My sweet baby

As I was going through pictures, I realized that although the last 2 years are almost done/caught up, Brendan's first year album has a lot of gaps. I'm going to have to devote some time to getting that one caught up. It probably won't be as organized as Austin's, since I kept up with his as I went, but I can definitely stand to put more pages in it!

Here's a layout I started the other night and finally glued down today. It's a mish-mash of product--part of my use up my stash goal. The solid papers are CTMH (except texture blue it's DCWV), the patterned paper I think came from Michael's or Joanns, and the accents are TLC. This was a little outside my comfort zone because I have a hard time with that much white. Part of me really wanted to go crazy and distress it. I decided that that would take the tranquility away from the page though, so I didn't. Don't all those sleepy pictures make you want to take a nap?!

Here's a card I made a few nights ago--actually the same night I started the layout. It uses CTMH's Sarsaparilla papers and Delightful alphabet. I don't have any "cowboy" stamps, so I had to improvise. I love the way it turned out.

Sorry I haven't posted much the last few days. I woke up Monday morning with a horrendous headache and sore throat. It got worse and by last night I sucked it up and went over to Urgent Care. I was worried it might be strep since I didn't really have any cold symptoms--I just couldn't swallow and had pain that radiated all the way up into my ear. They told me that is looked like it was caused by allergies and might be the beginning of a sinus infection and said if it wasn't better by Saturday, they'd give me antibiotics. Guess what? I woke up this morning feeling 100 times better. My throat still hurts a little, but I have my energy back and I feel better. Too bad I wasted the $20 on a co-pay. Could have bought more stamps--LOL

Anyway, now I'm just kicking it into gear trying to get ready for my open house on Friday. I have a lot of artwork finished, but want to get a few more things made. Went shopping today and bought a few decorations--still need to find cute western plates and napkins, so I guess I'll be hitting the party store tomorrow (already been to the $1 store, Target and Walmart). I did get a great deal on some fabric ($1/yard). I'm going to use that for tablecloths and accents.

We still haven't heard a final verdict on the move yet, but I mailed in my application to the district I used to work for in Idaho--fingers crossed. Hopefully, Mike will find out for sure before I go for an interview. I wasn't sure I was ready to go back to work, but getting everything ready to send in, I got really excited. I am really looking forward to going back to teaching. I was reminded of all the things I loved about it when I taught in Idaho before. Should be fun! Mike is excited too. He was talking about all the things we'll be able to afford to do with two incomes. I didn't realize he thought we'd been missing so much. I guess I've just been so spoiled being home I didn't notice :)

Well I'd better sign off and get something accomplished. I may be back later. I have some cute video I took of the boys today, but I have no idea how to get it from my phone to my blog.

Cards and a notepad holder

I made a couple of these notepad holders the other day. I don't know who I originally got the idea from, but it was someone on the CTMH BB. I made this one for my mom. I still need to stamp the notepad. I made another with the new Blue Ribbon papers, but I need to finish the title before I post.

Here's a card I was playing with last night. I've seen so many of these around, I had to try one. The pattern can be found on the Splitcoast Stampers site. I used the new Boom-Di-Ada Creative Basics papers.

This is a card I made for my sister. It matches the album I made for her here. I used my Bellas and SEI papers. Inside it says, "make the best friends".

Update

Well the update is, nothing has changed--LOL! Ok, Mike had his conference call, but it was actually an interview, so hopefully we will know absolutely for certain sometime next week. At this point Mike is 85-90% sure we are moving to Idaho in June. I'm trying hard not to be excited until we have a date he's to start there. However, I am moving ahead with applying for a job and we'll take the rest as it comes.

Two more cards

Here's the final two cards for my "found object" workshop.

This one uses bubble wrap for the background. I just inked up a piece of bubble wrap slightly bigger than my paper and pressed it onto the paper. I did Moonstruck on Moonstruck, but it looks great on white too. I used watercolor pencils and a waterbrush for the image.

This one I used the drywall tape for the background. I covered the white piece with tape and brayered Crystal Blue over the top. Then I removed the tape to get the design. The flower and center are pop-dotted. It's hard to tell in the image.

Cards, a fun surprise and another sleepy boy

I'm sorry, I never got back on here last night. We ended up going out to dinner and got home just in time to catch the last half of Idol and then Hell's Kitchen and then I went to bed. Funny story. The other day--Austin, my six year old, out of nowhere says,

"You know that bad name show?"

"Which show?"

In a whisper "Hell's Kitchen"

"Yes, what about it?"

"It's supposed to be cooking, but all they ever do is yell and say bad words!"

Very perceptive little boy. The week before he had asked why it kept beeping and covering their mouths. This is the first season we've watched the show, and usually the kids aren't paying much attention, but maybe more than I thought. Especially since Brendan's new favorite phrase is "SHUT IT DOWN!"

Anyway, back to the cards. Sadly, I'm still missing two cards, but here's the first two (I made several rejects I won't subject you to). I am teaching using "found objects". This first card I used one of the boys' toy cars for the background. I just inked it up and rolled it across the page.

A big thanks to my friend, Brandy, for loaning me the stamps. I didn't have anything that matched the dirt tracks I created.

This next card uses drywall tape (the white on the side). I will be making another where we actually ink the background using the drywall tape. The last card we do will use bubble wrap. Fun!

I was so excited to find this package in my mailbox from my secret sister Jane. Wowie is all I can say! So many fun things! I can't wait to play. Plus bunches of images I don't have. Thank you Jane, and yes, it was definitely worth waiting for :)

One final thought this morning. I took this picture of Brendan a couple days ago. He asked me to put on Curious George, then decided to play Wii instead, but five minutes later, I came out to him sleeping on the floor. Remote on one side and Wii controller on the other. Doesn't look comfortable to me, but it sure brings a smile to my face.

Ok, now I'm off to go finish cards and clean house, all while *trying* not to think about Mike's big conference call at 1:00. I can't believe I'm so stressed and nervous. Partly because what we've wanted for five years and I get so excited about it actually happening and partly because if it does, it means big changes to our life. Saying goodbye to friends, trying to get the house fixed up and ready to rent out (not selling in this market), actually packing up and moving, me finding a job, finding a house. I get stressed out just thinking about it. And if we don't get it, knowing that this might be our only attempt to get to Boise and how sad it would be. Trying to let it go and I know in my heart that whatever happens was meant to be and part of a bigger plan that we can't see. I'll be back later when I know more.

Tomorrow is the day!

Everyone, please think good thoughts/pray for us. Tomorrow Mike has a conference call with the District Director over the Seattle District and the Regional Director over the whole west. We should know tomorrow whether or not his transfer to Boise, Idaho will happen. As sad as I will be to leave the wonderful friends and family we have here in California, this is something we have wanted since we left Boise 5 years ago. We really feel it's where we want to raise our kids and it doesn't hurt that my mom, stepdad and brother are there. Ok, technically, that's McCall, Idaho in the picture, but it's the closest thing I have loaded on the computer--LOL!

I am so excited, nervous and restless, I don't know how I'll get anything done in the meantime. However, I will have to because I am teaching a class here tomorrow night and I have to figure out the cards we will be making (nothing like waiting until the last minute. I will be back to post the cards later.

Photo Challenge and Card fun

Here's my entry for Jenn's photo challenge. The prompt was "snooze" This picture just cracked me up because I came out and found these two like this. Austin was playing Wii and Brendan cuddled up next to him and zonked out. For those that are wondering, that is a Weinermobile they are sleeping on. Oddly enough I got it as a gift for my college graduation from one of my mom's friends. My sister and I got matching ones. One of the more funny gifts I received. My kids love it.

I couldn't resist one more. This is Brendan at Austin's birthday party. Poor kid was sick, so he spent most of it sleeping :(

On Friday, I opened up my mailbox to find this fabulous Riley card from Sparkle. Inside were a few more Riley images. Too fun. She sure knows how to brighten my day. And her creative cards are always so GORGEOUS! Thanks!

I hosted a crop Friday night and did a whole lot more gabbing than creating (no surprise there). I did get this Bella card made for my cousin Kimberly. It's a little late, since her birthday was on the 7th--oops :0 The papers and monogram are SEI. I did get a layout done too, but it needs a little more embellishing. I'll post it when I get it finished.

I know I promised some blog candy. I'm working on something fun, so stay tuned :)

A little change never hurts

I changed my colors a little--the pink was starting to get to me--LOL! Soon I want to totally revamp the look, but right now I don't have the time (or the know how) to do what I want, so I'll have to be satisfied with changing up the color :) I find the green a lot more soothing and easier on the eyes.

Father's Day Card

A little early, I know. This card is for a SOTM swap I participate in. It uses May's Say It In Style stamps and Guy Thing paper. I have the hardest time coming up with masculine cards. I think my problem is embellishing. Anyway, I do like the way it came out--even though it took forever to punch and sand all the circles. And hey, I'm happy that I've got the cards done and ready to mail.

I'm looking forward to the crop I'm hosting tomorrow night. I'm hoping to actually sit and make some cards and maybe a couple pages. Depends on how organized I am tomorrow. If you're local, I still have some spots open, so feel free to bring your projects over :)

A wonderfully productive day

Yesterday I had my downlines (and friends) come over for a creative day. I had a few projects from the new idea book and then we scrapped. I was able to get a few layouts done and couldn't be happier. It's so much more fun scrapping with friends. Even though the darn kids had us getting up every few minutes :)

Here's a few from the Magic Moments kits--this kit is so great.

I started this one a few days ago and finally finished it last night. Can you tell I like these new Sarsparilla papers?!

This was a layout I did back in February at CTMH's Regional Conference and I finally got around to putting pictures on it.

A sneak peek of my latest projects

One of the fabulous new items in the upcoming CTMH Idea Book is the 6X6 Display album. Inside it has 12 page protectors, so 24 pages. I made this one to use for our family reunion this summer. We're all going to Utah in July, so I thought the papers would be perfect! Doesn't hurt to plan ahead :) It took me a good portion of the day yesterday, but I love the way it turned out. Here's the cover, you'll have to wait to see the inside..heehee. I haven't decided yet if I'll do a workshop with this yet. I think I will though--it's a neat book.

Here's a layout using the same papers. These are the rest of the pics from Knott's two years ago. I still need to do the journaling.

WOW! 10,000 Hits

That's a big number! I want to thank all of you who read my blog. I feel so blessed when I read the wonderful comments you leave. Be on the lookout this week for some blog candy--I want to plan something fun.

In the meantime, here's a layout I finished yesterday with a sneak peek at CTMH's new Sarsparilla papers. I knew there was a reason that I'd had these pictures sitting around so long--they match this paper PERFECTLY! These were taken two summers ago on a trip to Knott's Berry Farm. My uncle works there and arranged for us to have a behind the scenes tour of the roundhouse. It was great!

I was hoping to get more done yesterday, but we went to the Home and Garden show all afternoon and then last night discovered we had a Starz free preview. Normally, I can create while watching movies, but I got so into Deja Vu with Denzel Washington, that I didn't get anything done. Hopefully today. I have my downline coming over on Tuesday for a fun creative day and I want to have lots to share :)

Scared to get gas...

My Piggy Bank After Filling Up With Gas


I saw this on my SBS sister Jane's blog and had to share because I almost spewed tea all over my screen when I saw it. It cost me $70 to fill up my van the last time, so I can definitely relate.

I'm hoping to be back later with some artwork (fingers crossed). We're also heading out to the Home and Garden show today with hopes of getting some ideas/deals for our backyard. Moving or not, something needs to be done with it. I'm tired of looking at dirt and even more tired of the boys getting dirty and muddy every time they go out there.

For My Sis, Leslie--A 9x9 Album

My sister asked me to help her come up with a mini album she could make for her bridesmaids to showcase her wedding photos. Here's what I came up with. Papers are CTMH's Silhouette with Cranberry accent.

Front and back cover

Here's my sis as a beautiful bride :) I think these papers match her wedding colors so perfectly!

First Two Magic Moments Layouts

For Sparkle, and anyone else who was worried about lack of artwork for the next few weeks, I didn't say I wouldn't share ANYTHING. I'm just keeping my projects with new products to myself--LOL!

I started in on my Magic Moments kit last night. This kit is fantastic. It comes with 12 premade 2 page layouts, plus My Stickease and ribbon and brads for embellishing. It is designed to be a year album--a two page layout for each month. I think it would make cute calendars too. I'm just using mine for random pictures and the finished pages will probably go into different albums. The reason? Well, don't throw anything at me here, but 2006 and 2007 are almost done so I don't have enough pics left to do monthly pages. I could do it for 2008, but I want it completed to show customers. Plus, my snow pictures are in March, not January :)

Snow Layout

Little Moments--this layout has been in my head for a while now. Every time I hear this song I have to laugh because we could have written. Everything in the song has happened to us. Gotta love Brad Paisley. The layout didn't turn out exactly how I pictured it in my head (too many pieces with lyrics, stories and pictures), but it makes me smile. Mike liked it because his truck is in it. Little backstory--that truck was his pride and joy during our college years. Sadly, we were in a bad accident that totalled the truck. But we walked away with only bruises, so it will always have a place in our hearts.

SEI Accordion Album--Lots of pics

Side One:

Side 2:

Still missing a Disneyland picture in that black spot

For over a year now I've belonged to Club SEI. I signed up for the Mega-kit, so every other month I get a huge stash of goodies. I love it because they send you the paper packs and all the coordinating embellishments, stickers and die cuts. Usually there's a mini album or card kit too. When I saw this month's Dill Blossom kit and mini-album, I knew it would be perfect for pictures of my sister with the boys. She's always taking us fun places. Her birthday was last month, but I still haven't seen her to give her her gifts, so this will be a fun addition. And Sos, if you're reading this, SURPRISE--LOL. To let you know what a great deal it is, I didn't even use any of the 12x12 paper pack that came in the kit. It included a stack of 4.5 x 6.5 paper for the album--how great is that?!

I don't know how much artwork I'll be sharing in the next couple weeks. I just got my fabulous new goodies from CTMH and will be very busy creating with them. I will probably hold off on sharing most of the artwork until AFTER my open house on May 2nd. I want the people in attendance to be the first to see my new projects. If you're local, make sure you plan to stop by May 2nd between 2:30 and 7:00 pm. Yeehaw!

I will post my completed CTMH Magic Moments Kit as soon as I finish. This National Scrapbook promotion is the best one CTMH has ever had! Here's a sneak peek:

Another June SOTM Card

I love this set!

Sneak Peek--May/June Stamp of the Months

I am having fun playing with my new stamps. May's stamp set is a fabulous word set with 40 sentiments. June's is a beautiful set of flowers and vase. Colors used are Clover Meadow, Hydrangea, and Bubblegum. I also got to use my new cuttlebug scallop die.

The sketch is one my SBS4 Sister Diana posted for a challenge this week.

A New journey...

toward a healthy life. I am so proud of my husband. Every day after work he hits the gym. He is in such great shape now, while I feel like a bump on a log. I am not seriously overweight, but in recent years, it has become more of a struggle. I used to be one of those hated people who could eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight. Since Brendan's birth almost 3 years ago, that has not been the case. I am two, sometimes 3 sizes bigger than I was after having Austin. What worries me though is that I'm just not very healthy. With cancer and heart disease both running in my family, I realize it's time to get off my duff and do something about it.

It used to come so naturally BC (before children), Mike and I rode our bikes to our college classes and spent free time riding bikes, roller blading and working out. Even after I had Austin, I joined a workout club at the school I taught at and was probably in the best shape of my life. I need to get back to that and set a healthy example for my kiddos.

We eat fairly healthy, mostly chicken. I do need to eat more fruits and veggies and less dessert. However my biggest problem is lack of exercise. I can't seem to stick with anything for more than a week or so. I start finding excuses. I don't bother with a gym, because let's face it, I won't go. I'd either have to go around 7 at night when Mike's home or drag the kids with me. Yep, I know how long that would last. So I try to workout at home. I tried yoga and Billy Blanks Boot Camp, but both were an hour long, and I just can't seem to find an hour each day. And if I aim for 3-4 days/week it becomes 2 then one then not at all.

Anyway, no more excuses. I just bought Jillian Michaels' (from the Biggest Loser) 30 Day Shred DVD. It's only 20 minutes. I think I can commit to giving up 20 minutes each day to work out. I started today and boy did I realize how out of shape I am. I could barely do the level 1. They say 21 days to build a habit, so here I go :)

Thanks for bearing with me. I figure if I put it out here for my blogger friends, it might be more incentive to stick with it!

April Word Puzzle and July SOTM

Here are the rest of the cards for my April Word Puzzle Club. The bottom card I lifted from another consultant, Heather Holbrook. She did a similar card in Cranberry and Honey. I had to try it! I loved it with the bright summer colors too. These word puzzle sets are so much fun! I'm excited about the new ones in the summer catalog too! They are so versatile.

This new stamp set is July's Stamp of the Month and I am so in love with these critters. Here's a couple of cards, simple and quick. I used my Cuttlebug for the background.

And for this little guy, I used CTMH Expedition papers. My boys are just loving the googly eyes on these animals. They keep grabbing the cards and cracking up.

A Fringed Billy Idol Shirt?!

That got your attention didn't it?! I'm hosting our bunco group this week and decided we needed to do an 80's theme. While looking for my Cabbage Patch Kids, I came across this shirt.

I don't even remember wearing it, but I sure gave Mike a good laugh when he came home and I was wearing that with my side-pony, rolled jeans and 2 pairs of socks--in different colors of course!


Now for some artwork. These are some of the projects for my monthly Word Puzzle Club.

Calendar page

Matching layout page

One of the cards. I stole the background for the bird from Nona's card here.