The Beautiful Life

Follow Your Heart (originally journaled on January 17-2012)

2012-02-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hey all! :) I know it has unbelievably long since I blogged. Believe it or not..it has been unbelievably long since I have created too. It was the last part of August when I last created something and to tell you the truth. I can't even remember what that was though.

I decided to subscribe to Unity Stamps, Stamp of the Week. I am NOT the type of girl to subscribe to ANYTHING!!! Seriously! :) But I have always loved Unity's style and their stamps, so I decided what the heck!! :) I have been a part of it for 3 weeks and I have not been disappointed yet. Week One was the set that captured me:

It's no secret that I had a fallout with a good friend last year in August and I had been attacked for something I had no control over. I have been able to move on and can't remember the fight or the hurt, but am starting to remember the goofiness and laughter we had sometimes in our relationship. It brings a smile instead of bitterness. But because she had been such a big part of my life and had a lot to do with the scrapbooking/paper crafting industry, I think I lost my desire to create.

Here is my 1-17-12 journal entry:
You know- I never realized how hard it would be to get back into my creative self.
I have all the tools (almost) that a girl would need to satisfy the hunger of creating.
Where do I begin? I have so much going on in my head. Things I want to do. Things I need to do.
The stamp of the week for Unity Stamp Company spoke to me. With some of the things I had to deal with the past year. I questioned myself......a lot. I questioned my peace, my truth. You see, I got so used to pleasing everyone else and keeping my mouth shut with certain people until I just couldn't take it anymore. There was no peace for me. I lost who I was by conforming to a lifestyle that seemed fitting at the time.
But it was a lifestyle that wasn't fitting for me. I'm not a drinker-at all! I do like the occasional drink, but I don't like getting beyond messed up. That was what I had become in a few short months.
I got to where I didn't love life like I did before certain friendships occurred. I resembled someone sad and lonely....someone not me!
But now, what do I do? Now that I got rid of the toxicity that seemingly stayed in my life a few months too long?
I don't want to craft.....I lost my love for it. But as I look at these 2 stamps that came in the mail. They are calling me.
They want to be used and I want to use them.
I'm a bit rusty I feel...lol.
I guess now's as good a time as any to start my journey back to my creative spirit. :)

This is what I created:

It was what felt right at that moment and now I am trying to find a place to put it where I can constantly see it. :) Just in case I lose "ME" again. :)
Thanks Unity and thanks for reading! :)

Summertime...and the living is easy! (Colorful Creations Blog Challenge)

2011-07-23T01:53:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) I am so excited because I finally sat down and did a digi layout for the first time in a long time. :) I was kind of at a loss for a paper and a glue layout, so I opened up my PSE and sat down and really had a BLAST! :)

Colorful Creations, one of my design teams I am on, is an online group for scrapbookers and paper crafters. We are all pretty tight knit. We share our lives and our happiness and downfalls too with life. :) I like keeping in touch with the members and love all of my "sisters" on the DT. :)

We have a TON of challenges throughout the month and one of those challenges is a Blog Challenge. :) For our blog click: HERE!

For our group site click: HERE!

The blog challenge for this month is HERE and it was the reason why I did this layout. I have been wanting to scrap this picture and still may do a couple of other projects with it. :)

And being that the prompt for this month was "Summertime and the living is easy (we needed to use this on our layout)..I felt that this was the best picture for it. We also had to use flowers and stripes. :) So, this is what I came up with. :)

What I used: Rachel Dickson (Sassy Elements (4 petal flowers, brads, joy, brads), Paper Pack one and two, and Alpha), Kitschy Digitals (Fresh Blooms Kit-Fabric flowers (fuchsia and blue with pearl), and Mom 2 Moo ("lovely" and pink shiny flower.) Done in Photoshop Elements 7.

Thanks for looking! :)

My Lime Light Sister has some BLOG CANDY and a favor!

2011-07-20T01:02:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) As many of you know, I am on The Lime Light Design Team. This DT is one of the special ones to me because it allows me to make things from my heart and give them to people who need them for whatever reason. Lime Light is a charitable design team and every other month we have a "task" or project that we work on.

The "task" we have right now is to make cards (Birthday, Thinking of You, Miss You, etc) for our soldiers in Afghanistan so they can send them home to their families and loved ones.

Right now, my Lime Light Sister, Joanne is having a BLOG CANDY giveaway on her blog.

Click: HERE for her blog.

Here are the deets from her BLOG:

We are making cards of all kinds for soldiers in Afghanistan that they can send home to their families and friends; miss you, birthday, thinking of you, etc. Here is what to do if you would like to participate:

1. Become a follower of my blog if you aren't already (thanx!)
2. Follow this link to The Lime Light and become a follower there (thanx! again!)
3. Post the picture of my candy on your page along with the following link to my blog to spread the word! (http://bigislandlady.blogspot.com/2011/07/joannes-blog-candy.html)
4. Make a card (or as many as you would like!) for a soldier and please leave it BLANK inside

USE NO GLITTER ON YOUR CARD, Stickles may be used.

5. E-mail me at cardsforourtroops1133@hotmail.com and I will send you my address of where to send your card

ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1st!!!!!

I will do a random drawing for the winner and you will win the goodies! So join in and HELP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!

Here is what she is giving away!!! WHAT A HAUL! :)

So, get over there and start!!! :) Thanks so much! :)

Summer Pics, Blessings, and a Layout! :) (sorry about the novel)

2011-07-18T21:52:00.000-07:00

This little girl.....makes my whole family wonder: "HE made another one?"

My parents know exactly what I am talking about! The mouth (shape and what comes out of it at times!! EEK!), curly hair (although it is blond), smiley eyes.....from the bed head when she gets up in the morning to the fact she doesn't like bedtime....SHE IS ME! Sometimes I am not sure how I feel about this. I thought Jon was like me with his personality, but hands down....Sasha is the reincarnation of me. :) AND....I love it.
I tell myself this all the time....believe me, being a mom to ME is NOT fun (sorry Mom). When we were trying potty training a few weeks ago. We had this conversation:
Sasha: "Mama? Can I ride a HOR-SEE?"
Me: "Uh, Sash, I am sorry, but only big girls can ride a horse. And you don't use the potty yet. You don't even try."
You could tell this really burned her britches! And she was not about to let that go...NO WAY...and to be frank...at 4...I wouldn't have either. :) So....
Sasha: "Well, I AM NOT using the potty! Sorry, YOU LOSE!"
Me: *****speechless*****
In fact, I called my mom who told my dad and he started to chuckle at the WHOLE thing! Really? Does no one support me in raising this little girl who has more attitude at 4 than most teens? LOL! :)
Nope....I - AM - TRULY - ON - MY - OWN! But, it's ok.....I have a secret weapon:

That would be my best friend! :) That little girl actually listens to him. She cares what he thinks....and when I am at my wits end with both kids...although Jon (my son) will tell you he does NOTHING to upset his sister! LOL! Which is NOT true! He thinks it's funny to upset her! ANYWAYS...when I am at my wits end....he swoops in like superman and takes over. He will get home from work and actually ASK: "What can I do?"
Before you think he is perfect....he is not without some imperfections....which some of my closest friends and his mom know! ;) BUT.....I think the way he is...totally scratches away whatever may annoy me! :) Besides...Like I said: He deals with literally TWO OF ME! And can still be a dad and a role model for this young man:

Which by the way.....WON'T let me take any pics of just him!

Now, I can't do a post without a layout or something creative. So, here you go, but I had to write the whole thing because this layout made me think of so much! :) I am truly blessed. :)

What the journaling says: Your daddy and I talk all the time about if you really realize just how funny and beautiful you are! You are so carefree and your spirit is amazing! The light you always have in your eyes makes everyday BRIGHTER!

What I used: Bo Bunny (Patterned Paper), My Mind's Eye (matting paper all chipboard stickers except for the butterfly), ribbon and lace (stash), Heidi Swapp (chipboard butterfly). Photo Editing: PSE 7

Thanks for stopping! :)

Colorful Creations has some BLOG CANDY! :)

2011-07-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!! :) OMG! A month or so has gone by??? That is so unacceptable! :( I am so sorry! Summer is supposed to be S-L-O-W, right? NOT! Well, at least not for me. :) I will talk more about that in a couple days, but.........as you all know....I am on the DT for Colorful Creations! :) I love these girls....they are quickly becoming like my on-line family. :) We even have some international sisters too now! :) And I thought Canada was as "International" as I would ever meet! ;) HA! ;) Hey, being from Montana, you almost always will have a Canadian friend. I have a Canadian best friend....I will talk about her later though. :)

Onto the BLOG CANDY from Colorful Creations and their blog! :)

They are giving away this:

Awesome, right???? And all you have to do is leave a comment over on THE COLORFUL CREATIONS BLOG (NOT HERE!!!!) and become a follower over there too. :)

Thanks and I will see you here in a couple days. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKI BLOG HOP! :) (WITH BLOG CANDY!)

2011-06-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) Welcome to the Queen Kat Designs' Birthday Blog Hop for our very own, Vicki! :) She is THE QUEEN KAT! ;) Hopefully you have come here from Valerie's Blog

Well, I just got onto the Design Team for QKD in April and I am loving it and jumped at the chance to show Vicki how much I appreciate her! :) I am in love with Queen Kat Stamps ! I always feel so lucky to have found out about them! :)

We each we asked to make a project using QKD stamps and if course I used one of my faves, Captain Frogger's Tiger Lily and made a card! :)

And, yes, I did use designer duct tape on the side! ;)

So, you know that I LOVE doing BLOG HOPS because I LOVE giving away BLOG CANDY! :) So, here it is!

It's a Basic Grey RECESS Collection Pack: which includes 18 papers, 1 sheet coordinating alphabet stickers, and 1 sheet of coordinating die cuts! :)

Just leave me a comment to be entered into the drawing for the Blog Candy. If you would like to follow me...that would be nice too! :) LOL!

Your next stop is: Loretta!

Here is the complete list for you! :)
Holley
Chris
Janie
Jan
Jules
Morag
Linda
Maria
Penny
Valerie
Kathy
Loretta
Wynneth
Gretchen

Thanks for looking! :)

Triple Tiara Tuesdays with Queen Kat Designs! :)

2011-05-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) It's Triple Tiara Tuesday for Queen Kat Designs! :) This week's challengers are: Holley, ME, and Morag! :)

We have a Technique Challenge for you this week from Splitcoast Stampers. :) This fun technique is so fun! :) I know you will enjoy it. :) The directions are here.

Here is the video: From Splitcoast Stampers Site.

Here is my example:

And a close up of the QKD Stamp I used: Jessie Barber's Fairy Romance Stamp

Here are the rules for Triple Tiara Tuesday: Here are the rules of Triple Tiara Tuesday:- Each week 3 Royal Court Members will host a challenge on their blog.- You start at the QKD BLOG and visit the 3 challenge hosts on their personal blogs. (Leave us some love and a link to your project so we can return the favor. TeeHee! ;) )- QKD will offer up a $25 stamp gift certificate for the players to compete for each month. So if people enter each week, they have 4 chances to win the monthly prize of $25.- The contestants will post their link to their card on the Inlinkz widget on the QKD blog. (There will be 1 winner per month).

Thanks for looking! :)

Blog Hop for QKD-Introducing Ann Hsaio-Yen Howard!!

2011-05-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey all!!!! Man, I am just loving being on the Queen Kat Designs DT! :) I have been having a BLAST creating things with the artists that we are lucky enough to have creating beautiful work for us DT Members to work with. :)

Welcome to a mini blog hop introducing Ann Hsaio-Yen Howard! :) You have come here from Jan's Blog!

I have to say, Ann's art is tremendously fun and whimsical! :) When I viewed her art before wanting to be on this hop..I was instantly in love.I will tell you...I am not a girl who naturally likes cats...BUT when they look like Ann's...who the heck can't LOVE THEM! :)

Ok....so here is the cards I made with Ann's Digital Stamp "Spring Fairy"! :)

I just LOVED the Kimono on the kitty! :) LOVED IT! :) And those that know me know how much I love BUTTERFLIES....and Spring Fairy's wings look like butterfly wings...I about screamed in delight when I saw the wings on her! :)
Remember, you can get Ann's digi stamps at the Queen Kat Store! :)

Your next stop on Ann's Hop is: Janie's Blog!
Thanks for looking! :)

Triple Tiara Tuesday- For the week of May 3rd!

2011-05-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Well, if you didn't know, I am on the Royal Court for Queen Kat Designs! :) I am one month into it and things are starting to Rock and Roll! :) I will be taking part in a lot of their challenges and also hosting a few myself...so stay tuned. :)

The assignment for this week's Triple Tiara Tuesday was just to make something distressed! :) I love distressing so this was easy for me! :)

I, of course, used one of my fave artist's stamps, Charles Bristow. I am telling you....I love his stamps. He never disappoints me with his releases and I love every single one....BUT let's face it....I just love Queen Kat Stamps...PERIOD! :) LOL!

The stamp I used for this card was: Codi- She happens to be a voodoo fairy! :) She may be a bad girl, but she looks innocent as all heck. :) To me she looks like Ashley Greene from The Twilight Saga. :) Just sayin'! :)

What I used: Charles Bristow for Queen Kat Designs stamp: Codi-the voodoo fairy, Recollections cardstock, Fiskars border punch and corner punch, the patterned paper was something I bought from Michael's YEARS ago. :), Tim Holtz vintage shabby patterned paper pad, Nik Bantok brown ink pad, Hampton Arts Glitter Glue, Prismacolor Pencils, Pebbles Inc. Chalk (Iridescent), ek success corner rounder, Ribbon from Michael's .

Thanks for looking! :)

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY COLORFUL CREATIONS! BLOG HOP

2011-04-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Welcome to the Colorful Creations Blog Hop! If you have arrived here from Karen's Blog you are on Kathy's blog- The Beautiful Life. If you have stumbled across this by chance and want to play along then you can head back to the Colorful Creations Site to start at the beginning. You should see the event banner that looks like this:

Colorful Creations has been created as a place where members can rally together as a crafting community, showcase their crafting talents, share their ideas, learn, and participate in exciting challenges. Our Design Team is here for you - to provide inspiration, to answer questions, or even just chat!!

Hello and welcome. I am Kathy Floen, one of the Design Team Members of Colorful Creations. For my part in all of these wonderful blog challenges I am doing an Altered Canvas. I LOVE altered projects. They are fun and I really can step out of the box and just be creative. :) I truly love them! :)

I love butterflies! They represent so much for me. :) Beauty, love, nature, growing, so much! :) So here is my canvas:

It really is self explanatory! :) I tried to capture the essence of how I feel as a person and how the butterfly represents me.

So, those of you who know me and follow/read my blog...you know I can't do a BLOG HOP without some BLOG CANDY! :) Colorful Creations is also giving away some FUN goodies also so that's a BONUS!! To get into the drawing for the grand prize (and other prizes) being given away by the group make sure you join the fun! All entries will receive (2) points towards the COLORFUL CREATIONS ANNIVERSARY GRAND PRIZE PACKET. For details on winning the Grand Prize, go HERE. BUT....here is my candy:

Two canvases (1) 6x8 and (1)smaller one, 10 Tim Holtz Adage Tix, yellow pearl bling, pack of pinned roses

To be eligible for my prize drawing you must leave a comment on this post. For two chances to win: be a follower of my blog! Your entry using Mr.Linky must be new as of May 1, 2011 and cannot be combined with any other Colorful Creations Challenges. ALSO-YOU NEED TO LEAVE ME A WAY TO GET A HOLD OF YOU!! I HAVE HAD TO REPICK WINNERS BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE A WAY TO FIND THE ORIGINAL WINNER! THAT IS SAD FOR ME!

All entries must be TAGGED: ABH5 and uploaded to the Colorful Creations Gallery and linked back here using Mr Linky below by Tuesday, May 10th at 11:45 PM CST

BONUS: All entries will receive (2) points towards the COLORFUL CREATIONS ANNIVERSARY GRAND PRIZE PACKET. For details on winning the Grand Prize, go HERE.

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Now, hop on down the blog road and visit Rochelle. Try to get to all our blogs! The more you play...the better your chances! :)

And don’t forget, we will be celebrating the entire month of May. So check the celebration schedule HERE for a list of all the activities.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!!!

2011-04-29T01:02:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) I am so sorry I am so late on this one! :) I had some deadlines and some other fun stuff come up, so I apologize! :) BUT, as you can see I picked a winner (finally figured out how to get it on here like this)! :)

The winner is: Kaitlin, and she said! Beautiful project!

Thanks Kaitlin! I will be emailing you for your addy! :) Congrats! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Home Decor Blog Hop!!!

2011-04-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

Hey All! :) Welcome to The Beautiful Life...your next stop on The Home Decor Blog Hop! :) You should have come here from Anita's Blog! :) However, if you are here by accident and would love to start the HOP at the beginning; you need to go to our wonderful host, Faith's Blog and start there! :) Thanks, Faith, for coming up with this idea! :) I love home decor projects and love to decorate my home. :) I was happy when I got accepted into this blog hop and hope you enjoy my project! :)

I made a wall shelf with my Cricut and white vinyl. I got the shelf from Goodwill and spray painted it with Krylon and let it dry and then I cut the vinyl with the Home Accents Solutions Cricut Cartridge. I cut the "family" and the wish flowers out after. :) It was that simple and easy. :)

Here is the finished project!

I also have some BLOG CANDY for you! :) All you have to do is leave a comment for one chance! If you would like two chances to win, become a follower! Already a follower? Just let me know! :) ALSO and this is IMPORTANT!!! Make sure you leave me an email addy or someway to get a hold of you if you are a winner! If I don't have your info I have to pick a new winner!

Here is the BLOG CANDY!

2 wooden frames that you can alter in any way and 1 roll of Oh My Vinyl red vinyl.

Next stop on the HOP is Denise's Blog! Thanks for Hopping with us and HAPPY EASTER! :)

ARE YOU READY???? (Starting May 1st, we are Partying!)

2011-04-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) I have been a busy girl lately and have a lot of news lately. But, before I put out all my news, which will be revealed soon enough...I need to let you all know what is going on in MAY! :) Beginning May 1st, Colorful Creations, is having a Celebration! :) They are turning 1! :)

Click here to be taken to our website and start having fun! You don't have to wait until MAY 1st! :)

We have a lot of fun plans going on over there not only during May, but all of the time. I will keep everyone posted a little better on here too.

For those of you who don't know what Colorful Creation is: It's a website/group where you can share your scrapbooking, cards, paper crafting projects, join in the camaraderie and get some inspiration! :) I really enjoy their Design Team and feel very blessed for being on it. Everyone supports everyone over there, so go on and take a look...I promise you won't be sorry you did. :)

I will be back soon with some creations and maybe even a little something. We will see! ;)

Some Queen Kat Goodness!

2011-03-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all- I have been a creating fool lately! :) Not only am I trying to get some ideas for what exactly I want to do as I head up the Cricut Cafe at the Colorful Creations site/group starting April 1st (my birthday!), but I have been playing around with some Queen Kat stamps. Have you heard of them??? They have some of the most fun and just plain KICK BUTT artists designing for them. I have not seen rubber stamps like the ones they have EVER! :) I am so in love with a few of their artists, but I have seriously found at least one stamp from every artist they have. Also, they're having a Royal Court Call (design team call)! The details are on Facebook (just click on the word: Facebook)

I actually started with just one set that my awesome friend, Jeanie, designed. I really wanted to support her and I know designing her own stamp line is a dream of hers. She has always supported me in my ventures, so it was time to return the favor! ;) Boy, am I glad I did! :)

I am almost at two a week for buying stamps there. I also follow them on Facebook and the owner, Vicki. She actually gets me and my quirkiness. I can be me when commenting on her posts and not worry about it. :)

I am gonna be showcasing 4 cards today....two from one of my faves Charlie Bristow! I will tell you that he makes the most beautifully feminine and sexy stamps ever. I feel sexy creating with them and most of the time I am creating in sweats folks! :) So without anymore lolly-gagging here are my two cards using Charlie's stamps.(By the way-just click on his name and it will take you to the store where you can see all of his work.)

Tiger Lily Stamp

This is a thinking of you card using Charlie's Tiger Lily stamp. She was so fun to color and this card was so easy. :) I was able to do all of the card I am showing you tonight in about 20-30 minutes each. And that is with me trying to decide what colors and what not to use...if you know all of that it will probably be shorter for you. :)

What I used on Tiger Lily: Tiger Lily Rubber Stamp (Charles Bristow for Queen Cat stamps), CTMH cardstock and organdy ribbon, KI Memories frosted lace paper, Making Memories Rub-ons (thinking of you), bling from Michaels, colored pencils by Prismacolor, chalk for background from Pebbles, and stickles.

Frog Prince Rubber Stamp

This next one is one of my most favorite stamps. :) I know I will use her for ages to come. :) She has such an innocent look on her face as she is looking at Mr. Frog, but we all know that she is thinking, well maybe hoping that IF she kisses him he WILL be a prince....or that is a HUGE PARTY FOUL! LOL! Anyways- I chose to make this one a LOVE card because it does hit me in the heart when I look at it. :)

What I used: Frog Prince Rubber Stamp (Charles Bristow for Queen Cat Stamps), American Crafts Cardstock (black), Bazzill Bling (seafoam green), Spellbinders Dies (labels 10 nesting dies), LOVE metal word from Michael's, Recollections Bling, colored with Prismacolor pencils, stickles, chalked background with Pebbles chalks.

Greeting Tree Rubber Stamp Set

This next card is a Thank You card using Jeanie Dickinson's Stamp Set. This set is a good value...not only do you get a beautiful tree stamp (hand drawn by her!!), you get 10 Sentiments with it. :) This stamp means so much to me, because I had seen it at a retreat that Jeanie threw back here in Great Falls, Montana and when she asked me what she should make as her first stamp, without hesitation, I said, "Your TREE!". It just seemed so natural for her to have it as one of her first releases. :) Since then she has so many more stamps to choose from. :) Very talented woman and one of my best friends. :)

What I used: Greeting Tree Stamp Set (tree and thank you)(Jeanie Dickinson for Queen Kat Stamps), Georgia Pacific (white cardstock), Recollections (Kraft c/s), Jillibean Soup (brown twine), Tim Holtz Idea-o-logy mini brads, Silver Sugar Tattered Angels glimmer mist, Nik Bantok brown stamp pad, Webster's Pages (patterned paper).

Red Dragon Rubber Stamp

This last card was made with a stamp that was designed by Christina Lynn. She has some of the most fun and fanciful stamps. :) I loved this little dragon be cause he is perfect for a sweet and quick card. :) I can also give a card with him on it to an adult or a child. :) He is perfect and has almost eyes like the little Precious Moments characters...they have such feeling in them. :)

What I used: Red Dragon Stamp (Christina Lynn for Queen Kat Stamps), Stampin' Up cardstock, Crate Paper (patterned paper), Memento dew drops ink pad (to stamp dragon), Prismacolor pencils, Pebbles chalks, Michael's bling, Making Memories Rub-ons.

I hope you all enjoyed my cards and stop by Queen Kat's Store and have a look around! :)

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!!!

2011-03-21T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Well the Shimmering Shamrocks Blog Hop is officially over! :) I am sorry I haven't been on my computer. I have been so sick this weekend that I thought I might just be dying! ;) LOL! Well, not really but it does sound like I am coughing up a lung! ;)
Anyways- You are probably wondering who is my winner for this hop. Well here we are:

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 103
Result: 62
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Again, I had to pick twice....always remember to put your info on your comment for me when I do blog candy so I don't have to pick again.
#62 was pennykitz who said: It is a pleasure to be one of your followers!!! http://pennykitz.blogspot.com/ and she also said: I know that I am around the 6o+ person who has told you that your project is amazing, but please here it from me that I think it is beyond amazing...it is fantastic!!!

Penny has a really cute blog, so visit her and become a follower! :) I love our community of creative people! :)

Thanks for looking! :)

SCRAPPY SCAVENGER'S SHIMMERING SHAMROCKS BLOG HOP!

2011-03-12T22:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all! :) Thanks for joining me as I take part in Tanya "Scrappy Scavenger's" Shimmering Shamrock Blog Hop! :) We are gonna have 6 days of BLOG HOPPING FUN! :) You probably got here from Letitia's Blog! So, if that is where you are coming from, then you are in the right place, my friend! :) BUT, if you are lost and you would like to start at the beginning just go to Tanya's Blog!

I will have a complete list of all the blogs that are participating in this hop towards the bottom of this post. I ALSO will have some pretty yummy BLOG CANDY towards the end of this post too. :) I will have some small rules to be eligible...they aren't too hard so don't fret. :)

For my project, I decided to do a paper wreath. I have been wanting to try these for a while and have never had a good reason to try one. I have a wreath for Christmas and a little thing I hang up for Valentine's Day. BUT....I like EVERY HOLIDAY and really don't need too many excuses for a trip to my craft area. This wreath was pretty cheap to make too.

Here is what you need: A ten inch wreath form. I got this from Dollar Tree for $1.
A 1 and 1/2 inch flower punch. I used a fiskars hibiscus flower squeeze punch for this project.
At least 4 pieces of 12x12 cardstock....I used 4 different patterns too.
Pearl top stick pins.
twine
ribbon..I used two types.

The first thing you will want to do is punch the flowers out of the papers.

Once that is done, take a pen and put it in the middle of the flower and fold the flower up around it. This will shape the flowers for the wreath.

Then start pinning your flowers around the wreath form! :) You can't do this wrong! :) Lastly, make a bow and attach to the wreath! :)

Then hang it where you want to! :)

I really hope you try this. I am not quite sure what I was scared of. It is a fun little project! :)

Now, for my BLOG CANDY!!!!! To be eligible- just leave a comment and that will give you one chance to win! :) For two chances, BECOME A FOLLOWER! :) If you are already a follower or if you are a new follower....let me know in ANOTHER comment. :) ALSO--PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL. I NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET A HOLD OF YOU IF YOU ARE PICKED. I HAVE HAD TWO TIMES THAT PEOPLE HAVE MISSED OUT BECAUSE I HAVE NO WAY TO GET A HOLD OF THEM! :( So, here is what you can win! :)

You will get 4 pieces of Jillibean Soup Patterned Paper. Ribbon. Square brads from Recollections, Studio 18 glitter glue, felt topped clips from Making Memories, Green Bling.

Here is the list of other stops on this hop:

1. Tanya www.ScrappyScavenger.blogspot.com

2. Jen Roseman www.memorieswithjen.blogspot.com

3. Dianne Shiflett www.diannesscrappycreations.blogspot.com

4. Erin Spantastic http://spantastikreations.blogspot.com/

5. Pam Bray http://www.pammejo-scrapbookflair.com/

6. Pink Cricut http://www.PinkCricut.com
7. Debbie www.craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com

8. Jennifer Anderson www.creativearmywife.blogspot.com/

9. Faith www.faithfulecreations.wordpress.com

10. Letitia Lauer http://www.gracesscrapattic.blogspot.com/

11. Kathy Floen www.kathy-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com. (ME!!)

12. Kathy Gillon www.kathyand3kids.blogspot.com.

13. Teresa Harris www.thescrapbookingqueen.com

14. Anita Cannon www.anitaandbugs.blogspot.com

15. Teresa Hendrickson http://bigtimestamperwanttobe.blogspot.com/

16. Amy Harper www.perfectlyunperfectcards.blogspot.com
17. Chris Hurley www.stinkydogdesigns.blogspot.com

18. Kristi Bennett www.littlepapersprinkles.blogspot.com

19. Nancy Owen http://www.fancywithnancy.blogspot.com/

20. Jennifer Brown http://jlbzlittlecorner.blogspot.com/

21. Shannon www.purplelionpaper.com

Thanks for looking and hopping! :)

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!!!

2011-02-14T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I just drew my winner on the number generator from Random.org.

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 196
Result: 161
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Which happens to be Ashley from "Scrappin' Pink Piglet" ! Her blog is pretty cute, go check it out! :) I will send you an email, Ashley.
The only other thing I had to say is that EVERYONE, if you want to win these giveaways.. I always need a email to get a hold of you. :( I had picked a winner before Ashley who only had a blog and no way to get a hold of her. Which is so sad. :( BUT...CONGRATS ASHLEY! :) YOU REMEMBERED! :)

The Cricky Across the 50 Blog Hop: Montana

2011-02-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

A Big Cricut Hello & Chirp to each of you! Welcome to the Cricky Across the 50 Blog Hop hosted by K Andrew of Getting Cricky! If you are here from Kathy Northup of I Love My Crazy Life then you are in the right spot. If you just arrived here and would like to start from the beginning please go to KAndrew's Getting Cricky! For this blog hop K Andrew is celebrating her big move across the country with a big road trip, and of course this hop across the 50 states! She has asked us all to post a little bit about the state we are representing, and then to post our Favorite Craft Project. I am representing the state of

MONTANA! :)

Map of MY state!

This is some of what you see in MY beautiful state! I feel bad though, I didn't take this pic, I got it off of Google Images.

Here is a fact from Legends of America (this link will get you to the facts about MT). It is about the Roe River that yours truly helped get into the Guinness Book of World Records when I was in fifth grade! Here is the fact from the site: The Roe River is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's shortest river. The Roe flows 200 feet between Giant Springs and the Missouri River near Great Falls. The Roe River competes with the D River in Lincoln City, Oregon for the title of the shortest river. Both rivers have been measured on different occasions, with lengths varying from 58 feet to 200 feet. Schoolchildren in Great Falls campaigned successfully to have the Roe River placed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Now for my project:

My SMACK card!

Here is a video I did of how I did the card! :)

AND....FINALLY.....Here is my BLOG CANDY!

You know you want it!!!

This Indie Art Solutions Cartridge was donated to this Blog Hop by Valerie of Scrapbooking For Less! She has the best brands at GREAT prices so you should go check her site out: HERE! You won't be sorry you did! :)
If you would like to get your name entered ONCE in the drawing for this cartridge just leave a comment! If you would like your name in TWICE.....become a follower (please let me know you are a follower too) and that will give you two chances to win! Don't forget to leave your email where I can get a hold of you with your comment please or I will have to pick another person if you are picked. :) I need to be able to get a hold of the winner. :)

Please make sure to leave comments on all of the blogs for a chance to win a ton of different Grand Prizes on Getting Cricky's blog, from these great companies:Scrap N Tote, Scrap N Easel, Cri-Kits, Creative Charms, Memory Miser, Scrappy Chic Cafe, Loralie Designs, My Pink Stamper, Peachy Keen Stamps, Cricut Town, The Scrappin' Table, Piktails, and Pink by Design!

Please make sure to visit ALL the blogs, as EVERY single blog will have fabulous giveaways (cricut cartridges, paper packs, copic markers, yourstory bundle, clear stamp sets, and tons more). Each blogger was extremely generous with their own personal giveaways!

Next stop on the hop is Gloria Sleeper of Oma’s Crafts !

Thanks so much for stopping! :)

Stylish Blog Award

2011-02-08T20:45:00.000-08:00

I was checking on my blog tonight and was touched when I saw this comment from Pholly at Pholly's Phabulous Crafts:
I love your blog so I am giving you The Stylish Blog Award. To claim your award, simply post a picture of the Stylish Blog Award on your blog. You may pick up a copy of the picture from my blog - phollyphlox.blogspot.com.
Also, to claim your award, you must do the following:
1) Thank the person who gave this award to you and link it back to their blog
2) Share 8 things about yourself
3) Pass this award to 8 other individuals that you have recently discovered
4) Leave a comment so that they can pass along the recognition!
Congrats!!!
Phyllis
phollyphlox.blogspot.com

I mean how sweet is that?! Thanks so much Pholly! :) I love my followers and hope I make you all happy...as happy as you all make me with your sweet comments. :)

FYI- Pholly's Blog is FAB!!! OR as she says: PHAB! She is very talented and I became a follower and really like her stuff! :)

Here is the award:

And here are my 8 facts about me:
1- I am a mom to 2 beautiful kids, Jon (my son, 11) and Sasha (my daughter, 3). I have been married to my best friend, Garth for 13+ years and we have been together 17+ years. :)
2- I started scrapping 11+ years ago along with card making. :)
3- I love all kinds of music....this does include Marilyn Manson and Nsync! ;)
4- I am 33 years old!
5- I was born on April 1st! :)
6- A lot of the people I design for right now are close friends. :)
7- My BFF is named Becky, but I call her Bex! :)
8- I am spoiled by my hubby! AND...also by my friends. :)

Now, I need to figure out my 8 that I feel this way about....it will be hard because I follow so many blogs. :)
Thanks and loves! :)

AND THE WINNER IS....................

2011-02-06T18:30:00.000-08:00

Debi from Cards by Montana Reflections!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 57 (counted when you all said you were a follower too!)
Result:
9

Congrats Debi! It is nice to have a Montanan Follower!!! I am in Great Falls! :)
Thanks to all of you that commented and I love your comments and they are very appreciated. I will be getting ready for another Blog Hop this weekend! Deets will be soon! :) I will be giving away an Indie Art cartridge! :) It's one of my faves! :)

Feel the Love Blog Hop

2011-02-04T22:45:00.000-08:00

Hey all! If you have come from Michelle's Queen of My Craft Room Blog, you have made it to the last stop on this blog hop and THANKS so much for viewing what everyone has done for you. :) I'm sure all of their ideas have inspired all of you! :) I have some blog candy available so you will want to get in on that! :) To do that just leave a comment in the comment section with your email please in case you are chosen. If you don't leave your email, I have to chose someone else. :( If you would like to be counted twice...BECOME A FOLLOWER! :) If not, it's all good...you will still be counted but only once. :)

Here's the candy:

6x6 Sassafras Lass Sunshine Lollipops pad, Hampton Arts glitter glue, 10 prescored cards with 10 pink envies, a roll of paper tape, a roll of printed tape, We R Memory Keepers glittered brads, a little baggie of blingy baubles (flowers).

I have a video on how to make the metal rose on the romatic card that I made for the hop. I am not a HUGE fan of having to have pinks, whites, and reds for Valentine's Day. I like a little bit of the more classic, romantic looking colors too. So, I chose purple and cream for this project.

The card I did for the Hop. :)

This is part one of the video that shows how to make the rose!

Here is the video on the card! It's a quickie! :)

What I used: Nashua metal tape, Fiskars punch (5 petal flower), Adirondak Alcohol Inks (Stream, Wild Plum, and Eggplant), K&Co Patterned Paper, Stickles (Antique Linen), CTMH Ink (Hydrangea), Best Value Ribbon (Organdy Ribbon), glue dots, ATG.

Here is a list of all the others on this hop (just in case you missed any of us)-

1. Jamie at Glitter, Stamps, and Paper, Oh My! http://glitterstampsandpaperohmy.com/
2. Karel at One by One The Flamingos Are Stealing My Sanity http://karelj.blogspot.com/
3. Nikki at The Glamorous Side of Scrapping http://glamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
4.Elizabeth at Skittles and Scrapbooks http://skittlesandscrapbooks.blogspot.com/
5. Brittni at Life's Musings http://gardenwhispers.blogspot.com/
6. Jesi at Jesi's Things http://jesisonaroll.blogspot.com/
7. Ellen at Card Monkey http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/
8. Jessica at Overjoyed Scrapper http://overjoyedscrapper.blogspot.com/
9. Casey at Simple Joy Crafting http://simplejoycrafting.blogspot.com/
10. Jenny at Crazy about Cricut http://www.crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/
11. Shannon at My Scrappy Creations http://shannonleffew.blogspot.com/
12 Meagan at Beyond Paper http://beyondpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/
13. Jessica at Creative Stamper http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/
14. Jill at The Scrapaholic http://thescrapaholic.blogspot.com/
15. Katy at Crazy Mommy Katy http://crazymommykaty.blogspot.com/
16. Aimee at http://www.littlepsmomma.blogspot.com/
17. Kathy at http://kathyand3kids.blogspot.com/
18. Amanda at Something Sorta http://somethingsorta.blogspot.com/
19. Michelle at Holy Cricut http://queenofmycraftroom.blogspot.com/
20. Kathy at http://www.kathy-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/. (that is me!)
21. Angie at A Tuttle Time http://atuttletime.blogspot.com/
22. Angela at Created with Joy http://createdwithjoy.blogspot.com/

Angie is next on the hop with an inspiring project for you! :)
Thanks for stopping! :)

Valentine's Day Card for Totally Stamps/Holy Cricut Swap

2011-01-21T18:45:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! :)

I promise I have not been M.I.A! :) I have just been a little busy, but really that is no excuse. I really should try to get on all the time. You deserve that! :)

Well Michelle at Totally Stamps/Holy Cricut has card swaps open to all of you who would like to join us in the fun. We do one card swap a month and you can even join in the challenges if you would like. With the swaps, please NO FLAKING! Just to be fair to everyone. :)

I did the Valentine's Swap (which is closed now). I had a hard time at first, but my friend, Valerie, lent me her CTMH "Amore" Stamp Set. I just started messing around with it and came up with this!

The "Love" image is actually pop-dotted! :) This was a fun and quick card believe it or not. :)
This is what I used: American Crafts (white CS), CTMH (Amore Stamp Set), Ranger (Distress Stamp Pad in Aged Mahogany and Pine Needles for the image and scattered straw and Vintage Photo for the stained look), Flair Designs (Patterned Paper), Studio 18 (bling), Walmart (tulle).
Thanks for stopping! :)

Birthday Wishes Card for Totally Stamps Swap

2011-01-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

Hey all! :) It is SO LATE here in Montana, but I wanted to share this b-day card I did for Michelle's swap over at the Totally Stamps (Holy Cricut) Blog .

Here it is:

What I used: American Crafts CS (white), Bazzill (black and pink), Michael's (pink bling), colorbok (iridescent bling), Scrappy Cat Stamps (birthday wishes sentiment), offray (ribbon), memento (pen for dots), cricut, Create a Critter (scalloped oval), Summertime in Paris (cake).

Thanks for looking and have a nice day! :) Happy Friday! :)

My Challenge at The Colorful Creations Blog...JOIN US!!

2011-01-07T22:08:00.000-08:00

Hey all! :) I was asked by Brenda (aka. Paper Diva) at Colorful Creations to do their Blog Challenge #7 in January. I thought it would be fun and I had never done it before, so I figured, "WHY THE HECK NOT?!" LOL! Well, Brenda said I could go to the blog and check out the past blog challenges and I did. The last one happened to be a sketch so I figured, "Hey, I have never done a sketch (either worked with one or designed one) and that may be kinda fun." I also thought that since I have been stepping out of my comfort zone lately that maybe I should try it. So I did! :) You can got to The Colorful Creations Blog HERE and see my sketches. BUT....here are my projects. :) I did a card and a layout sketch.

Layout

Card

What I used on my Beauty Layout: Bazzil CS (12x12 teal, black used for matting) , American Crafts (Thickers Alpha Stickers), Bo Bunny (Patterned Paper), Queen and Co (Felt border), Petaloo (flowers), My Mind's Eye (Chipboard Journaling Tag, Today's The Day, Believe in Yourself), Jenni Bowlin Studios (butterflies), Making Memories (metal "perfect" tag).

What I used on my card: Recollections CS (Kraft), Graphic 45 (Patterned paper), My Mind's Eye (how many? how much? chipboard embellie), Tim Holtz Idea-o-logy (clock face and spinners), Michael's (ribbon).

Thanks for stopping and drop by the Colorful Creations Blog and join us in this challenge! :)

Two Challenges in ONE!

2011-01-06T23:18:00.000-08:00

Hey all! :) Well, I would have thought I would never create something that I would use for two things, but I have been super busy here in my studio. :) I have had a lot of things popping up that need to be done for design teams, friends, family, etc. On top of just the regular daily stuff....Thank God I am not a working mom. I am not sure how the career ladies do it out there. :) Being a stay-at-home mom is hard some days, but I LOVE MY JOB! :) Ok....enough of that. You all didn't come here to here me preach about that stuff! :) LOL!

So, Evelyn at Colorful Creations is having an Altered Card Challenge on the Colorful Creations site. The challenge will be going on now to January 15th so get over there and join. :) You will have so much fun! :) This challenge will take place every month so that at the end of the year we will have 12 cards! :) Now you can use whatever cards you want. I used my Heidi Swapp playing cards I bought A LONG TIME AGO! I really just bought them for the queen of hearts, but have been slowly using them up. :)

Also, you all know from reading this post of mine, that Michelle at Holy Cricut is also having a challenge. So this is where the TWO CHALLENGES IN ONE comes in. As all of you know- a snowman, ribbon, stickles, and patterned paper needed to be used for that challenge. So, I figured...AWESOME! :) So, here are my creations for both the challenges. :)

front

back

What I used: Heidi Swapp Playing Card, bazzill cs (teal), CTMH (January stamp set, Ocean Ink), American Crafts CS (white), Pink Paislee (snowman's gloves, hat, and scarf), Michael's (ribbon and bling), Stickles, The Paper Company CS(black), Cricut, Snow Friends Cartridge. Thermoweb (pop dots), Glossy Accents, scotch

Totally Stamps Challenge #3: Winter

2011-01-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! :) Michelle is having another challenge at her blog (Oh My Cricut!). To get there, click HERE! :)

Here are the deets: The challenge is: Snowman
                                                          Ribbon
                                                          Patterned paper

                                                          Stickles

Have fun everyone! You can make anything with these 4 items on it. I am going to try to get Mr. Linky on my blog so everyone can just post their projects from there, but if not, please send me an email with your projects to ohmycricut@gmail.com
Please post your project by Saturday Jan. 8th.

The winner will get a $10.00 gift card to Michael's. Random.org will pick the winner. :)

So stop by Michelle's Blog and join the fun! :) I will be posting my project in the next couple of days! :)

Thanks for stopping! :)

BE YOURSELF Card

2011-01-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog Buddies!!! Well, I was pretty positive that Colorful Creations was gonna keep me busy...and I was proven right! HA! I am so enjoying every bit of it. They are so supportive of everyone who is in the group.....not just the design team. I can't say enough good about them. :)

Well, new DT member, Tess (love her work), is in charge of a challenge called: "Inspired By". This time around it was CAKE..that inspired us. :) Well, maybe not cake, but this picture of a cake! :)

Ok, usually I am SO not an orange girl. But, the orange on this cake, just GRABBED me and shook me! :) And you all know how much I LOVE butterflies. :) Well, We had to use ribbon, stamps, and doodling (which for me, was a stretch...I am SO not a doodler!) But, I came up with this:

I was a little impressed by the card, although I do have a VERY HARD time looking at the doodles. :) Oh well, c'est la vie! ;) Right?! LOL!

What I used: CTMH stamp set (Be Yourself), Stampin' Up CS (Pink), Bazzil CS (dotted swiss pink and brown), Ranger Distress Ink (Aged Mahogany), Michael's (ribbon), Martha Stewart's Punch (butterfly)/

You all should join us! :) Go to Colorful Creations, click HERE.
Thanks so much for stopping! :)

SO MUCH NEWS!!!!!!!

2011-01-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I am so sorry for being MIA for a couple of weeks. I am hoping all of you had THE BEST holidays! :) I know I did! :) Mine was spent with my little family and we just kinda chilled and enjoyed each others' company. We did get to my mom and dad's and Garth's mom's for a little bit too.

I also have some BIG NEWS that I wasn't able to release right away, but after Christmas, it was fair game. :) I tried out for the Design Team at Colorful Creations which is a an awesome Scrapbooking and Papercrafting community. :) Well, I got the good news before Christmas and was so happy. Things are going so good for me right now, creatively and I am just so stoked to be able to share something that is so close to my heart and soul with others. :)

At Colorful Creations I am responsible for Digital Challenges twice a month and I am so happy with my part of the design team. I am becoming a better digi scrapper and really am beginning to love it. :) If any of you would like to join me there...please do. :)

Here is my example I did for my challenge for the first part of January. :) I wanted my friends to use frames on their layout. :)

I know a lot of what I used was from Katie Pertiet, but I did use other elements I got at a free site. :)
Well, that is my news and I will be blogging a lot more. :)
Thanks for reading!

(edited with VIDEO)WELCOME TO THE LIME LIGHT CHARITABLE DESIGN TEAM BLOG HOP!!

2010-12-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Hey Everybody! I am Kathy Floen, one of the newest members of the Lime Limelight Scrappers! :) I love being part of this group of talented women because I love being a part of something bigger, something that gives back. And...that is exactly what the Lime Light Scrappers do. :)

If you have gotten here from Kim's Blog, then you are in the right place.

If you need the list of all the blogs here they are!

Lime Light Charitable Design Team
Gracie --Imagine That
Sue --Sue's Cricut & Crafts
Joanne -- TropicLuv
Joy -- Everyday Cricut -- she's one of our honored guests on this hop, giving you tons of ideas for your Cricut creative mind.
Terry --Hello From Oregon
Peg -- Peg's Crafting Corner
Kim --the object of art is to give life a shape
Kathy -- The Beautiful Life (YOU ARE HERE)
Agnes -- FLOWER DISCO'S SCRAPHUT
Sarah --Pink Cricut -- she's our other honored guest on this hop, full of inspiration and generously sharing her Cricut talents.
Sandra-- Sandra Wilson Designs
Samantha --Samantha J Designs
Sonya -- Appel Quilling Garden
Then go back to the Lime Light

I decided to do a little project for you all tonight. Every year I make my own camels and give them out to friends and family as gifts. So, this year, I was lucky enough to get a Wrap It Up Cricut Cartridge from my friend. On there is so many fun boxes to make to put fun little gifts in. I chose the Christmas Cottage...because it is cute. :) So, here is my video! :)

Now for the recipe:

Carmels

1 cup butter or margarine

2 1/4 cups brown sugar

Dash of Salt

1 cup light Karo syrup

1 15 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp of vanilla (although, if you know me...I never measure vanilla)

Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add the brown sugar and salt, stir. Blend in Karo syrup. Gradually add milk. Stir constantly over meduim heat until your candy thermometer reached 240 to 245 degrees (firm ball state). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into a buttered 13x9 inch pan and let cool completely before cutting. To wrap them..I use wax paper.

I hope that you enjoy them. :)

I was lucky enough to get Valerie from Scraps for Less donated a Fancy Pants Christmas Kit that is up for grabs. She has a tremendous site (that is getting re-done but is opening in January) and crazy low prices.

Make sure, to be eligible for prizes, that you become a follower on each blog (including this one) and leave a comment letting us know that you have done so. There's several hundred dollars worth of prizes (see slide show below), so you will definitely want to make sure you are eligible.

Here is a pic of the Fancy Pants Kit!

Now you are done here! Your next stop is Agnes, click here.

Mark Your Calendars for Friday, Dec. 17th! Lime Light Blog Hop!

2010-12-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

As you can see by the title, the Lime Light Charitable Design Team (of which I am a card-carrying member) is having a blog hop this Friday at 8PM. We want you to get to know us and what we do as a team, so we are having a blog hop so that you can visit the various team members' sites. We also have a couple of the top Cricut bloggers on the net -- Everyday Cricut and Pink Cricut, that will be stops along the way. The team came together a few years ago because of our love of Cricut, and we wanted to give you a couple of bonus's as these sites are top notch when it comes to Cricut creative inspiration.
At 8 PM CST on Friday, we'll be posting the instructions on how you get from blog to blog and what you need to do when you get to each blog (COME TO THE LIME LIGHT BLOG FIRST FOR INSTRUCTIONS). All simple stuff. Now, here's the fun part. We'll be giving away some very nifty prizes, including a grand prize stash worth over $150. And because I can't wait, I'm giving you a peek at the prizes. So sit down, take a look at the goodies, and then join us Friday at 8 CST for a fun time!

I am in the Lime Light!!!

2010-12-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone! :) I feel so blessed right now.

A month or so ago, The Lime Light , had a design team call. I had done a project...The Butterfly Project in October (my project is HERE). I loved the fact that there was a group out there that liked to do something with their creative talents. It felt so good to give back with my creativity.

Well, when they posted that they were accepting apps for the 2011 Design Team, I thought, "I need to do this." I prayed on it, because I was trying for a couple other design teams and was worried, but I also KNEW that I wanted this. :)

Then the email came from Gracie, offering me a spot on the team. I about died. I wanted this and it happened for me! :) I was so happy and proud that I can add The Lime Light Scrappers Design Team to my list of things that I like to do! :)

We will be having a BLOG HOP on December 17th....so get ready...it will be so much fun! :) There will be some prizes too and who doesn't like that??? Teehee! ;)

So, now, this is another one of this girl's homes.

AND THE WINNER IS....................

2010-12-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

I went to random.org and used their Integer Generator and they picked number 20. I made sure that if you said you were a follower in a comment that I counted you as two. :)

Number 20 was Marianne and she said: Oh wow, your canvas is beautiful. I love the idea of making this to put out on display each Christmas season. Great job! I am a new follower of your blog and cannot wait to come back and check out your other posts. Thank you for sharing it on this hop. Thank you for sharing this project on the hop.

Marianne S. (www.paperorfabric.blogspot.com ) This is her blog if you would like to look! :)

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
20
Timestamp: 2010-12-06 19:44:35 UTC

Thanks Marianne! I will send you an email to get your info! :) Also, Thanks to EVERYONE who became a follower! :)

BLOG HOP Project video (Canvas Reindeer Sign)

2010-12-05T17:21:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone it took awhile, but I got my poop in a group. :) But the video of how I made my sign is now up on Youtube. :) Part 1: Is HERE!!! Part 2: Is HERE!!!

Thanks for your pateince and remember you still have a couple of hours to win my blog candy from the post: Here!!!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree Blog Hop (I have BLOG CANDY! See how you can win!!!)

2010-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Beautiful Life and the Rockin' around the Christmas tree Blog Hop! If you've come from visiting Jenny at Crazy about Cricut, you're in the right place!

If you've just happened across my blog and would like to play along with our fun hop, you can go to Totally-Stamps and start at the beginning. Go http://www.totally-stamps.blogspot.com/.

The theme of this blog hop is ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE. Each blog has created a project. Be sure to visit each blog for inspiration and fun BLOG CANDY.

Michelle- http://totally-stamps.blogspot.com/
Susan - http://itsmesusanp.blogspot.com/
Carol - http://cardstockscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/
Jenny - http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/
Kathy - http://kathy-thebeautifullife.blogspot.com/ (THIS IS ME..WHERE YOU ARE NOW!)
Debbie - http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
Misty - http://abusyplace.blogspot.com/
Iva - http://ivarai.com/
Bonnie - http://ascrapabove.blogspot.com/
Nana - http://youniquereflections.blogspot.com/
Laura - http://lauraleesdream.blogspot.com/
Marianne- http://paperorfabric.blogspot.com/
Christel- http://onescrappinsista.blogspot.com/
Rebecca - http://rebeccasaylor.com/
Carol N - http://stampincarol.blogspot.com/
Kee Kee - http://life-is-scrap.blogspot.com/

Amy - http://amychomas.blogspot.com/

JD - http://jdscricuteering.blogspot.com/

For you all I did a fun little project using my cricut and a canvas.

My fun little project! ;)

I made a video that I am sure will be an exclusive because I am afraid it is a little long for my youtube channel. But I couldnt get itto load. Sorry guys :(

But I used a 6x8 canvas, Making Memories Specialty Glaze in Sky, Cricut Cart Trim the Tree, Bazzil Cardstock (dark and light browns), Mod Podge, resin sand (liquitex), White Acrylic Paint, Crop-a-dile BIG BITE, Wired ribbon, something to stir the resin sand with and spread it on, foam brushes, snowflake charms.

Now, would you like some CANDY??? Of the crafty kind? I am giving away a Basic Grey tabbed/ milk chocolate chipboard album, a pack of 4 acrylic frames from Making Memories, some Tattered Angel Chipboard shapes that are wintry, Ice Crystal Cuttlebug folder and die, a card of ribbon, a pack of 2 6x8 canvas boards, large brads from the 7gypsies Zanzibar collection, and a fun little candle that smells like cinnamon buns.

My Blog Candy Giveaway!!!!

All you have to do is : 1: Leave a Comment (make sure to leave an email addy so I can contact you if you won.) and 2: If you want to UP your chances...become a follower of mine. You will see a spot of that on the left hand side of my blog. I will announce the winner here at my blog on Monday Evening. Thanks so much! :)

Now you need to go to the next person in our fab blog hop: Debbie at: http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/ . HAVE FUN! :) Thanks for stopping by. :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! :)

2010-11-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you that stop by and read this blog of mine! :) Today is a day of gratitude and togetherness. I hope and pray that all of you are happy at home with your families, or if you are going to families- I hope your travels are safe and you arrive and are able to spend time with those you love. For those of you that can't have your family with you, whether they are away because of the military or just can't be with you...I pray that they are safe and will be home with you soon.

There is so much I am thankful for! I wake up everyday and am always in disbelief that I am lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom. It may be a constant sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice that I would happily make again.

I am so thankful for my little family! :)

Christmas pic for 2009

My husband is my best friend and the love of my life! Sure he can be a pain..but I KNOW I AM a pain in the butt a lot more than him! :) He accepts me and adores me for ME! :) He doesn't mind that I am not the thin girl he met 17+ years ago. He says I am just as beautiful now as I was then! :) He works hard and comes home and still helps out with the kids and the house. He is not one of those men that thinks because he works that he can come home and just be "DONE" for the day. Thank God for that....his parents did a wonderful job with this man! :) I say that because he is so much like his daddy. Although, my father-in-law passed 6 years ago...he lives in both my husband....AND.....

My son! :)

Football 2010

This young man is one of the reasons I wake up in the morning and try to be the best mother I can be. When he came into my life 11+ years ago, I was overjoyed with love and life! :) It has been a joy to be raising him and see him do well in whatever he chooses to be doing. :) He is truly one of the best kids I know. I love the way he is...it can be hard sometimes because he has a very stubborn way about him and he is a little analytical, but I am truly so THANKFUL for him. I love that he speaks his mind and will not lay down and be a victim. I am proud of that! :)

Then there is this little light of hope for me! :)

Fall 2010

This little girl was something that we ALL worked for! :) Jon (my son) was so easy to get pregnant with and I had a pretty good pregnancy with him. With Sasha, it took two miscarriages, a tube removal (I had a cyst), and 9 months of morning sickness. Not to mention 12+ hours of labor and then a C-section anyway....to bring her into this world. I also had post partum depression really bad. BUT....I look at her everyday and am overjoyed that God has given me another precious gift to hold and love. She is me all over again for my father...I love how he glows when he sees her.

Halloween 2010

This picture cracks me up! :) Sasha is such a character and I love her for it! :)

I am also thankful for my family and Garth's family! :) They have helped us so much through a lot of life! :) I am not sure where we would be if we didn't have them. We might be ok, but they have made life nice and easy for us. :) Between babysitting so Garth and I could have date nights to being a listening ear, they have always been there. Just because we are adults doesn't mean they stop being parents and that is a very good thing! :)

I love this woman!

My mom-in-law and great niece, Me and Sasha on a Hay Ride

That would be my mother-in-law! :) We had a rocky beginning, but I love her to death now! :) She has been there for every important day in my life since I have been with her son! :) She has a HUGE love for her family and accepts us regardless of our mess ups and shortfalls. When I need someone to talk to, she is ALWAYS there..even if all she does is just listen. I always hear my friends saying that they don't have a relationship with their mother-in-laws like I do and that makes me SUPER HAPPY! :) You have NO IDEA! :)

Now, last but not least......This girl!

Bex and Me 2010

This is Becky! She is my best friend and someone who has been there for every part of my life for 6 years! :) She got me through my father-in'law's death, my miscarriages, the hard spot in my marriage, the ups and downs of motherhood...and my day-to-day. I love her! :) Sure, I have gotten her through things in her life, but that is HER story to tell. :)

I am also thankful for everyone that is in my life...I have made new friends and love them dearly and feel so blessed to have everyone of them in my life. :) I love you all! :)

I was lucky enough to see this on the Brave Girls' Blog! :) It is awesome and perfect for today! :) Click here and enjoy! :)

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

Totally Stamps Christmas Tag Swap Tag!

2010-11-23T23:50:00.000-08:00

Is it really almost Thanksgiving??? Which means it is almost Christmas??? EEK! :) I have so much to do still between cooking, cleaning, decorating, crafting.....you get the idea! :)

Anyways- I signed up for the Totally Stamps Christmas Tag Swap in late October and finished a couple other projects on hand and then got to it. :) I love tags. They are simple, yet you can decorate, embellish, anything you heart desires on them. :) They are the BEST! :) I even have a friend that is doing tags in place of Christmas Cards this year. :) That would be a fun idea! :) TeeHee! :)

So here is my tag!

What I used: Tag is from Micheal's, tulle (red and cream) is Walmart, the snowflake charms are from China somewhere (ebay), I used Distress Inks (aged mahogany, pine needles, and tea dye) and a foam applicator from Ranger. The Stamp is from The Angel Company. I also added some bling..I really never remember where I get my bling! :)

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Jeanie D's Christmas Goodness! :)

2010-11-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Did you know I have a really good friend in the Digital Design business? Her name is Jeanie Dickinson and she has her own design name now...she is Jeanie D's Designs. :) I am beyond proud of her and she keeps me really happy with sharing her digi goodness with me. :) She has a vintage, yet whimsical feel to her work. I also love it because it is beautiful, yet clean. :)

Anyways- She was designing a kit a couple nights ago (She is gonna be a part of a HUGE Blog Hop here - that is where the details are.) and had the papers done for it. I LOVE THE PAPERS! :) She sent me a lot of them, but the two that got me so far are the burgundy Merry and Bright and the music sheet paper. I used them on hybrid projects for right now...BUT be on the look out for some digi layouts from me using this paper..I also think I am gonna use the paper for some Christmas card swaps I am in. :) Everytime I look back at the file..I see something else I can work with and really for me the only other digi designer who has been consistently making me do that is Katie Pertiet. :)

I will say that Jeanie has evolved from a paper creator to a wonderfully creative digi designer. Love you, Jeanie! ((HUGS))

So, here are my projects.

Full View

Close up view

For the wall hanging I used: Jeanie D's Designs Merry and Bright digital 12x12 paper, all ribbon and lace from Michael's, I did spray the outlining ribbon/lace with homeade glimmer spray and some Shimmerz Spritz mists, Tim Holtz Idea-o-logy clock face and spinners, Stamper's Anonymous Santa Stamp, Ranger Distress Inks, Blending Foam

Card

For the card: Jeanie D's Designs Music Sheets paper in 12x12, Chatterbox (Brown Brad), Basic Grey (shiny green brads), Mulberry paper, Recollections (Kraft Card base),Shimmerz Spritz Spray, TAC Christmas Stamp, CTMH (flourish), Fiskars border punch, Nik Bantok stamp pad (Van Dyke Brown)

I should say that I sized what I needed in PSE 7. :)

Thanks for looking. :)

Champion Layout

2010-11-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hi All! :) Oh, how I love sports and I love the ones my kids are in A LOT! :) Jon (my son), used to play every sport, but as time went on..he chose one....FOOTBALL. :) He loves it. :) He loves everything about it. :) He is a defensive player and is really good at it. :) He loves to get in there and take people down. As a mom, I have learned to get over seeing people push, run into, and ram into my kid. They are just doing their job and since I don't see other parents getting too upset when my son is doing his, well all is fair, right?

Jon's first year of Football for The Boys and Girls' Club was last year (2009). He played for two of the nicest guys ever. :) Those two guys were awesome to our boys. :)

I decided to take pics at our home that year, because the whole photography bit or even if we would have pictures done was not something that was even scheduled so I wanted to be safe. I am a scrapbooker after all! LOL! :)

I look at this picture and can't believe how little Jon looked last year. It is also a reminder that he is not my little guy anymore. :( But....along with that comes hopes for the future and I think and hope I don't have to worry a whole lot about his. :)

I used Teresa Collins' Sports Edition line for this layout. It is perfect for this type of layout. :) Besides the picture, I started with the quote that was originally framed. It is by Muhammad Ali. It says: CHAMPIONS AREN'T MADE IN THE GYMS. CHAMPIONS ARE MADE FROM SOMETHING THEY HAVE DEEP INSIDE THEM- A DESIRE, A DREAM, A VISION. Wow, is that NOT the truth???

The only other thing I used on this layout that wasn't Teresa's? Were the gears from Tim Holtz's Idea-o-logy. Which really goes perfect with this line. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Friends Forever Card

2010-11-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I have been a busy girl this past week. I have a couple of fun projects I did that I will be sharing, starting with the card today. I hope to finish up with a video looksie of my BOOK project I was working on.

So now...on to it! I just love the Teresa Collins Friendship line. You don't need to just use it for friendship projects. The colors and design are so workable into any project. :) It is one of my fave lines to work with. :) That being said, I DID use it on a FRIENDSHIP project this time. Here it is! :)

Front of card

Inside of card

What I used: Teresa Collins' Friendship paper, Best Occasions cardstock, ribbon from Michael's, Colorbok (bling).

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Totally Stamps Challenge #2: Fall/Thanksgiving

2010-10-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Well we are almost done with Halloween here in Montana. We had a BLAST tonight with Sasha and I will post pics soon. I had the hardest time getting on Blogger today and for a little tonight, but figured out the problem and did a system restore on my computer and Voila! I am on Blogger.

Michelle on the Totally Stamps Blog gave us all a challenge to do a Fall/Thanksgiving project. Michelle is so great...she let's us make the call on whether it is a layout, card, anything we can think of as long as it goes with the theme for the challenge.

I decided to do a card! :) I have been liking doing my cards lately. I am usually a scrapbooker and a gift maker, but I really have been liking the whole card thing lately. :) I had bought an Inkadinkadoo stamp set last year at Michael's and was hoping to be able to use it. I got my chance on this card:

What I used: Cardstock from Recollections (Kraft) and Stampin' Up (brown), K&Co (Pearls), Chatterbox (brown brads), Autumn set from Inkadinkadoo, Fiskars (deckle) scissors, Nik Bantok (Brown) ink pad, Tim Holtz (Distress Ink), Ranger foam applicators, Studio G (Let's Celebrate) stamp.

Thanks for looking! :)

This Got to Me.........

2010-10-26T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! :) I know I have talked about the Brave Girls before in a post on my Beautiful Return blog. Kathy and Melody are just the most beautiful souls out there. :) I read their Brave Girls' Daily Truths all the time, in fact, I subscribe. To me, there are some that just keep me in check or make me realize that NOW IS THE TIME.

This was the Daily Truth from October 22nd.

This is what it means to me: I have A LOT of trust issues, for a LOT of reasons. Therapy has helped me work through a lot of them. But I know in my post a couple of days ago about Sasha and her preschool situation I said that we had been through so much with Jon. Well, I won't be naming names and running people through the mud, but I think I would like my followers and in essence, my friends to know me...completely. :)

When we first moved into our home we had horrible neighbors. From the first day, I should have had on my WARNING LIGHTS constantly. The mom asked our second day in the house if she could just put her kids over our fence to play with Jon. I was like: "ok." I am a very social person most of the time. This lady was the first one to hold that against me. Anyways- I kept the boys for about 6 hours that day and fed them dinner and dessert and then she came and got them. Everything was all good until the day when they invited Jon over to slip and slide. The boys' Aunt was there and Jon and the two boys had fun until one of the little peeps decided NOT to listen. As Jon was coming down the slip and slide the other boy got on the slip and slide and Jon collided with him. Jon was a little shocked, but ok. BUT....the other little person was acting like he was dying which caused his Aunt to try to chew my son (3 almost 4 years old at the time) out. Thank God I was there. As you all know by now, when it comes to my kids...I am a bear. I jumped in and grabbed Jon and told her what I thought she was (I was a lot younger than and won't apologize, but I would have used the same language in front of Sasha....I would hope.) Then I took my boy home. You would think that I would have learned my lesson. NOPE.

Fast forward another year to when Jon started Kindergarten. The school, in their infinite wisdom (NOT THIS TIME, although I do love Valley View.), put Jon and the older boy in the same kindergarten class. UGH....this is what I will always refer to as Kinder Hell. Yep, although, the first few months were great. Jon and the neighbor boy did good as classmates. The mom and I even ended up in a Bible Study together. Then my bestie's son's b-day hit. So, from the slip and slide incident we have learned that our neighbor's older boy really makes drama out of nothing. Weird for a boy, but ok. Well, the dad's were playing football on a trampoline and all the little boys were playing and it wasn't as rough as it sounds. It was totally supervised. AND....then neighbor dad threw the ball and it was up in the air and both boys (mine and theirs) went for the ball. COLLISION....again...Jon, nothing. Their kid....you would have thought he was dying. The father preceded to yell at my son and ask what the HELL was wrong with him. Well, my hubby was in shock as was everyone. The only person that seemed to be able to act through the shock was me....as the father got in my face and decided to yell at me...I yelled back and told him that I would not speak to him. Yeah....again if I was thinking...I would have KNOWN that if they were coming we should have just taken My bestie's son out for his birthday. BUT....in my youth I was ignorant and thought everyone could get along.

Anyways-the following week we were at Bible study and there was a HUGE blow-up between me and the mom. She then preceded to tell the whole Bible study that her son was having bathroom issues because of Jon (I did ask the teacher and she let me know that was NOT the case.) and that her life was horrible because of me and my son.

Long story short....sides were taken (I hate that) and friendships were lost. I did end up with Bex...which is awesome. So, when grown ladies, some older than me, acted like that I just began not to trust. Then there was an incident when Jon was in first grade, but let's just say that it was not what made me. THE NEIGHBOR incident(s) is what made me what I am today.

So, of course with the stuff with Sasha I was going to think the worst of the preschool. After all, I felt like I needed to jump into protection mode for her. BUT....the best thing? The day after my blog post was written, two of the moms got a hold of me. We talked...as adults. It was not a one sided conversation and NO YELLING was involved. I was blind sided at first...I was like...people really act like this? LIKE ADULTS??? Yep, by the end of that next night..we have moved on from what happened. I still decided to keep Sasha out, but the best thing? We are all on speaking terms, our children can play and we can call each other friends.

So, without seeing Kathy/Melody's Brave Girls' truth, I was already seeing that there is GOOD in the world. That there are people who are out there who don't give up on a friendship because of a disagreement. This is a very good thing. :) So, like the truth said: open your heart. :) There is so much good out there...you have to be willing to see it though. Which means you may need to be willing to be hurt, but maybe a few hurts are worth the beauty of a lifetime. :)

Thanks for stopping by! :)

"Totally" Cool Card Swap! :)

2010-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! :) Michelle is having sign-ups for a Christmas Card Swap on the Totally Stamps Blog! The Deets are all there! :) I will be joining, so join me! The more the MERRIER! ;) Ha!

Some MORE AWESOME News!!!!

2010-10-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life we are JUST BLESSED! :) Whether it is the people that come into our lives or opportunities we have. The person who is part of my news today actually would represent BOTH areas pretty well. :)

Well...I made another DT! :) This time it is for Jeanie's Designs! :) For those of you who don't know who Jeanie is-she is one of my lose friends. She bought Mountains of Memories in Great Falls and tried to make a go of it. I am thinking that although I LOVE Great Falls, we just weren't ready for a Local Scrapbook Store. So, Jeanie went back to WY and went for her Digital Design Certification. AND....she succeeded and now is selling her digital scrapbooking designs (scrapbooking papers and elements). :) AND....I love them! :)

Jeanie had a Creative Team Call last week and I told her I would LOVE to represent her. :) I told her I loved her stuff and showed her a little of my work--although when she was here in Great Falls, she got to see my work all the time! :) She knew what she was dealing with! :) LOL! :) I was on her Team for Mountains of Memories too. :) But....I am fairly new to digital design so I am so happy that she picked me. :) Thanks Jeanie. :)

So without further adieu, here is my first digital layout for Jeanie's Designs! :)

What I used: Jeanie D's Designs (12x12 paper and crown frame), Elaine Therese (butterfly tag and button flowers), Mom2moo Designs (bow), and Katie Pertiet (photo clusters #14). I do all of my digi scrapping on PSE7. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

My Girl, Our Girl (some decisions)

2010-10-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

Sasha making cookies with me in Feb. 10

WOW, what a day it has been (it is Thursday Morning @ 3am!)! I am still not sure if I am totally getting what all happened. I do know that Sasha has a LOT of MOMMIES that are ready to jump if she is at all looked at wrong or talked badly or even thought badly of. Yes, I am ONE of them, but I am more a diplomat….until I am ticked.

You see, all of us moms are a part of a unique part of our species. We just LOVE our babies…pretty much FOREVER. For a lot of us, this LOVE supersedes so much. Is it right? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.

So why am I talking about all of this? Well, most of you know that Little Miss started preschool in September. Most of you who know Sasha, know that she just turned 3 in June. Well, there are a maybe two kids in the preschool that are young like her. The rest are turning 4 or getting ready to soon. So, being 3 and really never having done ANYTHING what-so-ever with school-like or church-like things, Sasha was put in a zone that she had never been in. She had never really been around other kids, although she is one of the most social kids out there. And….other than me, had never really been in a teaching environment.

Well, at first, after the first “hellish” day…I was thinking. Ok, this needs to be once a week for everyone’s sake. I could see frustration in some of the people’s faces and most of all….Sasha just didn’t seem to fit. I was totally chill though, because if any of you know what this family has been through because of people NOT getting us…we have dealt with people not getting our kids. It is ALL good. We don’t shelter either kid. Actually Sasha shelters herself quite well, she is a girl that will NOT do something if she does not feel right doing it. We talk to our children the way we talk to each other. We speak our minds and allow the kids too. We also allow them to be very open about their likes and dislikes and talk about each of them. The funny thing? Not before this situation, had I ever felt anything wrong with it.

So, here we go. We have been doing this for a month or a little more. I was just starting to think that maybe we could start doing the 2 days and then TODAY happened. The funny thing? God, speaks to me, I feel in so many ways. I am a Christian and am very open about my spirituality. I don’t push it on people, but I am not a person who hides either. Anyways, Tuesday night I just COULD NOT sleep. I kept seeing be having some type of break down and the people at the preschool home not being able to get any info out of me for calling Garth and what not. I was like: “Why the heck am I seeing this crap before bed?” I just did not get it. Then when I wasn’t fighting the vision anymore…it stopped, but then my mind started really going. There was a voice saying, “You know, Kat, this preschool experience is going to really hinder the way you and Sash are. It will change you both, but not in a good way. You need to stop.” Well, like every other time in my life….I ignore the most obvious voice in my life. The one who has never let me down yet. God’s.

Oprah says that God is quiet first. HE only whispers what you should be doing or if what you are doing won’t be fruitful. Then he gets a little louder before, like most parents, HE just can’t take it anymore and then HE screams.

Well, that SCREAM…came today and it HIT me. HARD.

Sasha had a beautiful morning. She watched her shows and got to see Jon before he left for school. She was ready to go to preschool and was excited to see her friends. We always sing the ABC Song and count on our way there. Today, I had to stop by the Boys’ and Girls’ Club to drop off Jon’s Football gear. So, we were running a little late. So, I called and just said we are going to be there.

We got there and of course….Sasha flips a switch. She wanted downstairs in the preschool area and then when she got there. She just STOPS and turns into a child that I am not sure is ok with preschool. They were learning about fire safety today and the teacher was awesome. She did a couple of exercises with the kids that were fun for them. They of course read too. And did worksheets.

So, while doing one of the exercises where the kids were crawling to get to and then out the front door. One of the kids….it was either mine or a little boy. Stepped on another little one’s foot. And of course being little, when you get stepped on…it hurts and you cry. Well, when asked what happened…her mama says, “She got stepped on.” and shoots a look at Sasha. I was like….hmm..ok. And then I stated switching to Auto-Pilot. Now, my hubby and my BFF (Bex) know what Auto-Pilot is for me. I start going into Damage Mode. The jury is still out as to if it is Damage Control or Doing Damage. LOL!

Well, we get downstairs and what is funny is that I really didn’t think anything of things like: Stopping Story time and telling all the kids it is BECAUSE of Sasha….when usually Story time has all the kids in a spacious circle…but somewhere it gets switched to a congested huddle. Here is a news flash….when the only room to get into a HUDDLED CIRCLE is the middle. Common Sense tells you….a 3 year old will get in the middle. Not to cause problems, but because they WANT to be included. Placing blame on them for the others getting their story taken away isolates them and brings in the next thing that happened.

So, the kiddos were working on a ladder with paper and scissors. And..Sasha really didn’t want me writing on her paper. She really was doing ok with gluing and stuff…but I needed to get her name on the paper. Well, she was telling me she didn’t want me writing on her paper. And…I hear a couple tables down, “Mom that girl is a BRAT!” I was like..You know that is ok…kids are kids and Sash really doesn’t even know what a BRAT is. Since we really have never used that word to describe anyone she knows. BUT….the little dude was quite tenacious about this opinion. So he kept saying it. The mom of the kid was trying to get him to stop, but I was already DONE. My heart just broke….because as a mom….I wanted to get up. Grab Sasha. AND….GO! I should have, really. But I was like, “No, let Sasha finish.” And what is funny…for a little person who isn’t well liked except by for maybe two kids, Sasha truly LOVES everyone. In fact, she tries to talk to all of the kids.

Anyways- with trying to hold it together; I switched to Auto-Pilot, and SNAPPED. Yep, unfortunately, not on the right people, but was a little harsh on Sasha. Well, way harsh….You know? I promised myself, my kids, and God a LONG time ago when we dealt with crap with Jon and our neighbors that I would NEVER let people change ME and make ME not be the MOM that I am MADE TO BE. Well, this place did it. I am so not proud of it either.

I got home, got Sasha in the house….was yelling at her about how she needs to stop acting the way she does at preschool and then I got hit with a SEMI. I needed to get in the shower. Sasha laid down with her blankie and I broke down in the shower. I got out of the shower and broke down again. Then, Garth called. I was talking to him and just lost it and everything hit and kept hitting me. Garth came home (THANK GOD) and comforted me and Sasha and said the only words I needed to hear. “HUN, YOU BOTH ARE DONE.” If you know Garth’s voice, it is very sweet and tender. I just couldn’t NOT agree 100%. He knows that I taught kids here for a few years and taught before that at Sonshine Christian Academy. So, I can do the preschool thing. I can get Sasha to groups that have role playing and dress up. She gets interaction from a lot of places.

Well, I was already agreeing with my hubby and then I talked with 2 of my good friends. My bestie (Bex), and Val. This is when the other MOMMIES in my little girl’s life come in. It is bad enough that I was as upset as I was (and there was a lot more leading up to today…but this was my breaking point and I am done trying), but the fact they feel that Sash was or had the potential of being judged or treated a certain way that was unfair to her as a 3 year old put them in PROTECT MODE. Of course, Bex, Sasha’s God-MAMA, was very passionate about how she felt and how she had a feeling since the beginning. And…really felt that Sasha needs to find a new “school home”. Val, Sasha’s Southern MAMA, felt that Sasha has always acted like her age and said that she knows and has dealt with problem children and Sasha is not one of those and really was wondering why there was a thought of going back and putting Sasha in more potentially hurtful (esteem-wise) situations. The sad thing? I was hoping that everyone would get to know the REAL SASHA….the Sasha that everyone who gets to know her sees. The funny girl. The sweet girl. The girl who never judges. The girl who befriends everyone. My girl. Our girl.

I lost sight of that girl today and lost sight of what really matters to me. My kids and how I am raising them. BUT….as a promise to both my kids….I learn from everything and THIS will NEVER happen again. As of today, right now, Sasha is over it and done with this preschool experience. Frankly, I am breathing a lot easier. :)

Thanks for reading. :)

Thanksgiving Card

2010-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) Is it too early to think about Thanksgiving? I don't think so! :) To me, it seems like after school starts, time goes way too fast. We have sports, errands, preschool...basically A LOT going on. :) So, to me, in a BLINK of an eye...Thanksgiving will be here.

Michelle over at Totally Stamps, had a swap going on for Thanksgiving Cards. This weekend, while I was working on my cards at a friend's crop, I did get asked, who sends Thanksgiving cards. I was not sure how to answer that one. I was thinking that maybe I am a freak of nature or something and then I realized that maybe there are SO MANY MORE people to convert to my type of thinking. You see, people, every holiday, season, day, ANYTHING and ANYTIME is a good time for a handmade card! :)

So without anymore waiting...here is my card! :)

What I used: Recollections Craft Paper, Bazzill embossed (dark brown), K&Co (dots), Create a Critter Cricut Cart (turkey), (all of the paper used for the turkey is Bazzill), Designer's Calendar (Give Thanks),googly eyes.

Thanks for looking! :)

I am so excited to share with you!!!!!!

2010-10-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! :) I was waiting to share my GOOD news until I knew for sure. :) As many of you have known before I have tried out for a lot of design teams and last year I just decided I needed to focus on making me happy with my paper crafting and scrapping. :) AND...I have been and I actually just keep getting happier with what comes out of my craft area! ;) LOL! :)

Well, I have been following Michelle at Totally Stamps since I found her (or she found me...not sure how that went.) on Facebook. :) I love her card creations and she has swaps so I was so excited to start swapping again. :) Well, last week she announced that she was putting together a DT! I was like, "WHOA!" and wanted to actually try and see what would happen. :) I just told her I was interested and gave her my blog addy and she got a hold of me and said: "YES!!!" :) I was so happy! :) BUT....it really didn't sink in until I saw this on her blog. :) Then I was like...AHHHHHHHH! :) THANKS SO MUCH MICHELLE for giving me a chance and I hope I do good by you! :)

So there you go.....I will be sharing my Thanksgiving Card for Totally Stamps tomorrow! :)
Thanks for looking! :)

Think Pink Challenge!

2010-10-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Michelle over at Totally Stamps has been coming up with some really fun challenges lately. Last week she had us using pumpkins. This week??? It was all about PINK! :) Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month Michelle thought this challenge would be perfect to honor those who are fighting, have fought, or have lost someone to Breast Cancer.

Although, if anyone knows me...I AM ALL ABOUT PINK! :) It is ONLY my FAVE color in the whole world! :)

So, I went to my friend, Jamie's house last night. She was a Cricut Virgin (there are still some out there, people!)...but she used my Cricut for some of her scrappy layouts and fell in love, so you could say I think I converted another one! :) YAY! :) Here is the deal....I love my Cricut and feel there needs to be one in EVERY home no matter what your hobby is! :) You get me?!? Good! :) Anyways- Jamie had a beautiful get together of crafters and some people who just wanted to visit and get some adult conversation. Thanks Jamie! :)

So here is what I made! :) I was so inspired by what Crazy About Cricut made for the Pumpkin Challenge on Totally Stamps. That I made my own PINK version. :)

What I used: American Crafts White Cardstock, Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More Cricut Cart, Bo Bunny Patterned Paper, Prima (butterfly and flower), Nik Bantok brown stamp pad for inking. :) I also used my Scor-pal and bone folder.

Thanks for visiting! :)

Our Beautiful Tomboy Layout! (My Rare Flower)

2010-10-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is a plumeria! Is it not beautiful?!?! It is AND it is also rare. Especially one this beautiful!

When people think of 3 year old little girls. They think of princesses, pink, having fun doing gorgeous hair dos, and probably the start of dance class. Funny enough, about 5 years ago, I felt the same way. :) I wanted a "Little Princess" of my own. I wanted her to be blond and blue eyed. :) I wanted her to have beautiful lips. I had dreams of putting her in dance classes and a closet full of PINK! :) Three years ago, that very prayer was answered. God sent me this gorgeous girl.

Blue eyes and BLOND, CURLY hair! :) I was in love the moment I laid eyes on her. Suddenly the 2 miscarriages and months of not getting pregnant seemed to be ok, because I was BLESSED with what I wanted! :) RIGHT?!?!?!

Well, let me tell you something. God always has a way of letting you know he is in control. :) He gave me the beautiful blond girl with the blue eyes. BUT....that is where it ends. HA! I have a three year old little girl that would rather be IRONMAN than a PRINCESS. She would rather wrestle and run and get dirty than dance. As for doing her hair????Even when she lets me and it looks perfect...she hates it. She lobes having her hair down and nothing done to it. And you know what??? I am SO ok with that! :) I definitely have a RARE FLOWER. I am so proud of her and she is (along with her Big Brother) one of the best things that has ever happened to me. They are my reason for getting up in the morning and breathing. :)

So now for the layout. :) I love catching these types of moments between Garth and Sasha. She loves her Daddy so much and if you ask anyone in the family....he is so in love with her. He really didn't put her down for the first year of her life. His mom would get so frustrated with him when we would go over for dinners. Garth made it a sport to be able to do everything with one hand. He cherished her and didn't want anything to touch her. LOL! And we wonder why she didn't walk until she was 16 months old! HA!

Anyways- These moments will always be cherished to me. :) They are something I hope I can remember even when I am old and senile! ;)

Here is the layout!

This was a rub-on for K &Co that I HAD to use on this one! :) TeeHee! :)

I just loved this tag from Ali Edwards for Designer Digitals. :) The journaling says: Date: February 5th, 2010.

Memory: Oh my goodness, Sasha! You make your father and I smile with your "tomboy" ways. We just LOVE that you are not the usual "girly girl". You have always loved any type of Sport Helmet (football, hockey) and this day you saw Daddy's hockey gear in the laundry room. Daddy put his helmets on you and you really, really ENJOYED yourself! Of course, we weren't complaining at all!

Also from Designer Digitals I used this "Simply Sealed- Daddy's Girl" stamp by Katie Pertiet. :) I really went a little hybrid for this project! :) I love it! :)

What I used: 12x12 Patterned from WeRMemory Keepers (MVP Line), Basic Grey (Marrakech) for matting, DCWV Textured Cardstock for matting, American Crafts Thickers, K & Co Rub-ons (Cherish and You are so beautiful to me), heart bling (I am never sure where I get my BLING!), also not sure where I got my black jeweled brad. ;), Ali Edwards "It's all in the details" Tag from Designer Digitals (edited on PSE 7) and Simply Sealed Daddy's Girl digital stamp by Katie Pertiet for Designer Digitals.

Thanks for reading! :)

Serenity......(totally random)

2010-10-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

Serenity means: (n.) The quality or state of being serene; clearness and calmness; quietness; stillness; peace.

(n.) Calmness of mind; evenness of temper; undisturbed state; coolness; composure.

I, actually, have been saying it a lot to describe one of my friends' daughters. This little girl is so quiet and has a beautiful clarity in her eyes that just touches my soul. Although, her mom does say that she has her times. The funny thing is that her mom is very calming for me. Kinda like a Jasper (Twilight anybody?) in our little group of mamas! :) I love her to death and really enjoy just being around her and the other moms in our Parent Participation Group.

Anyways- I am not sure why I am blogging this and how I feel. I just want to be more open. Last week I was touched by so much happiness and greatness in my life that I really just am calm about just about everything.

Those of you who truly know me would never use peaceful or serene to describe me. Edgy, bitchy, tell-it-like it is, may be.......SERENE? Nope. I am also described as out going and dramatic too. LOL!

I am really not sure when the world flipped on its axis, but I think I may have flipped with it.

Don't get me wrong, I still think I can get angry and a little bothered. When I was putting Sasha to bed today for a nap and she was fighting me...I think I was like, "Now, Sasha, I am getting mad!" And...I am pretty sure I was yelling it. But, after a story she was calm and ready for a nap and I was ready to come downstairs. I read some of my faved blogs, was touched by some of them....have I mentioned I am a cry-er? SO WEIRD for me. LOL!

It didn't really hit me how serene I have become until I had a mom from our little group email me and tell me that she hoped I wasn't mad, but Sasha couldn't come to the birthday because it was for 4 year olds and that there was a project and there were a few kids that couldn't come because of maturity. I felt horrible.....because SHE felt so bad. I know my daughter better than anyone and I KNOW that little crafty classes are NOT her thing right now. Good Grief, she hates worksheets at school for God's Sakes! :) After getting a chuckle out of it....I wrote her back and let her know that I HOPE that she wasn't worried about it. I also said I hoped her little girl would come to Sasha's things that she was invited to. :) BUT then it HIT ME!!!!!!! The OLD ME.......would have probably asked her WTH her problem was with my kid??? LOL! I laugh as I write this because I have said this not to long ago. LOL! OH how we grow!!! :) I actually loved how her heart allowed her to even share with me her feelings about the whole thing. I also, really love this person and really would NEVER put her in this position and would NEVER want her to worry about this during her little girl's b-day. I know I have been to some doozies with my son, where there was a kid that was a tyrant and all the kids were just like: "Uh-Mom?" I know Jon just would say: "That kid is being bad! Let's go!" Yes, Jon at 2 and 3 was more like a 5 year old. :) LOL! See how different your babies can be from each other??? LOL! Sasha is just starting to talk and tell us what she feels....at 3 Jon was telling us about the world according to him. LOL!

Also, this week I got a call from the Principal at Jon's school about a little incident with him and a teacher. First and foremost, if you know my son, he speaks his mind. Always has...even to his detriment. He also will tell you the truth if you ask him if he has a problem. Well, let's just say, one of his teachers did just that and he said, "YES!" So, when the Principal called....she made a point to say she hadn't seen me for a while, so I said that would be because of Sasha! :) LOL! I said, "I was at Vision Screenings, but not sure how much I helped because I was running around with Sash!" LOL! I also told her that you will be so amazed how much different from each other my kids are. I SWEAR they have the same parents!!!! They are so different in ALL WAYS! :) She is blond. He is NOT. He is olive/golden complected. She is a porcelain white. She has curly long hair. He loves his shaved! HA! She is free spirited. He is analytical. She loves the outdoors. He loves his room. She loves people. He can take them or leave them. THEY BOTH are NOT shy and BOTH strong willed! :) So, take it how you want, but that can be a SCORE in some ways.

Anyways- wanted to just explain the differences between my kids. I also am thinking that the serenity is coming from the fact that I realize that I can't change the world, but I can change how I look at it and the people in it.

Like last week, there was a mama at Preschool that I couldn't have been more wrong about. Have you ever just pre-judged someone? I think as mama's we do it quickly if we feel our babies are not being looked at favorably. AND...if you have ever seen one of Sasha's tantrums, you may give a look too. Well, I thought this mom had a HUGE problem with my daughter, but when we got to talking....she just wasn't sure how to deal with Sasha yelling at her to stop singing the ABC song. AND believe me, it wasn't just saying STOP....I thought Sasha was gonna smack her and that just isn't cool. :( SO, of course, I had some sleepless nights because I thought this mom had the wrong idea of Sash. I should have just sat down and talked to her before thinking we would never talk civilly or be friends. Then, it happened, she asked me a question when we were upstairs while preschool was going on. AND....we started talking. AND...we found out we have some stuff in common. LOL! Go Figure, we are both straight forward and both protective mama bears. She told me the best story, but that is hers to tell. ;) Anyways- God intervenes when you are totally wrong and he knows just when to do it. :)

So because of all of this, I have been so calm for the past week. :) And...there have been a couple of times where I could have come unglued--but the funny thing is: WHY? Believe me, I have had friends that I want to defend to their exes (I don't want to be sued for slander, but I do want to say to any FATHER that reads this...be more than just "The Sperm Donor" be a DAD!) I love that quote from Parenthood: (Keanu Reeves character said it.): You know, Miss Buckman, you need a license to buy a dog or drive a car. Hell, you need a license to catch a fish. But they´ll let any butt-reamin´ asshole be your father.

Yep, I guess that is still the one thing that will get me mad and that I will NEVER be able to understand. Maybe I need to start another blog about opinions. Maybe my beautiful life blog where I post so much happiness and crafty goodness isn't the place for this type of talk, but I guess we found my "ON" switch. LOL! Anyways- I am taking the serene stand on this one and not going to these guys. And, I am ok with that. It does make me feel incredibly blessed with Garth and that he is here for the kids and me all the time. :) I have a good man! :) AND...I love his so much and appreciate him so much! :) LOVE YA BABE! :)

I just know that some people have wondered what is going on with me lately and have been asking if I am ok. :) I am ok....just serene. :)

So, this was my totally random post...I am hoping to post more about projects and what not soon. :) LOL!

Thanks for reading! :)

Butterflies for a Cause (PHOTO HEAVY!!)

2010-10-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

Hey All!!! :) Well, if you follow me on Facebook at all. One of the things I kept posting that I was working on this week was BUTTERFLIES! :)

A month or so ago I was reading my faved blogs and one of them is The Lime Light Scrappers. From what I get- their reason for being is to SCRAP or CREATE for OTHERS. I love this approach, because while we ALL scrap for others...I feel scrapbooking and papercrafting is a hobby that is very selfless, since a lot of what we make is for others...EVEN our scrapbooks. :) I know my scrapbooks are not for me totally. I am hoping that my kids take them and share them with THEIR families. :) I did recently start my own scrapbook and have enjoyed doing pages for that one also. :)

Anyways-back to the Lime Light Scrappers...They create to give. This is what welcomes you on their site. It explains better than I could about what these ladies are about!

THE LIME LIGHT SCRAPPERS: We are a design team with a unique purpose. We use our crafting skills to help and bring light to others. We invite you to visit the site often to find out whom we are crafting for and what we are planning in the months to come. We have exciting plans that include making cards and bookmarks for our men and women in uniform, making journals for families whose children are in the hospital, making cards for baskets that help raise money for playground equipment....and that's just the beginning. Come back soon for pictures and blog entries giving you even deeper insight in to how the team is bringing light to those in need.

Is that not the BEST reason to do what we do??? I think so! :)

Well, their newest plan was to make butterflies for The Holocaust Museum in Houston, TX. I have always been intrigued by the Holocaust. Even as a little girl, I remember my mom telling me about the atrocities that the Nazi Army performed on innocent Jewish victims. So, I know I have said this before, but, yet again, this was a project for me that was a NO BRAINER! :) I was so touched when I read the blog post here. Gracie even included this poem that was written by a Prisoner at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. This is the reason for the butterflies.

The Butterfly

The last, the very last,
So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.

Perhaps if the sun’s tears would sing
against a white stone....

Such, such a yellow
Is carried lightly ’way up high.

It went away I’m sure because it wished
to kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I’ve lived in here,
Penned up inside this ghetto.

But I have found what I love here.
The dandelions call to me

And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don’t live in here, in the ghetto.

Pavel Friedman, June 4, 1942
Born in Prague on Jan. 7, 1921.
Deported to the Terezin Concentration Camp on April 26, 1942.
Died in Aushchwitz on Sept. 29, 1944.

So- This is what I created for this special project.

I used my Cricut Cart: Give a Hoot, EK Success Patterned Paper (Baby Collection, and Martha Stewart Pearls.

I used Cricut Cart: Give a Hoot, Webster's Pages Patterned Paper (Hello Beautiful!), and Martha Stewart Pearls.

I used Cricut Cart: Indie Art, American Crafts Pearlized Cardstock, Shimmery Puff Paint, Jenni Bowlin Studios pearl flowers, pearls (not sure where from), and Iridescent Foil Tissue Paper.

This was my first one that I did. You could tell, because I had not found my groove or what I was wanting to create yet. It was a little "cutesy" for me. I used Cricut Cart Indie Art, American Crafts Pearlized Cardstock, Worn Lipstick and Eucalyptus Stickles, Pink Puff Paint, Colorbok bling (dots), Blingy Butterflies (not sure where from...again), and Iridescent Foil Tissue Paper.

I used Cricut Cart Indie Art, Bazzill BLING Cardstock, Pink Puffy Paint, Bling (not sure where from), Flourishes from Colorbok.

I used Cricut Cart Indie Art, American Crafts Pearlized Cardtock, Shimmery Puff Paint, Bling (don't get mad, but I really don't know where I get my bling...I am such a bling addict that I pick it up and stash it.)

This one was fun, but a little frustrating. Leave it to me, to try a new technique or "thing" to me when I am on a deadline! :) I used Cricut Cart Hannah Montana, Bazzill Cardstock, OLD Music sheets from a Music book I got from Goodwill. I will say....I need to do a tutorial on cutting THAT with the Cricut. There were some not so nice exchanges between me and this music! :) HA! I then used Vintage Photo and Dried Marigold Distress Ink.

I used Cricut Cart Hannah Montana, Bazzill Cardstock, and Chatterbox (Artsylicious) Patterned Paper.

I am not quite sure what happened with the last two pics..I took them and loaded them the same as the others. I used Cricut Cart Give a Hoot, Cloud Nine Designs Cinnamon Stick Patterned Paper. I made sure that the papers had 2 sides so I knew they would match. So, what you are seeing is the same piece of paper, basically. :) Easy Peasy! :) And of course, BLING! :)

I used Cricut Cart Give a Hoot, Heidi Grace Patterned Paper, and Bling.

Again- This was the best project I have done in a long time. Thanks Gracie and The Lime Light Scrappers for inspiring me to create these. :)

Thanks for visiting! :)

King Leonidas Layout

2010-09-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

I should have known that when we watched 300 that my son would have wanted to be King Leonidas for the Fifth Grade Wax Museum. Not that I feel like I have to defend our parenting, but we did feel it was ok that Jon watched the movie, 300 with us. We made him close his eyes during the naughty parts, but we like to be able to explain to him the reason things happened in the movie the way they did. So, that would be why he was watching the movie. Now onto the story. :)

Really, Leonidas was a no brainer for us. Jonathan watches Deadliest Warrior on TV and enjoys seeing what warrior will win over another. They have done Sparans VS someone or another on the show and Jon really liked it. :) So, who was one of the more known Spartans? Well, after the movie 300, that would be King Leonidas (Thanks Gerard Butler!)

So Garth and I put our heads together and came up with a costume for Jon. The project, by the way, asked for parent participation. Garth, my husband, is excellent at making anything with metal. I, on the other hand, really love anything crafty, so I did the sewing part of the costume. Together we made one of the best projects ever....yes I AM bragging here. We did have a parent tell us we were pretty extreme. I took it as a compliment! ;) If you knew the guy too, he meant it as a compliment too. :) We also had one of the teachers tell us it was awesome too! :)

The journaling reads: May 2010- The 5th Grade Class had a Wax Museum Project for Social Studies. You picked King Leonidas as the person you wanted to portray. Mom and Dad came together with both of our talents--he, with metal and me, with sewing. Together we created your costume....Yours was the BEST project there.

What I used: Bazzil 12x12 paper (black and red), Creative Imaginations journaling card, chipboard, versa mark pad, Bronze UTEE, Tim Holtz Idea-o-logy clock face and game spinners, Thickers, bronze paint pen.

Thanks for stopping by! :)

My Girl Layout

2010-09-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

So this is one of the fave pics of me and Sasha:

I remember the day like it was yesterday, but it was actually earlier this year in February. :) I was in charge of the Valentine's Day party in Jon's class and came up with cookie decorating as one of the activities. :) I needed to make 30 sugar heart shaped cookies. I started around 10:30pm. Sasha had gone to bed around 9pm. I thought she was asleep, but after Jon and Garth went to bed I heard her door open. Then she came walking into the kitchen...I was not sure if she ever went to sleep that night. Hmmm....I guess we will never know. I asked her if she would like to help me and of course she said, "Yes, Mama!". LOL! Why did I ask?

I will tell you my daughter does everything like her mother....with passion and zest! :) That translates into a mess at times. Sasha had flour EVERYWHERE! :) Then, of course, she saw the camera and wanted to take a pic. I took some of just her, but then I was like....I would like some pics of me and her. So, I held out the camera and snapped a few of us. ;)

I started this LO with just the pic and then everything fell together. :) It is one of my faves. :) I think i use pink and femininity on my LO's of Sasha because she is such a tomboy and it is the only time I can use my girly stuff! HA! :) I keep getting told this will change soon. I, actually don't mind it....I like that she doesn't fit the mold all the other little girls do. She will be in martial arts instead of dance. She prefers UFC fights with the family instead of Disney Princesses. AND YOU KNOW WHAT???? It's all good! :)

What I used: The Girls' Paperie "Paper Girl" 12x12 die cut paper, Jenni Bowlin Studios (JBS) milk carton buttons, JBS butterflies with bling, JBS pearl flowers, JBS bingo cards, Creative Imaginations Journaling Card, Making Memories Alpha Letters, Heidi Swapp Stamp, Bling from Michael's Dollar Bin, Thread, Chalk Ink.

Thanks for stopping! :)

October Tag! :)

2010-09-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

Are we hitting the fall season already? WOW! This year is really trekking by. :) School has started for both of my kids and I seem to be busy almost everyday. Between Football for Jon, Preschool for Sasha, harvesting and freezing (I am so NOT a canner!) veggies...not to mention cleaning or TRYING to clean my house and keeping up with that stuff....I am pretty sure I know where my time is going.

THANK GOD for the Halloween/Fall Tag Swap I joined that is being run by my friend, Jenn. :) I have known Jenn since middle school. I have fond memories of her and how she was as a kid (Those were the days.) She always seemed to be mature in those days (not that she wasn't) that is what drew me to her. I have always loved people who seem to know things about the world and things I love and am interested in. :) Jenn seemed to know a lot about music and doodling...this is what I remember. :) I also remember she thought I was a sweet girl and I remember thinking....I trust her. Which if you know me.....especially as an adult...this was HUGE. :) Anyways---because of Facebook we have gotten to reconnect and we have so much of the same likes and dislikes....the funny thing? She still knows so much more about the world than I do. Of course, I like my shell and to be comfy in it. :) Of course, I have my bestie, Becky...but her and my family are really the only ones I let in and to really know "ME". But Jenn is safe because she has known me for what seems like FOREVER. AND...WOW...she still likes me! HA! :)

Ok....Well, because of Facebook we are able to see what each other is creating and making. In August, Jenn created a Tag Swap for those of us in Great Falls who wanted to join and create for the love of creating. I JUMPED at the chance to join her. :)

At the time I also joined a card swap that took time and then I started all the little projects in the house that I have been wanting to finish. So, getting the tag done took a back seat, but I was always thinking exactly of WHAT I wanted to create. :)

This is what I came up with:

I used Tim Holtz for Ranger Distress Inks in Scattered Straw, Fired Brick, Dried Marigold, and a little bit of Shabby Shutters. I stamped the Tim Holtz Skeleton Image with Staz-On in Timber Brown. Then I sprayed some Clearsnap SMOOCH Spritz in Gingersnap on the tag and image. I let that dry and took some leaves from a little collection I got from somewhere and attached them and then took the "October" and "31" from Maya Road and attached them. The last thing I added was Bling which is just a ME thing and those were from Michael's Dollar Bin. :)

Thanks Jenn so much for letting me take part in this swap! :) ((HUGS)) And thanks to my followers for reading and for those of you who comment...Thank You. I read them and I love what you say! :)

First Day of School for Sasha! (Oh Boy, are you ready for this one?)

2010-09-08T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Well, I have known for a couple of weeks now that this day was coming. About a month ago, I was on Freecycle.org for Great Falls, MT and there was a post on there for people who are interested in a Parent Participation Preschool to contact Dana. I was skeptical at first..I mean, how good could it be if it is on FreeCycle?

Well, I got to meet with Dana soon after emailing her telling her that I was interested and she used FreeCycle to get the word out about what she wanted to do. AND....she exceeded everything I expected even from a regular preschool. :) She had a plan and had a few moms that were totally on board with her. There were a couple of moms that really only wanted a play group type thing, but were deterred I guess and that left us with 9 kids. Their ages are 2 to 4. Sasha is right in the middle. She is 3 and 3 months....so hard to believe how fast life has gone on.

I have been gathering art supplies and picking up books for the class. A lot of the moms are donating supplies and time. I really love this and all the moms are so nice.

So, Sasha's first day........Well, we put Little Miss to bed last night earlier than normal for her and she slept in today later than normal...so I know she got enough sleep. She looked so sweet in her Yo Gabba Gabba, Brobee, hooded sweatshirt and gray sweats. I tried to do her hair, but she is all about being a TOMBOY right now, so that was shot down quickly and I didn't argue with her.

You will find out from reading my blog that I have a VERY spirited daughter. My parents call it PAYBACK...REALLY?! LORD, HELP ME! ;)

We drove to Dana's house and sang the iCarly theme song all the way there...because Sasha thought it was "Good Moosic For Skoowl". We did get in the ABC song for the last couple minutes before arrival. We were welcomed and then Miss Dana read The Kissing Hand. For those of you who don't know about this book....it is about a raccoon worried about the first day of school. Well, for those of you who don't know Sasha, she loves raccoons. OH LORD. I should have known what would happen and would have made sure to have this sign attached to Sasha.

She wouldn't sit like the other kids and I quickly tried to get her to. NOT GONNA HAPPEN. NOT FOR THE REST OF THE TIME!!! EEK!

Well, then we introduced ourselves. ANYONE...who knows my daughter, knows she LOVES Chum-Chum from Fanboy and Chum-Chum on Nickelodeon. He is a cute little fellow. See??

Well, when asked what her name was and how old she was....she replied, " My name is Chum Chum." I tried to correct her and told the children, " She thinks her name is Chum Chum. But her name is Sasha." Quickly, my little one tells me and everyone, "No, I'm Chum Chum!" OH LORD!

They decided to do game time. They did Duck-Duck-Goose. Hmmm....I knew what would happen....have you ever seen a train wreck? Well, that is what it felt like to me watching my daughter get up and run and pat people's heads and say "duck" and "goose". I looked at a mom that was on the couch looking so-not-pleased with Sasha's actions. I didn't know if I wanted to laugh at that moment or cry. I really wanted to just FLY away. LOL! With my daughter...you may ask: "WHY?" Well, I think a flight would have calmed her.

Now all this was entertaining...when it came time for worksheets there was a meltdown. Oh my! EEK! WOW! Even with Dana telling me don't worry and Sasha is fine....I saw all the other kids (even the 2 year old) doing their work! I was like, "OH MAN!" What do you do?

She did do wonderful with this lady (so very sweet), Miss Terri. Terri had a way with my girl. They did ABSeas which I helped with. It is a Discovery Toys Fishing Game that helps with he ABC's. Sasha did so good during that and also during the Playful Patterns Game. Puzzle things I am finding she is AWESOME with. She also is an awesome share-er....always has been. :) I really felt blessed by Terri today....I think when I was at my end and thinking I am a horrible mom..Terri let me know that even her quiet, sweet little one, Molly, could wreak havoc too. (what a relief!)

She was doing a "shaking the wiggles out"

This was one of the many "looks" I got today.

Before, we left after her last meltdown (there were 3), I was talking to an awesome lady (also with 2 spirited kids--LIKE ME!!!!I think humans love when we have things like this in common with people. We don't feel so alone.)Her name was Sarah (sp?). Her daughter, Yliana, was Sasha's partner for worksheets, but Sasha was having no part in doing the worksheets. Now, looking at Miss Yliana, she is so sweet and quiet and followed directions and really blew me away. :) Well, talking to her mama, Sarah, revealed that she, like Sasha, is VERY SPIRITED. I was like, WHAT?! She is doing some dvds called Loving Logic (I think). It is really just not giving into your kids but not having the "FIGHT" that those of us with spirited kids have. I am gonna look into this and see what it can bring to our "FEISTY TABLE".

Well, wouldn't you know, Sasha was a tiny terror until she got into the car where she said: "I wen to skoowl. Now I go Gramma'sow, Sasha was a tiny terror until she got into the car where she said: "I wen to skoowl. Now I go Gramma's!" Yep, this girl LOVES my mom-in-law to DEATH. Also, Auntie Pat who lives right next door to Gram. So, I went there after picking up lunch and she watched cartoons, visited, ate, and was "THE BEST KID". Yep, I just said that.....the best kid. Those of you with spirited kids will NOT argue with me that OUR children may be horrid when they have their minds made up, BUT when they are good...they kick butt and are the BEST!

So, was today a good day? I say: OF COURSE! BRING ON FRIDAY! Which is the next day of preschool. Did I enjoy it? Well, not at first.....but the memories....GOLDEN and the learning experience was immeasurable for me.

Thanks for reading. :)

Where Did Time Go??

2010-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, could somebody tell me where the time has went? How has he gone from this:

To this????

He has grown so much. :) I am so proud of him, yet so scared to see the time slipping by. Right now he thinks that there is no woman better than mom....no one cooks better, makes him laugh more, or gives better hugs than me right now. But that is right now....too soon I will meet my match and have to try to like the one who will be taking my heart from me. Yes, I have blogged before....Jon is my heart and Sasha is my soul. Jon is my heart because I feel everything he does...when something happens to him I just want to help him so bad. If someone says or does something against him...it kills me. BUT....He is ok and I have never been jailed, which means...I have kept my cool. :) This is good.....he knows I have his back and I am so happy he realizes that. :)

I know that I will love my addition to our family someday (his wife) and what she will bring to the already "crazy" table that we have going. I just hope that Jon can find FOREVER HAPPINESS and not follow the popular trend of divorce. He knows what his mom and dad have gone through and are still together. He knows that anything that is worth it..is worth fighting for. I am proud of this. :)

Other hopes? Yes, I have loads of them for both my kids. I hope Jon goes to college and plays football like he wants. I hope he will always have good teachers and coaches that challenge him, yet see when he is struggling and helps him see what he needs to do. He has had this in elementary school, but with middle and high school coming up...I know the teachers are not as personal. And...that scares me.

I remember the first time he broke my heart...not knowing it of course, or he would have never found his independence. I sure was fine not letting him be independent. It was in the middle of his second grade year. I used to always walk him into the school. From the first day of kindergarten until that fateful day. I was driving to the school and pulled into the parking lot and he says, "Mom, can you just stay here? I can do this by myself." I smiled and said, "Are you sure?" He said, "Yep!" I still got my kiss and hug and I still do.

He started 6th grade last week and is so excited for school. He loves the things they do and all of his friends. Where is the time going? I used to dance and sing this small little man to sleep at night. Now, he doesn't even want to be tucked in. Believe me, I have asked. :)

BUT....he made sure I got a goodnight hug and kiss tonight. LORD, please don't let him ever be too big to hug his mother. :)

Thanks for looking. :)

MMM....and for lunch tomorrow.......

2010-08-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Yummy! :) Let's just say when I went to my garden this evening to get some green pepper for Garth, I got more than I thought I would. :) It was as if God heard my prayers of giving me something good and healthy to eat as I embark on my new journey of weight loss. :) I went to my cuke and strawberry patch and saw my lemon cukes were going to give me two lemon cukes for eating. They are just like a regular cuke (which I have growing too), but they are more sized for a single person. I love them! :)

LEMON CUKES

Then I went to my garden to get the peppers and LOOK WHAT I RAN into!!!!! SNOW PEAS! :) I had found one a couple weeks ago and hoped for more, but this will be enough for me for a little bit. ;)

SNOW PEAS

Then I got to my peppers. :) I luckily, found some green ones, but looked over and saw my fun, little sweet banana peppers just looking at me and saying, "HI!" So, I grabbed some! ;) LOL! I was able to bring them inside for Garth to put in his sauce, but I had one condition. He had to let me do the chopping of the green peppers. :) AND...he didn't argue, although I think he may feel my relationship with my "green babies" a bit odd. HA! ;) I was able to chop the green and 2 of my banana peppers. The sauce was yummy! :)

GREEN PEPPERS & SWEET BANANA PEPPERS

I will be putting more of this and some other "green baby" pics on my other blog, The Beautiful Return! :) But I had to share on here too! :) ((HUGS))

FRIGGIN' SWEET!

2010-08-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! :) Well, I have had a kind of rough weekend. My fibromyalgia has been acting up all week and I haven't been able to take my relaxers and actually get my pain under control. My son had The Big Sky Football Camp with Jack Johnson (he is a legend for high school football here in Great Falls, MT) and it started pretty early and i couldn't drive him there safely so I didn't take anything until after I picked him up from camp on Friday. So, for two days I was stuck in bed or on the couch. When I did make it downstairs into my Scrap Cave I was able to work on and eventually finish this:

I love this LO! :) It just came together and looks so much like Jon, my son. The pics are from his 11th Birthday Party. We took him and a couple of friends to a Paintball Park a little bit outside of Great Falls, on Bootlegger Trail. Those who live here know where I am talking about. It was so much fun watching the boys...well, BE BOYS! :) They had me crackin' up! :)

So, now for some details. :) I was able to "pop" the grenades that I cut with my Indie Art Cricut Cart. This is one of my faves, although it is hard to pick just ONE Cricut Cart that I LOVE! ;) TeeHee! :)

I love this part of the LO. To go along with the "Military" type feel of the LO, I took a punch that I have had for years from Paper Shapers and punched the dog tags out. I then took some Tim Holtz chains (not sure this is what they are called, but that would be what attached the tags to the LO. I also thought it may look neat so I "hooked" them on to a big brad (not sure who made it).

I tore the "crazy good times" and "Friggin' Sweet" titles out of a page of We R Memory Keepers, "Teen Angst" paper pad. I also journaled on the pics instead of just on the dog tags. I used the Sakura, Glaze pens in black to do this. Thanks for looking and I hope to be able to blog about some more scrappy goodness soon! :)

Green Babies!

2010-07-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Today's post is a just a quickie and there is no layout I am sharing today. BUT.... I was out in my garden this morning while I was watering. I love to look at my "green babies" as everyone knows. And this is what I saw:

Cukes

Pumpkins (I think...they could be cantaloupe)

Sweet Banana Peppers

My goodness! What a neat surprise I had this morning! :) I love that my babies are doing well. :) I also have a lot of roma tomatoes coming too! :) TeeHee! :)

Thanks for stopping! :)

U ROCK!!!!

2010-07-27T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hey all- I am so happy that it has been only about 2 weeks since I last blogged and I hope it gets closer and closer in the gaps. :) I have been bitten again by my "Scrappin' Bug"! I wonder where it has been hiding. I sure hope she isn't afraid of the "Gardenin' Bug". Believe me....both can co-exist quite nicely in my life. :) TeeHee! :)

So, here is a question I asked on FB last night: Have you ever seen a pic when you were looking over all of your pics for scrapbooking and been just AUTOMATICALLY INSPIRED???? I am not sure I asked it with quite that much zest, but I did ask it. :) Well, friends, I did just THAT just last night.
I was looking over some pics on my camera and BOOM!--there was a group that SLAPPED me! :) I was inspired to create this:

Yes, this is Miss Sasha, our Aspiring Rock Star. She loves to ROCK OUT! :) Especially to Katy Perry's- "Hot N Cold". This is new for me, because while I can be out there at times and very out going, my first child, Jon, isn't quite the performer..although he IS very out going. :) Sasha will perform where ever, when ever the time seems right--well, to her. ;)

Journaling reads: June '10- Uncle Jack let you use his sunglasses and you had just gotten your own Rock Guitar for your b-day and you loved performing...Especially to Katy Perry's... Hot N Cold. You are such a performer even at 3 years old!

A little side note: Sasha has been calling guitars "rock guitars" for a while. We went to one of Jon's friend's houses the other day to pick up the boys for a trip to the waterpark and Sasha walks right in and the kid's mom had a guitar right in the sun room as you walk in and Sasha got so excited and says: "OOH, a rock guitar!" (Thanks Cynthia!)

What I used: Here's the deal...I hate making lists for my creative stuff the way I used to. I am just gonna write it in the paragraph and I think most of my reader's are smart enough to get what I am saying. AND..remember you can ALWAYS email me if you want me to clarify and I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to tell you! :) OK?! :) BTW- I have a new email addy: goldilocksnthe3bears@hotmail.com. Please put what post you are questioning on in the subject line.

I will say...I had originally bought the WeRMemory Keepers Teen Angst Paper Pack because I thought the papers were perfect for a lot of what I do when I am scrapping my son. BUT...I just had to use it for this LO. I also pulled out my American Crafts Metallic CS out and cut the "U Rock" and Guitar from the Hannah Montana Cricut Cart. I just love this cartridge. It is awesome for girl LOs. :) I also pulled out my Maya Road Office Sheers for the 1,2,3 journaling. :) The 1,2,and 3 were rub-ons from Kand Co. :)

Thanks for stopping! :) ((HUGS))

I'm Back.......(what I have been up to and what you can expect)

2010-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends! :) How has everybody been? ME?! I have been a busy little bee just buzzing around in my garden, with my kids, trying to scrap here and there and trying to enjoy my self doing it. Yes, I was trying out for more design teams during this, but decided that when the time is right it will happen. Besides, I am still on the MOMS DT for now and that keeps me PLENTY busy..even if it is just dreaming up what looks good for what. TeeHee. I will tell ya though, Miss Jeanie has been up to a lot and as soon as she gives me the go ahead...I will share what she has been up too--through my eyes! :) That may make you go "hmm", but I know you will be as excited as me when I am able to reveal some "Jeanie Goodness". :)

I know I have said it before, but I am so sorry that I got so behind with my blog...AGAIN! I love sharing my life and I love reading comments, so there really isn't an excuse for me being absent from here and from you. I do a lot of Facebook, but if you don't follow me there then you don't know the ups and downs of my life, but more importantly the ups and downs of me. ;)

I really have been enjoying my gardening above all else though. I have veggies and some grapes and strawberries growing in my backyard. It is a very relaxing hobby for me. I am not sure if it is just the "mom" in me that has the need for it or just that I can zone when I am working out there. It's funny that I say work, because for me-it isn't work at all. :)

What is work? POTTY TRAINING! Yes, I have a 3 year old and she is potty training. I couldn't have had 2 more totally different children than Sasha and Jon. Jon was quick to learn everything. Now, before you jump to conclusions- I am not saying Sasha isn't smart or AS smart as Jon....BUT...she is so totally stubborn that I am sure that she KNOWS how to go potty, but won't because she LOVES getting changed. WHO KNOWS!? ;) I just know that she has days she LOVES going potty and days that she just has a stand off. I don't let her win, but I am usually the one that just says, "ok, let's revisit this."

While I am on the subject of work.....Tantrums...those are also a HUGE job to get through. I have had all kinds of friends and family alike giving me advice on getting through and/or getting rid of them. But, we have tried most of them without any success. We have good days and bad...I am finding that it may be a schedule thing for Sash. If I don't push her too long and make sure she gets down for a nap...she is golden. But..man, if we miss it? OMG! Don't be on my block if you have a headache.

As a lot of you know, I also have fibromyalgia and that keeps me from a lot of what I love so much. I am finding that if I take my supplements (Vitamin D, Co-Q10, and B12) though and sleep when I need to that I am ok for the most part and have minimal pain. It is when I am stubborn and PUSH through the pain that I tend to pay for a few days and then I am finding that I am more behind than ever. :P I still refuse to take any other prescriptions for it and I am trying to stick to my supplements and activity. Although, the activity part I need to get better at.

So there you have it. This is what I have been up to since the end of April. :) I have had a few school things with Jon and he has had a football camp he did, but I will post pics and/or scrapbooking layouts for that soon. I hope! ;)

Wanna Win THIS?????

2010-04-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all- I know it has been a while since I have posted! I have been crazy-busy again with organizing my scrap area so I can work more comfortably with my new toys! :) Since I got my YUDU-I have had to get rid of my "friend" table. Now it is my YUDU table. ;) The only downside to that? I had to get Becky's (my bff) fun, scrapbooking stuff out of my area! :( It was a sad moment for me. :(

Now on to what you can win!!!!!! :) On the Cuttlebug Challenges Blog--YOU can win THIS:

Just head on over to the Cuttlebug Challenges Blog and enter for your chance to win!:) They give you several ways to enter and they are SUPER easy! :)

Just thought I'd share! :)

Decorating the Tree!!! LOL!

2010-04-05T23:39:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone! This is the beginning of April and yes, I am going to bring you a layout of Miss Sasha from the Christmas Season in 2008! :) That must tell you how BEHIND I am here in my Creative Studio! :)

I actually started this layout as part of my project portfolio (not sure if this is what it is called, but it makes me feel important! HA!) for the BBTB2 DT. I still am not sure yet if I made it or not, but I was a little late finishing this to get it into the call, so I am gonna share it on here anyway! :)

Do you NOT LOVE when little people (aka ->BABIES/TOTS) do things for really the very first time? I simply adore it. It is so fun to just sit and watch them in their little worlds just discovering what life to them is all about. :)

So, here is Miss Sasha at 18 months. Do you NOT LOVE that curly hair?! It just cracks me up! :) She was quite intent decorating the tree and giving each ornament its own, individual time before putting it on the tree.

The journaling reads: This was the 1st year you really got into decorating the Christmas Tree, Sasha! I loved the look you had on your face as you gazed at each ornament!

I used Stampin' Up 12x12 cs, Basic Grey (Figgy Pudding) for the two patterned strips and the stickers for the title, some scrap paper for the trees that were cut out with my Christmas Cheer Cricut Cart, the corner flourish was cut from the Storybook Cricut Cart, the white tag is from Martha Stewart Crafts.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday Gift Card Box and Card

2010-03-30T07:02:00.001-07:00

Hey all! :) I have all of my Cricut Carts in a Creative Options tool box tote thing. I know it has 3 tiers and storage in the top. I got it as a gift so I can't tell you much more than that. :) I will tell you that I have 40+ Cricut Carts and I still have room for more! :)

Anyways- I don't have a need for the box that the carts come in and it seems like such a waste to throw them out. So, I sat down and decided to play a bit. I came up with a Gift Card Box. It is nice to put a gift card in a card, but sometimes I like to throw some candies or other small stuff in there and this lets me do just that! :)

What I did was take some DCWV paper and wrapped it around the box and Modge Podged it. I did this because it makes it more durable than just the paper alone. I, then, cut some shapes out with my Cricut and the Celebrations cart...which is an oldie, but a good one. I glued those on and then but a strip of brown on the box to make it look finished. My crop-a-dile came in handy for the holes for the bow that I put on there. I used a Martha Stewart Crafts white tag and just stippled some Staz-on on it, which I also used on the sides of the box. To finish the box up, I just border punched a piece of white scrap with my Fiskars border punch! :)

The card was simple also...I took the scalloped, square tag and did a blackout in teal under that and then put a "happy birthday" rub-on (Making Memories) on it. I used some of my scrap DCWV paper on the side and a piece of ribbon from Michael's Dollar Bin to finish it off. :)

This was a super easy project, so I hope you won't throw your Cricut Cart Boxes away and recycle them into a sweet little gift box! :)

Thanks for stopping by! :)

8 Seconds....

2010-03-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

I am so not the Rodeo Type of girl! :) In fact, just the thought of the smell of a bull is enough for me to want to just stay home! :)

In August of 2006, Garth and I took Jon to the Montana State Fair with some friends. His little friend, Devin, is such a cowboy-so Jon wanted to try riding "The Bull" at the fair. I was so worried when he got on top of the bull that I was shaking the whole time he was on there. LOL! I had nothing to worry about though, because he did wonderful! :) I was so proud of him. Now, he hasn't been on the bull since, but he enjoyed himself on this day! :)

The journaling says: "Jon- This was the 1st time you ride the bull at the fair! You had so much fun! I was a little nervous though."

Hey Chicky! :)

2010-03-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

Well, now that it's over...I can now blog the card I made for the Pink Stamper Design Team call. :) I didn't make it, but she has a smaller design team and there were a TON of people going for it! :) I love the work of the girls that made it! :)

I love this card for so many reasons. One is that it's cute...the other....it was so stinkin' simple! :) I just love the birds from the Home Decor Solutions Cartridge. That is where I got these two little cuties from, but cut off the long tails.

I used The Home Decor Solutions cart for the birds, because I wanted them to face each other I decided to glitter them, also, it is gorgeous and makes them POP! :) LOVE that! :) For the "Hey Chicky" letters- I used the Jubilee Cricut cart. The cardstock I used on this was Bazzill for the red letters and Bazzill embossed cardstock for the card base. I loved the leaves on this! :) For the patterned paper... I just couldn't resist American Crafts (Craft Fair) patterned paper and the birds on that! :) I did use a Zig paint pen on the eyes and the legs of the birds.I also used some bling from Michael's Dollar Bins. The glitter was from Michael's also.

Thinking of You card

2010-03-27T15:23:00.001-07:00

I just love this card! :) I love the colors and the beauty of it. It was also a card that took only about 2o minutes. Rachel Ray does 30 Minute Meals? Well, I did a 20 minute card...who doesn't like that? ;) Even you busy people out there can create a gorgeous card with your Cricut if you have 20 minutes! :)

I used my Potpourri Basket Cart that I just got from Ebay for the frame! :) I remember when you could only get this cart when you bought the infomercial Cricut Expression...but I was finally able to get it under $50! :) WooHoo....BONUS! :) LOL! I think that the frame is also a part of the Storybook cart that I also have, but I wanted to see what PB had. :) The butterfly is from Ashlyn's Alphabet. :)

I used Storybook for the frame which I cut and then glued with my Zig pen to my Chatterbox patterned paper. I then used some Polymark iridescent puff paint on the little flowers. I cut the butterfly out with Ashlyn's Alphabet in two different sizes and pop dotted those together and it came out GORGEOUS! :) I then put the ribbon on and just cut a notch in the top corner of the card to the ribbon would just fall in there. I used some CTMH beads on the ends of the ribbon. The "Thinking of You" is a rub-on from Scrapease. :)

Thanks for stopping by! :)

Hey Lady!

2010-03-27T15:02:00.000-07:00

I just love my Cricut...most of you who know me know this! :) I am addicted to my BUG and its little "seeds" (aka-Cartridges). Yes, most of you that know me also know that I have surpassed the 40 mark a couple of weeks ago. YES, YOU SEE THAT NUMBER RIGHT....40 CARTS! :) Sick, huh? ;)

Anyways- I am working for another DT call and I hope I make it, but I love that I am creating around my Cricut and its carts again. :)

So, now for my first card/project! :) I was looking through all of my carts and started thumbing through my Doodlecharms booklet and fell in love with the ladybug in there. :) She was too stinkin' cute! :) I also LOVE Spring (ok-and the other seasons too!), but this lady bug card just came to me.

I used my Doodlecharms cartridge for the Ladybug and the Doodletype Cart for the "Hey Lady!" letters. I did use googly eyes on the ladybug....how could I resist? LOL! The flower is from Bo Bunny. The brad is from the Dollar Tree actually and the fun, yellow dotted paper is from American Crafts (Craft Fair). I also used my corner rounder for the corners of the patterned paper as well as the cardstock. :) The cardstock was from Warden Paper here in Great Falls. :)

Thanks for looking! :)

Oooh...some Jillibean goodness! ;)

2010-03-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well, now that the Jillibean New DT call is over...I can share what I made for it. Now, I didn't get picked, but I will try next year.....I am sure that the ladies picked are AWESOME! :)

There is ONE thing I HATE about DT calls though. I always want to share what I make...I am always crafting and I really do want to share everything I do. I understand why the rules are the way they are, but still; it would be nice to be able to share what you make. ;)

Ok...enough of the SOAP BOX! ;) I am here to share tonight.

Here in Great Falls, since we have lost our only local scrap store (MOMS-which is on-line only now) we can't get any of the not so heavily distributed goods and fun lines that are out there. We can go to Michael's, but they carry the much seen and used companies (Making Memories, American Crafts, Martha Stewart....but are now starting to carry some MME too) and although I love these companies...I like my smaller companies too. :)

Ok...now for the projects. The only Jillibean Soup products I have are the patterned papers and the journaling sprouts. I also only have the papers from her "soup"lines: Minestrone, Black Beans, and Talk Soup. I am hoping that an old store I used to frequent with some old friends in Helena, The Memory Trail, carries Jillibean Soup OR I hope Jeanie gets it in at MOMS.

So, #1 is a LO I did of Sasha with pics that were taken back in 2008. I love these pics! :) I did some work in PSE and changed the colors to sepia. The Jillibean papers I used were: Minestrone, and the flowers were cut out of some Black Bean. The "Take Note", "Look at Me", and the "Happiness is" Journaling and embellies are from the backside of the Minestrone paper. I also used a Jillibean Soup journaling sprout. For other stuff...I used Doodle Bug Designs bling..I think it was black beetle. I also put a Jolee's (I think) Coke Bottle cap on it to finish it up. SUCH A FUN LO! :)

#2 was a LO I did a couple of months ago and sent into Kimber at Jillibean Soup and never heard anything about if she would use it as a reader submission or not...so I am gonna share it. Now, I did share this one on my Facebook page a while back, but now it is on MY blog! ;) This pic was taken in 1978 of me as a baby. ;) The Jillibean papers I used were: Talk Soup (Cup of Yak), the butterflies were cut out of Minestrone (Cup of Leek) and of course the flowers (I love these too much) were from Black Bean. Seriously, is Jill not the best? Love Jillibean. I popped up a lot of the paper embellies I did. I also Stickled the butterflies...so pretty! ;) The last thing I did was spray some lace with some Tattered Angels Coffee and Sandy Beach Glimmer Mists and edged some pieces of paper with my Fiskars Border Punch. I put on some 7gypsies numbers on there (78) and the little rounded rectangle journal spot is from them also.

Last but certainly NOT least is a LO I did of my bestie and I! :) Bex and I made some Divinity Cookies in December. These are super easy and so delicious it will make your head spin. Without getting too much here---your mouth with BURST with happiness! ;) Ok, so for Jillibean stuff I have used the journaling sprouts: one was brown on its own...the other I had to sponge applicate with some Antique Linen Ranger Ink. Then I, of course had a "Dec" journaling sprout on there. I am not sure what the patterned paper is called....if any of you do...email me: 3bears@bresnan.net. I cut the rolling pin and hand mixer out of some Bazzill Dotted Swiss cardstock with my Cricut using the From My Kitchen Cartridge. :) The "Baking Besties" title was actually from Miss Elizabeth's foam letters and I colored them with my Rich Cocoa Memento Pen/Marker. The "Together" and "Memories of the Heart" stickers are from 7gypsies. :)

Thanks so much for visiting me today! ;)

"Me in 2010" Layout

2010-03-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hey all! :) Well, I didn't get this layout posted yesterday as I had hoped. I had the pics done on Monday, but it was beautiful here in Great Falls and I had to go out and seize the day! :)

Again, I have used Jeanie's awesome digi goodness on this layout. I actually used the same paper I did for my "Togetherness" card. This time I just printed out as an 8x8. :) I then decided on a design. I am not a sketcher or even a planner when it comes to my scrapbooking and card making. I just let what I am working with inspire me. I got inspired by the leaves and nice spring green and natural colors in Jeanie's paper. Again, I cannot stress this enough...Jeanie's Digi paper is so easy to use and work with whether you are a hybrid scrapper (like me) or a full-on Digi Diva. :)

Anyways- I thought of what I am about right now in my life. Then I got an idea...we are so into the "using your stash" movement right now that I went to some K&Co Tags to Go that I had bought a long time ago. I, then, just started going through all of the tags and looking for words that just hit me as, "me".

I ended up with 12! :) Twelve words that really described me. If you care, they were: soar, teach, huggable, experience, reach, love, free, growth, relax, family, happiness, and laughter. To attach the tags I used brads that were mostly from Bo bunny.

I finished up the "Me in 2010" 8x8 design with some gold We R Memory Keepers Flourish rub-ons on opposite corners and on in the middle. :)

Now I had originally just had this as a 8x8 layout, but then I wanted to add a pic. I didn't want my pic to be the main focus though, so I printed it out small (about 2x3). I then went to find some paper that would go with what I had already created...nothing like scrapping on the fly! ;) I ended up picking some My Mind's Eye (Penny Lane) die-cut paper. I just love it!

I got the 8x8 on there and then my pic. Then I decided to put some flowers on. I had some in my "flower drawer" (yes, I have a WHOLE drawer in my studio just for FLOWERS). Most of these were just from past open packs, however; I did trim the back off of some flowers that I had picked up at the Dollar Tree.

After this, the page was still lacking to me, so I found my Martha Stewart tags and put for word that will be "me" forever. Those were: Friend, Daughter, Wife, and Mother. :) Too finish up I just added some bling over the "mother" tag. :)

Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed! :)

Let's have a little "Togetherness"

2010-03-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here's the scoop: Jeanie has been working on some digi-goodness lately and I have been lucky enough to get to work with some of her papers. :) I love Jeanie's designs! :) She really knows how to put colors and some natural elements together. I did very little to the papers that she has sent me. :)

Here are a couple of the pluses that I think of when I think if digi papers!

1. You can print out as many as you need! :) Once you have the design....it's yours! :)

2. If it isn't exactly what you are looking for.....change it! :) I layered Jeanie's Blue Textured paper and her Spring Leaves papers and changes the opacity. I loved the outcome and you will not BELIEVE how easy it was. :) I am sure most of you know how to work with digi elements..if not...email me: 3bears@bresnan.net. I will walk you through as best as I can! :)

So, onto the project! :) This project was super easy and fast! :) Under a half hour for me from start to finish! :) Gotta love that, huh? Anyways, I used American Crafts textured white cardstock, My Mind's Eye-Laundry Line (dragonflies) and Canadian (togetherness) rub-ons, Bazzill embossed cardstock (green-not sure on exacts), and BoBunny Brads (Alissa). The rub-ons and brads were placed on Jeanie's digi paper that I had worked with. :) Love the outcome! :)

This is just a close up...I just LOVE how the papers go with the dragonfly rub-ons! :) MAGIC! :)

If you need to get a hold of Jeanie to ask about her fun designs you can go to her blog here!

Her email is also on there! :)

Weekend Floen-ness!! ;)

2010-03-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

LOL! I am not sure what kind of goofiness I was thinking of when I was typing the title, but it seems a little catchy to me anyway! :)

Friday I had a Partylite Candle Party. I did have a nice number of friends and family there and got some good food and good laughs going on. :) I just loved the gal who did my party. Her name is Jen and she is just the nicest person ever! :)

After the party, I took my mom home and Sasha decided to go with her and I. We got to my mom and dad's and Sasha completely took the house over. She is so much like me it isn't funny. Definitely the dominate personality no matter where she is at. We can't help it...we are just like that! ;) HA! :)

We got home at 2:30AM! Yes, you read that right....did I mention Sasha is a night owl....like her MOM! Poor thing is doomed I tell you! :)

Saturday morning when we did wake up we all just relaxed until Jon went to a b-day party for his friend, Tristan. :) I did have to come up with a card! :) This is what I came up with. :) I just used We R Memory Keepers- MVP Collection Patterened Paper and pieces and a piece of black scrap paper. You can't get much simpler people! :)

Today was such a beautiful day here in Great Falls that after we picked Jon up from his party (it was a sleep over), we played outside. I wanted to rake or something, but Garth thought we should just enjoy life...so that is what we did. :)

Now it is right around 9:30pm and we are all winding down. I have a feeling it will be another long night with Little Miss, but I will get some scrappiness done....well, something creative anyway. :)

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!! What on Earth have I been doing?

2010-03-12T00:52:00.000-08:00

WOW! I have got to get better about this blogging. I have to admit though, I did enjoy this little "hiatus" from the blogging world. I have been up to a lot.

I did try LOAD (LayOut A Day) in February and seemlingly failed at it again. Everyone there is so supportive though and the layouts I did get done got compliments. So, when I look at it that way...it was a successful LOAD for me.

I am still on my trek to get something published or getting on a design team. What is funny though is that I am trying out for a couple of DT's and I am not as stressed anymore. I know I love what I do and I really don't do it for anyone but me. I also will not change my work that I do from my heart to mimic a lot of what gets accepted. At first my feelings were deeply hurt when I wasn't picked for DT's or my work wasn't picked up. I would beat myself up because I didn't share my cards, layouts, and projects with you...my friends. Well, that is changing! :)

I will tell you that I am trying out for 2 DT's right now and I am so excited about both of them! :) I have had so much fun creating the projects that I did do for them and I will share my projects after the calls are over. I know my Facebook friends have been beyond supportive of me and what I do. I love you all and you make me feel so lucky to have the support I can truely count on! :)

I am still on Mountains of Memories design team and there is so much to look forward to from Jeanie. Yes, she is trying to sell the store, but she is trying to spread her wings also and is doing beautiful work that I get to work on also. Which is another reason why I need to get to blogging again. I want to help Jeanie as much as I can on her journey and I know it will be a successful one! :) I love you, Jeanie! ((HUGS))

However, the pic I am going to leave you with is of Miss Sasha. She is my night owl and has not had a decent bedtime for a week or more now, but she is by my side as I create and I love having her here. Besides, with Garth and Jon sleeping...I need some company! :)

This pic was taken when we were making sugar cookies to decorate for Jon's class for Valentine's Day. She was having just as much fun sneaking dough from the table. Can you not see the evidence?

Creative Therapy Catalyst #95

2010-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I am so happy that I got to take part in Creative Therapy's Challenge! :) I have wanted to take part in these for so long now. I found them through one of their artist scrapbookers, Dedra Long, who is one of the most gifted scrapbookers on the planet! Her work has been published and is beyond gorgeous....I would LOVE to see her work in person someday. A girl can only dream! ;)

Anyway-the catalyst for this week was: "What is something you struggle with?" At first, I was thinking, THIS IS A HARD THING TO DEAL WITH FOR THE FIRST CATALYST I AM DOING!!!!!! Then I thought and focused and came up with a layout idea that I thought I may like and then I went with it.

This is what I came up with:

The title is: There's always gonna be an uphill battle.

I then remembered there was a song that had those words...I just couldn't remember what it was called....Then it hit me...."The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. So then I looked for lyrics on the web. I started reading and realized I was right, that line was in the song. I then decided to read the song and started to cry...the words explained everything! I loved it!

Here are those words:

The Climb (written by J. Alexander and J. Mabe)

I can almost see it

That dream I'm Dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head saying

"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make feels

Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held up high

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Alway gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm gonna remember the most, yeah

Just gotta keep going

And I, got to be strong

Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna want to make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb, yeah

Keep on moving, keep climbing

Keep the faith, baby

It's all about, it's all about the climb

Keep the faith, keep your faith whoa.

Now for the completely personal part. I had to write these struggles on my layout. I was wondering.....Am I ready to do this? I think sometimes we think that if we don't say or write our insecurities, worries....our not so "shiny" aspects of life that they don't exist. That is so not the truth. I thought that way and I couldn't have been more wrong.

So here is my journaling: Insecurities- my weight- ( I joke about it, but it kills me when I look in the mirror) my skin- (I have always had BAD SKIN, but was hoping once I was in my 30's- it would be nice and clear). how I kiss (told you this was deeply personal)- (This isn't my hubby's fault, but I worry constantly about this.) I'm very critical about my cooking- (Even though everyone tells me how good it is, I always feel it could be better.)

Worries - financial- ( This has been a struggle for me for a while. I am one of those "I need it now!" types. Health- (I have fibromyalgia, but I refuse to let it control me.) my kids- (I worry about how I am as a mom.) my hubby- (I worry if I make him happy-ALL THE TIME!)

Addiction- -Sometimes I feel like a cigarette--I have been able to say, "NO!" for a few years now. Shopping- this is actually an addiction.

Depression - After being diagnosed with it 2 years ago-it is still a struggle.

-I am always wanting to be successful at my art.

- I want people to enjoy me and my work.

What I used: I bought pretty much everything , except the Jolee's paper roses from Mountains of Memories and More...not only is Jeanie my friend, but she is an awesome person and her store is great! :)

Both the blue patterned paper and the cream part I wrote on are from My Mind's Eye, Bella Bella Collection. For the title, I used a chalk template from (Ben Franklin) by TheCraftersworkshop.com. I used chalks from Pebbles Inc. to chalk the templates (also the edges of the lyrics). The butterfly is Glimmer Glass from Tattered Angels. The larger flowers are from Jenni Bowlin (I got them from my friend, Jayne's webstore and the smaller ones are from Making Memories Vintage Findings Collection (Michael's), Bazzil cardstock for matting.

I really hope you all enjoyed this! : )I did! :) Thanks! :)

Happy New Year! :) Six Days Late! :)

2010-01-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! :) I am hoping that all of you had a Happy New Year! :) I also hope that all of you are staying warm and healthy. In Montana we are cold with a nice blanket of fluffy, white snow on the ground. I don't mind it though, it gives me an excuse to give more hugs! :) Yep, I am a dork! :) LOL! :)

I am planning on posting a lot more...even if I can't post a layout (because I have submitted it or something), I plan on at least showing a pic of what we have been up to. :)

We had a wonderful holiday here and got totally spoiled by friends and family. I also was getting ready for a Design Team Call with The Studio (the blog). They a fun scrapbooking group (web group) that really is international. :) They are a nice group of ladies and I will feel this way regardless of if I get picked or not for the DT. :)

Since I can't share my LOs with you that I made for the call just yet...I will leave you with what we were doing at Midnight on January 1st, 2010. :)

My Best Friend (Layout)

2009-12-04T15:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, so at the end of October, Jeanie gave me some 7gypsies stuff to work with and I was at a loss of what to make (I always have so much going on!). BUT....The Vicotira 8x8 2-sided paper scrapbook pack..is SO ME! :) I love the feminine designs and the vintage-y feel of it. :) I never ONCE thought I would be a "vintage" girl, but Jeanie and Stephanie Howell--not to mention Miss Jenni Bowlin have all inspired me in this area. When you have inspiration--it is hard not to love what you are looking at. :)

So, here is a story of this layout- The picture was taken in August of 2006. We went on a camping trip with my parents...that could have very easily been a nightmare. At the time, my mom had just gotten her transplant 7 months before and was still very hard to be around at time (now this has all changed...LIFE really has a way of turning itself around and showing each of us really matters....PRIDE isn't one of them!). Jon was around 7 and still in a not so "wanting-to-listen" mood most of the time AND he was a little boy and little boys are a little wild. :) BTW-we didn't have our little princess yet...that would happen in June the following year. ;)

We made the most of it and Garth and I have ALMOST no pics together since having children. :) So, while having breakfast, I had my camera right in front of me and then decided to take some pics. I am one of those people, now, that has almost perfected (at least for me) the art of the picture without a photographer. I am the only one that usually takes the pics so I have had to learn this if I want to be part of things in a pic and I don't have anyone to help me. :)

Ok, so I should probably share a little bit of me with you. Like most of you, my husband is my best friend. We have been through everything together (you have NO idea--and NO adultery isn't one of them--I am not, nor is he, that type of person) and are closer now than we have been...ever. :) When I hear this song, by Mr. Tim McGraw...it really touches my heart and I really feel like the words explain what I feel. :) It is one of my faves! :) So, here are the lyrics...do they touch you too?

My Best Friend- Tim McGraw

I never had no one-I could count on-I've been let down so many times-I was tired of hurtin'-So tired of searchin'-'Til you walked into my life-It was a feelin'-I never known-And for the first time-I didn't feel alone.

You're more than a lover-There could never be another-To make me feel the way you do-Oh we just get closer-I fall in love all over-Everytime I look at you-I don't know where I'd be-Without you here with me-Life with you makes perfect sense-You're my best friend- You're my best friend, oh yeah.

You stand by me-You believe in me-Like nobody ever has-When my world goes crazy-You're right there to save me-You make me see how much I have-And I still tremble-When we touch-And,oh, the look in your eyes-When we make love.

So, here is what I used: 7Gypsies- Victoria 8x8 Scrapbook paper pack, Memories 97% sticker, Ranger Glossy Accents and Vintage Photo Distress ink pad, popdots, Memento marker (for journaling)

Christmas Tags!!!!

2009-11-18T21:43:00.001-08:00

Ok, for now I have done 3 Christmas Tags. :) Jeanie from MOMS, who is also a very good friend, decided to give me some product and told me to DESIGN! Yep, that was all I had to do was design using the product she gave me. :) I could, of course, use some of my goodies. :) I did on most of my projects, but tried to stay with product that just MOMS sells. BTW, she also gave me some 7gypsies goodness, but that will be in another post! ;)

This tag was beyond fun! :) Everytime I do a tag, I have to use my FAVORITE tools. If any of you truely know me...you know that is my non-stick craft mat and the foam ink applicators! I adore them! :) How I started the tag, though, was to use some self made Perfect Pearls Spray that Tim Holtz demo-ed a while back. The spray I used was made with Walnut Stain Distress Reinker and Gold Perfect Pearls. I sprayed the PP Spray on the craft mat and then put the tag in it. I thought that would be fun! ;) I waited for that to dry and then stamped the sweet Santa image using the stamp from Tim Holtz for Stamper's Anonymous - Just Believe with Jet Black Archival Ink from Ranger. Then, I inked the tag using Tim Holtz's Distress ink in Aged Mahogany, Pine Needles, and Brushed Courderoy. I thought it still needed something so I got out the STICKLES!!!!! I went around the decorative scrolling with Gold Ice Stickles. I finished up with the "Legend has it" Sticker from 7gypsies from my stash. :) But....I got the sticker sheet from MOMS. I used raffia instead of ribbon for the top.

I am really not sure why that picture is like that, but it's ok. :) I started this tag by painting the side with Tim Holtz Distress Crackle in Tarnished Brass (I am not sure if Jeanie sells this, but I know I got this from Michael's). I waited for it to dry (and crackle!!) and then I went over it with Distress Inks in Aged Mahogany, Pine Needles, and Brushed Courderoy. I then stamped the ATC card size stamp with the stars from Tim Holtz's for SA set-Eclectic Palette in Walnut Stain. I, then, stamped the stars from the SA Set-Psychedelic Grundge in Aged Mahogany and Pine Needles, just randomly. After all of that, I took a wet cloth (paper towel will work too) and just cleaned off where the crackle paint was. I alcohol inked some pine tree brads I have had for years with cranberry and lettuce alcohol ink and a piece of felt. {WARNING!!!!! You have to do this with your hands and not an applicator if you want it done and able to have the control to put the color where you want it. I am a control freak, so I did this by hand and there was some staining. ;) } I then out them on the tag. Then, I decided to get the Tim Holtz fragments out. These are a glass type of thing that add just the right dimension sometimes to what I am doing. I used Glossy Accents to stick them on. I decided that they really needed something so, I alcohol inked the fragmants in cranberry alcohol ink :) Finally, I did the age old trick of heating organdy ribbon from CTMH with my embossing gun for the top.

I started this one by using the Tim Holtz Paint Dabber in Gold and applied it to the Believe Stamp in the Stamper's Anonymous set- Just Believe. I, then, inked with the same inks I have used for all of these, Aged Mahogany, Pine Needles, and Brushed Courderoy. Then I used the Gold Paint Dabber again along the edges. :) So, fun! :) I then took a 12x12 piece of My Mind's Eye paper from their Merry Days of Christmas "Old St. Nick" paper. I used my 1" circle punch and punched out all the little Santa heads I thought I needed and then stuck them on randomly using pop-dots once in a while. Then, I used some Stickles in Ruby Slipper and Gold Ice and put squiggles and dots randomly on the tag. Finally, I used 2 ribbons to add some cuteness to the tag. :) I believe that they were from Michael's.

All three tags! I hope you enjoy! :) Are you ready for Christmas?! I'm NOT! ;)

Wow, AGAIN?!?!

2009-11-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

Seriously---I need to get better at blogging! :) I really have so much to say and have so much I do and love to do, not just create. I really should be better at this; especially since I am such a talker in real life! :)

During October we had football! :) Jon was in tackle this year and it was his first year of it. He loves defense and he loved the game. Practices were a little gruelling...sometimes I think more for the parents than the boys. They had practice 3 times a week for 2 hours each night. By the end of the season, we were tired. I will share pics but haven't gotten them onto the computer yet....see how bad I am?! :P

I may give you all a BLOG OVERLOAD! I feel horrible, because just reading my comments again I realized I got a Blog Award from Suz Gray way back in the beginning of October, may be even September. I had all good intentions of doing what I needed to for the award, but I never got to it. I am horrible, but so appreciative Suz. Thanks so much and I appreciate that you thought I deserved any type of award.

Ok....get ready for some projects, layouts, a little bit of everything. I have missed blogging! :)

Blowin' Things Up!

2009-10-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

I am so happy that I decided to do LOAD again this time! :) I may not have been able to keep up with the voraciousness that I had in May, but I am inspired and that makes it all worth it. :) On day 11 in May, I had over 15 layouts done...right now on LOAD Day 11..I have 4! ;)

A little back story to this layout of mine. :) On July 4th of this year, we finally decided to let Jon light off his OWN fireworks. If ANY of you truely know me then you know that this was one of the hardest things for me to do. Jon is my oldest, but it is still so hard for me to let go of him and let him grow the way he needs to. But, with a little of Garth's coaxing, I was ok with it. :)

One of the things that Jon HAD to do is blow up some of his "guys", you know...action figures. He had spent weeks picking out what he thought was the PERFECT combo of guys to BLOW UP.

In the end, he blew an arm off of one and burned another, but he got what he wanted out of it and loved the experience of it all. :)

The Layout

The little bit of journaling I did was on this star I cut from some MME paper.

I cut the "cool" from a DCWV "Boys" Transparancy booklet. I thought it was PERFECT!

Thanks for looking! :)

SOCCER SASH!!!!

2009-10-09T18:01:00.001-07:00

Ok, it feels so nice to be able to blog about my scrapbooking! :) This layout took a while to do, but I loved the result. I was very depressed about the pics at first, but I looked at the story and the pics started to be more than just pics. I love Garth and Sasha's relationship....she is such a Daddy's Girl and Garth is TOTALLY wrapped around her little finger. :)

BTW, we call her "Sash" a lot! :) Sometimes it is to describe her personality for the day and sometimes we just love that it has even more attitude than Sasha. :) Either way, I thought "Sash" was the way to go for the title of the layout. :)

The Layout! :)

I wrote on some of the pics! :)

I just loved these butterflies from Micheal's! :)

I pop-dotted some of the soccer balls I put on here. I cut THOSE with my CRICUT!

I also pop-dotted the "s's" of the title. I loved the dimension it added! :)

Thanks for looking! :) Happy Scrapping! :)

Changes at 32 and an understanding of ME! :)

2009-10-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Something happened today while I was going through my blogs of the people I very much enjoy to read about. :) Some of them are local here in Great Falls and some, well most, are from everywhere. They are friendships I have made since August of last year and I can honestly say that I feel closer to a lot of them than I do other people I have known for years.

You would think I would have smartened up after a scrapbooking retreat I went to last year. But, no, I didn't until today. You see, I posted a long time ago on my old blog that I can't even find anymore that I KNEW who were friends to me. To me a friend is someone who has your back ALL THE TIME...not when it is convenient, makes them look good, or is the most popular choice. I am a person who has people's backs until I am simply shown I am not needed anymore or simply cast away.

Hmmm, that is a couple of words that makes me think...."CAST AWAY". It sounds like a very good term for how I have been feeling since last August. When life for me as far as friends go, took a somewhat funky turn. I met one of the most wonderful people (though we have sometimes disagreed) I know right now...she is ALL HEART and it is a PURE HEART. She had bought our local scrapbook store here and made it her own...she literally changed EVERYTHING. Some liked it, others...not so much. I remember being told by the past owner to go in and make her feel welcome and support her. I seemed to be the only one who did for a while. Yes, there were excuses like: "It's not the same", "there are too many changes", "it's no longer home" BLAH, BLAH, BLAH....E-X-C-U-S-E-S! There were also gossip, rumors, whatever.... going on to. Who knows who started it and who the heck cares anymore. All I know and remember is EVERYONE got hurt. Sides were taken, friendships were stressed, and now it seems unraveled. :(

I have been discouraged and saddened by this for a while now....until today. While I was reading the blogs of everyone I know.....yes, I have become a thing I have despised for a LONG time....a LURKER....it is even a CREEPY word for it. I decided....I am done. I was talking to Becky last night. Many of you know she is my BEST FRIEND and I always like what she has to say and I listen to her for a lot of reasons, the biggest one is because she is very calm when making decisions...where I am blunt and to the point. Anyways, she said that she was talking to an old friend and they were talking about some of the fun things about being in your 30s. One of them is that you really don't give a crap what people think anymore and you find out who your friends are. The other one entailed a 3 letter word that is adult, but THE fore-mentioned thought was what struck a cord with me. So, reading my blogs this morning, I realized that last year in August, sides were taken and lines were drawn on who would remain friends and who would fizzle. I loved everyone involved in this whole mess....well, except for the girl who attacked me. I didn't even know her except for from BUNKO and she expected me to defend her with something that I was told came from her mouth....see why gossip hurts so much? Anyways- as Christian as I am- most of you know I struggle with grace and forgiveness. I decided to forgive everyone involved....no body knew who did what...who was lying....what came from where. UGH...this list can go on forever. I remember Becky telling me to be careful and to really know how people are. I figured I knew these people longer than I knew her. How could I not know them?

Time went on and I started making awesome relationships through the store and started to realize my OLD friends were not anywhere to be seen most of the time. No phone calls, emails (unless they wanted to attack me on something, get some dirt, or thank me for something I did for them or said about their work or accomplishments...although I got a nice one from one that was sorry when the store had a fire and I lost the place I called home for a while), nothing. Even on the scrapbooking/papercrafting group I had been a part of for years was becoming less welcoming. I thought it was me and that I had done something. Then the web group decided it was time to call it quits because a lot of the people had been not active...some because of hurt feelings and other because of time. A lot of us tried to keep up with each other on FaceBook and others through personal emails. One even started a spin-off group that very few of us old members supported. I shake my head now because I knew in my heart this would happen, but I never realized how much real life could imitate a farm....you know, it is like a hen house. Most of these "hens" just decided to take their eggs and forget everything and everyone else.

While trying to contact a lot of them on Facebook....I saw another trend. I had them as friends, but they still cliqued together like school girls. I would comment on this one's new hair style, that one's neat pictures, whatever and I even tried to Facebook Friend a couple who ignored me...I just gave up. I thought we were all friends. It hurt to see them acknowledge each other and their faves when I had commented too. Then today....I got to see in pictures on one of my "friends" photo blogs that although last year they acted hurt and that everything had changed between them....nothing changed at all. They still hang and it's all good....I just am not longer going to waste my time on people who have only time for who and what they want. They comment where they want, they acknowledge where they want, they have get togethers that are exclusive, and expect no one to get hurt. Well, that is who got hurt....the person you treat as "no one".

So, I figured this. I know who has been acknowledging me, who treats me as a friend, who has been there, etc...if you are an adult and reading this....you get the gist. I realized...I have FaceBook Friends, who are not "friends" to me at all. They have been nothing more than acquaintances for a while now. So, I want to keep my life and everything in it to those who care...so I have decided to delete people who have turned into acquaintances.... I remember being so excited when I was able to be friends and keep up with so many of them on Facebook. They can see what I am up to on mutual friends' walls and stuff....but I am going with the fact that they will keep business as usual and not care. Which is fine, because after, mine and Becky's conversation last night....I don't care what people think anymore, I am tired of being the nice person, and I KNOW who my friends are.

For those of you who are my friends, you know...because we keep in touch a lot or comment each other's lives and what not. :)

Wow, this was very freeing.... I thought I would cry a lot more. :)

My Project, My Story (at least for now)

2009-09-26T23:29:00.000-07:00

In August, I started a journal entry because of how lucky in life I feel right now. I really was feeling on top of the world on that day. :) I felt that God has blessed me with a great life, beautiful and healthy kids, a great hubby, and good health. I didn't think that this journal entry would have been as healing for me as it has been...you see, I am still writing it and we are in almost to October and I am still not done.

I started writing from a place in my heart that I thought was totally gone and forgotten. If any of you have known me for more than a few years, you know that I have not ALWAYS felt like the luckiest person ever. In fact, for a while, it seemed as though luck, was the last thing I ever had. So that is where my story picked up. I felt that I needed to tell THE WHOLE STORY from the point where I felt very unlucky to now. It just made sense! :)

So, while I won't get into my story on my blog...I did want to share what I did to the notebook I started writing it in. :) It is me, and it is so fitting for the book that is telling my story from 2004 until today! :)

I will say that on this journey and writing I have been getting healed in ways I never thought I could. Thank You, God! :)

What I used: A Mead Spiral Notebook, Daisy D's Patterned Paper, (I also used DCWV patterned paper on the back inner cover for a pocket and Bo Bunny Dotted Cardstock for the back cover), Heidi Swapp for Advantus Iron on Letters and Ghost Butterflies, Doodlebug Designs Bling, Tim Holtz/Ranger Alcohol inks (lights for Ghosts and darker colors for charms), Paint Dabber (Pearl), So Charmed charms, A Touch of Trim Pearl and pink ribbon.

HUGS, LOVE, KISSES Layout and what's been up! :)

2009-09-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

I am still in desparate need of getting better at blogging. I really do a lot of different projects and I really would love to be sharing them all with you. So, without further adeiu, I would like to share a layout that I did for the Tattered Angels DT call. I didn't get on the team, but I have also decided that I really need to enjoy what I do again! :) I was trying out for so many design teams that I forgot to have fun and love what I am doing. :) When I would get rejected..I took it personal and thought it was because I wasn't good enough to get on. When in reality, I am just not what they are looking for. AND....I will not comform what I do to match what people think I should be making or designing. TAKE ME AS I AM------is my new motto! :) Not to worry though, fans of my famous, IT'S ALL GOOD, motto...I will still use that! :)

So, here is: HUGS, LOVE, KISSES!

What I used: Basic Grey Bittersweet 12x12 patterened paper, cardstock stickers and journaling tag. Tattered Angels Glimmer mists, Glimmer Chips, and Glimmer Glass. Bling from Michael's. Memento Marker Pens. Lace from Michael's $1 bin!

I will also be getting better at taking multiple pics of layouts that I have added dimension to. :) I wasn't able to with this layout, but it was also one of my first layouts like this that I have layered dimension on. :)