress in that area today)

The flowers are Cosmo Cricket Blackboard. Alphas are Thickers and "other". Ric Rack is velvety and is from Making Memories. The semi-circle chipboard is from MAMBI and was painted yellow then stamped in CTMH Sweet Leaf green ink with a herringbone stamp.

Sketch# 24 from Sketches: Creatively Yours is by Ali MacDonald

New Blog Header

2009-11-05T20:57:00.002-07:00

It's time for a change... I still love Scrapblog.com for my stuff - since I don't have any fancy (make that any) image creation/editing program. I just decided to simplify and have fun with the image that welcomes you to my little piece of the WWW!

Besides, who could resist our little tea party host?

Inspiration

2009-11-05T04:53:00.004-07:00

It's amazing what can inspire you to do something. I had the smallest strip of paper left from a page of replica sheet music and the words to the tune turned a bunch of scraps into this:

supplies:
Making Memories - Vintage Findings
(papers, tags, pin, sheet-music, ribbon)
Making Memories - tiny type alpha stickers
Prima flower
ProvoCraft (gold/cream embossed paper)

More Vintage - This Time - ATCs

2009-11-04T21:46:00.011-07:00

Well, true to form, instead of packing up and putting away all those lovely scraps and bits and pieces, I put them to work for me. I used my leftover Vintage Findings bits and pieces with some other fun things to create both sides of this "I {heart} Vintage" ATC.

See that flower center (on the left)? That was made with my I-top brad maker. I love that gadget. I've used it several times on several projects. So far, I've covered brads with bits of ribbon, canvas, paper and even a piece of a doily. I am in love with brads and bigger is better! :)

Creating in Chaos

2009-11-03T19:47:00.004-07:00

I tried to do my sketch assignment for Sketches: Creatively Yours last night. I was feeling creative even though it was past my bedtime. When I found the papers I wanted to use I realized I had no photos for the layout.

The fact that the entire table was a study in chaos didn't even faze me at first. Then I decided I would document my huge weakness. I took photos of the area and sent them to be printed. I'm not proud, but I am who I am and it is what it is.

I try and try to put things away as I go but I'm always so engrossed in the latest project, and when I try to clean up the bigger mess, I end up inspired to use the scraps or embellishments I find and there goes the whole idea of cleaning.

If this is who I am, then why not create my story about it?

That's just what I'm going to do... and then, maybe, I'll clean up...

It Can Be Easy to Be Green

2009-11-02T22:04:00.003-07:00

I'm trying to be green. I think many of us are. In our office we have paperless methods in place and some are actually not so complex that it's a no-brainer to use the paperless method... some are more complex and time consuming, making them really difficult to keep up on.

We have some things that just can't be paperless and in those cases we use reams of copy paper. Each ream is wrapped with a sheet of paper that is roughly 15" x 22"... often these are not recyclable due to the glue used to seal them shut... you could tear/cut off the glue parts or you could save these large sheets of paper that have a pristine white side (the inside) that could be used for gift-wrap, mailing, kids' art, etc.

There are sheets of chipboard which one of the gals and I both take home for our own purposes; hers is for her little one and his preschool to use for art projects and mine is for making boxes and chipboard shapes for creating.

The crazy thing is that there are some reports that we pull and if there isn't a report for that day, instead of getting a pop-up window, it prints a sheet of paper with the line "nothing to print" on the top. So many of the girls shred these... ok so they're recycling but wouldn't it be even better to reuse them? I have put them back through the printer and used them to tape credit card receipts to, who cares if the in-office people see "nothing to print" in addition to the actual information on the scanned paperwork?

Just think of all the uses for things that might otherwise be wasted... including this great link that was featured in today's Scrap Scene email: How About Orange : Make a Gift Bow from a Magazine Page

Vintage-The Presentation and Card

2009-10-31T12:16:00.003-06:00

I finished the Mini album for my supervisor but it wasn't "Complete". It needed to be "presentable"....

I couldn't just put the finished album in an envelope, I considered a tissue wrap but in the long run, I have a lot of chipboard and I had some papers and trims left from the project so I customized a box to fit and match the mini. I fastened a length of ribbon on the box bottom and used an eyelet to attach the ribbon in a loop around the buckle, so that it closes on the box like a belt.

The card was made using some extra pages that I had prepared and had decided not to use in the album. I used the same distressing technique for the gold foil doily parts and some stippled walnut ink on aone of the flowers. The paper was some I've had lying around for quite some time that was the perfect touch.

I left the package on my supervisor's desk, she took it home without opening it (after all, it was addressed to her and her hubby so it's fitting that they open it together) but I haven't heard anything. I am sure she loves it. After all.... I do!

I will post details on how to make the box in a day or so...

Part of the Team

2009-10-30T05:27:00.002-06:00

I am proud to say that I'm on the Sketches: Creatively Yours design team from Nov 1, 2009- March 31, 2010!

I have been quite lax in my creating lately and I know that this is the spark to get me back on track! I will be taking a few hours to clear out the disaster known as my workspace (I just can't seem to clean as I go) and then I'm going to get busy!

Please come on over and see the range of talent that is on our team.... It's good to see some friends on there and some future friends as well... check out the announcement here.

See you there!

Vintage Findings

2009-10-21T15:33:00.003-06:00

I have been very nonproductive in the creative world lately. My last creations were some invites for Belle's "Zoofari" back in August. I had the idea to make a Mini album for my supervisor's wedding gift - which was also in August - and I have finally been working on it.

With the Making Memories Vintage Findings line; some foil heart doilies and some Alcohol Inks; I've been working on being inspired.

If you decide to antique a foil doily with alcohol inks, go sparingly because the alcohol blending solution takes the gold off if you use too much or press too hard. I liked this in some cases because it added to the age and distress of my project. I used bronze on the gold. On the darker doily (with the purple blossom) I used Stazon ink and the alcohol blending solution in a similar manner.

I also used a bit of antique brass Glimmer Mist on some of the papers and embellishments.

I was going for the look I would expect to see if I was pulling this book out of my grandmother's things. I wanted it to look aged and vintage. I stopped just short of this on the book's cover. I kept this part pristine at the edges, as though it had been wrapped in tissue and cherished.

I am officially in love with Making Memories Vintage Findings (who'd have guessed - since I'm a Making Memories gal?)

Happy Birthday Belle

2009-08-24T10:32:00.002-06:00

In just a few more days she's going to be a great big FOUR! I can hardly believe it! This past sunday (most of) the whole family got together at the zoo for "Belle's Zoofari". We all enjoyed time with the kids and seeing the animals. It was a very nice day, not too hot and not too much rain while we were there.

I had seen the Kid Tough cameras by Fisher Price a few months ago and decided on the spot that this was what I would get for her for her 4th birthday, especially when I found they had pink ones. By the time I was actually in the market, I couldn't find a pink Fisher Price camera so I ended up with a Vtech Kidizoom camera. It seems like it will be a great thing. Just the ability to take a picture on her own had her quite excited. She even has what it takes to stage a photo, telling people "you ladies move over this way" and telling me "move over a little more, move closer to the middle". What better way to break in a camera than a trip to the zoo? I couldn't think of one, and it was great that so many family and friends were able to come and join in the fun.

It was a fun, and exhausting day! I'm so glad she had a good time... and I hear she crashed when they got home (a big deal for a non-napper).

I love you Annabelle, Happy Birthday sweetie!

Alternate Forms of Communication

2009-07-15T05:38:00.003-06:00

I have been horribly neglectful of my blog, I've been obsessed with Facebook (mostly for games) and Twitter... (which you can see by the updates posted on the right). I tend to forget I have a blog at times... how many social resources do we need??? I'm not sure I have the time... or at least I should be dedicating some of it to other things, right?

I have a hard time because I'm still not so sure anyone wants to hear anything I want to say... maybe it's true... maybe not... I'll keep trying, and in the meantime my Twitter updates are still posted here too :)

Featuring Kate's Paperie

2009-05-12T17:57:00.003-06:00

The thing about being home sick for two days is that you get to see a lot of tv when you're not getting a lot of sleep. Yesterday I caught an episode of Martha Stewart and she was featuring a paper-covered box with papers from Kate's Paperie. I have spent quite some time perusing the website and I'm officially in love. There are so many beautiful things there, I will be in the poor house if I don't watch it. The prices are good, but there's just SO MUCH to want.

The site is as beautiful as the products on it. I love when you find a website that has had a lot of thought put into it, that is so inviting and easy to maneuver as well.

I hope everyone has a chance to visit Kate's Paperie very soon.

Cowtails?

2009-05-01T05:25:00.005-06:00

Just when you least expect it, the girl throws you off kilter. I mean "Cowtails?"

How can you look at her with a straight face? Or are you supposed to? She does seem to enjoy making people laugh.

As soon as I saw the pictures on my sister's Facebook page, I knew I wouldn't be able to resist capturing this moment in miss Annabelle's life.

She finally has enough hair to put into some resemblance of a "piggy tail" and she gets pensive, "Mommy, Why are they called Piggytails? I will call them Cowtails. Cowtail, Cowtail, COWTAILS!!!!"

Supplies:
Patterned Papers: Making Memories Chloe's Closet
Flower Embellishments: Making Memories Chloe's Closet
Rubon Letters: Scrapworks
Journaling Block: Hambly
Sakura Paint Pen for journaling.

Captain of His "Ship"

2009-04-28T05:27:00.002-06:00

Yes, I feel just like poor Mickey here. I'm tired. 4:30 is too early...

This is Mickey after a long day of errands. He's not a real fan of the long day in the car routine. Harlee could go and go. We could take her on road-trips but not this fella. His idea of the perfect ride is down the road, to McDonalds, get a burger and go home. He'd settle for fries if he was forced. But a whole day of stopping here and there for this and that, he has little patience for it.

At 5, it seems as though he's finally coming to terms with the fact that if he wants to go - he's gotta suffer through it ALL. It used to be tricky taking him because he'd start acting up when I assume he was just plain tired. Now he is better about relaxing - or trying to. He seems to be always needing to know where we are logistically and he's always standing in the back seat, right between the front buckets, watching. We've taken to calling him the Cap'n when we're out and about because he reminds me of an old time sea captain, standing at the helm watching.

On this particular day, I was actually able to get him to lie down next to me on the back seat and ALMOST (as you can see) go to sleep.

Fix It

2009-04-12T11:04:00.004-06:00

I'm sure that those of you who are parents understand the joy that you feel when your children recognize that you can fix anything. I get that same joy through my sister's kids. She told me one day that Julian had told her he wanted me and my friend to fix one of his toys. I felt so honored.

I didn't have a photo to commemorate the story but found one of him busily playing that was just right anyway.

The color scheme was based on this month's color challenge (issued by Trina) at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse.

I used scraps - MME Kaleidoscope and KI Memories (stars), Stamps - MM and Autumn Leaves, Alpha Stickers - Basic Grey. Shape paper is Jenni Bowlin. And I used my sewing machine! This is a rarity!

BUT I had a great time stitching and sewing. So much so that I even made a card with all stitching and no glue (with the exception of the glue dots holding the flowers on.

Color!!!

2009-04-11T09:58:00.003-06:00

Someone asked me what my favorite Disney song is and I have so many but this one always makes me smile!

I've got the Disney CD Classic Disney V.1 and that has an extended version with a very cute "And white, and plaid and blue, green, white, yellow and toodinz 'n' and and and right and and stripes with blue and a black and Plaid! and a....a

oo and ...vut vut, vait a second, vut vut's going on wid all da colours?

Blue, red, green, green, white, white, black....

vut ever happened to just plain old lavender blue dilly dilly dilly dilly.......dilly
....silly"

Silly, indeed... but FUN!

Tea with Princess Annabelle

2009-03-28T15:00:00.001-06:00

When I saw these photos of my niece on my sister's Facebook photos page, I had to get prints! Sure, they're blurry (the kid moves quickly and constantly), but in a wallet size they came out so darned cute!

I created this layout using one of the sketches on Becky Fleck's Page Maps site for March 2009 and using some of my stash of flowers and buttons and DCWV Whimsey papers.

Solid

2009-03-24T17:03:00.004-06:00

I haven't sewn on a layout for so long, and recently I keep thinking - with each new layout - that I ought to drag out the machine for this... this time I really wanted to... because I did!

My process was backwards from the beginning, I started with a scrap of Hambly left from another layout, some MM paper and a photo of my mom and sisters (and sweet Julian). From there I just searched my messy table for stuff to go with the two. A torn scrap from the recent Scrapbookers Clubhouse kit, Prima Say it with Crystals, Prima journaling card and some Maya Road ribbon from the same kit came next.

I topped it off with felt flowers from Making Memories nd Heidi Swapp centered with MM velvet brads. Although I had my title in mind from my first selection (the bricks of the hambly) I wasn't settled on the title "Solid" or on the Basic Grey alphas (also from the SBCH kit)... they came about after the final placement and stitching of the MM RicRack.

Who could resist this face?

2009-03-22T09:16:00.002-06:00

Certainly not I!

This layout was done using the April kit from Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

Upon first glance, I was a little worried about using this kit, mostly because it isn't something I'd immediately grab if I was shopping... but as I started working with the elements together, I started wishing I had more of it so that I could do MORE!

The papers are Fancy Pants: Delight... doublesided, they are so fun and flirty! The flowers are Prima Essentials 8 and the felt is Prima Devine Flirty Felt. I had all of the darling buttons in my MM button stash.

"Happy Girl" by Martina McBride is Dani and Belle's "theme" song, so my title was inspired... by the quote, which is so very Belle!

Wish I Was Here

2009-03-19T19:16:00.004-06:00

I have been holding onto this picture for about 10 years now. I don't even remember how I came to have it, I think it was a color copy from work that was a discard. All I know is I love it.

This is my paradise.

I finally pulled it out and did something with it, mounting it on a canvas board and adding just a tiny bit of stuff, some flowers and seashells, perfect, right?

It's hanging on my cubicle wall at work and it's like a little window to paradise.

Guilty Pleasure!

2009-03-17T16:42:00.001-06:00

"Greenie Day"

2009-03-16T23:02:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Pat's!

I hope you remember to wear your green and if you don't, I hope you don't get too many unwelcome pinches ;)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Cute as BUTTONS

2009-03-12T17:39:00.003-06:00

I've been hoarding these papers for far too long now. They were just waiting in my "Boy" paper section for this fun picture. This layout was done for my friend Ali's challenge at Scrapbooker's Clubhouse to do a curved title.

I'm terrible with using buttons but have seen some great clusters lately (including and especially some by Ali) so I decided to try my hand. I liked it as I was putting it together and now I like it even more with the addition of the layer of star brads.

This handsome little man is my darling Nephew Julian and we were at his Aunt Nancy's wedding waiting for the ceremony. He Bogarted my Starbuck's cup!!!

My iPod

2009-03-12T05:31:00.003-06:00

It all started with the Rockfessions post cards... I did a few and to my delight and surprise, I won an iPod Shuffle.

It's a cute little red goodie. I couldn't believe the amount of music that can fit on something that teeny. I hadn't used it for the first 7 months I owned it. I was not yet interested. Then as I started thinking about the whole convenience factor of an electronic device for music instead of lugging cds from car-to-car (mostly for my niece, who would always ask for a cd I didn't have with me) I started thinking it was time to move to the 21st century.

I started using the shuffle and became rapidly addicted to the variety of music at my fingertips. Then my sister offered to sell me her iPod classic. I was happy with my shuffle but then again, it would allow for even more variety...

SO... I now have the Classic... and have given my sweet little red Shuffle to my best friend... it's time for her introduction to the 21st century... and my Classic is loaded with almost my entire (paltry) cd catalog. I haven't listened to these things since I bought them and now I can hear them whenever I feel the urge.

Here's a list of random artists:

Honorary Design Team Member

2009-03-11T16:49:00.004-06:00

I was so honored to be asked to be on the Design team for Scrapbookers Clubhouse. I had so much fun last summer as a Guest DT member so of course I didn't hesitate to say YES!

Among the duties of a Design Team member, my favorite is the challenges. I was asked to offer a seasonal challenge so I created this fun and frilly bit of sweetness

I got most of the stuff on this from Michaels... the only things not from Michaels were the Basic Grey stickers, the Heidi Swapp transparent overlay butterflies and the flower/button combo.

The eyelet squares are gift cards from the dollar bin! and can you believe that awesome felt coaster? I didn't have a clue how I'd use it but I knew it needed to be on some creation or other.

This is a picture of a quiet moment with my niece on her mommy's lap at her Aunt Nancy's wedding.

I hand wrote an excerpt from Martina McBride's "She's a Butterfly" song lyrics around the main image of the layout.

I just love that sweet little bug.

So my challenge, if you can't tell, was to create a layout using LOTS of yellow and at least 1 butterfly. I am challenged, myself, to create with yellow, so I offered everyone the same challenge I was trying myself with.

The best part of being on the design team is that it's allowed me to leave the scrapbooking drought that I was suffering under. I have created many cards over the past several months but haven't done a layout in LONGER than the amount time that I've neglected my blog!

I hope to not do either of those things again! I've got a lot going on but not so much that I can't record it and share!

Kidz

2008-12-06T06:05:00.003-07:00

I saw the littles Thursday and Yesterday, I can't get over how SILLY they are!

Julian keeps a running inventory on what cars are where, identifying all of the cars that he knows and who they belong to. We were at Starbucks, Mom, Dani and I all met there from work (and Dani from errands). The cars were parked side by side and Jules starts naming them "Boppy Da" (Grammee's Car), "Mommy Da", "Shasha Da" (Sherry's Car). Periodically throughout our visit, he'd go to the window and verify that they were still there and name them off again. SO SILLY! He's learning to say "AnnaBelle" instead of "Ablableble" for his sister. He will enunciate when prompted "Anna.Bella". At one point while waiting I was having him repeat words, he's getting better in his enunciation, but most of it is still Julian-ese. Cute and silly (possibly why he's doing it). Dani says that when he's not around Belle he speaks more often and more clearly. He's learned the sign for Tree and the signs for Fork and Spoon (probably so that we can squelch some of that "F" word stuff from my earlier post) and last night was signing "Tree" every time the staff at Chili's would put a "FORK" on the table!!! We laughed so hard when we noticed. He was giggling too, so I know he was giving us a show. When asked, he signed "Fork" properly.

Annabelle is in FULL Tinkerbell mode. She has - in a 24-hour span - "requested" ("I NEED a -----") a Tinkerbell jacket. Tinkerbell Wings ("for my back" "so I can FLYYYYYY"). A Tinkerbell phone (her "Roara" [Aurora] phone is missing and we are thinking her BROTHER might have put it in the trash, he's been putting random-non-trash items in there lately). I haven't told her I'm going to Disneyland because I know she'll bedevil her momma the whole time I'm gone with "I'm going to Disneyland with Sherry" but when I told her I was going to fly away on an airplane, she turned her back on me. She had been sitting with me at the dinner table, leaning on me, loving me and chattering at me and she physically turned her back! I noticed as my mom pointed it out. I took her in my lap and told her that I was not moving away like Grandpa Joe had to do (he's living in NC), but I was going on vacation, like when her Grandpa John and Grandma Lynn flew to Jamaica and came back with presents for her. THAT did the trick, the whole face lit up from the brooding eyes becoming beams to her concerned look transforming to a vibrant smile! I'm so glad I realized what was starting to bother her, before it took root.

I just hope I can find her whole "shopping list" but she knows that I'll try and "if they have one Could you bring it to me?" As for Julian, I'm thinking Mickey Mouse and Trains!

Long Weekend (and Gratuitious Links)

2008-11-23T16:38:00.004-07:00

It seems as though it should have been a 3 or 4 day weekend with all I've squashed into it. We went met up at the Theatre with Emily and the girls to see Twilight. I was thrilled! We were all thirlled! It was a great movie! It wasn't spectacular in and of itself but it was Twilight...! It was fun watchin with a 12-year-old girl and her friend, you get a completely different perspective of the movie.... ("I hate what they did with his hair"... "Oh now they're going to make-out"... etc.)

That was after work (for me, after school for the girls) on Friday. Afterward we went to dinner at the Training Table (great food) and had a great time talking Twilight and Disneyland. We were with the little girls we're taking along with us so it was neat to be riding the high of one event and having another one to look forward to.

Yesterday we had planned to stay home and do little-to-nothing. On e we toured the pantry and refrigerator, we decided to run out and grab something quick for breakfast because we didn't have the makings for anything we were in the mood for here. As we discussed locations we wished we had a Chick-Fil-A here in town. All of a sudden, Cindy turned the car around, the doggies were in for a treat, because we were going for a long ride into the city to get Chick-Fil-A breakfast (which was TOTALLY worth the adventure into the city-it was DeLicIouS!) and then we decided to hit the store for a few groceries and remembered that we also needed dog food. What started as a quick errand to give the pooches a short ride and get some eats turned into a day-long shopping trip. We hit Michaels because they were there. Then PetSmart, Whole Foods and Target. It took half the day to do that bunch of gathering. Later we remembered that we didn't have a few recipes with us or a list of the ingredients for them so we had to return home and later we headed to Walmart for the last bits. We should have all of our Thanksgiving incidentals by now...

Today I met with my mom to give her the tags I made for her Thanksgiving treats for her coworkers. I also helped her assemble the bags of goodies... ok, so I tied them and tagged them... I helped. We decided it would be fun to meet at Starbucks and do it, that way I could be in town when Cindy got off work and could pick her up and Mom wouldn't have to come all the way out here to my place. It took a couple of hours to get it done and we had gingerbread and coffee (chai for me) and tipped well while we used the table. It was fun and we're super-regulars so the "kids" working didn't mind (especially since we know how to tip). After we had all of the packets assembled, there was some time before I had to meet Cindy so we went to Walmart to kill time. We looked at clothes and shoes for little-ones and found (and Grammee bought) some sweet Princess shoes for Belle.

I had to drive to the Airport to pick Cindy up and then I had to wait because she had a terrible time getting off... some slacker decided not to show up for their shift and not to call to inform anyone of their intentions. I had to wait in the Park-and-Wait area (where there are no facilities and I was beginning to regret the second cuppa-tea) for 45 minutes, but I had a bit of a snooze while I waited.

Once Cindy was off we went to get my car (which had camped out over the weekend at my sis' place. While we were there, Alex was playing his Wii and the kids had just roused from their naps and were feeling quite silly. Belle was taking inventory of her Tinkerbell things including her Tinkerbell Movie and Movie Soundtrack and finally decided she wanted her poster (from the CD) on her wall in her room (after being asked by both her mommy several times and me, the day we got the CD). Jules was taking inventory of My Keys ("Sha-Sha's Keys"). He knows his name now, "Judi Fop". There's also "Mommy Fop", "Daddy Fop" and "Ablablable Fop".... oh and when Tinkerbell isn't "Lella" (Cinderella); she's "Ablablable" (same as Annabelle). He's also very concerned when he finds a DVD or CD case that's empty.... he asks, very intently for the "C.C.".... It's all quite wonderful!

I'm now sitting in a darkened room, enjoying some sit-down, peace and quiet. Ahh.... Relaxation...

They Came!!

2008-11-19T14:21:00.002-07:00

After a year of planning, paying and anticipation, our trip is just 18 days away and today, our travel papers arrived!

The packet looks just like the one we got when we went in April of '07, with a little bit of a different look to the Park Hopper tickets and the commemorative coin is a 2008 (instead of '07). Oh, and we're flying this time - so airline info is in there too.

It's so exciting any time we are heading to Disneyland but especially so this year because it's during Christmas. As I was mentioning to a friend the other day, Cindy and I have always wanted to go to Disneyland at Christmastime and every year we feel the same way -- it seems to self-satisfying to do something so extravagant at this time of year.

We had discussed and even requested time off in April this year after spring break ended (we learned our lesson after the crush of crowds last time). We were planning on going and hoping that Dani would let us take Belle and Jules or at least Belle. She wasn't ready for them to be so far away for so long at that time so we started talking about trying for Christmastime (close to Cindy's birthday).

Things got exciting when we shared our thoughts with Cindy's SIL (Emily) and nieces. Madison (11 at the time) and McKenna (just turning 7 then) were keen on going and Cindy piped in with "too bad you'll be in school, we'd take you with us if you weren't." {{Ok... when using this tactic, be prepared to back up your words because you might get this reply:}}

Madison's wheels were turning - you could see it - and she chimed in with "We're off track when you're going to be gone, we could go with you!"

Good thing we were prepared to back up our words. We did some talking with Emily and the kids, planning fun things to do and left lunch prepared to do battle with Mark (the girls' dad) to bully and cajole (his wife and girls did most of this) him into letting the girls come along with us.

At one point this year, economic crunch smacked down into our reality. They were going to give us money towards the kids fare/admission, etc. but things weren't looking good for them to be able to do so, and we were asked to find out what the penalties were to take the kids off our trip plan. By this time their airfare had been paid in full and the penalties would have been near $700 (not penalties but loss of money because we couldn't get a refund on their fare) so we told them not to worry, give the girls spending money and we had the trip covered.

Now, with just 18 days to go, paperwork in hand, I can hardly believe it's real!!! I'm going to leave the (most likely cold and possibly snowy) land of Utah and travel hundreds of miles to my favorite place on earth just so I can see ARTIFICIAL snow! If that isn't hilarious, I've lost my touch!

A 4-Letter Word that Starts With "F"

2008-11-17T18:21:00.001-07:00

At 2 years old (as of Friday 11/14) Julian's newest verbal challenge has me in stitches. He now calls every utensil a Fork.

He doesn't pronounce the word as "fork"... no, it comes out as an entirely different four-letter "F" word that also ends with a "K".

You can imagine the conundrum when his mommy and daddy first heard the word. "Where did he hear that word?"

It was only later that they discovered he was referring to a spoon or a fork. Sometimes the word "Work" comes out as "F..." well, the Julian pronunciation of "fork".

We're all enunciating the "ORK" part of the word now, every time he says "f...." (you know), we agree and repeat "fORK"...

He'll get it, but there are sure to be lots of people looking his direction until then!!!

Twilight

2008-11-12T16:55:00.003-07:00

I'm so excited. I'm going to see this on the day it releases... we're not doing the midnight thing - although that would be fun - because we're taking some tweens with us.

We've already bought our tickets and I'm taking off work early that day. I just saw the trailer for the 2nd time on the TV (I'd seen it many times on the computer) and that just made me want to shriek with glee...

Getting Closer....

2008-11-11T20:19:00.003-07:00

It's just 3 weeks (and 6 days) until we leave for Disneyland.

In my wait I find that I'm being obsessive about trying to find any information on definite "must see" items for the Christmas season in Disneyland. I haven't found anything new but I look almost every day.

I want to know what the weather will be (not what the record highs and lows are...) while we are there so that I'm prepared. What if I go with all my "average daily temperature" stuff and find I need stuff for cooler weather or warmer weather??

I know, it's just that "perfectionism" that makes me and everyone around me crazy...

I haven't even allowed myself to think about traveling with an almost-8-year old and a 12-year old.... both girls. No, there won't be any D.R.A.M.A....!

Uh, wait, the 12-year old has been all drama since at least age 3!! What was I thinking????

Winter Gathering

2008-11-05T18:00:00.001-07:00

I was prepared to take photos of snow covered trees this afternoon and while was playing with my camera, I could hear what sounded like running water and birds. I know there's no water nearby but there could be birds, so I wandered into the direction of the sound and looked up into the tree at the end of the parking lot and there were branches of birds, probably fattening up and gathering for the start of their migration south.

It was so cool to see and so overwhelmingly loud that I had to try to capture it on video. I managed to get a portion of it, and it doesn't exactly do the real life cacophony a lick of justice... but it was pretty cool that I had the camera with me.

And So I Voted!

2008-11-04T20:46:00.001-07:00

I'm not really a "voter"... I mean, since I was 18 I think I can recall voting 3 times. But, I'm trying to be a better person and a more responsible American so --- even though I had no idea until the last minute how I would cast my vote. I even considered a write-in... but that seems like, oh, a cop-out. It would be a wasted vote, and though I'm not sure my vote counts for anything (the whole delegates thing has my head spinning) I did it.

I made sure I was caught up in my work so that I could escape a few minutes early - every minute counts when you commute 1-hour each way and there might have been a line. I was pleased and surprised to find that there was no line at the time I got there (I'm sure I wouldn't have gotten the same pleasant result if I were even 1/2-hour later.

It was a painless process. I hadn't been sure, even up to the moment of casting my vote, but I made a choice. I'll have to live with it, so I hope it was the right choice.

If nothing else, this (extremely long) campaign season and election were immensely historic. Gender, Race and Religion have been called into question, some were defeated, based on the above? I don't know? But this year has definitely been HISTORIC.

Santa Baby!

2008-11-01T22:30:00.000-06:00

I know, it's just BARELY November... But I'm easily distracted and since I was supposed to make 3 birthday cards today, I was actually locating a surface on my scrapping table that I could possibly use... and I came across a piece of Rusty Pickle Christmas patterned paper. It had been hiding in a cabinet and had become scrunched in several places.

As I was pondering it's usefulness, I decided it would work well for cards, gluestick would hold it sufficiently down so that the crumpled parts wouldn't be too noticable if at all. I was off and running, making holiday cards.

I got to the sticker that said "Santa Baby" and although I didn't have a Santa, I was thinking of how to use the sticker anyhow, when I saw a pile of Imaginesce white flowers. They were half peeking out of a small stash of supplies I'd already used and I was reminded of Santa's beard. A red bling, some blue bling and a pink flower and all I needed now would be a Santa hat. This PP is riddled with Santa hats (although they look to the naked eye like harlequin-diamonds) Cut one out, fold it in half and you have a basic Santa hat. HOW you trim it is entirely up to you! You could just cut it in half instead of the fold but this paper was printed on one side only and I couldn't get that jaunty flip of the point if I hadn't folded it.

The trim is MM Snowflake trim. The bling is Darice (red/clear) and MAMBI (blue). I think the pink flower is American Crafts...

New !!

2008-10-31T17:59:00.001-06:00

SCRAPBOOKER’S CLUB HOUSE ANNOUNCES:

THE NOVEMBER 2008 “CHALLENGES BY DESIGN” COLLECTION!

November 1, 2008 will bring a “Challenges By Design” Collection to Scrapbooker’s Club House.

We can’t wait to reveal the challenges that the SBCH Design Team has planned for November!

Come over to the Club House and see what the Design Team has in store to challenge you and get your mojo goin’! You’ll be getting layouts done and cards made…Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Come join us and be inspired & challenged: meet new friends, too. We’re the friendliest scrappin’ spot on the ‘net and for your convenience, we have a fully stocked store just stuffed with scrappy goodness!

Here’s where to find us: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/home.htm

And here’s the Challenge Forum: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/forum/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=13
The Scrapbooker’s Club House store: http://www.scrapbookersclubhouse.com/oscommerce/catalog/

Update

2008-10-30T21:06:00.000-06:00

I had to drop out of the competition (below) because it's month-end at work and they've decided we all have to stay until all our edits are done. This means long, late days and less creative time. I shouldn't have procrastinated beyond the weekend, but I thought I could manage it under the wire again.... just goes to show that my theories aren't always that sharp!

Ah well! More opportunities are always around the corner!

Moving on to Step 2

2008-10-21T19:03:00.000-06:00

Creatively Yours is having a 2-step designer search and I've made it to the second step. Here is one of my cards (my personal favorite) the other can be seen on the CY blog with my "mini bio"

Now I've got to get on that second step and get creating with the Layout Sketch!

I made this card for my coworker's birthday, she LOVEs H'ween so I did it up with my last-year's stash of Scenic Route papers, MM and Prima flowers, Imaginesce (black) bling and rubons and K&Co (TOT & Jack O') Bling. I put a black glittered "Happy Birthday" on the inside to complete the sentiment.

Surprise!! Free Concert....

2008-10-14T20:02:00.001-06:00

It was Friday after work, I was driving around, trying to help my mom finish some last-minute things before she would be leaving for her vacation and Cindy called me and told me she got tickets from her boss to see Reba and Kelly. Well, not only did she have tickets ($60 tickets), but they were 11th row, floor seats!

The catch was that we both needed to get from clear across the valley, Cindy to pick up the tickets from her boss who was too miserable with a cold to enjoy her tickets and I had to drop my mom off at her car and get across town to meet up with Cindy at my sister's place (so that we could take only one car). We needed to do all this and get downtown by 8 pm (it was after 6).

I borrowed my sister's camera and was determined to smuggle it in in my bra if I had to. I'm glad I didn't have to because her camera is much bigger than mine!! I just hid it in a pocket of my giant bag that couldn't be seen in a cursory bag check. Of course, there were many others there with cameras so my "covert operation" wasn't really necessary.

The show was preceded by the swearing in of 14 new Air Force recruits, which was met with a heartfelt standing O and whoops and cheers of support. We are a pretty supportive state, and quite proud of our servicemen. We are home to Hill Air Force Base.

Reba & Kelly put on a terrific show, the stage setup was one of the finest I've seen in a long time and the musicians with them were amazing. The opening act was Melissa "Barbara Jean" Peterman.

Hilarious!

I'm so glad I got to see this show and although I was not really a Kelly Clarkson fan, I think, now that I've seen her live, I am.

It's OFFICIAL

2008-10-12T15:28:00.000-06:00

Last night we finally made the last payment on the December Disneyland trip! I'm so excited!

It's been 18 months since my last vacation and I'm really ready for another one.

I've heard nothing but good things about Disneyland for the Holidays and I can't wait to see it for myself.

I'm aware of the possibility for rain and the probability for crowds, but I'm excited nonetheless. I've been there and experienced extremes of both, so I'm not worried.

I can't wait for December 8!!

For the First Time

2008-10-07T18:00:00.000-06:00

My li'l man, Jules- he loves me, I know he does by the sweet way he runs up to me when I come to visit. He's such an exuberant little boy and full of cuddles. Today is the first time he's talked to me on the phone, and the first time he's actually said my name!

I was talking to my sis, my niece wanted to talk so she said "Hi" and started telling me all kinds of fun things they were doing right then (Mommy was cooking dinner and she and Julian were playing cooking) then I hear a "drive by" "Hi Shay Yah"! What a sweet moment. I remember it wasn't long ago that Belle was calling me "ShayYay" and now my sweet buddy can "say my name". I won't linger long over the fact that he said my best friend's name over a month ago, but "CiCi" (for Cindy) is much easier to say than "ShayYah"

He's just shy of 23 months and his vocabulary is FINALLY becoming more intelligible and it's mulitplied in just the last couple of weeks.

What a cool moment.

An Outing with Grammee

2008-10-05T18:59:00.000-06:00

Today was a fun outing with mom and my niece and nephew. We had wanted to go to Liberty Park and the Tracy Aviary but it was chilly and rainy so we had a contingency plan, the Living Planet Aquarium. Belle usually asks to go four places, the park, the zoo, Lagoon and to see the "big fishies and the little fishies" so we were sure our plans would be fun for her either way.

As we pulled away from their house, I told the kids where we were going. She had asked if we were going to the zoo so I told her it was too rainy. She followed that up with a request for Lagoon, definitely too cold and rainy for an amusement park. I told her we were going to see the fishies. She informed me that the fishies were in the Quararium. Very good for a 3-year old!

We met with Grammee (my mom) and headed in the direction of the Aquarium (I still want to call it a Quararium) but we were very early so we filled some of the time with breakfast and song at Starbucks (we were having a grand time, especially mom when they played the old western classics). We didn't kill enough time at Starbucks, so we were trying to think of something entertaining to fill an hour. Everything I tried was met with comments from the back seat "I want to go to the quararium, where is the quararium?" "It's up the street" "Let's just go to the quararium up the street"

How do you argue that logic? You don't without a tantrum, and I didn't want any of those so I went to the aquarium and parked. I let her know that they were still closed and we'd have to play and keep busy for an hour. They did well for the first half hour because the rain let up a little and we were able to get out and do a little running and walking. When the drizzles came back and escalated to a downpour we hurried back to the Trailblazer and huddled under the open hatch while the kids played in the very back until they finally opened the doors.

Things went very smoothly, and Belle was very taken with the Jellies. As we left the exhibits, she asked for a Jelly from the gift-shop. I didn't know if we'd find what she wanted so I warned her that we may not find one, but we were both pleasantly surprised when we not only found 3 different plush Jellies to choose from, we found that one of them was pink and purple (her very favorite colors). We couldn't interest Jules in anything, every toy we would show him would get looked at, we would be told "no" and he would put them away.

We had just enough time for lunch before we needed to get the kids home to mommy and daddy, and Jules was just too tired to eat. He fell asleep not 2 minutes after we left Wendy's.

It was a nice outing, I'm glad we got to do it on a cold and dreary day.

A Good Score

2008-10-01T21:02:00.000-06:00

Today was my day off. I did a lot of bartering of my daily tasks in order to get the day off just so I could go to the Making Memories Warehouse sale and I was so happy to be out. I got there 15 minutes early and waited very well (I'm not a patient waiter) if I do say so myself. Once inside, I was on a mission, I only had a few "must haves" in mind. Flowers, brads (not the teeny standard ones but different ones, unique, fun, beautiful... and trims, any I knew I didn't already have. I would also keep my eyes out for some of the Tiny Type sticker letters because I was feeling like a bit of a schmuck after the spring sale where Heather had requested some but I couldn't find any.

Today, I scored! Lots of Buttons and Blooms, a few 5th Avenue and Noteworthy embellies and trims, some gorgeous brads (flocked, flowers, etc.) and, and, AND.... the Tiny Type alphas!

I filled my box without a care for price - then it hit me, I have $100 cash in my pocket plus a few ones to get over the sales-tax hurdle... Ok, pull out some things that I don't REALLY need.... ring up the rest.... how much? $122??? Take some off. Add these (I am blushing to admit that this was about the tiny types - they were in my overflow pile)... $100.69? Good to go!

Oh, hey.... I have a few more $1's in my pocket, give me the rest of that stack of tiny types, I want some too.

It was a good haul! I got home and went through things, rearranged buttons and flowers, and discovered I really need a new system for my flowers and buttons!!!

I've got to put my thinking cap on for that....

Photos of Julian and Annabelle From the Wedding

2008-09-28T12:16:00.001-06:00

On September 14, 2008, my nephew Julian and niece Annabelle were to be ring bearer and flower girl for their Aunt Nancy's wedding.

Julian was dressed in a sweet khaki suit and Belle in a pretty green dress. At the last minute, we were informed that Julian wouldn't be the ring bearer because they weren't sure that he would be able to do the task. My BIL and I were both disappointed but my sis was relieved. We all had our own ideas about his ability. Alex and I were positive he could have done it.

It was alright though, because he was not aware one way or the other, Belle, on the other hand had been excited about her performance as flower girl so at least she was still on the roster.

It was so fun to watch her take her job so seriously, not letting her basket of petals out of her sight.

She was adorable in her new (and rightly dubbed) "Princess Shoes" and ruffled socks. She was sad to have to take the lovely items off when the "party" was through.

They were both so sweet, and though our little 3-year old girl is going through a naughty phase they were both very well behaved and very patient throughout the long day.

A Notebook for My Mom's Vacation

2008-09-24T20:59:00.000-06:00

I wanted to help my mom have a great vacation so I started finding things she could do. There were enough pages for a small book so I put some lovely Making Memories Passport line paper and embellishments to good use.

This book has 5 pockets for post cards, maps, notes and whatever else might be collected on the go.

Welcome!

2008-09-24T20:01:00.001-06:00

Thank Goodness for Scrapblog! Isn't the header for this blog sweet?! I had a lot of fun designing it for this sweet new space.

I wanted a fresh start for my blog, so much history in the others, stuff I want to keep but no longer need to have public. So many creations scattered between 2 resources, I would like to just keep everything handy in one place.

Thanks for dropping in! More to come soon, I PROMISE!