Life's Whimsical What-Nots

2012

2012-01-08T09:54:00.000-05:00

Well, here I am and it's only been 9 months since I've been on here. Good grief!! Out with the old and in with the new. I'm starting the Project Life thing this year. I bought the entire kit last year..turquoise edition! But never did it. In fact, I just opened the box. CRAZY! But, this year is going to be different. And! I'm going to blog my progress.

2012 is a big year for me. I will turn the big 4-0 this year! So, I've got some things on my "before I'm 40" bucket list. We'll see if they happen! One of those is to blog about my crafts. I LOvE to craft! Recently, I've gotten more into mixed media art, etc. which has been really fun! So, I hope to document that I here as well. I really want this to be my "display wall" it will be able to share it with others along the way as well.

So, I'm off to my craft room while the boys are out for a bit and will be back SOON with my PL updates! Is anyone doing PL too? Share with me!

Class today...

2011-03-13T11:16:00.000-04:00

Today I'm teaching a class at SHEA. It's ONLY $8 and we'll take a white 12x12 piece of cardstock and do this... I may add a few embellishments to mine, but loved creating my own background paper. I used Tattered Angels glimmer mist: Jingle Bells, Trunk Bay, Marmalade, Strawberry Shortcake Chalkboard and Mint Chocolate Chip Chalkboard. Some TA masks. It was fun!!! I'll post the pics of my class for April soon. A 12x12 layout + 2 cards. Super fun!

Back at it...

2011-02-24T22:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to the blog world!!! I look at blogs almost every day, but yet I never update my own. Why is that? Well, I'm hopefully going to change that. It's time to post more.

There are only a few days left for the February special with Thirty-One....for EVERY $31, get ANY item for 31% off. It's an AWESOME special! If you're interested, check out my website. March has a great special too: for every $31 spent, purchase a purse 50% off. It's incredible! Want to host a party: catalog, home or virtual...it's up to you. $200 is all you need for a "party."

So, I've been creating some lately. Finally... It's been so long since I've scrapped or crafted. And, I just taught a class. I'm teaching again at Scrappin' Happily Ever After. It's a cool store located in Summerville, SC. Ivy has it going on with the latest and greatest in scrapbook supplies. I'll be teaching again in March. I will post my layouts and cards when I complete them. It's gonna be cool!!! This past Saturday I went to a crop there and Ivy had a recipe challenge. I'm not normally a challenge or an 8.5 x 11 layout type of person, but I challenged myself to complete this. This is my layout...

Super fun, the crop was. But, the not so good part, I came home not feeling well: sore throat. Woke up Sunday with the flu. So, it's been a long week. The flu really wipes you out!!! My husband has really stepped up, taking the kids to and from school, practices, etc. I'm just ready to get my energy back and feel better. I don't wish this on anyone, and I even got a flu shot. UUGH!!!

Achieving???

2010-08-17T18:02:00.000-04:00

Well, good grief, it's been a LONG a** time since I've been on here. So much going on, summer is over, school starts tomorrow, my business is taking off and it's just been busy. Or has it? I always say I'm so busy, but I look back and what have I really been doing? This summer has been a roller coaster for me: of both emotions and things going on. July FLEW by...I traveled through 9 different states in less than a week. It was busy, but it was fun. I went to National Conference for Thirty-One Gifts and met some new people, got to know my team better, got to see new products, it was a GREAT trip and I came back EXTREMELY pumped up to sell some Thirty-One, let me tell you. I was home for 2 days before the boys and I and my mom hopped in the car again to road trip it to Illinois to see friends and family. It was a great trip, but I was ready to get home and have the boys have some daddy time.

This past weekend my mom and I along with 2 of my best girlfriends headed to Charlotte, NC for the CKC Scrapbook Convention. It was a MUCH needed break! I had a BLAST, spent too much money and laughed SO HARD, I cried more than once. It was AWESOME!!!

I've been slowly creating and trying to get things worked on, so I hope to be blogging and sharing a LOT more! Hope to see you here again VERY SOON!! What's your summer been like?

Where have I been???

2010-03-23T10:52:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I'm not sure where I've been. It's been a LONG time since I've updated this thing. One of my resolutions was to update this on a regular basis, like once a week, but that hasn't happened, so hmmmm.... what to do??

Well, I've started my own business (so to speak). I have become a consultant for Thirty-One Gifts. It's a wonderful company! They have purses, totes, etc. and the age range for the consumer is from baby to adult. It's great! What I love is you don't have to have a party to enjoy they're products, you can order through my website anytime. And, if you want to have a party, you surely can...at home, through the catalog or virtually through the internet!!! Check it out!!

I've been to the beach with my girlfriends to scrapbook over Valentine's Day weekend. And, it SNOWED!!! Yes, we got anywhere from 1"-5" in the Lowcountry, depending on where you were. It even snowed at the beach. There was snow on top of the sand. It was beautiful! But, it only lasted a few hours and then it was gone. The boys enjoyed it with daddy! They built a great snowman...

ACHIEVE

2010-01-14T17:22:00.000-05:00

My word for 2010 is...achieve! (see Ali's post here) Every year I make resolutions and I don't follow through. I know I'm not the only one that does this, but it aggravates me. This year rather than resolutions, I've made goals for myself. And, I want to ACHIEVE these goals! Honestly, I don't think the goals I've set are unreasonable, so I should be able to reach them.

Lose 30-50 pounds (if I reach the 30 pound mark, I've achieved the goal.)
Begin an exercise regimen and STICK WITH IT! (this should help with the goal above)
Eat healthier, drink more water (again contributing to said first goal)
Create more!
Breathe!
Practice patience! (with 2 boys, this and the breathing goal could be challenging!)
Enjoy life!

What's your word for 2010?

2010 already?

2010-01-07T22:58:00.005-05:00

I can't believe it's here....another decade. I remember being in elementary school and, with my friends, figuring out how old we would be in 2000, and we thought that was really old. And, now here I am, in 2010, thinking...I'm not THAT old! Oh, to be young again! I hope the New Year is treating everyone well.

I have many goals for this year, we'll see how many I actually accomplish. The first is to lose some weight, I know so many people say this at the beginning of every year, but this year, I DO plan to do something about it. My husband and I are about to embark on a journey together, yes, we're going to work out together. We're starting a fitness plan in the next week or two, and we're hoping we'll motivate each other, or drive each other crazy, one or the other. (I'm thinking the latter, but we'll see!) I'll let you know my progress once we start.

On with a couple of my other goals, I've posted 2 tickers on the right-hand side of my blog. One regarding layouts completed and the other creating a card a day. I found this site while blog surfing and decided to create a couple tickers for myself. I have SO MANY supplies that I want to create 75 layouts before buying ANYTHING else, except for Tim Holtz's new Distress colors coming out later this month!! And the other is based on a book I received for Christmas: A Card A Day. It's a GREAT book with wonderful ideas! So, follow me as I attempt to reach these goals.

I turned in a project today to Charleston Scrapbooking using Zutter's Spinner Album Kit. I created a monthly birthday album. This was a challenge for me, as it was such a different product, but in the end I think it turned out pretty well. I took pics with my cell phone, so as I soon as I'm able to download them, I will post a few here. There are so many possibilities for this kit: birthday album, vacation album, grandparent's album, etc.

CHA is fast approaching. If you're looking for sneak peeks, check out The Scrap Review. They are posting sneaks from many different manufacturers, designers every day! I wish I was heading to Anaheim, CA to the show, but I'll just have to wait.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Ho Ho Ho...

2009-12-24T10:13:00.005-05:00

It's almost here...the most wonderful day of the year. Not only does Santa come, but we celebrate our Savior's birthday. He gave a lot for us all, and we celebrate His birth tomorrow. This year is special, as my kids are 5 and 3 and seeing their excitement is so special, (and sometimes unbearable). :) Whatever season you are celebrating right now, I wish you joy and peace! It's the most wonderful time of the year!!

On another note, I wanted to share with you some packaging ideas that were sparked by something in the December issue of Martha Stewart Living.

Then these were some other packages I wrapped up using a cutout from the Christmas Cheer Cricut cartridge with a red lunch bag and the other is a Santa stamp from We R Memory Keepers.

Happy Holidays!! Enjoy the season!

That time of year

2009-12-13T17:13:00.008-05:00

It's that time of year, when everyone is trying to get a million things done at once, before the big December 25th deadline! Well, we're all always trying to get a million things done, but it's a bit more hectic this time of year. Right!? This year is no different. My little guy's last day of preschool was this past Thursday, and I needed to get the teacher's gifts done. I always wait until the last minute for EVERYTHING! UUGH!!

Anyway, I was on Leah Fung's blog checking out her candy cane Fridays for 2009 and she showed a unique frame from last year. I totally had forgotten about these frames, but they are adorable, and pretty easy. I created 8 of them for his teacher's, helpers and the Director of the preschool. (I used papers from 6x6 pads of Basic Grey and Cosmo Cricket.) I hope they enjoyed them. I had a good time making them, and now I'll make some more for P's teachers. His last day of school is Friday, so we'll see how long I wait to make those.

Today the boys and I recycled some broken and unused crayons from around the house. This was a fun project. I found it here. It was fun and I LOVE the colors they created. Their creations...

I hope you're gearing up for whatever holiday you celebrate! I encourage you to make some handmade items for your loved ones, they'll love them even more!!!

tap...tap...tap...Is this thing on???

2009-12-02T15:55:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I've been MIA for a LONG while. SO SORRY to anyone who reads this! Lots of excuses, don't know if any of them are good enough. So, I'll just jump in to what I've been working on as of late.

A birthday book for my brother. He went to Italy for his 30th birthday...

This book was made with a Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist kit, I believe it's called Traveller. It was fun to make. I added some Making Memories Vintage Findings items, as well as, some other items I had especially for Italy.

A birthday book for my sister-in-law.

This book was made with lots of Basic Grey products: a mini-chipboard album, Urban Prairie 6x6 paper pad, chipboard mini-alphas, Prima "e" bling, and various other items.

I really enjoyed making these. I hope they enjoyed receiving them just as much!!

Now, it's Christmas items to make. LOTS in my brain, but to just get it all done is a COMPLETELY other story!!!

Really...I'm alive!

2009-07-14T10:13:00.002-04:00

WOW! This is horrible! I'm a terrible blogger! It's been several months since this was updated, and I'm truly sorry about that. Sickness invaded our house for almost 2 months, my husband was gone for 3 weeks and life has been happening! TRULY...I didn't realize it had been SO long since I've updated this!

We've been busy this summer...going to the pool, the beach, the aquarium.... My best friend and her family visited from Illinois, which was a GREAT time! 5 kids running around the house and yard, and 4 parents fighting headaches, sharing laughs and enjoying adult beverages to get through the screaming! hahaha

I believe Elise has found a buyer for the store, which is TERRIFIC news. I can't wait to meet her. Elise and her family are moving back to the upstate, which is sad, but I know her kids are EXTREMELY excited! And, she'll be back to visit, and word is there's a cabin on her property and I think a roadtrip may be in order to do some scrappin'!!! LOOK OUT Elise!!! :):)

I'm getting back in to the swing of things and have been working on some things in my craft room. My mom got me a Cricut Create machine for my birthday and it's AWESOME! I've been playing with it, but really need to watch the DVD that came with it. I made a cute card last night and can't wait to share it. (I have to take a picture first.)

I've been following lots of blogs lately.

Jennifer McGuire has awesome videos and is doing a Thinking Inking class for Two Peas in a Bucket right now...9 weeks of FANTABULOUS ideas and creations
Kristina Werner ROCKS with her "Make a Card Mondays" and "Finally Friday" videos
The Pink Stamper's Robyn has awesome creations with Cricut Expression
Tim Holtz and Wendy Vecchi just unveiled their newest stamps to be released at CHA
I LOVE MellyPea's Weekly Warehouse walks at Two Peas in a Bucket

Two Peas is one of my new fave places to visit too. There's a TON of inspiration there!!! My best friend, Kim, talks about this site all the time, and I would always give her a hard time. But, after visiting a few times, now I know why she LOVES it!

So, I'm back to posting, and will do a better job at keeping this place updated! Check back soon for some new pics!

Where has the time gone?

2009-03-25T11:41:00.004-04:00

Okay, I really hadn't realized I haven't updated my blog in over a month! Seriously...it's been that long!?!? Not good! So much has been going on, nothing major, just LIFE happening! I went away for the weekend with some scrappin' girlfriends recently. That was a MUCH NEEDED break, and it was FUN!!! I haven't laughed that hard in a LOOOOOONNNNNNGGGG time! It was a GREAT! We were right on the beach and it was GORGEOUS weather! We're planning another one, hopefully for sometime in April or May, again it should be incredible weather! YIPPEE! Okay, so I went on this weekend excursion, and didn't take my camera! SERIOUSLY, what scrapbooker doesn't take her camera!? ME! I didn't forget it, just didn't bring it! I don't know why, I just wanted to create and not have to worry about remembering to take pictures.

Got home and had a monogrammed card order to work on. I made 25 card sets for a bridal shower. It was fun and am hoping I get to do it again. Interested in having something made? Contact me! I would love to create something for you! Here are some pictures of the order I recently completed.

We just got back from my parent's house, where we attended our first Steeplechase. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience. Well, except for the dealing with 2 hungry boys who were in foul moods until their tummies got fed! Mr. P had an attitude until 1/2 the PB&J sandwich was down. Then, Mr. E took over with the attitude, started throwing his sandwich, so Daddy took it away, and Mr. E proceeded to stuff a hand full of grass in his mouth. YES, I said grass! And, did my mom or I have the cameras out, of course not! So, we'll just have to journal about that wonderful (NOT!) experience! Other than that, the day was terrific! Both boys snapped out of it and we enjoyed the rest of the day!

Here is another creation...

journals for my hubby & his brother for their AT hike

I need to take some photos of some of my newest scrapbook pages. SO FUN!

Have you seen the new punches from EK Success??? They are the BOMB!! LOVE THEM!

Happy Love Day!

2009-02-14T08:24:00.004-05:00

My valentine for my "main squeeze." :) Got this idea for gift cards from Jennifer McGuire's blog. It's fun to make!

The valentines for the boys.
The boys making valentines for daddy! LOVE to cut & paste.

I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day! I think it's a little commercial to have a day to tell someone "I Love You," when you should do it EVERY DAY!!! I've felt this way for some time, but still make valentines for my loved ones. I'm going to enjoy this day of love with my family and my brother and sister-in-law. The boys are looking forward to seeing their aunt and uncle.

Hope you all spread the love today! Happy Valentine's Day!!

T-minus 6.5 hours and counting!

2009-01-21T13:17:00.006-05:00

LOST starts TONIGHT, and I will be watching intently! I can't wait. The 6 go back, or do they? What happens!? I'll be tuning in.

Took Mr. P to the doctor today for his 5 year check up and it's all thumbs up. No shots, which was a GREAT thing! He's doing well, and he enjoyed chatting with his doctor! Of course Mr. E had to have a mini physical too, because he can't be left out of anything!

So, for Christmas I made notecard sets for the boys' teachers. I used Basic Grey 6x6 paper pads, cardstock and Just Rite stampers for all except one, which I used some Tim Holtz stamps for. I love the way they turned out! And, their teachers and assistant liked them too...BONUS!

I just used a bit of twine and tied them up, simple packaging.

Just wanted to share.

Project 365...are you in?

2009-01-18T20:57:00.004-05:00

Been a while since I last blogged. I've recently joined Facebook and have been addicted to that for the past week. So, I've abandoned my blog for a while. So, sorry to the few friends that catch up with my goings on here. :)

Okay, so who is participating in Project 365? Did you buy the kit or are you completing your own? I actually got a kit! YIPPEE!! My friend, Elise, was ordering so offered to get my mom and I ours, and luckily she was able to get them. The kit was sold out within minutes! I've started and will be posting here each week, if you're interested. It's actually a pretty cool kit, and I'm looking forward to looking back at the end of the year to see what happened over the course of 2009!

So...is anyone interested in purchasing a scrapbook store? PLEASE!!!! Elise is selling A Scrapbook Store, and right now, hasn't found a buyer! I wish I had the time and money to devote to it, but right now, with 2 young boys it would be very difficult! I really am hoping someone, or maybe a group, will show some interest. I DON'T WANT IT TO CLOSE!! And many other women feel the same way! So, if you're interested, call the store.

We traveled to NC to ride the Polar Express with the boys at the beginning of December and also to IL for Christmas, so I just wanted to share a few photos with you.

The Polar Express trip:

The IL trip:

Happy 2009!!!

2009-01-01T11:06:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year! Our New Year's Eve was filled with party hats, noise makers, sparklers and fireworks. It was a low key evening at home, but I bought party hats, noise makers and sparklers to add some excitement. The neighbors across the street let off some fireworks and we watched from our kitchen window.

The boys got to stay up as late as they wanted. Little E fell asleep around 10:00 and Mr. P went to bed around 10:30. BUT, they were both up at the normal time of 7:00am. Lucky us, NOT!!! Our computer is on the fritz right now, so I'll have to upload pics as soon as I get the problem solved.

Now, the Rose Bowl Parade just started, football is on today and we're having Italian Beef later. YUMMY!!! We're also working on organizing the house and purging, so some of that will take place throughout the next few days. My goal is to have everything done by Jan. 31st. We'll see! I have some other resolutions for this year. Hopefully I accomplish a few of them.

Okay, so have you ordered your KOTM from Becky Higgins. Project 365....I can't wait!!!!

Home again...Home again...jiggety jig

2008-12-29T13:04:00.002-05:00

We are HOME!!! Just pulled into Charleston and it's 70 degrees!!!! Yes, I said 70 degrees!!!!!!! YIPPEE!!!! I'm SO EXCITED!! We had a wonderful visit to Illinois, but the weather was not fun! We experienced all spectrums: 0 degrees, saw a little snow, experienced an ice storm (a first for the boys..not for the hubby and I), temperatures below zero with the wind chill (YUCK!) and ended the trip with thunderstorms and 60 degree weather. Can you say INSANE? Yes, the weather in Illinois is an adventure. Unfortunately the boys did not get to experience playing in the snow or sledding, as my in-law's yard was an ice rink! So, they "skated" out to the van a couple times and wound up on their rear-ends.

I will post pictures soon! We're about to pull in the neighborhood and then it's time to unload all the "stuff." At least we were able to do lots of laundry before returning, so there's not a lot of that to do. That brings a smile to my face! But, there's plenty of other stuff to do.

Check out Becky Higgins' blog to see her new KOTM. It goes on sale Jan. 1st. I began my pics yesterday! Can't wait to get this one!! Oh, and anyone out there interested in owning a scrapbook store, Elise is looking for a buyer, as she's needing to do more for her family. I hope she can find a buyer, as I don't want to see the store close. Keep your fingers crossed for her!

Dashing through the snow...

2008-12-19T18:12:00.002-05:00

or ice... Well, not really, but we're headed for Illinois, and it's going to be FREEZING COLD!!! They had an ice storm yesterday, but I've been informed the roads are clear by my dad, the "Pathfinder." So, we're taking a slightly different route, but should pull in this evening! We left this morning, 71 degrees the van read, and when we arrive it will be in the teens or twentys. BRRRRRRRR!!!!! Sunday the high is 9, yes that's 9 degrees!! The boys have no idea what cold is, and I remember it, but am not wanting to live it again. The things we do for family and friends. :):) I wouldn't have it any other way.

It may even be a white Christmas, which I'm pretty stoked about. Because if there's ever a time I want snow it's Christmas day. Our boys have NEVER seen snow, oh wait they did see a slight dusting a few weekends ago when we were up in the mountains on our way to the Polar Express, but it wasn't much. So, they may actually be able to go sledding and everything. WOOHOO!!! And, I hope there's hot chocolate involved after that!

I hope everyone who reads my blog, all 2 of you (just kidding), has a safe and happy holiday!!! Will post more from the freezing north!

Yea, we got it....

2008-12-07T11:22:00.003-05:00

Hot Chocolate!!! We are on our way home from riding the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC. It was an AWESOME trip! The boys really enjoyed it and E and I enjoyed it also! The boys were in their pajamas, as were all the other kids and lots of adults too! We travelled all the way to the North Pole last night and saw Santa Claus. He joined us on the train for a little while and each child got the "first gift of Christmas," a bell. It was great! Lots of pictures were taken, so when we get home I will upload some.

It was COLD there, highs in the low 40s and lows in the 20s. And, the boys got to see their first bit of snow. There was just a little bit on the mountains going up there, and Mr. P said "that's a lot of snow." Little does he know it was just a dusting! He said Grandma and Grandpa need to order lots of snow. When I told my parents that they laughed, and so did I. When we head back to Illinois for Christmas they are going to get to see LOTS of snow, I think. And, it's already freezing there, GREAT!! I guess my blood has finally thinned a little.

LOTS to do in the next couple of weeks before we head back. I'm putting my creative hat on when we get home, I need to make the boys' teachers gifts this week, as Thursday is their last day for school. Then they're with me for 3 weeks, YIPPEE!!! NOT! :) Actually we'll be gone for a little less than 1/2 that time, so hopefully it won't be too crazy! Is anyone else having a hard time believing that Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. WHOA!!! What does everyone have on their list of things to do??!! Leave a comment, and there may be a goody in store for you. :):)

Almost Turkey Time

2008-11-21T23:08:00.009-05:00

Sorry for such a lag in posts. I've been busy and gone and busy! We wrapped up the soccer season for Mr. P., my mom came to visit, the hubby and I went to Asheville for our 10th wedding anniversary while mom watched the boys, my mom left, we celebrated my hubby's birthday and now it's almost Thanksgiving! WHEW...it's been a crazy 3 weeks!!!

Asheville was BEAUTIFUL!! We've lived here 8 1/2 years and have NEVER been there. So, I booked a surprise weekend trip, which he guessed where we were going, but oh well. I made reservations for a nice dinner and then had tickets for a candlelight Christmas tour of the Biltmore. The house is AMAZING!!! We saw it at night and went back for an audio tour the next morning. One man built 175,000 sf house for himself as a bachelor, then got married and they had a daughter. It was massive and I was in awe each time we visited, and I still can't fathom it. The weather was a bit chilly, but still beautiful and the colors....ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!! If there's one thing I miss about the Midwest, it's the changing of the seasons! I don't miss winter, but I miss the fall foliage and the beautiful colors. Luckily we got to see it this year.

And, the Biltmore winery was amazing as well. We spent a good bit of time there, and had a BLAST! We definitely want to go back. Mom, when can you watch the boys again?!?! :):)

I've been doing a little creating too. For the store and myself. My friend Kim and I have a Christmas Card Express class tomorrow afternoon and I'm looking forward to it. 8 cards will be made during this class and each "student" gets the stamp set with their class kit. This set is ADORABLE. It's from Hero Arts. Here are the 8 cards that will be made:

Okay, and I'm SO excited to share this one. I made it today with the same Hero Arts stamp set and packaging from American Crafts brads. It turned out way cute, if I do say so myself!!! I'm thinking an ornament for the tree. My husband said I should make these for the boys teachers, so I guess I'll need to buy more brads or eyelets. ;) ;)

Oh, and one more share....the birthday card for my Mr. E. Kim let me use her Owl stamp from Hero Arts, and has enabled me to want one, REALLY BAD!! Elise.....when are you ordering them!? :):) (She wants one too.) I really LOVE this stamp.

Okay, sorry for all the pictures. But, I wanted to share what I've been up to. What have you been up to???!!!???

Carving some time...

2008-10-25T22:11:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we carved pumpkins. I wanted to share a picture of the pumpkins at night, because they turned out pretty well. I know a previous post shows them during the day, but check this out...

Are you spooked??? :):)

Are you ready for the trick-or-treaters? We bought our candy this week, and I'm proud to say we haven't even opened the 50# bag of chocolate we bought. (Really it's not 50#, but good grief, it's a freakin' TON of chocolate!) My boys can't wait to dress up and honestly I can't wait to see them AGAIN in their costumes. They wear them right now at least once a week at home.

Some projects

2008-10-25T21:21:00.006-04:00

Happy Saturday! Well, my class at the store didn't make last night, which was sad for me, because I needed to get out of the house. :) But, it was probably a good thing, because it rained and rained and RAINED here yesterday. We got 4" of rain here at the house, and I think that was the average all around the city. It rained from about 10:30 yesterday morning until after 10:00 last night, no stops, all rain. It was a DREARY day! BUT, we ARE going to reschedule my class, so if you're interested, be watching my blog or the store's blog and we'll let you know.

Speaking of the store, she has gotten in so many awesome things. I'm just loving it right now. If I could only find the time to get to work on my projects and $$ to pay for all that I want. I've had sick little ones, but hopefully we're on the mend, so I'm hoping to get back in to the swing of things soon. I have lots of projects to work on that are needing to be completed SOON!!! Oh, Elise is having a Maya Road House decorating contest, just like Maya Road. Check out the Maya Road website, and then call the store to get details about the contest there. Posting should be up on the blog soon.

Project news.....I completed a gift for my best friend's daughter's 1st birthday and wanted to share it with you. It's a homemade chipboard album. No, I didn't make the chipboard, but I did cut the shapes out myself. I couldn't find one that looked like a party hat, so I created my own.

I also created a "My 1st Disney trip" album. VERY simple and I may use it for my little E's pics from his first trip last year. I wish we were going back this year. :( I LOVE DISNEY!!!!

Each of these was made with items from previous month's UnKits. I completed these designs with the July and August kits.

Halloween just around the corner

2008-10-22T14:39:00.006-04:00

Halloween is upon us. And, I'm hoping to get my kids well before it gets here. We've had the vicious cycle lately, one is sick, then the other, then back to the other, and so on. It's bound to happen, but I'm ready for it to be over already and we're not even into the major sick season yet. LOVELY! Back to Halloween, my oldest is going to be Batman, and is EXTREMELY excited about it. He's been talking about Halloween since August, and as soon as October 1st came, he thinks it's Halloween EVERY day! My youngest is going to be Superman. It's a super heroes Halloween in our house. They want me to be Wonder Woman, but I don't want to scare anyone who comes to the door, so I'll be finding just a simple Halloween shirt to wear. An added bonus, is Grandma will be here for Halloween. My mom and the puppies will be in town and the boys are ecstatic! She'll be here for Mr. P's last soccer game also. They're disappointed Grandpa won't be here, but they'll talk to him plenty. And, we'll be back for Christmas in just a couple months.

With Halloween in mind, we've been wanting to head to the pumpkin patch, but with it raining the past 2 weekends, we haven't made it yet. But, we've been itching to carve pumpkins, so we headed to Wal-Mart to pick out a few pumpkins to hold us over until we can get to the patch, hopefully this weekend. Here is the outcome!

Anyway, another reason for the Halloween talk, I taught a kid's class this past weekend at A Scrapbook Store, and it was a BLAST!!! We created Halloween treat baskets, and the kids left with their baskets filled with treats, thanks to Elise and myself. The kids stamped and stickered those baskets up.

I'm scheduled to teach a class this Friday for an altered project, a wall hanging. Interested? Call the store, 884-1944, to reserve your spot. Here's a sneak peek!!! I love this wall hanging set from KaiserCraft! It's inexpensive and the possibilities are ENDLESS!

The October Kit at A Scrapbook Store is available, and these are the 3 layouts I created for the kit. The EXCLUSIVE item to this kit is Pink Bubblegum Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels! It's awesome and I used it on each layout and the card! It was fun to scrapbook pictures of girls, since I never get to do that. (Thanks Elise!) :) And, the add-on kit, is pretty spectacular too! Check it out!

I'm here!

2008-10-14T23:23:00.005-04:00

Yes, I'm here, just haven't posted in a while. A LONG while. Both boys have been sick, different weeks, colds with fever, YUCK!!! Hopefully on the mend! Now the big boy has it in the house, but he's getting over it too.

So, Scrap Pink weekend was AWESOME at the store.

Wendy Vecchi's classes were the bomb! I had SO MUCH FUN! These are pictures of the fragment journal I created. LOVE IT!! In fact, I'm making a couple as gifts. And, maybe you'll see one or 2 on my etsy site.

I've got some classes coming up at the store. This weekend is a kid's class on Saturday. We're making a Halloween basket. I'll post a picture soon. SO CUTE! Next Friday, 10/24, the project is an altered wall hanging. Again, picture peeks tomorrow.

Party time...

2008-09-24T10:09:00.004-04:00

This past weekend was full of birthday parties, well 2, but they were for 4 year olds, so it was busy. Mr. P had some partying to do, so we all joined in at the first one; and, little E and daddy stayed home in the afternoon, while we went to the 2nd party. Both were fun!!! Here's a card created for one of the parties, oh and a bow I made for her gift.

This weekend is ScrapPink at the store. I'm looking forward to this event. Wendy Vecchi is teaching classes, there are crops going on, I'm doing a couple make n takes, there are prizes, food and there will be TONS o' fun!!!! If you donate $5 this weekend, you get 20% off your ENTIRE purchase. How cool is that! You donate money to a GREAT cause (Susan G. Komen) AND you get a discount!!!! If you're in the area, stop by and say hello!!!

It seems these days many of us have been touched by cancer in one form or another. My mother-in-law and my grandma are both SURVIVORS! And, a VERY good friend of mine is battling it right now, in fact she just had her last round of chemo this past Tuesday! So, this cause, if you will, is VERY near and dear to me. I would love for them to find a cure and I hope they do, not only for breast cancer but for ALL cancer!!!!!

Oh, one more thing, check out the store's calendar, there are classes and crops through the end of December listed. ROCK ON!!! Lots going on! Hope to see you there!

A few layouts done this weekend

2008-09-15T17:57:00.004-04:00

I worked this weekend at the store, and when I was done, there was an all-day crop going on. So, I stuck around and after the creative juices started flowing (which took some time), I was able to complete a 4 pages from a Scenic Route class at CKC and another layout: so 5 layouts in all. I was pretty happy.

The LO about Mr. E's pacifier is the layout I did on my own. The others are from the Scenic Route class. The crop was SO MUCH fun!!! There are some great women that come to them! And, Kim, Angela, Elise, you gals are the BESTEST!!!! So glad we're FRIENDS!!! Thanks for making me laugh so hard!!

Now it's time to say Goodbye...

2008-09-15T17:33:00.007-04:00

Why? Because Daddy needs a new office.

Yes, over the weekend, the Disney characters were painted over.

It was a sad day for me yesterday! I was already hormonal and then I had to say Goodbye to this.

So, here are some 'during' photos:

And now it's a beautiful, earthy, masculine green color.

It was really hard to say goodbye, but we're moving on. The boys are

sharing a room, and it's good so far. (Knocking hard on wood right now!) Daddy is happy that he has his own office and my craft space is decent too. Will post more pics of this later!

Wii've been playing...

2008-09-11T14:11:00.004-04:00

It's been a little while since I last posted. We dodged Hanna, but we're now prepared for a storm and our garage shows it with a generator and 3.5 cases of water. And, the pantry is well stocked with canned goods! Glad we didn't have to deal with her too much. And, we've been watching Ike, even though he's not heading our way, I'm praying for the people in Texas!

Since we were planning for a weekend indoors last weekend anyway due to Hanna, I wasn't sure what we were going to be doing, except Play-doh, movies, some DVR'd TV shows. But then Eric came home Friday late morning with a HUGE SURPRISE! He bought a Wii!!!! Yes, we are now the proud owners of a Wii game system and it is AWESOME!! Patrick absolutely LOVES it! His faves are bowling and baseball. He's already scored a 202 in bowling. Yes, he's 4 and has beat his mom and dad!! And, now this is the ONLY kind of boxing I like to see in my house.

Truly an awesome gaming system! And, you get a great workout from some of these games.

We've also been doing some things around the house. We moved both boys into one room, and (knock on wood) it's going pretty well thus far. My husband moved his office into E's old room (the nursery), so right now he's working with Disney characters on the wall. I'm dreading painting over these, but he's going to this weekend! I mean how could you want to get rid of them...

I'm working at the store this weekend. There's a garage sale from 7am - 1pm and a crop from 9am-?? P has his first soccer game this weekend, so I'll be there and then off to work. Speaking of the store, Elise has started a kit club and she chose my back to school class to inspire the first kit. It's pretty exciting! Check out her blog and there's more information, including pics of the kit and add-on kit.

Speaking of soccer... I can't wait to see P's first game. I think he's enjoying it. There's only 7 kids on a team and they play 3 people at a time, so everyone gets a chance. The practices have gone pretty well, it's E that we have to watch, since he thinks he can play too! So, that's the CHALLENGE!!

And this month at unKit, the theme is scrap pink! So, check it out!

Lucky...

2008-08-31T14:27:00.006-04:00

Lately I've been EXTREMELY lucky!!! While in Charlotte at the Creating Keepsakes Convention, I won mini adhesive felt ribbon from Queen & Co., some chipboard pieces and while in one of the Scenic Route classes I won the entire Appleton line, which is what the Back To School layout is made with at the store.

WELL, when I returned from Charlotte I was on the computer looking at different blogs, which I have LOTS of faves on my computer, and posted a comment on one because she was giving various prizes, and one was from Scenic Route. (I LOVE Scenic Route, can you tell?!?) Anyway, I got an email the other day, and I WON!!!! I won the entire Sonoma line! It's GORGEOUS!! I can't wait to use it!

My mom is COMPLETELY jealous! Sorry Mom, but I told you I would share! :) Seriously, I NEVER win anything, but lately is a different story. However, I think my winning streak is over, as we didn't win the Powerball last night. BUMMER!!! We could definitely use millions of dollars!!!!! :):)

Reschedule...

2008-08-31T14:07:00.003-04:00

Well, the Back-to-School layout class didn't make for last week, SO we're going to reschedule for this coming Saturday, 9/6, at A Scrapbook Store. There's a "garage sale" this weekend at the store, so be checking the blog or your email (if you're on the email list) to find out when the class will be rescheduled. Be sure to call the store or stop by to sign up. You gets lots of goodies!!! The actual layouts are at the store if you'd like to see them.

I worked yesterday at A Scrapbook Store and there were 3 ladies who came to crop. It was great fun, and each one of them got lots accomplished. They were very QUIET, which I'm not use to at a crop, but they were EXTREMELY busy working! Good for them! I'm usually too busy talking and laughing when I'm at a crop and don't really get cookin' until after dinner, pretty crazy huh?!? My mom thinks I'm nuts when I go to midnight crops and don't get home until 2am, because Elise lets us stay longer!!! It's just so much FUN!

We're off to a cookout this afternoon to celebrate this Labor Day weekend. Hoping the rain will hold off, but it doesn't look that way. Hope you enjoy your Labor Day!!!

Back to school...

2008-08-26T13:22:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year. Not yet for me, my rugrats don't go back until next Thursday, and boy I CAN'T WAIT!!! I'm sure they can't either, but I REALLY can't wait! Here are a couple more sneaks of the second LO for this Thursday's Scenic Route class. Be sure to call the store to reserve your spot. For $20 you receive: 4 background sheets, 1 sheet Appleton strip paper, 2-6x12 strips of other Appleton papers, 1 sheet die cut shapes (arrows and journaling blocks) and the Appleton cardstock stickers. You will leave with 2 or 4 layouts, depending on how you use them.

Saturday's kid's class was a hit. We had 6 students total ranging in ages from 6-11. Everyone chose to make the friends accordian album and tin. It was lots of fun. We had extra time, so we ended up making chipboard tags for their bookbags also. Check out Elise's site to see pictures of all the fun! Be checking the calendar, as Elise is hoping to have a kid's class once a month.

And, I've completed my unKIT projects with this month's Disney Kit. Here's a sneak peek of one project. I really like the way it turned out. It was fun making it and pretty simple. I'm also about fun and simple. You'll have to check out the website to get the instructions.

Oh, I'm working at A Scrapbook Store on Saturday, so stop by and say hi if you're in the area. I think there may be something going on that day too, so check your email. :):)

Tonight is Paperclipping Live, I can't wait. I love watching it. Noell Hyman scrapbooks live on uStream and we can chat with each other and her. Sometimes she talks about specific topics, sometimes it's just a free for all. It's just plain fun!!

ScrapPink info is revealed for A Scrapbook Store

2008-08-22T23:59:00.002-04:00

Check out Elise's blog for ScrapPink information in September. Wendy Vecchi is coming to Charleston!! She is an incredible designer, who just released her 1st set of stamps, Studio 490. They are AWESOME! She is teaching 3 classes during the ScrapPink weekend. I can't wait!!! Be sure to call and sign up NOW to attend this incredible weekend!

I'm off to the store tomorrow to teach a kid's class from 11am - 1:30pm. It's sure to be a good time! And, I can't wait to see all the new stuff Elise has received! I know I saw it at CHA, but I can't wait to see it in her store.

I'll be working on more this weekend, and am hoping to upload more pictures soon. Have a GREAT Saturday! And, if you're in the neighborhood, stop by the store!!!

Little Sneak Peek

2008-08-21T21:39:00.002-04:00

I have a class at A Scrapbook Store next Thursday using Scenic Route's new Appleton line. We're making 4 1-page layouts OR 2 2-page layouts, it depends on how you use them. I really like this line. It's bright and colorful and can be used for boys or girls, which is awesome! I took a Scenic Route class at CKC and brought home some cool layouts, which inspired me for this class. We'll use 1 piece of the strip paper, die cut shapes, cardstock stickers and a few other things to complete these layouts. Here's a small sneak...

Call, 884-1944, or come by the store to sign up for this class. And, while you're there, check out all the new stuff that keeps arriving. SO COOL!!! It's like Christmas every time I go there!

Stickles...

2008-08-21T11:19:00.004-04:00

I love Stickles!! I'm not a girly girl, but I absolutely LOVE Stickles! It's a rockin' form of glitter glue by Ranger. Recently on an episode of Paperclipping Live, I mentioned Stickles make great fireworks. So, here are a few pics of a layout I made for the store about 4th of July, 2007.

I also used flock by Stampendous on this layout, the red and blue stripes on the right hand side of the left page. Flock is another one of my new found faves. I sold it when I demo'd for Stampin' Up! But, now with all the cool, bright colors, it's found a home with me again. I adhere it with the very sticky red tape or a quicky glue pen. And, a little goes a LONG way! It's messy, but once it's on your project, it's EXTREMELY worth it!

I can't wait to get my hands on the new Distress Stickles by Tim Holtz and the Glitz Stickles by Suze Weinberg (I think I spelled that correctly). All to be released SOON by Ranger. And, the ICE Stickles are very cool too, it's just like the regular Stickles but chunkier with big bits of glitter. Oh, I'm thinking I'm going to have to make something with some Stickles now.

Today is...

2008-08-19T08:45:00.003-04:00

Elise's birthday!!! Mr. Scrapbook (aka Curt) has posted on her blog. You can get 42% off one item, if you stop by the store today. Make sure to call or email or stop by and shout out some birthday wishes!!!

Laundry, laundry, laundry...that's what I've been up to since returning from CKC. But, it's all caught up...for now. I thought I would get some crafty things done yesterday, but no such luck. Hopefully later today!

Happy Birthday Elise!!!!!

CKC ROCKS!

2008-08-18T00:05:00.002-04:00

Back this evening from CKC in Charlotte! It was an ABSOLUTE BLAST! Took amazing classes, was with really fun people, bought some cool stuff and had some great times! I couldn't ask for more, except maybe some money, to replenish my now non-existent scrappin' fund! Oh, and maybe some more time with my mom! We had so much fun!

Just wanted to say I'm back, I'm posting pics later this week. Have to work on stuff for Elise, UnKit and around the house. And, I REALLY NEED TO POST PICS! Sorry! Hope to do that in the next couple of days!

@ the BEACH!!

2008-08-11T23:26:00.002-04:00

So, my brother-in-law and nieces are in town and he rented a beach house for the week. He's invited us to stay as well. SERIOUSLY....LOVE IT!! I mean get up, put our suits on, walk out the door, down the stairs, 1 block over, up and down some stairs, and BOOM, right in front of us the OCEAN!!!! AWESOME!!! SERIOUSLY..the BEST!! The boys are diggin' it, I'm diggin' it, and my nieces are diggin' it too.

Today was a girl's afternoon. We shopped....downtown, the Scrapbook Store and Bath Deli. SO MUCH FUN!! Now, we're (or they're) scrappin'. Lovin' every minute of it. And, it's 11:30pm. WHOA!!!

Off to CKC this weekend in Charlotte. I can't wait!!! Can't wait to hang out with my mom for a few days! Looking forward to it. Hoping to upload some pics before then. Until next time....I'll be at the beach. :)

Still workin'

2008-08-07T22:31:00.002-04:00

Working on my unKIT projects, working on organizing my stuff, working on keeping 2 little guys occupied all day and I'm working at A Scrapbook Store again this Saturday! Elise is having a sidewalk sale along with the monthly SUPER Saturday crop. So, instead of cropping, I'll be working. I'm looking forward to it. I feel like the store is my 2nd home, hope that's okay with you Elise. ;) Oh, and by the way, Elise is updating her blog, check it out! I've been helping her a bit with that too. She's a BUSY woman!!!

So, 2 1/2 weeks until MMO starts, and I CAN'T WAIT!!! I can't believe summer is almost over, I mean pretty soon Christmas stuff will be in the stores. Don't they start that in September!? SERIOUSLY..RIDICULOUS!!!

My brother-in-law and 2 nieces will be here Saturday, and he's rented a beach house. So, the boys and I will be sand rats next week, and E will sneak out there a little I'm sure. The girls have NO CLUE, and they are going to love it. I can't wait to see them, and the boys can't either. We're heading to the grocery store and Costco tomorrow to pick up all the goodies we need.

I need to post pictures from our Illinois trip. Hopefully the next post will include those.

Well, gotta get back to work!!!

Workin'

2008-08-06T00:09:00.003-04:00

I'm working on some projects for the unKIT. The August kit is up and it's DISNEY!!!! Rock on! I hope to post some sneaks soon of what I'm working on. I LOVE Disney!!! Working on projects for this kit is going to make me want to go. The boys see commercials about Disney and immediately start talking about Tinkerbell and Cinderella and Peter Pan. P starts talking about riding It's a Small World and Buzz Lightyear, it just makes me want to go even more, because he remembers those things!

This past Saturday I worked over at A Scrapbook Store in Mt. Pleasant for the day. Elise has been working hard since we returned from CHA, so I helped her out. I'll be there again this Saturday. I can't wait!!! There's a crop from 9-9, so if you're in the area, sign up!!! Stop in and see some of the new goodies that she's gotten in. New things have already shipped from the show. WAHOO!!!

So, a little story to share...Saturday night I met E and the boys at church. Once Mass had finished we were leaving the church and Father was standing outside. P walked out the door, and says in his normal, loud voice, "Bye God!" I immediately lost it and started cracking up. It was HILARIOUS! My mom asked me how Father responded. Honestly, I have NO CLUE, because I was laughing SO HARD, I couldn't even see straight! Out of the mouths of babes! So seriously cute and funny!

CHA...SO MUCH FUN!!!

2008-07-29T15:21:00.005-04:00

So, my previous post was about attending CHA. Seriously, it was the best time!!! Elise and I had a BLAST checking out all the booths and placing orders. Orders were placed with 47 companies!!! Yes, 47!!!!! I can't wait to see all the new stuff in the store. Elise has a great selection, and the new products are going to make it even better!!!

Here are a few pics from the show.

Ali & I Elise & Sudie placing a Fiskars order

New Kimberly Poloson line from Fiskars (some coming soon to A Scrapbook Store)

Oh Yeah, it's Tim Holtz!!! His class ROCKED!!! And, his new products...FAB!!!!

Pixie Sticks from Pink Paislee...coming soon to A Scrapbook Store .. so YUMMY!!!!

Okay, and the COOLEST new company, in my opinion.... KAISER CRAFT!!!!! LOVE EVERYTHING they have!!!

Rub-ons like butter!!!!

Awesome home decor projects and mini-albums. This is an upcoming class for A Scrapbook Store...

Check this album out! Also, coming soon... And, the bling...goodness it was gorgeous!

More pics to come soon!!!

CHA ... SO MUCH FUN!!!

2008-07-21T22:11:00.003-04:00

Went to CHA! Seriously, SO MUCH fun!!!! I had a BLAST! Elise invited me to go, and it was overwhelming, exciting, tiring, exciting, just SO COOL!!!! Did I mention it was exciting!? I think I walked around Friday with a permanent smile on my face and I had to get a bucket to catch all the drool. There were SO MANY new things to look at. BEAUTIFUL papers, stamps, rub-ons, inks, paints, stickers, alphabets. It was truly breathtaking! I took TONS o' pictures, so I will upload some when I get home.

Elise and I took a Tim Holtz class. Can you say fun, challenging and AWESOME!? TIM freakin' HOLTZ!!! He is the BOMB!!!! Love everything he does, he's amazingly talented!!!! Can't wait to share what we learned and I definitely can't wait to see all the new products Elise ordered from Ranger!!!

And, before I departed from the Windy City, the most incredible thing happened. I received a Making Memories rolling tote from someone. Long story short, I had met a woman and her daughter at the MM booth during their daily drawing. She won a MM rolling tote FULL of goodies AND a MM embellishment center. It was SO EXCITING!!! She's from Washington and wasn't sure how she was going to get it home. Well, yesterday before leaving we were at the American Crafts booth grabbin' some product and I saw she and her daughter again! I was chatting with them about the show and how they were going to get the big ol' box home. Her daughter won a MM tote and a brand new Slice yesterday morning! What are the odds? Well, they offered me one of the totes. I couldn't believe it! After telling them a few times, I just couldn't take it, they persisted and insisted that I have it. I gave in. They unloaded the goodies inside, understandably so, and I left with a leather MM rolling tote. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!?!? I think her name was Kim, not sure what your daughter's name is. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! It's already loaded with my stuff!!!! I can't wait to show my girlfriends.

I'll post pics soon!!!!

Cropping...

2008-06-22T11:39:00.003-04:00

I've been at a crop since Friday evening. We were there until 6am Saturday morning and then back at it by 11:00am Saturday. I ended up staying until 1:30am Sunday morning. GOOD GRIEF!! Why is it that I can stay up creating, but if it's something I had to do, like laundry, cleaning, etc., I would be tired as a dog. I am pretty tired today, but I feel like I accomplished quite a bit. YIPPEE!!! Hopefully pics coming later today: cards, layouts, I even started a mini album wedding present.

My parents are heading down today and my brother and sister-in-law are coming tomorrow for the day. I'm excited to see everyone.

More to post later......

Vote now!

2008-06-10T08:35:00.002-04:00

There was an UnKitter call over at the UnKit site for the July kit. There are 3 finalists, but only 1 will be chosen! Right now, there are 2 awesome kits up for your voting! Head over here and cast your vote! Voting will close on 6/15 at midnight, so hurry up!!! :)

Love it!

2008-06-08T23:45:00.002-04:00

SO glad this show is back tonight. It's awesome, and I've been waiting for it to premiere! You know where I'll be Sunday nights!!!! And, it's filmed here in Charleston. WAY COOL!!!

It's a freebie!

2008-06-08T21:37:00.002-04:00

Check out the UnKit site! I have a freebie project up and the directions should be posted tomorrow.

It's H-O-T here, highs in the upper 90s, low 100s with heat indexes around 105-110. MISERABLE! All the boys want to do is play outside...ummmmmmm....NO!!! And, they just don't understand. And, to everyone dealing with flooding, tornadoes, severe weather, my prayers are with you. This weather throughout the country is just crazy, spooky, downright scary!!!!

Make sure to check out the freebie!

Game over!

2008-06-07T15:43:00.005-04:00

T-ball ended last weekend, with our final game on Saturday. It was a great season, and I think P really enjoyed it! Next comes soccer, and he's deciding on whether or not he wants to play. He says YES one day, and No the next. So, we'll see!

I made his coach a scrapbook as a "Thank you!" for all her hard work and dedication this season. The kids really learned a lot and improved immensely. I used a Bo-Bunny chipboard album and added a piece of Hambly Heavy Overlay transparency in between each letter. She loved it! I was pretty pleased with how it turned out.

Hope you enjoy it too!

It's a boy!

2008-06-07T15:42:00.003-04:00

One of my best friends back home in Illinois had a boy yesterday!!! YIPPEE!! He was a big boy, 9 lbs 13 oz. All is well, and I'm so excited for them. CONGRATS!!!!! We can't wait to meet him!

Disney class....HOT!!!!

2008-06-02T10:18:00.006-04:00

Literally hot! The A/C was not working properly at A Scrapbook Store; however, we stuck it out and enjoyed the class. It was a good time! There were 5 ladies in attendance and each of them enjoyed themselves, despite the heat. Elise decided we were living the Disney experience, sweating just like you would if you were standing in line at Disney.

It was a good time had by all despite the sweat!!! 20 pages of goodness that could be used a scrapbook, journal or autograph book for a trip you've already taken or an upcoming adventure. It was so much fun we may have to have another class at the end of the summer for those trips that are enjoyed this summer!!!

And, before we left for the day, Elise and Laurie's husbands had found and solved the issue and the place was beginning to cool down. Thanks Guys!!!!! :):)

School's out...for summer!!!

2008-05-29T14:17:00.005-04:00

Remember that song???!!! Well, today, that song is my reality! I'm sad, but happy. Sad, because my 8 hours of quiet freedom are gone for a little while; happy, because it's summertime!! I'm REALLY looking forward to this summer. I keep telling myself it's going to be a great summer! I think I'm trying to psych myself up for a summer with 2 boys (4.5 & 2). WHOO!!

So, today we had to say goodbye to 4 wonderful teachers for the summer! They were incredible to each of the boys. Each of the boys really grew up this year. And, I know that will continue, but I have make sure to stay on top of things this summer.

Anyway, as a thank you to P's teachers I made them each a 6x6 canvas with the class's picture on it.

E's teachers received bookmarks with his picture on them (I forgot to take a picture of these). And, I made all of the cards for everyone to hold gift cards.

I hope everyone has a GREAT beginning of summer! I should be posting more projects soon!

Oh, if you get a chance, head over to the UnKit. There's a call right now for an UnKitter for July. Check it out!!

TGIF...

2008-05-23T10:59:00.002-04:00

It's the Friday before Memorial Day weekend. YIPPEE, summer is almost here! My husband has today AND Monday off from work. SO much fun! We're hoping to head to the beach and the pool this weekend. The boys will TOTALLY dig that! I'm hoping to be able to finish a couple projects I have in the works. That would be REALLY nice! What are you planning on doing? Leave a comment...who knows there may be an RAK in your future!

I'm hoping to post some pics this weekend, so check back! Until then...Oh happy day!!!!

GO TEAM!

2008-05-19T14:32:00.002-04:00

T-Ball season is almost over...only 1 more game left. It seems like it just started! I'm working on a cute little album for the coach. She's a scrapbooker too, which I just found out, so I'm hoping she's going to enjoy it. I went to a 8-hour crop yesterday and got about 1/2 way done. Why is it when you're doing something you enjoy, the time just FLIES by, but when it's no so fun, it drags on FOREVER!!??

Donna Downey was in town over the weekend. She taught at a LSS here in Charleston. I wasn't able to go to any of the classes, super bummed. But, 2 of my good friends were able to. They said she is SUPER cool and nice. I wish I could have met her, she's one of my favorite scrappin' "celebrities." I'm hoping to be able to go to her Inspired. event next May. I need to start sweet talkin' my husband soon, because registration opens Aug. 1. I did have a girlfriend take my books of hers to have her sign them for me. Super nice of her to do!!! Thanks friend!!!! :)

Hope you're having a good Monday! Another week...lookin' forward to havin' the hubby home for Memorial Day, and we just found out he has Friday and Monday off for the holiday. ROCK ON!!!!

SERIOUSLY....

2008-05-15T11:48:00.003-04:00

Okay...I say this word ALL the time, you know how I know. My 4 year old asks my dad, "Are you serious Grandpa?" VERY cute, but that's how I know!!!

But, I had SERIOUSLY had a GREAT time at my friend's house last night working on projects for this month's e-book for UnKit. It's a great kit, check it out. And, the projects/layouts/cards are going to be adorable! You can also join us for a rockin' good time here. It's a pretty cool little place!

It's Thursday, it's quiet (the boys are at school) and I've actually accomplished a couple of household tasks. WOOHOO!!!

SERIOUSLY...Have a GREAT day!!!! ;)

Wonderful weather...

2008-05-14T15:15:00.005-04:00

We're having some beautiful, NO GORGEOUS, weather today!!! It's just wonderful outside!!! If it was like this all the time, it would be terrific!!!!!!!! Could I use a few more exclamation points? :) I love to use them, can you tell!?!?

I wanted to wish every mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, friend out there a belated Happy Mother's Day!
This card was made for all you women out there!!!!!!!! I used the new, fabulous flock from STAMPENDOUS!! It's so much fun to use, and pretty easy too. I love the texture it adds to cards, pages, projects. It's just awesome!!! And, can I say I love "Terrificly Tacky Tape" too?! Try saying that 3 times fast. It's the bomb when using the flock. This card is full of texture with the flock and a green pipe cleaner for the stem and leaves. Here's a close-up of that flower.

Let me know if you want to know how I made it!

I'm heading to my friend's house tonight to work on my UnKit projects with this month's new kit, featuring some Heidi Grace paper. I can't wait. I have some ideas brewing in my brain, LOOK OUT!!! Check out the UnKit site to see the kit for May, it's super cute! The e-book for last month's projects, layouts, etc. is available. Check here if you're interested in purchasing.

And, I mentioned I was in Illinois in late April visiting family and friends and attending a wedding. Well, many of my friends here do not believe how FLAT Illinois is, so here's a picture to prove it.
You can see for miles and the wind blows HARD! Thanks Mom & Dad for taking this picture, great sunset!!! (I forgot to take one before I headed back to SC.) So, friends, do you believe me now? :):)

Almost that time...

2008-05-09T16:48:00.004-04:00

It's almost Mother's Day, I can't believe it! This year is just flying by. I recently created a small bio of my life right now on this site. I stated that my boys are my source of inspiration and perspiration. And, I truly believe that, especially with summer almost here, and summer temps are definitely here!!! I love my boys and feel very fortunate for the time I've been able to spend with them and watch them change, grow and develop into the cute little guys they are. (Okay, for those of you who know me, I don't always act this way, but I ALWAYS feel this way!) :):) So, here's a recent photo of me with the 2 little monsters (oops), I mean little guys.

I'm finally catching up on all that sleep I missed last weekend. Staying up until 5am, and then getting back to it by 11:30am is not an easy task. WOW, do I sound old or what!? I hope everyone had a fun and productive National Scrapbook Day! I did, and am getting ready to upload some new items on my etsy site. I'll post again when I do, hopefully this weekend.

The site I mentioned above is a cool place to join and it's free. It has to do with the UnKit, which now has their first e-book for sale. Check out my link to the left, or head over to the UnKit site. It's full of projects and layouts -- great for Father's Day! My paint can project was SO MUCH FUN and easy to create!

I'm Baaaaaack!!!

2008-05-01T17:44:00.002-04:00

After a week and a half trip back to the Midwest, I've returned home. It was a great trip with the little guys visiting family and friends and attending a wedding. Good times!! My grandma had a ball seeing the boys and it made me SO HAPPY to watch her get kisses and hugs from them. Tons of pictures were taken, so I'll have to post a few.

So, now the unpacking and laundry are almost done. Just one more load to fold and put away. YIPPEE!!! And, now I'm getting packed for National Scrapbook Day! It's going to be a full weekend of cropping and events at A Scrapbook Store in Mt. Pleasant. If you're in town, come by and check it out! They're open from 9am Friday (tomorrow) until 9pm Sunday. WOW! Tons o' fun!!! I can't wait to see some of my girlfriends.

So, do you have your list checked off for National Scrapbook Day...

Adhesive
Pictures
fun
Paper
Embellishments
Pretzels
fun
Diet Cherry Coke
a little chocolate
MORE fun

What are you doing for National Scrapbook Day???? Share please!!!!

Time for t-ball

2008-04-05T23:26:00.003-04:00

Today was the first big t-ball game for my little P. He was excited this morning, but after arriving early and the park district delay of 1/2 hour, he was over it (as were many of his teammates and opposing team players). He was ready to get on with his day and go to the bowling birthday party of his buddy Little H. He told me this morning that Mr. H was his best friend. How adorable! He has a best friend at his ripe age of 4.

You have to check out my good friend's UNkit site. It's a new take on the kit club, not sure if I've mentioned it before. I'm doing some design work for her. The kit this month includes some Zach's life by Little Yellow Bicycle. It's all about the boy, and I'm ALL about boys!!! She's got big plans, so keep checking the site.

Also, another of my good friends has been updating her blog lately. It's my FAVORITE local scrapbook store, where I'm trying to get some teaching in. I have a class coming up later this next week. We're altering a chipboard album and it's all about YOU and your FAVES! How many scrapbookers actually scrapbook about themselves. I know I haven't, or if I have, it's been a while. If you're in the area it's Friday, 4/11, 6:30 - ? (probably 9ish). It will be TONS o' fun. Also, she has an all day crop on 4/12 from 9am - midnight. I can't wait!!! I haven't done one of these in a LONG time. I'll be there after the t-ball game. :)

Hope to post some LOs soon!!! Check back, maybe tomorrow. I added some music and a slide show of some of my work. Anyone who peruses this blog, leave a comment, let me know what you think....there may be something in it for you!!! Who knows!?!?!?!?

Spring has sprung

2008-03-24T08:43:00.005-04:00

Spring is upon us. YIPPEE!!! I can't believe Easter has come and gone. Happy Belated Easter to everyone! It's been a whirlwind week. My brother-in-law was here for the weekend and the boys ABSOLUTELY LOVED having him here. They had so much fun playing with him. We actually walked on the beach Saturday for a little while. The water was COLD, but that wasn't stopping my youngest, I think he would have jumped in, no problem! It could prove to be an interesting summer for me. YIKES!!!

Mr. P has started t-ball. He's had 2 practices and is enjoying it thus far. I hope the enjoyment continues. April 5th is his first game. I can't wait. I think it will be a fun spring for us watching t-ball games. Little E is going to have some disappointment, because he wants to play too everytime.

Strawberry picking is beginning here. YUMMY! I have to admit I haven't done that for a LONG time and have NEVER done it with the boys, so there may be something new for us to do soon. Mr. P LOVES strawberries, little E not so much! I bought some berries from Costco for the Easter weekend, and out of the whole carton (I think it was 4 pounds), there were only 2 or 3 bad ones. So, we're still eating those up. They're sure to be gone today or tomorrow.

As far as crafting, I'm back into it, hopefully today. The boys are on Spring Break this week, so it could prove for some interesting crafting. We may have some painting time in our future. They will LOVE that.

Oh, if you enjoy podcasts, check out: http://www.scraphappy.mypodcast.com/. Lain is great. She interviews various scrapbook "celebrities," has her own reviews, answers questions, and shares a little about her life and the goings on at her home. It's fun and I enjoy listening while working on some sort of craft. I hope you enjoy it!

Feeling crafty

2008-03-09T11:39:00.006-04:00

March is National Craft Month -- did you know that!? A month dedicated to everything I LOVE! A few things to do this month: finish a couple projects/gifts, add to my etsy shop (link found on the left), prepare for an upcoming class at A Scrapbook Store, get ready for some crops and HAVE FUN being crafty!!! I love crafting!!! I hope you do something this month to celebrate National Craft Month.

Check out Fiskars Crafts -- each day this month they're featuring a project from a different Fiskateer. And, if you haven't checked out the Fiskateers site, it's free to sign up, and there are loads of ideas, great women, challenges, projects, etc. I'm Fiskateer #2208. I have a few items uploaded there.

Another AMAZING site with wonderful women, ideas, challenges, webisodes, etc. is SIStv. Another FREE place to join. A new webisode every Wednesday and truly some inspirational gals here. There's a link to my page on the left.

I've been getting some things together for the UnKit site. This is a different spin on the kit club. If you like kits...check it out. There's more to come this coming week, I believe.

So, I'll leave you with a 2 page layout I recently did about our trip to the Sand Sculpting Contest last year at IOP. It's an annual tradition to attend this Piccolo Spoleto event. I'm already looking forward to this year's.

Sick of being sick...

2008-03-03T23:24:00.002-05:00

So, the flu hit our house and spread like wildfire. Well, not really, but it felt like it. I was down last weekend, confined to my bedroom, door shut, sometimes locked, as the little one can now open doors, even some that have the safety knob on them. CRAZY! Anyway, my wonderful husband took care of the kiddos a week ago over the weekend, my mom came Monday to watch the boys and Tuesday they went to school, so I wasn't around them until Tuesday evening, and I was feeling better. Wednesday daddy went out of town until Friday, so we watched a lot of TV and movies, as mommy just wanted to lay around. Well, I thought we were in the clear, as no one else had gotten it. WRONG!!! Friday, bring it on, out of now where Mr. P spiked a crazy fever, so off to the doctor we went. Tamiflu for everyone, except me, been there..done that! So, little E is off to school tomorrow, but P is still running a little fever, so he'll be with me.

So, I've been out of commission for a while. I apologize. I've posted some new layouts on SIStv. Check 'em out! I hope you enjoy them. And, if you haven't signed up to be a SISter, it's free, sign up!! Great ideas, inspiration and women!!!

I'm teaching the beginning of April an altered chipboard album...my faves right now. How many times do you create a LO or anything about yourself? Well this class is going to take you there, make you create something about you!!! What kind of faves would you want to include in your book??? Tell me!!!!

Hope to be adding some new pics soon! Hope everyone stays healthy!!

Girl Scout Cookies anyone?

2008-02-14T22:59:00.006-05:00

Oh yes, they're back! We're lovin' some Girl Scout cookies. My husband loves the ones with peanut butter; I LOVE thin mints and samoas, YUMMY!!! The boys just love Girl Scout cookies. 8 boxes may not be enough to last a whole year, considering 2 boxes are almost gone and it's not even been a week. Make sure to get yours!!!

Check out our thin mint man and the do-si-do dude...

Happy Heart Day!

2008-02-14T14:20:00.004-05:00

Happy Heart Day to everyone! I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, because should there really have to be a specific day for you to celebrate your love for someone?! I think you should celebrate everyday!!! But, it's a wonderful holiday for the children and they are enjoying the extra showers of love from near and far! They received so many valentines and lots of candy from the friends and teachers at school. Their loot looked like it was Halloween! :):) I decorated some little white buckets for their teachers. Check 'em out.

And, here's the card I made for my hubby. He seemed to really like it! We actually got to go to lunch together today and enjoy each other's company without kids. I really enjoyed it, while he seemed a little pre-occupied with work. Oh well it was a YUMMY lunch none the less.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Sneak peek...Stamp your heart out!

2008-02-01T14:04:00.001-05:00

"One stamp set used to make 3 cards to "spread the love." Use them for Valentine's or just send them to let someone know you love them. Be prepared to pour it on, heat it up and stamp it out in this class, as we'll be embossing and debossing! Hope to see you there!!"

This class is Thursday, 2/7, from 6:30 - 8:30 at the store in Mt. Pleasant. Call to reserve your spot! It's going to be lots of fun!

Wanna build a fort?

2008-02-01T13:54:00.000-05:00

So dreary here this morning. So, it's a pajama day!!! I built a fort for the boys and they love it! Well, P really enjoys playing inside the fort, while E just loves to run into the blankets and tear it down, so needless to say it didn't look like this when fort time was over. Check them out playing. I love watching and listening to them as their imaginations take over. Today we are Buzz Lightyear and space rangers.

Hope your day isn't dreary, but if it is make a fort. :) And, if it's cold where you are make some hot chocolate and try to stay warm.

It's baaaack!!

2008-01-31T22:50:00.000-05:00

Tonight...the season premiere of LOST. LOVE this show. It makes me think, which when I'm watching the TV isn't the #1 thing I want to be doing, but it's a great show. Tonight, it was all over the place, but it ended as always...wanting more!!! Can't wait to see next week's episode.

So, it was a great weekend last weekend. I got 13 pages done. YIPPEE!!! I'll have to upload a couple soon. I'm working on my class I'm teaching next week. It was suppose to be tonight, but no takers. SO, we've moved it to next Thursday, same time, same place. We're making some love cards. If you're interested, stop by the store, or call to sign up. Hope to see you there!

Crazy weather!

2008-01-24T23:10:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I wish it would either just be cold or warm, and not an extreme of one or the other every other day. UUGH!!! Right now in the midwest it's freezing, heard they let schools out last night for today due to the frigid temps. Here it was nice the last 2 days and today it clouded up, and tomorrow it's to be COLD! But, suppose to be back in the low 60s next week. See what I mean, just make up your mind already, Mother Nature! :)

And, for some healthy info, check out this blog my good friend just started -- Healthy Express. It's got some great info on it and a couple yummy sounding recipes. She said the roasted banana recipe is awesome, we have yet to try it.

Well, I'm off to create this weekend. I'm all packed, I think I'm taking everything but the kitchen sink. I hope to get lots of scrappin' done!!! I'll let y'all know!!!

Have a great one!

Birthday smoothies!!

2008-01-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

My oldest son turned 4 yesterday!!! WOW! Has it been that long since driving to the dr's office twice and then being sent to the hospital to experience the most WONDERFUL thing ever?! It just doesn't seem possible, but it's true! It's been a whirlwind and every day is something new, that's for sure, but he's growing up and before we know it he'll be off to school, then high school and college (we hope), and then moving out of the house (we hope even more!!). :) He drives me CRAZY sometimes, but I LOVE him and I'm very fortunate to be home with he and his lil' brother to winess their amazing lives and their everyday changes. Happy Birthday little P!

So, we've had so much birthday cake lately: my mom's birthday was Friday so we celebrated with cake; P's birthday today, so we took cupcakes to school and the big party is this weekend...more cake. SO, I was going to make birthday brownies; HOWEVER, no brownie mix in the pantry. WHAT!? I always have a mix or 2 in there for emergencies. Who doesn't know what a brownie emergency is?! SO, we had the leftover cupcakes and SMOOTHIES!!! Yep, that's right! Daddy thought what a great thing, instead of ice cream. And, let me tell you, awesome idea! The boys LOVE them, and they're good for us! So, cupcakes (or icing) for P and bring on the smoothie. He even helped daddy make them. He's such a little chef!!!

So, I've been making birthday cards like they're going out of style lately.

One for my niece , a couple for my mom . The second one for my mom was made with some color wonder paper that P fingerpainted. I used it for grandma's card. And another one was made for P's birthday, but I haven't taken a photo yet. It's got his fave Little Einsteins on it though.

So, enjoy the rest of your January, I have a birthday party to get ready for this weekend and then another birthday later this month, my other niece. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Determined.

2008-01-06T22:18:00.000-05:00

This is my word for 2008. Ali Edwards has a post about choosing a word to define you, your year. So, here's my word. I'm determined to do a lot this year in all facets of my life: be a better mom, better wife, do things for me, be healthy, exercise, work on my crafting, evolve in my crafting, maybe even make a little money with my crafting. I want to be good to me! I am to a certain extent, but you know how it is, other things always come first and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way, but I want to do some things for me this year. So, what's your word?!?

It has been cold here this past week, but today was absolutely GORGEOUS!!! 70 degrees, sunny, it was AWESOME! The family went for a walk this morning, 3 miles round trip. It was INCREDIBLE!! We walked to the top of the new Cooper River bridge, well it's not so new anymore..over a year old. But, we made it to the top and the view was beautiful! We saw dolphin from up there and lots of boats. The boys really enjoyed it! It was just such an awesome feeling, I must have yelled 1/2 dozen times, because I was so excited I actually made it to the top!!!

Oh, and my brother and sister-in-law should now be in Australia! Okay, I'm SOOOO jealous! That's the ONE place I want to see/visit before I pass from this world. They are in Sydney and then taking a cruise around the continent and on to New Zealand to cruise around there. I can not wait to see their pictures and hear the stories. So, this brought up a convo between my hubby and I, where do we want to travel .. anywhere in the world? This is our list thus far:

-- France
-- Egypt
-- Germany
-- Sweden, Finland, Norway
-- Africa

in the States:

-- Yellowstone
-- Alaska
-- Grand Canyon
-- Napa Valley

This list is just the beginning. But, where would you go?

A new year

2008-01-03T22:03:00.000-05:00

Happy 2008! I can't believe the holidays have come and gone, man the years go by so fast anymore. I'm scared to blink to quick. 2007 was good to me and my family. I'm hoping 2008 is just as good, if not better. I have lots of goals set for 2008, and I'm hoping I can accomplish all of them. One is to be a better blogger. I'm not sure who, if anyone, reads this blog, but I hope to post more.

Creating.....that's one thing I'm planning on doing more of this year. I LOVE to create!! It helps me relieve stress, puts me in a good mood, it's just a good thing!!! So, as I create more, I want to share more.

Hope your goals are set for 2008 and that you're ready to reach for them!

Happy Day!!

2007-12-05T15:01:00.001-05:00

Oh Happy Day!!! Yesterday was AWESOME! I was at my LSS dropping off some gift bags I made for an upcoming class, 12/14. The UPS man arrived with the new ribbon purse. (I'll have to take a picture once all my ribbon is in it.) This thing rocks!! I've been waiting a LONG time for it. It's like Christmas! I got home yesterday afternoon and started adding my ribbon, which I have SO MUCH of. I hardly use it, I think because I can't see it all at once. But, with this new purse, it will NOT be a problem. It's gonna be so cool, once I get all the ribbon in, which all sits in the middle and supposedly doesn't tangle. We'll see..... Keep your fingers crossed!

What girl doesn't like a little bling?

2007-11-27T22:28:00.000-05:00

I taught a tags class tonight at my LSS. It was fun, and we used lots of bling, Stickles. LOVE Stickles, the fancy name for glitter glue, but it comes in an array of colors, by Ranger Industries. I had a blast teaching this group of ladies! We made 4 tags to use on gifts, in your scrapbooks, add to cards, whatever you want to do with them. I should have taken pictures, but forgot before I left. Oops!!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! My brother and sister-in-law were in town, which was wonderful. My boys couldn't get enough of their uncle. I think I heard his name thousands of times in the time they were here. They are his biggest fans, which makes him proud, I'm sure. They live in Connecticut, so we don't get to see them often, but it was great spending so much time with them. We're hoping to visit them in the spring, which I guess would be like June there, hahahaha. No, hopefully we'll make it there in late March or early April, hopefully the snow will have melted. And, I'm not joking about that!

Freedom

2007-11-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

For 4 hours on Tuesday and Thursday I will now have a little bit of this...freedom, or should I say peace and quiet. :) My youngest is now going to MMO. He started Tuesday and absolutely loved it! I was a little hesitant as he's only 16 months old, but there was a space available, we were next on the list, so I couldn't pass it up. I'm hoping he continues to love it and do well. I know I'm loving it!!!

So, I taught a cards class a couple weeks ago, and it went VERY well!! It lasted a little longer than 2 hours, but everyone said they enjoyed it! We made 4 cards doing some stamping and embossing on a couple of them. I had a lot of fun. It was only my 2nd class, but I think it went pretty well. I'm teaching again at the end of the month at my LSS. This time a tags class, tags for gifts, cards, scrapbooks, tags for all occasions, but mostly for the holidays that are upon us.

This weekend I'm venturing out to participate in a craft show at HarborView Elementary on James Island. It's Saturday from 10-2. I'll be selling (hopefully) some frames, cards and maybe some other items. I'm looking forward to it, but lots to do before then.

Oh how the years go by!

2007-11-07T16:12:00.000-05:00

Today is our 9th anniversary! I can't believe it's been 9 years. Full of ups and downs, crying and laughter (mostly laughter), frowns and smiles (mostly smiles), it's been the BEST 9 years of my life! I LOVE my husband and everything he stands for! He's been so supportive of me, as a person, a wife and now a mom! I couldn't ask for anything more!!! Happy anniversary honey!

We can fly...we can fly...

2007-10-09T23:16:00.000-04:00

WE CAN FLY!!!!! My oldest son LOVES Peter Pan! He is infatuated with it. He is in LOVE with Tinker Bell! Yesterday after he awoke from his nap, he came in to where I was ironing and said "Mommy hold my hand." So, I did and we flew! We flew off to Never Land! Let me tell you, it was the best flight I've taken in a LONG time!!

Oh Happy Day!!!

2007-10-06T16:40:00.000-04:00

Happy World Card Making Day!!! I just made 1 card, YIPPEE!!! I'm sending to a friend of mine. Love her, she's inspiring, very creative and a new found friend! Make a card today...send it to someone special or someone you've been thinking about recently. A card brings a smile, and a homemade card is like a hug from the sender. :) (at least that's how I feel when I get a card)

Me?? A teacher?? .......

2007-10-05T15:20:00.000-04:00

That's right. I'm teaching my 1st class tonight at A Scrapbook Store. I'm teaching a beginner class tonight. I'm excited! There are only a couple people signed up and already prepaid, so I hope that means they will be there. :) I'm teaching again later this month, Oct. 27th, a card/stamping class. I made the cards last night, and love the way they turned out. I hope the attendees enjoy them too. I'll post them after the class is done later in the month.

Disney was a fun trip! The boys enjoyed it, especially the 3 1/2 year old. He was in 7th heaven A LOT!!! Loved seeing them meet the characters. The younger one just loved on them, it was so sweet! He cuddled and wouldn't let go in some instances. I can't wait to go back!!! :) But, my husband can.

So many reasons for excitement....

2007-09-23T21:03:00.000-04:00

So excited today, and a little exhausted. Excited because we're heading to Disney VERY soon, exhausted because we're trying to get the kids healthy before we leave--it's been a LONG weekend.

I created autograph books for each of my sons to take. I just love Disney and can't wait to see everything through the eyes of my children!!! I know my older one will be more into it, but just to see the expressions on each of their faces will be TOTALLY worth it to me! You can see my creations here.

I'm also excited for one of my friends, who I met at Kindermusik with our kids, but didn't know she scrapped. So, we reconnected through our LSS. She teaches there and has some GREAT classes! She has just been asked by Fiskars to attend the Fiskateer roundup. Congrats Sudie!!! I'm SO EXCITED for you!!!

Up for a challenge??

2007-09-13T14:30:00.000-04:00

My girlfriend and I are hoping to start a "club." Do you remember clubs from when you were younger? I loved them, they were so much fun. I was in a sticker club at a store in the mall, what a hoot. I loved going to get my "sticker of the month" each month. And, then putting in the sticker book, it had to have just the right space. OH BOY what was I thinking!!!

Anyway, back to the new club. We're hoping to start a club at the local scrapbook store, where she works and I frequent WAY too much! It's a club to challenge your creativity, your mind, your everything and get you to think "outside the box." We're working on challenges now and the purpose of the club to propose to the owner. I think it's AWESOME and I can't wait!!! My girlfriend is SUPER creative and I am inspired by her. I tell her all the time and she gives me this WHATEVER look, but she truly does. When it becomes official, I'll let you know more.

Clubs are back, baby!!!!

You give me fever...

2007-09-13T14:24:00.000-04:00

It started with the little guy having a high fever last Friday, over 103. But, only for the day. After a last minute trip to the doctor, thank goodness we got in, we discovered it was nothing. At least the doctor said ears look good, throat looks good. Hmmmm... He is getting some new teeth, and boy it takes this child FOREVER to get teeth!!! Well, he had the fever for the day and Saturday was just cranky, but daddy got to deal with that, as I was off to crop for 14 hours!!! Yep, that's right 14 hours!!!! It was AWESOME! I was in heaven. I got 9 pages done, and finishing up a journal for a girlfriend of mine who is leaving for Italy tomorrow.

And, now the older son has a fever. Not too terribly high, but I didn't send him to school today. He's running about 101.5, but I don't want to risk anyone else getting anything. He's had an appetite, so who knows what's going on or around!

Anyway, I've been trying to create. I've created a few things and posted them on SISTV under my profile. Check them out!

Been a while...

2007-08-29T22:28:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in so long. Not sure why, just busy I guess. It seems like I'm always doing something on this computer, so I'm not sure why I haven't updated this. But, with 2 young boys, it's not very often you get a free moment. I've been trying to catch up on scrapping/creating. It's taking a little bit. My oldest boy starts "school" (Mother's morning out) next Tuesday, so hopefully my younger one will allow me to "create" during his brother's time away. BUT, for some reason, I'm thinking that's not going to be happening. We'll see. And, there will be "chores" to do around the house, which I'm hoping will be a bit easier, since I will only have 1 set of little hands to worry about helping me. :)

I have been working on a few things. I've made a few cards. Here's a sample:

I've posted a few more on my profile at SISTV http://www.scrapinstyletv.com/portfolio/view_album.php?album_id=VRECENT_2201.

LOVE this website!!! It's FREE to join, which is a HUGE plus! There are SO MANY creative ladies out there!! Make sure to check it out!

I seriously can't believe it's almost September!!! Where has this year gone?!?! We were at Costco tonight and they already had some Christmas things out. WHOA, it's TOO early for that! But, it will be here before we know it! UUGH!!! I love Christmas, but thinking about it now just makes me crazy, thinking of ALL that needs to be done before then.

Oh, I've also added a few things to my etsy site. Make sure to check it out. I've sold 1 frame so far, but I'm hoping that something else will sell. We'll see. Again, so many creative people on this website. It's a bit overwhelming, but SO inspiring!!! LOVE IT!

Okay, so this post was a bit all over the place, but what can I say!?

Back from CKC

2007-08-08T22:46:00.000-04:00

I travelled to CKC in Charlotte this past weekend with my mom and met my cousin there. It was a BLAST!!! It was exhausting and tiring, but SO MUCH FUN!! I can't wait to go next year! We took classes, cropped and shopped 'til we dropped (almost literally). It was the first time for all of us, and we've already talked about what we would do differently next time. :):)

It was a whirlwind. My husband was gone for a week for work, he returned, I packed the car and left within 4 hours! Hello and goodbye! After being with the 2 boys, it was time for a much needed break. But, it was nice to get home to see my hubby! I missed him a TON! He's so supportive of me with all my crafting, even when my desk is a DISASTER, like it is now. He keeps subtly telling me I need to TRY and keep it a little neater. I know, I know...you would think it's the first thing you see when you come in our house. :):) It is, man, it would be so nice to have my own scrap space, just like it would be nice to have a playroom and a guest room and a maid and a....oh, hello, I was just daydreaming!!!! A woman can dream, right!?!

Anyway, if you've never been to a CKC, you HAVE to go! You'll have a darn good time. Just make sure there's room on the charge card or buy a lottery ticket!!!

1st Birthday LOs

2007-07-23T23:53:00.000-04:00

Here are some layouts from the birthday party.

My son is FINALLY one!!!

2007-07-23T23:38:00.000-04:00

Well, he's really 3, but I FINALLY completed the scrapbook for his first year of life!! I attended an all day crop on Saturday at A Scrapbook Store and got through the end of his first year and his 1st birthday party. I will probably still add a few pages, as I have a TON of pictures of so many different things from that first year: mostly different faces, quirks, etc. of him during his first year of life. But, it's finally done! I was SO EXCITED!!! Now, I have to rock and roll to get caught up! I'm so in to it right now, I'm hoping that things will just start flowing. We'll see. Here are a few of the layouts.

3 year olds and pens DON'T mix!

2007-07-19T09:58:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I spent about 30-45 min. creating my journal covers last night. I LOVE it! I brought it in to the kitchen this morning to add to my first list in it while the boys were eating breakfast. WELL, Patrick found a pen sitting next to it (the one I was going to use to write in the notebook) and proceeded to draw all over the front of it. UUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!! I mean SERIOUSLY!!! Do they ever learn to keep their hands to themselves?!?!?!

So, I'm not sure if I can fix it, but we'll see. I guess EVERYTHING has to go on top of the fridge. Oh yeah, he can get up there, with the help of the barstool. I guess it needs to go on top of the cabinets. Oh yeah, I can't get up there without the help of a barstool. :):)

SOLD....

2007-07-18T23:53:00.000-04:00

A frame that is. I had my first sale from my etsy.com site. I found out late last night. I was SO excited. I'm hoping to list more out there by the end of the week. I've made a couple cards, but am hoping to get a few more things done to put them out there. Keep checking out there, if you're interested, as I'm hoping to add new things each week. A little at a time, I don't want to overwhelm myself or anyone else.

I went to a class at A Scrapbook Store last night. It was lots of fun using transparencies. VERY COOL transparencies from Hambly. I've read a lot about them on several websites and blogs lately. Transparencies, in general, are very cool!!! They cut down on a lot of time on pages, if you choose to use them like that. A lot of them make it very simple, because it's all right there, you just need the background paper and pictures. Any additions are totally your choice. I love simple and easy!!!

So, tonight I made my own little journal. I'm going to use it for various things, probably lists mostly: grocery, to do, you know the normal lists that we all make. It's a little big, but I will probably carry it in my purse. I want to have something where I can write down things when I think of them, or when I hear things come out of Patrick's mouth during the day. I want to be able to scrap those moments, those words, that come out of his mouth. Because, he says the darndest things sometimes, and I always say I'll remember them, but I couldn't tell you what he said tonight, let alone the last time it was really funny, which I'm sure was earlier today. :):)

Check it out!

2007-07-17T00:29:00.000-04:00

I've officially set up my etsy.com site today. Finally! I've been talking about this for a while, but it's official today. There's a link on this blog. I'm so excited! I hope people enjoy my creations as much as I do, and I hope I'm successful. What I've listed thus far is only a small portion of what I'd like to list out there. So, go check it out!!!! Whimsical What-Nots It should be one of your new favorite sites. :):):) It's mine!!

It's booked!!!

2007-07-16T00:36:00.000-04:00

We're going to Disney World this year!!! YIPPEE!!! I can't wait! Our trip isn't until the end of September, but my countdown will soon start! I LOVE WALT DISNEY WORLD! If I could live anywhere in the world, it would be Disney World!! I can't wait, I can't wait!!! We're going to see THE Mouse!

Markers are BANNED!!!!

2007-07-15T21:46:00.000-04:00

Well, this morning my husband and I awoke to some more rustling around 7:30ish. It was, of course, the 3 year old. Boy, not sure what we're going to do with this little monster, I mean boy. No, I mean devlish monster!!!! He was playing with the markers and had drawn on himself. UUGH!!!! Unbelievable! It seriously looks like a big green tattoo! I put him in our bed and told him he was NOT getting the markers back for a LONG LONG time!!! I thought this was the worst of it. Well, I was wrong.

My husband went in to my oldest son's room and found ................................ drumroll please.....

this... and this... !!

Okay, so these are now the doodling sheets!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone should have a set of these! :):)

It's all about the markers...

2007-07-15T00:25:00.001-04:00

So, my parents got my 3 year old a Spark Art Easel for Christmas, but we JUST put it together this week. He got so many things for Christmas and then his birthday 2 weeks later, that I thought it would be a good thing to save for a rainy day. Well, since it was HOT here this week (heat index of 105+), I thought what a PERFECT thing to break out. He absolutely freakin' LOVES it!!! It is pretty cool! I didn't realize it came in so many parts, but only took me about 30 min or so to put together.

It's finally ready to go and he is SO excited because it came with markers. Well, they were dry erase markers, and he was doing such a good job with them. That is until I kept asking him to put them away, since the 1 year old was wanting to participate too. Boy, that would have been a BIG FIASCO!!! So, the markers went in "timeout" for the evening. They were put in their designated case and then up on top of the refrigerator. He asked for them several times that night, but I didn't give in!!

Wednesday morning I awoke to rustling around 6:30AM. I was a little freaked out, since my husband was out of town on business. I got up to find this in front of the fridge. I couldn't believe my eyes. My "resourceful" (as one of my best friends called him), had tried many means to get the markers down from atop the fridge, and succeeded with the bar stool, as I found him sitting at the kitchen table going through the case looking at the 6 colors. He had colored an orange circle on one of his hands and colored 2 of his teeth yellow!! The yellow on the teeth was gone before I could locate the camera to record this wonderful moment in time. Remember, it was 6:30AM, I was still trying to get my bearings!!!

AGAIN, the markers were put in timeout!! They were released yesterday! BUT, today I found spots on his bed sheets, 6 different colors in several places. Not sure when this took place. This boy LOVES markers, but I think he's going to have to stick with crayons for a while. UUGH!!! So, guess where the markers are now????? :):)

Summer is flying by!

2007-07-07T21:18:00.000-04:00

I can't believe the 4th of July has come and gone. Summer is flying by! We had a GREAT visit with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew! I wish they could have stayed longer. The boys just had a BLAST together, and of course, they just started playing well together and really bonding, and they had to leave. We talked about meeting halfway somewhere sometime, which I think would be a GREAT time!

Now it's time to clean up and do laundry, get back to normal, everyday life!! The boys are trying to get back on a schedule, which will take a few days, but we're getting there.

Well, I took a few frames to a local scrapbook store, A Scrapbook Store, to try to sell on consignment today. We'll see how it goes. I need to make some more to put out on my etsy.com site. I'm hoping I can sell some. I'm also going to make some magnets, paperclips, maybe tags, etc. We'll see what happens.

Excitement in the air...

2007-06-29T20:31:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm on my way to displaying some of my decorated frames in a local scrapbook store. I'm SO excited! I went to A Scrapbook Store this evening in Mt. Pleasant and showed her some of my wares. She thought they were very cute. So, I just have to put my "logo" in them and take them back to her to display. She'll be back in the store on Thursday, so I'm hoping to go over then. I CAN'T WAIT!!! And, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will sell some, so keep your fingers crossed for me too. I know, I know....I need to put some pictures out here so y'all can see them, well if you want to see them. :)

I'm also excited because my oldest son is doing MUCH better with potty training. He's not telling us when he has to go, but knock on wood the last 2 days we've had NO accidents in the pull-up. I know we should be using "big boy" undies, but I just haven't yet, maybe this weekend. We had a BIG mishap earlier this week that was just SO embarrassing to me, but I've gotten over it, SLOWLY!!! It didn't even phase him, which really frustrates me. He's almost 3 1/2 and I feel he should be trained already. But, they say boys are slower (I believe that!) and each child is different. The only thing that keeps going through my head is my younger child (who just turned 1) is going to be trained before the older one. My cousin laughed as she said last night that the 3 1/2 year old would be asking for the car keys while still in a diaper. HAHAHA, NOT even funny I told her!!!!!

Another reason for excitement...all day/all night crop tomorrow. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!! It's going to be GREAT! I have to get my stuff together, but I'm SO looking forward to it! Lots of exclamation points in this paragraph, can you tell how excited I am!? :):) I just wish my 2 best friends from home and my cousin were here, so we could crop and gab together, but I will be thinking of them while I'm there. I'm hoping I can get LOTS done! It's 14 hours, so I'm hoping more than 5 pages will get done.

And, one more reason for excitement, my husband's sister, her husband and their son are on their way down here. They are stopping in Atlanta to see his brother, and they should be here on Monday evening. It's going to be fun to hang out with them and let the kids play! We haven't hung out with them in a LONG time, just the 4 of us anyway! So, we're planning on letting the kids play and the parents will watch them and reminisce (that's my husband's take on it), while sipping on some COLD brewskis. :):)

Enjoy the weekend! I know I will!!!!!!!!

Late and all is quiet

2007-06-29T00:35:00.000-04:00

Lately, my creative juices start flowing after the boys go to bed, and it's a little quieter. The bad thing is I want to stay up and just keep working on whatever it is I'm doing: scrapbooking, making frames, etc. I do that and then suddenly realize is 12:30am and I NEED to go to bed, so I can be awake with both eyes open the next morning, when the 2 rugrats rise and shine. Lucky for me they aren't super early risers. I'm extremely thankful for that!

It's nice to have the quiet. Don't get me wrong, I love the noise that happens in this house, I don't think I would trade it for anything. (people that know me and are reading this are thinking that I probably need some sleep after that comment) :) I complain about it, probably too much if you ask my hubby and parents. :):) But, someday those noises won't be there, and I'll be wishing they were. I try (REALLY hard some days) to remember that I should enjoy the noisy times; the giggling, laughing, yelling, screaming, crying (okay, but how do you enjoy crying, unless it's not your child). However, when they're sleeping, be it a nap or they're down for the night, the peace and quiet is a nice sound!

With the peace and quiet today/tonight, I was able to work on some picture frames and magnets. Pictures will come soon, in case you would like to see them. Well, I guess it's time for me to enjoy my own peace and quiet, and try to get some sleep, and prepare for another adventurous day!

My first post

2007-06-27T17:21:00.001-04:00

Well, I officially have a blog now. Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I'll just go with it. And, I guess if you're checking this blog, you're taking the ride with me. I'm a crafter and wanted to be able to share my creations and ideas with friends across the country. And, I also wanted to be able to share thoughts and stories too. Who knows what will end up here, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.