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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.