Its Fun2Scrap

February Self Portrait

2012-02-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: No I am not drunk, nor was I drunk at the time this photo was taken. And no I was not on my way to rob a bank.

These are just some of the comments I got on my Facebook post when I put it on there. I took the photo at 9 am before parent-teacher conferences. I thought I'd mix up these self portraits a bit. And, I also want to try printing my Mariphone photos from Postal Pix. It's an app that I can use to upload photos and have them printed directly from my phone! That sounds like the best idea ever...and I don't see how the picture quality could possibly be worse than Walgreens. So basically, it's a win-win situation.

I am coming up with a few fun photo ideas for our February Family Portrait...I'm hoping procrastination will not set in. The only other problem is that Erik's schedule makes it difficult to take photos in the morning when the best light is available. So everyone keep their fingers crossed.

So Sweet (8.5x11 Layout)

2012-02-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Supplies are from Memory Works Express Kit (don't know the month)

This layout goes in the January Section of our Project Life Album. It was fun to do an 8.5x11 layout. I really like that size. It's not as intimidating to fill the entire page. On the other hand, you can't put as many pictures on it either.

That is my friend, Val. We've been friends since Kindergarten. We went to her parents house for her birthday. It was the first time I was back there in ages. I spent so much time with her and her family growing up. It was surreal to take my own children there. And it makes me think about how different their childhood is from mine. And that makes me a little bit sad. I don't want city life for my kids. The kids had a great time, and I will definitely be taking them back.

Here's where I stuck the layout in the album. I like the different sized pages together.

Cute Valentine's Products

2012-02-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Echo Park: Yours Truly

I will post my other layouts later. I have been busy this week. Thursday, I got home late from parent teacher conferences. Yesterday I went to happy hour with some girlfriends. It was a lot of fun! I really needed a little break. I also have pink eye! It's loads of fun! I'm using Wolfie's medicine...as he had it last week. But my eyes are driving me NUTS!!! Well, that was a bit of random information. Have a good Saturday!

Project Life: January (plus a real gem!)

2012-02-01T16:35:00.000-08:00

Let's just start with this Gem of a photo....

I know that you all wish you could have a family photo like this. It is called last minute procrastination. I decided that we were completely screwed for the best light, nice family photo. Therefore, I made the best of a bad situation. Since we were all sick, I decided let's put the medication out front and center as well as the box of Kleenex. We actually took some serious photos....but none were as funny as this one. Because who doesn't love a 4 year old holding a serious looking toy gun and bunny ears behind their very own head? Nobody...that's right! All kidding aside, this picture will at least be recorded and we will be able to see how we've all grown and changed during the year.

And now to the Project Life spread for January...I am just showing you the basic layout. I will add an 8.5x11 layout in the middle, but it is not done yet. Erik picked up the photos for me this afternoon and I haven't had time to complete the layout. I will share tomorrow. Please excuse the poor photos...I had to use my lights and my flash...they don't make for the best color. I do know that I LOVE this project and I LOVE this layout! I know that we are all going to appreciate this so much in the years ahead.

I have learned so many things this month about life and friendship. I wish you all a good evening.

Just Jump (12x12 layout)

2012-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:00

Supplies are from the Studio Calico Monthly Kit (Don't know which one...)

Journaling reads: Water, Water Everywhere...All summer long. If you are not outside in your underwear, in the water, then it's not summer!

We've had quite a sick spell around here. Wolfie, Erik, and I were all sick last week. Yesterday and today, Erik got sick again, and JoJo is sick too. There is so much sickness going on around this place and at school. I have yet to take our family photo for January, but don't worry...I have 8 more hours until February...I'll come up with something. Procrastinator is my middle name...

And moving onto Project Life...I'm actually on top of that. I will post the main layout tomorrow. I have a few mini layouts to add as I have apparently taken too many photos for January. I will try to get those done in a timely manner, but I need photos printed for them. Walgreens should really love me because I'm going there even though I am NOT entirely happy with their prints AT ALL. But it's near my house, which proves Location is key. And also, I want to get layouts done. I'm really excited about this project. For sure, I will post the main page tomorrow. How are you guys doing with this project (for those of you doing it)?

Have a good evening!

February Memory Works Express

2012-01-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

February 2012 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Fall Frames - Summers End (Fancy Pants)
{1} 12x12 Polkadot - Ashtyn (3 Bugs in a Rug)
{1} 12x12 Orange Mini Dot - Simple Basics (Simple Stories)
{1} 12x12 Apple Orchard - Picadilly (BasicGrey)
{1} 12x12 Home Sweet Home - Picadilly (BasicGrey)
{1} 12x12 Vintage - Random (Crate Paper)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Hummingbird (Bazzill)
{1} 12x 12 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Almond Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Maltball (Bazzill)

Embellishments
{1} 4.5x6.8 Wavy Layer Book (Maya Road)
{1} 12x12 Accent Cuts - Random (Crate Paper)
{1} 6x12 Random Phrase Sticker (Crate Paper)
{1} 6x12 Random Border Sticker (Crate Paper)
{3} Canvas Mini Tags - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)
{2} Green Resin Blossoms - Assorted Sizes (Maya Road)
{8} Wood Buttons - Assorted Sizes and Styles (Maya Road)
{1} ½ Yard Oatmeal Jumbo Rick Rack (Creative Impressions)
{1} ½ Yard Green Apple and Cream Ribbon (Creative Impressions)
{1} ½ Yard Orange and White Dot Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

Cards
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Hummingbird (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Almond Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Maltball (Bazzill)
{4} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

The MemoryWorks Express kit is only $29.95 per month and packed full of goodies! (Does not include shipping, handling & sales tax)

February Already??? January is almost gone. I can't believe it. I have some layouts to share, and also my Project Life album for January. I'm actually MAKING stuff....I'm so proud of myself. I'll be back tomorrow with something for you, either a layout or my album...not sure yet...I still need to take January's family photo...

Feeling Crafty!!! (12x12layout)

2012-01-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

I think all the supplies are from the Studio Calico Kits...several of them.

So I FINALLY finished this layout. It has been sitting on my desk for months waiting for a picture. I finally broke down and just sent it off to Walgreens to be printed. I really don't like their prints, but it's close to my house and fast. ( that was totally a run on sentence.) I have been working on my Project Life Album, and that is why I wanted to send for pictures anyway. I actually felt like scrapbooking!! Though, it's tough with no photos. This was last Halloween by the way. I've gotten really behind..shh.

Project Life is going well. Apparently with page protectors, I have a little problem narrowing down photos. And maybe that would not be a problem if I were doing it weekly. But, I think I need to ease into this thing. Sometimes I can be a slacker...I know, it's shocking.

Have a good night!

February Memory Works Express Sneak Peek

2012-01-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Go Here to subscribe!

Project Life

2012-01-16T17:12:00.000-08:00

As, I promised, I am going to show you how I set up my album for project life. This week has been an extremely difficult one. My friend lost her mother to cancer on the 12th. I mentioned it early in this post. And another good friend of mine lost her brother unexpectedly. We just learned the news yesterday. So, I would like to wish them all peace at this time and ask for your prayers for them. Thank you.

When I prepared this album, it was bare bones. I will go back through and add embellishments and such. I just wanted to get the basic core of it done. If you wish to participate, then I suggest you order the Simple Stories Year.O.Graphy kit: found here. I also ordered these album page protectors from here. You will need to order two sets. I have left overs, but I'm sure I can find a way to use them. Please excuse the photos...I was in a hurry and I was too lazy to change lenses. Also, I would like to share that I am so glad I decided to do this monthly. I was reading another blog and it said, Project Life week 1, and I almost went into a panic...because I was like...it's already been one week of January? It was the 9th. But then I remembered I had the rest of the month. Whew...

Cover Page: I'm going to add our family photo to this page...when I finally have a chance to take one :)

January's Page...I think I like the left hand side blank so I can add notes during the year.

A mini-layout will go on the left hand side.

I am really excited about this project, and I can't wait to share it with you. If I need more space for layouts, I will add 8.5x11 pages to make up the difference.

Life Happened

2012-01-11T21:02:00.000-08:00

So, I know I promised Project Life Album Layouts today, but life happened...and it's been a rough and emotional couple of days. I promise to post them as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for your patience.

I Heart Faces/Best Face Photo 2011

2012-01-09T22:50:00.000-08:00

This week's theme at I Heart Faces is best face photo of 2011. I am so proud of the growth I made this year in my photography journey. I have taken photos of perfect sleeping babies, beautiful families, children, and teens. But I had the opportunity to photograph my friend's family right after Christmas. And this is the most beautiful face of 2011. That is my friend's mom. She has been battling cancer for years now, and it's coming to an end as I type. Susan has always been a woman that everyone loves. I don't think she has met a person who didn't enjoy her company, or grow to like her no matter how briefly they chatted. She is wise, smart, and caring. She is a wonderful mother, and a great grandmother to her grandkids. She is a wonderful wife to a wonderful husband. I have admired her for many years.

Though, she wasn't part of my daily life, I have grown to know her through the adoration of her daughter, my friend. I wish them all of the peace and love in this world right now. Being able to photograph them, and make her happy was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received.

Digital Art Journaling-Assignment 1

2012-01-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

Here is my first assignment. I created this masterpiece...okay whatever you want to call it, I made it. All of the supplies, except for a mask, and the font came from the Class Materials. The supply folder was HUGE! Anyhow, just thought I would share. I will try to post my project life album setup tomorrow. It is done. The light here has been terrible, though. We got a ton of rain, so I can't really complain. Good Night!

Digital Art Journaling/Project Life Update

2012-01-07T15:10:00.000-08:00

I signed up for the Digital Art Journaling Class at JessicaSprague.com. If you have Elements or Photoshop, you can participate. If you don't, and you want to, then go to Adobe and download a free 30 day trial. I'm hoping that this class will jumpstart my creativity for the year. I'm exciting to start because I want to learn more about using digital papers and embellishments. My ultimate goal is to be able to create backgrounds and such for my blog.

I just received my supplies for Project Life. I'm using Simple Stories Year.O.Graphy to create monthly spreads. I'm going to try and get all of the prep work done today. I don't think it's going to take long at all because Simple Stories Kits are so EASY to use. It's not because I sell them, that I'm saying this. It's really true. It's so EASY.

I also wanted to share my Self-Portrait for the month of January. It's going in my January Spread when I print it. I just got my haircut and highlighted. I like it! I haven't done the family portrait yet. I had a location in mind, but it didn't work out with Erik's schedule so I will have to rethink. I really want a nice family portrait of us so I can have it made into a canvas.

We just got Beamer's ashes back last night. It's finally done. I'm glad that it's over. Poor JoJo was a bit confused when Erik and I were talking about getting her back. He kept asking if Beamer was coming back. Ashes are surprisingly heavy. And don't you worry, they are in a nice tin and not in a coffee can...like in the move Due Date! So, there won't be any accidental mixups. That movie is hilarious and I suggest you watch it.

Memory Works Trend Essentials

2012-01-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

Cute new products for a brand new year. These items are limited time only so head to my website to order. It's under the Trend Essentials Category!

Memory Works Express Smitten/And a Crave Photography Giveaway

2012-01-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

First I would like to start of by sharing that Crave Photography is having a HUGE giveaway. You can go
here to find out all about it. It's HUGE...the grand prize is an 85mm Lens, either the 1.4-85mm for a Nikon DSLR, or an 85mm-1.2 for a Canon DSLR! That is amazing...it's up to a $2000 prize. Go check it out.
***********************************************************************************
And introducing: Smitten

January 2012 MemoryWorks Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper

{1} 12x12 Valentine - Paper Hearts (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Petals - Paper Hearts (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Delivery - Paper Hearts (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Love Letter - Paper Hearts (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Numbers Grid - Love Me (My Minds Eye)

{1} 12x12 Love - Love Me (My Minds Eye)

Solid Cardstock

{1} 12x12 Cherry Splash (Bazzill)

{1} 12x 12 Hot Fudge (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Date Swirl (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)

Embellishments

{1} 12x12 Paper Hearts Chipboard (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Sweet Threads Alpha Sticker (BasicGrey)

{1} 6x12 Sweetness Canvas Borders (Pink Paislee)

{1} 3x4 Love Struck - XOXO Clear Stamp (We R Memory Keepers)

{1} 3x3 Vintage Metal Heart (Maya Road)

{4} Red & Cream Heart Stick Pins (Maya Road)

{2} Kraft Die Cut Doilies (Maya Road)

{1} 3x4 Valentine Mini Bingo Card - Assorted Styles (Jenni Bowlin)

{3} Valentine Printed Tickets - Assorted Styles (Jenni Bowlin)

{1} ½ Yard Brown with Cream Dots Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Soft Pink and Cream Gingham Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

Cards

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Cherry Splash (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Hot Fudge (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Date Swirl (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Raspberry Splash (Bazzill)

{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

The MemoryWorks Express kit is only $29.95* per month and packed full of goodies! *Does not include shipping, handling & sales tax

Please contact me or visit my website to order.

Project Life

2012-01-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

****Alert**** JoJo is now using his l's so instead of saying wook, he says look. It started all of the sudden this past week. ***This had nothing to do with the post, but I wanted it documented...thank you****

I have decided to do Project Life...I want something to work towards each month this brand new year. I am using Year.o.graphy from Memory Works. You can order it here.

As soon as I receive the package in my hot little hands, I will share the photos. I just wanted to share with you how I will be tackling this project.

1. I will be doing monthly spreads. I know myself. There is absolutely no way that I will keep up with a weekly project.

2. I am going to make the album ahead of time so that all I have to do is add photos.

3. If I need extra space, for photos or journaling, I will add 8.5x11 pages to the middle of each spread.

4. Each month, I will take a family portrait to add to the layout.

5. Each month, I will take a self-portrait to add to the layout.

6. I am going to try and keep up with the photos online as well...so whatever photos I use for layouts will be uploaded to Shutterfly for my annual photo book. That way I won't have to sit for nine hours at the computer the day before I send them out. I actually sat at the computer for 9 hours...I'm not even exaggerating.

7. I'm really going to try and add a lot of journaling and photos that represent our daily life...and that provide an insight to what happens in this crazy house.

8. I'm going to share the layouts in a timely manner here on my blog.

Whew..that's all. If you're going to participate, let me know in the comments section. I'd love to hear how you're organizing your photos too.

Blog Your Heart/Happy New Year to You!

2011-12-31T15:08:00.000-08:00

(Not your typical Blog Your Heart photo...but that's my heart right there...all of it. Erik had to work Christmas Eve so he read Twas the Night Before Christmas before his shift.)

So, it's once again time for "Blog Your Heart" as challenged/prompted by Stephanie Howell. And, I think it's a perfect time, on the eve of a new year. 2011 was a weird year. It was a year of change for us. I don't think I've ever had so much stress in all of my life. I hardly crafted a thing this year. Last year, I made it a point to be present in our photos, and this year I didn't. So when I look back now, I'm not in any of the photos :(. My dog died...my little girl that I had for sixteen years. Erik's new job brought a major change to our lives. Erik's mom and dad moved...to our property. We were supposed to move there too, and build a new house and have a much different life. But life happens sometimes and plans change. I am so tired of this economy. I wish things would pick up. I really, really do. One of my friends lost her son this year, and I know it's not a part of my daily life, but I mourn for her, and pray for her everyday. There is not a day that I don't look at my children and be thankful. Somehow, this year, everything got disorganized and behind.

I'm so looking forward to putting this year behind us. To start fresh, and for Erik to have a schedule that he keeps longer than 4 weeks. I want to be organized and go through the clutter around here. I want my office to be functional again. I want to look forward to getting this house ready to sell, and build our dream home (if the economy can pick up). And I want to go on a vacation with my husband, something he has been unable to do. I'm looking forward to building my photography business. It's something that I really like to do, and it helps us out financially. Ali Edwards chooses one word a year to focus on...I will probably never participate in her project, not that it's not a good one, but I will will choose a word...okay two: Organize and Balance.

And so tonight, I will stay home with my boys. We will have homemade hot fudge sundae's (my grandmother's recipe). We will probably watch some marathon...and the kids will drink their blue bubble gum sodas, and have homemade popcorn. And we will look forward to the new...to change...and to a fresh start. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today we went to the mall for Santa Photos, and then we wandered through the mall and ended up at Chick-fil-A. I was sitting at the table, and a baby started crying (no offense against babies), and I looked at my boys, with their handsome haircuts their daddy gave them. And, I felt so BLESSED, and thankful for where I am in my life. And so happy that I am surrounded by these three wild boys. I felt true Joy, right there in the middle of a fast food restaurant. And, so I am wishing you a beautiful and blessed Christmas. Wishing that you have true Peace in your lives. God Bless You All!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-23T07:58:00.000-08:00

We watched this movie last night...it's been a long time since I'd seen this movie. I must have watched it about 25 to 30 times as a kid. Me and my brothers would quote the movie lines such as:

"I don't know, Margo."

"I wouldn't be more surprised if I woke up in the morning with my head sewn to the carpet."

And now that I'm a grown up and can say hell:

"Take a look around, Helen, we're on the threshold of Hell."

I texted my brother the quotes last night while I watch the movie. I'm sure he really appreciated it. It's called spreading the Christmas spirt.

Watching this movie lifted my Christmas spirit a bit. It was nice to laugh. It was nice to hear Erik chuckle at the movie. We have a new perspective now that we're the adults, and parents. I finally got one of the jokes in the movie for the very first time.

Today, we woke up to snow! It's still snowing. The kids are going to help me wrap Christmas presents, we're going to take Santa pictures, and start our holiday baking. Better late than never, and sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

Enjoy your day!

Not in the Christmas Spirit (Mariphone Photos too)

2011-12-20T12:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not feeling too Christmasy this year. I still have shopping to do and I have wrapped 0 presents. I feel Blah about the whole thing. I have taken just a few photos with Mariphone so I will share those now:

Beamer's Last Days...

Maddie gave her this blanket so she'd stay warm.

The Other Two Bad Dogs...aka...trash diggers

Christmas Program at Maddie's School

She's Gone...

2011-12-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

We put my little doggy to sleep last night. It was so hard and sad. The vet came to our house and did it. I've been so sad today. It's really sad :(

Buried...

2011-12-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

I am swamped here. I'm trying to get everything ready for tomorrow. It's the last day of school for the kids. I'm also slammed with photo editing. As soon as Christmas break comes, I will have more time to post. In the meantime here is some cuteness. P.S. my little doggy was doing better, but today, she had another bad day.

All products are Basic Grey and can be found here.

I don't know where this is going...

2011-12-10T20:04:00.001-08:00

It's funny how this blog works...how I feel compelled to share my most innermost feelings on here sometimes. It's so strange that I won't let my husband in the room while I type what I'm going to say, but he can read it when it comes to his email inbox. My dog is dying. She's old, very old. But, she's been a part of my life for the past 16 years. I'm 31, so that makes over half of my life. This is hard. To make a decision to put her down. I cannot imagine not seeing her when I come home. There are so many things I want to remember about her...the softness of her fur. The way her ears smell. She has a sweet smell to her, she always has. She is my dog. I bought her with my grade money. I had to train her and love her and take care of her. She is the last part of my childhood. (not that I want to relive it, but she is the last thing there is left.) Even though, I'm a wife, a mother, a homeowner, a teacher, and all the things that make you grown up, she is my last strand, my last grasp at a time I can never get back. She has been through so much with me...high school, college, marriage, children. She is my dog, and I love her. All the tears in the world will not preserve her, will not keep her here with me. But, I wish they could. I love my little old Beamer...Thank you for everything and for all of the happiness you have given me over the years. Thank you, and I love you... :(

I Heart Faces/I made the TOP TEN!!!

2011-12-10T14:01:00.001-08:00

I got 8th place for last week's entry...the picture of our feet!! I can't believe it. I almost didn't even check the results!

Mariphone Fun

2011-12-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

It's time for another installment of randomness captured by Mariphone. I haven't taken a ton of pictures with her lately, but here are some.

Wolfie

Weirdest way to clean the kitchen in your pajamas while wearing a ninja mask and a cap.

Dad's little shadow...where ever Erik goes JoJo follows.

JoJo assisting in the decoration of the Christmas tree.

I am SO SICK of coming home to this.

Delicious Yumminess

2011-12-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

I don't even know if that title makes sense. Anyhow, I'm sure there are a lot of you who enjoy Pinterest. I know I sure do. And, while Pinterest is AWESOME, it is a time sucker. You really have to be careful not to spend hours on that website. I may or may not have done it myself. Anyhow, in my browsing time, I've come across a few recipes, that are delicious. They are easy to make too. I don't have tons of time for cooking most days. I thought I would share a few with you.

Jenny's Journey Chicken Rollups: These are so delicious, though not so healthy, and that is why I forced my children to eat a good salad with the meal. You stuff crescent rolls with cream cheese, chicken, and cheese. Yummy!!!

Chicken and Cheese Lasagna Rollups: (okay apparently I like rolling food) These are fun and easy to make. It's a fun spin on regular lasagna.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese: Who doesn't love a crock pot meal? This was yummy and super quick to prepare.

Well those are just a few. I am going to continue trying out new recipes because it really helps to have a bigger variety of meals. The same old thing over and over can get really old...like Texas Hash that my mother made ALL the time and we had to eat day after day of left overs. Seriously, I hated that stuff. Then, she made it once when I was in college and I was like hey this stuff isn't half bad...if you're not forced to eat it 5 days in a row three weeks out of the month. But, I digress...

P.S. sorry for no pictures. I didn't want to use the other people's pictures without permission. Happy Cooking!

Something Crafty

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

All supplies from November Memory Works Express (except letters which are American Crafts)

Please do not fall out of your chair as I am posting an actual craft project. I made this large rosette wreath to put in my entry way. I used Jennifer McGuire's instructions, which you can find here. It's a video tutorial. It is the perfect craft to make with children. My son loves to make fans, the ones you accordion fold. I made the creases in the paper, and he folded them. He also chose the paper...it's a good thing everything in the kit is coordinated.

I Heart Faces/On Your Feet

2011-12-06T08:48:00.001-08:00

I'm entering the I Heart Faces challenge this week...just for fun as I happened to have a picture of feet. We went to the lake this summer and spent the entire day on a small little island. The water was like bath water. It had to have been at least 85 degrees. It was lovely. I took this right before we came in and had to get a little sunflare in the photo...

December Memory Works Express Kit

2011-12-06T08:30:00.001-08:00

Vintage Findings

So pretty, I love vintage papers and embellishments. As a side note, we have a snow day today!!! Two years in a row. I'm hoping to get the boys out and take a few pictures, though that might be harder than it sounds. JoJo outright refuses to go out in the snow. I am thankful for this extra little winter day off. Have a good day. And if you're interested in ordering the kit feel free to email me or leave a comment for info :)

Twin Sneak Peek (I'm not having twins and why I'm not posting projects)

2011-12-03T15:24:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone. I promise to post pictures of projects as soon as I can. I've just been a little busy editing photos and shooting photos for families. I just wanted to share this picture of these two beautiful girls. Enjoy your Saturday!

My (Blog) Reading List

2011-11-28T15:44:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm sure I've talked about it before, but I LOVE blogs. I mean, I really do. I love to hear about different people and their experiences in life. Each day I come home and read. It is my time to unwind before the craziness of dinner, laundry, cleaning, dishes, homework, and 100 other things begin. I wanted to share my daily reads. Some are scrapbook related, and others are photography related, and some are a little of both or none at all.

Stephanie Howell: Beautifully written and crafty
Kayla Aimee: Chronicles of this crazy girl (I mean that with the utmost respect) and her micro preemie, Scarlette who is now 1!
Cathy Zielske: Digital and Hybrid Craftiness plus her great personality. I think we would be friends in real life...I'm not stalking her or anything...I promise.
Kelle Hampton: Pure Beauty...wonderful pictures and stories of her life with her two children
Bobbi and Mike: Photography Inspiration 101
Dear Lizzy: Beautiful girl, beautiful pictures, beautiful crafts
Crave Photography: Beautiful photos and beautiful processing. I love her work.
Ali Edwards: Such crafty inspiration
Dawn McVey: Such a sweetie, and crafty inspiration
Jennifer McGuire: Need I say more? Craftiness, Craftiness, Craftiness
Katie Bee Creative: She hasn't updated in a while, but I'm still a faithful follower.
Jody Wenke: She hasn't updated in a while either, but she is crafty and has a heart warming story to share.
An Inch of Gray: Beautifully written, but sad. She lost her son in a freak flooding accident this year. It's a hard thing to read. Really hard, especially if you know someone who is going through the same thing, but it does give good insight to what they might be feeling. I'm new to this blog...just started reading it a week or two ago.

Well, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Please feel free to share in the comments if you read any blogs that you think I'd like. And for those of you who read my blog daily...thank you. Really and truly, thank you for taking the time out of your day to see what is happening in mine.

ecoscrapbook

2011-11-26T08:30:00.001-08:00

There is a little feature on ecoscrapbook about your's truly. Ecoscrapbook is a blog that provides tips and advice for using earth friendly items. So, head on over there are check out Danielle's (ecoscrapbook) blog.

And as a side note, it seems that by scrapbooking Mojo has returned. I started a cute little album project using repurposed materials aka cardboard, that I will share when I finish. I also have two more layouts done, and a card! I'm on a roll.

I HAVE to finish ALL of the laundry this weekend...this will not be an easy or fun task. I am not looking forward to it at all....And because I couldn't make this a pictureless post, I am including a couple of photos from Thanksgiving. They are not traditional photos that include the turkey, etc., but they do include my very own personal turkeys :)

Erik took this one hence the out of focus look to it. He is a man of many talents, but photography is not one of them. That's my brother, Josh and JoJo, my grandmother, me and Wolfie, and Maddie.

Quick Card

2011-11-25T07:58:00.001-08:00

Let me just preface the photo by saying, sorry! The picture is not that great. I had to take it with my iphone in a hurry because it is called: I was running late to a party and was running around like an idiot. The card was super quick to make. I used the Simple Stories "Happy Day" cards and stickers to make it.

Happy Thanksgiving and a Layout

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all. I just wanted to wish you a very blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. I have so many things to be thankful for. I put some of them in the layout below...it's pictureless... It's the first pictureless layout I've done. (When you don't have ink to print you're choices are limited.) I actually really liked doing a pictureless layout.

Supplies are from Memory Works and Studio Calico Monthly Kits

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

(I will have a few more projects to share later this week)

Our Annual Year in Review Album

2011-11-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

!!!!!!!!!!!!!DAD STOP READING THIS POST...THIS IS YOUR CHRISTMAS GIFT!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, everyone, I had to give that small disclaimer up at the top. I know that last year I shared our photo book with you. Here is this year's photo book. I used Shutterfly again. This year I used the Custom Path version. I LOVED it. I love this book. I like the way it looks. I love the way I was able to design the templates and add embellishments at text easily. I hope you enjoy! And right now, if you enter the code SHIP30 you can get free shipping on orders $30 or more.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books are the new way to preserve your memories. Create your own today.

Science Fair Fun

2011-11-15T15:29:00.001-08:00

This week we finished up Wolfie's science fair project. Let me just say that I think science fairs were some crazy idea dreamt up to torture parents. Why else would you force a child to complete a complicated project that you have to pull their teeth to do? During the process, I might have threatened that failure to complete the science project would result in Santa bringing sticks and coal for Christmas. To which my "Genius Scientist" son said at least he would be able to make a fire with them. (Last year or the year before the same threat was made regarding sticks and he replied that at least he could make a bow and arrow with them). I'm glad my son is an optimist. So here is a little picture of Erik and Wolfie working on his project. (He took the actual board before I could take a picture of it.)

Here are some things I learned: 1. Do not let your child use Cricut Letters...they will complain endlessly about gluing them down. 2. My craft room is WAY too crowded. We have too much furniture in here. Something has got to go. 3. I need to put a lock and key on everything...my ruler was missing, there were no pencils, no erasers. 4. For the Love of God, I need to put some WD40 on my trimmer...I think I have permanent hearing damage for the God awful sound it makes. 5. Keep pets and small children away from the science fair project at all times.

All in all, it was a success...I just hope Wolfie learned something. :)

Mariphone Randomness

2011-11-13T15:21:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! This post will be random...and haphazard. Sorry. Here are a few photos I took with Mariphone this past week.

Wolfie's little story he wrote for his homework. I thought it was pretty cute.

Maddie's art work. He's good for a six year old. I think.

Wolfie's Christmas list. I hope he doesn't think he's getting everything on it.

Wolfie playing the video game with his hat, in his pajamas. I thought it was funny.

The boys love their Dad!

Me, after scrubbing the toilets, cleaning the house, carting boys to and from catechism, grocery shopping, and doing numerous loads of laundry.

And just in case you were wondering about my lack of craftiness. Here are some photos that show why I don't craft...everyone else has taken over my office. This doesn't even show the floor.

Have a good night!

Senior Photos

2011-11-11T12:03:00.001-08:00

If you want to see more photos from this session go to my photography blog here.

I hope you all have a restful Veteran's Day. Thanks to all of our soldiers who have protected our freedom over the years.

Christmas Photos

2011-11-08T17:27:00.000-08:00

I know this is totally off topic from regular scrapbooking, and my life, but I just wanted to let you know. Especially for those that are local.

I am going to do some Mini-Christmas Card Sessions. It's a 30 minute session. You will get 20 edited photos: 10 color and 10 black and white, 25 Christmas Cards for $125. Please book by December 2. I will post some Christmas Card Samples shortly!

November Memory Works Express

2011-11-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

November 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper

{1} 12x12 Wonderland - North Country (Prima)

{1} 12x12 Glacier Roads - North Country (Prima)

{1} 12x12 Manie Meadows - North Country (Prima)

{1} 12x12 Dot - Blitzen (BoBunny)

{1} 12x12 Stockings - Blitzen (BoBunny)

{1} 12x12 Reindeer Fly - Holly Jolly (My Mind's Eye)

Solid Cardstock

{1} 12x12 Cranberry Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{1} 12x 12 Spruce Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{1} 12x12 Frost Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{1} 12x12 Oatmeal Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

Embellishments

{1} 12x12 ABC's Stickers - Jingle (Lilybee Designs)

{1} 12x12 Tis the Season Transparency (Fancy Pants)

{6} Blitzen Noteworthy Die Cut Shapes - Assorted Styles & Sizes (BoBunny)

{4} Kraft and White Die Cut Snowflakes - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)

{3} Kraft Mini Tags - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)

{3} Chipboard Snowflakes - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Maya Road)

{3} Antique Gem Trinket Pins (Maya Road)

{3} North Country Avon Roses - Assorted Colors (Prima)

{5} North Country Essentials II Flowers - Assorted Colors (Prima)

{12} Joyeaux Noel Buttons - Assorted Sizes (Buttons Galore)

{1} ½ Yard Brown Crepe ¾" Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Olive Silk ¼" Ribbon (May Arts)

{1} ½ Yard Red Sheer Box Pleat Ribbon (May Arts)

Cards

{2} 3x6 Cranberry Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{2} 3x6 Spruce Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{1} 3x6 Frost Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{1} 3x6 Oatmeal Stationary (Lilybee Designs)

{6} 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ Clear Envelopes

It's that time of year already??? Time to prepare for the holidays. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. Please let me know if you are interested in ordering this months kit.

Have a great evening!

Halloween Photos

2011-11-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

We started our Halloween weekend at our friend's house. Every year (for the last 10), we go to her house for a pumpkin carving party. Our pumpkin is the 5th one from the left with the big smile.

Look how thrilled Erik looks.

The next for are from school at our Fall Festival

Our Grade level was Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Wolfie let me take his picture for once. It's the nicest one I've taken in a long time.

Maddie at the cupcake walk.

Obviously he had a cupcake already.

After school, when Erik got home. Probably one of my favorite photos ever. JoJo loves his Daddy.

All of us before Trick or Treating. Notice Erik has become a criminal. I was an awesome costume maker with the black electrical tape.

The kids had a lot of fun. I just hate that Halloween fell on a Monday this year. It makes it hard for the rest of the week.

Enjoy your day. I'm home today...daycare is closed. Maybe I'll finish my scrapbook page that's been sitting on my craft table for over a week.

Boo!

2011-10-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Have a Spooktastic Halloween! I will have plenty of fun photos to share after the candy-gorging. Why oh why does Halloween fall on a Monday?

Friday iPhone Fun

2011-10-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

I took a few pictures this week with Mariphone. We spent a lot of time outside this week. The weather has been sooo nice. We had a cold front move in the other day. We even got a little bit of rain.

The cutest police officer, EVER!!! Do you know how many times he's said "I'm a police officer. What's Dad going to be? A prisoner?" I can't wait until Halloween.

Seriously??? You have to warn people that a taser can shock you and incapacitate someone? Isn't that what they're for?

Maddie's hideous costume. I look 10 in this photo. It must be the graininess? Or maybe it's the mask? Maybe to look younger and less wrinkled you should have your husband, friend, child, etc. wear one too.

Wolfie doing cool Ninja tricks

JoJo with "JoJo" the body that his daycare lady traced. I put "JoJo" in timeout too. The real JoJo got a kick out of that one.

Blog Your Heart

2011-10-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

This will be a monthly theme, as prompted by Stephanie Howell. I did this last month. And it's time again.

1. Let's start out lighthearted and fun. I LOVE Apple products. Truly, I can't thank Steve Jobs enough. They really are truly the best inventions ever. Erik and I can buy music and it automatically downloads through iCloud. Not only that, but now all iPhone users get free text messages through iMessage if they update. Apple products are a true product of human genius. I mean if you really think about...could you ever be so creative as to change the world?

Now to more serious business:

2. Wolfie has been having a bit of trouble. I received a call from his catechism teacher. She said that he couldn't behave and I needed to come and pick him up. So I did. It's really embarrassing, especially if you're a teacher. The catechism teacher doesn't know that I'm a teacher. She just treats me like a second class citizen...to a child that misbehaves. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's true. Then this week she texted me because he hadn't been picked up. The only problem was that my husband was there, at the church, and they let my husband out late at the parent meeting. So he was there. But I just don't appreciate the attitude. It makes me feel like an irresponsible parent. Anyhow, back to the previous Sunday (with the phone call)...I grounded him. Except for apparently it didn't work because he also got a pink slip from a teacher at school about his behavior. One more pink slip and it's a write up. I can't help but think what is wrong with him. He has such a stubborn streak. It's been there ever since I can remember. I also worry that he is too smart. I know that probably sounds ridiculous. I'm a teacher and so I know that many people want their kids to be "Gifted." They want there kids to be tested to show how smart they are. I'm not saying I want Wolfie to be less smart. I just don't want to have the problems associated with a highly intelligent child. I'm not saying he's gifted because he's mine. It's because he is and it's causing problems. Everything has to be done in a linear way for him. If it diverges from his plan, then he has a major problem with it. This probably makes no sense. All I'm trying to say is I want my kid to be normal and stop getting in trouble.

3. Erik's Job: I find his job highly rewarding. I know that he does too. I know that he has helped people and that has given us both a sense of satisfaction. I like to see him happy. When he is happy, then I am happy. I like that he is helping others. He has spent this week in CID which is an investigation unit...basically detective work. This week (8 a.m.-4p.m.) has been a stark contrast to his last 4 weeks. He had Graveyards for the last four weeks. It was Hell. I mean complete and utter Hell. If he wasn't gone, then he was sleeping. I was in charge of EVERYTHING. I feel selfish about that. However, I also feel that I didn't sign up to be a single mother either. I didn't sign up to be alone and handle all of the household chores, problems, and happenings. Then he tells me today that it might be an entire year of graveyards. How am I supposed to handle that? Am I supposed to do some happy dance? Because I'm not happy about that. I knew going in that the hours would not be easy. I knew that. I did. It's just so HARD. This is such an adjustment.

4. JoJo is completely obsessed with Erik. Whatever Erik does, he wants to do. I LOVE this so much. I want my boys to look up to him and be the man he is. This Halloween JoJo wants to be a policeman. His costume is so adorable. I will share pics later this week. Erik is going to be his prisoner.

5. I love my family. I do. That doesn't mean my immediate family of three boys and my husband (though I love them more than the world). I mean my brothers and my dad. My dad is the smartest man I know. He has fought his ass off to ensure the success of our family. I think that he is one of the most loyal people on the Earth. I think that he is the one responsible for so many of my characteristics. The good things I see in myself are the things that my dad has always been so adamant about. There are so many things I say to my children that my dad said to us our entire lives. I think every parent has regrets about things that could have been done better, but I think my dad did a wonderful job.

6. And as always, I am thankful to this blog. It is my outlet to share things. It is my place to remember. To have a space in my life that I keep. So that some day I can go back and scrapbook all of this.

Wow, I guess that was pretty heartfelt for one day. I wish you a Good Night!

JoliPrint-Pretty Useful :)

2011-10-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

I think I've mentioned it here before, but joliprint.com is a really cool site. Say you want to print a webpage or blog article. Well this site prints it in a PDF format. It looks really nice and you can save it to your computer as well as print it. I wanted to print something from Paint the Moon.net...about aspect ratios and cropping photos. I knew I would want to reference it later so I just copied and pasted the post at JoliPrint.com and this is what it came out as. (these are my screen shots so if they're a bit fuzzy that's why)

I just showed the first two pages, but you can see it comes out pretty nice. This can come in handy with pretty much everything. If you want to see what the blogpost looked like before then just go here.

You will be able to see how it transfers it into a document. Happy Printing!

Post #300

2011-10-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

JoJo pigging out on a lollipop given to him by the people in the next picture.

Some old people down by the river...j/k...Erik's grandparents, who by the way are still young at heart.

Maddie went on a fieldtrip this week. He's somewhere in there with the 150 other kids.

Playing in the yard.

Please note that the photos above really have nothing to do with this post. I just didn't want to do a pictureless post. Also, the photos are from Mariphone. You've already met her. This is my 300th post! Isn't that exciting? It's just a random one. I just wanted to let you know that I want to start crafting again. I really, really do. I haven't made anything in months. I just HATE my office right now. The kids come in here and trash it. Plus, we have extra furniture in here now. And the corner is full of random stuff that shouldn't be in here. So, I'm going to clean this place out. I'm going to do it and get rid of stuff I DON'T want in here. I also have a lot of paper that I don't use anymore, and I get more monthly with the kits I subscribe to. What I'm saying is I need to make room in here. So, please stay tuned for some giveaways on here. I'm going to give away the paper and supplies I don't need or use anymore. It won't be junkie, I promise. I also wanted to leave you with just a few of JoJo's cute quotes. My boys say the most crazy things sometimes and I share them on Facebook. I just wanted to share a few here. So here you go:

*On Fall Break JoJo came running out of the bathroom screaming that there was a cockroach in the bathroom. (It was actually a beetle) I asked him if it was dead or alive. He said it was still working. Which I guess to him, means still alive.

*JoJo got some handcuffs in a goody bag from his Great Grand Parents. He calls them his "arresters" or also his "handcuffers" He likes to arrest people, at home and daycare.

*A few months ago, Maddie pinched Wolfie. I asked him, "Why did you do that?" He said, "Because you said after I cleaned my room I could do whatever I wanted."

*Things I never thought I would have to say: "Wolfie, don't throw cats at people! They have claws!" Next one: "Wolfie, stop chasing your brother with a rake in the house!" And, "JoJo, why are you playing with the tweezers in the sandbox?"

Have a good night :)

Let it Snow-Sneak Peak

2011-10-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

Please let me know if you are interested in ordering. Don't forget to check out my website for tons of new and awesome products!

Have a Happy Sunday!

Meet My Mistress

2011-10-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

I would have told sooner, but our internet was down for a few days. That's right people...I have a mistress and here she is...

Her name is Mariphone (clever play on words, I know). Please note that is not actually her, but she's not so good at taking self portraits. I have wanted an iPhone for soooo long, and I finally got one. Erik got one and I was jealous and had to have one too. Let me just say, What was I waiting for? We are all Apple products here. I love them. They are the best invention, ever. I love my phone because it has my books, my music, and a camera. Did I ever tell you I love Instagram? Probably not, but I was so thrilled to get it! I love being able to take pictures on the go. As you know, I love to take pictures and carrying a full size camera is not always convenient. I am pleased with this new addition to my life. I'm going to share a few photos here. And I would also like to take a moment to remember Steve Jobs.

He was really a true visionary. He brought about changes and technology that we would never have dreamed of. He was also a very inspirational person. May he rest in peace.

Here are just a few of the photos I took this week:

I will see about creating a template to make the photo sharing easier. Anyhow, enjoy your Friday night. I'm on the last day of Fall Break...back to work Monday...it went too fast.

October MWExpress Kit Reveal

2011-10-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

Can you believe September is over? I just can't. It went by so unbelievably fast. Here is the new October Kit from Memory Works...just in time for all of your Halloween Crafts.

October Ideas Express

October 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper

{1} 12x12 Haunted - Phantom (Pink Paislee)

{1} 12x12 Apparition - Phantom (Pink Paislee)

{1} 12x12 Enchanted - Glowing (Authentique)

{1} 12x12 Thrill - Glowing (Authentique)

{1} 12x12 Afterglow - Glowing (Authentique)

{1} 12x12 Damask - Haunted Hallows (Teresa Collins)

Solid Cardstock

{1} 12x12 Blackberry Swirl (Bazzill)

{1} 12x 12 Tangerine (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Hummingbird (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Almond Cream (Bazzill)

Embellishments

{1} 8x12 Element Stickers - Haunted Hallows (Teresa Collins)

{1} 6x8 Diction Stickers - Glowing (Authentique)

{1} 4x6 Black Petite Type Square Letter Stickers (Authentique)

{1} 4x6 Cream Petite Type Circle Letter Stickers (Authentique)

{1} 4x7 Hallows Eve Rub-on (Bo Bunny)

{1} Haunted Title Glitter Cut (Fancy Pants)

{1} Scary Swoosh Glitter Cut (Fancy Pants)

{1} 3" Black Crystal Flourish (Zva Creative)

{1} 3x4 Halloween Mini Bingo Card (Jenni Bowlin)

{2} Black Doily Flowers (Jenni Bowlin)

{4} Glazed Brads - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Teresa Collins)

{1} ½ Yard Orange & Black Gingham Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Orange with Black Dots Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Black with Black Swirl Organdy (Creative Impressions)

Cards

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Blackberry Swirl (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Tangerine (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Hummingbird (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Almond Cream (Bazzill)

{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

At Last...Pics from our Colorado Trip

2011-10-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

Let's pretend this happened last week...though it didn't. I've just never posted pictures. This was our first trip without Erik. He had just started the Police Academy, and he couldn't go. My boys had to go, though, to meet their German relatives. ***Photos are in reverse order***

All of us at Wally's

Sisters

See the thrill in these kid's faces? Later one of these glasses of water would land in my Mother-in-Law's lap. Thank you, Waiter, for not getting the water on my camera.

Telluride is seriously dangerous skiing. I will never attempt skiing in this location...I would never survive. I will probably never ski as it is. I just wanted to state it for the record.

Waterfall outside of Telluride

Just outside of Telluride

Bank Robbery...right across the street from our motel...It's exciting people.

When you come from the desert, you don't know what snow is and that's why you go barefoot in it, or wear flip-flops.

No makeup, 9 hour drive...cut me some slack, people. (Red Mountain Pass.)

Driving over Red Mountain

I'll be back later today with some more posts...I'm really behind.

Oops, I did it again...

2011-09-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

*Please excuse the poor photos in the post. The photos in the layout are no longer available due to a computer crash, and I was too lazy to pull the page out of the page protector.

This is a layout I did a long time ago portraying Maddie's broken collarbone that he received at Open Gym. The first time I ever took three boys anywhere, he had to roll off of a mat that was three inches high and break his collarbone. As soon as he fell he started crying and wanted an icepack. I had JoJo in one of those sling things you carry 10 day old babies in. I told Maddie he was fine and that "this place doesn't have any icepacks." It turns out not only did they have icepacks, but they were cute bunny shaped icepacks. After a grilling from the doctor about what happened to him...it was terrible and I finally got mad and told them they could go ahead and call the facility about it because there was a report...it was discovered that he fractured his collarbone.

You can barely see Maddie in the corner picture with his ridiculous brace on. He is laughing at himself in the picture.

And here we go again...same arm, same facial expression, different brace.

He got tackled at recess by Julian who he says is not his friend. He was at lunch, but apparently now that he's out of PE and recess for six weeks, he's not.

From past experience, I know I have two days of good behavior...after that he'll be back to his old self again.

Waiting...12x12 Layout

2011-09-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Supplies: I don't know...I'm not sure if it's a Studio Calico Kit or a Memory Works kit...I promise to do a better job remembering.

I love blogging. It sort of acts like a journal in a way. It's a place I can record my thinking, or our family's story and later be able to reference back to it. I've shared these pictures on here before, and now I've finally put them in a layout. My eventual goal is to go back through and put a lot of what is on here into our scrapbook.

I like that this is a place where I can record my feelings about things, whether they are good, bad, happy, or even sad. I feel like in a way I haven't been doing that lately. That's why I appreciated and participated in "Blog From Your Heart." It has sort of gotten me to be more reflective these last few days. In being reflective, and looking back through posts, I've realized that I haven't shared many pictures of what we have done this summer. Albeit, it hasn't been that much. I like to share those things. How does life get so busy that we forget to do the things we love?

The other day, JoJo got into Erik's email so he could watch him get tazed. For some reason he is obsessed with that. Anyway I had to get the iPad away from him and make sure he wasn't sending random emails to people. He had clicked on this folder. I don't remember what it was titled, but I found that Erik had saved this post from almost a year ago, in his folder. It made me happy that something I wrote meant so much to him that he saved it so he could read it again.

This last week has been a hard one. Erik has worked late, and he's working all weekend. Wolfie got in trouble at school. Not major trouble, just a pink slip. He's grounded now, and that adds it's own stress to things. My kitchen is a mess. (Maddie is in here. He's impressed that I can look at him and still type.) My house is a mess.

Today, is a slow down day. I'm not going to go to Wal-Mart. I think I'll clean up this office, clean up this house, do some scrapbooking. But, first, me and Maddie are going to paint a castle.

Haunted Sneak Peak

2011-09-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

That's the sneak for October's Kit. Can you believe we are already halfway through September? It's crazy how fast time is going. Anyway, visit my website for ordering information!

Blog Your Heart

2011-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

This was a prompt from Stephanie Howell's blog. I've been reading her blog for a few years now. The first time I read her blog, and I loved it. Anyway, she has challenged us to "blog from the heart" so here goes.
****warning this post may be jumpy and random, but I guess that's how my brain goes...

My life is happy, and wonderful, and beautiful. I am married to a man that I am still so in love with it is unbelievable. He is everything to me, and I feel that I would not be me without him.

This summer has been so hard. Erik started the police academy 19 weeks ago. It has totally changed our lives. It has changed him so much. I love the happiness and excitement I see in him. It has totally changed our summer, though. We are the hunting, fishing, camping family, and we have done none of those things this year. We've made two day trips to the lake this summer. We haven't even opened up our camping trailer.

Bits and pieces are coming out from Erik, and I can't help but feel guilty that he kept his job the last ten years to make me happy. I don't mean that he thought, gee I can't quit because it will make Mariah unhappy, but I think he did it for so long for that reason. I know he wasn't entirely happy with his work. He needs to be challenged, to have something to look forward to, to work towards. I feel bad that sometimes I feel that he wasted his last ten years, though he insists he didn't and appreciates it all, trying to make sure I was happy. That makes me feel a little sad. Sad that he was always free to choose the path he wanted. But I feel like he didn't have the faith in me to be able to handle or deal with the change. I could handle it. Maybe I'm being selfish making it about me. I know that he didn't want to cause division with my family. But, there wouldn't have been division. Sometimes, I wish too, that he would have been appreciated more in the last 10 years for the man he is. That more faith and responsibility would have been placed in his hands. I think things would have been different. He is so smart, and capable, and such a good leader. In his current position now, he is so respected and looked up to by everyone, and I'm proud of that.

I've realized to this summer that my children will probably never have cousins from my brothers. My brothers will probably never have children of their own. That saddens me, deeply. My maiden name will not be carried on. I'm proud of that name. I'm proud of my family, living, and dead for the things they have done to make that name. I wanted so badly to be an aunt. I wanted some little girls in our family so they could have sleepovers at my house. I could fix their hair, paint their nails, and buy them cute clothes. This will probably never happen.

I'm tired of competition. I'm not really a competitive person. I'm not. There are only a few things in life that I really care about. My family, my job. Basically, I guess that's all. I'm so tired of being in this one upping contest. I'm not playing. I don't want to play. That song, "Whatever you can do, I can do better," that's what I feel it's like. I can do something but you can do it better. I don't want to play, I never wanted to get in the game. I'm not playing. But, I feel that I'm being dragged in everyday. I can't say anything without a one upped comment. I'm tired of it.

I wish I had one great friend. One friend that was like a sister to me. One friend that has kids, and things in common with me. That believes in the same things I believe in. That I could count on if I needed anything. That I could tell my deepest, darkest secrets to and not be judged for them.

And, if you made it this far...thanks for reading.

F-Stop Frenzy Weekly Challenge-Water

2011-09-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Playing with the hose=superfun. At least at my house. My boys are outside with the water hose everyday during the summer...sans clothing. I wanted a different perspective in my photos so I focused on their feet.

P.S. I am aware that someday the will completely resent me taking photos of them in their underwear and posting them on the internet. (Get over it...in advance...and if you didn't like it you should've kept your clothes on)

Remembering...

2011-09-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Remembering that fateful day 10 years ago, that plunged our world into chaos, and great change. God Bless all those who died, those who lost their loved ones, and those who risked their lives to save others. Thank God for freedom and those who die defending it.

10 Years Layout

2011-09-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Sassafras, Mistable ribbon?...from Studio Calico Kit

I stayed home from work today with the stomach flu :( My only hope is that the kids don't get it too. I made this layout a few weeks ago, when I became addicted to the Mini-Misters, and misted every layout I made that day. Well, I guess that's all for today. I'm not in a typing mood really. I'm just trying to keep myself awake so I can sleep tonight. Have a good evening.

My First Wedding Shoot

2011-09-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

It was with much reluctance that I finally decided to take photographs for a wedding. I've always been too scared to mess up someone's big day. It involves flash, something I knew nothing about. But I decided to go ahead and take the leap. I truly enjoyed it. I really had to study up on flash photography, and light. I was such a nervous wreck. I rented an awesome lens (that I have to return tomorrow...tear), and practiced with the kids outside. So, here are a few of the wedding photos. I still have a ton to edit, but I got these few done and I wanted to share them. There are color and black and white conversions of the same photos. I hope you enjoy...

Book Recommendation

2011-08-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I'm in a weird mood...the kind you get into when you listen to Counting Crows, and Blind Melon. But, mainly when you listen to Counting Crows. It's sort of a quiet, contemplative mood. This summer is slipping away. Tomorrow will be September. I love this time of year, when you're grasping at the last of the hot, hot weather but so ready for the cool respite of fall. (I'm mainly awaiting respite for my electric bill.) It has been a strange summer for us. A time for transition into the new, but with that comes the inability to travel, and camp. We actually made it to the lake this last weekend. I'll post pics soon. It was our first trip this summer. Anyhow, I am rambling. Let's get to the title of this post. A book recommendation...

What a beautiful story this is. I have about 60 pages left, so I'm writing this, hoping the last pages won't totally blow it. I jest you, people. I love the flow of this novel. It's a piece of historical fiction set in the 1800s in Puerto Rico. If you have ever read Bless Me, Ultima or Like Water For Chocolate, then you will like this book. It is the story of Ana who travels to Puerto Rico to fulfill her dream of making it in the New World. There are so many topics for discussion...slavery, women's rights, adultery, child rearing. If you belong to a book club, you might suggest this book for it. There are so many subjects to discuss. I will be reading the book, "When I was Puerto Rican," also by the same author. I like her writing style. I'll let you know how I like that one as well.

It is time for homework, and clean up. So I will be going. I'm wishing you a good evening.

Almost September...

2011-08-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

"Harvest" September MWExpress Kit

Patterned Paper

{1} 12x12 Countryside - Farmhouse (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Cross Stitch - Farmhouse (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Cupboard - Farmhouse (Crate Paper)

{1} 12x12 Memories - Lost & Found 2 (My Minds Eye)

{1} 12x12 Silly Stripe - Stella & Rose (My Minds Eye)

{1} 12x12 Dusk - Forever Fall (Bo Bunny)

Solid Cardstock

{1} 12x12 Papaya Puree Dark (Bazzill)

{1} 12x 12 Suede Brown Dark (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Sugar Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Kraft (Bazzill)

Embellishments

{1} 6x12 Phrase Stickers - Farmhouse (Crate Paper)

{1} 6x12 Border Stickers - Farmhouse (Crate Paper)

{1} 6x12 Woodgrain Mini Alphas (Sassafras)

{3} 5x8 Ribbon Edge Chipboard Banners (Fancy Pants)

{2} Cream Notions Patterned Flowers (Studio Calico)

{6} Pyrus Glazed Brads - Assorted Styles & Sizes (BasicGrey)

{4} Memories Eclectic Buttons - Assorted Styles & Sizes (My Minds Eye)

{1} ½ Yard Timber & Cream Gingham Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Jumbo Mustard Rick Rack (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Antique Ruler Twill (Creative Impressions)

{1} ½ Yard Natural Twine (Creative Impressions)

Cards

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Papaya Puree Dark (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Suede Brown Dark (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Sugar Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Spring Willow Medium (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Kraft (Bazzill)

{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

To order, please visit my website. There are tons of new products available. Go check them out.

What Was I Thinking?

2011-08-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

So, I've always been reluctant to try shooting in RAW. In the words of my title, "What was I thinking?" Seriously. I have always looked at a few other photographers' work and thought, "Why don't my pictures have that crispness to them or that color?" Well I figured that out the other day when I took the leap and decided to take a few pictures in RAW. This required downloading a driver for Photoshop to enable my camera to "sync" or whatever you call it with Adobe Bridge. I opened the images (after my 8 minute download and setup process) and almost fell out of my chair. It was everything I always wanted my photos to be. The color and crispness were AMAZING!

Now, you might ask yourself why this is important if you are just taking photos of your family to scrapbook. Then, there is always the issue of dealing with and managing the large file sizes of the images. In answer to number one, I probably won't shoot in RAW everyday. This goes with question 2. The file sizes are huge. I don't want to take up all of the memory on my computer. I am recommending that you shoot in RAW when you are taking important pictures of special occasions, or photo shoots with your family, or your Christmas Card pictures, etc., etc.

In my opinion there are several huge advantages of shooting in RAW. One is being able to choose your White Balance Setting (basically the color of light) easily. Have you ever noticed that sometimes your photos look yellow, or blue, or green, or red. That's your white balance. The next thing is the greater range of flexibility with your Exposure (brightness) of your photos. Now, I must admit, I thought, "hey what's the big deal with this? I can fix it in PhotoShop." And yes this is true for the most part. It does take extra work but it's possible. This is where I advocate for the third and most worthwhile reason to me...THE AMAZING COLOR AND CRISPNESS of the photos. It has really changed so much for me...in one evening of snapshot shooting. I mean I don't know how these pictures look on your monitors (due to calibration issues and such), but on mine the boys are basically jumping out at me.

Okay, so all in all, if you wish to shoot a few photos in RAW then there are few things to know. Number 1: Your camera must be capable of doing this. Number 2: You must have a way to process your photos from a RAW format to JPEG. Adobe Camera Raw, iPhoto, and I'm sure there are tons of others. Number 3: The file size is really pretty large.

I can't wait to share more photos with you. I have to take some more first. And if you would like anymore information on this topic, or you have any photography questions in general, feel free to ask in the comments or email me. I will be happy to help.

And P.S. I made my husband look at these pictures about 50 times and he agrees with everything I'm saying about them :)

Birthday Layout

2011-08-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Supplies are from one of the Memory Works Express Kits

This was Wolfie's birthday last year. I'm a year behind. I did some scrapbooking this weekend. The only problem is the layouts don't have pictures on them. I was having problems with my internet connection so I couldn't print any pictures. Plus, I've been too cheap to buy ink cartridges for my printer. Maybe I'll go this week. I think I have to return a flash I bought for my camera anyway. Might as well kill two birds with one stone. Okay, people that's all for today. Except to say that I have the best neighbors. My neighbor surprised us with a pork roast. I don't have to cook dinner tonight!

I Heart Faces/Beautiful Eyes

2011-08-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

This Week's theme at I Heart Faces is beautiful eyes. Look at those beautiful eyelashes!!! This was taken during one of my favorite photo shoots ever. This two year old cutie did such a great job. If you want to enter a photo, just follow the link above.

August Memory Works Express/Best Day Ever

2011-08-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

August 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper

{1} 12x12 Celebrate - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 12x12 It's Your Day - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 12x12 Let's Party - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 12x12 Toasted Marshmallows - Campfire (October Afternoon)

Solid Cardstock

{1} 12x12 Tomato Stationary (Lily Bee Designs)

{1} 12x 12 Butter Stationary (Lily Bee Designs)

{1} 12x12 Tangerine Stationary (Lily Bee Designs)

{1} 12x12 Office Blue Stationary (Lily Bee Designs)

Embellishments

{1} 12x12 Flash Cards - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 12x12 6x4 Vertical Elements - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 12x12 6x8 Photo Mats Elements - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 12x12 Sheet Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers - Happy Day (Simple Stories)

{1} 5x9 Red & Black Sticky Keys Alphabet Stickers (October Afternoon)

{1} 3x3 B-Day Mini Clear Stamp (We R Memory Keepers)

{12} Pyrus Buttons - Assorted Colors & Sizes (BasicGrey)

{4} Brown Wooden Bingo Numbers (Maya Road)

{1} Party Acrylic Key Chain (Maya Road)

{4} Arrows & Stars Corrugated Shapes - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Jillibean Soup)

{3} Red Calendar Journaling Sprouts - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Jillibean Soup)

{1/2} Yard 1/2" Orange & White Dot Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1/2} Yard 1/2 " Apple & Cream Dot Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

{1/2} Yard 1/2" Red & White Dot Ribbon (Creative Impressions)

Cards

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Pomegranate Splash (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Tangelo Blast (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Lemon Bliss (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Hummingbird(Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Nougat (Bazzill)

{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

August Idea Express

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Also, don't forget to visit my website...new catalog items are being added. There are tons of beautiful stamps from Unity Stamps. Like this:

go to my website to check them out

I Heart Faces/ Friendship

2011-08-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at I Heart Faces is friendship.

Ridiculously Easy Layout

2011-08-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

Supplies are from Memory Works Express

This layout is the easiest layout known to man. Sassafras manufactures the patterned paper. It looks like I stitched on this page, mini-misted this page, and added fun textures. I didn't. The paper came with everything on it, even the space for the photo. All I did was add the picture, the journaling spot, the flower, and the letters. It took me less than five minutes.

WIL-Day 6 and Day 7

2011-08-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

Let me just preface this post by saying I have been soooo busy these last few days. I've barely been able to catch my breath.

Day 6
Today was my first official day of work. My mother in law (aka Grandma) was supposed to watch 1 boy. The other two were supposed to go to Daycare. But everyone wanted to go Grandma's house so she ended up taking all three. She watched all of them while packing up her house as they have sold it and are moving. I got off work...late. Then I went to pick up the kids from Grandma's house where I stuffed my face on pretzels and homemade jalapeno dip. When I got home I found trash all over my house. Thanks, dogs. Near bed time I realized that Wolfie left the iPad at Grandma's house so I had to go back over and get it. I felt like I wasn't even home today.

First early morning wake up.

I already picked up the trash before realizing I should take a picture of this. I had to sweep and mop...again. In this photo you see coffee grounds, and hair and other stuff I am unable to identify. Remember, from the haircuts?

Apparently making ice tea in your tea maker is extremely dangerous. That is why Wolfie is wearing a helmet.

Yes, this was dinner. I got home late due to face stuffing.

JoJo only eats the toppings. This is extremely annoying when he wants another piece and you tell him to eat his first piece to which he replies, "I already did" Ugh, but he so didn't.

Day 7

Backpacks ready to go to school

Look at this photo. See the thrill of school in their faces.

Homework the first day of school

The paragraph Wolfie had to write for homework...he had to pick someone he looked up to. I got a little teary-eyed.

WIL-Day 5

2011-08-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

New Shoes for school

Time for homework

A close up of Maddie's new school belt. It's reversible and Wolfie got one too.

Fresh brewed green tea.

My Shadow

Erik and the boys going around the block.

Tomatoes from the "dead" garden

Corn on the cob

Roast Chicken

This my friends is a damn joke. It's the meteorologist's sick joke of making us think we're going to get rain.

Haircuts

Nothing says Sunday like a gallon of gasoline, new shoes, clothes, and a skeleton belt on your outdoor table. Not really, I just thought it was a weird combination. Erik used the gas for the lawn mower and to shine his shoes.

Sunday...Sunday is my day to get ready for the week. It's usually a busy day of cleaning, washing clothes, and tying up things that need to be finished before Monday rolls around. But, I love Sunday. It's my favorite day of the week. I love to have everything ready and clean. I love to turn on the TV Sunday night and watch my favorite HBO shows with Erik.

WIL-Day 4

2011-07-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today was spent lazily. I went to the store, did laundry and cleaning (just like every other day). This afternoon, we went to a friend's birthday party at the park. We let the boys camp out in the living room tonight. We watched Pirates of the Caribbean together.

Cinnamon Roll Saturday...I buy these mini-bites and the kids think they get more cinnamon rolls this way. (insert evil laughter)

Grocery List...resulted in $200 grocery bill. I don't know how that happens every week, but I wish it didn't.

Apparently Cars was not entertaining enough to hold Erik's attention.

WIL-Day 3

2011-07-30T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a lazy day. I cleaned a few things around the house. The boys read, watched TV, and played. I read a book and finished it today...it was only 100 pages. It was my last Friday of summer vacation...

JoJo and Maddie's favorite breakfast...they still like this

JoJo and Jill waiting for the garbage truck. JoJo is telling Jill all about it.

Hiding from the garbage truck.

Watching the garbage truck is a Friday ritual at our house.

Bye-Bye garbage truck

Snuggle time with Fluffy

Maddie's music of choice. He loves Dolly Parton. He knows all the words to the songs. This will definitely be something we tease him about when he grows up.

Told you I cleaned.

Eggs for dinner...outside. Erik was supposed to get home about 6. I thought pancakes would be fun for dinner. He got out of work late and home about 7:45. I'm not a pancake maker, so the kids got eggs. It was still breakfast for dinner.

JoJo and Maddie playing "Did you steal my hay"

Wolfie was supposed to be in bed he came out dressed like this with his weapon. I had to take a picture, then promptly send him to bed so Erik and I could have time to talk at the table without 100 interruptions.

WIL-Day 2

2011-07-29T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today was spent cleaning, washing clothes, and editing photos (not these-from a session). Here are a few photos from the day. They are not edited, I have had quite a difficult time with my computer this morning. My internet is sssssllllooowww. The photos wouldn't import from my camera, then they got erased and I had to reinsert them. This has taken about 1.5 hours to do so here you have it. Blurry photos and all. It's Muphy's Law for Day 2.

This morning, Wolfie came out of his room dressed as this Star Wars Guy (I have know idea who)

My hallway at 8:30 a.m. Isn't it lovely?

I would like to know how this much damage can be done to a kitchen while I'm sleeping. It was clean last night. What happened??

My laundry helper. He's also my "little forklift" for putting towels away. He really likes laundry and if I do it with out him, he gets mad. Can't wait until he's old enough to do it all by himself (at which time he will hate it). Such is the irony of life.

My second cup of coffee...because I needed it.

The street sweeper was outside. JoJo is obsessed with all heavy machinery.

Morning Snack: Popcorn with chile.

Most delicious lunch ever: Tunafish sandwich, chips, and chocolate milk

Erik and I after lunch relaxing on the bench seat.

Jill is super excited about my monthly kit from Studio Calico. I am too. We just get each other :)

I tried numerous times to put him down for a nap. I came out of the office and found him sleeping on the love seat like this.

Our Bakugan friends that sat with Erik and I while we watched the boys play outside...in their underwear.

Bedtime snacks.

(sorry for the blurry photos)

For dinner we had homemade green chile enchiladas. My neighbor's fridge broke so she brought us some of her food (enchiladas, rice, and whip cream) We have the best neighbors.

A Week in the Life 2011-Day 1

2011-07-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

I am embarking once again on "A Week in the Life." Here are a few photos from Day 1.

Checking to see if the Toothfairy came last night.

Some little monsters showed up in my bed in the middle of the night.

Erik's shined boots and a dirty sock? It's the first thing I saw this morning when I came into the living room.

Erik eating a quick breakfast after PT.

Acting normal for the camera because I told him all of his other pictures looked ridiculous.

My classroom waiting to get set up and ready for new little first graders.

Saying Grace before dinner which consisted of left overs from a roast chicken. The boys love the potatoes so I try to make extras.

Eating applesauce requires full concentration from JoJo.

Maddie's missing tooth. He has lost three in the past two weeks. I love his little holes. It won't be long before their gone :( Signs that he's growing up.

Erik's nightly ritual of shoe shining.

Bedtime stories (please ignore stupid look on my face-i was reading). This summer we've been reading Uncle Wiggly's Adventures. We read a chapter or two each night. My grandmother used to read us this book when we went to stay with her in Illinois during the summer. We would sit around the kitchen table and eat popsicles. Sometimes the raccoons would come and get into the trashcans and we'd run out to the porch and watch them. Wolfie is really enjoying the book, and he wants to read more every night. He begs me to let him take it to his room and read it on his own. But, I tell him this is something special that I want to do together.

That's all for Day 1. I'll be back tomorrow with Day 2!

4th of July Layout

2011-07-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Memory Works Express July 2011, Ranger: Glossy Accents, Copic Markers.

I actually used Glossy Accents on this project. The star on the layout was chipboard. I colored it with a red Copic Marker then topped it off with Glossy Accents. It looks pretty cool. It was my first time using Glossy accents, but I loved it! It was super easy to use.

I will be doing a Week in the Life again. I'm not sure if I will start Wednesday or wait until next week. We're wrapping up summer around here. It is our last week...insert sad sigh. I have to get my room ready this week. I officially start on Monday, and the boys start Wednesday. If I do Week in the Life next week, I'll catch the start of school action, but then I'll also be SUPER busy. So there is my predicament. Well I wish you all a good day. Yesterday was my dad's birthday...So Happy Birthday Dad!

A Few of Our Wedding Photos

2011-07-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Erik and I had a beautiful wedding. It was fun, wild, and memorable. It is hard to believe that this day happened 10 years ago tomorrow. These pictures make me smile. It was such a happy day, and it's been such a happy 10 years. It's unbelievable how quickly time has gone by. We have three boys now. Erik and I were talking the other day. In our next decade of marriage our boys will grow up. They will be getting ready to leave the house. Wolfie will be 18 and on his way to college. Maddie will be driving. JoJo will be starting high school. I really could not have chosen a better person to be my partner in life, to help me grow up, and shape me into who I am today.

Randomness

2011-07-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

Simple Stories "25 Days of Christmas"

Hi there, everyone! I just wanted to show you the last of the new lines from Memory Works. They really are FABULOUS! Also, I will be partaking in a "Week in the Life" once again this year. I did it last year, and it's really fun to look back at the week. Our family has come a long way with many changes this year. If you want to see it just click on the "Week in the Life" at the top of my blog (email subscribers will actually have to visit the blog and click on the link). I do have to confess that I have scrapbooked none of the photos. But I do have them recorded here on the Blog. I would also like to add that I actually did some scrapbooking this week. It's the first time since February! Every time I come into my office I just feel like I'm hitting my head against the wall. The other day I finally decided that it was ridiculous and the only way to over come this block was to plow through it. I did photograph the layouts. However, I was too lazy to download them, edit them, and upload today. Don't worry, I will post them this week.

On another and totally unrelated note...has anyone been watching the Tour De France? I love this event. You should really check it out if you haven't. The French Countryside is beautiful. Please have a good night. I will be posting layouts later this week.

Beautiful New Simple Stories

2011-07-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Memory Works will soon be releasing brand new Simple Stories Collections. They are beautiful! Not only are they releasing new lines, but they have joined up with Unity Stamps. Each line is accompanied with matching stamp sets!!!!

Please go here to see more of the lines because these few photos do not do it justice. And as always, if you are interested in ordering please feel free to email me or visit my website.

Book Reccomendation

2011-07-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

This summer I have spent a lot of time reading. When I was young...growing up I spent my summers reading. I would read a novel a day, starting early in the morning and reading nonstop into the night until the book was finished. I started reading the George R.R. Martin novel, Game of Thrones when I watched the HBO series. I'm now on the third installment of the series. I'm telling you, if you read no other books, then read these. If you enjoyed The Hobbit, or Lord of the Rings, or the stories of King Arthur and his knights, then these books are for you. They are beautifully written. The one expectation I would say not to have of them is finishing them in one day. I believe the first book was about 580 pages. The Clash of Kings was 893 pages and A Storm of Thrones is over 1000 pages.

And, I guess in conclusion, reading has taken over most of my other hobbies this summer. But, it is my most dear friend. One that I neglected for a while. And you know how it is when you rejoin with an old friend. It's like no time has passed, and you pick up right where you left off.

Giving it a Try

2011-07-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

I downloaded some new frames and I'm trying to see how they work. The A family photo shoot had so many photos I'm trying to see if I can get them into frames so it won't take up so much space on the blog. So, stay tuned because I will have many more pictures up in the next few days. With or without frames :)

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P.S. I just realized I put this on the wrong blog...oops. It was supposed to go to my photography blog.

Huntin' Trip 12x12 Layout

2011-07-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

I don't remember the supplies...I think BoBunny?

Every year after Christmas Day the "men" in the family take a duck hunting trip. This year, only Wolfie went. He took his new BB gun that Santa brought him. I love the pictures. My father in law took them with a point and shoot. He did a great job of capturing the action, and later the exhaustion of getting up at 5 am and walking for a few miles will bring.

Enjoy your day!

I Heart Faces/Red, White, and Blue

2011-07-05T08:26:00.000-07:00

This week's I Heart Faces theme is red, white and blue. And since I forced everyone (including my husband's grandma) to take pictures in front of Old Glory a few years ago, I knew I had just the photo.

I took this photo on my son's 1st birthday. He was born on July 5. Today is his 4th birthday. He looks pretty much the same except he is bigger. He keeps telling everyone he is six years old. I guess because his brother is six years old.

We had a nice weekend. We just stayed home and JoJo had his birthday party. I made him a tractor cake because he is obsessed with tractors. I'll have some crafty stuff to share later this week. And if I'm up to it, maybe even a sketch.

Have a good day!

It's July...Time for the New Memory Works Kit

2011-07-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

This is the new Independence Kit from Memory Works

July 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper

1} 12x12 Liberty (Bo Bunny)

{1} 12x12 Freedom - Liberty (Bo Bunny)

{1} 12x12 Stripe - Liberty (Bo Bunny)

{1} 12x12 Patriotic Polka dot (My Minds' Eye)

{1} 12x12 the Day We Celebrate (My Minds' Eye)

{1} 12x12 Shindig (BasicGrey)

Solid Cardstock

{1} 12x12 Cherry Splash (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Moody Blue (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 12x12 Almond Cream (Bazzill)

Embellishments

{1} Package Liberty Buttons (Bo Bunny)

{1} 12x12 American Made Die Cut Accessory Sheet (My Minds' Eye)

{1} 5 ¾ x 12 Life of the Party Mini Mono Stickers (BasicGrey)

{1} 5 ¾ x 12 Oliver Micro Mono Stickers (BasicGrey)

{3} Mini Triangle Banner Canvas Pieces (Maya Road)

{2} Mini Pennant Banner Canvas Pieces (Maya Road)

{2} Star Trinket Pins (Maya Road)

{3} White Ledger Transparencies - Assorted Shapes & Sizes (Maya Road)

{5} Chip Art Chipboard Stars - Assorted Shapes & Sizes (GCD)

{1} ½ Yard 5/8" Navy & White Dots Ribbon (May Arts)

{1} ½ Yard 5/8" Cream & White Dots Ribbon (May Arts)

{1} ½ Yard 5/8" Red & White Dots Ribbon (May Arts)

{2} Yards Natural Burlap Twine (May Arts)

Cards

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Cherry Splash (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Moody Blue (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Almond Cream (Bazzill)

{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Coconut Swirl (Bazzill)

{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelope

For ordering information, please go to my website.

I Heart Faces/A Touch of Whimsy

2011-06-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

This week's theme at I Heart Faces is A Touch of Whimsy. This is one of my friend's daughters. She wasn't feeling well and I caught her in the hallway on her way home.

On another note, I was in Colorado last week visiting relatives. I'll post a few pictures later in the week.

I Heart Faces/Let's Hear it for the Boys

2011-06-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

This week's theme at I Heart Faces is Let's Hear it for the Boys. This is my husband and his father wrestling in the garage. You would think that at 31 years old, my husband would be ready to grow up and stop wrestling with his dad. Apparently not. Do you know how much furniture and vases have been broken over the years?

Another 12x12 Layout

2011-06-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

From one of the Memory Works Express Kit

Our summer is in full swing. The only thing that is missing is rain! It is super, super dry here. Our state is on fire, and so are the neighboring states. I just wish we could have some rain. Other than that, I've really been enjoying this summer so far. This is the first year all of the boys have been old enough to take around easily. I did it in years past, but they were small and hard to keep in control. Plus there was that one occasion I took all of the boys out for the first time ever and Maddie broke his collar bone. That sort of scared me from attempting lone trips with three boys for a while. But alas, that was almost four years ago.

My husband is almost six weeks into his new job. He likes it, a lot. He is so much happier. It's funny how it has made such a difference in our life. I like that he gets to come home for lunch everyday. If he didn't, I would probably be insane...with him not home until 7:00-7:30 at night.

So far, this summer, I've been reading like a maniac. I'm very entrenched in the Anita Blake novels. They are soooo good. I'm on book 10 now. There are 20 in the series. So, I'm halfway. If you don't mind blood and guts, vampires, and magic then I recommend these books. The writing is excellent and well researched.

Well, I guess I should be going. I have so many pictures to edit. Tons, and that reminds me I haven't posted any here. Maybe I'll do that later in the week. Anyway, enjoy your day!

Brand New Trend Essentials...AWESOME!

2011-06-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite items from the Trend Essentials Collection. I already ordered some of them. They are so cute. Here are just a few. Hurry and order...supplies are limited. If your interested in ordering, go here.

Fancy Pants-Baby Mine (I ordered it)

BoBunny: Barefoot and Bliss (I ordered it)

BoBunny: Liberty

I Heart Faces/From a Distance

2011-06-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

This week's I Heart Faces challenge is "From a Distance." This was my first photo shoot of someone else's family. I caught this picture from a distance using my zoom lens. The baby was crying, and big sister scooped her up. I caught it, just in the knick of time. No posing, no awareness of the camera. Just a big sister loving and comforting her baby sister.

A "Slimy" Layout

2011-06-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

American Crafts: Cardstock, BoBunny?: Patterned Papers

I have done so little crafting that I am beginning to forget what manufacturer's products I am using. I am anxiously awaiting some pictures so I can begin my beautiful friend's album. I know you've heard me talking about it before. I'm excited to do something girly and "unfrog" related. We got rain again last night. It's a big deal to us desert rats. Facebook was lit up like a Christmas tree. Everyone was posting about the rain. It's that big of a deal. People seem to underestimate the power of Facebook. I, however, have found some very important information on that site. All of it has not been good, some of it sad. Very, very sad. But, I digress. I wish you a great Monday. I promise to post more crafty stuff. Hey, 2 crafty posts in a row. That's something. I'm patting myself on the back right now. Just kidding. Have a wonderful day!

How About Something Crafty

2011-06-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Supplies: American Crafts, Basic Grey, and some from the May 2011 MWExpress Kit: Bird, stickers, and flower paper (?)

It's been a while since my last crafty post. Sorry about that. I'm officially on summer vacation!!! Yeah!! It's so nice to not wake up at 5:20 a.m. We got rain last night! It has been 115 days since we had it. It was so nice. (Sorry I had to add that in.) I made this card for a friend who had a baby. A girl, of course, hence the pink card and flowers. I'm going to make an album for her as well. Ali Edwards shared a beautiful album she made for her daughter. I love how she used different sized page protectors in her album. I think I might have to try that. I wish you a great day, and stay tuned. I'll be sharing more projects as I have more time to craft :)

I Heart Faces/Best Face Photo for May

2011-05-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

This week's iheartfaces challenge is Best Face Photo for May. I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful family this weekend. Three grown children, their parents, and their children. They are truly a wonderful family. This is one of the grandchildren. Look at her eyes. I didn't even edit them. She has truly amazing eyes. Wait, the whole family does. I can't wait to share more photos.

I Heart Faces/Yellow

2011-05-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

This week's I Heart Faces challenge is yellow. This little girl has a tiny yellow bow. I had a lot of other choices for yellow...backhoes, bulldozers, etc. I thought I'd go with something softer and more girly. Since, my daily life is filled with boys and dirt.

Summer Reading (My Recommendations)

2011-05-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hi. Lately, I've started my reading habit again. I denied myself for a long time because once I start a book, I will not put it down. My husband was not so happy about this fact. I have realized, however, that reading makes me very happy. I will mention two things in this post. One, is my iPad, and the second are my book recommendations. My husband and I bought an iPad pretty much when they first came out. I think that they were basically the best inventions ever. Everything is at the touch of your fingertips. On my iPad, I have installed the Nook from Barnes and Noble. I prefer this "reading" app to the iBooks app. To me, it is much easier to use. I have also found that it offers far more titles at a cheaper price. Okay, so now to my recommendations.

I cannot recommend this series ENOUGH. It has everything in it: suspense, mystery, romance, great characters. This series is probably the best series I have ever read.

Another beautifully written novel. It is a classic. If you have ever read "The Hobbit" or "Lord of the Rings" this is a great book. It is far less tedious than "The Lord of the Rings." Exquisitely written!

This is another well written book. The first in a series as well. It is about fairies. A little strange, yes. It is a great read.

This is a beautiful love story. It reminds me of my grandfather as it is told from the perspective of an old man in assisted living. (Especially since the circus train passed through Joliet, Illinois). This book is just plain lovely.

I love Kay Scarpetta. I grew up reading these novels. If you love a good mystery, this is the book for you.

As much as I love Kay Scarpetta, I also love Alex Cross. Another great novel series that I've been reading for a very long time.

I just started this series. It has a great main character. Lots of suspense and supernatural events. I really enjoyed this book. I love when you can't stop thinking about a book after you put it down and no matter where you are, you wish you were home reading it. This is one of those books.

I guess, I have quite a varied taste when it comes to books. Although, I will say I love a good series. And if you have any other recommendations, please share them in the comments. I would really love to hear from you. Have a great evening!!

Adjusting...and a card

2011-05-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

Supplies are from MemoryWorks Express

Things have been crazy, busy around here. My husband started a new job. He leaves the house at 5 am and gets home about 7:30 to 8:00 pm. It's been hard adjusting to a brand new schedule, but we're finally getting used to it. The boys have been a huge help to me. They've picked up extra chores around the house. I think the worst part is just missing my husband. I miss not having him home to converse with. There is only so much you can discuss with your children. Plus, they seem interested in other things like playing outside or watching TV. How dare they. Don't they know I'm interesting? (haha) School is almost out, and I am really excited about that. I'm finally starting to feel crafty again. It's been so long since I have been. I think it was dealing with the unknown about my husband's job, and finally the anticipation to get started with it.

Maddie lost his front tooth this weekend, and he looks older all ready. My little monsters are growing up. Wolfie has Strep Throat, again!!! This is the third time since March. I don't know what we're going to do. I guess I'll disinfect everything again. I am pretty worried about it. I just want him to get over it.

There are so many posts, I'm behind on posting. I promise, I will get busy. Also, one of my good friends had a little baby girl. I'm making her an album. That means I get to make something girly!!! That is quite exciting for me. Well, I guess that is all for today. I have to make dinner before the kids start whining.