Sketch #3

Took some photos this weekend of my favorite little girl and our dog, Maggie, playing together. Decided that I would use a sketch that I had created a few months back. Here is my Sketch #3:



Just a note, this sketch is for your personal use only and not to be used for submissions of any kind. Thank you!

My mid-life crisis!!

I've always tinkered with the idea of being a redhead ever since Butch mentioned it a few years back. I would pick the stuff up in the store, walk around looking at other things for a bit, and always return it to its rightful spot in the store. Yep, I was a bit on the chicken side, but that's a HUGE change to undertake. You know how life is, you get distracted with other 'stuff' and you let it slide.

I think what has had me thinking about my hair color more and more is the description that some pooh-pooh customer had when she/he complained about something I did/said/didn't give it to them for free ...... who the hell knows! Anyways, that description was "the older lady with the long gray hair and glasses"!! I just about DIED!! WOW! Somebody thinks I should just pull out my cane and forever sit in my rocking chair until my day to meet Our Maker comes!! At least that's what my brain was telling me. I was pissed, and then hurt, and then decided I MUST do something about that. =) Nope, I refuse to let anyone keep this "old lady blah, blah, blah" down for long!

So, alas, I went from this........


..... to this!! Short & sassy!!! Oh, and Butch says to add spicey in there, too!! I love it and think its even put a bounce in my step. =)

It's A GIRL!!

I guess we need to really listen to what the little ones around of us have to say. The only one who had it right was Makayla. She kept telling us the new baby was a girl, but we all insisted it was a boy. She was so stoked when the ultra sound technician announced it was a girl! Her eyes widened and she produced the BIGGEST grin ever on her face! So, now we can get down to the business of painting their room in our home. I told Makayla we needed to wait until we knew, so now that we do, it's PINK thru and thru!! Two tone pink for the walls, pink picture frames, pink boxes for their toys, pink this and pink that! Almost sounds like a Dr. Suess rhyme! =)

Welcome to the family, Ruby Jane, can't wait to meet you!!!

AWESOME RAK!!

Been participating in one of the DT's challenges at Life Preserver's and won this AWESOME RAK from Sandra! OMGosh!! It's just gorgeous and I can't wait to start playing with it. All those pinks and feminine colors must be a sign, as we find out tomorrow the sex of our newest grandbaby!


Thanks again, Sandra!!

Another sketch!

Since I can't really do much right now, I started fussing with a sketch that I can use for my July 4th pics. And what better than to have a 4 pic sketch, with 4"x4" photos for that July 4th layout. Too clever, aren't I!?! Here it is:


I will have my sample layout up on July 5th or 6th. So, if you have time and would like to use my sketch, please do so and link it back here so it can be seen by all those who visit!

Just a note, this sketch is for your personal use only and not to be used for submissions of any kind. Thank you!

Makayla's 4th Birthday!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my pictures are being held hostage on my media card. I wonder how much I'll have to pay in ransom to get them back? If I can even find someone who can salvage them!

Thankfully, I did print some off this past week and here is one with her pink cowgirl boots and sitting pretty atop one of her favorite horses on the farm:


Can't believe this little one is already 4 and just getting so mature. Isn't there a way to slow down time, just so we can enjoy them a little bit longer in their innocent years? Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Oh, the things that happen.....

Well, I'm starting to feel like my ole self again, a bit on the "foggy" side but managing to get myself around just fine. Saturday we got rear ended while sitting at a stoplight and I ended up with an ambulance ride to the ER.

It started out being such a fun day, out to breakfast with the kids before heading off to Makayla's dance recital. She was such a Little Princess and did such a fabulous job. =) Ya know, I'd share some pics with ya, but it seems my media card is refusing to let me have any of them and gives me this nasty card read error! Just thankful other family members have some and they are willing to share!

So after the recital is over, Butch and I head out to visit a couple scrap stores where I pick up some CC Early Bird (ADORABLE!!), and a few sheets of the OA Road Map, again ADORABLE!! The colors on these papers are so bright and cheery, and can't wait to find just the right pics for them. =)

Once Butch makes a quick stop at his cigar shop, we head home. We were both thinking of how thirsty we were and that we should pull into one of the fast food places on our way home for a soda. WHAM!! We get nailed at the light! I jolted forward and it felt like someone hit me with something hard in the back of the head! Instant headache and thought I was gonna barf!

Here come the cops, a firetruck with the paramedics, an ambulance! All this commotion is going on while Butch is being occupied by the cops and I'm getting hoisted on a body board, strapped in so tight, and hauled away! Ambulance rides SUCK!! They are the bumpiest things ever! If I wasn't injured before, I was once I got out of that thing!

Yes, I'm fine, in a bit of a fog, still a bit sore, but this too shall pass. =)

Simply Obsessed July Kit!

I think I'm gonna be in scrapbook heaven next month with this bright and festive kit from Simply Obsessed! Features Basic Grey's Lime Rickey and its just too yummy!


Also anxiously awaiting the announcement of the new Design Team for SO and its bound to be a fantastic set of ladies. I just love their work and another big push for me to join this club. They are so interactive with the members and to me that's ever so important.

Back to waiting!

The Birthday Girl!

Last night we celebrated Nicole's 31st Birthday!


And after cake and ice cream.....


....they settled into a grueling game of Chutes & Ladders.....


......where Nicole came out the victor!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NICKIE!!!

Speaking of layouts......

Just want to share a few that I've done in the past few days. Makayla and I went on our weekly walk to the wetlands and she decided she wanted to play in the flowers that are so pretty this spring:


All of a sudden, Little Missy decided she has had enough, cops me an attitude and refuses to smile or even look at the camera. She puts this tub in front of her face and exclaims "no more picture!" Guess she told me!:


And I still can't believe this darling little one is turning 4 next week!! Not possible, just not possible!!

Life Preservers August Sneak Peeks!

How is a girl to choose?? They are all fabulous! Wish I could get a picture to post, but here's the link so you can check them out! So many choices - Bo Bunny Calypso with Basic Grey Lemonade Featured kit, Crate Paper Orbit Alternate kit, Marks Paper Company's English Garden Mini-kit, a new card kit with a selection of Collage Press' beautiful papers, and the Project kit is from Paper Trunk's Socalite with some darling flowers by Prima and sweet looking Say It With Pearls! Don't forget to check out the ribbon add-on and, woo-hoo, that stamp set is adorable!

Sneak Peeks!

I love that Von gives us a chance to get involved in the decision making process of which kits we'll receive AND especially that we get to see them so much earlier than other kit clubs!! And just wait till you see what Life Preserver's design team does with these papers!! Its MAGIC!!

Oh, BTW, wipe your chin, I can see you drooling! =)

Tootin' My Own Horn!!

Holy Snikies, look where I found myself this morning!!!

Scrappers Lifeline

And I even created my very first sketch for that layout!! Speaking of excited!! WOW WEEE!!!

National Donut Day!

Yep, it was! Dunkin Donuts was giving away free donuts to anyone who bought a drink, and Krispy Kreme was handing them out for the asking, no purchase necessary. It all started back in 1917 when the Salvation Army felt the soldiers in WWI needed a pick me up. It was established that the first friday in June would be National Donut Day.

And to honor the occasion, Makayla and I made donuts! Didn't want to take the 30 minute trip to and from Krispy Kreme, so we did this:



Maybe not the most perfectly shaped donuts you'll ever see, but it sure is a heap of yummy goodness!


And it looks like they passed the taste test, no complaints from these two! =)

Scrap time!

This past weekend, it was a hot one for us in the Pacific Northwest. Don't get me wrong, I definitely welcome the warmth of the sun, but I'm not a snake living in the Arizona desert either!

So, we went shopping for a couple super soaker type water guns and had a great time getting cooled off! Here is a layout of two of my favorite people having a blast with two photos that sum up the fun:


And a few more pics to share:



Thank goodness for patio doors!

Happy June!!

Wow! I can't believe this year is almost half over. And June is pretty full of special happenings for this particular family!

Let me see, Father's Day & Nicole's birthday are on the same day this year, and Makayla will turn four and wants a pony party for her birthday. She has mentioned that no boys are allowed, so Papa and Daddy have to sit this one out. FAT CHANCE!! She will also have her dance recital this month and I can't wait to see her all dressed up in her little tutu and being such a girly-girl! She does like her nail polish and lipsticks, but the majority of her playtime is outside in the dirt with the rest of the neighbor kids riding bikes and getting boo-boos. =)

We will also be getting into full swing with our fundraising for our Relay For Life team, "It's All Relative". We worked at a golf tournament and in return they gave us all the proceeds. It was a huge success, as we raised $705 for the American Cancer Society. This was our third year hostessing the tournament and each year it just keeps getting bigger and better!

And I'm suppose to be getting some scrapping done in the midst of all this?! We'll see!! Godspeed.

My 1st Sketch!

I've been participating in a crop at Simply Obsessed this month and one of the challenges was to create a sketch and then do a layout based on your sketch. I can't believe how easy it was! Created my sketch in Word using the shapes provided in the program:


And my layout! Here is Butch and Makayla on her third birthday last year. Since she's almost four now, I'd better get a move on, don't ya think!


Used the Cosmo Cricket Hello Sunshine collection. I wish I could take credit for that cool looking circle scroll combo, but it came in a kit that I've had sitting here for almost a year. OOPSIE!!

And once I get this Photomerge thing figured out on PSE7, I'll be scanning my layouts. Thought I had it down, but OH, NO!! Any pointers for this not so savy user?

I took the plunge!

I have been eyeing another kit club for some time now and today, I did it!! Simply Obsessed has had adorable kits and I just couldn't resist any longer! The June kit is packed full of Jenni Bowlin and paired perfectly with Graphic 45.


For a six month subscription it's only $26 per month - that includes the shipping! - so a girl can't go wrong!

Homemade Card Kit

I never realized just how easy it is to assemble your very own card kit! It was a challenge over at Life Preservers kit club and I knew I had to give it a shot.

Just take a few scraps of coordinating cardstock and pattern papers, add some ribbon &/or buttons, and viola, the perfect mini kit! Just add adhesive, a few alpha stickers, and some ink when you're ready to play!


And the end result:


I think I may have started a whole new thing for myself! Thanks Von!!

Another sketch!

I am just lovin' these sketches! This particular one I did of Butch's Grandma June with his Mom, Aunt Mickie, and Uncle Billy. I believe it was taken at her 75th birthday celebration. I will be framing this one, so I placed it on a 12 x 12 cardstock base with coordinating color.

Layouts!

Remember that free sketch class I was telling ya about? Well, Susan has come up with some nice and easy sketches to get us in the scrapping' groove. Here are the first two with my layouts:

National Scrapbook Day.....

..... was yesterday and boy did we have FUN! Butch decided that we needed to treat ourselves so we headed into town to do a bit of "want" shopping. While he visited the liquidation sale at Joe's, Makayla and I went to Craft Warehouse to pick up a few sheets of cardstock.

Well, well, well! Look what we found!! A Make & Take mini book! We both made one and Makayla did all her own inking, tearing, placing embellies, and the only help from me was cutting that little tree on the cover and helping to line up the paper to the chipboard squares.




She was so proud of herself!! And we had a blast. You're never too young to start. =)

ATC Holder

During a cyber crop last weekend, one of the gals used this for a Make & Take. We had just finished up an ATC swap and she thought these would make cute holders, and trust me, they do!

You will need:
flexible cardboard - cereal boxes work great!
assorted papers & embellishments
10 - 15 sheets of plain paper
large button
3 feet of string, twine, or thin ribbon
scoring tool
your choice of adhesive
paper cutter
hole punch or crop-a-dile
1" or 1 1/4" circle punch

1 - Cut a strip of cardboard 12" long and 3 1/4" wide. Starting at one end score @ 2", 3", 7 3/4", & 8 3/4". Fold on the scoring lines.


-If you want to paint the inside of your holder, as I did, now is the time to do so to speed up the project.


2 - To make the pockets each sheet is measured 9" long by 4 1/2" wide. Fold the paer at 3" and then again at 6".


Glue the side shut and repeat for each pocket.


Using a 1" - 1 1/4" punch, punch a half circle in the top of each pocket:


Now that you have all your pockets assembled, you will take two strips of glue down the center of each one and stack one on top the other until you have them all together in one pile. They should accordian out like this:


3 - Now its time to decorate the outside of the holder. Cut the paper the same dimensions as the cardboard. Much easier to cover and embellish if done before attaching pockets.

4 - To attach pockets, glue stack onto the center back of the holder.

5 - To attach button closure, make a hole in the top flap (2" side), make a knot in your string and feed it thru the backside of the flap. Make sure you have at least 3 feet of string to wrap around the holder a few times. Attach a button to wrap string around when closed.

6 - Almost finished! Attach the front pocket to the inside front of the holder. It will fan out when opened:


And here's my finished holder:


These would also make for great mini brag books for Grandmas, handmade coupon holders for anniversaries, birthdays, new parents, the list is endless! Whatever you decide to make, HAVE FUN!!

(this project was adapted from a post by Greta Adams of NoelMignon.com)

Waste nothing!

Last week I made some ATC's and used the lined paper from a stack of journaling tags by Making Memories. They had this floral edge on it that I just couldn't see me using for a layout. So, I decided to use them for cards instead! What do ya think?


I'm all for using it up till all you have left is scraps for the trash!

Free Sketch Class!

Over at The ScrapRoom , they are having a free sketch class that runs the entire month of May! In today's economy, FREE is GREAT!! You'll need to be a member of the message board and sign up in the appropirate thread. There is no charge to be a part of the TSR community, so why not! Come on! Get over there and sign up today!

Happy May Day!!

Just wanted to share a little story of myself as a child, growing up. We had a next door neighbor who was wheelchair bound and lived alone. As long as I remember, I would take her water daily - she had no well or toilet - and bring in her mail. I would sit and visit with her daily and fix her hair. I throughly enjoyed those times of looking at all her pretties, sampling her baked goods, and her company in general.

On May Day, I remember picking a bouquet of flowers, placing them on her front porch, knocking on the door, and hiding so she couldn't see me. Although she made a big deal of it, Mrs. Bieke knew it was me! The look of joy on her face is something I will remember always. Rest in peace, Mrs. Bieke =)

FRUSTRATION!!!

Ever been accused of something that you didn't even know was wrong in the first place? Right now I am so frustrated, I just want to scream!! We received a parking citation yesterday, that unfortunately I didn't find until this morning at 6:25am, on my way to work no less. The frustrating part about it all is, we could have parked the rig in the driveway if we'd known it was illegally parked where it was at! How can one know these things if not posted?? Why not a courtesy knock on the front door? DAMN!

April has been a VERY TRYING month for Butch & I and we just want it over and done with. NOW!! Bring on a kinder, gentler May, PLEASE!!!!

Happy Saturday!

Today we are just chillin'. Nothing like a laid back day after a long work week and readying the yard for the season. =)

Yesterday was a day of discovery. While working in our backyard, Makayla spotted some ladybugs. At first she just wanted to look:


but curiosity got the best of her and she wanted to hold one:


Which she thought was cool until it started crawling! She flicked it off and decided she would just look from now on!!

And speaking of spring things, how about these Bleeding Hearts! They are so HUGE this year and blooming like crazy!


And this morning, I decided a bit of scrapping was in order. Here is Nicole & Makayla making our Easter posies a few weeks ago. I used the Cosmos Cricket Girl Friday papers from my The ScrapRoom April kit. I love my crafty buddies!!


Have a great day! Godspeed

Just to say Hello!

Using the Making Memories Love Notes line, I created this card for my April card swap group. I had a hard time trying to use this paper for layouts, but it came together quite nicely for this. =)


It is a glorious Spring day in the Pacific Northwest, so I'm off to enjoy it!

Godspeed.