First Day!

We all survived! Thought that might be the most important info to share, particularly since I haven't posted in several days! J was such a trooper! I didn't really doubt that he would take everything in stride, but my motherly worrying took hold a couple of times! He loves his teacher (and she's already fessed up she feels the same about him!) The first two days came and went in a flash and he's already learned new things! He came home yesterday singing a song about how to spell "red" to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?" I'm so very proud! :) Here are some pics I took of my great big, little guy on his great big day...

For those of us who worked on the first two days of school, well, we did ok too! They are such busy days, and I hate the feeling that I'm talking non-stop (probably because I DO talk non-stop!). Luckily, they do go by like a flash for us as well. The kids in my class did a great job, and we're getting things all settled. We even got to start on a few academic tasks!

Of course, all of this was what was taking priority in my life while I received a TON of other emails of the scrappy kind... I was a little overwhelmed for a day or so as I tried to tell myself that I hadn't taken on too much. As you know from my last post, Shawn has asked my to be a part of Nuts About Sketches (and of course I said yes!). Also, I've been asked to be a part of something else spectacular but I must wait for the official ok before posting anything more on that. Also, Scraps of Us is back on-line and better than ever! Vicki did a complete revamp on the site and it is great! Be sure to go take a look! Anyhow, over the next week or so, we'll get back into the grove we know all too well, and things will seem calm again... :)

I'm also awaiting the mail every day hoping for my scrappy goodies to arrive! My two blog candy packs should be here any time, and Vicki is posting my Scraps of Us pack any time now! And I also can't wait til Monday (that's payday around these parts!) so I can make an AWESOME purchase at Two Peas in a Bucket! I've got my cart all loaded up and am just waiting to purchase! Can't wait!

Til next time~ <3

Double the Excitement!

So how stoked am I?? On my last post, I just found out that I won delicious blog candy from Scrappin' Everyday Life, right? Well, can't even believe it, but I ALSO won some more from Scrappin' It Forward! Wowee! But that's just the tastey part... This morning I also got an email from Shawn at Nuts About Sketches offering me a spot on her sketch blog design team! So exciting! As she says, it's a "no frills or bells and whistles" kind of blog...just great sketches! You'll need to stop by and see the great inspriration! I can't wait to get started with her work!
School is just about ready to start. Today was my first contractual day back, meaning I was actually paid for today's work! That's the good part... The bad part is that is was mostly meetings and semi-random things. I'd much rather be putting my room together and getting everything ready to go. The kids will be back on Thursday, and my own little munchkin starts then too! I will be back to post pics!
Til next time~ <3

Won Me Some Blog Candy!!

YIPPEEE! I am very, very, very excited! I was taking care of my little blog surfing addiction this afternoon and stopped by Stacy's blog Scrappin' Everyday Life... She was the one who had the blog anniversay giveaway... Yep, I won! Couldn't even believe that my name was on there! I've already gotten an email from her telling me she's sending my goodies next week! Thanks so much Stacy! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! She's a lucky gal to have gone an entire year! That's awesome! If you want to check out what I won, go here!
My extended free time is about to expire... I am required to be back to school on Tuesday, but I spent most of Friday there and will also make a "regular" day of Monday. Well, all good things must come to an end :( I've got my plans to stay scrappy over the school year, and even have a 24 hour crop spot reserved at the end of September! Can't wait for that. Mostly, I think I'm feeling a little sad about being without my kiddos full time. I know I whine when we have tough days, but I am so happy to have the opportunity to be with them all summer long! I know they're in amazing hands when I'm not there, so I need to count my blessings wherever they may be!
til next time~ <3

Card for Get Sketchy Challenge 1!

It looks like making cards on a slightly more regular basis may be one of my latest "job" descriptions... With that in mind, I've been doing lots of looking around at what is out there now. My first encounters years ago with cardmaking did not leave me highly impressed... I'm not much of a stamper and maybe the product I was exposed to was somewhat limited, but boy have I been wowed! Cardmaking seems to have truly come into it's own in the last little bit! It's exciting to even see monthly kits with card-specific sets to purchase.

So, knowing I needed to brush up on the little bit of skill I feel I have in this, I've completed my first "cardmaker's" challenge over at Get Sketchy! I loved the versions the DT came up with and must recreate them at some time. For now, however, I needed to come up with my very own. I found some KI Memories stuff in my stash that had a little 3-D effect and bright papers (much more so than I seem to normally use). I was glad to do 2 things that were out of my comfort zone though. First, I used that paper that had NOT been calling my name :) And, second, I cleared out some of my stash that would have sat around for who knows how long! These are both good things (note the sense of "self-talk" here?). Needing also to remember, I don't create cards for me like in layouts. These are for others, and I can already think of a couple of deserving folks who would appreciate my latest creation!

So, thanks Bree and the gals at Get Sketchy! You pulled my out of my comfort zone and put me on the road to card making!

Til next time~ <3

A Little of This and a Little of That...

I'm a little scared that the scrapping mojo is slipping... I think most of it is due to the fact that, for some unknown reason, I can't get 4x6 pics to print on my printer. I'm not good at trouble shooting things. I tend to get frustrated because I'm sure I should be able to figure it out. So when I can't, it stresses me out. I don't need any stress at the moment (who does, ever?!) so I'm just going to let it be for awhile and come back to it later. There's plenty to do besides scrap (*gasp* did I just say that?).

As I type, I'm waiting for my gorgeous hubby to come home from work and take me out on a happy anniversary date! I married my best friend 14 years ago today! Money's a little tight this month so I think he has a gift card to PF Chang's we've been saving for a special occasion- guess this fits the bill! :)

I think I've also been going a little crazy on the challenge sites lately. I've been so inspired and LOVE the sketches that I may have become a bit addicted! Here's my LO for The Scrappiest sketch 26:

This was my first attempt at masking. I used my Tim Holz Ransom alphas and used a Ranger paint dabber! Both are so incredibly cool! Just a simple LO, but I think I really like the outcome!

I said I would share some pics of my "make-shift" clip-it-up system, so here we are! Those things are so expensive, but I wanted a way to use my verticle space in my room. Paul and I made a trip to Lowe's and came out with all the makings for a magnetic board and rail system for my wall!

Not my best photog skills here, but at least you can see the whole thing! It's magnetic, so we also found a magnetic curtain rod to attach to it and used curtain clips! I also put a regular curtain rod below it (I think it cost less than $2.50!) and used the same curtain clips!

I absolutely and completely love this! It is so well worth the effort! I can clip up all sorts of things on here!

Off for now! <3

More Blog Candy Possibilities...

I'm here spending time on the net and definitely not enough on scrapping... I went into my classroom for a bit yesterday and got the desks and whatnot somewhat ready to go. I think a couple more hours this week will get me to a safe spot and then I'll be ready for the real deal next week. (Yikes! Did I just say that? Next week??!!)


I do need to get on the scrapping though! Erica's got an awesome crop going on over at Personal Scrapper with 15 +1 challenges going on that are fantabulous!! I also need to work on a card from Get Sketchy. It will be hard not to just lift one from the DT because they are absolutely gorgeous!


I'm waiting on a total of 3 emails from different folks right now and am not being successful in the patience part... Maybe that's why I'm here and not getting something good done. Hmmm...


Oh, almost forgot! In all my surfing today, came across another awesome blog! Scrappin' Everday Life is celebrating a ONE YEAR mark! She's got loads of talent and is giving away some awesome blog candy! Check it out!

Now, you know how I like to keep these things for me, but again, I promised I'd spread the word! Go and see what she's got!

For now... <3

More Scrappy Fun...

I've been on such a roll with scrapping lately! So proud of myself! Mostly, I'm in love with all the great sketch blogs I've been finding! So hoping they're loving my work too! I always used to think that I was less of a scrapper because I would do so much scraplifting... So sad to have doubted myself! Now I realize that inspiration can come from other people's work, and that is EXACTLY what happens through sketches! I've even started a new binder full of sketches that I'm collecting and trying out from great blogs and other on-line sources! So loving it!

Here is another one (sketch 25) from The Scrappiest... I used WeR Memory Keepers Tiffany line for it (another Personal Scrapper kit from awhile ago) and finally found the perfect pics from the wedding to go with!

I actually pulled out my Creative Memories circle cutters for this one! I have been staying quite linear lately, and this sketch helped me get out of that. I also got to play a little with the Stickles which is always fun!

I also did a LO for Nuts About Sketches. I really like this one, but I had much more trouble with the ribbon and stitching than I have before... Oh, well... Still fun to do! Love the colors on this one! It was another Personal Scrapper kit from a long time ago with American Crafts materials on almost the entire thing.

I'm also a little impressed that I've been able to get myself to not depend on cardstock for the backgrounds. I know it's a little hard to see on here, but there is a subtle pattern on both of these layouts.

Well, might take a scrapping break for a couple of days. I need to head in to school the next couple of mornings with the kids to try and get my room set up... Not dreading it, but this is the first year in quite awhile that I haven't actually been itching to get started. Hmmm... hubby says I can't retire for a long time, and I think my love for scrappy things (and clothes, and shoes, and Starbucks, and iTunes) make me need to keep working more than I'd like! :)

Til next time~ <3>

Blog Candy!

I was doing a little blog surfing this morning and came across this post over at Scrap It Forward. Check it out!

Recently I took a little trip and got some goodies at CHA for our blog. We made some new friends & contacts and have some prizes to give away in the near future. But for now... this is how easy it is to get your hands on "the crafty goods"....To qualify for this random blog candy drawing you must...a) become a follower, if you aren’t already!b) link us on your blog and tell your readers about this candy.c) leave us a comment and let us know that you have done the above mentioned.

Included in this sweet deal is: A Making Memories Apron, 2 packs of Making Memories stickers, a Die Cuts with a View lanyard, a BoBunny rubber Bracelet and Pack of Chunky Charms chipboard, a pink Paisley pack of Letter Rub-ons, A Lifestyle Crafts tote and finally a bottle of Sprinkle and Sparkle "Raspberry Soda" glitter. Now doesn't that just sound "sweet".To make this deal even sweeter once we reach 50 comments a few more items will be added to the deal. If we reach over 100 comments I will add even more goodies to the mix! So get working :0)This Blog Candy giveaway will run from today, Sunday Aug. 9th until Sunday August 23rd. The winner will be announced on Monday, Augsut 24th.

Not too shabby, eh?? Now, I'm of course hoping it will stay mine, all mine... but I promised I'd share the info with you! Just be sure to load up that comment box so we'll get some more goodies!!

I'm staying busy with some challenge stuff and some DT calls lately. Scraps of Us is being renovated as we speak, so I have a little crafty time before school starts... Can't wait to see whatVicki has in store! She's asked the DT for all sorts of input, and I know she's got a great mind for doing something amazing!

Just a quick update for ya!

<3

Fun With the New PS Kit!

Just needed to post this lovely LO I did with the August Personal Scrapper Kit! This one was a bunch of fun (but hey, aren't they all??!) I realized I've taken a ton of pics of the kids in and around the water this summer. So it's great to have paper that can still make all the LOs look unique. I love this one! (Yes, I realize that I love them all lately!) This is a sketch from awhile back from The Scrappiest, but I didn't write down what number...

I'm excited to see my style change and evolve! I've decided that I need to take my very first LO out of hiding (can you say, "Creative Memories triangle corners?!) and frame it to put up in my scrap room! What a great way to think about and reflect on how I've grown in this amazing craft!
Until next time~

<3

New Layout and Odds and Ends

Well, I'm up much, much too late tonight. We've been trying to get to bed a little bit earlier each night to sort of gear up for the school year, but that didn't happen for the grown-ups tonight for some reason. I've been spending better parts of the day getting all the parts together for my submission for Scrapbook Trends. Even though the issue isn't until January, they need all sorts of things to be taken care of now... Well, I'll jump through the hoops! I'm still so stoked! :)

I did get a chance to work on Sketch 24 from The Scrappiest. I really liked how this one worked out. It was my first shot at actually sewing ribbon onto a layout and I just love, love, love how it turned out! Hopefully Liz and the girls will like it too! It was fun and so surreal as you'll notice from the pics of my great big, little guy! I've been reading other blogs about other moms' first days of school and I am trying to prepare myself (though I know I'll fall to pieces at some point during the day!)

All for now!

<3

NO WAY!!!

I can't even believe my own eyes!! I just opened my email and was absolutely WOWED to find an email from Paige at Scrapbook Trends Magazine! They are probably my very favorite crafty magazine right now! The work in there is AMAZING!!! Well, she asked to publish a layout I submitted!!! I am so stoked that I can hardly stand it! I am online trying to get the LO down from any site that I put it up on! I have to have it in the mail no later than this Friday! They take actual photos of it, and it kind of stays in hiding until after the mag comes out! I love the LO too! I will be kind of sad to let it go for awhile!! Well, that's the trade off I guess! I also need to figure out how to make sure that Erica gets her props at Personal Scrapper, as the entire LO can from her kits! OMG!! I am having trouble breathing I think! Breathe in.... Breathe out... Breath in... Breathe out... LOL!!

<3

Awww! Thanks Tina!

I got another sweet award from Scrap-Sister Tina http://www.scrappedbytina.blogspot.com/! This one comes with some directions! Gotta take care of that part!

Please be sure to follow the rules listed below!


1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.


2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.


3. Link the person who nominated you for this award.


4. Name 6 things about yourself that people may find interesting.


5. Nominate six Kreativ Bloggers.


6. Post links to the six blogs you nominate.


7. Leave comments on all six blogs letting them know you nominated them.


Ok, so here's my list of 6 interesting facts about me:


~I hate, hate, HATE mustard!


~I sang in almost every choir my high school had.


~I married my high school sweetheart!


~I still love fast food even after working at Dairy Queen in high school and part of college.


~I still have a little bit of a crush on Joey McIntyre from New Kids On the Block! :)


~Although I love my job, I would quit in an instant if I could own my own scrapbook retreat center and store.


Here are the amazing scrappy bloggers I nominate!

Kris! http://scrappinbykris.blogspot.com/

Vicki! http://skrapkats.blogspot.com/

Kristen! http://akspencers5.blogspot.com/

Nadege! http://nadgmb.over-blog.com/

Fia! http://scrapandme-scrap4fun.blogspot.com/

Lyla! http://www.junqueandroses.blogspot.com/


These ladies are scraptacular! They all inspire me in their own little ways!

<3

Feelin' Crafty!

It's been an awesome, crafty few days! I'm working on a few projects, but I can show one of them here... I've been following The Scrappiest Blog for a bit now and getting some amazing inspiration from Liz's sketches! This was what I did for sketch 23 and I finally submitted it! I just love how it turned out!

Since I just got my Personal Scrapper kit, I'll need to get working some more on sketch 24! I absolutely love sketches! It is such a perfect fit for me! They really get the creativity flowing! I have one more piece of exciting news, but I haven't gotten the official OK to share just yet! Hopefully in the next couple of days!

Off to go play with my paper collection!

<3

In the Mail!!

Oh how I do love the beginning of the month! As soon as the first comes, I start watching my porch for that gorgeous white, blue and red package! So, low and behold, I pulled into the driveway this afternoon after running out with the kiddos, and there it was! My lovely August kit from Personal Scrapper! If you have never seen Erica's kits before, they are amazing! All this for $25 (shipping included!). Most kits come with complete paper ranges, and four sheets of perfectly coordinating Bazzil! She must love good paper even more than I do! That's hard to come by! This month's kit is another one of my favorites, Scenic Route. In addition to awesome embellishments, she also almost always includes Thickers by American Crafts. I tell you, these kits are to die for!!! Check out the site and sign up! (Don't forget to say that you heard it from me:) ) There's also a very great forum too, and all the girls are so very sweet, knowledeable and amazingly talented!

Well, obviously, I'm headed off to scrap now!

<3

Blog Savvy

Well, I'm slowly but surely getting things figured out around here! Thanks so much to Sam first, as I swiped her New Moon counter (see below!) Then I finally got a Photobucket account set up so now I have a slideshow all set up at the bottom of this lovely blog! I mostly just have my older stuff on there right now. I realized that the newer stuff is on my other computer, and, well, I just needed to be mobile right now!

Oh well, I'll post again later this week as I really want to show everyone the updates to my craft room! Paul helped me build an AWESOME magnetic board and now I have my very own version of a Clip It Up system! Can't wait to take some picks and show them off! (Man, my husband is good to me!)

Off for now!