Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Self Taught Stamper

Once upon a time I would get all up in fits when something of mine would get ruined by one of the kids. I remember Mikayla wasting a whole roll of toilet paper, ruining my brand new make-up and my newly painted walls being colored on...with red pen. All those times I was so angry that I couldn't find the humor in any of it. I was so worried about the stuff that I forgot to enjoy the creativity and wonder of my little girl. Two kids later and bags full of broken, ruined and stained belongings I've lightened up and learned to move on. So when Peyton's curiosity got the best of him and my black ink pad became his medium I rolled with the punches and thanked God that it wasn't my staz-on instead. Black hand prints covered my living room floors, walls and furniture the only thing he forgot to get all inked up was the stamp sets! It's hard to be angry when the joy on his face spread even further by showing me what he had done. I laughed at him when cleaning up the mess seemed to bring him as much excitement as did making it. So here's to rolling with the punches and taking one for the team.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Oh Peyton!

Peyton is such a wild child. His playful and silly personality makes everyone in the family smile and laugh. He is always looking for a way to have more fun, make you giggle or be active. From hiding under laundry baskets pretending to be a kitty to being Mr. Dare Devil and jumping off Mom's bed he is busy! His temper and need for answers makes him has sharp as can be. You can't pull a fast one with this little man. Now that the kids have started school he is so upset when I drop them off and he doesn't go with them. He is constantly asking me "where is Gavin?" and "where is Kayla?" When I tell him they are at school he slumps and pouts. Sweet morning kisses and peek-a-boo faces are what I get to wake up. Sneaking in the bedroom and quietly talking to mom is my way of waking up. His laugh brightens my day, his smile makes my heart swell and his little kisses (with a smacking sound) brings rainbows to my life. He is a handful, a whipper snapper a monster but he's mine and I love him.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

TROUBLE!

love that baby but he is so much trouble! He always has been and I am sure he always will be.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Home Made


My mom loves to sew. She has made my family many quilts, blankets and even curtains! So I was really pushing her to make Mikayla and I matching pj pants. I found this material at the fabric store and just had to have it. Later we were able to find matching socks and even bought a pair for Grandma to wear to! I always love things that are home made because really it's just like a big ball of love!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Dino Stories

This paper has been in my stash for years. I love when I use something that's been around for awhile. It makes me feel like my purchases aren't just useless. I know we all feel like that at times. So chalk one up for Kelly!

Friday, August 21, 2009

When we love...


We grow. This is one of my favorite paper packs. It's called bella. Perfect for an array of different pages. Worked perfect for Steph and Mike's wedding since the colors were right on!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Sweet cousins



These little sweet peas are just to so sweet. They are only two weeks apart and are just the princesses of the family right now. I love how their little personalities are so different. Maddie is a cheeky little girl. She is always getting into things and fights for what she wants. She can hold her own with all those older kids and boys around. Ashli on the other hand is just as busy but much softer in her approach. She is a little lover and cuddles and sits and plays with you. I really love how both pages give a feel for their personalities. Maddie's is still soft and sweet but a bit more playful and wild just like her. Ashli's on the other had is soft, girly and sweet just like her. Watching them grow gives me great joy and I can't wait to continue to do so.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Lucky Me

Some pictures I feel just lucky that I was able to catch. They are just so beautiful, so insightful sometimes. That's how I feel about these. They look so peaceful...for once!

Monday, August 17, 2009

The "heat" of change.




I know it's suppose to be the winds of change but really this year its the heat. Usually we feel that cooler weather coming. In the night winds and morning air...but not this year. I still can feel the change in the air though. School is going to be here and I can't wait. Believe me when I say that its not just because if I have to play one more game of uno or listen to one more fight about rocks from the back yard I may just go crazy but because I love all things back to school. I love shopping for school supplies. I love the cooler weather. I love the smell of fall. I am so a fall person. I can't wait to go to the cider mill and pick pumpkins. I can't wait to ride my bike across the fallen leaves and listen to the crunch crunch. I love PTL meetings, dance classes and of course Gavin's soccer games! I just signed him up and I can't wait to see him play again. Since I was in that sort of spirit these last couple of days I decided to post a couple of soccer pages I was able to finish this summer.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Summer Fun....I think

I'm so sorry for my lack of posting. This new house and took everything out of me. Believe me when I say I can't wait to hit the paper again and start putting some pages and cards together. I have so many great ideas for pages now! From all of Peyton's new words, to Mikayla making some friends at the new house to Gavin's obsession with helping Daddy work on the house. We are going to move in this weekend and the excitement level is as high as it could be. Of course all for different reasons. My main reason (that is besides finally being in my own home again) is my scrapbooking room! Well really it's the mud room but I'll make it cozy, nice and fun. Just the perfect size to do my two favorite things laundry and scrapbooking (well maybe my one favorite thing) Plus I booked another scrapbooking weekend at the Scrap Palace of Romeo with Jana and will finally have all the time I want to create and have fun. Last year I finished a total of 25 beautiful pages and this year I am hoping to do the same thing. I am on my way to getting organized so that can happen again. I guess those other boxes will just have to wait. And for those of you who were greatly concerned about my camera it has been found and unfortunately not been used very often...I'll have to fix that and let you see the before and after pictures of the house! Enjoy the summer and I'll post from the Palace in a couple of weeks!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Bad Week

I am not even going to begin to explain the others reason's my week was so bad. Lets just say that every time I turned around something else was in my way. The one thing that has really just topped off my stellar week is that I lost my camera. (SIGH) I will admit that I hated that thing. I was so over the less then wonderful pictures, the huge size and the sticking of the controls. What breaks my heart is that I video taped Gavin's Preschool graduation and now it is gone. His preschool picnic gone. Gavin and Peyton building a house in the bathroom gone. I lost those precious memories of him and his best buddy and I can never get them back. Not only did I lose the memories of Gavin I couldn't take pictures of Peyton helping Matt screw in the new sub floor last night. It was a touching, funny and adorable Peyton moment and all I could do was sit and watch and steam that I didn't know where my camera was. The big question is where did my camera go. The last place I remember it was in my car after the graduation. Now combine that with my forgetfulness of leaving the car unlocked and my current residence and I am pretty sure someone else is pretty disappointed that they grabbed a camera that looks great from the outside but can barely take a good picture. (Due to the fact that a little over a year ago I just happened to leave it out in the rain!) So until I can convince my hubby that I deserve a new one or I just go behind his back and buy one anyway bare with me!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Love those lights!

Peyton was the only kid I could get to help me with the Christmas tree this year. Gavin and Mikayla put up a couple of ornaments but went away after 15 minutes. I guess it just wasn't as fun as their toys! Peyton on the other hand was amazed at all the lights and pretty little ornaments. I am glad that I had such a good little helper!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Blessings

They are all such blessings! Remember that stash of paper and embellishments I talked about months and months ago and the challenge I had to use them. Well, I know I haven't posted a lot of what I've done but my stash is being used. I do have one problem, I keep adding stuff to it! I always seem to over buy paper or not use all the stickers or have just a few inches of ribbon left! I guess there is no true solution to this problem just keep plugging away and using it as much as you can!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

What makes you Happy?


Tiara's make Mikayla happy. She loves all things girlie all things bright and fun. I can't say that I don't know where she gets it. From the brightest papers to the embellishments that are piled with bling are the scrapbooking supplies that I tend to grab for. So it seems that naturally she would shy in that direction as well. What makes you really happy is the tough question. These days I’ve found it increasingly harder to define what makes me happy. I know that a cheap plastic tiara wouldn’t do the trick. I know that clip on earrings and brightly colored simulated gem stones wouldn’t cut it. But maybe it should. I’ve been struggling with this for awhile. I am moving into a smaller home, I need to purchase a cheaper car, I’ve been clipping coupons and trying to stick to a budget so finding what makes me happy has been a little harder. Trying to find what makes my family happy I should say. Luxury vacations and top of the line toys are just not smart right now. The things that I use to do with the kids seem so materialistic and that is not how I want to be. I want my kids to appreciate what they have, to be happy with less stuff and to find that playing together is so much more fun than playing the wii. So I am trying to learn a lesson from my daughter’s plastic tiara. I am trying to raise my family with the idea that it’s the family that matters, the people you are with not what you are doing or where you are going that really counts. I must add that I am not against all things material. I think there is definitely room for that. I guess what I mean is trying to find value in what I am doing, what I am spending and what I am exposing my family to. I want my kids to really understand that they have it good. I mean I could never give up my scrapbooking stuff! Yet, I do have to understand that I don't need every new item that comes out with each idea book! I will say that I couldn't resist purchasing the three stamp sets to get my tickled pink set for free! I don't think that I could have found a better paper to compliment Mikayla's very enlightening plastic tiara!

Monday, May 25, 2009

busy little man

I love this little man. He is just too funny! I also love this new paper I found at Joanns from Heidi Grace! It is so much fun, so playful and just too exciting!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Yikes!

So I am so angry. I just can't seem to upload pictures with my new computer! I'll go to do it and it'll take forever and then kick me off the Internet! I know that it seems that I would have all the time in the world to play around decrease the size of files on top of having time to make fabulous art work to share, but I don't! Isn't it a wonder that my ancient computer that I just had to upgrade worked better then this new sleek little notebook I have now! Someday I'll figure out how to work this shiny piece of technology but who has the time when they are in the middle of buying a home! Yup you heard me right! We just purchased a very ugly home for dirt cheap in my favorite place to live. MICHIGAN! I am happy to say that for right now there is no plan of moving! So where is this very very ugly dirt cheap home! Well about 1/2 mile north of where I was before! I am closer to the lake though. I can actually see it if I walk out of the house to the side walk and look down the street. Inch my Inch I move closer to it. Someday I may end up on it. Then I can drink my morning coffee (that I never have time to make) relaxing peacefully (while the kids run around like mad chickens) watching the waves crash against the shore (hoping the kids left nothing of importance for them to sweep away!) So for at least another week until I have time to down size my photos, close on my house and stop dreaming about living on the water you will all have to wait just a little bit longer for some photos of what I have done. All I can say is I love Heidi Grace!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Oh Baby!


It's my sister in laws due date and no baby yet. These are the adorable diaper cakes that I made for her shower. I just loved the ribbon. That sweet pea green just makes me smile! I'll pray for a new niece or nephew for tomorrow!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Candy Bucket Fun

I totally stole this idea from one of my dear friends at church. I just loved the idea of getting a basket full of candy. I have such a sweet tooth and love my milk duds and taffy! Matt and I went to Arizona awhile back to networking and introduce ourselves to some people. I thought it would be fun to bring a small gift to all of them and what better way to help someone remember you then to bring them candy! It went off really well and I had so much fun making them. I was thinking of doing some more and giving them away at my gatherings and crops! I'd make them a little less business and a lot more pink and scrappy!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Unforgettable

There are so many moments in a person's life that are unforgettable. I'd say almost everyday there is a moment that I don't want to forget. From Peyton's newest word to Gavin's articulate nature these fleeting memories swirl around me all the time. I try with great intent to capture as many as possible in the best way that I can. In times of stress and uncertainty its hard to pull the camera out and take pictures, it's hard to find the happiness and joy. I try though. I am not saying that I am doing a very good job of it but I do try. I look back at moments like this and smile. I know that these times will come again. I know that I have the greatest joys in life already a wonderful family. As I said sometimes it is difficult to see past adversities that we are facing and I will attempt with much enthusiasm to do it more. It seems that through my journey as a scrapbooker I always focus on the happy moments, but there is much to be learned from the difficult ones. I think I am going to challenge myself in these rough times to capture some of the lessons I've learned, some of the pain people are feeling and what we do to carry on. I'd love to see ideas and pages that do this so please post or email me your links so I can take a look and be inspired.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Gavin's 1st day of Preschool

I used stardust to do this page also. I will start showing the last paper pack which is unforgettable next week. Gavin was so excited to start school. We decided not to enroll him until January this year and thanks to some awesome people at STL it was all possible. He is a different kid now that he is "all Big" and gets to have a backpack and bring homework home like his sister. This week he is making stone soup. It's all he's talked about since Friday. He had to bring some potatoes in. After the 20th time of him saying "is my potato in here?" the cuteness was over. Two kids have really caught his attention at school. He is always telling me how Niko made him some mail in the post office and how Lauren likes to sit by him at carpet time. I adore his teacher and the aids and am sad that I have to take a year off before Peyton is able to go.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Check me out!

Check out this blog post...does someone look familiar?

Saturday, March 14, 2009

So happy and So loved

I love Mikayla for all the obvious reasons a mother loves her daughter. What I love the most is her happiness. Let me say there is a lot of drama. There is a lot of crying fits. What I love is that the fits usually don't last long. Mikayla is very good at shaking it off. She stops her crying, dusts herself off and finds something else to make her happy. I love that she doesn't dwell on things for long. (well sometimes I think it might do her better to dwell a little longer or maybe she should just think about her actions. Like not lying to Mom when I saw her do it with my own eyes!) Let me be clear, there are times when it is impossible for her to let things go. It's typically something silly too! For the most part she shrugs and moves on. What a girl, so unlike her mother, I am sure this will help her as she goes through life.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Reach for the Stars!

Need I say more. Fun, playful and easy. I cut the stars from the scrap paper I had with one of my layouts. The blue and green paper is just the front and back of some scraps I had from the layout as well. I love making cards with the scraps. I always see it as a challenge and I also don't end up with even more scraps in my stash.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Boldt Castle










Here is another page that I showed and now have added photos. We were lucky enough to be invited to a wedding at this beautiful castle. The story behind it is beautiful and touching. If you ever get the chance or want to visit this glamours place I would highly recommend it. Check out all the details here. I was able to hide the whole story in a tab behind the pictures. I put little facts all around the page. I'm a little sad because the pictures do not give this layout justice. It is a really romantic feeling layout and I think that is lost.

Family





I showed this page before without pictures. I loved the page then. Now that I added the pictures to it I am even more pleased. I don't think that I could have come up with anything more fitting. From colors to content I think the page showcases what I wanted it to and it really has the taste and feel I was going for.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

What a dud!

I admit it. I have an addiction to milk duds. I just love their chewy, gooey goodness. For the sake of my figure which is in pretty shabby condition after three children I only buy a box of them once in a great while. Sitting down and scrapping a few pages and chowing on milk duds is a favorite time consumer for me. So you can imagine my shock when I walked into my kitchen and found this little monster covered in my yummies! Instead of getting all stressy over it (like the first time Mikayla destroyed a roll of toilet paper) I sucked it up and grabbed my camera and enjoyed the entertainment! This page will be a constant reminder that life is better when it funny and not stressy!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Mission Completed.




So included in my scrap happy weekend was not only fun business class but also lots of creative time! We did so many fun projects and one of those projects was lead by none other then Jeanette herself! I'll show you that project a little later because it was filled with tons of useful stamping techniques, which of course I want to share with all of you! So instead I'll be sharing some of the pages I completed. Completed...doesn't that word just make your heart skip a beat. I've got a stack...I mean a stack of pages that need just one more thing on them. It's a lonely group of pages. Sitting there, so unloved, needing a final touch (or a picture) so they can finally be placed in that coveted album. They are out right by my bedroom door. Staring at me every time I walk in and out. I try to rush pass them in the morning. Thinking to myself, I have so much more to do. Plus fresh ideas enter my head daily and I want to work on those ones...not old ones that have been sitting there for months...or years...yup that one hurts. Someday I'll go through and stamp out titles, add brads or FINALLY print out the perfect pictures. I could not let this happen to my cherished pages I made at Regionals. It would be an insult to the wonderful girls that worked so hard to make sure that I did it right, got it done and embellished like a pro! Pages. Check. Pictures. Check. Journaling. Check. Mission COMPLETED!

Friday, February 27, 2009

WOW!


I met one of the most amazing women this weekend, Jennette Lynton the founder of Close to my Heart. She is beautiful, peaceful and inspiring. I was overwhelmed and nervous about meeting her. I'd been thinking and praying about it for weeks now. I knew I wanted to approach her. I knew I wanted to talk to her. Yet, I was so afraid that I would be disappointed, that I would get a hand shake and smile and be sent on my way. I was afraid she wouldn't be the kind and friendly person I see in all things Close to my Heart, on her blog and what I heard. What if She was like one of those people that everyone says "oh he/she is SO great" and then you meet them and they aren't. I had worked up such a fuss over one person I was determined to avoid her at all cost. No way was I going to be disappointed. No way was I going to get my hopes up. No way was I going to be fooled. The first day of regionals finally arrived. My bags were packed, my hair was done, I was dressed and out the door with plenty of time to spare. Matt and I were not driving for more then 15 minutes when all of a sudden the highway is slowing down. CLOSED. CLOSED. CLOSED. If I were in Detroit this would be nothing, piece of cake nothing, in Phoenix ...that's a different story. I could feel my heart racing. I was so upset. How dare there be trouble on my very important day! Don't they know that I am NOT meeting one of my role models today! Don't they know that I am going to "avoid at all cost" my inspiration. Don't they know that scrapbooking is my life, my passion, the cream in my coffee or the pink in my blog! I kept thinking "this is so unfair!" Like a child I sat and pouted as minivans and utility trucks sped by me. I sat thinking how I was going to miss my chance of not meeting someone who created a company that makes it so easy and beautiful to preserve my precious memories. Matt, in his unknown glory, saved the day. A calm head and some U-turns and we were back on track. We finally arrived. I lept out of the car, told Matt to take a hike, and quickly walked into the building... I was LATE. Last minute, last one in the door, last one checking stuff out horrified LATE! I crept in and looked around for a safe place to sit. (Since all my CTMH buddies in the D wouldn't come with me!) and who would be standing in back of the room but Jeanette. I was like a deer in headlights staring at her. There was no running away, no hiding in another room, no introduction needed. I stared at her until finally without even knowing what was happening I was giving her a hug. All I could muster out of my frozen mouth and stunned body was "It's such a pleasure to meet you." She asked me my name and smiled and sent me on my way. I felt peaceful and calm, like I had met an old friend. She is like "human sunshine". Like a pink scrappy happy.
I was so excited I could scream. It was the first time that I have met (at least according to me) someone of celebrity status. After that I was determined to get some more. I was determined to be prepared. I would have my camera ready. I would have my thoughts straight. I would have the joy of having a conversation with her. The rest of the morning I waited for my chance. I waited to have a minute to introduce myself the proper way...with camera in hand. I spied on her. I felt like a facebook stalker. Watching and wondering if I would ever get a second go. Had I blown it in my rush and confusion of the morning? Was a lack luster hello all I would get? Of course not. I would never settle for that. I bravely went up to her after lunch ( interrupting a conversation... I am so sorry for that!) Smiled and handed over my camera to the lovely lady. I smiled big and wide for all you at home who wouldn't come with me! Happy Happy Day. Not only did I get my picture taken with her. I actually got to talk to her! It was a blessing. She was and is everything that I thought and wanted her to be. She treated me with love and respect (even though I am a nobody in the sales land, even though I am not the brightest candle in the bunch and even though I interrupted her conversation) I felt valued. I love her for that. I am sure every consultant who she talked to this weekend felt the same way. She truly loves and appreciates us all and that shows. So here is my first celebrity meeting. Not to rub it in or anything (yeah right!) It wasn't just Jeanette that was awesome it was all the staff. Since once again I didn't have any groupies from Michigan to hang out with I had to pal around with people like Kristine, Stacy, Carlie, Tia and Monica...It was a hard life.
And to my extreme pleasure they all treated me like I belonged there. They were all funny and silly. Kristine had me laughing all the time. She is one of those people that you just want to be friends with. I can't imagine what it would be like to work with her. You'd never be able to breath you'd be laughing so hard. Monica was adorable, for someone who has six kids I don't know how she looked so put together! She was such a doll you just wanted to pinch her cheeks. I mean too disgustingly cute! (maybe I don't like her...)
Carlie was so brave teaching all us our pages and projects. She was sweet, kind and patient. You could tell that she is the type of person that sees good in everyone and everything. She never got frustrated, annoyed or mean while taking us step by step through project after project. Even when there were 20 women asking her a question she was pleasant and heart warming.Tia was silly and playful, like a kid at heart. Once I told her my idea she jumped at it and wanted to play along. Her and Stacy were thinking up ways to make this post even more fun!
Stacy was awesome in one of the business classes. I not only learned some great tips to help me with Close to my Heart but some things for Matt's business as well! Plus she was friendly, light hearted and an avid drinker of diet coke. I liked her laid back demeanor yet, you could feel the passion jumping off of her. I also met some other great consultants. All of them welcomed me with open arms. I learned some great tips and tricks that they do to help make their businesses fun and exciting. The whole time I felt like I was at one of the Crop for Kids events or my bi-monthly church crop. I hope you all are green with envy at my awesome weekend, my new friends and pink scrappy pages! So there it is me just hangin, with the girls plus all the fun artwork we did the first day. I'll post the other stuff as soon as I take pictures


Saturday, February 14, 2009

The Flu has left the building

It's amazing I am not sure how we all survived. It's a sneaky little thing that flu. It's sneaks in your house in the quiet of the night. When you are all sleeping soundly, feeling good, dream our dreams and then BAM it hits. The crying begins, the yuck is flying every where and suddenly your husband's face is turning blue. Then one after another it takes you down. Stunned from the sudden hit and fearing for your own health you become an obsessive hand washer, a mad cleaner and constantly saying "don't touch that." Still three bottles of disinfectant later you are laying in bed feeling awful and praying for it to pass quickly. Sigh, the woes of being sick. My husband was the only lucky one. Yet, as soon as it came, it went and we are all well and ready to begin life again.






Now we are moving onto our next paper pack! Starstruck. It's boyish and playful and fun. What would it be better for then these adorable pictures of the world's cutest non-baby (okay he's still my baby but he really isn't a baby...get it?!) He is a super star brusher. Isn't it nice when kids actually like what you want them to do? I hope this is one habit he keeps. When he's all done he even spits, more like sprays, heart breaking cute either way! I love watching him grow but it's all bittersweet since there will be no more babies at my house. Knowing that three is good makes cherishing each moment that much important. It also helps me focus on what is awesome about growing up and how really honestly each stage is wonderful. Plus my sister in law is due in April and I can hold and cuddle her little baby soon enough!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Hey there cupcake


I just love putting those old supple containers to use! This use to hold an abundance of beautiful yellow flowers that I used for my sister-in-laws baby shower invitations. The poor sad jar now sits empty with no purpose. Well, until now. I've stamped and decorated and it'll soon be filled with some yummy Valentines day candy. What a happy day for this once empty jar!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

listening to your heart


Sometimes it's hard to decode what your heart is saying. Sometimes God speaks to you in amazing ways. Last week we had an unexpected and sudden death in our family. God spoke to my cousin's heart that day. She called me up and wanted to get together. She said she had been thinking about our grandfather ( who passed years ago) a lot and had a bad feeling. I had to work that night so we instead decided to meet up for coffee in the morning. When morning came I got the phone call about my uncle. I was so saddened that I hadn't been there for my cousin but so happy that God had sent her a message, in a way some comfort. So obviously you all know why I have been MIA. I will miss my silly, funny uncle so much and I hope everyone prays for my aunt and cousins and their children during this hard time. My family makes me feel blessed and reinvigorated and I can't wait to dive back into my creative juices and get rolling again. I have a new love for God and a feeling that he is watching over me. What a great life it is to have someone love us so much.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Love the Sights

Frankenmuth is a beautiful little town here in Michigan. I visit it several times a year. Even when I don't have lots of money to spend at all the fun little shops I enjoy the sights. Every time I go I find something I haven't seen before that I love and just NEED to take a picture of. From festivals to new Christmas decorations so many things fill my heart with flutters. As times get harder and harder here in this great state it makes me sad to think that we may have to leave it. It's places like this that make me love where I live. I couldn't imagine being unable to pack the kids up and drive to this adorable little place and buy my favorite candles, visit the yarn shop or get .25 wine "shots". I pray every day that things turn around and that Frankenmuth will still only be 1 1/2 away.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Amore



For my third paper pack I am going to showcase Amore. It's very romantic and lovely. The deep red makes me want to eat chocolate out of heart shaped boxes. When I was in high school I worked at a Hallmark store. I loved how every holiday, every season brought on new items and a new feel to the store. Valentines day was one of my favorite times. The bright colored chocolate boxes and fun heart shaped cards were all pulled and displayed in the front of the store. Men and boys of all ages would slowly and reluctantly walk into the store looking for a presentable card or gift for their sweet-heart. I would giggle to myself at how silly they all looked next to the usual grandma's who scattered the store on most days. This paper reminds me of that time. A time when I use to get cards and chocolates for my boyfriend and cared that they got me something too! Being a mother of three I now look forward to my children's hand drawn pictures and have long forgot about the fancy laced covered cards and bowed up candy boxes. So here's to the memories!

Okay I didn't make this page above. It's a layout done by one of the many talented people from Close to my Heart. I just thought it was so lovely and really fit my story so I wanted to show it to you all. The card on the other hand is fully mine!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Free Stamp set in February

It's Close to my Heart's 25th Anniversary and in celebration they are giving away a free B-sized stamp set (valued at 13.95) with every 25 dollar order in February. The stamp set is called good times and boast a fun party theme with sayings like hip hip hooray, celebrate good times and Party on! Plus it has images of balloons, presents and my all time favorite cupcakes! Check out the website starting February 3rd at www.closetomyheart.com!

Oh what to say?


You ever make a card and not know what sentiment to use? Well I am having this problem. I started this card days ago. I had a plan. I was interrupted and now I can't figure out what I was going to put on it or where I was going to put it! So here is my almost finished card that I mentioned in my last post.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

My talking two year old!

Okay, here is the cards. I'm not going to talk about it. What I am going to talk about it my sweet little two year old Peyton. It took him awhile to get into the talking mode. He didn't have much to say for the first two years of his life. Things have changed. He is a chatter box...at least at home. One might think that I would get a little overwhelmed with all his talking. It's so not the case. His little screams good and bad make my heart sing. His "Ma-mees" and "Tank OOs" melt me every time. He is also a very silly boy. Most kids don't really pay much attention in Church. They never really pick up anything except that they get to color. Not my Peyton. He loves the "peace be with you" portion where everyone shakes hands. He sticks his arm out to anyone and everyone...several times if need be. Then he continues to do it. All the while cracking everyone up around us. I wonder if the Pastors will ever catch on to all the giggles where ever we're sitting. Anyway, I just wanted to share a little bit of this, a small thing that makes me greatly happy. Short and sweet and to the point have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Perfect Paper = Great Pages


Let me tell you, working has really put a damper on my stamping time! So I am putting up two posts today. I have one more card I’ll show you tomorrow that I haven’t finished yet.

Do these pictures look familiar? Well I posted them in celebration of my AWESOME scrapbooking weekend with Jana back in July. We went to the Scrap Palace of Romeo for a weekend of girl’s fun, fun, fun! It was such a blessing to be able to share in so much enjoyment with one of my favorite people and favorite scrapbookers. I hope we can do it again. Sticking with my theme paper of daydream I am sure Jana will agree that this paper screams Scrap Palace. When I first got my little greedy hands on Close to my Heart’s new idea book I spied that paper and knew exactly what event was going to be put on it. The colors and patterns reminded me of my superb stay. It’s astonishing how the mind works and how certain papers, embellishments, colors or patterns can bring you back to a time and date. Really these are the best kind of pages because it speaks volumes about the event without using any words. I can only hope that I really will be able to do it again.