My life... and all that goes with it

Sweet Cakes Give-Away!

2012-01-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

Hello friends and welcome!

Doodlebug Designs is having a give a way!

All you have to do is...

Follow my blog and also leave a comment here on my blog. Then go to Doodlebug's blog and leave another comment. When you do this you'll be entered to win the entire Sweet Cakes Collection!

Winners will be announced on 1.31.12 on the Doodlebug Designs Blog.

Here's what I created:

Supply list: Doodlebug Design 6x6 paper pad Sweet Cakes, American Crafts this to that foam dots box, Doodle Twine Valentines assortment, Doodlebug Boutique Brads Cupcake assortment, Doodlebug Boutique Buttons Lily white and Ladybug assortment, Doodlebug Fancy Frills Sweet Cakes, Doodlebug Icons Sweet Cakes, Doodlebug Cute Cuts Sweet Cakes, CM corner rounder.

Thanks for playing!!!

My favorite!

2012-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

Of course I say that every month, but I can attest that I have loved every single kit that Scrapbook Circle has put out! This is the February kit that's coming to my mailbox very soon!

This is the add on which I also have coming!
I can't wait to play!

If you don't have a kit club, or are looking to join one you really should join this one because it rocks!!

I've been busy!

2012-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

And I love it! There are days of course where I like having nothing better to do than just sit and chill. But most days for me are pretty busy! As of late I have neglected my poor blog due to being so busy!

Here's something I've been working on {peeks of course!}

These are my sneaky's for GCD Studios for CHA this year! So honored to of been able to make something with these cute new 6 collections!!!!!! Can't wait to reveal them fully soon!

We also finished re-doing out bathroom! Wanted to do it for awhile now. We painted the walls. Painted the vanity/sink which was my very first time doing something like that and it came out beautifully! We added a linen closet. A new mirror. New hardware. New Towels and decor too! So excited. We were very busy people last week! It's amazing what a few changes like that can do! We love it!

I am also working with this...

It's the February kit from Birds Of A Feather! I got the kit extras too and am having so much fun creating!

Also been busy with school! This term is going SO well and SO much better than last term!!!! I am enjoying school and love going online, wished I could take all of my classes that way!

And I'm on the count down to D&I's 2 week trip! I had planned on going myself but he really wants to go see our dear friends too! So we're both going! Got care for A lined up and everything! So excited!! Only got a couple of months to go!

Well I'm off to go create! Hope you create something today too and finding joy in doing it!!!

Doodle-y-Doo!

2012-01-20T05:30:00.000-08:00

When Doodlebug Designs and Lori contacted me and told me I made the team I was beyond thrilled! There are companies out there that fit you to a tee and Doodlebug does that for me! I simply love their products. They are bright, cheery, and fun! I wanted to share with you my recent project I did with their new collection!

Supplies: Sweet Cakes Fancy Frill Sugar Coated Cardstock Stickers, Sweet Cakes Sugar Coated Cardstock Stickers, Sweet Cakes Cute Cuts 12X12 Die Cut Sheet, Doodlebug Doodle Twine Valentines Assortment, Doodlebug Design Mini Jewels Lily White Assortment, Doodlebug Jack & Jill cardstock stickers, Baby Cakes 12X12 Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Doodlebug Slim Sunburst Create-A-Card Assortment.

This card is for my dear friend Tabitha. While visiting Sarah, we took a day and went to see her too. She lived in England with us as well. I wanted to send her this card saying thank you!

Hope your day is doodle-y-doo too!!!!

Mini

2012-01-14T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am knee-deep in GCD Studios CHA collections so I'll keep this quick!

{The DT girls for GCD are creating things to be taken to CHA, I feel honored to do so! All 6 collections that I am playing with are TOTALLY cute!}

Okay..

So I wanted to share with you a mini kit that Scrapbook Circle is selling right now!

Go get this really cute kit right away!!!!

Here's to hoping that your weekend is grand, mine is busy but fun!!!!!

What's up!

2012-01-12T10:57:00.000-08:00

Why hi there! As I sit at my desk looking out the window I am amazed at the strangeness in our winter this year. You can never expect what kind of weather we'll get, but this one was just weird. But today the sun is shining and it makes me yearn for spring and the newness of that! I sure hope that winter doesn't rear its self in the latter part of winter and spring is right on time! How is it in your neck of the woods?

I just wanted to write a little. Or a lot... LOL. But I thought I'd share what's going on in our worlds as of late.

Dayv has another new hobby, however its connected to his old one. Now he is making rubber lures as well! I've not seen him this excited in a long time and it pleases and tickles me both! He's still in this job {we weren't sure if he was able to keep it due to downsizing} and likes it. He's taking 2 classes online and is doing well. He is on his way to completely his degree, hopefully in the time frame prior to him getting out in 2016. We plan on having more date nights this year too, something I think we both need!

Alyssa is doing very well in school! She's getting her braces off this month, got into the newest CYT play {Oklahoma}as a can-can girl. A step up for sure! We start practices this week and pretty much our entire Feb & beginning of March she's a busy girl with the play. She's so cute! I can't remember if I shared or not, but she's not dating her boyfriend anymore she broke up with him. She is very happy and so are we! Although it was a good first experience she doesn't want to be bothered right now with all that. She's going to winter camp this month with the youth group at our church and is very excited about that! She's also been busy selling candy to pay for her way to San Fran for her HS band trip too. She's a busy girl that's for sure!

I am good. Started back to the gym a month ago and it feels great. We actually do Jillian as a family in the mornings and then I meet up with Dayv for the gym later. When the weather gets better we'll start walking the dogs again, something I am sure they can't wait for! LOL. I am taking 2 classes this term online as well. Which means I pretty much stay home daily, love this!!!! We are planning on re-doing our bathroom soon too! It's time for an update with decor. We're painting and also painting the vanity sink too. Changing colors in there and everything! I am beyond excited to say the least! I am more peaceful within. I am closer to God than I have been in a long time. I love my life and feel very blessed too.

*I have been keeping up with my 365, you can click on that link if you'd like.

*Our church is going through some major changes. Please pray for our church.

*My term with SRM Stickers is up this month. I am so happy to of worked with this wonderful company! Thank you Susan for giving me that wonderful opportunity!

I think I'm going to do a grateful list.. It's a long time coming!

1. For change. Because it might be hard but it is good and necessary.
2. Having D&A tell me how much they miss me and how much they appreciate me when I am out of town.
3. Getting a good nights rest.
4. Being with the Lord in the AM. Even though he is with me always some how the mornings seem the sweetest.
5. The thought that I am keeping my body healthy and doing something for myself makes me push further each day.
6. Quiet.
7. Knowing valleys aren't forevers.
8. Cleaning. Because it makes me feel wonderful!
9. God's sovereignty within my life. Things I can't even begin to understand He does so I don't need it. I just need to trust in that sovereignty and in Him.
10. Laughter. I kid you not, my family is always in a constant state of laughter, it warms me like nothing else!

I thought I should talk about the dogs too! After all they are apart of our family. Well.. there isn't anything to report! LOL. They are just being them!

So there you have it! Hoping that you have words to share too!

Seeing double!

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well here we are into half way into 2012 already huh? I wonder if this year will fly by like last year? At least mine flew! School is back in session, I'm back from my girlie trip, and ready for what 2012 is going to bring myself and my family!!!!

Pebbles Inc. this week is showcasing double pages! I don't know about you, but I don't do them enough and need too! This page was TONS of fun to create and of course having the cute With Love Collection, you can't help but have fun huh!

Here's my double page spread.

Pebbles supplies:

With Love Ribbon (780014)

New Arrival layered embellishments (747120)

Gift Tags (747160)

Mini Clothes Pins (744280)

Mini ABC Stickers (732087)

Heart paper clips (744281)

Mr.&Mrs. Flower Brads (747089)

Candy Dots (747088)

Toothpick Flags (747159)

Sticky Notes (732088)

Ever After Pins (747096)

With Love (751207)

With Love (751211)

With Love (751203)

With Love (751204)

Other supplies:

American Crafts (cardstock)

Glimmer Mist

Computer font Calibri

American Crafts (Thickers)

American Crafts (pop dots)

Isn't this collection the cutest? I think so!!!!!

Wonderful!

2012-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

What a lovely 4 day trip it was to visit my dear friend Sarah! We ate some wonderful food, laughed, and shed a lot of tears too! I got to see her beautiful home, spend time with her family, and see a great show. It was the perfect time frame for us both! I can't wait to see her again.

I didn't take many photos at all either but this is one that was taken.

I also couldn't wait to show you this layout! I am in LOVE!

On Doodlebug Designs all of us DT members did a sketch, go check it out!

Here's mine:

Doodlebug Sweet Cakes 6x6 paper pad, Sweet Cakes Cute Cuts 12X12 Die Cut Sheet, Doodlebug Doodle Twine Valentines Assortment, Doodlebug Boutique Buttons Lily White Assortment, Doodlebug Boutique Buttons Bubblegum Assortment, Doodlebug Boutique Buttons Cupcake Assortment, Sweet Cakes Fancy Frill Sugar Coated Cardstock Stickers, Sweet Cakes Sugar Coated Cardstock Stickers, Valentine Twine 12X12 Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Baby Cakes 12X12 Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Baby Cake Doodle Pops Sticker.Photo from here.

Just getting back into the swing of things for my Monday! It's good to be home, I love my family!

I sure hope you love your family too!

In the mood!

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

I must of gotten over scrapping Christmas right quick! I think I enjoyed taking photos and being in the moment actually than scrapping the holiday this year. So I quickly moved on to scrapping Valentine's. Only for me it really wasn't about the day per-say, it was more about the collections on my desk and how totally cute they were! So I busted them out and created a lot of "love" themed layouts that's for sure!
In fact, here are 3 more that I did using Pebbles With Love Collection. This is probably one of my most favorite Valentine collections, I have to admit!

The first layout you see I did for a challenge on Birds Of A Feather {or BOAF}. It was a challenge like I've never done before, a progressive challenge! Every day we had to add something to the start of our layouts until we got to the end of the challenge! It was fun working a layout this way! The second one, is a play on OLW. I don't have a word for this year, but I do want to find more joy in this year. The 3rd one is a simple one that documents us as a family, which of course I love!

I also wanted to say that I've been invited to join the Birds Of A Feather design team for 6 months! I am very excited as you can tell! I did a GDT for them which you can see here. Thank you Amy for believing in me and I can't wait to get started with the team!

Also, I am off traveling to see her!

Just a short little trip! We're eating vegan yummies, going to a terrific play, and of course laughing our butts off! Please pray for my travels!

I also wanted to share this exciting news!

GCD Studios

That about raps up this gorgeous day! I sure hope you feel gorgeous too! I'll see ya when I get back for sure!

Sweet Cakes

2012-01-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a layout I did recently with
the newest Doodlebug Sweet Cakes Collection!

This collection is a mix of colors I love working with pink & red! Throw in a mix of green and you get a really super cute layout!

Supplies: Sweets Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Sweet Cakes Fancy Frill Sugar Coated Cardstock Stickers, Sweet Cakes Sugar Coated Cardstock Stickers, Candy Hearts Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Sweet Cakes Cute Cuts 12X12 Die Cut Sheet, Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Cherry Cherries Sweet Cakes Collection Paper, Doodlebug Designs Doodle-Pops Cherry cardstock stickers, Doodlebug Design Doodle Twine, Doodlebug Boutique Buttons Ladybug Assortment, Doodlebug Design Mini Jewels Lily White Assortment, Doodlebug Designs Paper Frills.

Other supplies: American Crafts cardstock, American Crafts pop dots, Pebbles Inc., Computer font Arial Narrow.

If that doesn't put you in a cheery mood I don't know what will!

2012

2012-01-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello 2012!

I welcome you with open arms and am ready for what you have in store for me, my family, my friends, and everyone else! May it be the best year yet. Filled with laughter, fun, growth, learning, and most of all reflection!

Bless everyone Lord!

Special+Valentine-y

2011-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am going to see my friend Sarah really soon as you know! I've never been to her new home and visited her family outside of running across the street to her house while we lived in England. Now that she's many miles away, has a new home, and in a new place I wanted to do something special for her, her husband, and her children.
And of course that comes with saying that I was itching to bust out some Valentine-y things and get creating! I followed this tutorial from 2 Peas, which might I add is something I will now use every single time! I used a lil bit of this and a lil bit of that {both of which I love!}

I can't share what's inside of them cause Sarah might read this but aren't they adorable! I had the best fun making them!!!!

And now this layout. This entire Valentine-y thing started because of this you see! I got one for Christmas this year! I never get scrappy stuff so playing with it straight away was a must. Of course mix that with my two newest Valentine Collection lines and poof!!!! With both collections on my desk I can't stop playing!

Whether or not its Valentine's Day, love on those around you. It will make them feel special!

My fav's in 2011

2011-12-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share my personal fav's for this year with ya today!

Please remember that the Lilac one was inspired by someone off the internet, although I cannot remember who. I do apologize.

Happy day everyone!

A year in review!

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have always admired those that do pages where they share their year in review. So when my other December assignment came down from Doodlebug Design to do something like this I was thrilled!!!

Here is our family with our 2011 year in review!

I couldn't wait to use the Nifty Notions and use the theme of "Stitched with Love". It was a perfect fit for the collection and my family's year!!!!

Have you ever done a year in review? Did you like it? Share with me!

I also have a button on the side of my blog {365-2012} I've decided to take the challenge and do this for 2012. I am very excited! Not only do I want to take a photo daily, but I'd like to practice my photography skills as well. I think I am going to do this, but not subject myself to feeling as though I have to scrapbook the photos daily or if at all. I am excited about this! Are you doing it too?

What's up!

2011-12-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

Just have some stuff to share! A little bit of a chatty Cathy coming on! LOL.

I've begun the process of spring cleaning! Yep in December. My goal is to be finished with the inside of the house this week, well by Thursday {A is having company over}. I did our room, our bathroom, and re-organized the Christmas bins. I have dreams and plans for our bathroom. D&I are going to redecorate in there when I get back from my mini trip, so excited!

This was our Christmas Day!

We had such a wonderful time! It was peaceful and relaxing, I love that. We had so much fun this year and we are very blessed!

I'm leaving soon to see my wonderful friend, Sarah! So excited!

I am about to dig into this!

Isn't it the cutest! It's all laying on my desk awaiting me to play with it! I did make a card, but I can't share that yet! :) Something about red, pink, and white tickles me so!

Its amazing to me how many of us take time out to reflect upon our lives. Where 2011 has brought us and how we are headed into 2012 with hope. I am thankful to say that nothing major happened to me and my family in 2011. That isn't to say that stuff didn't happen... The valley I was in for most of the year stunk, I am not gonna lie. But it was needed. Its funny how painful things may seem, and then when we are out of that part of our journey we look back and realize it was just a blip. Just a moment really in the big scheme of things. I am at peace. I am okay with where I am in my life. I got through the valley with the Lord. Sure there were days where I still kicked him out of our car, but for the most part I just breathed and let him be in control. There was a lot of stillness and silence too. It was needed. A lot of this year was spent internalizing inside what the Lord wanted me to see, learn, understand. From seeing special friends, quitting my job, starting school, finding a "new" way to be my own friend, and becoming closer to the Lord in ways that I never thought possible was amazing. I am happier for it all, even in the painful days. I feel like I've matured, grown up if you will and have found solace, peace, and an essence of calm I've never experienced before. it makes me even more ready for 2012. I don't really know what's in store but like you, I am full of hope. Because of everything I went through this year within, I am ready for 2012.

This New Year's Dayv and I are spending it alone. Alyssa will be with her youth group at church while we'll be in the quiet of our sanctuary, which pleases me so!

With the impending New Year are you making resolutions? Have a word? Lists? Goals?

I think I stopped making such outlandish resolutions, lists, goals for myself years ago. I do still like to make goals and resolutions though. Sticking to one's that I can really actually do within the year. One's I know I can achieve. Nothing like making resolutions and feeling like a looser at the end of the year, or even a month in because you aren't doing them.... LOL.

That's why I do one's that I can really obtain!

1. Be more joyful. Seriously. In all things. Not just when I feel like it, but even when I don't.

2. I've decided to do 365. I even have a button on the right side of my blog. I'll be posting them in there on my photo-bucket and update them on my blog sometimes too. Also the thing with this is, I may or may not scrap them. My goal is to enjoy the process of taking a photo every single day, capturing our lives, and along the way trying to figure out my camera.

3. Save faithfully for Dayv's boat. It's his biggest dream, owning one. Sure we could go out and buy one right now, but saving with cold-hard-cash makes owning the boat that much sweeter. It doesn't matter if it takes years what matters is that we are choosing to save faithfully and pay cash for it.

4. Keep journaling. Nothing has brought me great joy this year than journaling. I don't do it every single day but I find myself being drawn to writing more so than I ever have.

5. Keep changing the habits of eating poorly created over a life time. It takes time to make this kind of change. I am doing good, but I want to do better. Being healthy is very important to me.

6. De-clutter.

7. Exercise faithfully.

8. Enjoy life.

9. Be open to what the Lord has in store for me!

10. Be thoughtful, kind, caring, and loving.
11. Do well in school.

I am excited about starting the new winter quarter for school. I won't be going to classes on campus, both of my classes this term are online and I LOVE that! It will allow me to do all that traveling I have planned for the up and coming year! I am going to MO, TX, GA, TN to visit friends and family! I am excited about it!

On a sad but peaceful note today is my mom's birthday. She would have been 67. I can attest that time does heal one's heart, but you never really fully recover from loosing a parent. I can hardly believe it has been almost 3 years. It feels both like an eternity and yesterday all rolled into one. Death even after all this time is so foreign to me. I am almost certain that is why the entire experience from once mom left our home until her passing was filled with peace and solace. The Lord knew I needed it that way. I miss my mom a lot. I think about what she'd be doing had her path been different. How she would have visited us here in WA many times. I still feel her daily and am glad of the gentle reminders that our loved ones never fully leave us. I love and miss you mom, happy birthday.

That about sums up me and my world!

Dear friends I pray that your 2012 be filled with wonderful joyfulness too!

Reveals!!

2011-12-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

It's the night Christmas Day and I know that you all are taking time out to rest and relax!! We had a lovely time, just being us and I love that. It was a very special and great holiday for us!
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too!

I am revealing my peeks for Scrapbook Circle's January kit!

Remember these peeks a bit ago?

Isn't it a yummy kit? I certainly think so! here is what I created...

I love this kit a lot, isn't it cute!

Special gifts.

2011-12-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I like to match when I wrap Christmas gifts, I do! I use one kind of paper for Dayv and one for Alyssa. My mom started this tradition when my brother and I were growing up and I followed suit. This way, I don't have to label the gifts if I don't want too because they will know who they are from!!! LOL.

This year though is a tad different. Sure I will wrap both of their gifts in their special papers. However this year D&I are giving Alyssa a very special gift. So when my assignment came down from Doodlebug Designs I knew that this was the gift that was going to be very different indeed! So I set about gathering all of my Doodlebug papers, some of my favorites and got to work! This is what I came up with:

I created this gift set for Alyssa and made it completely un-Christmas as I could get. The reason why? This gift was to stand out. To be different. So that she would understand its meaning, the importance, and how much it was filled with love too. This year we bought Alyssa a purity ring as you can see. We are both very excited about this because one of our truest wishes for Alyssa is that she remain pure until she marries.This ring will hopefully stand to hold a gentle reminder of a vow she will take to keep her purity. I have been praying for Alyssa's purity since she was 2. I also pray for her future husband as well. That he too remain pure within himself. We feel as parents this is vital in a relationship with the Lord and we want to share that with Alyssa too. We are prayerful that it means just as much to her!

Whether or not you believe in something like this, we as parents need to be supportive of our children. I can attest and you probably can as well, we all want better for our children. Better lives than we had. If you pray, don't cease praying for them and their future. If you don't pray, make sure you are there guiding them with good morals because you love them! It is one of our highest callings in life, to guide and mentor our children through love and support.

Holiday cards

2011-12-22T09:30:00.000-08:00

I can't tell ya anymore I don't like making cards. As you have been able to tell, I have started making them more to the point where I actually like making them! My assignment this month for Pebbles Inc. was to create a set of holiday cards! I was pretty stoked to be able to do that cause well its fun!!! LOL.

I am in love with this collection, a lot! I love the traditional red, green, white colors that are fun and bright! Pebbles Inc. Welcome Christmas is just that and more!

Pebbles supplies used:

Welcome Christmas (747149)

Welcome Christmas (780012)

Welcome Christmas (732072)

Welcome Christmas (732071)

Decorative twist ties (747148)

Welcome Christmas (744266)

Welcome Christmas (747145)

Welcome Christmas (747144)

Fabric brads (744267)

Pearl Pins (747086)

Other supplies used:

American Crafts (cardstock)

American Crafts dots (adhesive)

Generic floss

India Black (ink)

Told ya this collection is too cute, what do ya think?

Winter Wishes

2011-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

You know I had to sit and scrap those photos I showed ya didn't I? LOL. The place we go to and cut down our tree is amazing! It was a beautiful day and just us on their farm very early in the morning. Made for perfect photos and fun!

Sometimes when you do layouts its always fun to use non-traditional things to create traditions! I used SC kit for this and SRM Stickers too.

These two projects are my very last projects with SRM Stickers! I've enjoyed so much being on their team, it was a great year for me!!! Thank you Susan for having me on the team, for believing in me and having me on their team, I loved every minute of it!

Cutting the tree and peeks!

2011-12-19T14:19:00.000-08:00

We cut down our Christmas tree this year! So much fun! The day was beautiful, we were the only one's there because we had gotten there right when it opened, and we had so much fun! Here's a few of those photos.

Also I wanted to share these peeks from Scrapbook Circle! I am SO excited about this kit.

I'll be showing you those layouts on the 26th, I can't wait!!!!!!

Well hello there!

2011-12-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Hello friends!
I didn't fall off the face of the earth again..

I've made the decision to not finish my December Daily. There are a couple of reasons why.

1. I am in the Christmas spirit but my DD feels forced this year.
2. Our December is odd.
3. I wasn't enjoying the process.
4. It wasn't fun creating it daily.

I am going to use the same album for next year. In fact, I've already changed the date on it for next year and will collect things to put it for next year starting now. I've got the pages all pre-printed again so I just have to create it. I might even pre-make the pages as I go like most do instead of creating them daily. I feel less pressured to just enjoy our weird December rather than fit a mold and feel like I have to finish it just because I started it. I'm glad I decided not to finish it! Whew....

So I thought I'd update what's happening' with us. Haven't done that in awhile and want to share.

D loves his new job {office job}and loves helping his guys out. In fact, he's still helping out many other guys that aren't under him anymore because they like him so much. He seems happier even though this job is more stressful. He hasn't gone on a long TDY or been deployed in I can't tell you how long and nothing pleases me more! He's been doing odds and ends around the house cause I gave him a list! LOL. He finished his first quarter in school and did VERY well in both of his classes. He's taking online classes next quarter {2 of them}. He's got a couple of days off due to the holiday's and we're happy about that!

A did very well in school. Made honor roll this time around. Isn't going out with her boyfriend anymore. Interesting turn of events, which I felt in my spirit was going to happen and did. She is very relieved about it and realizes that she's just not into dating. Not that she's immature, but its not something she wants to do right now. We're glad that its come to this and felt like she learned a great deal about herself through it all. She's growing up so quickly. She's on winter break and is very happy bout it!! We plan on hanging out together just being and doing fun stuff too!

Me? I could write a novel... LOL. School sucked as you know, I can't lie. I am so glad its over. I found out a couple of things that now I can chuckle about since its over and done with. I didn't need to take biology. I took it way back when and the grade I made is fine enough. Go figure. So I didn't even take my final for this terms bio. class cause well I was failing it anyway and I didn't need it. I met with an adviser as well. Not only did I not need biology I don't need math. But there is a hitch there. I have 2 other math classes that I took years and years ago that do in fact transfer. So the one I struggled in? I don't have to re-take it, although I didn't fail it, I did not do very well at all. So I was sitting in this woman's office and I explained that I wanted to change my major. I had though about going to get a year degree in administrative assistant but she talked me out out it, telling me I didn't need to go to school for that. I could go out and get a job in that. So we talked more about what I really wanted to do. And I can't get away from the dental but I explained to her that I don't think I can take 6 other science classes all upper level and then "wait" to see if I can get into the dental program at the 4 year university here. So she asks me if I know about the dental assistant program they have at their sister college. Of course I didn't. So she begins to tell me about it and things are looking more positive for sure! So I go to the other college to realize the program doesn't even start until fall quarter of next year. SIGH. Not much luck with school as of yet huh? So I talk to the dean of the dental program. We go over my transcripts and she suggests I get on the waiting list. She doesn't feel like I need to go to school until then, but I discuss with her that I have to stay in school right now. So she tells me I can either go for my general AA or the AAS in the dental assistant program. I go turn my paperwork in and now am on the waiting list. They only take 42 students every year and I am 46 on the waiting list. The woman did tell me that I am in a good place because many people drop out, or they can't find them when the time comes for the program to begin {I will find out in June if I made it in or not}. So for right now, I am still in school. I am going to take online classes next term. I could only get into one of the classes I need for the AAS degree though so the other class is an elective in communication. Also while talking with the adviser, she noticed I am almost finished with a psychology degree {on top of an education degree which I'll never finish} and talked to me about going to the 4 year university and finishing it. At first I didn't want too but I've decided if the dental assistant program doesn't take me in June, I am going to Eastern and talk to them about seeing what I can do to finish that degree up. It hasn't been a very fruitful or good first quarter back at school and I kick myself for talking to the adviser on base who didn't know anything too.... But its over and done with. I am focusing upon enjoying this time off until school begins and relishing in the fact that I am done for a month. I am prayerful about the dental program because its what I really want to do. So if you could please pray for me too.

I am also going to see my friend Sarah after the holidays! It's just for 4 days, but we are both SO excited!!! We are going to take in a show, eat at a couple of vegan restaurants, and just hang out. I am looking forward to it, I need the refresher with a dear friend and I know she does too! Then I am planning on making a trip to see two other friends on the way to my aunt & uncles for a visit with them! Loads of traveling in the New Year!

We finally got new pj's! I don't know what was going on this year, but I couldn't find pj's that were Xmas-y at all! I finally found some in Macy's!!!! We came home on Sunday and put them on and spent the remainder of the day in them that's for sure!!!!

I haven't been scrapping since I did those projects but am getting an itch for sure!!! That is probably going to happen this week!!!!

I hope your December is going great!

Keeps on giving.

2011-12-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I showed you the paint can, today I'm back to show you the other gift I created. This one is a for a dear special person.. She's the wife of our youth pastor. She asked me awhile ago if I would create some gift tags for her for Christmas time. I said yes of course!!!!

So 3 days ago I got to town and created these!!!! I sure hope she likes them, I know I do! These make me smile and feel pretty giddy too!!! I wanted each of them to be different but kind of the same too. What fun huh? LOVED this project!

Hope you find yourself creating projects that you LOVE too!!

The gift of giving.

2011-12-16T05:22:00.000-08:00

Guess what I've been doing these past couple of days? I've been creating for others!!!! I really enjoy this time of year as you know. But I enjoy it even more so when I am able to make something for others, I LOVE it!!!!

I couldn't wait to share these with you all!! I had so much fun and I LOVED the colors I worked with!

Both sets of these projects are for people in our church.

First up is a paint can I altered. This gift is for a woman that is going to speak at our mini women's brunch/get-together this weekend. I am VERY excited about this because I went with the theme of peppermint mocha.

So I decorate the outside and then I added peppermints and Hersey's kisses inside with a GC for Starbucks so she can go get those yummy peppermint mocha's as a treat!

Just looking at this makes me giddy! I sure hope she likes it!!!! What do you think?

Stay tuned for tomorrow and see the other project I created!!!

Moments.

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love Dayv. I don't really have to share how much he means to me, but I want too!
I can hardly believe sometimes that we've been married for 16 years. It feel just like yesterday he was sitting on my couch in my apartment hanging out. It's weird to me how time flies by. We were talking about this recently and how fast its really gone. But my love for Dayv has grown from the start of our relationship that's for sure! He is one of the most amazing men I know and our relationship makes me smile. We have such a wonderful relationship, I couldn't ask for more!

This layout is the last of what I have created thus far with my 6 kit collection and I loved this kit a lot. It has to be my very favorite from My Scrapbook Nook hands down. Everything just went so well together.

What's your relationship like? Do you love your man just as much? I sure hope that you do!!!!

Family holiday traditions

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well hello there! Here we are SO close to Christmas huh? Are you ready?

I am. Most of what we are giving this year to one another we have bought online, so much easier.

I am sharing a layout I did recently for Pebbles Inc. on their blog. The girls were doing a week of holiday traditions and I wanted to do a layout that focused mainly on journaling the Carney family traditions of the holiday season. Check it out!

Pebbles supplies used:

Welcome Christmas dimensional stickers (732071)

Welcome Christmas ribbon (780012)

Fabric brads (744267)

Welcome Christmas layered embellishments (747144)

Welcome Christmas (751175)

Welcome Christmas (751172)

Welcome Christmas (751176)

Other supplies used:

American Crafts (cardstock)

Pounce Wheel (tool)

Zig black writer (pen)

Computer font Century Gothic

American Crafts (adhesives)

What are you family holiday traditions? Scrap about them too!

Day 12

2011-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

I was sitting here just hanging out on my computer, straightening my scrappy area when I realized I heard VERY loud snoring...

Our day today? Lazy. I had a list that was a general one filled with things to take care of during the course of this week and some that needed to be done and checked off today {which I did}. When I was sitting here enjoying the quiet, I heard that loud noise! I knew Gracie summed up our day and wanted to use it for today.

December Daily Day 12

How about you? What are lazy days like for you?

(p.s. yeah she sleeps with her eyes open.)

The enjoyment.

2011-12-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend was sweet. We cut down our Christmas tree, decorated the house, and hung out as a family. Its so important for us to be together, our little family is filled with many blessings and much love!

I promise you I have been keeping up with my December Daily but decided since I had other posts that had to be posted on specific days, I'd just lump some days together. Take for instance today.

Here are days 9,10,11.
So excited to be able to do my December Daily!

I have to be honest, this DD was a struggle for me in the beginning due to school but I am truly enjoying the process and moments of each day I capture!! I hope you are too!

It's Christmas Time!

2011-12-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but the holidays mean a great deal to me! From the buying of the gifts, listening to my favorite Christmas music

to the making of the Christmas dinner its just a special holiday! That includes what our dining table will look like for our feast! Recently I had the opportunity to do a project with GCD Studios by creating a Christmas table setting! I used The Rob&Bob Collection Scandia Jul for this project.

Here is what my table setting looks like:

I love Christmas and our table is going to be so festive this year!
Have a great holiday!

Catching up.

2011-12-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

I have finally caught up on my DD.

I thought about not actually doing it this year and saving it but decided after both D&A encouraging me to just get caught up because we still have so many days left in December to celebrate!

Day 3

So here are days 4-7 on one page

and day 8.

And with that, I am caught up! This weekend we are going to cut down our Christmas tree and then decorate it. We're also decorating the house with the many snowmen that we love very much! You can believe there will be tons of photos and many pages from our weekend! I am excited and so are D&A!

The thing I am remembering through all of this is that its okay. It's truly okay. There are no deadlines. It is just about preserving memories and having fun! So my sweet friends I hope your having fun through it all too!

Hi. My name is Elizabeth.

2011-12-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Why hello there! I bet you thought I dropped off the deep end. Truthfully? I did. With finals looming in my face, papers to write, events to attend school has literally made me put a backseat to everything. Today I am writing my last paper of the quarter and thankfully this one is going to be great because I am writing about scrapbooking! Great topic huh? I think so, its why I am pretty stoked to bust out the 5 pages.

Speaking of 5 pages that's how many I am behind {I did manage day 3 before my world fell apart} on my December Daily. I don't even have photos. I haven't even thought about it quite honestly nor could I have even stopped for a minute to sit down and create. And that's okay. However all that is changing today. I've decided to do them anyway. But they are going to be mostly about school. I think its a great thing to add to my album because it has been my life, especially these last 5 days. So along with working on my paper today, I am going to be doing my DD with joy!!!

I am so glad this quarter is over. I don't want to really go into it yet because its a delicate process to talk about and I want to enjoy my today. So I want to share with you what I did 1-2 weeks ago using that 6 kit collection I had sitting on my desk!

If there ever was a time to say, as I often have that scrapbooking is a huge release for me it would be today. From beginning to end, I enjoy the entire process. I am thankful of this hobby and how we are able to freely express ourselves! I know you probably feel the same way, which is more awesome than the process! I enjoy the fact that even though we might never meet one another, we have something in common that is very near and dear to our hearts!

I hope that you find yourself being creative today and thank you so much for your comments on my blog. They are encouraging, inspiring, and I feel as though even though I might never meet any of you that I can call you my friend! Thank you friends for being you!

Super Saturday+DD 2

2011-12-03T05:31:00.000-08:00

It's the weekend and I am busy. I have a math final coming up and I need to do well. So between our normal activities and stuff, I've been studying off and on. Please if you wouldn't mind thinking and saying a prayer for me I would appreciate it!

I have to share some more projects I've created just cause! I have had fun mixing the 6 kits up and scrapping them that's for sure! Here are two more:

Day 2 December Daily

I hope that you are enjoying your weekend! We are in our home too!

Just cause+DD day 1

2011-12-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Everyday I am going to post my December Daily on a post, but also other stuff too!!!! So look for my DD at the bottom of this post!!!

Just because I feel like it....

*Remember me telling you I had 6 kits sitting on my desk awaiting for me to play with them? Well I couldn't wait to have the month off of school to play. I started playing with them! I mixed them all up too so they are from My Scrapbook Nook and Studio Calico. I don't even know the months that they came from. All I know is that I had so much fun just creating. I am still creating with those kits. Here are 2 of the layouts I did:

*I'm going to see my very dear friend Sarah very soon! I cannot wait. I am going for a short visit but very much needed one with loads of laughter, fun times, a great show, vegan restaurants, and just her and I enjoying each other! So excited...

*The struggle to maintain a decent weight, exercise, and eat healthy has weighed its toll. I am sure you can attest to understanding. I don't want to go off on a tangent about what's going on within me and these issues. But I will say that we must stand even when we fall. Changing a lifetime of bad habits are hard but can be done through obedience and persistence even in the mist of falling. That is where I find my hope!

*We have been on a serious Nancy Drew PC game kick. Literally we sit around after we've downloaded a game and play it, our entire family. And we're pretty serious about playing it too. It's fun and we love it!

*I am teetering on doing three-sixty-five. I know. I know. I said this years ago. I've been saying it off and on, I get it. So I am seriously thinking of actually doing it. There is so much that goes on in our lives daily and sometimes nothing does but that is what life is all about. I find it important and more so these days.

My grateful list:

1. A church family whom loves me through anything.
2. Food. A kitchen full of food.
3. To be able to hear.
4. The valley in which God has me in. Most want to rush through it, beg God to bring them out of it. Me? I want to cherish where I am in this place so that I can learn, grow, change, and see everything that the Lord wants me to no matter how painful this valley may be.
5. I made a final decision about my college future. I am going for a Dental Assistant {AAS} degree. It doesn't start until next fall, but I am encouraged. While I am waiting to start the program next year I am going to finish my AA and work on stuff for my AAS degree that I can right now. The dental program once I am in, is a year long program.
6. My new iPhone, I love it!
7. My ratty Ralph Lauren sweatshirt that I got from a thrift store years ago that I still wear around the house today. So comfy!
8. Writing in my journal to the Lord and having him answer me in the mist of ink.
9. Carving time out with Dayv even though we are very busy. So very important.
10. Inspiration all around me.

Day 1 December Daily

Here's my first DD day.
I did a front cover for the album as well for the inside this year too!

Although my first page wasn't a "photo" I did get those photos of Bing's Christmas albums online. I just printed them off. I couldn't forget Bing. Hee.

Remember December is all about enjoying the season and the reason!

December Daily 2011

2011-12-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Why hello there December! And hello there my sweet friends! It's December huh? I can hardly believe it myself and in my race to get my DD up and running last night I finished the cover. I love it! I tried to tweak it thinking it needed more, but I realized that I just like clean lines. Which is okay with me!

So here's the cover for my album.

I am excited this year as I actually have an album and page protectors too {those are in the mail coming from SC}. I thought I'd keep doing a page a day and just do them off the cuff rather than having my album ready to go. I like the process just as much as the finished product! So I'm going to post my album daily. Hope you'll join me in creating something fun for the month of December too! I'd like to see what your doing, so if you feel inclined give me a link so we can check each others out!

Happy December 1st!

It's "Snow Cold" Outside!

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good frosty morning everyone! It's quite chilly here in the Northwest and you can better believe we're going to see loads of snow! Some places already has!! It's crazy cold....

We love the snow here. Growing up in Florida made me wish for snow every single day when it was winter {well if you could call it that} in Florida. As I got older I knew I wanted to live in a place that had snow. It's a must during those cold holiday seasons, isn't it!

Last year was no exception with our snowy filled days and not only do I love it, but Alyssa does too! She couldn't wait to dawn on her winter gear and go play in the snow! Here I created a layout that has her putting all her winter clothing on and running outside. Little did she know that it was FREEZING out there! I snapped her turning around looking at me! She kept saying it was "snow" cold out!

GCD supplies: Rob&Bob Scandia Jul Scandinavian Holiday Stripe Collection papers, Rob&Bob Scandia Jul Scandinavian Sparkle Lattice Light Green papers, Rob&Bob Scandia Jul Scandinavian die cut ornament sheets, Tina Higgins Flower Brads Sweet Surrender Collection.

So tell me friends, do you like frosty mornings too?

I am thankful.

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Recently I had an assignment come down from Pebbles Inc. to do a project on something we were grateful for. I enjoyed this project a lot. Mainly because for me, it is very easy to talk about what I am grateful for. There are SO many things! I hope that you have many things in your life you are thankful for as well!

I wanted to do a layout about Alyssa.

Pebbles supplies used:
Fresh Goods Window Display (751189)
Fresh Goods Signage (751186)
Fresh Goods Rain Check (751184)
Fresh Goods Simple Joys (751188)
Fresh Goods Dimensional Phrases (732076)
Fresh Goods Dimensional Butterflies (747154)
Fresh Goods ABC Stickers (732074)
Fresh Goods Border Stickers (732077)
Fresh Goods Chips (744118)
With Love Mini ABC Stickers (732087)
With Love Envelopes (747158)
Floral Lane Chips (747108)
Welcome Christmas Buttons (747147)
Red Button Candy Dots (744266)

Other supplies used:
Cardstock (American Crafts)
Spray Mist (Tattered Angels)
Corner Rounder (Creative Memories)

I encourage you to do a project about what you are thankful for too! Just so you know, I am thankful for each one of you too!

Holiday's

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Truth be told, I don't know much about Hanukkah. So when this assignment came up with SRM Stickers, I decided that I would take it on! I love doing things that are new and interesting. I knew a little bit about it since I dated someone in HS who celebrated Hanukkah, but didn't know a whole lot. I went to the link above and read up this holiday!

I am also always trying to fill the tubes with interesting stuff! Don't get me wrong, I love what others do with me but for me when I think of creating something with them its always me wanting to create something outside of the norm. Here's what I came up with:

Supplies: Quick Cards #52037 Hanukkah, American Crafts, Offray Ribbons, Doodlebug Designs, Floss.

Isn't it cute? I really like the way it turned out and how I filled the tube with 8 candles and 8 matches to light the Menorah nightly!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

From my family to yours, I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving Day!

Show&Tell

2011-11-22T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! What a fine day this is!

Today I wanted to share with you a layout I did for the Doodlebug Designs blog!

Today we're featured doing a show&tell using the collection line called Classic Collection. This line is one of my favorites with Doodlebug and when the assignment came down I knew what I wanted to do! I love Cute Cuts! This is in the collection and they are pre-made tags.

Cute huh? I think so too! My assignment was to focus upon one product in this collection.

Using the Cute Cuts I created this:

Supplies:

Doodlebug Swimming Pool Twine

Doodlebug Swimming Pool Jewels

Doodlebug Classic Collection

Show & tell product: Doodlebug Classic Collection Cute Cuts.

I wanted to keep this layout simple. I only wanted to use a little bit of color, so I just added a lil' pop of Swimming Pool on there! I love how this turned out and love the photo of Dayv and I as well!

When you use a collection, do you like to focus on one thing in it too?

The.Amazing.Kit

2011-11-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait any longer!!!!!!

Remember when I showed you this?

Now its time to reveal my peeks from this amazing kit!

See told ya it was an amazing kit!

Amazing!

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I couldn't wait to show you these peeks!!!

Because its an awesome kit, awesome let me tell ya!

It's Scrapbook Circle's December kit and I LOVED the fact it wasn't theme-y what so ever!
I'll be posting my projects really soon so be on the lookout for them!!!!

Familia

2011-11-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

You guys know just how important my family is to me. I think I've made that abundantly clear on my blog and beyond just how much they mean to me! With our recent family photos we took, I couldn't wait to scrap them straight away! So I took advantage of that by using Doodlebug Designs and those photos!

Supplies:

Doodlebug Cupcake-Crushed Velvet cardstock

Doodlebug Petite Prints Bumblebee Daisy-Striped

Doodlebug Welcome Home Collection

Doodlebug Shin-Dig Beetle Black cardstock stickers

Doodlebug Doodle-Pops Kaleidoscope

Doodlebug Welcome Home Cute Cuts cardstock die cuts

Doodlebug Doodle Twine Halloween Assortment

Doodlebug Welcome Home Fancy Frills

Doodlebug Beetle Black Boutique Brads

Doodlebug Cupcake Jewels

Doodlebug Petite Prints Beetle Black dot-grid

Doodlebug Petite Prints Bumble Daisy Stripe

Doodlebug Doodle-Pops Buttercup cardstock sticker

Other supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Glimmer Mist, computer font Century Gothic.

Share with me what family means to you!

Anytime.

2011-11-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ya know anytime I can talk or do a project that has my dogs in them it makes me smile. There is something to be said about having a dog as a family pet. We are dog people. Nothing brings me more joy than the fact that no matter what or when, my dogs always are excited to see me. They greet me at the door, they love me, they are always wanting me to pet them, they are just plain cute, and they LOVE treats!!

So it's the only way I can get cute photos like the one's you saw before. I had to scrap them of course!!!

Supplies: Studio Calico Kit

I also wanted to share my grateful list:

1. It was a short week.

2. Dayv was on leave so it was nice having him home.

3. Alyssa and I laughing our butts off!

4. My math teacher who actually wants me to succeed.

5. Photographs.

6. Playing video games with my family.

7. People who are praying for you.

8. Knock down drag out fights with the Lord. Because after you lay it all down and submit, you realize He wants the best for you no matter how long you fight it.

9. Knowing that I will eventually see every dear sweet friend again in Heaven!

10. Text messages with uplifting words of encouragement has caused me to turn around and do the same for someone else. Because everyone needs to hear words of encouragement.

Hope your weekend's been grand!

Us.

2011-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

I can't say enough about how excited I was to be able to find a great photographer for our newest family photos. Sure I take photos all the time, but we needed new updated fancy-smancy one's! So I contacted local photographer, Vanessa Jean Photography.
We had such a wonderful time shooting at a farm location. It couldn't have been a more beautiful afternoon!

She simply summed up our family beautifully!!!

Just the 2 of us.

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

As cliche as it sounds picture if you will with me two people who are madly in love. Also hear this while picturing these two people who are in love..

Courtesy of Bill Withers

Doesn't that make for a perfect setting of a tribute to those who are in love? I certainly think so! The people in reference is myself and my guy Dayv. We've been married for 16 years now, yeah us! Although we do have a beautiful daughter, as we get older I realize just how much it's the 2 of us. We're best friends. I am very thankful of him and our relationship especially where its come from! We are a living testimony to making a marriage work, because it takes a lot of work that we have and still are willing to put in and with all that came the fruit of a solid, great marriage!

I was inspired by these colors and that song because it was so fitting. In fact so much I had to create a project that did both!

The two of us inspiration:

GCD Studio products:

Please Be Seated - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins
The Little Lovebirds - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins
One Sheet Wonderful - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar
Photo Strips - Funhouse Collection by Tina Higgins
Cabochons - Funhouse Collection by Tina Higgins
Together Forever - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins
Flower Brads - Sweet Surrender Collection by Tina Higgins

Other products:
American Crafts cardstock, Offray ribbons, Kraft, American Crafts Dots, Glimmer Mist, Computer font DotumChe, Martha Stewart butterfly punch.

My relationship is as strong as ever, and I intend to spend the rest of my life enjoying in it!

Its all in how you layer it!

2011-11-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Man I love layering! I like it cause it gives your page that 3-D affect and nothing says here I am page, like layering!!!! Recently I did a project for Pebbles Inc. that was about layering. With their cute layered embellies it it makes layering a breeze!

Check it out!

Pebbles supplies used: Dimensional Chipboard Stickers New Arrival (732061)
Layered embellishments New Arrival (747121)
New Arrival Love Bug (751141)
Floral Lane ABC Stickers (732052)
Front Desk Fresh Goods (751187)
New Addition Sweet Dreams (751141)
Floral Lane Sweet Thoughts (751120)
Floral Lane With Love (751122)

Other supplies used:
Cardstock [American Crafts] CM corner rounder, Punch [Fiskars]
Ribbon [American Crafts]
Mist [Tattered Angels]
Computer font - Century Gothic

See what I mean? You can't go wrong with layered embellies!!!

Finding rest.

2011-11-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share something...

Find rest o my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him, he alone is my rock and my salvation he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty my refuge, trust in him at all time. O People pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge.

-Psalm 62-5-8

I love the word of God. I love how it speaks to me at the moment I truly need to hear it.

The start.

2011-10-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

It's a new week and I for one am going to try to embrace it! We have a very busy week, but it's okay it's normally always busy! LOL.

This week start dress rehearsal for Alyssa's play with CYT. They are doing Annie and of course we are volunteering for that too, doing back stage this time. It will be fun, but busy!

Hopefully my sore throat and feeling icky will go away instantly. I don't have time to be sick.....

I wanted to share new photos of the puppies with you all!

Kira's if I stand here long enough and pretty enough my mom will give me a treat.. I know she will!

I can only take a decent shot mom if you are standing above me and I look at you like the long lost puppy dog that I am... With my ears all perked and ready for the "T" word to come stumbling off of your lips! I will get a treat right mom? Cause surely when you bring out your camera it equals treat...

And I'm beautiful so it doesn't matter if you take my photo or not. I am only standing here drooling because I have learned from the other two that standing still while I hear a clicking sound of the button being pushed on your camera=treat. And I want to a treat!

Ah... The funny things I do to get photos.....

Hope the start of your week is off to a good one!

My heart.

2011-10-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

I want to participate in this...

Like many of you, I read Stephanie's blog daily. I have many listed, and some I visit often, but hers is one I visit on a daily basis. For me I enjoy her. I don't know Stephanie from atom but when she shares her life it makes me smile. She's got this monthly "real" blog thing going on...

It's called Blog Your Heart.

While I don't normally have issues with being transparent on my blog, I feel the freedom in doing this along with the countless of others. To say what I feel and let it out.

My heart right now...

1. I'm 43 and don't know my purpose. While there are things within my life that I know without a doubt of the path and plan the Lord has for me I truly don't know my purpose. I want so desperately to align myself with the Lord and his will on my life that I am lost right now. I get angry at myself because I feel at my age I should have an inkling of the calling the Lord set before me, but I don't. One of my greatest gifts is being a wife and mother but there is a part of Elizabeth, me that yearns to know what other journey the Lord has for me too. It doesn't have to be huge, I just want to make a difference.

2. I admitted today that I like living within a box. I am a pretty fun person, full of life. But my life is contained in a box and its got these little compartments. When a compartment that I feel is crumbling on to the floor my entire world starts to shatter. It isn't that I can't let go or freak out when things go differently than I thought. Its more of when something is out of whacked my entire world becomes whacked. It felt wonderful to get a mental picture. Do ya remember in Harry Potter when Harry and his friends are in the ministry and they are in the department of mysteries looking for Sirius. Remember when the death eaters come? Harry and his friends start running and fighting the death eaters, as they do the orbs all start to fall and crash to the ground. That's how I feel when my little compartments start to fall and crumble. I sometimes wished I wasn't like this, but that is how I was created and I'm okay with that. I just don't enjoy the crashing to the ground of the little compartments.

3. I am seriously re-thinking my major. While I know I am supposed to be in school this class that I am failing is taking me for a ride. It is causing me to realize that it is far more important to do something I love and will be good at, than trying to fit a round hole in a square peg. Its high time I go talk to an adviser at school and see where that leads me and what my options are. I want to use the gifts and talents I have already and have school aide in that. This means I might not be a dental hygienist.

4. Alyssa has a boyfriend. While this isn't shocking or big news its been the hot topic in our home for a bit now. It is the same boy that took her to homecoming. I struggle with allowing her to have a boyfriend in the first place. But it is high time after Dayv and I have been in prayer to let Alyssa walk her life and test waters so that she can make her own choices and decisions. The thing I struggle with the most is, my prayer has always been for a boy who was a Christian to come into her life. This boy isn't a Christian but truth be told he's a wonderful person. We like him. He treats Alyssa with amazing respect. This is where my guilt lies. I feel horribly guilty because of everything we have taught Alyssa and believe in, is the exact opposite of what's going on {no not as if she is rebelling against us, not that kind of opposite}. And worst yet? I have utter peace about them being boyfriend and girlfriend.... It's weird, but I do. I think I am making myself feel guilty because he's not a Christian and even more so because she's 14 and this is new and I am having a hard time because honestly it isn't what I envisioned...

5. I am still struggling in the friend department. I don't have a close bosom friend and I terribly miss that. It makes me yearn so much to leave here and settle where our wonderful friends are. But then I feel horrible because I want to be okay where we are for the time that we are here. I realize the older I get, the harder it is to find a close friend or even friends at all. Sure I know people and they are wonderful, but I am not close to anyone and I ache for that.

6. I stopped going to the gym. I have ever excuse under the sun and I am sure it is due to me being lazy {I normally get lazy this time of year} and the above 1-5 issues... I find it hard to fit it in to my day and quite honestly sleeping in {well sleeping in for me} is very nice.

7. We took family photos recently with her. To say I am giddy about them is an understatement! I have been envisioning them gracing our walls and am so excited sometimes its all I think about. My family is so very important to me and Vanessa took photos that really say who we are as a family. I can't wait to get them in my hot little hands and I love Dayv so much because that was my anniversary present {we've been married 16 years!}.

8. I am tired of all the profanity that has become the norm in our society. Now mind you, I am not always squeaky clean. As you know I do occasionally say "shit" because well sometimes it just fits.. But what I don't get is how mainstream it is. In movies, books, speakers, etc. A recently went to a theme park with friends and she was sharing about this ride that had a speaker and he cussed the entire time.... She also was reading a book suggested to her by her teacher, I read a few lines in it. On 2 pages that I read the "f" word was listed 6 times... And you know what else? It's weird to say this but when people find out I am a Christian they tend to start cussing more so.... I dunno, but our society has made it so mainstream that we have become desensitized to it and I find it annoying, rude, and out of place.

9. I feel guilty calling myself a vegan a lot of the times because I still struggle with eating dairy or eggs in sweet stuff. It makes me mad the stuff that is so awful for you, tastes so cotton-pickin-good...

I think that about sums up my heart right at the moment. How about you?

Warm colors.

2011-10-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Remember this?

From here? This kit was amazing to work with as I said! I LOVED it! Don't you love the warm colors of this wonderful November kit!!!

Here's what I created:

I enjoyed this kit because of the vast elements and beautiful colors in it allowed for such room to be creative!!!

Hope your Sunday is a great one!

Something quick!

2011-10-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a super fast give giving idea then stop no further!!!

The other day while wondering around Hobby Lobby, I can across these clear ornaments. These babies are genius because they make giving a quick gift VERY easy!!!

So I bought some and brought them home.

This is what I came up with!!!!

Aren't they cute? And easy too!!! I just filled them with paper and then used SRM Stickers Quick Cards #52012 Jolly, Quick Cards #52013 Merry, and Quick Cards #52028 Believe.

Making Christmas easier is a breeze!

Time to talk...

2011-10-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

I figured I haven't talked on this ole' blog in a bit... Well maybe that isn't true, but I like to talk. You like to talk? Who doesn't!!! It's Friday. It was an emotional one for me. Quite honestly one of those where I just needed to stay home and not deal with anyone or anything. I need pizza, popcorn, and yes even a soda {which I prolly won't have}. I am an emotional wreck because well... Well because God gave us a monthly cycle and heck, you can better believe that sometime during it, I'll break down. I do always feel better though with the after math!!! LOL.

It's chilly and I like it. Makes me think of hot cocoa and fires. In fire places of course. We don't have one, cause we opted out of ours with it being an extra 2000. But I can dream. One day I'd like one that's for sure! It's a day where my mood meets chilly weather+pj's and its the best place for me to be. But alas I have a million and one things to do today! LOL.

I am going to vent here. It isn't an notion to make you have pity, or to tell me I'm being too hard on myself, or to even suck it up. It's just venting folks...

My biology test came back. I failed it like nobody's business too. I am not proud of it, but honestly it made me feel a little better that I wasn't the only one. Seriously there are 27 peeps in my class and only 5 people passed the test. The average was a 52 if that tells you anything. The girl that sits to the right of me got a 66% and was so excited!!! Really? This class actually ticks me off. First my professor talks so above our heads, tells off color jokes, likes to kill animals, and is really strange. Then he doesn't really lecture. He talks to you like you should know the stuff already, then will answer your question but goes off on this tangent so wide, so long, and so weird you don't get your question answered. And people I'm in a biology class but I am learning chemistry. Not mind you, I am not that ignorant enough to know that you need both of those in sciences, but he focuses so much on chemistry that one of the girls in my class that took chemistry said she's learned more in his class than in hers.... Yes, I can take some blame. Although I studied, I did not study until I was dreaming about the materials. However, I did study like the dickens for my lab quiz I took yesterday. Studied hard. Studied long. Studied. Studied. Studied. So much so for one of the first times in school I've felt confident enough to take a test... It's a lab quiz remember.

IT WAS 8 PAGES LONG OF FILL IN THE BLANK. 8 PAGES. Yes, 8 pages. I am still marveling over it. So he's got these study guides you can print off online right? I printed it off and studied my butt off. He reviews the day prior on each of our labs. Go home and study that too. Feeling great about it all.... Take quiz. But wait, let me back up. I ask him a question this week about the quiz right? Do you know he told me he loves to mess people's minds up by asking the question in a different manner to see if they really know the materials? So I actually said to him, are you serious? Yeah. He's serious. I can't believe it... And he's right. Not only does he ask his questions that are jacked. He makes you doubt what you know. He twists it in such a way that unless you're in his head, you're not going to get it. No matter how much you studied. Honestly the quiz was harder than the test I failed. I. Kid. You. Not. 8 pages... Of fill in the blanks. And has the nerve to tell us that we all should get a 100%. On top of all this, my lab partner went on www.ratemyprofessor.com and realized that over 65% of each of his classes fail the class. They write the worst reviews ever on him too, and the worst part? Everything she told me that everyone said, is true and exactly what we're going through.... Yes, I answered all the questions I could and flubbed the ones that stumped me and made me sit there for 2 hours. So I leave and feel more like a failure than ever. Seriously folks. I am feeling pretty stupid by this point. Especially since everyone around me knew I studied my butt off. Oh I can't wait for the quiz to come back... Yes sir... It's biology. It's a core class that everyone has to take. Every single teacher that teaches it sucks from the site and from word of mouth.

I am so nervous that I go talk to the VA people about failing a class and having to pay it back. After all, I am not trying to ride a free ride, but paying back a class isn't something I am jumping up and down to do either. I talk to the nicest girl and she tells me that on our college campus the science department is on of the hardest to pass in our state. Ummm. Really? Now I don't expect it all fed to me on a silver platter, but what happened to wanting to see your students succeed? To really teach them something they will learn and remember? what happened to actually seeing light bulbs go off in your students to know that as you succeed, they will too? What. A. Mess. And I'm in the middle of it. Can't drop out, its too late. But I did learn that if I keep attending class and show that I did in fact go, if I do end up failing it the VA won't do anything. I have 3 times to do something like this and then after that I'll have to pay. Trust me when I tell you this that relief flooded over me. Not because I think I have a free ride, and can now just fail the class. I'll still try my hardest, I will. I don't roll like that. But I felt a lot more freer to not stress over it if I actually do. It does set me back a bit, but that is life. I also feel better knowing that while I might still feel stupid, that if each class actually has a 65% rate of failing students that it isn't all me. That this class doesn't have to define whether I can make it through school or not. It's just a class. And its a hard one at that.

So today I'm going to find grateful things to write about concerning school..

1. I was able to quit my job and go back to school.

2. The campus is literally only 10-15 minutes away from our home.

3. I am doing VERY well in my other two classes.

4. I am thankful for the VA to allow D to transfer his GI bill to me so I can be able to use it.

5. My math teacher is the best teacher ever!

6. I am going to art events that I never thought I would.

7. My school schedule allows me to be able to be there for Alyssa at any moment.

8. My family is my biggest cheerleader with me being in school.

9. There are people in my class who are extremely kind.

10. I love all of the trees on the campus. I am in love with them, every single one!

While I know this post was a downer, I think ending it with being grateful allows me to buck up lil' camper and press on!

Changes.

2011-10-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all, and hello fall! It seems like it hit us all at once! For awhile there nothing was changing here and then BOOM! I literally wake up one day to leaves falling, changing colors, and much cooler temperatures! Aside of the pumpkin patch, crisp air, apple cider, and pulling out our sweaters, fall is also a reminder of family. And you know I love me some family!!!!! LOL. My family means the world to me, they truly do! I am completely and utterly blessed by them on a daily basis. Sure it isn't always rosy, but I can attest that we work at each relationship to make it the best it can be!

This month I have the pleasure of being a GDT at Birds Of A Feather!

I am honored to be their guest design team member and let me share with you that this kit is AMAZING! No joke, this kit is packed to the brim with exciting warm colors that speak family!

Here's a peek at their November kit!

I also ordered the kit extras and got embellishment #1, #2, and extra Bazzill too!

Be on the look out soon for my creations using this amazing kit!!!!!

Monster Mania!!!

2011-10-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but Halloween is right around the corner and its fun creating things for it isn't it? For me though I am a sucker for the "cuter" side of Halloween and these lil' cuties fit the bill!

Doodlebug Designs have just such things and this week the DT has been featuring just what they are creating using Monster Mania, so go check it out!

Told ya they were cute huh? I really think so!!!!
Here's what I created using these lil' cuties!!!

I created this for a girl in one of my classes that's been helping me out with our math! I wanted her to have something fun she could use again and again with her small children!

Hoping that your finding yourself Halloween-y excited!!!

Peppermints and woozles..

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I love being inspired! Especially when colors, textures, and candy go together!!! LOL!

I recently created a Christmas tin for Pebbles Inc.

Go check it out, its a full tutorial!

Supplies:

Welcome Christmas Santa’s Workshop (751176)

Welcome Christmas Christmas Gift (751173)

Welcome Christmas dimensional stickers (732071)

Welcome Christmas layered embellishments (747145)

Welcome Christmas fabric brads (744267)

Other supplies: Twine, candies.

I really love creating Christmas gifts. But they have to be easy and cute all rolled into one! I don't have tons of time in my life to make something that requires a lot of time. So these tins are the perfect solution! I always make our 3 neighbors something for the holidays to tell them how much I appreciate them being our neighbors. This tin is the perfect gift to give and it doesn't take a long time, but looks really cute!!!!

If you are ever in the need of something quick, easy, and cute try creating one of these tins too!

Using cards....

2011-10-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

As of late I really have been enjoying cards! I am starting to really like making them which is saying a lot for me! Recently though I had my first assignment with Doodlebug Designs using cards!

But this time I wanted to think outside the box using the Create-A-Card.

This is what I created! Instead of using it for cards, I created this cute family door hanging for our den!

Supplies: Doodlebug Create-A-Card square grid assortment, Doodlebug Jack&Jill cardstock stickers, Doodlebug Jack&Jill beetle black alphabet rub-ons, Doodlebug doodle-pops Sweetheart, Doodlebug doodle twine Halloween assortment, Doodlebug fancy frills classic cardstock stickers, Doodlebug petite prints cupcake dot-grid papers, doodlebug petite prints grasshopper dot-grid papers, Doodlebug icons classic cardstock stickers, Doodlebug boutique brads ladybug assortment, Doodlebug boutique brads limeade assortment, Doodlebug boutique brads beetle black assortment.

Other supplies: Pop dots, black Sharpie.

Hope your day is oodles of fun!

Reveal!

2011-10-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello Friday and Hello Friends!

It's here. I LOVE this day! Only one class, the start of the weekend... It's truly pure bliss!

Since we're gearin' up for the weekend I thought I'd show you my reveal for

November's Scrapbook Circle's kit!

Supplies: American Crafts Night Fall Starry Night papers, Bella Blvd. Finally Fall Bliss papers, American Crafts cardstock, Bella Blvd. Finally Fall Miniatures, Studio Calico crafty embellishments stickers, Pop Dots, Brown Sharpie, pounce wheel, Zig black writer.

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Studio Calico Autumn Press Frolic papers, Studio Calico crafty embellishments stickers, Bella Blvd. Finally Fall Bliss papers, Jillibean Soup Apple Cheddar Soup Bite Size Bits papers, Coluzzle heart cutter, American Crafts Remarks Accents & Phrases Autumn, Pop dots, twine.

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Bella Blvd. Finally Fall Bliss papers, Jillibean Soup Apple Cheddar Soup Bite Size Bits papers, Bella Blvd. Finally Fall Miniatures, Kaiser Craft Rhinestone, Twine, flower from kit.

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Jillibean Soup Apple Cheddar Soup Green Peppercorns papers, Bella Blvd. Finally Fall Leaf Pile papers, Jillibean Soup Apple Cheddar Soup Bite Size Bits papers, Fancy Pants Summer’s End design embellishments, American Craft ribbons, Twine.

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Fiskars punch, American Crafts Thickers, Jillibean Soup, Bella Blvd. Glimmer Mist, Computer font Dotum Che.

Here's to hoping that your Friday is great too!

Sneeky Peeky!

2011-10-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

You know how much I love showing you the up and coming kits each month from Scrapbook Circle?????

SO much!!! So here is November's peek!

I can't wait to show you what I created with it!!
Stay tuned!

Why....

2011-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hello there friends!

It's the start of a new week and I am determined to make it a good one!

What's up in your world?

Well for me I can attest I am glad its finally here. I didn't have a very positive week last week.

I had this bio. test Thursday and it was looming over my head... I studied, what I thought was the right stuff, only to realize that his tests are very hard. And I had an epic fail. I don't even need to see my grade, I can tell you that I failed it... So I was pretty down about that to say the least. But I found myself as well being really glad it was over. I didn't care in the end that I was going to fail it, I just wanted to be done with it. Not a really great attitude, I know. But there it was. And I'm not too sure about this class, but I'll continue to try my best. Now that I know how the professors tests work it might help.

I also felt a little pressured this week. While I normally have it all under control and organized in my life, there are times where I do not. This week was one of those. I felt smothered and bombarded with everything going on. I realized in the end, it was due to my lack of making and creating a list. Sometimes the process is outweighed by my emotions and I forget to stop and ensure that I have my steps in order. So once I made the list I did feel much better and things didn't seem so looming. I followed the list and realized its one of those moments where I made mountains out of mole hills... I do that sometimes.

Which is why I am thankful it's a new week, a new Monday!!!!

Grateful list:

1. Even in the mist of feeling like my world is falling apart, the one stability is knowing the God isn't.

2. Alyssa and her willingness to share her life.

3. Being foolish to think that just because I'm older that school would be easier. Mind you, I am in a better place than I was back in the day with school. But all that is expected of me is to try my best, not be perfect.

4. Serious happy mail! I received 3 big boxes of scrappy goodness and 2 boxes of kits. I feel blessed!

5. New clothes. Finally went out and got some starter stuff for the colder weather.

6. Praying with Alyssa.

7. Friends.

8. Lists. Seriously why do I think I can function without them?

9. Working together with Dayv.

10. Fresh new starts.

As you start your week off, I truly hope its a joyful one with much grace and tons of laughter too!

Boy Crazy!

2011-10-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

I recently did a project for GCD Studios which you can check out here!

Here is what I created:

This project is a very fast and an easy one, which works well for anyone needing a quick turn around project as a gift! I was super excited to make this for little DJ's nursery as well as create a shadow box, something I've never done!

GCD products:

Icon Dots - Animal Crackers Boy Collection by Rob and Bob

Baby Diaper Pins - Animal Crackers Boy Collection by Rob and Bob

Giraffe Border - Animal Crackers Boy Collection by Rob and Bob

Metal Rimmed Glass Brads - Animal Crackers Boy Collection by Rob and Bob

Other products:

Pink Paislee letters, Generic buttons, Floss, Generic pop dots, Coluzzle circle and heart cutter, shadow box, American Crafts cardstock.

If you are ever in need of a cute and fast project, pick this one up!!!!

Pretty In Pink

2011-10-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

When I was choosing this color inspiration for GCD Studios the very first thing I thought about was pretty in pink! I used to dislike pink a lot, but in my transformation I have learned to love it! It is one of my favorite colors today!

My girlie inspiration:

{A layout of myself and my dear friend Melissa who I am very thankful is in my life and has helped me along my journey}

GCD Studio products:

Beautiful Soul - Soul Food Collection by Melody Ross

Round doilies Sweet Surrender collection by Tina Higgins

Glass Paperclips - Animal Crackers Girl Collection by Rob and Bob

Chipboard butterflies - Soul Food by Melody Ross designer collections

In Bloom - Spring in Bloom Collection by Donna Salazar

Word Stickers - Plain - Soul Food Collection by Melody Ross

A Girl's Best Friend - Material Girls collection by Heather Tozzi

Other products:

American Crafts cardstock, Fiskars punch, American Crafts Thickers, Michael's generic felt paper, computer font Arial.

So answer me this... Do you feel feminine and tell me what it means to you!!!!

Firsts.

2011-10-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

I am sure you remember "firsts" that you did. Whether it be as a child, teenager, or adult. I remember a lot of my firsts too! Today I wanted to share with you one of Alyssa's firsts.

The first is Alyssa went to her very first homecoming dance, ever!

And she went with a boy!
Aren't they cute!

And it was SO much fun getting her ready, feeling her nervousness, taking a lot of photos, and then hearing about how the dance went! What a magical night for her and her date!

Do you remember your first date too? Share with me! I remember mine!!!!

It's A Party!

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's a party!!!!

If you're like me, you like any kind of party right?

And this party is right up my family's alley..

We're having a

POPCORN PARTY!!!!

That's right! Our family loves movies so I thought it would be fun to have our family and a few friends to have a popcorn {which we really LOVE} and movie party! So I took yummy popcorn, sweets, and drinks and coupled it with the fun products of Pebbles Inc!

Pebbles supplies used - "It's A Party" invitation:
Floral Lane You're Sweet (751121)
Floral Lane ABC Stamps (747106)
Fresh Goods Clear Stamps (747150)
Fresh Goods Penny Candy (751192)
Fresh Goods Mini ABC Stickers (732079)

Other supplies used:
Cardstock (American Crafts)
Thickers (American Crafts)
Stickers (American Crafts, SRM)
Corner Rounder (Creative Memories)
Ink (Superior)
Floss
Sewing Machine
Sharpie

Pebbles supplies used - Popcorn Party Decorations:
Welcome Christmas Wood Buttons (747147)
Fresh Goods Clear Stamps (747150)
New Addition Girl Clear Stamps (747130)
Fresh Goods Toothpick Flags (747146)
Fresh Goods Chipboard Stickers (737077)
Fresh Goods Dimensional Stickers (732076)
Fresh Goods Daily Special (751186)
Fresh Goods Window Display (751189)
Fresh Goods Penny Candy (751192)
Fresh Goods Freshly Picked (751193)
Floral Lane A Little Hello (751118)
Thank You Duplicate Rub Ons (747116)

Other supplies:
Cardstock (American Crafts)
Ink (Superior)
Floss

I sure hope that we all have a great time at our party! You go have a party yourself!!!

Fresh Picked.

2011-10-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

I showed ya the kit photos last night and here are my projects using that wonderful kit!!!!

Such a fun kit to work with, go check it out and get one for yourself!

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Lily Bee Memorandum Time Clock papers, Crate Paper Farmhouse Cross Stitch Collection, CM corner rounder, Fiskars punch, Lily Bee Memorandum 9 to 5 papers, Lily Bee Memorandum Whiteboard papers, Generic buttons, Bakers Twine, Pink Paislee Expressions wood shop, Brown Sharpie.

Supplies: Jillibean Soup Homemade 6 bean soup Barley Pearls papers, American Crafts cardstock, Pop dots, Lily Bee Happily Lost Stickers, Scrapbook Circle October printable, Pink Paislee Expressions wood shop, Bakers Twine, Pink Sharpie.

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, CM corner rounder, Pebbles Fresh Goods Window Display papers, Fancy Pants Designs Off to School No. 2 Pencils, Pop Dots, Elle's Studio Red Pennants, Studio Calico Scrap Pads, Red Sharpie, Black Sharpie, Pink Paislee Expressions wood shop, Zig black writer, Maya Road Wood Bingo Calendar Numbers, Computer font Dotumche, Scrapbook Circle’s October printable.

Supplies: American Crafts, Bakers Twine, Studio Red Pennants, Fiskars punch, Lily Bee Memorandum 9 to 5 papers, Crate Paper Random Collection Textile papers, CM corner rounder, Pebbles Inc. Masking Tape Stickers, Pink Paislee Expressions wood shop, Red Sharpie, Martha Stewart butterfly punches, American Crafts Playroom Thickers, Pink Paislee Expressions wood shop, Red Sharpie, Computer font Angsana New.

Hoping that your Sunday is filled with wonder!

Take a look!

2011-10-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

I couldn't wait to show you this month's kit from Scrapbook Circle!!!

I know I say it every month, but this is my favorite [too]! There I added the [too] cause every month its my favorite!!! LOL.

Isn't this kit the cutest?
Stay tuned to see it tomorrow!!!!

Fly.

2011-09-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hello sweet friends! It's Friday. I've already been VERY busy since 5am over here! D&I go to the gym that early so that he can work out before work and I can get it over with since I am a busy woman!

And now here I sit eating breakfast taking a break. The laundry's drying, the house is tidy. My homework is finished {I am just going ahead to stay ahead of the game!}. I only have one class today, which makes me giddy! I get home by 11:30 and then I have tons of time!!! Although I gotta clean the house, I am pretty stoked about Friday's as you know!

So today I wanted to share a lil' somethin' with ya!

First the layout, then the story...

supplies: American crafts, Glimmer Mist, CM corner rounder, Pebbles Inc. Fresh Goods collection, computer font Bradley Hand.

You can bet that I love Alyssa. We all love our kids, don't we? But at this stage in her life, I truly do appreciate her, I enjoy her. We get along really great {even though we do have our days where I want to slap her silly... Yes, I said that. That eye-roll thing? UGH. Its enough to set my skin a boilin!} and are very close. Probably the closest we've ever been. But I've been strugglin. I know you can relate. Our kids grow up, and all we want to do is protect them. I wouldn't say I am overprotective by any means with Alyssa but we do tend to be very involved in her life and what's going on. Our jobs as parents are to raise them up the way that they should go {paraphrasing the bible}. I always tell her the reason we do what we do is because we care. I asked her once if it got on her nerves how involved we are. Her response? No I appreciate it. Around her there are kids where their parents don't care, she sees it. She also knows and understands that even though my mom was the best mom she could be, she wasn't always there for me. So I've been praying for years now that my relationship with A would be different. Better. And most of all have communication. So I blow it from time to time when while we have great communication, I tend to over communicate. LOL. I repeat myself a lot. But I am working on it. She knows this and is patient with me, thank God.

Anyway.. Where I struggle is I realized that I had to be honest with myself. I didn't and couldn't let her go. Now don't read too much into that. Let me explain. I didn't trust her fully to the Lord. Yes, even a Jesus freak person like myself said that. I am not perfect. I sin. I have flaws. One of those was "thinking" I was in control over A's welfare {I am to a certain extent, I know}. But I couldn't let her go and give her fully to God because that meant I had to back off. To let go. And it isn't that I don't want her to grow up, my need comes from wanting to protect her from everything around her. Oh how I struggled with this. I justified it. I controlled it. I manipulated it. I ensured I had it all under my control. Letting go of a growing child is hard. Admitting that you needed to let go was even harder. And it wasn't pride. It was mama hen mode where the protection overruled everything. My need at the time to protect Alyssa from everything and everyone took over. There were times where I told Dayv that I just wanted to plop her in a room, close the door and not allow her to come out. I'd have to say it was more fear than pride.

And oh how I struggled. Struggled and wrestled with God for months. Years probably. I fought him tooth and nail. Ha. You can guess the outcome of this one... I don't win. But then again it isn't about winning really. It was about letting go and fully trusting that the Lord had her, loved her, and cared for her more than I could possibly do or feel. Trust me when I tell you that even that was a struggle. I didn't believe that. The depth of my love for my child is something I cannot even put into words, I truly can't. The Lord began working on me, and oh how he worked! From the little things to big things, I had to let her go. In the beginning the letting go made me feel as though I was actually "getting rid" of Alyssa if you follow what I mean. It was strange. Then I moved on to only allow some things to be let go of and not others. Then I'd walk 80 steps backwards and take her back. Oh! The thought of me actually thinking I could... It's kinda of sad and funny all rolled into one. But very true. First it was I didn't want too, then it became I can't. Well with the Lord there isn't I can't. It was more I wouldn't. I couldn't.

And it didn't mean anything life shattering either. But it was hard. I simply couldn't do it. So I justified again that I was doing A more good than harm because I loved her so much. Who wouldn't do that for and with their kids? That is love that knows no bounds. But there is another that feels that way too. I had to come to grips with God and the fact that Alyssa was his. I truly did. As I began pouring my heart out in my journal to the Lord, I realized that he was healing my past yet again. My childhood sucked. I cannot tell you how much that I know my mom did the best she could with the circumstances and what was given to her or dealt to her. But it sucked. Although I have dealt with my past on many levels, I never really realized that the fear that I let go of from my past, gripped me within my own child. And God had to heal me from that. What a patient God we have! I fought hard as I said. Probably just as much as giving up the bad word, shit. But that's another story isn't it? LOL.

God has been working on me. He sent me people in our church that I don't normally talk too. They prayed with me and for me not even knowing what was going on. He sent some of my dear friends to encourage me without even knowing what was going on. He had D&I praying like crazy parents too. And then he started to whisper to me. The very same love that I know he has for me {oh and its more than he died on the cross for me. Yes he did do that. But I didn't want to love God, after all is a man and men all my life have hurt me}. But God showered his love for me in the 11 years I've been walking. Oh my goodness if I could write a novel, I would!!!! God loves me. And it was high time I allowed him to love Alyssa that way too. I cried so many tears because I knew it was coming. He was preparing me to be ready for it. And in being ready, he was showing me I'd be okay. After all, he took me from the bottom slum pits of hell and turned my life completely around. If he did that, he was going to walk with me through letting Alyssa go too.

So needless to say my fighting became more of running to him. Oh, I'd tell him in sobs I couldn't let her go. I simply couldn't. I'd cry for hours because I felt like if I let her go that anything and everything bad would happen to her. So naive. So much like a child myself with this, I felt that she was being ripped from my body and soul. But not really... The foolish things we think as humans, huh?

I'd be in church every single weekend looking at Alyssa worship the Lord. She loves the Lord with all of her heart. Standing in pure abandonment to his will and here I was on stage playing the congas struggling. But I was broken. The burden and stress were too much for me to bare. I had to let go.
Last Sunday I was very weepy. I could barely get through a song and I'd start crying. The holy spirit was in the house that day because he knew. Worship was longer. More people came to the alter and he was nudging me. So I get off of stage and get on my hands and knees and bow to our Lord. What was weeping became heaving heavy sobs. Then I felt hands. A woman came up next to me and started to pray. Such a dear sweet spirit! As she prayed I just sobbed. I felt my body literally giving up the fight. I was ready to let go. But there was still a piece of my flesh hanging on. So I said very loudly I cannot let go. As the woman prayed, I felt another set of hands. Arms. Strong arms. They were Dayv's and I knew it. I didn't even have to look up. That man, I tell you is my rock. Well Jesus is, but you get it. So as I was kneeling there on that alter, I let go. My I can't let go became Jesus she is yours. I let my baby go.

And you know what? I fully and completely trust the Lord that he does love her, cares for her, wants what is best for her, and will keep her from harm. Oh that doesn't mean that she'll walk through life in an utter run through a field of daisies but it means that we can work together as a team to care for Alyssa. She was given to us for a time but has always been the Lord's. Trusting the Lord, even for an on fire Christian like me is hard. It's something I truly believe that the Lord will work on me until he calls me home.

You know what else? For the first time in years I feel free. Released. Able to be okay. Oh I'll still be a prayer warrior for Alyssa. And I'll be there whenever she needs me to the normal mom stuff too. But my baby belongs to the Lord and it is there she'll fly forever!

I am thankful for that.

Christmas Advent Calendar

2011-09-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am again to talk more Christmas!! LOL.

I don't know about you but I have always loved advent calendars. My mom every year when Alyssa was younger sent us an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. We loved it and loved that my mom sent one. She'd send us those one's where you popped out the window and out would fly a piece of chocolate along with the message for the day! The chocolate was a fun way for Alyssa to get a treat but also a great message too!

Keeping with the tradition I had thought to create something that would stand the test of time. We still love doing an advent calendar, but gone are the days where Alyssa wants to excitedly push a open a window and get a piece of chocolate! LOL. However, we still love the count down to Christs' birth!

When I signed up to do a Christmas project with SRM Stickers I knew instantly what I wanted to try to incorporate, an advent calendar! I also had a tea tin from Starbucks {no one wanted it and it was going to be thrown away so I brought it home hoping to alter it one day!} that I wanted to use and put the 2 together!!!

This is what I came up with:

SRM Stickers: We've Got Your Number #48094 Large, Fancy Sticker Sentiments #55002 Christmas, We've Got Your Stickers #53006 Merry, Quick Cards #52028 Believe, We've Got Your Stickers #54006 Christmas Tree.

Other supplies: Modge Podge, American Crafts, CM Corner Rounder, Bo Bunny Father Christmas Collection, Twine, Generic buttons, Maya Road, Coluzzle circle cutter, Pop dots, Computer font Century Gothic.

This advent calendar can be used year after year, which is what I love about it the most! I also love that its not overly kiddie-fied for our family and will still be exciting to count down Christs' birth. Each of the days has an account using scripture from the birth of Jesus leading up to his birthday on Christmas Day.

tell me do you use an advent calendar? If so share what kind you use!

Christmas Cards

2011-09-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

Well not really, but SRM Stickers is celebrating a lil' early!!!!

I created these cards using their stickers and Bo Bunny!

Supplies: SRM We've Got Your Sticker #53006 Merry, Bo Bunny, American Crafts, Fiskars punch, Twine, Generic buttons, Kaiser Craft.

Are you in the Christmas mood already? After all we only have 89 days until Christmas!

This morning I am grateful.

2011-09-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

It might be my mood and how emotional I am right now but I am sitting here feel blessed. I don't know about you, but my life is such a sweet testimony to the Lord! He has shown my family favor, grace, and joy through many things! I am so thankful today.

Grateful list:

1. For the steadfastness in Alyssa.

2. For one of the students in A's marching band ask her if D&I are married because he noticed we were flirting. Even after all these years, D&I still flirt!

3. Dayv is an amazing man and there are no words that I can describe that would say enough about him!

4. Falling in love with Gracie.

5. New kits that come in the mail.

6. Shopping with Alyssa.

7. Making it through my first week of school and being okay.

8. Very early mornings. This is where my most energy comes from. I can accomplish a lot in the early mornings!

9. Leisurely mornings.

10. The cooler weather.

I don't know about you, but we all have something to be thankful for, don't we?
Hoping that your week is amazing!

How I do what I do. Part 3

2011-09-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here we are again! This time we're continuing on but talking about design teams and being on like 5.

This has been the topic of conversation since I started scrapping. If someone is on all those DT's how do they scrap for themselves? Well this is how I look at it. I kinda feel like even though I have set time frames and assignments I am still scrapping for myself. I don't believe that I am always jumping through hoops for someone else and have no time to just scrap for me. Why? Because I personally feel that I am already scrapping for myself! I mean I get this kit or supplies and I use my photos. Of my family. I am not downing those that feel the opposite of myself, I just look at it like I do. I always scrap for myself. I fit whatever I am doing in with what is required of me. Basically I am making a project for myself following their guidelines. And for a person that's type A personality like me, it works. Its like following a challenge or a sketch to me. It's the same thing. The perk is being able to be blessed by using their product! However, there are times where I just scrap to scrap too. I do it a lot.

Going back to not scrapping daily. I find myself a lot like a wave. Ya know from the sea? LOL. Scrapping comes in spurts for me and I work it {ride it} and then I put it away! Right after I did that 3 days of scrapping, I put it all away straightened up my desk and just got on my favorite sites or blogs for almost 4 days before I even scrapped again! On the flip side of this kind of thing that works for me, I work well under pressure. Here again, I set up a personal time frame to get something done and just make the time to do it. I just kinda go with the flow. If I feel creative then I work it, if not I don't. If I "have" too I set myself up to do it. Thankfully it normally happens when I want to be creative so it works out! LOL. I think this helps with things I have to do because I don't scrap daily so by the time I need to do a project, I am ready to go!

For all of my DT's I have folders on my computer. Each of them are labeled and everything I do or need is in them. It's great for quick reference!

Okay... The question ya really want to know.. Why?

Why am I on so many DT's at one time? Well the answer is easy.. It's a two-fold answer though...

First and foremost when I apply to things I go in never expecting to make it. Of course please don't get me wrong, I am honored and giddy when I do but I go in with the attitude of you just never know because it might be the right fit and it might not. If I apply for it, then they have to think I want to be part of the team {which is always true! I only apply to things I think will be a good fit. Back in the day I applied for everything just to get my feet wet.

Also the other reason is right now in my life I don't have a lot on my plate. Sure I am going to go to school but my school load isn't very intense right now. Alyssa is back in school and Dayv is working all day. So my days are pretty much my own. I work out very early and am finished with that even before A is out of bed. Dinner is either planned in my head, its already prepared, we have a fend night {which means everyone is for themselves}, or we have to eat out due to what's going on. I clean on a certain day which entails everything from cleaning to laundry too. I only grocery shop 2 times a month.

I know it seems like my life is a tad mechanical. Like a cog in the workforce but honestly it just flows for me, for us. Sure I like to have order and be organized but....

If the world falls apart or I am not in the mood then I just don't. I set everything aside and just go with the flow. I don't have to do anything other than take care or be with my family. The house can stay the way it is, the laundry can pile up, my assignments will still be there, and it will all be okay. I am flexible enough in my life to just go with it especially since they are the most important things in my life.

As I said, I don't have a magical answer. The best way possible to answer it, is that it just works for me. I do what I do and go with it. There are times and seasons where I don't have any DT's on my plate. Then other times I do. I just make it work. I make it fit into my schedule and life. But I don't have it all together. I make a lot of mistakes. I am challenged. But my mentality has always been that I am a get back up on the horse kinda girl. If I fall off, which I do I just dust myself off and get back on the horse. My life doesn't stress me out unless I let it. I don't feel like I've got a lot on my plate unless I chose to look at it like that. And almost always, I don't!

So in a nutshell {well it only took 3 posts!} for myself it isn't hard. And I'm just stating facts for me. It might not work for you, I get that. You might think I'm a nut or don't let go and loose control. That's not true. But the way I am wired makes it so that I don't dwell, sit idle, or allow myself to feel overwhelmed. When I loose it, I go to my God and lay it at his feet.

Its kinda weird sharing all of this with you, but I figured after being asked this particular question a lot I'd share!

How I do what I do. Part 2

2011-09-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

You hanging in there? Glad to see you back and still reading. Forgive me, I tend to be wordy!
If you're still with me we're talking about being organized.

It doesn't require a whole lot other than thinking, keeping a calendar or a list, and being flexible if things don't turn out the way I planned them. Sometimes thinking ahead all of the time can be taxing on me. I quickly can get overwhelmed if I actually stop and think about what it is I have to do in any given day. That isn't to say that I don't have days where I sit on my tail in my pj's scrapping the day away. I have those days. And I have days where we as a family just sit and chill too. But for the most part I plan my day thinking about everything in it prior to it actually happening or doing it. So I guess for better lack of words, I am always one step ahead. I don't really know the why or how I do this, I just always have. I accept it about it and if and when it gets to be too much, I just set it all aside and chill. Because I have been doing this almost all of my life, it comes very easy to me.

If my mind is mush I turn to my calendar. I have 2 actually. One that stays in my purse and one that sits at my desk area in our den. This is so I can always have one on me and one at home. Sure they both say the same things, but the one at home is used by D&A as well to keep them up with things going on. I need the one in my purse because it seems when I am out, something comes up that needs a date and I have to be able to see if I am available or what we're doing. Normally I sit down and sync both of them at the beginning of the week. I have things in advance written down too that I know the dates of or for. Also, if I have to make appointments or things like that I have a calendar to do that right then and there. I use these calendars for both personal and scrapbooking use. I calendar I keep on the desk in our den has huge boxes you can write in with enough space to put it all in and the same goes for my purse one. To have another check, I also carry a small notebook in my purse. This is for making lists. I am kinda of a ditz when it comes to the stuff we need so having a list is a must for me. I use that for everything as well. Right now, its got products I need to get for my project for Pebbles Inc. that I have to go purchase.

Most of the DT's I am on have schedules, which I love. It makes my life easier to get a schedule of what is due and when its due. After I have this information I instantly put it on both calendars. I also work ahead. This is a huge importance to me because I don't scrap daily. Oh there are times when I do but for the most part, I sit down with a chunk of time and pump everything out. I am also a fast scrapper. I didn't used to be, but I realized that scrapping fast meant I didn't ponder on my page for too long. If I take a long time to do a page, then I end up hating it and over analyzing it. So I scrap pretty fast. That isn't to say that everything I create is 100%. Although I do try to do my best, sometimes I end up not liking a page no matter what I do. That's life. I finish the page and put it away. Projects are a little different because they require time. Normally with projects I set my own inner time frame and try to get it finished by that time. I like doing this because it sets up a goal. I am a check off the box kind of girl! Since I usually scrap in chunks of time, I normally am able to get everything finished and then some! If not, I don't beat myself up. I just get to it when I can. The cool thing though is once I stopped scrapping daily, I enjoyed it a lot more and found myself feeling more free to create when I wanted to rather than just sitting to do it daily. Does that make sense?

For instance I didn't scrap a lick for almost 2 weeks while on my girlie trip. When I came home, I had several assignments due. Once I got personal stuff out of the way, I set 3 days aside to be able to scrap as I pleased {I worked far ahead on several projects that aren't due until December, and worked on some fun challenges just case or a sketch or two}. That might of been all day, or a couple of hours. It actually worked for me because Alyssa was busy 2 of those days so once I dropped her off, I had time to myself. Oh that's another thing! Since having a teenager, my life in that regards is easier. Now I drive her everywhere and she is really involved, but a lot of her activities only require my time to be involved with driving her and volunteering when needed. I don't have to be on her like I did back in the day when she was little. She loves to read, and therefore if I have something to do will often read. Or she can get on the computer {we have set times Mon, Wed, Fri for 2 hours at a time}.

Okay so where does scrapping for me fit in? Stay tuned for part 3 and I'll share that!

How I do what I do. Part 1

2011-09-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

Let's talk. Just you and me. I don't have an photos to share or anything scrappy either. But this is about scrapbooking and my life! So pull up a chair and read!

In all of the years I have been scrapping the single most question I have ever been asked is how do you do it? Meaning how can I be on multiple design teams at one time and still function in life. I have gone through phases with design teams. Sometimes I've been on 6 DT's at one time and other times I have only been on 1 at a time. I always do the same thing if I am on 6 or I am on 1.

Let me preface by saying, I am sharing this because I figured why not! I am also sharing this because recently I've been asked this by at least 4 different people and I wanted to share in hopes that what I do and how I do it might help you to some degree. I don't really know if it really will. But you must know I am in no way thinking I am all that and a bag of chips. Nor do I think I have the magical answer or have it all together either. I just do what works for me and stick to being me. Most of the time it works, and if it doesn't I'm flexible!

So... I'm on 5 design teams right now. Most of the people that have actually asked me how I do it think its a heavy load. Most think I'll be pretty busy. Some of you think I'm nuts too, or you might even think its too many. I respect your thoughts, I really do. But for me it just works. You might find it taxing just reading this and how I function, or you might gain some insight to the question everyone seems to have...

Okay...

You have to know I don't neglect my family. I've heard that one before and I have been asked that as well. My family, if you can tell anything about me on my blog is the most important thing in my life. They are my life. After God comes Dayv and then Alyssa. That is how I have always treated my family and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for them. They are very important to me, I feel so blessed to have Dayv and Alyssa as my family! We do a great deal of things together too. We have a lot of family time and do many family things. But we also do things alone and in our own time as well. We can be under the same roof without having to actually be doing something together. One of the things I love the most about us is that we are all placed in our den. I scrap in here, and both of their computers and desks are in here too. There are times where we are all in here just doing our own thing, but we're together. If I am working on a project and it has to be finished by a certain time a lot of times they will come in and sit doing their own thing too.

The second biggest thing I can share with you about how I am able to do it and not pull my hair out of my head is that I am extremely organized and have good time management skills. Back in the day it was something I was embarrassed to share with others. I'd be sitting in a bible study listening to others talk about all that they had to do and not enough time to do it in, and thought I was nuts. I never spoke up and shared because who wants to sound like the snotty-have-it-all-together-chick? Not me. But the truth is, I do and it is an okay thing. I don't have to shy away or be embarrassed because I don't have those kind of issues {I have other one's!}. Being organized and having good time management skills are essential for me.

Stay tuned for part 2!

Journey.

2011-09-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Do you ever look back after you have gone on a journey and was able to see a reflection of the things you have learned?

I truly think it is so vital that we do this as we move through life. To go through each journey and be able to learn, grow, change, become new. I know sometimes certain journey's might be difficult but it is what makes us different. We pushes us forward and moves us into a new place. Sometimes a particular journey can last our entire lives and sometimes we are offered just a glimpse into a particular place to just learn something quickly.

However you move through that journey, I do believe each one is vital no matter how big or small. Point in case... I have a friend who about 4 years ago went through a very hard time in her life. I was blessed to walk with her through her particular journey because my role was to not only be her friend but her support, guidance, and love throughout this difficult time. I can attest that I saw great things happen! Wonderful things. Hard things. Nasty-ugly things too. But the coolest part about it all is that she is still standing. She went through that journey so that it could bring her where she is today!

We were recently standing in church and she was sharing with D&I about wanting a tattoo. I asked her what kind of one she wanted and she said, I'd like a cross on my forearm as well as a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. I looked at her and smiled because that is exactly how it was. She was trapped inside that cocoon for a very long time. Through the Lord, friends, love, guidance, pain, and understanding she broke free from it and became a beautiful butterfly. So fitting. We said our goodbye's and that was that.

On Monday of this week, D&I went to Starbucks in the mall {Barnes and Noble} to get a coffee for him, tea for me. While we had ordered our drinks he was waiting up at the counter for them and I was looking around at all the merchandise. I came upon a rack with tons of sayings. I started reading them and suddenly came upon this...

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

I instantly thought of my friend and everything that she has been through. I picked it up and bought it. Came home with it and decided that I was going to send it to her in the mail, after all who doesn't like getting mail? But I really wanted make it special for her so I thought about making her a card.

The coolest part about this is that I had this interesting looking envelope thingy from the packaging of my Kindle. I knew in an instant that I wanted to use it for the card and it was perfect! It held the magnet with the proverb on it perfectly!

Here is that card!

supplies: GCD Melody Ross Collection, Maya Road, Fiskars punch, Kaisercraft.

Don't you just love it when things like this happen in your life? I do hope that she loves this and she sticks the proverb on her fridge to see daily! I love it when things like this happen in our lives!
Happy weekend!

Schools In!

2011-09-21T05:05:00.000-07:00

Well here we are, the start of Fall!!!

That means that most have gone back to school and are into school time routines. No matter how old you are, there is always someone going back to school!
That includes me! Today is my first day of school too!!!

Keeping with the whole school theme, I'd like to show you 2 back-to-school projects I did recently for Pebbles Inc.

The first one is for family friends. Her last son {she has 2 others in college as well} went off to college recently. I wanted to create him a card that wasn't too theme-y, but yet got the point across to congratulate him on heading off to college!

Here is what I came up with:

Pebbles supplies used:
Fresh Goods Signage {751186}
Fresh Goods Daily Special {751185}
Fresh Goods Penny Candy {751192}
Fabric brads {747139}
Clear Girl Stamps {747130}

Other supplies used:
Cardstock {American Crafts}
Corner Rounder {Creative Memories}
Punch {Fiskars}
Twine
Black pen {Zig}
Pounce Wheel

The 2nd card that I created is for Alyssa. We have hit the month mark for her being in HS and I wanted to slip her a card and share with her just how proud I am!

Pebbles supplies used:

Fresh Goods paper [751183]
Fresh Goods paper [751191]
Fresh Goods paper [751194]
Flowers [747155]
Floral Lane stickers [732052]
Mini stickers [732079]
Fresh Goods stickers [732076]
Fabric brads [744277]

Other supplies used:

Cardstock [American Crafts]
Twine
Pounce Wheel
Pop dots [American Crafts]

As we go further into fall, school, and routines I am reminding that learning is something we do daily! I am excited to get started on my new college education, but a little nervous too! Wish me well!

Where I live.

2011-09-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one for ya!

I am a lover of challenges. Sometimes they are all I need in order to find the missing piece for my mojo! So I decided to follow this challenge!

Supplies: Studio Calico September kit, Glimmer Mist, American Crafts, CM corner rounder.

The challenge was to take a photo of our city and tell about it. There were interesting facts about Spokane that I knew nothing about, so I listed them here. I tried to make my layout where the photo was like a Polaroid picture! I like this layout because its simple. Sometimes simple says enough, doesn't it?

How about you? Do you like challenges? Maybe you should do this one too!!!!!

I also wanted to share that Doodlebug Design Inc. has started highlighting each of the design team members today! Go check it out!!!!

One Story Down

2011-09-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Monday! So filled with joy recently! I sure hope it bubbles over and over!!!! Hope you are joyful too! What a great way to start off our Monday by sharing this with you!

Recently Lauren Reid contacted me through 2peas to be featured on

One Story Down!

I was both excited and honored that she wanted to feature me! Thank you Lauren, so very much!

Go check it out!

Also, I am working up a couple of posts to share with you a question that's been asked to me several times since I started scrapbooking... Stay tuned for that to be coming soon!

Happy day!

2011-09-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hello there friends! It's a dreary day here where we live, but you know what? I like days like this. They are days where you just want to stay in your home and veg. We do that a lot around here.

We always try as a family to do everything we can on Friday or Saturday so that Sunday we literally just go to church, come home and hang. It isn't because of anything special its just cause its the day before the week starts and we just want to relax. So we got together with our trusty list and did everything we needed to do for the weekend yesterday. It feels good to check things off of a list! I don't know about you, but lists are vital for me and my family. I always feel like a list is a lot like a pensive {Harry Potter reference}. You just write it all down and then you can forget about it in sorts.

So I thought I'd share an overview of our prior week.

*We had many doctors appointments.

*I have to share these! You know the special place that Gracie has in my heart... The dog is huge compared to Jake and Kira. Every now and then we let them on the couch {don't judge} and earlier in the day I laid down with Kira {we take naps together} and Gracie has started to realize that if Jake and Kira get on the couch she should too with me. She only lays with me though which I think is cute! And I know I'm in my robe here... I do have shorts and a tee shirt underneath, I was just cold. We were playing Mario Cart as a family! It's not the most attractive photo of me, but I love it.

*I finally got my Kindle and I love it more than anything! I was worried about the whole not turning the page "real" book thing but decided its the best invention yet, love it!

*Because of our weather change recently {it happened quickly} I am getting ready for fall. Not so much around the house as of yet, but my mindset is changing. I am ready for it.

*I still never took photos of Alyssa for the first week of school. It is on a new list so hopefully I won't forget but I realize that its okay. I'll take photos of her several more times in her lifetime. I stopped beating myself up over it.

*I did however get photos of her for her first game, along with some of the full band on the field!

It was such a tight game, but we lost by 1 point. What a heartbreak. The band did amazing and it made me giddy thinking of my experiences and Alyssa's new ones!

And here is my grateful list:

1. Lists.
2. Hearing a word again, but having it mean something different.
3. How cozy our home is.
4. Icky. Rainy. Nasty. Days.
5. The funny things our dogs do.
6. Alyssa loving high school.
7. Buying a closet organizer for A's room.
8. Joking around in our family. We have so many Carney-isms!
9. Reading.
10. How blessed I am!

Here's to knowing that our week this week will be great, hope yours is too!

An exciting Thursday!

2011-09-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

An exciting announcement!
I am VERY excited to announce this!!
I have loved Doodlebug since the first day I started scrapping! I love their products and how fun and cheery they are! Fits me to a tee!!!!!

Aphra Bolyer (LA)

Elizabeth Carney (WA)

Jessy Christopher (Malaysia)

Jing-Jing Nickel (MN)

Kandis Smith (ID)

Kathy Martin (NC)

Lori Allred (Coordinator)

Melinda Spinks (Australia)

Monique Liedtke (Netherlands)

Nancy Damiano (NJ)

Stephanie Buice (AL)

Rosangela Philippsen (Brazil)

Sherry Cartwright (TX)

Tiffany Hood (UT)

Wendy Sue Anderson (UT)

Can't wait to get started with all these wonderful girls!!!!

Let's talk weather...

I don't know about where you are, but here? The weather is hot. I mean like hotter than it was supposed to be for summer!! LOL. I was driving in my car today sweating my tail off! Of course we haven't gotten our new AC thingy blown so its our fault, but it was still super hot. How is it where you live? I love being hot and the hot weather, but this is a tad much.

So to cool off, I've created these two layouts recently for Birds Of A Feather! They have monthly challenges that are super fun and I have time to play along!

Supplies: Everything was from Studio Calico's September kit except the Glimmer Mist and Zig black writer.

Isn't this layout fun? I love getting Studio Calico's kits. I also love these photos of us snorkeling. It was an amazing time! We had so much fun together too!

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Thickers, Pounce Wheel, Lily Bee papers, Generic buttons, Computer font Century Gothic, Pop dots.

I can't say enough about our experience swimming with dolphins. It was truly amazing! And I really love this photo a lot because each of us has such a wonderful facial expression and are so happy and blessed to be doing something like this!

Both of these layouts make me think of cool water and summer breezes! I could use some cool water now, that's for sure! Hanging on to summer here in WA we are!

Shannon & Me!

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Friendships means a great deal to me. I am sure they mean a great deal to you as well! When we get older it gets harder to find a good group of friends. Being in the military we often find friends fast and enjoy the time we have with them because we never know how long it will be for. When we lived in England, we were blessed to stay in one place for 6 years. Being overseas that's a long time for sure. We were blessed with the group of friends we have to say the least! Now that we are all back in the states, we have managed still to stay connected and friends with each one of those wonderful people! Because in the military we don't just make friends, they become our family!

This is where my very first project with Pebble Inc. comes in. I was excited to create this layout because for this project we had the freedom to just create anything that would represent our style! Here is what I came up with for mine:

Pebbles supplies used:
Dimensional butterflies {747154}
Candy Dots {744276}
Lollipop Candy Dots {747113}
New Edition Girl- Layered Embellishments {747121}
Fresh Goods Chips {744118}
Floral Lane With Delight {751124}
Dimensional boarder stickers {732060}
ABC pink stickers {732057}

Other supplies used:
Cardstock {American Crafts}
Punches {Fiskars}
Computer font Century Gothic.

Shannon and I met through Girl Scouts. Both of our DD's were in the troop. She was a leader with another leader for a year and I just volunteered my time to help out when I could with the troop. Aside of GS, we knew each other through PWOC {protestant women of the chapel}, and also played bunco together as well. It wasn't until bunco when we actually talked. I truly didn't think Shannon liked me very much and I found out how untrue that really was!!! So we started to hang out, then eventually we took over the troop together which led into a closer friendship that included our families hanging out every weekend together too! We became fast friends and I am blessed to be her friend, I love her so very much!!!!

I know you have friends that have touched your life too! Why don't you call them today, hang out with them, or pop a card in the mail to tell them how much they mean to you!!!!

My week.

2011-09-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

Something really fun and exciting to share with you today!!!
Scrapbook Circle is having a design team call!!!
I know those of you that follow have seen the kits each and every month and how wonderful they really are!!!!
Go and check it out here!

Guess what I ordered?

My pastor's wife had one and showed it to me and I decided to buy one too! I am waiting for it to come in the mail very soon!!!

Yep. I can't wait to get it!

I also had to show you these.. They make me laugh. I really wanted to get some new doggie photos and that's really hard to do. Well it isn't so hard if your Kira because she'll sit for just about anything and I often get great shots of her. But getting the other 2 to sit was hard. So we had to bribe them. LOL! With treats of course. It's why they kinda look freaked out, especially Jake! But we thought they were cute! You can bet you'll see them on a page soon!

Aren't they cute!

I also didn't get a single first day, second day, third day, etc. photo of Alyssa! I feel like such a horrible mom but we find ourselves rushing around in the AM and there is no time. By the time she gets home from school we have moved on! So I decided not to be too hard on myself and just take photos this weekend. It's not something I'd normally do, but I did want to get "new" HS photos of A!

Saturday I spent the morning at a mini women's retreat for my church! It was lovely! I made homemade scones. Alyssa was in a skit. She did a really great job!

Grateful list:

1. For crying because after you have a good cry, you feel better.
2. The least likely people you run in to, and realize it was a God-thing.
3. Being married to Dayv.
4. Letting go of Alyssa so she can fly for the Lord!
5. Soft sheets.
6. Homemade cooking.
7. White cardstock.
8. Nothing to do!
9. Writing in my journal.
10. Doing our Revelation bible study together as a family.

I am busy working on my September DT stuff for SRM Stickers! It's taking all of my time, but I love how its turning out! I can't wait to show you!

Hope your week is a great one!

Gentle Soul.

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

This photo makes me fall in love with her all over again....
So I had to scrap it right away!

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, American Crafts Remarks letter stickers, American Crafts paper, Martha Stewart butterfly punches, Computer font Century Gothic, CM corner rounder, Floss.

I've never had a dog who was more loving, and caring than she is. I am so blessed to have a wonderful pet like her! She is truly a gentle soul...

Today.

2011-09-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

Found this cool thingy on her blog and decided to play along!

Today I went and dropped off A at school and picked her up.
Today I hoped to do everything that needed to get done around the house. Cleaning, vacuuming, laundry, etc.
Today I dreamed of home decorating. I am itching to decorate something. Gonna get a move on with A's room VERY soon.
Today I forgot to exercise. It will be there tomorrow!
Today I heard beautiful music from Natalie Cole.
Today I read a wonderful verse...
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground. -psalm 143:10
Today I watched These really funny utube video. This made me laugh so hard! Please be mindful when looking, it's a gentleman doing Brittney Spears' Oh Baby..

Today I said I love you to the 2 most important people in my life.
Today I believed that I am worthy in the Lord, no matter what others think of me. My worth isn't in man, it is in the Lord!
Today I felt Peaceful and thankful that I didn't have a lot going on.
Today I created a layout about my precious Kira.
Today I wondered How will school really be for me?
Today I bought okay remember me saying I am not in the Christmas mood? I'm not still, but recently I've gotten some DT projects that are calling me to do some holiday projects. So I bought this..

And even though I'm not ready for the holiday's I am very excited to get those holiday items and go to town! I also bought this:

Because we'll be heading soon to have some fall festivities!
Hopefully it will be a little colder this year when we go!

Today I cleaned My entire house. Did laundry. Vacuumed.
Today I was me.

Who are you today?

2012 fullness!

2011-09-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hi there!
Can you believe that its September? Where has the time gone. To be quite honest with you I was walking recently down the isles of Michael's and much to my surprise they had Christmas stuff out already!!! I started to walk down the isles and look at all the pretty things and turned right back around! I am not ready. Sure I know its coming, but I just can't see myself moving that fast towards the holidays and yes I know they are right around the corner!!!

But even though I might not be ready mentally, I've been busy getting ready for it none the less! I showed you a bit ago a calendar I created for SRM Stickers. Only I showed you just a few pages! Today I am going to show you the entire full 2012 calendar I created!!!!

Supplies: SRM Stickers Sleek #48089, SRM Stickers Extra Large #48095, SRM Stickers Numbers Large #48085, SRM Stickers Valentine #42026, SRM Stickers Valentine #39037, SRM Stickers St. Patrick's Day #42036, SRM Stickers Winter #51009, SRM Press calendar, SRM Stickers Happy Holidays #51001, SRM Stickers Monthly Memories #40104 November, SRM Stickers #51007 Halloween, SRM Stickers Freestyle #50004 Fall, SRM Stickers Freestyle #50003 Summer, SRM Stickers #42027 Father's Day, SRM Stickers Live Life #49011 Water Fun, SRM Stickers #39052 Water Fun, SRM Stickers #51011 Summer, SRM Stickers #50014 Water Fun, SRM Stickers Monthly Memories #40103 October, SRM Stickers #51012 Fall, SRM Stickers #42035 4th of July, SRM Stickers #40100 July, SRM Stickers #42035 4th of July, SRM Stickers #39041 Father's Day, SRM Stickers #39041 Father's Day, SRM Stickers #42028 Mother's Day, SRM Stickers #42028 Mother's Day, SRM Stickers #42031 Easter, SRM Stickers Quick Cards #52005 Love, SRM Stickers #51010 Spring, SRM Stickers #42036 St. Patrick's Day, SRM Stickers #39050 St. Patrick's Day, SRM Stickers #39030 Teacher, SRM Stickers #50005 School, SRM Stickers #42020 School, Bazzill Worth Remembering Collection, Zig black writer, American Crafts, Fiskars punches, Floss, Offray ribbons, Generic buttons, Pop dots.

I truly think I'm going to give this as a gift! I loved how it turned out.

So tell me, are you ready for the holiday's?

Cutie's!

2011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie!

On Monday we were just hanging out in our den each doing our own thing and I decided to make a fast card!

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Generic buttons, Pink and green kit by Tessa Buys, Lily Bee letter stickers, Pebbles Inc.

I wanted to give a shout out to Tessa Buys and her etsy store!
This is the kit I purchased and used:

Cute huh? You should go check out her etsy store, loads of cutie's!!!

I also wanted to share 2 things with you today about GCD Studios!

The first is this...

Which is really great for back to school or fall, isn't it!

This is GCD Studios September Kit of the Month!!!
This kit could be yours! All you have to do is create a back to school project of any kind! All ya gotta do is use 50% of GCD Studios product to enter!!!
Then you email your project to Heidi Sonboul by September 26th 2011!
What happens next is the top 3 projects entered will be posted on the blog, where voting will take place! The winner will get this kit of the month sent to them and will be featured in our October news letter, along with that we'll put you up on our blog too!

The next bit of fun is you can get GCD Studios newsletter!!!! It's super easy and all you have to do is simply send an email to In The Studio.

Happy day everyone!!!

Photo Swap

2011-09-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but doing photo swaps with people are SO much fun!!

This month My Scrapbook Nook has a photo swap challenge going on in the forums! We each got our girls and they sent us photos to scrap.

The person that I got was Deanna Misner. She sent me a total of 14 photos and seriously I could have scrapped each and every one! Her children are beautiful as well as her photography, so it was not only fun but wonderful to be able to scrap a piece of her family and be a part of that!!! I couldn't just do one layout, so I did three!!!! Here they are!

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Pebbles New Addition Beautiful Baby [751148], Pebbles New Addition It's A Girl [751140], Pebbles New Addition Love Bug [751142], Precocious Paper by Tessa Buys, CM corner rounder, Pebbles ABC Stickers [732057], Computer font Century Gothic, Fiskars punch.

supplies: CM corner rounder, Floss, American Crafts Dear Lizzy chipboard Thickers, Pebbles mini clothes pins [747136], Pebbles dimensional board stickers [732066], Pebbles New Addition Boy Calendar [751151], Pebbles New Addition Thank Heaven [751159], Computer font Century Gothic, Fiskars punch, Pop dots, American Crafts cardstock, Pebbles Fabric Brads [747139]

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, CM corner rounder, Glimmer Mist, Fiskars punch, Bazzill Worth Remembering Collection, Coluzzle heart shape, Floss, American Crafts Thickers, Computer font Bradley Hand.

Thank you Deanna for allowing me to be a part of your family's photos!!!!

How about you, have you ever photo swapped before? If not, you should try it!!!!

Citrus Tree Studio

2011-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was asked to be a guest designer this month for Citrus Tree Studio!! I love doing GDT work and felt honored to be a part of their team for September..

Here is what I came up with using their kit!

supplies: cardstock, American Crafts cardstock, MME Lush 2 Turquoise Flower paper, MME Lush 2 Turquoise Houndstooth paper, Paperchic Cristina Re paper, Paper chic Grant chipboard letters, CM corner rounder, Paper chic designer 3D stickers, Brads, Offray ribbon, machine stitching, computer font Century Gothic.

supplies: Cardstock, Fiskars punch, American Crafts cardstock, Making Memories Artisan Labels, Paper chic Grant chipboard letters, Bazzill paper flower, Paper chic designer 3D stickers, MME Lush 2 Turquoise Flower paper, Ribbon from kit.

supplies: cardstock, Paper chic Cristina Re paper, Fiskars punch, Making Memories Artisan Labels, Paper chic Grant chipboard letters, Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden collection, computer font Century Gothic, brads, American Crafts brad.

supplies: cardstock, Making Memories Artisan Labels, Paperchic Cristina Re paper, MME Lush 2 Turquoise Flower paper, Paper chic designer 3D stickers, Bazzill paper flower, Paper chic Grant chipboard letters, Offray ribbons.

supplies: Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden collection, American Crafts cardstock, MME Lush 2 Turquoise Flower paper, Fiskars punch, pink cardstock, Bazzill paper flower, Paper chic designer 3D stickers, Paper chic Grant chipboard letters, maching stitching, Offray ribbon.

Cute stuff huh? Go check out their kits and buy one!
Hoping your day is filled with fantastic fluffy fun!!!

Grace{ie}

2011-09-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

You know who she is...

She's Gracie.

And I have been wanting to do a post about her for awhile now.

We've had Gracie 5 months and 1 day now. She's now 1 year old, she turned 1 in July.

And this post is about being honest about Gracie.

It's taken me this long to actually really love her and want to keep her. There I said it. It isn't that she's not a good dog or anything like that. I struggled with her being here period. We went back and forth for a long time before getting her on whether we wanted another dog. I finally made the decision that I couldn't do that to Jake and Kira by bringing another dog into the mix. Then Dayv called a week later and shared this story about Gracie. It about broke my heart, and of course we took her. Little did we know how much she would change our lives.

I'll spare you the details of what I already posted in other posts but it took time. And I was foolish to think she'd walk right in, fight right in, and everything would be hunky-dory. It wasn't. It took almost 3 weeks for Jake and Kira to be okay with her. Then it took another 3 weeks of Gracie being okay where she was. And in all honesty its taken me 5 months to be okay with her being here.

Why? As foolish as all of this is going to sound, it is where I was and what I was feeling...

I didn't want to love another dog. I love Jake and Kira dearly. They are my puppies even though they are 12. It was hard to love Gracie too. She's huge. We live in a smaller home, which is perfect for us. However Gracie is a rather large dog. She doesn't come running to the door when we come home unless its Alyssa. This bothered me. The other two always come running no matter how long we've been gone. She's a strange dog in that she doesn't need the affection like most dogs do. She only comes to you when she wants to and she expects you to pet her where she wants to be petted at any given time. Because we weren't used to a puppy, we had troubles with her chewing, eating, getting into everything, pottying in the house, etc. We weren't used to it so it was hard work getting her to stop. She still occasionally has issues with going to the potty in the house {we are replacing our LR carpets to wood flooring soon}. She doesn't play like a normal dog does with its owner. She is very loud. She will not stay off of Alyssa's bed. She barks so loudly when we are going to take them for a walk that its frustrating. Jake and Gracie get along great, but Kira doesn't at all. They leave each other alone and finally they seem to have an understanding. I can't keep her off the couch. She chews through our underwear. She urinates in her kennel but likes going in there. She yanks you so hard no matter how we train her when we walk, its a chore and not something we enjoy. Even though I had a hard time loving her, we took care of her. Trained her and worked with her too. We tried everything.

And I wouldn't just allow myself to get close to her. Especially since we took about 3 of those 5 months deciding if we were going to get rid of her. It sounds so stupid now, but we did throw around the idea. I wouldn't allow myself to love her because we never really knew one way or another. We didn't really understand her personality and she didn't get us.

But then I left for my girlie trip. I needed it in so many ways. To rejuvenate, re-evaluate, to just reflect upon my life. One of those things was having a pow wow with the Lord about Gracie. The things I am sharing, while seem shallow were honest. So I tell the Lord my honesty feelings. I got from all that was that she is with us for a purpose. Since I trust in the Lord, I knew I had to trust that there is a purpose I don't get or understand and its not for me to do so.

I don't know what it is about that dog, but she is in our lives for a reason. And honestly it just took time. I had this preconceived notion that she'd just come into our family and it would have felt like she's always been there. I realize that she's not Jake or Kira and has a personality of her own. I realize that there are emotions behind those vacant eyes because they aren't really vacant it is just how I saw them. I realize that just like with children, each one is different and should be handled and treated differently too. Even though we are still trying to figure it all out,and all of the things that annoy me greatly about Gracie has made me fall in love with her. I think its okay that its taken this long. I enjoy her more than I have and feel I can open up my heart and love her unconditionally.

I have to attest I had no idea that having a cute dog like her would be a learning lesson for us all!!!! But I am thankful for these past 5 months because it sure has allowed me to learn about myself and this really cute dog who isn't going anywhere!

In the Carney household.

2011-09-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Why hello weekend! I am so glad that you are here!! Especially since it's a 4 day weekend for D. That means more family time!!

Recently we went to a 9th grade parent meeting at A's HS. Pretty boring. The guy sitting next to Dayv had been drinking and wasn't holding anything back. The entire time he yawned or breathed on us, so we were glad to get out of there!!! We learned a few things so I guess its good we went. This will be interesting as they have 2 different bells. One day she'll be going on time and the other day she'll be going 30 minutes later. It can make a huge difference in a teenager's life that's for sure! LOL.

Friday we hung out and then went in for more of D's tattoo work. He's ready to be done and so am I! Cause that means that I'm next! That's right I'm getting another tattoo!!! I'll keep ya updated on that...

Here's what we've been eating a lot in our home as of late:

Alyssa went for freshman orientation as well to walk through all of her classes and get a feel for being in 9th grade. I know she is nervous and if I have to be honest, so am I. My mom always told me that if I wanted to work to do it while your children are still very young or younger. Because once your kids hit middle school and especially HS, they need you more than at any time. Thinking back on it, I think she's right. So I am thankful that I'll be in school myself and only a bit away so I can help her anytime she needs me. I want to be there for her. She had a great time, likes her teachers, her classes, and made some new friends already! We are praying for a wonderful year for her!!! I will share with you that I cried. I didn't expect it myself so if your surprised, join the club. We dropped her off and watched her walk in. I sat there and cried. I haven't done that since we took her to kindergarten!!! It's such a huge step isn't it? I mean HS isn't like it was when we went and even though I am doing an okay job with letting her go and grow deep down I want to lock her up so that nothing can happen that's bad. Of course if you are reading this, you know that this isn't something I'd do, but there are times where I think the world is too cruel for our kids. And its cause I love her so much that I don't want anything to happen. But I know reality that the Lord loves her far more than I ever could possibly and will watch over her. I shared with her that I cried, and you know what she said? I appreciate you mom. For crying and caring so much about me! I love that girl so much it hurts!!! I wanted to get photos of her before we left, but the hustle and bustle of it all made it so I forgot. I'll be taking 1st day photos though for sure!!!!

Dayv went fishing so A&I are going to see Harry Potter again. Yep its our 2nd time and we can't wait!!!

I wanted to share my grateful list:

1. Journaling.
2. Hot tea.
3. The Lord's gentleness.
4. Rejection. Because it makes me stronger.
5. Hair clippies.
6. Having nothing to do.
7. My extended family.
8. Calendars. They keep you on track.
9. The love that Dayv has for me.
10. The fact that Alyssa will still kiss me goodbye, I love that!

Well I have get myself in the kitchen! I have many things to prepare and not that much time before we head out for the day!
Have a great one!

Flyin' by.

2011-09-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

This week flew by didn't it? I am seriously enjoying not working, I can tell you that, love it! It gives me more time to be able to just scrap the day away! I love days like that where the windows are open, the sun is shining, there is a slight breeze, great music, and wonderful creativity flowin'!

Recently My Scrapbook Nook had a beginning of the month card challenge. I was looking to use these new scrappy items I got of all places, Wal-Mart!

I don't know if you had a chance to see their line called Studio G by Lynette Anderson Taylor? I don't know if they are new or not {they are in our store here} but they are cute and cheap which = YES! So I picked me up some of the cutest stuff! Every package was only $.97 cents! Yeppers you read that right, you can't beat that with a stick!!!

I created this card [and did the Nook card challenge] using some of the stuff you saw pictured here!

supplies: American Crafts, Fiskars punch, Ink, Twine, Studio G brads, flowers, chipboard, GCD Studios The Great Outdoors collection, Generic buttons.

Don't ya think its cool to find really cute scrappy stuff that's pretty cheap? I know I do!!!! Hey you should also do the challenge over at the Nook too!!!!

Happy Day!

Things are changing.

2011-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Why hello again! I posted this long blog post and POOF gone.. It isn't bloggers fault either, although that would be great to place the blame on them. It came from my typing happy fast fingers. Oh well.

So here's the deal. I've been taking a serious look at my blog. Its pretty much is all about my life personal and scrapbooking wise. I know a lot of you only come to see scrapbooking and that's great! I teetered with having a personal blog and a scrappy one but decided that I didn't want to handle 2 blogs and keep up with that. So what I've decided to do is scrappy stuff the majority of time and on the weekends I am going to post personal stuff. I might throw some scrappy stuff in there on the weekends too though! I figured this way if you didn't really want to read a really long posts you didn't have too and if you did, then that's cool too!!! So it really meshes both worlds greatly in my opinion! Although, I do like your opinions too!

Moving on!

I told ya I would have more projects to show you using this kit didn't I?

Well here they are!

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, CM corner rounder, Coluzzle circle cutter, Fabric buttons, BG Out Of Print Daily News papers, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Twine, Authentique Diction stickers, Fancy Pants Designs Off To School tab, JilliBean Soup Soup Labels, Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type, Glimmer Mist, Zig black writer.

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, Fancy Pants Off To School ABC's papers, Crate Paper Random Collection Modern papers, American Crafts Thickers, Pop dots, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Remarks, Crate Paper Phase Stickers Random Collection, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Elle's Studio Lil' Snippets: Date, Fancy Pants Off To School Tabs, Glimmer Mist.

Supplies: American Crafts cardstock, CM corner rounder, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Remarks, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Fiskars punch, Pop dots, Signify Pink Glimpses Sports Spectacular papers, Fancy Pants Off To School Tabs, American Crafts Thickers, Computer font Century Gothic, Authentique Diction stickers, JilliBean Soup Soup Labels, Mr. Huey red.

supplies: American Crafts cardstock, American Crafts Flair, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Die Cut Cardstock Shapes, Twine, Fabric button, Crate Paper Phase Stickers Random Collection, Authentique Paper Diction, Fiskars punch, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Work in Progress papers, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Good Company papers, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Remarks, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Here and There papers, MME Quite Contrary papers, Martha Stewart butterfly punches, Computer font Century Gothic.

Also I wanted to share a scrapping funny with ya! I have this punch.

I am sure we all have this punch right? Well this is my very favorite punch {not like I had many but I LOVED this one} and I used it all the time. Well the little pin by the "S" underneath of course started to come out. I can't tell you how upset I was. I tried to get Dayv to fix it and he did but told me I couldn't push down all the way or the pin would come out. So for a long time I took care in using it. Making sure never to push too hard. But I used that thing with almost every single project I did. That meant more wear and tear on it. The plastic around the pin broke. Which meant the pin wouldn't stay in place. I can't tell you how many pieces of cardstock I wrecked trying to use it. The pin finally popped out, the plastic piece hanging on for dear life broke off completely and I couldn't use it at all. Oh how I tried to love my other punches {the other 3 I have, lol} but it just wasn't working. I tried to "fix" it again to no avail. But I grabbed it so much and used it so much it was almost innate to just grab it and use it. So I finally am breaking down and buying a new one, because I can't live without my punch! I know I'm not up on the many punches out there, but do you have a favorite one too? Share it with me!

Hope you have a wonderful day!