Not My Favorite Couple of Days...

Although I'm kind of glad that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, the last couple of days pushed me almost beyond my limits. The hubby and I were headed up to pick up the kids after they'd spent the night with Grandma and Grandpa when I was rear-ended. It was a very slow moving accident and no one was hurt (at least not either of us). Two witnesses in the oncoming traffic said the lady who hit me appeared to have her head down as she was moving, possibly on a cell phone when she obviously couldn't see that I wasn't moving anymore. Her very little car ran under my bumper...Between insurance companies, auto repair shops (my car wasn't driveable- they said she pushed my exhaust system into the driveline) and rental agencies, I'm pooped and don't want to have to wait around for anymore calls ever- at least not til they tell me my own car is ready for me to pick up! Needless to say, not something I ever want to do again...

On a much brighter note, it's reveal day at Sketchabilites. This is the last reveal for 2010, which sounds awfully weird! I really liked the sketch, but I wasn't sure I was too happy with what I created til it was completely finished. I really like it. I got a giant pack of chipboard numbers from Tuesday Mornings and for the life of me can't remember what brand they are, so if you happen to know, let me know please!

Here's Karan's sketch...

And my take (and my handsome birthday boy!)

All materials Jillibean Soup with exception of chipboard numerals and Tattered Angels mist

I'm working on a couple other projects right now, but I've been really tired at the end of the day this week. Mentally exhausted, I suppose. I think I'll see if I can stay up to watch a movie with Paul since the kiddos are down.

So glad you stopped by!

~Til next time <3

Amidst the Craziness...

I've been a bit scrappy... Sometimes though, it's really nice to just sit and veg for a bit. Luckily we were able to do that yesterday. I don't even thing we cooked- how terrible is that?? :) Even living in the "middle of nowhere" (as our friends and family lovingly refer to it) you can get some Zip's burgers for lunch and pizza for dinner!
Tonight the kiddos are headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for a sleepover with a couple of their cousins. Everyone is totally excited about it, particularly us since it means date night :) The two of us are dying to see Harry Potter, but I think we will be out-voted by the others joining us... Next time, I suppose.

The crafty time I've had has been trying to play around with a few challenges. This one is a double-duty with a sketch from Cardabillities and a challenge for a Christmas themed thank you card at The Studio. It was fun to get my alpha stamps out. They're in reach now after a bit of rearranging in my craft room.

all items are Fancy Pants from the December Personal Scrapper kit

I've got another LO done, but it's for the Sketchabilities reveal in a couple of days. It's so nice to have that taken care of early so I can continue working on other things too.

Be sure to check out my Blogaversary post below to win some goodies!

~Til next time <3

Happy Blogaversary!

It's been 2 whole whopping years since I've started this little blog of mine (plus 2 days technically, but who's counting?!) I've been putting together this little pile of goodies that I thought I could share to honor the occasion. Here's what you have to do to win:

1- Be a follower
2- Leave a comment letting me know you stopped by

Now if you REALLY want to win, you can let someone else know about the goodies. If they follow the steps above, make sure to tell them to say that you sent them over. Then I'll give you an extra draw!

Since it's the holiday season and shipping is awfully busy, I'm gonna hold this over until the first of the year. So that means you need to stop by on or before January 1, 2012. I'll get creative and hold a little drawing on the 2nd and get the goodies shipped out shortly after that. Here's what you'll get...

I will happily ship to the US. My international friends will need to pay the additional shipping charges.

Thanks for following me and letting me share my little world with you! I so appreciate all the love and comments you've left for me!

~Til next time  <3



Favorite Holiday Times!

I remember Santa coming around the neighborhood on his sleigh just before Christmas when I was little. It was completely one of my very favorite parts of the holiday season. As I got older, Santa stopped coming around. I'm not sure if it was budget cuts with the fire department or what, but I sure did miss it. I'll never forget one of the first Christmases we were married when I suddenly heard that magical sound of Santa and his reindeer coming down our street. I jumped up and opened the curtains to see if what I thought was there was real. Sure enough, there he was! I must have looked so silly- a grown woman jumping up and down, waving like a crazy person :) 

The county we live in now is a very rural fire district, but we are so very fortunate to have Santa visit us every year! He actually travels with the entire fire unit. They blow the sirens to let the neighborhood know he's on his way! We heard him coming and waited nearly two hours for him to finally make it to our house. We all got our candy canes, and Santa made us promise to be in bed early Christmas Eve. Before we said our goodbyes, we had someone in the big guy's entourage take a quick pick of us...

Can't wait to start in on the baking later this week as well. So much to do and so little time. I just need to remind myself what is important about this time of year...

See you tomorrow for a little Blogaversary treat for my followers!

~Til next time <3

Holidaze...

It's crazy around these parts! Last Sunday was J's birthday, so we are currently STILL celebrating and will continue to through the weekend! With that, getting ready for normal holiday festivities around the house and all that goes on at school during these couple of weeks, I'm desperately in need of a vacation! It will be very awesome to spend time with the family and just relax (and of course try to squeeze in as much crafty time as possible!) so I'm also praying for a healthy break!

It's also reveal day at Sketchabilities! This was another awesome sketch, and the timing was perfect to be able to use my new kit from PersonalScrapper! When I saw all those yummy buttons, I just knew what I wanted to do for that tree!

Here's Karan's sketch...

And my take...

patterned paper-Fancy Pants Traditions; cardstock - American Crafts; flowers, buttons and brads - 7 Gypsies/American Crafts; alphas - American Crafts, Paper Trunk

I had quite a bit of fun with this one! It's really making me extra excited to spend some uninterrupted time scrapping! Wish me luck making it through 2 more days of work (yeah, I know, totally shouldn't be complaining!) 

~Til next time

<3

A LIttle Bit of Scrappy Time

I'm here! I'm guessing no one sent out the National Guard to search for me, although I very easily could have been buried under a ton of snow! We've had blizzards and other snow-filled craziness around these parts, and it's only the beginning of December- WOW! Apparently, we had the "snowiest" November on record here. I can't remember November anytime recently where we even had any snow, so it's been a bit of getting used to, to say the least. At least I've got some new pics to scrap and share with the kids enjoying the snow :)

It's also time for another Sketchabilities sketch. I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated by this one. I'm not quite sure if it was all the white space or what, but I love what I ended up with. I know I say I love a lot of different companies, but October Afternoon is truly and completely right at the top. I tend to have a hard time getting my hands on it, so maybe that's what draws me to it even more...

Here's Karan's sketch

And here's my take

My little sweetie girl just before her first day of school. I had the chance to take Miss A and her bff to the park due to a little scheduling mishap at their preschool, and this was one of the pics I was able to get. Although I didn't end up including the banner in this one, I was excited to include a few special elements in the flowers.

Karan also has a call out for a sketch artist. Look HERE for the details.

One more scrappy item I'm quite excited about before I head out-- I've been looking at all sorts of altered items and always feel like I can never do them justice. I don't know. My crafty brain just isn't there yet or something, so I feel kinda insecure about my altered endeavors. So... This was just a huge HURRAH for me to complete as well as feel good about. It's a magnetic advent calendar made from a mini-muffin tin. These go for big bucks on Etsy shops, so maybe I can put some together for next year?! Let me know what you think...

Winter break is just around the corner! Only a day and two weeks (no, I don't quite have the hours down just yet!) So excited to spend some time just hanging out with the fam! We'll head out to cut down our tree this weekend and J's birthday is in less than two weeks! I'll have plenty of pics to keep me busy!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to say hello!
~Til next time <3

PS Holiday Prep Crop

Erica from Personal Scrapper and Carrie, the designer/creator of Paper Trunk are holding a Holiday Prep Crop in their neck of the woods, but they've extended it to the on-line community on Personalscrapper.com . It's inspired me to get crafty, especially since I haven't been very active in some time with Erica's crops. It was a good chance for me to get some things in my craft room squared away and get the scrappy juices flowin'... I'm extra proud because I actually scrapped something for MY album! YUP! for M-E!!

Most items are from a Personal Scrapper add-on kit. patterned paper, alphas, stickers- Making Memories; paint-Tim Holz; currogated arrow-Jilllibean Soup; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist

This was a really big deal for me, so I'm glad I finally did a LO for it. Some other time, I'll do one that gets a bit more into the story and process (so my family can relive this crazy time in our lives, I guess!) Whatever you gotta do to get crafty I suppose!

Thanks for stopping by and letting me know what you think. I'm going to be in a place to be doing some blog hopping again soon, so if you leave a comment, I can stop by and say hello!

~Til next time
<3

Sketchabilities #35

Yep! I'm already back! I was going to preload this post, but I just couldn't stay up any later last night... So now, in between finishing up my grading, here's Karan's latest Sketchabilities sketch! It's another one of my favorites!

I got to play some more with my yummy Jillibean Soup! Totally one of my very favorite manufacturers right now!

Luckily, the rest of my order from Your Scrapbook Stash came in, so I had some new toys to play with too! I also have to give some props to my friend Kim who took those cute pics of J while at her son's birthday party a while ago! Make sure to check out what the rest of the DT created, and take a shot at the prize!

If I'm not back by Thanksgiving, come dig me out from under these report cards!
<3

In Complete Denial...

Yep, that's me... I am, yet again, up to my eyeballs in school work. It's my favorite time of the year--REPORT CARDS. Blechh... That's all I have to say about that! So why the denial, you ask? Well, this weekend was the wonderful CK Convention in Seattle. Yeah, I know... the whole report card thingy and all, but I was super-duper stoked because I'd made arrangements to meet up with my Personal Scrapper friends! I figured a day or so wouldn't hurt anyone, so I jumped in my car and took off for Sea-Town :) A few of the girls took some pics, so I'll try to post some up when I get a chance. I also got to visit with both of my brothers and my sis-in-law as well as my dear friend from high school. Such a good trip!

Speaking of Personal Scrapper, I made this little creation as a birthday gift (but I'm having a hard time talking myself into actually giving it away!) This is using the November kit with brand-spankin' new My Mind's Eye - Fine and Dandy. The colors in this line are just awesome! I also got to play along with a new challenge blog called Paper Issues. The current issue is using scallops. I loved being able to use my punches for this one too.

Here's my creation...

I love any challenge that helps me dig into my stash! Tons of fun!

I'll be back shortly with the latest sketch from Karan at Sketchabilities. It's another gorgeous one!
~Til next time
<3

Sketchabilities #34

I have to tell you how much I LOVE this sketch! I know I've got an amazing sketch on my hands when all the ideas just come to me without any stressing. It's been a long time since I could sit down and truly scrap- not worry about a specific element, challenge, or paperline I needed to include... It felt really good! I need to thank Karan for allowing me to scrap this way:)

So here you go...

And here's my creation...

Talk about a lot of different product! I've been totally itching to use my Crate School Spirit papers I picked up on a trip to Seattle when I stopped by Hip-2-b-Square. I love that store! I make a point to try and stop whenever I head over to the other side. The shop is just too cute, and Kimberly always has the most gorgeous product! Since we really don't have a LSS around here (not one that carries much that's current anyhow), it's great to have her not terribly far away (well, 250 miles isn't super close, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!)

As far as the Sketchabilities challenge goes...

In order to qualify for a scrapkit worth $35.00 from Scrapshotz, you will need to complete a layout using Sketch #33 or Sketch #34 and link using Mr Linky ...you have until Nov 10 to complete this challenge!
Hope you're inspired to!

Thanks for stopping by!
<3

Cards!

While I wait around for some Glossy Accents to dry (long story--had to do it TWICE!), I figure I should share the cards I've been doing so far for the ABCs of cards over at SCRaPDANGo. Don't tell the girls that I'm still stressing over what to do for them for the letter Z (yeah, who thought that one up??) Otherwise, I've really had a blast making them and creating some fun challenges.

B is for Butterfly, Birthday and Bling

Using a Get Sketchy sketch

H is for House and Hello (or hi, or howdy or any other H greeting!)

L is for Love, Lace and Letters

A Twisted Cards sketch with the twist of LOVE

N is for all things New (new paper, new tools, new house in my case)

T is for Ticket, Twine and Tiny alphas

I'm mostly loving all the different product I got to use! Totally got to use new things as well as a ton that has been collecting its fair share of dust from my stash :)

There's another Sketchabilities reveal coming up in just a few days! I'm loving this sketch even more than the last, so I hope my layout shows it off well! Got to head back to the Glossy Accents now as well as figure something out for that silly Z card!

~Til next time
<3

Double Reveal!

I'm so excited to share my first reveal for Sketchabilities!! Karan's sketches are so absolutely gorgeous! I just love working with them! They are so incredibly inspiring! Hoping you feel the same way too! Make sure you head over there and check out the rest of the uber-talented DT's work too...

And here's my take on it...

First Grade

You might recognize the yummy Jillibean Soup in there! That's what I got to create with for the Scrapdango Spice kit this month. Here are a couple of other projects.

Missing U

Using a card sketch from Cardabilities

SCORE!

using a sketch from The Scrappiest

I've had such fun creating with this kit and can't wait to make some more! It's been another busy couple of weeks, so I'm hopeful I can get some more crafty stuff done tomorrow night during "pizza and movie night." Hey, I think I just had a layout idea!

Stop back soon!

<3

Blog Slacker...

It's been way crazy and a little weird around here the last couple of weeks. I won't get into it right now, but when I'm feeling a little better, I'll share some of the rough patches. There has been a ton of good in our lives though, so I'm working hard on remembering that right now! I'm blessed with an amazing family who bring me incredible joy every day...

I did forget to post this little tidbit up though, so make sure you head over to SCRaPDANGo and see all the fun cards we're making. I'm up today for "B." Hope you're inspired!

And here's a little pic of my gorgeous girl on her very first day of preschool... :)

And not to leave him out, my little guy finishing his very first cross country meet!

Like I said, I really am blessed!

Be back later!

Sketch Challenge

It's time for another sketch challenge over at SCRaPDANGo! I've been messing around with circles quite a bit lately, so I incorporated them once again into this month's sketch. Here it is...

For my version, I rotated the sketch once counter-clockwise. I've been so excited to scrap these pics of J and his first lost tooth. He was sooo excited! The journaling talks about how he had been waiting and was sure he was the last of his kindergarten class to lose one. Here's the LO...

I just love the other LOs from the rest of the DT too. I hope you're inspired! Leave a comment with a link if you happen to use this sketch. I'd love to see what you do with it!

I've recently downloaded the Sketchabilities sketches for both October and November. They are just gorgeous! I can't wait to put all sorts of fun elements on them and show off all the detail Karan includes! Can't reveal anything else until October 15th though, so make sure you stop by then!

That's all for now... Too many other things to get done right now!
~Til next time <3

Life's Moving Fast... Again...

Yep, that's how we roll around here. Get a bit of a break, then head in full-force. We're a busy crew around here these days. The hubby and I are working full time (and then some). J is in school full days, has started going to the after school care program, begun cross country at school, AND is playing soccer. Miss A's dance class started up last week, but fortunately, she doesn't start preschool for another couple of weeks. Starting up the year is just really tough around here... {sigh}...

I do have some exciting scrappy news to share though! I have been chosen to be on the design team for sketchabilites! Karan has just gorgeous, inspiring sketches, and I absolutely can't wait to get started on them for real! She has reveals twice a month and also has sponsors, so make sure you head over there! They are also celebrating a birthday with a fun blog hop with a YUMMY prize! ( I do need to ask if I'm eligible to win, because it is VERY yummy indeed!)

In other scrappy news, it's also reveal day at SCRaPDANGo. I had fun playing with Sassafrass Lass in the Sugar kit this month. Check it out...

Cute Shoes (using the current sketchy thursdays sketch)

You Go Girl (sketch 78 from The Scrappiest)

And a couple of cards...

A Pagemaps sketch

Sassy Lil' Sketches sketch

I also got a wonderful new toy in the mail a few days ago... I ordered a brand spankin' new pink ATG gun! I AM IN HEAVEN! It is so unbelievably light and easy to use! I've been wanting on for quite some time, but I found an amazing price over at Your Scrapbook Stash! The adhesive is on back order, but I got a personal email from Erica apologizing and letting me know a bit more about when I might receive it! Gotta love amazing customer service! Made me smile!

Well, I think I've done enough work avoiding for the night. Better get my book out and start reading!

~Til next time <3

ps. I haven't forgotten about my giveaway! My pile keeps getting bigger! You'll need to be a follower to be in the running though!

Scrapping In Between Back to School Madness...

Yep, it's that time of year again... I've headed back to school. Kids aren't back until Thursday, but I've been busy preparing the room and all my materials for my lovelies to join me in a year of serious learning! :)  As always, there's something new I need to get a handle on, and this time it's in the literacy area. A few of us at school are taking a new strategy on, so there's been a bit of pressure with that. Wish us all luck as we work to figure it out!

Luckily, I've had a bit of time to get a little crafty. Lynn designed the sketch for the SCRaPDANGo newsletter and I created this LO for it...

And here's Lynn's original sketch...

I was just dying to try out some rolled paper accents, but WOW! I need to see if there is a simpler way to do it. I'm also wanting to make a card or two with this sketch. Just inspiring for me there, I guess. :)

I have another project or two at my table, so I hope to get back to those before too long. All depends on how much I can get ready at school though... *sigh*

One last thing before I go... I am putting together a great pile of scrappy goodies for a wonderful back to school giveaway! I have to get a pic of it all (and make sure I can afford the shipping!) then post it up officially! Be sure to check back VERY soon!

~Til next time <3

August Dango Reveal

Can't quite believe that August is half over... Several friends at church were asking me how long til school started. I just covered my ears and did my little, "Lalalalala... I'm not listening to you!!" dance. So, no, I'm totally not ready to go back. But the sad truth is that I'll have to go back, and probably this week at least for a day... *sigh*...

At least I was finally able to get some scrapping done. I'm also proud of myself because I think, if I counted right, I can double up 3 of my projects for other contests and calls! Wahoo! It's not often that it works out that well!

This month I got to work with the Sugar kit with Echo Park. They are a pretty new company and so far I am very impressed with their papers. Lots of great colors and designs. They are definitely a new fav manufacturer! :) I was also able to get some of my Disney pics in as well! So here we go...

Chasing Characters (using the current Sketchy Thursdays sketch)

Blessed (a PageMaps sketch)

Picture box (using this for all my pics I'm currently going through for projects!)

Thinking of You butterflies card (using the current Sassy Lil' Sketches card sketch)

Plenty more I'd like to take care of before the month's over, but we'll see how I do. Apparently, I have a full-time job that is about to resume! :)

Hope to see you again shortly!

~Til next time  <3

Gotta Try and Win!

Yeah, I know... I really should be blogging my own stuff. We had a whirlwind vacation that I'm still recouping from, but HELLOOOO!! Wouldn't you want to try to win these fabulous goodies?? Well, you can't, 'cause they're MINE! Ok, fine... go over to Scrap the Boys and try, just try to win! (see if I'm your friend anymore!)

I'll head back later to give some updates. I'm busy blog surfing and TOTALLY need to get some scrapping done!

A Couple of Sketches and a Couple of Layouts...

Well, I'm gonna treat those of you who stop by to an early release!. One of these is already posted, but Lynn will be putting the other up on the forum tomorrow (or is that today?) for the sketch challenge. I designed both of these sketches and am happy to say that I'm feeling better and better about it as I complete them.

This sketch will be on the idea sheet with the SCRaPDANGo kits.

Here's my LO... Just need to get better at taking pics of my two-pagers!

This sketch is for the July sketch challenge. Might be my favorite sketch to date!

And my version of the layout...

I snapped that pic just tonight outside. Normally A isn't into posing or anything like that, so how tickled was I when she was so willing?! Gotta love those beautiful smiles! :)

~Til next time <3

July SCRaPDANGo Reveal

This month's kit at SCRaPDANGo was just perfect for the pics from our ocean adventure! I need to do a bit of Photoshopping to a few to get a couple more layouts finished, but I'm totally excited about what I have so far!

Here's this month's beautiful July Sugar Kit ~ Featuring Fancy Pants Rusted Sun




Tons of fun with this kit...  :)

I used the Sketchy Thursdays 7.8 sketch for this one (dangit that I couldn't get in on the prize this week!)

I've had this KaiserCraft clock around since last summer. I was so proud of myself for figuring the whole clock workings out. Only problem is that I ended up with a bad clock! Off to Michael's later this week to replace the mechanism, I guess!

Hooray! My proud Goondocks pics! I'm still on the hunt for that stinkin' movie though...

And here are a couple of cards. The first is another rendition of the most recent card sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches. For the second, I actually designed the paper piecing from a pic on the patterned paper itself.

I still need to get a 2-pager done as well as the layout for the July sketch challenge for the 20th. That'll keep me busy for a bit along with a couple of other scrappy ventures I've got in the fire right now.

~Til next time <3