Raechelle Bellus

two MS layouts and an update on Ashlyn

2012-01-28T17:53:00.000-08:00

hi! I hope your weekend has been off to a great start. :)
Here are two more layouts I created earlier this month for the Memorable Seasons sketch-a-thon. These are the last two sketches I was able to get to, although there are still a few more days to finish them off.

here is my layout for sketch #11:

and for sketch #13, which is a two-pager:

I also have a quick update on Ashlyn. She appears to be having a Crohn's flare. :( The past two weeks have been miserable for her and she has dropped about 6 pounds in this time- she is back down to the "danger level" of 68 pounds. We will find out on Tuesday if she will have to have the NG tube placed back in to support her nutritional needs. EVERYTHING she eats makes her nauseous and she has been living on Zofran to help ease this. She has also been extremely tired- she has missed a lot of school due to this and she will literally sleep 6-7 hours at a stretch during the day. Unfortunately she will also have to undergo yet another colonoscopy and endoscopy as soon as they can fit her in. This will be her 4th in as many years. She is such a sweetheart and a trooper and is hanging in there the best she can. It really breaks my heart knowing that there is nothing I can do for her but try to keep her as healthy and comfortable as I can. I wish there was a quick fix, but sadly this is something that she (we) will have to continue to live with. I just pray that we can find some more answers in the next few weeks and develop a new plan to start the process of healing once again.

layouts to share...

2012-01-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

I have a few more layouts to share that I created earlier this month when i was on a scrappy roll. That roll came to a screeching halt last week. lol Oh well, I knew I wouldn't be able to create a layout a day for too long, but it sure was fun while it lasted.

These layouts were created using some sketches from the sketch-a-thon that has been going on over at Memorable Seasons this month. The last sketch will be revealed tomorrow, but there is still time to get your layouts entered for the contest.

this is for sketch #8:

sketch #9:

and sketch #10:

I do have two more layouts that I have created that I will share next time, and am hoping to get some time to work on a few more of these super sketches. Until then, take care!

Oh, one more thing. There are still a couple of days left to enter your layout for the first Sketches With A Twist reveal. :)

LCTS #116

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my first layout to go live as a team member for Let's Capture These Sketches!

The sketch and other beautiful layouts created by "team B" can be seen here, on the Let's Capture These Sketches blog.

Have a great weekend! GO PATS!!!

My sweet Skylar is 16 today!

2012-01-16T16:37:00.000-08:00

My sweet, fun-loving, always laughing and smiling, unpredictable, beautiful Skylar tured 16 today! :) This photo encompasses the essense of her free and creative spirit perfectly. (it was taken last summer)
I have been blessed to have her in my life- she is a joy and I just could not imagine life without her, although there are times where her ADHD is exhausting- like the time where she put a pancake in a napkin, poured syrup on it and then placed it on her forehead because it was warm. (and this was just last month). I never know from moment to moment what crazy thing she will do next, but I do know that she will always have a big beautiful smile and a true, pure sparkle of laughter that will will make my heart happy.
I love you my beautiful girl and I hope your dreams will all come true!

I've been scrappin'!

2012-01-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

I've been scrapping. :) Every single day so far this year, and it feels good.

Here are three layouts I created for the Memorable Seasons sketch-a-thon. (I'll share more as the week progresses- I still have a few from last week) There are still 10 more sketch challenges coming up, as well as 10 sketches currently posted, so come on over and play along.

This is based off sketch #4- and I really like this layout. It's a bit different for me, but I am really making the time to try different ideas and run with my ideas instead of just passing over them.

This layout is based off sketch #6. It's Meghan after her graduation from boot camp. These photos bring back so many memories of that beautiful day we spent together. I am so very proud of her!

Sketch #7 was a two-page challenge.

it's hard to see in the photo, but the big spotted strip along the bottom has been scored and folded- it;s dimensional and adds some texture and depth to the layout.

I feel like I have been doing some of my best work ever this year! I love that feeling- it's super motivating and inspiring. I hope I can continue to grow and push myself to try new things.

You make the World... layout

2012-01-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! It's a brand new week full of possibilites. Here is another layout I created last week for the Memorable Seasons sketch-a-thon. This was created for sketch number 5.

this layout is one of my new favs! I used some MME and Crate Paper along with some Recollections butterflies and Glimmer Mist.

Have a wonderful day!

Our new puppy, Moose

2012-01-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

I can't beleive that I forgot to share that we got a puppy! He came home with us on December 22, 2011 at 8 weeks old. He and two of his siblings were found in a parking lot inside a taped up box. :( how someone could be that cruel is beside me. Kenny and Ashlyn just "happened" to be at the local animal shelter when these guys were brought in. Within minutes they were each adopted and we were fortunate enough to be one of the lucky families. He's a Rott/Austrilain Shepard mix. He's a bright little guy and picks up on things quickly. Ashlyn picked out his name, and it does suit him.

Now anyone who knows me knows that I am not a dog person, but I will admit that he is cute. He fits right in with our family, and our dog Charlie has been so lonely since Angel died a little over a year ago. Even the cats have adapted to him quite well. He runs up to them, they smack him and he runs away. lol The cats are not going to give up their heirarchy in this house! Moose is still pretty little, and Charlie is still unsettled by this little guy who wants to chew on him and jump all over him, but each day they get closer. Charlie has been very gentle with him and even cares for him. Moose really looks up to Charlie and even tries to imitate his actions. It's pretty darn cute. :) He is busy though and a lot of work, but we're also getting used to him, and things are a little calmer.

Here is a layout I created featuring Moose. It was created for sketch #2 at Memorable Seasons. I just got this new Crate Paper and it was perfect for the super cute sketch.

here are a few more pics of him:

Fairies Do Cry layout

2012-01-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

Hello! :) I have been fortunate enough to have been able to scrap every day this week. It's not often that happens and I have enjoyed all the creative, hands-on work.

I have another layout to share created from the January Sketch-a-thon happening at Memorable Seasons this month. This layout is based off of sketch #3. The sketch is fantastic! My layout did not turn out quite like I had envisioned, but that's OK. I very much like the end result. I did struggle with the colors- green has always been a huge challenge for me to work with, and I think that made it difficult for me to finish it in one sitting. I slept on it, and was able to complete the details with fresh eyes and a more open mind. I know that not every layout needs to be perfect, but I also think it's important to end up with something I like enough to call done.

I dug deep into my stash to create this. I used pp from Prima, October Afternoon, MME, LYB and Pink Paislee. Flowers are Petaloo and unknown. Bling is Doodlebug, and alphas are AC Thickers and Basic Grey.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I am looking forward to a weekend of creating and football. I do have to work for 3 hours on Sunday, but that's OK.

My last layout of 2011 and my first of 2012

2012-01-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hi! :) Today I am going to share the very last layout I created for 2011 and my first layout created for 2012.
I came across this site called Memorable Seasons and they are having a month-long sketch a thon. I am really into sketches lately and thought this would be a great way to start the new year off in a scrappy friendzy. lol

Here is the layout I created for the first challenge. You can check it out on their blog: http://www.memorableseasons.blogspot.com/, or head over to the forum for more fun.

And here is the last layout I created for 2011. I also used a challenge from Memorable Seasons, but this was one of the monthly recipe challenges. The challenge was to use blue, at least 2 photos, some bling, and something with wings.

I'll be back soon with another layout (or two to share). Happy Scrappin'! :)

woot! LCTS!

2012-01-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I got some fun news to start out the new year- I was selected as one of the lucky ladies to be on the Let's Capture These Sketches team. :) You can see the announcement here!
I am very excited to be working with these talented ladies as well as the fantastic sketches.

First challenge posted for SWAT

2011-12-31T12:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I just cannot beleive that today is the very last day of 2011. What a ride this year has been! A new year carries with it the promise of a fresh new start, and I hope and pray that 2012 is a much better year for us. I cannot help but continue to be positive and keep the Faith that everything will work out exactly how it should. Everything always does, even if it is not how I had envisioned it should have. That's all I am going to say about that.

onto fun scrappy things. :)

The first sketch and challenge is posted up at Sketches With A Twist. The the twist to go along with the great sketch it is to use two different fonts for the title. Be sure to check out the blog to see the super layouts and card that the team created, as well as to join the message board and submit your take on the sketch/challenge.

Here is the sketch:

and here is my take:

I wish each and every one of you plentiful blessings, good health and much happiness and success in the upcoming year!

"Dear Mr. Claus"

2011-12-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

I cannot tell a lie- when I received the Cosmo Cricket "Dear Mr. Claus" papers to work with for the December My Scraps & More product reveal, I was a bit worried- ok A LOT worried- about how I would ever be able to create anything romotely beautiful and inspirational and satisfying with these papers. My initial thought was how ugly I thought they were (the girls even agreed that I had a huge challenge on my hands), then I thought about how my Grandma Nami would have loved them if she were still here among us. I grabbed onto that thought and used that as my inspiration for each of the projects I created. It's almost like my dear Grandmother was sitting with me, guiding my hands through the creative process.

And since I cannot tell a lie- I actually *gasp* like how everything turned out. I tried to think "old fashioned decor" with them, and it seemed to work. Do I love them? no. Will they be displayed in my home? no. They are going to be placed lovingly in a box along with some other things that I have created and don't neccessarily like, but would like to pass them along to someone who will enjoy them.

One more truth before I move on to the projects- I DO love how I was able to stretch my creativity and work hard with something that did not appeal to me with an end result that I can be proud of. I get it now. This is what growth is about. This is what being creative is about. Not everything we do or create has to be created with everything we love. Using something we are challenged with opens up a new thought process. , and in my humble opinion, makes me a better designer.

Onto my projects:

for this first project, I used an embroidery hoop that I spray painted black. I cut the base and adhered it to the hoop. I cut each letter out and used foam adhesive to gift them a lift. A simple bow and flower add just the perfect finishing touch.

these mini baskets were easy to create.

these cards came together quickly. I created them last using scraps from my other projects. Sometimes I struggle with cards, but not these.

And of course a banner:

Supplies for everything:

CC Dear Mr. Claus papers

The Twinery twine, and twine I found in the dollar spot at Target

Recollections Kraft CS

Basic Grey brads

Prima flowers

October Afternoon rubons

Thanks for stopping by. I think this will be my final blog post before Christmas, so I would like to take this time to wish each and every one of you a beautiful and blessed and most of all very Merry Christmas!

Sketches With A Twist

2011-12-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

Check it out! http://sketcheswithatwist.blogspot.com/2011/12/welcome-new-design-team.html#comment-form

I am super excited to be a part of this new venture and to work with the other talented ladies selected!

Kara's Sledding Face layout

2011-12-16T16:04:00.000-08:00

These photos make me smile. :) I just love the look upon her face, and I remember how much fun we had that day! She may not be smiling when I post this layout on my facebook page, but hey, as her mother I have to get every single simple pleasure that I can. heehee *wink*

Another thing that makes me smile is how easily this layout came together. I used this sketch from Let's Capture These Sketches.

Here is my layout:

supplies:

cs:Recollections and Bazzill

pp: MME and Jillibean Soup

embellies: snowflakes:MME, twine: The Twinery, brads: Pink Paislee

chipboard: Bo Bunny

stickers: American Crafts and My Little Shoebox

black ribbon

I am also entering this layout in the SPS Design Team Call submission. Many of the items I have used on this layout can be found at the Pumpkin Spice Shop.

Christmas is coming... are you ready? I hope you are enjoying this most wonderful time of the year!

Back Porch Memories GDT projects

2011-12-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

Hello! Here are my projects that I created as a guest design team member for Back Porch Memories.
My assignment was to work with the wonderful Solo Kit:

Here are my projects:

I had a blast working with this fabulous kit! You can purchase this kit, or the other December 2011 kit (or previous kits) by visiting this link. You won't be disappointed!

I hope you are enjoying the beauty of the Christmas Season. :)

12th Day of Christmas challenge and more...

2011-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

First off, today Kenny and I have been married for 13 years! We got married in our living room- just for us and although we had a formal ceremony in February, I am thankful that we did this.

Today was the final day for the My Scraps & More 12 Days of Christmas Contest. I had the final challenge and I decided to create a challenge around a banner. My challenge was to create a layout with a banner consisting of 12 flags/pieces. Here is my layout:

Before I leave you today I have some news to share; I have decided to step down as a design team member for My Scraps & More. I have truly enjoyed being on the team and I hope that I was able to inspire you to create with my challenges. It's been a fantastic team to be on, and I will surely miss it, but it's time to move on and allow someone else to have the honor. :)

Have a beautiful day!

On the 9th day of Christmas....

2011-12-09T10:58:00.001-08:00

Today is another challenge day for me at My Scraps & More, and since we are doing the 12 days of Christmas, and today is the 9th day, I have posted a challenge to use either a grid design (containing 9 squares) or to use 9 squares on a layout.

Here is my layout for this challenge:

I know this is a several days late- but here is my challenge for day 4. My challenge was to use 4 colors on your layout:

December is such a busy time. I hope you are finding time to enjoy the Christmas season. :)

I'm a Guest Designer this month...

2011-12-01T17:05:00.001-08:00

Hi! Happy December! I get to start off the month with something fun- I was selected to be the December guest designer for Back Porch Memories this month. Lucky me! :)

Here is my "winning" layout based off a sketch that can be found in the BPM forum:

As a guest designer I get to play with a fantastic kit as well as host a month-long challenge. I just receieved my kit today, so I have nothing to share for it yet, but I do have my monthly challenge. I adore making banners, so my challenge is to create a banner or create a layout with a banner somewhere on it. If you want to play along or check out the other challenges, head on over to the forum!

Here is my banner: I used some of the super cute new Pink Paislee and Jillibean Soup collections.

now I just need to find a place to hang this one. I love the way the light reflects off of the fake snow.

All for now. I'll be back soon. :)

Look mom, I'm a dog....

2011-11-30T12:51:00.001-08:00

Wow. It's already the last day of November. This just does not seem possible. Today is the last day for the My Scraps and More is Thankful for... contest. It's been a fun month full of super challenges- if you are ever in need of inspiration, all you need to do is head on over there and you'll be sure to find something to get you scrapping.

Here are two more of my recent challenge layouts:
My 11.28 challenge, which was I am thankful for paper! The challenge was to use some of your newest paper purchased as well as make a handmade element.

and then my 11.18 challenge was to create a layout about your hobbies. Here is my layout for this challenge:

Tomorrow kicks off the My Scraps and More December contest; The Twelve Days of Christmas. There will be 12 challenges to complete and some fun prizes along the way. I hope you'll join in on the fun!

November MSAM DT reveal projects

2011-11-22T12:33:00.001-08:00

Hello! Here are the projects that I created for the My Scraps & More November design team reveal. We were given some of the beautiful MME Lost and Found Two collection and this is what I came up with:

A layout of Emily:

A layout of Skylar:

a key holder (my favorite project I created!):

(the big flower is actually made with an entire sheet of 12x12 pp)

and a card:

We are heading over to Seattle later this afternoon. Ashlyn has a GI appt over there tomorrow and then we are going to spend Thanksgiving with my parents, and then Ashlyn has some labs on Friday then we'll head home. I hope you all have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

we have a winner!

2011-11-17T06:15:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Bev, Lisamariemlt and Sherri for your kind comments about my first digital layouts! I appreciate them!

Now to announce the winner:

I used random.org and here is what it came out with: (I tried to add the widget, but am not sure how- it selected #1, as I tried to show below.

Result:

1

Congrats Bev!!! I'll be sending your promo code for a FREE My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software soon!!!

a spark of madness....

2011-11-15T05:44:00.001-08:00

"You're only given a spark of madness. You mustn't lost it. -Robin Williams.

While trying to come up with a challenge idea for the "My Scraps is Thankful for..." contest going on this month at My Scraps & More, I came across this quote printed on a sheet of Jillibean Soup paper and inspiration immediately struck. I had recently looked through old photos and these popped into my mind as the perfect photos to use; they aren't great quality photos, however they are silly and capture the essense of that little spark of madness that Skylar and Emily showed here (OK- Skye has A LOT of madness- she does these things daily, Emily, not so much). So I created a challenge around the quote and these photos; I am thankful for silliness. The challenge was/is to use silly photos and at least 5 different patterns. Here is the layout I ended up with.

On a side note- Ashlyn took these photos- I had no idea the girls had been doing this. When I first viewed them on the camera, I laughed hard! These are future photos that thier husbands are truly going to appreciate. heehee :)

My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software and a giveaway!

2011-11-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I was asked to to do a review of the My Memories Digital Scrapbook Software. Having never attempted to create a digital layout before, I was intrigued, and decided to step out of my comfort zone and give this is a try, especially since it was offered to me free- it can't get any better than that! Oh, and they generously offered to give one away to you, my readers, as well!! How cool is that?! (We'll get to the givaway part soon, but I want to share my review and projects with you first.)

As soon as I downloaded the program, which is super easy to do, I sat down and played around a bit. Like I mentioned, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. I started out by just looking around at all the options and then started clicking and creating. Before I knew it, I had created this layout:

wow- my first ever digital layout! I thought it would be a more complicated process, but it really wasn't. I created this page with a blank template and added the background papers and embellishments to it. It was pretty easy, and fun, too!

(then life got in the way and I didn't have time to play around again until Saturday- I wanted to spend a little more time playing around with this awesome program before I gave my review.)

When I sat down again, I decided that I wanted to use some of the pre-made templates- where the background and embellishments are already on the page, so I opened an album with 5 pre-mades and got busy adding pictures. I discovered that you could remove elements that you did not want, as well as copy and paste embellishments that are already on the page, or even add embellishments from the easy to navigate side bar.

for this one, I removed a leafy stem and then added the heart and red flowers.

I removed some red flowers from this one and then added a few from the sidebar that I liked better, as well as the torn notebook edge and some stitching.

I used the copy/paste feature to add the confetti-ish element and flower by my title on this one:

this next one is a bit blah, but I wanted to keep it simple and use what was included with the initial program download. I definitely need to pay a visit to the My Memories store to pick up some kits. They even have FREE kits!

This last template is so fun and I loved how there were so many spaces for photos! All I did for this was add a title and some journaling and I still have a fun page!

My Memories Suite also has several YouTube videoes and other recources to help you get the most from this program. You can see the videos here.

If you like your own copy of the My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software you can order it here, and if you use my personal coupon code, STMMMS40269, you will get to get a $10 discount for the software! It's a great deal! Again that code is: STMMMS40269.

OK- now it's time for the part you all have been waiting for- the giveaway! My Memories is giving me a free download of this software to share with ONE lucky reader!!!
There are several ways to get a chance to get your name into the drawing:

First-Go to the My Memories website and choose your favorite digital paper pack or element pack. Come back to my blog and leave a comment on THIS post letting me know which one you liked the most. Doing this will give you one entry into the drawing.

But the chances don't stop there.You have two BONUS chances to get your name into the drawing, giving you a total of three chances to win! How cool is that?!

All you need to do is:

#2 visit the My Memories blog and follow publicly, then come back here and leave me another comment, letting me know you are following them.

and
#3 Like My Memories on Facebook, return to my blog and leave yet another comment on my blog.

There you have it- 3 ways to win one of these awesome digital programs! \

As with any giveaway, there are some rules:
the #1 above is a mandatory entry. If you do not do this one, no other entries will count.
and
in order to qulify for additional entries, you need to leave a SEPERATE comment, on THIS POST ONLY, for each addtitional step you follow- for example: you need to leave one comment stating which kit you like best, and if you decide to follow the blog, then you would leave a second comment, and if you want to follow on facebook, you would leave a third comment. If you only leave one comment for all three steps, you will only qualify for ONE entry into the drawing. You will qualify for three entries by leaving three comments.

I will randomly draw a lucky winner via Random.org on Wednesday, November 16, 2011. Good luck!

Update on Ashlyn & a layout

2011-11-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

On Friday I took Ashlyn to see an ENT. She has not been able to smell for nearly a year (maybe longer, but we honestly don't know), and now that she is finally maintaining her weight and slowly stabilizing, it's time to figure out all the "loose ends" that she still has going on health wise. I honestly never thought about taking her to an ENT- she's never had any issues with her ears, throat or nose that I thought would warrant this type of visit. I was extremely impressed with this doctor, and his wealth of knowledge and ideas and plan of action still has my head swimming.

The ENT told us that Ashlyn has some nerve damage going on in her nose. He thinks it might be either Lupus (which has been thrown out for her before) or even another auto-immune disease other than her Crohn's, a thyroid issue, a lack of her being able to process zinc or even an allergen. She is going to have a slew of bloodwork done early next week to test for auto-immune markers, vitamin and mineral levels, etc.

The BEST part is that he ordered the RAST allergy test that the US Bio-Tek lab does that I WANTED done by her "regular" allergist who wouldn't do it- instead he had her do the back patch test which ended up being a frustrating process leaving me with confusion and more questions. She will be tested for everything from food to chemicals to inhalents to ingestions. (this part makes me giddy! I have been calling around trying to find an allergist to do this, but they don't- and then we literally stumble upon it through an ENT- crazy!)

She is also going to do an at-home smell test- it's a big old envelope stuffed with all kinds of things.

He sent a sample of her nasal mucuos to the lab and the plan is that he will call me next week to start her on long-term steroids and antibiotics, but he needs to run this through her GI doctor to make sure that nothing interferes with the Crohn's treatment. As it sits today, with her drug allergies, Cipro seems to be the antibiotic that she can take without hives or itching or swelling. She is currently taking Carafate for her ulcers/severe nausea/bile buildup and while taking this she cannot take Cipro. She has another week with the Carafate, and to be perfectly honest, I am more concerned with the gi issues than I am with her taking antibiotics for her nose. Another week truly won't matter for her nose as much as taking her off the Carafate will directly impact her ability to eat.

All I know is that I am not sure what will come out of all of this, but I am feeling hopeful. I have been emotionally drained lately. Although she is coming along wonderfully overall in so many areas, especially her weight, there are still the daily issues and big health issues that she needs to overcome so she can maintain long-term. She is not out of the woods yet, so to speak, and until she can eat fully and not depend upon high-calorie formula drinks for the majority of her nutrition, then we are not in the clear. We are closing in one the one year mark where she started her down-hill decline and it has impacted me more than i could ever have imagined. Little victories seem like monumental mountains, and some days I am not sure which way we are heading- up or down, but we make it through day by day and start again tomorrow.

I am sure you would like to see a layout. I have this one from the MSAM Thankful challenge. Friday was also a day where I hosted a challenge, and I chose to be thankful for "good times".

I have a busy week ahead- I hope it's a good one- for you, too! :)

A new month means a new contest at MSAM!

2011-11-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Happy November! This is my favorite month of the year. :) The air is cool and crisp, Thanksgiving is just weeks away, and the buzz and excitement of the Christmas season is just beginning to unravel. I have a lot to be thankful for this year and I remind myself daily of the blessings that surround me.

During the month of November, My Scraps & More is having a "Thankful" contest. Each day a design team member will create a challenge based on something we are thankful for.

I kicked off the contest Tuesday with the first challenge, I am thankful for laughter, and my challenge was to create a layout with a quote about laughter, as well as using rub-ons on the page. Here is my layout:

When I think of laughter, I think of Skylar, because the two are never apart. :)

My Scraps & More had a contest last month where each design team member posted a sketch with a challenge. It was a lot of fun to see the daily sketches and layouts that the members created with them. My last challenge for this contest was to use paper strips along with the sketch I provided, and here is my layout for that. The contest is over, however the sketches and challenges are in the forum- if you are ever in need of inspiration, MSAM is oozing with it!

Today we start the process of discovering why Ashlyn has been unable to smell since January. We did some additional allergy testing a few weeks ago, which left me more confused and frustrated, and without a clear answer, so I am in search of a new allergest who will perform the test I have been researching and want, and will hopefully not leave me with more questions than answers.

That's it for now! Enjoy your November blessings.

Layouts galore!

2011-10-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

Time has sure been flying by! I have so been busy with work, scrapping, and with Ashlyn that I have neglected to post in a few weeks. Today will be full of scrappy stuff!

Before I post my layouts, I want to make a belated shout-out to my first-born sweet girl, Kara, who turned 21 on Friday the 21st! I love you so much and am so proud of the amazing young woman you are becoming! I still find it hard to believe that my baby girl is twenty-one. It is so true- you blink your eyes and your babies become adults. I still marvel at how this happens.

Here are some layouts I have created recently.
I'll start out with some projects created with the Bo Bunny Et Cetera collection that was the DT spotlight product this month at My Scraps & More. You can see the gorgeous projects created by the other team members, here, on the MSAM blog.

this one, Web Cam fun, is one of my challenge layouts for the month:

and finally, I did manage to get to two of the challenges my teammates have posted:

That's it for now. I'll be back soon to post about something fun- there will even be a chance to win a great prize. Stay tuned!

Have a beautiful day!

catching up...

2011-10-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by and it's been busy around here. About 10 days ago, Ashlyn fell off of Skylar's bed and fractured her left elbow. Just a freak thing as Skye's bed is a standard height and all Ashlyn was doing was reaching for something on the floor. Had she fallen down the stairs, she probably wouldn't have hurt herself at all. So now she is in a half-cast/ace bandage wrap and sling for the next 6-8 weeks. Oh joy. She's been a trooper though- it's painful and swollen and she has been handling it remarkably well.

This past Saturdaywe went out to Greenbluff, which is basically a bunch of local farms. Emily wasn't working until late, I was off, and the weather was perfect for some outdoor fun. We haven't been for a few years, so it was nice to go again. We did not pick any apples this year, but we did visit the pumpkin patch. We also pet some animals and visited several different farms.

As for scrapping, I have been pretty busy. I created some baby projects for Kara's friend Kristen, who is having a baby in mid-December. It was a big project that took many, many hours to complete. I will share this project sometime this week.

Lastly, My Scraps & More is doing a month-long sketch challenge. Each weekday a DT member is posting a sketch along with a challenge. I have hosted two so far; Oct. 4th:

and 10/10:

I have only had a chance to get to one of the sketches so far, and here is my layout for that:

I am hoping to get to some more soon. Stop on by MSAM to join in on the fun!

Take care!

Wonder"Fall" Crop at MSAM + my projects

2011-09-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

My Scraps & More is hosting a Wonder"Fall" crop this weekend/first half of the week. Each of the DT members, and Tammi, has put up 2-3 fun Fall challenges. All challenges will be due by midnight on Wednesday, September 28th. Complete at least 1/2 of the challenges and go into a drawing for the "Finally Fall" collection by Bella Blvd.

Here are the projects I created. To check out the challenges, head on over to My Scraps and More!

My "Trick or Treat" challenge:

and my color challenge:

Be sure to join us in October as My Scraps & More is having a month long sketch contest! Each weekday a new sketch will be unveiled on the forums along with a challenge from a design team member. At the end of each week, a winner will be drawn from all that participated to receive a great scrappy prize! Many challenges will even have RAK’s involved!! Head over to the forums at My Scraps & More to sign up today! This contest runs from Oct 3rd – Oct. 31st.

Have a wonderful week! I hope to see you on the boards. :)

some cards for a blog hop

2011-09-18T10:12:00.000-07:00

I came across a blog hop for Paper Secrets via a friend on facebook- it looked like a fun hop and challenge, and I have been itching to create, so I jumped right in. The challenges were to use a card sketch with a twist to each one; using a specific item along with the sketch. Here is a link.

Here are the cards I created:

Ashlyn is still sick, Skye is sick, and I am starting to get sick. I hope I can keep it at bay. I plan to lie low today and watch football, read a bit, work on homework with Ashlyn and maybe scrap.
Have a great week!

school and layouts to share

2011-09-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

School got off to a great start for the girls! Ashlyn adjusted very well- much to the delight of us and her therapist. We did start off with a few kinks, but by the second day, things were quickly changed to meet her needs. She was pulled from PE on the first day of her having to do it, and was instead placed into a core math class- both things I had requested, but were denied prior to school starting. She was also placed under the care of a nurses aide, so she gets two welfare checks during the day and this same aide delivers her formula to her for both lunch and 5th period. She is a wonderful woman and I am thankful that we have her to look out for Ashlyn.

I really wasn't sure that this was going to work out, but now that I know she is being cared for in the ways that she needs, I feel so much better about sending her. We will still have to work on meeting her nutritional needs trhoughout the day, but that will have to be adjusted as needed, and the school acted immediately upon my first request to provide her with more formula so this will not be an issue. Tomorrow morning we meet to complete her officical 504 plan. Her therapist has spoken with the school counselor to express her opinions on Ashlyn's needs and we will bring all these ideas to a formal proposal which will then be passed to each of her teachers. So far they have been wonderful and I think this will be a successful year- provided she can stay healthy. She is already sick and this will be day 2 missed, with tomorrow being another day at home as well. Her body has a lot of adjusting to undergo and hopefully she'll be able to manage this.

here she is on her first day (Sept. 7th):

Skylar is also attending the high school this year. She is super excited because she got some primo classes, that are REALLY hard to get into, especially as a Sophomore. Seniors and Jr's take priority, but somehow even with this, she made the cut for both of them; Technical Theatre (class started with 25 kids, and was cut down to 13 after the first 3 days- she made the cut- woot!) and Video Media Production. She will more than likely be the news anchor for the school tv news network- her teacher likes her vibrant and bubbly and friendly personality and thinks she will be a great success on "TV". She is over the moon excited about both of these classes and is sure to learn a lot.

Skye on her first day:

Emily is a Junior and although she did not get most of the electives she wanted, she got some great art classes- she is really great with art! and manged she also get into Biology, which is huge for her. She is in most IEP academic classes, so for her to be placed into a "regular" science class is exciting for her. Both her and Skye are in biology but have different teachers, thankfully. I was a bit concerned that they might end up in the same class at the same time with the same teacher.
Emily on her first day:

Here are some recent layouts and a card I created for some of my challenges on My Scraps and More:

one more thing before I leave you: My Scraps & More is having a mini crop and we would love for you to play along! The crop will be held on Saturday, September 24th and all challenges will be due by the end of the day on September 28th. The winner will walk away with the "Finally Fall" collection from Bella Blvd.! Head to the message board and get yourself signed up today!

more crop layouts and Ashlyn update.

2011-09-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy week around here. On Tuesday, Kenny and I took Ashlyn to Seattle for her GI appt. Overall she is looking good, just a few small isses- she is having some tests run to determine the course of action for them. She was also enrolled in a 20 year study, which is pretty cool! She get's a $20 check every six months for the next 20 years to answer a few health questions, mostly about how her disease affects school, social life and work. The dr. provides all the medical info. The purpose of the study is to track these kids and see how the early onset of disease affects their teens, 20's and even early/mid 30's. As well as the medication effects, as the kids use adult medications because that is all that is available. It's the first of it's kind and ultimately the goal is to develop new ideas for future generations. We decided to do it as a day trip- which equals about 10 hours of driving, but I was glad to have done it that way.

Ashlyn had her "first" day of Middle School on Thursday. All the 6th graders, were brought in for 3 hours in which they were able to get their schedule, locker, textbooks, and go through a shortened day traveling from each class and navigating the hallways. It was very overwhelming for her, but overall she did OK. Unfortunately, the school cannot locate all the medical notes that I had the dr's fax over in early June, so until those papers are in, she cannot qualify for a 504 or anything. This is so frustrating to me as I wanted everything set up and ready to go before she began school. Now, we will have to wait 3 weeks for a formal 504 meeting. I scrambled yesterday to get the papers to the dr's and wasn't successful- as it is a holiday weekend. I am hoping Tuesday will be more successful. All this time I have had to waste the past few days because of an error on their behalf. AND this directly affects Ashlyn. They didn't even have the relase for the school counselor to speak with Ashlyn's therapist, who really feels that it is important that certain things happen before Ashlyn starts school- but now they are telling me to come back on the first day and they "hope" to have the form I need. It's a really good thing that I have learned the art of patience and am able to breathe through this situation and handle it maturely. I am boiling inside, but anger will not help. I just need to continue to be focued and get done what needs to get done.

Anywho--- here are two more layouts I created using some challenges from the MSAM crop. All projects are due tomorrow, so there is still time to play. I was unable to finish all the challenges like I had hoped, but with a full week, it was difficult to keep my focus.

And this layout is from the weekly {stash} challenge I was hosting on 8/30. The challenge I posted was to use a not-so-great photo on your layout as well as supplies over 6 months old.

Off for now. Have a wonderful weekend all! :)

MSAM crop layouts

2011-08-29T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have had a chance to play along with a few of the challenges from the My Scraps and More "Goodbye to Summer" crop that is currently going on. Here is what I have created thus far:

You still have plenty of time to join in on the fun! The challenges are due on Sept.4th for your chance to win some great prizes.

I am going to try my best to get every challenge done, but I think I may fall a bit short. Either way, it's been fun to really dig in and get creative!

Tomorrow we drive to Seattle for Ashlyn's GI appt. She hasn't been feeling well the past few days, as seems to be the cycle. I am hopeful to get some more answers to questions I have now. As we progress with this disease we are beginning to understand it, and along with that come the relevant questions, not just questioning the unknown. The Crohn's has settled in and has become a member of our family, so to speak, as it is ever so present. It is a disease that requires much pateience, recognition, understanding, respect, and most of all flexibility. It is not going away and it will always be a part of us, so we must adapt to it first and foremost, or else it will control us, not the other way around. We still have a long road, but the day by day journeys are bearable and workable. That is how we live with this and manage it. This is what works for us now, and what propels us to continue to move forward.

Thank you again for all your support and prayers, they are a great blessing and truly appreciated. :)

I'll be back soon with some more layouts- from the crop as well as some challenges. Take care!

My projects for the MSAM crop {photo heavy}

2011-08-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

Before I begin, I hope all you East Coasters who will suffer from Irene will be safe and have minimal damage. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

This is the first time I have had a close loved one who will experience a hurricane, and as a mother it just breaks my heart that I cannot be there to protect Kara and hug her and assure her that everything will be OK. I am sending all my love and prayers across the country, and will be awaiting news of her safety while sitting on pins and needles.

Onto something fun now. This weekend, My Scraps and More is holding a "Goodbye to Summer" crop. Each of the design team members, as well as Tammi, the owner, or have created four fun challenges for the members. There are also some games and prizes. The crop is not limited to just the weekend- you will have all week to create and upload. I encourage you to head on over and check out all the challenges and fun!

Here are the projects I created for the crop.

supplies: pp- The Girl's Paperie, Fancy Pants Designs, Little Yellow Bicycle, and Bo Bunny; twine- The Twinery; alphas- Heidi Swapp (cb) and Doodlebug; stickers and journaling spot- Basic Grey; butons

supplies: Everything is from Echo Park Paper; Martha Stewart butterfly punch

supplies: The Paper Company CS; pp- Jillibean Soup and Fancy Pants Designs; cb- Fancy Pants; rafia, buttons, and Glue Dots

pp: Sassafras Lass and MME; sticker- EAD Designs; twine- The Twinery, bling

cs: Bazzill Bling; pp and rubons- Fancy Pants Designs; May Arts ribbon; The Twinery twine; tulle

cs: Bazzill; pp: Lily Bee and MME; The Twinery twine; rubon: Royal Langnickel

To find out more specifics about each challenge, as well as to check out the other challenges, please head on over to MSAM!

Goodbye to Summer Crop at MSAM

2011-08-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Would you like to scrap the weekend away? Then come on over to My Scraps and More and join us for our Goodbye to Summer crop! We'll have challenges and games all weekend, even prizes starting Friday and running through Sunday.

Stop by MSAM today to start in on the fun, there are some pre-crop challenges, and there are still a few days left to submit for the design team call. Looking forward to seeing you there!

pretty girls layout

2011-08-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is a layout I created for a challenge on MSAM- it was for the weekly scrap{sketch} challenge. I usually create my layout, then draw up the sketch for it, but for this layout I created the sketch first and then the layout. I really like how this layout turned out. I used the new Bo Bunny Sweet Tooth papers- love the colors in this collection!

supplies: cs- Bazzill, pp- Bo Bunny, stickers- Doodlebug, martha stewart punch and paint

here is the sketch:

We'd love for you to come play along! In addition to daily challenges, there are other fun events- a design team call, an end of Summer crop next weekend, and more.

In non-scrappy updates- Kara went back to VA on Wednesday. I miss her so much already. It was wonderful to see her and talk to her and just be with her. She has grown so much. She has a new level of responsibility and maturity. She has done an incredible amount of living in the past year and a half that she has been in the Navy, especially the past 6 with her travels and duties. Although it was difficult to see her go, my heart is full of joy knowing that she is happy overall; she has great friends, and enjoys her work in the Navy- at least most days. I find that comforting. I wish she were closer, I know that she will do welll. It is hard on her to be away, but we talked about it. She told me that being in the Navy is her chance to live- to see everything she can see, to learn everything she can, before she settles down. She misses home, but she doesn't want to be as close to home. It's funny how these are pretty much the same words I spoke to her almost 2 years ago, but she scoffed at them- telling me how she wanted to be stationed in WA. I told her to pick anywhere but here. She got VA. REALLY far away- in some ways too far, but knowing she will be OK, makes it a heck of a lot easier to smile a lot more in between the spontaneous bursts of tears.

Have a beautiful weekend!

Some layouts featuring Echo Park Victoria Gardens paper

2011-08-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

This month, My Scraps and More is featuring the beautiful papers from Echo Park's Victoria Gardens collection. These are the layouts and card I created with them.

To see what the rest of the team created, you can see them here. To purchase this gorgeous collection or many other wonderful products, you can go here.

wow, time flies when you are having fun!

2011-08-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

I cannot beleive I haven't posted anything for weeks now- how time flies. A lot has happened in this time. Kara came home on the 8th! It's been WONDEFUL having my oldest girl home. I have missed her SO much! I love being able to hug her any time I want and to see her beautiful face as we are talking. I have enjoyed the prcious time we are spending, and I hope I am not a horrible wreck when she goes home in a few days.
We went to Lake Chelan for a few days. I am thankful that Ashlyn is feeling well enough to have been able to go. She swam quite a bit, and it was great to see her be able to be a kid for a bit.

So, I have a lot of layouts to share, but I will spread them out a bit. I'll start with this one, which is also one of my entries for the Pebbles DT call. It was also created as one of my challenges for My Scraps and More on Monday, August 1st. I'll admit, I am getting really nervous about this one. I haven't heard anything yet and I keep on hoping that I will be one of the lucky few to be added to this amazing team. My fingers will be crossed until I find out for sure.

supplies: Bazzill cs, stickers, pp and cb flowers- Pebbles, DMC Floss

here is another I created for My Scraps and More- for the August 3rd quote challenge:

supplies: cs- Bazzill, pp, stickers, and die cuts- Jillibean Soup, ribbon- Ribbon Botique (Hobby Lobby), flowers- Petaloo

and the last one today is another challenge layout from My Scraps and More- the August 5 sketch challenge:

supplies: cs- DCWV, pp and die cuts- Fancy Pants Designs, chipboard letters- MM and Doodlebug

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back soon with some more layouts. Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Happy Girl layout and a bottle set

2011-07-29T08:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Once again, it is my day to post a challenge on My Scraps And More. Today's challenge is the final challenge for the My Scraps Got Talent contest, and I chose to create the challenge around dimension- create something with dimension and use it on your layout. I have been wanting to make some of these cute pinwheels for some time now, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. These photos and fun papers from Pebbles really inspired me. Here is my layout: happy girl

supplies: cs- Bazzill, paper, brads, paper flower, stickers are all Pebbles Inc, twine is from The Twinery. The 3 white brads on the butterfly are from my stash.

Speaking of Pebbles, I sent my submission for the DT earlier today. I have been looking forward to this DT call for a year now. Wish me luck! This would be a dream team!

Here is a project I created for the DT call- it's also been awhile since I have created a set of bottles. I kept this one simple, yet fun.

everything is from Pebbles, with the exception of the twine which is from The Twinery.

I will leave you with a final layout- I decided not to use this one in my submission, although I really love it. (The layout above, and another I will share on Monday were the two I used).

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

MSAM challenge day

2011-07-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's my day to host another challenge over at My Scraps and More. Today's challenge is to use rub ons that are at least 6 months or older on your layout. Here is my layout:

supplies: cs- The Paper Company, rubons- Scribbles by Ronna Farrer, pp- Chatterbox. I think the papers and rubons are among the oldest supplies I have in my stash. lol

I also had the quote challenge last Wednesday 7/20, which I never got around to posting, but here it is: The quote I selected was from Dr. Seuss, "Today you are you, this is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." PERFECT for Skylar and these photos. :)

supplies: cs- Bazzil, pp- Echo Park, flowers- MM, twine- The Twinery, buttons

I have two more challenges this week I am hosting, as well as several next week. I will be posting some blog candy here shortly as well.

Today I will leave you with a Design Team call for My Scraps and More. Seriously, if you enjoy scrapping and want to have fun, this is the place for you! I have really burned through my stash of scrapping supplies and have enjoyed doing so. Tammi, the owner, is wonderful, as are the members.

Here are the details:

My Scraps & More (www.myscrapsandmore.com) is looking for 2 new design team members! The term for these positions will be September - December 2011. If you love challenges and friendly, fun sites, then this is the place for you! Design team members are asked to sign up and create examples for daily challenges issued on the message boards. Being active on the forums is also very important as we want this to be a fun place to go and share our hobby with others who are as enthusastic as we are about scrapbooking. If you would like to be a part of our great team, please do the following:

1) Become a member of our message board. We would really like to get to know you and see how you fit into our community.

2) Send me two of your favorite layouts that you have recently (in the last 3 months) completed. Also send me a NEW layout that you have completed using a sketch made by Heather, a design team member. You can view the sketch here.
(you can view the sketch on the message boards)
3) Please provide me with the following:
Name
Address
Phone
email
blog

Why do you want to be a design team member at My Scraps & More? Have you been on any other design teams or are you currently a design team member of another scrap community?

All design team members receive a GREAT discount on all products in the online store during their terms. I will also, periodically, send you some scrappy goodies as well! As a design team member, I ask that you are not a design team member on another scrap site with an online store. At this time, because of shipping, I can not take international team members.

Please send all applications to teajays@aol.com This design team call will end August 28th and the new team members will be announced by August 31st! I look forward to seeing your applications and meeting you on our forums!!

Lake Michigan layout

2011-07-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet today. I have been wanting to scrap these photos I took of Ashlyn when her and I went to Kara's Navy boot camp graduation a little over a year ago, and these papers from Pebbles are perfect for them! We had such a great time, and I know Ashlyn will carry this memory for a lifetime.

Have a beautiful day!

Kara's back on land and a fun wooden cupcake!

2011-07-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Kara is home again!!! When I say home, I mean back in VA. Her ship pulled into Norfolk yesterday after being deployed for 6 months. I wish more than anything I could have been there to welcome her back, but I wasn't able to, however my heart is still bursting at the seams! I want to yell to the world. To every person walking by, "my girl is home!". I think some people think I am crazy, but I'll take crazy happy any day, over sadness and a heavy heart. I love my girls more than anything in this world.

Sadly, she is in Virginia. That is a long way from here. Too far away. From me. Thankfully we can talk just about every day now, like we used to before she shipped out in Jan. I didn't realize how much I truly missed that until yesterday, when she called several times. Hearing her beautiful voice was music to my ears, my heart. My soul. She is coming home for about two weeks soon, so I am going to enjoy every. precious. moment. I have with her. :) I haven't seen her since last October, which by the time she arrives here will be long 10 months. A lot has happened in that time. She has experienced some amazing adventures and has seen some wonderful places, and I cannot wait for her to share it all with me. To tell me story after story after story.

Onto scrappy things. I created this cupcake last week using this wooden 12" cupcake piece (well, pieces in this case) from Say It With Letters. I used a Sizzix die to cut the rosettes and then rolled each one, then glued them on. It took some time, but the end result is well worth it.

Everything else is from My Minds Eye, minus the buttons.

Have a beautiful weekend!

2011-07-12T07:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! July is flying by! I want time to slow down- lol. Today is another challenge day for me at My Scraps and More. it's Tuesday and that means it's scrap{stash} day. You can check my challenge out here. Here is the layout I created:

supplies: cardstock- The Paper Company, pp- Bo Bunny and Basic Grey, various buttons and some DMC floss.

Here are two more layouts I created with some MSAM challenges posted previously this month:

everything is Jillibean Soup except: cs: Bazzill, brads, and twine is from The Twinery.

I just love the look on his face!

this one uses about 13 different MF, so i am not going to list them.

If you haven't been to My Scraps and More, you should really check it out! Tammi has made some wonderful new shipping fee changes as well as has a huge variety of CHA Summer goodies on order!

parade ready layout- Butterfly Crafts June challenge

2011-07-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Hi! Not sure how I missed posting this, but here is my take on the June challenge over at the Butterfly Crafts blog.

I booked Kara's tickets home!!! Her ship will be pulling into Norfolk, VA sometime next week, and then she gets to come home for about 10 days in early August. I am SO excited to get to see my sweet girl! It'll be 10 months since I have seen her beautiful face, and I cannot wait to give her a hug and hang out with her. I am going to enjoy and cherish every single moment I have with her before she heads back to VA. I wish we lived closer because it's hard for her to be away from family, and it's just as difficult to have her across the country. However, she has a job to do, and I am immensely proud of her for what she is doing, how she has grown and who she is becoming. Gosh I love that girl!

Have a beautiful day!

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th everyone! We are going to have a low-key day today. Kenny, Ashlyn and I will head over to my BIL's home for a bbq later this afternoon after we drop Emily off at work. We'll stay for a few hours and then head home. If we watch fireworks, it will be on tv. lol

Today was my challenge day at My Scraps and More. Here is a link to my challenge: http://myscrapsandmore.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=lift&action=display&thread=816

Here is my layout I created:

everything is Pebbles, with a few exceptions: stickers are Pink Paislee and doily is Wiltons. And the brads are from my stash.

Have a wonderful day!

layouts, frustrations, and migraines- oh my!

2011-07-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

My little Boo has not had such a good week. :( On Sunday afternoon (a week ago), she came down with a sudden and intense migraine, and has been pretty miserable since. I ended up taking her to the Dr. on Tuesday to get something stronger than just plain Tylenol and benadryl, and he gave her some Tylenol with coedine, and a prescription for Immitrex should she need it if she ever got another.
Unfortunately the initial headache has not gone away, although it has lessened in intensity- it's been holding at a dull roar the past few days- enough for her to eat and drink more, and get a few smiles and giggles in between the rocking and tears. On top of the headache, she has been having more intense stomach pain- probably due to all the medication she is taking. My heart just aches that there is nothing I can do for her other than keep her as comfortable as possible. I would trade her places in a heartbeat, if I could.

She is the bravest, strongest, most amazing 11 year old I know. God has blessed me with her, and I am ever so grateful that he has. I have learned the art of patience and compassion and grace on a higher level watching her suffer these past few years; especially the past 6+ months now. I am more capable of taking care of her and her needs, and realizing that there is a plan for her- I cannot always have control. I do not understand why the dr's cannot figure out the source of some of these problems, some of this pain, but I have faith that we will know someday. It is frustrating to watch and it makes me angry, but I have learned to use that anger and frustration in a productive way. Medicine has made some incredible advances, but there is still so much to be learned. I am confident in the abilities of the team of Dr's she has now- that we have created this past year. They keep me grounded. They encourage me to be proactive. They remind me how well I am dealing with this, and how lucky Ashlyn is to have me, because so many parents give up the fight. Really?! I find that unbeleiveable, but yet they tell me it is common. I cannot fathom that. I would give everything to help my children. I will continue to fight for her until she can fight for herself, and then i will be there beside her every step of the way. This is a journey that will be ongoing. Her doctors remind me of that at well; everytime I get frustrated with what I think is a backward step, they remind me that disease is not a forward and backward progression- it is a daily ride on a bumpy road. Some days the road will have a nice smooth ride, but there are ruts, and they knock you off that course when you least expect it. This has been the most difficult part of the journey for me- I am trying to be optimistic, and when she has a fair stretch of good days, it's really difficult to watch her "go back". I want her to continually move forward. I want to have the girl who I keep getting glimpses of; one who is full of fun and music and laughter and energy. One who can be a normal 11 year old- carefree and finding herself. Not lying in a dark room for days on end.

Enough of that- onto something happy. I have 3 layouts I created last week using challenges from My Scraps and More. I cannot say enough how much inspiration I have gotten there. The site inspires me to create- and have fun doing so. I feel like I am in a good scrappy place right now, and although life is not how I had envisioned, I am happy. I know that makes all the difference in the world. :)

joy, delight, imagine, and happiness butterfly banner

2011-06-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

While I was doing hanging out online this morning, I clicked on Anabelle's blog, and that led me to The Shabby Tea Room blog, which is fabulous!!! I took a look around and was inspired by what I saw. I decided at 11AM that I was going to participate in this weeks challenge- call me crazy, because not only wa I under a time crunch, but I am in a splint on my right hand, and had a big idea. I really didn't think I was going to pull this off, but I did, just barely, thanks to some very helpful cutting from my sweet daughter Skylar.

Here is my take on the scrumptous challenge which was to use this image for inspiration:

(I told ya it was scrumptous!)

and this is what I created:

some layouts using Crate Paper

2011-06-25T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hello! :) Before I share any layouts, I want to share a photo of my beautiful girl, Ashlyn, without her ng tube. yay!!! I take every chance I get to look at her sweet face without tape and a tube going into her nose.

Here are a few layouts I created earlier this week. This one is created for the Crate Paper June sketch challenge. It's the first time I have participated in a CP challenge, and I loved the sketch (which you can view by clicking the link), and I am thrilled with my layout! Wish me luck. :)

I used the Paper Doll collection on this one, along with some twine from The Twinery.

and here is a layout I created for the Monday, June 20th scrap{lift} challenge on My Scraps and More.

Again, I used Crate Paper- Emma's Shoppe this collection is my favorite, hands down. Along with some Glitz paper, MLS alpha's, MM brads and foam stamps.

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a beautiful and blessed weekend!

My new scraproom, and other fun, and not so fun stuff

2011-06-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hello! I meant to post this several days ago, however, when I was out walking our great-dane mix on Monday night, he decided to be a naughty dog. He is usually quite good and I can handle him well, but sadly, I am done walking him. Long story short, he ended up pulling me into a chain-link fence and I am fortunate to have not been more injured than I was. I ended up with scrapes and cuts and bruising along my left forearm and elbow, a nice 2" gash in the palm of my right hand, which thankfully swelled closed, so I lucked out on having to get sutures, and a badly sprained hand/wrist on my right hand. Three days later and I am still sore, but am on the way up now, so that feels good. Oh, and I received a nice parting gift of a tetanus shot, which just so happens to contain the pertusis vaccination as well- which didn't hurt at the time, but talk about pain later- ouch! Another thing- it's REALLY hard to use my left hand for everything. lol It takes way too long to type.

GREAT NEWS!!!! Ashlyn got her ng tube out Tuesday night!!! Oh happy dance! It's such a blessing to see my sweet girl's face without the tube going into her nose and all the tape holding it in place. Her skin is pretty raw still, but a photo is coming soon. :) She still has a long way to go in the recovery process, but having the tube removed is a big step and gives us even more hope.

Here is my new scrap room. We finally moved Emily down to Meghan's old room (which had been sitting empty for 10 months) at the end of May and then earlier this month we painted this room and moved my scrappy stuff in here. I LOVE IT!!! It's so nice to have my own room full of my stuff. The girls and the animals like to hang out in here along with me. Sometimes I just come to sit and think because it's such a happy place for me. We still need to add some shelving in the closet and along the bare wall, but that will be done soon enough.

thanks for dropping by!

two more layouts

2011-06-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! I am not sure how this happened, but these two layouts were not uploaded onto my blog as I thought they had been. These two layouts were created for crop challenges last month over at My Scraps And More. I have to say that these are two of my current favs. :)

I hope that you have a beautiful Sunday, filled with many blessings- especially if you get to spend it with your special dad, since it is Father's Day.

A two-pager!

2011-06-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hello! :) It's been ages since I have created a two-page layout, but I had to come up with something for the third week of the My Scraps Got Talent! Contest, going on over at My Scraps and More, and what is better to challenge yourself with than a two-page layout (at least this seems to be an opinion I share with many of my fellow scrappers). As if that wasn't enough of a challenge, I also threw in that the layout must contain an unusual paper combination. How's that for fun?! I hope it won't be too much of a challenge, and that everyone who is participating will have fun with this challenge. You can still join in on the contest- the prize is a collection pack from Echo Park, and seriosuly, who wouldn't want to win that?! Come on over and play along! Oh, and before I post my layout, MSAM has the newest Echo Park Country Drive, as well as the new Basic Grey! I have some heading my way and cannot wait to dig in and play. And, if you check out the website, there are often discount codes. ;)

Without furthur ado, here is my layout:

I used some old Rusty Pickle skull and crossbone papers along with some beautiful Crate Papers. It's not a combination I would have ever imagined I would use, but it works. :)

I am really hoping to get back into some Design Team work. I am going to apply for a few positions, wish my luck! If you know of anything that you think i would be a good fit for, I would be grateful if you would pass it along. :)

Happy Weekend~

Another challenge from My Scraps and More

2011-06-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

Today I hosted another of the daily challenges over at My Scraps and More. Since it is Thursday, it is a sketch challenge. I have been trying to dig into some of my not-so-great quality photos lately, as well as my stash. These photos of Ashlyn, and one of our cats, Jack, when he was a kitten, are from 2005. I miss how little she is in these pics. *sniff*

Here is the sketch I created (forgove the chicken scratch look- I am not technical enough to do this on the computer just yet):

and my layout:

Thanks for stopping by! :)

tag challenge layout and a sketch challenge layout

2011-06-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Today was one of my days to host a challenge over at My Scraps and More, and since Tuesday's are scrap{stash} challenges, I chose to use tags this week. Here is my layout for this challenge.

I also created a layout for a previous challenge this month, a sketch challenge from 6/2. Here is my layout for this one:

If you haven't been over there, you should really check it out. The daily challenges are a super way to get those creative juices flowing, not to mention there is a fun contest going on now, throughout much of the Summer. I hope to see you there! :)

even more layouts

2011-06-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hello! Here are some more layouts I have done lately to share with you. Again, these were all completed using the wonderful daily challenges, and fun crop last month over at the My Scraps and More site. There is currently another fun contest going on, so head on over and check it out.

Thanks for stopping by. I've got a new scrappy room I will share with you this week, as well as some more layouts.

Oh- Emily got hired on with Wendy's yesterday. She is so happy and I am very happy for her! Her first day is tomorrow. Wish her luck. Have a beautiful weekend!

just more layouts

2011-06-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some more layouts. :) All created using challenges over at My Scraps and More.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful weekend!

some layouts to share

2011-06-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Time is sure flying by way too quickly! I suppose that happens when one is busy. I have several layouts to share over the next few days. I haven't scrapped much lately, as I have been busy with Ashlyn, but I still have plenty to share from last month. All of there were created for challenges, or with posted challenges over at My Scraps and More.

Ashlyn has been working hard to transition from getting all her nutritional needs orally vs. via her ng tube. So far she has been doing very well. She has been off the overnight ng feeds for the past two nights now. yay! She has been drinking 5 Kids Boost drinks daily, each having 325 calories, as well as eating a few bites here and there of rice, mashed potatoes, and cream of wheat. Progess feels so good!

I'll be back tomorrow with more layouts to share. Have a beautiful day! :)

Hope

2011-06-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, our youngest dd, Ashlyn, was diagnosed with Crohn's disease near the end of April. She is 11 and has been ill for most of her life.
For the first time in years we finally have a ray of sunshine, and I couldn't be happier! Her medication is working, in fact her inflammation levels went from being in the unheard of highs down to nearly normal in just 5 weeks. With the help of the ng tube she has had since mid-Feb, she has been able to absorb the food and has even gained 20 pounds since then. Her body is finally acting "normal". She has been hanging out with us more and her spirit is coming back! Her laughter makes my heart full and my eyes tear up... it's been too long since we've heard that sweet sound. :)

Our current goal is for her this week to be able to drink between 1800-2000 calories during the day (5- 375 calorie drinks), so we can take her off the overnight formula feeds and remove the ng tube. This process is going a little slower than I would like for it to go, but I am hopeful by this time next week she can pull it out and toss it.
The next step is for her to slowly start eating solid foods and replace most of the beverage calories with food calories.... easier said than done since she needs to follow a peanut-free, lactose-free, Crohn's diet. But, we'll get there a day at a time. It's going to be a battle and it's going to take months to get into a "normal" regiment of eating. She's associated food with making her sick for most of her life, and her body just flat out started rejecting food back in Jan., and she hasn't had solid food in nearly 2 months now. Fun times ahead (NOT), but we can work with what we know and take it one meal at a time.

Now that we have a diagnosis, and her health is improving, I have spent a lot of thinking about what's next. How do we create a "new normal" as we move onto the next chapter in our lives. After much thought, I made a huge decision- today I officially unenrolled her from the Virtual Academy she has been attending for school the past two years, and enrolled her at the local Middle School. Although she hasn't completed all of the 5th grade curriculum, she will still be able to slide into 6th grade. I have truly enjoyed being with her the past 2 years, and have enjoyed learning along with her, and teaching her, and learning more about her, but now that she is in Middle School there are so many things that she will get to expereience by attending school, that I would not be able to offer her. She also has a lot of anxiety about school, and people/crowds, and her health in general, and she needs to learn how to cope with these things in a positive manner. It's going to be a huge transition for us, but a good one. I spoke with the principal today and he listened to my concerns and adressed them seriously. So many things have changed in her life since she last attended school. She now has food allergies that require an epi-pen, she now has a disease that will require her to take medication at school daily, and at times might disrupt her attendence. She is worried about having an accident, or having diahhrea, or being called names/teased, or being tired, or the possibility of having a severe reaction to peanuts. These are huge issues for her/us, but to them they are something they deal with on a daily basis, and I feel good knowing that they respect these issues and take them seriously. The principle is even going to give Ashlyn a personal tour of the school in a few weeks, once school is out, so she feels safe with the staff, and her anxiety about school won't have to hang over her head all Summer. I know this will be a good thing for her. It feels right, although it is a bit bittersweet. My baby girl is not such a baby anymore. Middle School is a big deal. lol :)

I will be back shortly with some scrappy stuff. I haven't created anything new in weeks, but I have some work from April and May to share that I haven't yet. Until then, take care!

My first She Art girl

2011-05-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

I am truly blessed. In so many ways. I am thankful for this every single day.
I have been on a streak of good luck as far as winning a lot of scrappy goodies lately, and I am fortunate to have won a free spot in The She Art workshop by Christy Tomlinson class. After a chaotic start to the month, I finally got around to focusing on the class and really digging into it. I am so excited about having created my first She Art girl (in fact I created 3, but I am only going to share one today)! I love how she turned out, and I love even more the fact that I was able to free my mind and create a piece of art I have until now simply admired. I never thought I could create something quite like this, although now that I have it seems so silly to think that, because it's not the difficult process that I had imagined it would be. It is just a matter of letting go, and just doing. Let the canvas be your guide. It really is that simple. I still have two more weeks to go in the class, and so much more to learn, but I am incredibly inspired by what I have learned thus far. This class has reached the inner artist in me that has been screaming to expand her artistic abilities. :)

Here she is:

Thanks for stopping by! :) I hope you have some joy in your heart today.

Happy Me! Petaloo Guest Designer!

2011-05-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

This post is well overdue- I have been sick for the past 11 days- something sinus related- probably something I should have seen a Dr. for and picked up some antibiotics to get it knocked out, but sadly I did not and I so I fight it daily (and curse myself- lol). I am pretty sure Ashlyn and I picked it up at the same time, and since she was on antibiotics she kicked it much quicker. Oh well, such is life and I will be well soon enough, at least I can function so that's good.

GREAT news for Ashlyn- her calprotectin levels are down into the 70's, which is almost normal. (Calprotectin measures the amount of inflmmation in the GI tract- 6 weeks ago hers were extremely high at 1227.) This means that the medications are working for the inflammation. Unfortunately, she still has a lot of pain and some bleeding from the ulcers, so when we go back to Seattle on Thursday, we'll have to ask for something else to get her some relief. Once that pain is managed, it will be much easier to tackle the eating issue. She hasn't eaten solid food in months, and she associates food with pain/feeling bad, so we have to ease back into this. But, that's something we'll deal with in a week or so I am not going to worry about that today.

I was asked to be a Guest Designer for Petaloo this month, and lucky me- they just so happened to team up with Lily Bee this month as well. Double fun and such an honor! Here are the projects I created:

I dressed up this wooden birdhouse I picked up at Michael's a few months ago- the flowers and paper were the perfect inspiration to make something happy. The Petaloo Honeysuckle and Trumpet Vines really brought this to life along wih the bright colors from the Lily Bee papers; a perfect combination!

Products used:

Canterbury Collection

Canterbury Roses x 6 (Lemon)

Canterbury Roses x 6 (Pink)

Mini Canterbury Asst. x 9 (Lemon)

Mini Canterbury Asst. x 9 (Teal)

Honeysuckle Vine (Yellow)

Trumpet Vine Spray (Teal)

Devon Collection

Petites Mini Rose Clusters (Fuschia)

Glitter Critters Butterflies Dragonflies (White/Pink)

I also have a quick and easy butterfly garland that only took minutes to create. I used some cork butterfly pieces from Michael's as the base, and then added a butterfly punch using the cheerful patterns from the Lily Bee Happily Lost collection, and then finished with the gorgeous flowers from the Canterbury Collection.

Products used:

Canterbury Collection
Canterbury Roses x 6 (Lemon)
Canterbury Roses x 6 (Pink)
Canterbury Roses x 6 (Teal)

Lastly, I have a layout. I know I have scrapped this photo time and time again, but I just love it! I wanted to keep it light and airy and happy. The Lily Bee Papers and Petaloo flowers made it so easy to do so.

Products used:

Canterbury Collection
Canterbury Roses x 6 (Lemon)
Canterbury Roses x 6 (Pink)
Canterbury Roses x 6 (Teal)
Mini Canterbury Asst. x 9 (Lemon)
Mini Canterbury Asst. x 9 (Teal)

Devon Collection
Petites Mini Rose Clusters (Fuschia)

One more thing- My Scraps and More is having a Sketch Crop this weekend! You have until Wednesday, May 25th to get all your entries in, so there is still plenty of time to join in. Head on over and jump in on the fun! You could win an Echo Park 'Splash' collection pack.
Have a beautiful day!

beautiful sunshine and some layouts

2011-05-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hello! We've finally been blessed with some beautiful Spring weather- sunshine and temps hitting 70' are wonderful for the body and soul. :)

Ashlyn is hanging in there. Sunday was a rough day, she threw up on me (happy Mother's Day to me! lol) and had to have her NG tube replaced. Yesterday she pretty much slept the day away- taking a 6 hour nap from 11AM-5:15PM and then falling right back to sleep around 9. I am sure her little body is fighting hard and that extra rest should do her well. I think we'll do some school outside today since it's so beautiful.

Here are a few more layouts I have to share. They were all created using the daily challenges at My Scraps and More. You REALLY should go check it out if you haven't yet. We've got a fun crop coming up as well as My Sraps Got Talent contest and other fun things, along with the daily challenges. Come on over, sign up on the forum, and tell them Raechelle sent you. :)

I'll be back Friday with an extra special blog post!!!

PS- One of my layouts was selected by Echo Park Paper as their Friday Favorite last Friday! Woot!
Have a beautiful day!

Reality check

2011-05-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was a big reality check for me, thanks to an incredibly caring and thoughful ER Dr. who took the time to talk to me amid the chaos of the ER. Ashlyn awoke yesterday with a high fever, and by 4PM her fever was over 103' and she was not able to keep her meds down. So I took her to the clinic, thinking it would be a simple in and out in a hour or so type thing, but no- it ended up with them sending her to the ER and the process took 7 hours.
In the two weeks since Ashlyn's diagnosis I have been in this bubble so to speak. I figured since we have a diagnosis, she'd take the meds and we'd move forward, some days being better than others. Life would be full of rainbows and sunshine from here on out. There might be a few blips, but everyone has those days. Boy was I wrong. I have done some reading, but nothing I have read has truly prepared me for having a child with Crohn's. How waking up with a high fever isn't something I can let her sleep off. It means going to the ER for bloodwork, IV, x-rays, etc. How quite often bacteria invade the raw areas of the intestine and wreak havoc in the digestive tract. How even having a runny nose can cause irritation that can lead to problems. I have been trying to focus on the positive aspects of this disease, but I am finding more and more that the positive stories are few and far between. Most experiences with this disease are far from positive. People are quick to say how sorry they are for her, and happy to speak the truth about the negative experiences they have witnessed by having a loved one with this disease, which I am OK with. At first I would just tuck them into a file in my brain marked, "surely this will not be the case with Ashlyn", and thank them for their honestly. But as I sit here, that tucked away file has blown up and all these "horror" stories, I will call them, are invading the rainbow and sunshine places. Filling my head with all the bad that comes along with Crohn's.
I have shed some tears this morning. I have looked into the eyes of my sweet baby girl and felt her pain and suffering. I have prayed to God to take it from her. I have felt my heart drop as I cannot tell her that she is going to feel better soon, because that is what I have been telling her everyday. And she is not. I know this is going to take a toll on her, as it is all of us who love and care for her, and do not want to see her suffer. Today I will walk on the dark side of this disease. I will got to the pharmacy and get more pills for her to take. I will buy more Tylenol to fight the fever. I will look at my daughter and my heart will ache as I have to watch her endure whatever it is her body is fighting. I will pray with all my heart that she will get well. That this will be the worst this disease will have to offer. But I will know that at just two weeks into this, I need to face reality. This is now our life. We need to continue to live day to day, hour to hour. Prepare for the unexpected and roll with it. But more importantly, we need to continue to seek and embrace the positive, because there is a rainbow and sunshine out there.

Great news and some layouts

2011-05-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have some great news to share! Ashlyn had a CT-E on Monday to see the extent of the Crohn's Disease in the portion of her small intestine that was not visible via scoping, and overall the results came back normal! yay!!!! I am SO grateful that she is still in the early stages of this disease and that hopefully she will be able to start being an 11 yo girl again. :) There are some areas that are "non-specific" (oh how I loathe those words) that will need to be monitored, but I am going to keep the focus on the positive.

This disease has a mind of it's own and we are going to take it day by day and deal with what may come today and not worry about tomorrow. The new formula she is on, as well as the medications are also slowly starting to work. I can see pieces of "Ashlyn" emerging, and it makes this momma's heart full with joy! She has been laughing. A lot. Smiling more. Playing with her iPod touch. (you know a kid is sick when they get an iPod Touch for a Christmas gift from her brother, and then barely touch it for months on end.) She's not lying in bed alone, but instead has been camped out on the sofa in the living room to be among family. She doesn't complain as much when I tell her we are taking our daily walk around the block, however she is grateful for all the rain we've had lately because then we don't go. We took her to the park for three hours the other day, and although she spent most of the time lying on a blanket on the grass, she did walk around and let me take a few photos of her. :)

She takes long naps throughout the day. She cannot walk for long periods of time or her legs get wobbly and give out. She still walks hunched over in as much of a fetal position as she can to help ease the pain. She carries a bucket with her everywhere "just in case" she has to vomit. She complains 3 times a day when I give her her medication. The thought of food does nothing to appeal to her senses. We still have a loooooong way to go, but in time, we'll get to a place where she's feeling good again and will eat and play and be happy again.

In some other good news, I was asked to be a design team member for My Scraps and More! yay! Along with three other super-talented ladies. Be sure to check it out, there is a fun contest happening soon.

I leave you with two layouts today: both created from challenges at My Scraps and More.

My Minds Eye papers, doodlebug and pink paislee stickers, Daisy D's punch out alphas, twine, Jillibean Soup Correguated Shapes and paint.

Echo Park paper- LOVE it!

some layouts and a fun contest at My Scraps and More!

2011-05-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

I have been on a creative roll lately and I have to give a lot of credit to the daily challenges over at My Scraps and More. They have provided me with endless mojo and it's fun to see how many I can do. I managed to get 13 of the 26 challenges done last month, which wasn't too bad. :) Here are a few: I will share more during the week.

really old school papers here- I have a huge stash of Chatterbox! lol

There is a super fun contest that is coming up over on My Scraps and More! Here are the details:

Please join us for 8 fun weeks of challenges and games, looking for the first "My Scraps" talent star! Starting June 3rd, and each Friday thereafter, a challenge will be issued. You will have until the following Thursday at midnight eastern time, to upload your challenge into the appropriate thread on the forum to continue on in the My Scraps talent search. At the end of the eight weeks, A My Scraps and More Talent star will be rewarded with a box of scrap goodies for sharing their talents! Along with the grand prize winner, someone will be randomly chosen each week among the participants of the challenge, to win a prize as well!

points: challenges 10 pts each
games 5 pts each
referrals 2 pts each

The first challenge will be issued June 3rd and the last one will be issued on July 29th. (we will take a week break from July 22nd-28th) My Scraps & More's talent star will be announced on August 5th!!

This is a non-elimination contest. All are invited and WELCOME to play! There is no right or wrong way to scrapbook. As long as you are recording your memories for years to enjoy, that is all that matters!! I look forward to be inspired by all of your talent!!

Read more: http://myscrapsandmore.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=info&action=display&thread=264#ixzz1L9WfYjGJ

head on over and sign up! It's a wonderful new website. :)

Tomorrow Ashlyn has her CT-E. I am praying that she does not have any more sign of disease in her small intestine.

SPRING banner and You make my Heart Soar layout

2011-04-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday! :) Today I am going to share a Spring banner and a layout I made using the Springtime Collection from Echo Park Paper. These papers are beautiful and perfect for Springtime projects.

and a layout:

the title of the layout came from a quote challenge on the My Scraps and More site.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a beautiful day! :)

Ashlyn has Crohn's Disease and 'Good Times' layout

2011-04-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

Happy hump day. All the doctor appt's for the week are over- yay! I am looking foward to staying home the next two days. Life has been so full of visiting doctors, testing, traveling across the state, etc. There has been something medical scheduled for Ashlyn just about every week day that she has been out of the hospital back at the end of Feb. It has worn her thin and her patience is up. I am just running on autopilot now, taking things one day at a time. She has one more major test on Monday, May 2, which will be a CT-E- this will be the final piece of the puzzle and then we can continue to move forward.

Ashlyn was offically diagnosed with Crohn's disease on Friday April 22. I knew the diagnose was coming, but it was still hard to hear. At least we have something to call this "thing" that has wreaked havoc with her poor little body for the last 4-5 months, even years esentially. To our extreme frustration, the peds GI doctor here in Spokane was so stuck on her abusing laxatives and having an eating disorder, that he ignored treating Ashlyn as a patient, even with screaming, tell-tale lab results that clearly stated otherwise. We had to drive over to Seattle to take her to a ped. GI dr. there who took one look at her lab work and pretty much diagnosed her at that moment. Ashlyn should not have to be suffering as she is- it truly breaks my heart. Fortunately she has an excellent team of doctors now, and although traveling across the state takes a lot out of her, it is worth it to know that she will be well taken care of. For now she has been placed on two medications, and we are awaiting the CTE results to see where we go next- if there is not a lot of disease present in her small intestine then the plan will more than likely just continue with these two meds. If there is disease found, well- frankly I don't want to think about it- one day at a time. I will deal with that if I need to.
She is still continuning all her nourishment via the ng tube. It's been months since she's eaten a meal. It is going to be a process to begin the eating food again, but we don't need to worry about that just yet as the drip feeds are a part of the short-term treatment. We'll tackle that bridge when we are all a little bit stronger. lol

I leave you with a layout today. I used a Sassy Lil' Sketch as well as a challenge from a wonderful new store/message board called My Scraps and More. You should go check it out! There are daily challenges which are sure to inspire you and get your mojo flowing.

Congrats Graduate layout

2011-04-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize that it's been nearly a month since I have posted on here. I have tons of projects to share as well as some news about Ashlyn- but I will get into those later this week. For now just a layout.

I used the April 21st sketch from Sassy Lil' Sketches as the basis for this layout. I obviously adapted it to fit my needs. I used some EAD Stickerz that I have had for nearly a year, as well as a mix of some papers that have also been sitting in my stash.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you had a blessed Easter!

cards to share

2011-04-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet today. I have several cards to share I made last week. Once again, there is yellow on them! Totally my new favorite color! :)

the first 2 feature MME.

(inside of bird card) used Echo Park Paper on the above.

Crate Paper.

Thanks for stopping by- have a beautiful week!

Chillin layout

2011-03-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

And again I am back with a layout inspired by Sassy Lil' Sketches. This one is from the March 21st sketch, found here.

everything is from MME, except the AC Thickers. :)

Be back soon with some cards. :)

Pretty in Green layout and a card- SLS inspired

2011-03-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! :) It's a bit cool here, it was snowing when I woke up, but that has quickly turned to rain now that we have warmed up a bit. I am sitting here drinking coffee and listening to the birds sing their beautiful morning melodies. This is one of the things I always miss in the Winter, and yet never seem to realize until the Spring. Their songs make my heart happy and that is a beautiful way to start any day. :)

Here is a layout and a card I created using the March 14 sketches over at the Sassy Li'l Sketches (and Sassy Li'l Card Sketches) blog. I know I have said it before, and will probably continue to say it, but I just adore these sketches. I am working on some more now, I am a week "behind", two sketches back, but I find that they are such a great guide, especially when you are just moving things around on paper looking for that aha! moment that doesn't come.

layout sketch here.

supplies:

CS: Bazzill; PP and chipboard accents: Crate Paper, AC Thickers, Pink Paislee stickers, white paint and black pen

card sketch here.

supplies: card: Bazzill; PP: Basic Grey; chipboard: MM and K&Co.; ribbon, sticker: DCWV and bling

I hope to be back tomorrow with some more projects to share.
Have a beautiful day!

Meghan swearing in layout and update on Ashlyn

2011-03-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Finally got around to scrapping these pics of Meghan officially swearing in to the Navy. She's been in about 8 months now. lol Even sadder is that I have yet to get to Kara's, which was 13 months ago. I really need to get on that!

supplies: I dug into my stash for a lot of the patterned paper on this one.

cs: Bazzill

pp: MME, Jenni Bowlin Studio, and Fancy Pants Designs

stickers: AC Thickers and LYB

Last week was a busy week for Ashlyn and I. She had 5 scheduled Dr. appointments. One of those being skin allergy testing. Ever since she had a violent reaction to peanut butter back in early January, her little body has gone haywire. We now know that she is officially allergic to peanuts, almonds, and navy beans. We were also advised that she just stay away from other nuts as well, just in case.

She wasn't having a very good week pain wise, and that really presented itself late Thursday night. I will not go into detail, however she has had some weird things going on with her GI tract. She had an x-ray done Friday and the results showed that there was some "other gastrointestinal findings" which could mean anything. Of course this was the 11th hour on Friday, and her regular Dr. she has weekly appt's with is on vacation for the next two weeks, so tomrorow when I go in to have her weight checked will be interesting. I am sure there are some orders for more testing, and a visit with the GI dr. is sure to be included. And I was looking forward to a quiet week with only 3 appointments. *sigh* I am tired. I am worn out from this. I know Ashlyn's patience is worn out as well. She is snappy and irritable and has no livliness. I am hopeful for some answers soon, but as time as proven, I will not be surprised to be left patiently waiting. It just breaks my heart to see her suffering, because that is what it is. Constant pain and tears and just curled up in a ball because that is the only way she get a managable level of comfort. I wish I could take it all away from her. Right this moment.

Have a beautiful day and a wonderful week!

a layout and a card inspired by sketches

2011-03-21T06:55:00.000-07:00

Once again, I was inspired by the sketches over at Sassy Lil' Sketches for this card and layout.

Here is my card:
(link to sketch)

The patterned paper is all My Minds Eye and I used a darling sticker from the stickerz collection at EAD Designs. It's been awhile since I have used one and I had forgotten how great and cute they are!

My layout took a path of it's own, but it is still based off the sketch. Those darn butterflies were calling me. It might be a little much, but the girls love it and that's what truly matters. :)
(sketch link)

I used MME paper and stickers for most of it (LOVE their new collections!) and Pink Pasislee for the background. I also used some Maya Road Mist.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a beautiful day.

Kara, the USS Barry and Libya

2011-03-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

You have probably seen the images on TV of the first strikes against Libya. Well, our daughter, Kara, is aboard the USS Barry, which has been one of the iconic images you might have seen. Here it is:

It's an amazing photo, and I have to be honest here. When my parents called me to tell me that the USS Barry was being shown on TV after they fired the first missle on Libya, my first reaction was to be excited. My girl is on that ship! The pride came first- quick and easy. I think my mom was shocked at my initial reaction. To me the thrill of the moment overcame all other emotions. It was the closest I have been to "seeing" my girl in a long time, and to see the ship on television makes her seem not so far away. Like I could just reach out and touch her.
It was only minutes later that the reality of the situation set in. Oh my gosh! My GIRL is there. On that ship. That just fired that missle. At Libya. She could have been one to have been on duty and have had to turn the key. What does this mean?! Is she OK. Not physically, but emotionally. I was worried about her state of mind, after all, my reaction was so vivid and I am not even physcially there. I could only imagine that she was experiencing some extremely mixed emotions. So the first thing I did was send her a quick email. I was relieved to have heard from her earlier this afternoon with this reply:

"Yeah, im fine. I watched them all launch last night. I have pictures and video. Its weird, because we were sitting there cheering it on and what not, but look at what we are really doing? You know? It was so weird. Exciting and at the same time terrifying. I cried here and there, not like bawling, but my eyes were watering at some points. Its scary. But so exciting. I don't know? But im fine."

I am sure this is going to affect her. I, myself, have broken into tears off and on. I am worried about her. And I am proud of her. She is doing her job. A very important job. She has never had to experience anything like this. I cannot even begin to imagine what it's like. As a mother, my heart aches for her. I want her to be home where she will be safe, and I can give her a huge hug, like I am sure she is in great need of. I almost feel guilty of enjoying the little things that she is not able to. She is living a big moment in history that will forever change life over there. She is a part of something huge. My GIRL is a part of this. I hope I am not trying to sound as if I am glorifying this tragic situation, because I am not. But as a mother I am proud and happy and excited about this experience for her. I am also fearful, and sad, and terribly worried for her and her safety. If you are the praying type, please say a prayer for all the service members over in the Mediterranean Sea. It's going to be a long haul and they need all the support they can get.

I will leave this with a photo of my sweet girl- or should I say my beautiful young woman.

one set of photos, two very different layouts

2011-03-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

I really like these photos of Ashlyn in her Halloween costume. They are fun and full of personality, yet at the same time show how pretty she is. So what is a scrapper to do? Of course you've gotta scrap them all! I also had two different ideas on how I wanted to create the "perfect" layout and so I ran with both of them.

Here is pretty traditional "me" style. I used a mix of papers from Crate Paper, MME and Echo Park.

And I wanted to create something a little more edgy to play off the fun in these pics, so I pulled out the white cardstock, glimmer mist and circle punches and went to town. I think this is my new favorite!

I used some paper scraps from Scenic Route, Pink Paislee, Echo Park, and Crate Paper.

I think I may have to do this more often. It's fun to mix it up, so to speak, and get extra creative. :)

Have a beautiful day!

Butterfly Crafts- March sketch challenge reveal

2011-03-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

The March sketch reveal at Butterfly Crafts is up. Head on over there to check out the beautiful layouts the team members created and to give the sketch a try. :)

My layout features supplies from Best Creations. The warm and subtle colors were perfect for this pretty picture of Emily in her Halloween costume. The colors are so pretty irl.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!

Proud momma post - and prayers for Japan

2011-03-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

I am at a loss for words with the tragedy in Japan. My heart hurts for all the poor people who are suffering, who have lost loved ones, who have lost everything, who are now living in fear. Words are not enough for them.

Our second oldest daughter Meghan, is currently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, just south of Tokyo. She is in the Navy on the USS Blue Ridge, an amphibious supply ship. Fortunately she was not on the island when they experienced the earthquake. She was safe and sound in Singapore where her ship had docked the day before. I knew not to be afraid for her when I heard about the earthquake, but I sure had a lot of people calling me to check on her. (My heart is carrying enough right now, I think God knew that.)

Here is the proud momma moment: Their ship has been sent to deliver much needed aid and supplies to the suffering of Nortern Japan. She may or may not directly have an impact, but she is going to be experiencing something that will alter her way of thinking. She is going to be doing something that most of us can only think about doing. She is going to see people who are truly suffering. She is going to see the anguish, the despair, the ultimate of destruction, and she is going to be able to say that she was a part of the healing process. That is pretty incredible, and I imagine that there are going to be moments that she will never be able to forget. The face of a stranger. The site of a building lying in ruin. Splinters of homes lying in a field. A jumble of nonsense. I pray this will be a moment of maturity for her. I don't want this to scare her, but I want it to awaken her. I want her to truly realize that she is witnessing something that is so horrific and to be able to appreciate the magnitude of the situation. (no pun intended) I want her to grow from this and become a better person- I hope she learns to care more, to love more, to find the good, to make every moment count. Things that one cannot fully teach their child.

May God bless Japan, and all those who come to her aid.

God Bless Our Home wall plaque

2011-03-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

This was originally going to be a gift for one of my Sister-in-Laws, however it's not really her style and I am going to attempt another for her. When I told her this, she told me it was fine for her, but I convinced her that she doesn't have pink or shabby in her home. She couldn't argue with that. :) I am going to list it on ebay and hopefully make a bit of money on it... anything will help with all the medical expenses we are racking up.

The Great news is that Ashlyn is gaining weight. She is 67 pounds now and on the 20th percentile on the growth chart. Higher than she has been in over two years. The goal is to get her up to the 25th and have her maintain it then they will remove the ng tube once this can happen. For now we have cut her nightly feeds down to about 11.5 hours. She is getting about 1750 calories via the tube feeds at night and we are trying the best we can to get her about 1000 calories in food intake daily. Not so easy when you have to avoid peanuts, tree nuts and sesame seeds. This places limits on snacks and we have to read labels for everything. It's shocking what actually contains peanuts, or is produced in a facility that uses nuts.
She started PT this week and begins counseling in about a week and a half. Still waiting for OT and ST. Baby steps.
We're doing aobut 3-4 hours of school each day now and slowly making progress there. Another bonus to doing virtual school- she is not losing anything by not attending school- she will still get to do all the work required for the grade level, as this is a 100% completion program. She will not complete 5th grade this year, We aren't even at the semester mark for many subjects, but we have until July 31st to complete as much as we can, so that is what we will do. She will have to start next year at 5th grade, then work a little harder to complete all of 6th as well. By then she'll be feeling stronger, and she is a determined and hard working young lady. I have faith that things will all work out. :) Extra patience will be needed on my part. lol

It's been raining here the past few days with a lot more in the forecast. Perfect weather to hunker down and scrap- which I have been doing slowly. Priorities first. ;)

two layouts

2011-03-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

I had some time to scrap this week so I made a couple of layouts. I haven't made a layout in months and as simple as these two layouts are, I found it difficult to put them together... I spent way too much time pushing paper, but once I just let go and did not overthink them, I found they came together quite nicely. :) I love it when that happens!

The first is a layout of Kara and Meghan and some pics from Chicago. This was the day after Meghan's graduation from boot camp and Kara was still in training at Great Lakes, so I got to spend the day with both of them (lucky me!). It was a special day for us because it was the first time in 5 months that the 3 of us had been together, and even more so it was one of the last days we were together... not sure when that will happen again... probaby years. :( At least we had a good time that weekend and I am thankful for this time together as brief as it was.

supplies: everything Crate Paper

This one is of Skylar- in her Bee costume. She's soooo darn cute and her personality really shines through in these photos. This girl has the gift to always bring a smile to my face. :) She is truly a blessing to me.

supplies:
cardstock: Bazzill
pp: Sass Lass, WRMK, and Love Elsie
chipboard: AC Thickers
flowers: Petaloo
bee cdie cut: October Afternoon
ribbon

many thanks card

2011-03-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

I found this cute little card sketch site this morning, Sassy Lil' Card Sketches. The sketches are really cute and I was definitely hit with some inspiration when I saw this weeks sketch. And, with a prize pack from Cosmo Cricket up for grabs... even more motivation! :)

Here is the sketch:

and here is my take on it:

supplies:

cardstock: Bazzill

pp: Crate Paper

ribbon and fabric strips from my stash

rubon: DCWV

chipboard flower: Lily Bee

I am drawn to the color yellow lately... it really makes my heart happy. The pink and blue on this are also among my favs. I am thrilled with how this turned out- thanks for the great sketch inspiration! :)

Some Valentine's Day projects- and more

2011-03-01T07:12:00.000-08:00

March already! I am finally getting around to posting these projects I made for Ashlyn, Skylar, and Emily for Valentine's Day. The last few weeks have been crazy and it's taken me a few days to settle down.
I used some frosting containers and papers from WRMK. Also used are stickers from Pink Paislee, Momenta, Bees from Petaloo, brads and ribbon.

Ashlyn's set:

Skylar's set:

Emily's set:

As some of you know, Ashlyn has been ill off and on for years now. Many of her doctors have suspected something autoimmune, but nothing has really presented itself, and it could take years to diagnose this if indeed she truly has something autoimmune. She had a REALLY GOOD streak of feeling well back in the end of September through November, only to take a decline a few weeks before Christmas. She was just getting one viral thing after another and just feeling, and looking horrible. Then toward the end of January she started to bounce back, only to be knocked down by a terrible allergic reaction to peanut butter. This sent her body over the edge and she slowly began to decline dramatically. It got to the point where in a 3 week period she lost 5 pounds, and being that she is 11 and was down to 53 pounds and was unable to walk, had a fever a rash and all over pain, this prompted emergency action. She was admitted to our local children't hospital on Thursday morning, Feb. 17, was given an NG tube and kept there for 9 days. They figure the fever and rash were caused by a virus and everything else because her body wasn't receiving enough nutrients, although fortunately her levels were still in great shape. They were unable to pinpoint exactly what happened, but they did rule out anything cancerous or neurological. We finally made it out Friday the 25th in the late evening. She was sent home with the NG tube and has had nothing but formula feeding via the feeding tube since. They are calling it "failure to thrive" something typically seen in infants and toddlers. She hasn't had much growth the past 2 years and this is a concern. She is doing wonderfully now! She's had a lot of PT and has been working hard and progressing quickly. She is up and walking, able to sit and do play games and work on school, things she hasn't been able to do for numerous weeks. She has a smile on her face and oh to hear her sweet laughter! What a blessing! Our girl is back and it's beautiful! She still has a recovery period, but she's strong and determined and will be successful.
the day after she was admited:

the day before she was dischared. HUGE difference!

Life is good! I'll be back soon- take care!
blessings, Rae

more projects for Ally Scraps

2011-02-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm back. Waiting for the TheraFlu to kick in, so I thought I would share the bottle set I created with the Echo Park Be Mine collection available at AllyScraps.

see ya!

It's been a long time... (and some GDT projects from AllyScraps!)

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wow. It sure has been a long time since I have been here. I miss it. I am going to make an effort to get back into this blog, even if I don't scrap as much as I used to, which is another thing I miss and am going to make an effort to get back into. :)

On that note, I was asked to be a guest designer for Ally Scraps this month. I was fortunate to have been on the DT twice now and being a guest designer is a honor.
I was given the Echo Park Be Mine collection to work with, which is beautiful! After having not scrapped in months, I sat down and created several cards and projects in just a matter of hours, literally. I was so worried that I wouldn't live up to my expectations, but I did. It is just like riding a bicycle, you just need to get your balance and you are off. heehee

Here are some cards:

and a candle:

OK, that's it for today. My head is splitting and I am going to lay down. I'll be back with more soon. :)
Take care,
Rae

Hop along with EAD Monday!

2010-07-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello out there! Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's Monday and that means it's blog hop time with EAD Designs. I am the first stop today. I have a card to share today featuring the Damask Background Stickerz as well as a sentiment from the Sentiments Vinyl Rub On sheet.

(the 'thanks' sentiment is a bit hard to see in this image, but it looks better irl.)

Your next stop is Val's super cute blog. I hope y'all applied to be a Vinyl geek! Good luck to all! :)

EAD Weekly Steal 7/23- it's gorgeous!

2010-07-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

This piece of vinyl is a stunner! Better get it before it's gone forever! :)

Don't forget about the DT call, which ends in two days! Check it out here on the blog.

News in my little corner of the world.... Meghan arrived safely in Chicago. In some ways it was easier than sending Kara off, but I still have a huge piece of my heart missing. They left 5 months apart, which still astonishes me. The dynamics of our home has been overturned twice in such a short period of time. I haven't stopped missing Kara, but it does get a bit easier once we can have contact. The Navy has two very special women in their fleet and I hope they know it! hahahaha
Kenny's surgery went well. he actually came home from the hospital yesterday, 2 days earlier than expected. He's in a lot of pain, but it's more surgery pain, not like before. He's been up walking a bit and is doing well. His recovery is going to be about a year, and he'll have to re-train himself to walk differently since he's been overcompensating for the pain for years now, but I am sure he'll be feeling like a new man soon. It sure beats suffering through the work day and then coming home to spend all his downtime in bed. This is how it's been for months now, and it's no way to live.
As for me, I have a new job as of yesterday. Hobby Lobby is coming to WA, and I just happened to get hired to work in the scrapbooking area! I am excited... not so much that it's another retail job, because I really want to get something better, but I do not have any formal training in anything so until I can get off to College, which I hope to start sometime this year. The hours are what attract me the most. Closed Sundays! Wohoo! A day that I will be able to spend with my family! It's been hard not having a weekend day off for over a year where we are all together. I never got a Sunday off at Target, except for the 3 I requested off. HL also closes at 8PM, which isn't all that bad. It beats closing at 10PM and then staying until 11 or so, and even later once the holiday season kicks in. I can handle getting off work even as late as 9, but it's anything after that that wears me down.
My rambling is over... I am exhausted emotionally, but have a new sense of energy and am feeling good about things for the first time in months. It's been a rough year for us and I hope this is the beginning of good things. At least I know that the three precious girls we have left in our house will not be flying the nest for several years. Maybe by the time Emily is ready to fly, my heart will have healed a bit from this year. ;)

Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

EAD Blog Hop Monday- heart you card

2010-07-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's Monday and that means it's time for the EAD weekly blog hop.You might have found your way here via Jenn's wonderful blog, if not be sure to head on over to the EAD Blog to get the order and to check out all the wonderful creations from the team.

I made a card using a few of the My Family Vinyl Rub-ons, and a scroll from the Funky Frames Stickerz.

I am your last visit on the hop today, so head on back to the EAD blog for your chance to win a set of the new Little Red Stickerz!

oh, and don't forget about the DT call as well as the Color Challenge, which you can access from the sidebar on the EADBlog.

Have a beautiful week. It's going to be a busy one here. Meghan leaves for Navy boot camp on Wednesday and my dh, Kenny, is having back surgery on the same day. I cannot believe that I am sending another girl off to the Navy... it's only been 5 months since Kara left. I am so very proud, but Kleenex is loving us. lol

Shut up! and other fun EAD news

2010-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

EAD is now available for purchase at Paper Maniac! How cool is that? I must admit that I have not heard of them before, but after checking out the site and goodies in the store, I foresee a shopping trip in the near future!

I made a card using bits and pieces from three sets of Stickerz. The strip uses the Damask Background, and the sentiments are from the Yippee Sentiments and the Saying Hello Sentiments.

EAD Blog Hop Monday- jump layout

2010-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Howdy! :) It's Monday and that means it's time for the EAD weekly blog hop.You might have found your way here via Jenn's amazing blog, if not be sure to head on over to the EAD Blog to get the order and to check out all the wonderful creations from the team.

As soon as I saw these adorable Robot Buddies Stickerz, I immediately knew that I had to use them on a layout with these pics of the girls jumping. I really like it when inspiration strikes so effortlessly, which is usually the case with any of the fantastic EAD products I have used.

supplies- pp and die cut flowers: Crate Paper. EAD Designs Stickerz, Basic Grey Chipboard, Maya Mists, white cardstock

Please leave a comment and then head on over to Val's awesome blog to check out her wonderful work for the hop.

who loves ya card- EAD Stickerz

2010-07-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today I have an easy way to customize a pre-made card using EAD Stickerz. I picked up this cute set of owl cards in the dollar spot at Target the other day and I knew immediately that I wanted to add a sentiment from EAD to finish it off.
To do so, I simply glued a piece of DMC Floss to the card to give something for the owl to hold. I then adhered a sentiment from the hoot a Licious Stickerz set to cardstock, cut around each letter and then adhered each letter to the floss to create a banner effect. I also adhered an epoxy button to give a little extra pop. 15 minutes top, and most of that was cutting around each letter.

How would you like a chance to be on the most amazing DT ever?! EAD is having a DT call. Here are all the details. :)

Have a beautiful day! Tomorrow is the EAD Blog Hop, so be sure to come back and see what the DT has been working on this week. I also have several more cards to share this week featuring the oh-so-fabulous Stickerz.

EAD Blog Hop Monday

2010-07-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello! :) EAD is constantly evolving, and we are going to start doing a blog hop each Monday instead of just once a month, There are also some more fun and exciting changes coming soon, so please stay informed by visiting the EAD blog.

The theme for July is red, white, and blue and I have a project to share that incorporates the new Stickerz as well as a fabulous BlockArt piece. The Stickerz are so easy to add the perfect finishing details to. I applied them to patterned paper, trimmed to shape and then added glitter glue and puff paint to add some pizzazz. I even adhered the flag to a toothpick to give it some added dimension. This piece can be displayed year round, so don't be afraid to grab some seasonal EAD Vinyl and see what you can create.

supplies: EAD Freedom Block and the Patriot Stickerz set.

pp: Scenic Route and Pink Paislee

die cut: Scenic Route

glitter glue, Stickles and Puff Paint

metal barn star

You might have come to my blog via Jenn's amazing blog, if not be sure to head on over to the EAD Blog to complete the entire hop to be entered to win a fun prize. We also have a guest designer this month, the wonderful Beatriz.
Please leave a comment and then head on over to Val's fabulous blog to check out her wonderful work for the hop.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a beautiful week! :)

July Lucky Girl Crafts Kit release blog hop day two

2010-07-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

it's day 2 of the Lucky Girl Crafts Kit July release blog hop and I have a layout and a card to share with you today.

Full kit details and purchasing information is available by visiting our store at www.luckygirlcrafts.com

Lucky Girl kits are jam-packed with a wide array of coordinating patterned papers, cardstock, stickers, rub-ons, ribbons & embellishments from your favorite manufacturers like Pink Paislee, My Mind's Eye, Jenni Bowlin, Tim Holtz, Echo Park Paper, Girls Paperie, Prima and more...

Lucky Girl monthly kits are a great value at only $30/month + shipping. Annual subscriptions will be offered for $28/month + shipping. Shipping is available world-wide, so no matter where you are, you can be a Lucky Girl!

You can check out each new Lucky Girl kit beginning the 25th of each month. Our amazing design team will host monthly Blog Parties running the 1-3 of each month showcasing ideas for each kit - that way, both beginning and experienced scrappers will have plenty of fresh, new ideas with each kit.
Start the Blog Party at the Lucky Girl Crafts blog by clicking here.
Each day of the Blog Party, our incredibly talented, amazingly awesome design team will be posting a new project for you that was created with the July kit – Summer Vacation! Oh, and did I mention that each Lucky Girl has PRIZES to give away, with a GRAND PRIZE on the main blog?

Find artwork & inspiration for our latest kit, Summer Vacation, by following the party to these amazing designers…

Jessica

Raechelle

Kim

Who wants some CANDY?! Follow these simple steps to win a surprise Lucky Girl goody bag featuring an assortment of scrappy awesomeness!

How to win my Blog Party Candy:
1) Earn 5 entries for purchasing a Lucky Girl Kit. Earn 15 entries for purchasing an annual subscription!
2) Share the details of the Lucky Girl Crafts Blog Party on your blog, Twitter, Facebook or MySpace account with a link back here. Post a comment here with a link to your shared post.
3) Sign up as a follower - if you happen to be inspired by my work! - for an extra entry.
4) Post a comment here with... FILL IN THE BLANKS... I'd prefer each of us have a different question for this last one...

The BLOG PARTY runs Thursday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4. Winners will be announced the week of July 5 with five days to claim your prize!

Visit us again tomorrow for more scrappy inspiration and more chances to WIN!

July Lucky Girl Crafts Kit release blog hop day one

2010-07-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's July 1st and this is the first day of the Lucky Girl Crafts blog hop. This kit is full of energy with the vibrant reds, cool blues and a punch of yellow.

Here is a layout I created using this beautiful kit.

Full kit details and purchasing information is available by visiting our store at www.luckygirlcrafts.com

Jessica

Raechelle

Kim

best wishes, good luck and Skye got her braces off!

2010-06-24T07:10:00.000-07:00

Finally, after three years, two months and a handful of days, Skylar got her braces off! She looks so pretty, but I have to admit I miss her tin grin... it was just so much a part of her personality. She's such a nut and the braces played into that so much. I just need to get used to seeing her with her "new" look. :)

Onto scrappy stuff... I made this card using two sets of EAD Stickerz; Saying Hello Sentiments and Rainy Day. I used a Zig marker to color in the flowers.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day!

My May Momenta projects

2010-06-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

*blush* I could have sworn I posted these, but I guess not. Better late than never, right? Here are my May projects from Momenta.

The chipboard and epoxy stickers are fabulous!!!

June EAD Blog Hop

2010-06-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's time for te monthly EAD Blog hop! One of my favorite times of the month. :) This month we are doing it a bit differently, we are going to try to do it in an actual "blog hop" fashion. You should be coming my way via Valerie's blog. If not, head on over to the EAD Blog and start out there. :)

My project is a(nother) banner using the darling Silly Owls Rub-ons. I just adore this set and had to use it again.

supplies:

pp: the girls' paperie by Margie and Prima

flowers: Prima

twine

EAD vinyl rub ons

ink

brads: MM and ?

Your next stop is the fabulous Jenny!

Be sure to leave a comment on each designers blog as well as the EAD blog for your chance to win this adorable Woodland Friends Cling-It.

Thanks for stopping by!

Proud Hug layout and Flag Day living flag story

2010-06-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

I just love this photo of Meghan and Skye. They are very close and it's very sweet. These Thrift Shop papers from October Afternoon are gorgeous and were perfect for this.

In honor of Flag Day, Kara was involved with a project at the Naval Station in Great Lakes, IL. They recreated a living flag that was originally done in November 1917. Everyone has been practicing several hours a day preparing for this. She said it was really boring to stand for hours at a time, but the end result was well worth it. She was a part of History and that is pretty darn cool if you ask me. She only knows that she was a stripe (I am pretty sure she said a dark stripe) and is by a star. Maybe she'll be able to give me more info now that she has a clear head. (In addition to doing this for several hours a day she had a big test she was studying for, which she passed.Yay!) Here is a link to the full story if anyone is interested in reading about it. http://www.dailyherald.com/story/print/?id=387863

this is the image from today:

this is the original image:

Our newest Grad!

2010-06-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

Meghan graduated from High School yesterday. She looks so beautiful and happy and we are so proud of her!!! We had a nice family celebration for her and all in all it was a wonderful day full of great memories.

(My wonderful SIL Jessica took this photo.)

We actually got to sit really close to her which was awesome! I wish we would have been able to be this close to Kara when she was graduating, but we are at the Spokane Arena, which is huge... Meghan's was held at the McCarthy Center at Gonzaga which was much smaller and more intimate. Skye took this photos and this is one of my favorites.

Her next step is Navy Boot Camp. She is leaving July 21st. I know I had posted early last week that it had been moved up, however that has since been changed again. *eyeroll* That's the government for you. lol Oh well, we will enjoy having her here with us as long as we can.

hello card

2010-06-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

I made this card using Stickerz from the Saying Hello Sentiments and the Funky Frames set.

If you haven't been to the store in awhile, you've gotta go check it out. Fabulous new stuff is being added all the time!

It's a bittersweet week around here. Meghan graduates from High School on Saturday (You go girl!). However, we found out yesterday that she is being shipped out to Navy Boot Camp about 5 weeks earlier than expected. She was set to leave on July 22nd, but she is now leaving on June 18th. In a little over a week. *gulp* *sniff* We had a nice cry fest before I headed off to work last night. lol

My heart still hasn't adjusted to Kara being gone and now we are sending another bird out into the world. Two of our precious girls leaving home within months of each other, having a child at war, and having an ill child makes my heart feel like lead some days. I am just thankful that I am a strong woman and can see the big picture. It's going to be extra quiet around here with just the 3 birds we have left. I told them last night that I am grateful that we still have years before they leave. :)

day by day... sometimes even hour by hour. One of the most important lessons I have learned in life. It's what keeps me going. That and coffee. lol

The sun has decided to grace us with her full presence today. It's been a very unseasonably cool, rainy and sunless Spring around here. I think I might take Ashlyn outside and work on schoolwork under one of our beautiful Maple trees if she's feeling up to it. Too bad I have to work tonight. lol Have a beautiful day!

Sunshine and Flutterbug wishes

2010-06-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here is another card I made using the fantastic Stickerz from EAD. I used the Fluttering Blooms Color Stickerz sheet for this card. This set also comes without color so you can customize them.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a beautiful day. :)

Hogs and Kisses card

2010-06-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

This cute little piggy and phrase is from the Country farm Stickerz set. The fact that these Stickerz are repositionable made it perfect for me to try the pig out on several colors of cardstock until I found the one that I like best.

Head on over the EAD store to check out all the other wonderful Sticker sets... more are being added weekly.
Don't forget about the Color Challenge. Details here. :)

EAD Plum Shabby Color contest

2010-06-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

EAD is adding yet another fun idea... a challenge with new goodies. How cool is that?!

Our Very First Color Challenge...YAY

Plum Shabby

We thought it would be fun to design some

new products to match this months challenge.

Plum Shabby Stickerz Set

Chandelier

Damask Polka Dots

Ok let's get down to Business

Details:

Entries due by June 19th @ midnight

You can do anything from Home Decor, Scrapbooking,
Card making, or anything Crafty.

Everyone who plays along will receive a
25% Discount Coupon

And then we will have an outside judge pick a
grand winner to win a $20.00 Gift Certificate.

*Please note you do not have to use our products in the challenge

We cant wait to see all your FABULOUS creations.

To include your entry, please visit the EAD Blog.

EAD Designs weekly steal 6/4

2010-06-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

This design is whimiscal and pretty and best of all, on sale!

Hop on over to the EAD Blog for some new products.
I'll be back later with some cards to share. :)

Lucky Girl Crafts Kit Debut day 3

2010-06-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's the last day of the blog hop for the debut of Lucky Girl Crafts. How are you liking the kit and the wonderful projects the team has created? Leave me a comment and let me know for your chance to win a small RAK. I will be drawing a name on Friday.
Here is my final project from the kit. I did add some blue Glimmer Mist to tone the white background down a bit. I think it pulled everything together nicely. I have scrapped this photo before, but it worked well for the colors in this yummy kit.

For a chance to win some more RAK's as well as see what the other ladies did with the fabulous kit, please stop by their blogs:
Jessica
Kim
and Sarabeth

Thanks for visiting! Have a wonderful day!