Trick or Treat!!

Our very first visitor of the night, and of course, the cutest goblin in the land! Makayla was a Princess Witch cause, as she says, "it has sparklies on it!" We did a bit of treat or treating with our neighbors before she headed out the door to gather her goodies. I can't get over how big she has gotten and that this is her fourth Halloween already. Time flies!!


Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!

Just the cutest!

Since I'm starting my weight loss journey, I wanted to find something just darling to help make me want to write it all down like the experts suggest. I went looking at all the journals in the stores recently to see if anything would strike my fancy to recreate with my endless supply of papers and such. Well, nothing popped out at me, until last night.

You must check this blog by Ali Edwards. This is the most darling journal I've seen in my search and just what I'm looking for!! Now wouldn't you want to just snatch that thing up every night and journal your feelings for the day!! I'm wanting to start on November 1, so I have a few days to get my act together. And, yes, I will share it here as I go.

Ever want to say enough is enough and really mean it?

Well, I have! I'm tired of being this weight and I'm ready to make that lifestyle change once and for all. My goal is to focus on me. Sound selfish? Probably! For too long I've focused on everyone else in my life, except moi, now its my turn to be the focus! Here are my goals and this time, it will happen!

I WILL go buy that Wii and Wii Fit balance board and enjoy my exercise in the process. If I can't enjoy it, I won't do it.

I WILL buy serving size portions of meats, fish, and poultry. No more buying bulk items that have five or six breasts to a package and thinking one of them is a serving. I have discovered serving size meats that when its all said and done cost the same or cheaper that buying bulk and having too large a portion size.

I WILL trade my dinner plate in for a salad plate as to not go overboard for those family get-togethers and holiday meals.

I WILL eat more complex carbs that keep me full and energized from one meal to the next.

I WILL trade 'fake' foods (aka, processed foods) for organic or I don't need them.

I WILL journal my feelings everyday and why I ate what I did to see where changes in eating habits may be affected.

I WON'T let the Barbie Dolls of the world dictate how I'm suppose to feel about myself, just because I don't wear a size nothing.

I WON'T defeat myself by putting me in the 'danger zone' at holiday gatherings. I'll make sure I have a decent meal before heading out the door.

I WON'T let stress dictate my eating. I'll scrap instead.

I WON'T be disappointed and binge if my monthly goals are not met. I will re-evaluate my journal and see where I need improvement.

But, I WIIL REWARD myself with a massage for every 10 pounds I shed!

HELP!!!

Have you seen !! Cosmo Cricket's blog lately? They have some fabulous papers and I'd love to share the pics with you! And honestly, I'd love you to help me win some as well - wink, wink!! All you do is follow this link and post in the comments "I came on behalf of Barbara." That's it! TIA!!

But since you're already there, check out their blog and make sure you take a gander at their fabulous fabrics they now have available. Cute stuff. =)

Layouts!

Now did you really think I'd post in here and not show you a layout or ten?!? Okay, maybe not ten, but I do have some favorite ones I'd like to share. In no particular order (I watch way too much Dancing With The Stars!!) here they are:






The leaves are starting to turn here and the weather is definitely fall-like. I think I actually appreciate this time of year more due to the beautiful colors that comes with it. I love the reds, oranges, and yellows of the leaves, and different shades of brown from the barron trees. And soon, we'll have those jack-o-lanterns decorating our doorsteps for those little trick or treaters.

Boy, Oh Boy! Have I been a slacker!!

I can't believe its been almost TWO full months since I shared anything over here! Life has been a bit hectic and now that the night's are getting longer, I find myself indoors much more often. Now I'll just go overboard and bore you with the tiniest of details!! Just kidding, I'll be good. =)

I've been taking this class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking on mini albums and am having a blast! If you've never made one or wanted to learn the tricks of the trade, Lisa D. is a fabulous teacher and her classes are well written and full of wonderful tips and tricks to get you going. Find out more on her class by visiting the website. While there, you might find something else that strikes your fancy!

This past weekend over at The ScrapRoom we had a crop and I posted a few mini album make & takes for the ladies. This is the accordion album made with one sheet of cardstock, recycled cardboard backing from a notepad, a few scraps of paper, and ribbon. So, so simple and just adorable!


And this other was from recycled toilet paper rolls, scraps of paper, and ribbons. Makes a great mini album for Mom's or Granny's, such as myself, for those darling pics to take with you to show off the kiddies!

It was bound to happen.......

...the media card in my camera went bye-bye and I lost a bunch of darling pics of my grandbaby! I didn't find out until I went to print some at work today and the computer wouldn't read my card. I just thought the darn things had gone bonkers again, so decided I'd just download them from home and pick them up in the morning. OH NO! Not so fast! My computer here won't read them either and it gives me a "card error" message when I put it in the camera. So, it looks like I've lost those......

I'm sad. =(

Group #3 finished!

In the TSR layout swap I'm in three different groups this round. I know, crazy as it may seem, I do like to do these things! Group #3 is to be generic, so I did the best I could so they could be used for any gender or ocassion. Without further ado, here is the unveiling of that set. The title will go into the upper left hand corner. Hope you like!

"Oh bother......."

Now I know how Eore feels! I didn't make the card design team. "Oh me, oh my!" (all said in my best Eore impression with my head down and tail dragging.)I knew it was a long shot, but I was still hoping it may happen. Guess I just better polish up my techniques for the next time!

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement. It really means alot!

I did it!

I got the courage to submit some of my cards for a chance to become a Design Team Member at Sketches! {by tamara} . I'm a bit nervous about it, but I just LOVE her sketches and the current DT's fabulous creations. Here are the ones I submitted:

Dad

How we miss you! It was two years yesterday morning when you held our hands and drifted away. You looked so peaceful and we knew you hurt no longer. The Angels came and took you with them to a better place in the heavens.

I know you're still here amoung us because I hear you and feel your presence. Our walls bare your photos and we pass them by every morning and throughout the day. I especially love the one by the front door of you waving, as to say "I'll be seein' ya!" I think that one is my all time favorite! The playful smile, the happiness in your face, that is how I want to remember you:



We look at those photos of you with Makayla and see the gentleness you had within you. I only wish you could have been here longer so she could get to know her Great Grandpa and the great man that he was. You had your quirks, but who doesn't.

You were the Dad I never had. You did not judge, but encouraged. You were there for me when I was going thru some terrible times and loved me for who I was. I didn't have to prove anything to you, just be myself.

I love you, I miss you!

I did it!!

I entered my first contest ever!! It is from a Pagemaps sketch by Becky Fleck and here she is:

It was fun and now I want to do it AGAIN!!!

What a ride!

WOW!! I have had quite the past three weeks with my scrappin'. I entered this challenge over at Willow Traders called Scrapvivor and it has been non-stop ever since....well, until I got the boot this morning! Let me explain.....

We had 50 girls that were split into two teams of 25. For every challenge we had 72 hours to do as many layouts and/or cards that met that particular requirement. Whichever team had the lowest number of total points at the end of the 72 hrs., lost tribe members. I managed to stay in the middle of the pack until I had an accident at work that resulted in a puncture wound to my right hand just before challenge #6. I did my part and sat out that round in order for the stronger players to rack up points for us, knowing one of two things....I'd either be eliminated because we lost, or spared and be one of two girls who would be the sole competitors for challenge #7.

WELL! The merge happened and instead of going off of individual points as stated in the beginning, they continued off the individual totals and I knew right then, I would NEVER catch up. I didn't throw in the towel, but I did what I could in the time I had.

This whole experience was CRAZY and frustrating at times, but having done it I know I'll NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!! I did push myself to go outside my box and it has opened my eyes to different ways of scrappin. The following is a small sampling of what I did:
Challenge #1 - Monotones:

Challenge #2 - Cards:


Challenge #3 - Song/Movie Titles - Volcano by Jimmy Buffet

Challenge #4 - Use metal on your pages:

Challenge #5 - Ad Challenge:
My Ad:
My Layout:
Challenge #6 - Quotes on layouts or cards:


Challenge #7 - Ribbon on layouts/cards:


I think next time, I'll volunteer to be on the advisory panel!! Till next posting, Godspeed.

Swap time!

Here's my layouts for a 12x12 2 page layout swap I'm doing over at TSR. I designed the sketch myself and feel pretty good about the outcome. Hope the group is too. I used mostly what I had purchased from the kit club just in case the girls wanted to add a bit more to them.

They will hold four 4x6 prints hortizontal in the center and the circle in the upper left could be used for another photo, an embellishment, some journaling or the title.



We are in the midst of forming a private little group who will be swapping assorted layouts with each other. I'm excited to get this little venture underway with the help of my good cyber pal, Angela from Arkanas. As soon as its ready to go, I'll be sure to share the news here.

Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend! Godspeed......

Hello!

Today has been a relaxing, happy scrap day! Yesterday, I did some cleaning of my supplies and came across those decorative scissors of years gone by and found me a lost scallop edged pair! I blew off the dust and put them to work!

I managed to get one of Makayla finished yesterday in between her naps and just wanting to play with her legos. This is for a challenge using naked chipboard. I used it in the layering of the larger flower in the bottom left corner:


A few weeks ago I took this one of my lilacs and just love the photo. I don't ever remember scrapping this particular flower of mind, so this afternoon I got it down on paper and in the book! I managed to make it fit for a challenge that wanted us to use 5 different pattern papers in a single layout. Here she is:


Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing holiday. Godspeed.....

It was HOT! HOT! HOT! today

WOW! When that thermometer hit 96 we thought for sure it was a mistake! It sure was a welcome relief to get some sunshine for a change. Problem is, at one point it was so warm, Makayla wanted out of the pool and into the air conditioning. Yep, we watched cartoons until it cooled off! Oh, well.....

I was also able to get some pages scrapped today and it felt good. =) It's so nice to get in that scrap therapy at least once a week! This first one is from a few months ago. Makayla loves it when her and Papa get to play this little bedtime ritual before tucking her in for the night:


In this second layout, we went to the wetlands area just down from the house and visited the wild mallard ducks that call the ponds home. Makayla thought it was time to break up some bread and go feed them. While there, one female in particular kept following her and would eat right out of her hand. Makayla thought she needed a name, hence, "my buddy":


Have a great weekend! Godspeed.....

Hello!

The weather has given us a break the past few days and the sunshine was amazing! Didn't get much accomplished except pulling a few weeds and soaking up the rays. I did manage to get some flowers planted yesterday in a large whiskey barrel, but the rest will have to wait until the weather warms and stays that way. More wet stuff is on the horizon, but one can only hope the weatherman is wrong.

I have managed to get some cards and layouts completed. This first one is Makayla and I hamming up in front of the camera. (This is a scraplift of a sketch by Cherie A for a challenge.) This is just after she got her very first haircut. Notice the length? She is such a sweetie and we LOVE when she gets to spend time with us!


Here are some greeting cards I made from my scraps. Don't peek especially if you have a birthday coming up real soon! I'm also involved in a birthday card swap and some of these may be included:




Until I get a chance to create, or something major happens in our lives, I will bid a fond goodnite. Until next time.....Godspeed.

Oh my, spring is never gonna get here!

Have we ever been having the lousy weather. After the high 70's last week and to have snow forcasted for tonight, its just getting insane. We have cabin fever sooooo bad! With all the yucky outside at least I've managed to get some scrappin' done on the inside. I call it my saving grace! When all else fails, scrap! Here are just a few I finished:






Here's hoping your week will be a healthy and happy one! Godspeed!

It's Already April!

Where has the time gone?!?

Well since my last entry, we have visited with everyone in Arizona. It was nice to get out of the rain and into the warmth. Good visit and got some pool time and tanning in as well!

Wanted to share this layout I just finished of this family photo of Mom when she was a baby. Yes, it is her in Grandma George's arms and this was taken in 1934. This is one for the Heritage album I'm creating for my kids. If anyone would like a copy of the photo, let me know and I'll send it out.

Until next posting....Godspeed.

Lil' Kicker #8

Makayla's first year in soccer! She is having a blast!

Happy Easter!

More Layouts!

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter

Spring is for new beginnings as Easter is for renewal of ones' religous beliefs. May we all find peace with our neighbors, love in our hearts, and forgiveness of others for our souls. God Bless!

Where'd the week go?

This week seems to have flown right on past me! The weather has been gorgeous and I love being out in the sunshine and warmth. Just means spring will be here soon!

Makayla & I went on a little walk yesterday to see if the ducks were back nesting in the wetlands and sure enough we found two pair. I think they were looking for food, but we didn't have any on us. They were friendly little critters, though. We also spotted a squirrel bouncing from one tree branch to another. Of course Makayla just had to take her camera along (no film, just the camera!) and had to play little miss photographer!

Tomorrow the time changes for the spring/summer months. Losing an hour of sleep, but gaining an hour of daylight is a wonderful trade-off! Longer days mean more playtime outside, but less scrap time inside...... oops!

I'm DONE!

Been working on and off on my latest swap.... twelve, two page, 8x8 themed layouts, and my month was December. I didn't want to make them too specific, so I went with a Hoilday flair. They would have been done much sooner, but didn't feel the need to share my germs!

It was a lot of fun, but, WOW! it was also a lot of inking!! Now onto my next swap of two single page layouts for another 12 people. Here I go again...........TFL =)

Visitors!

Look at who wants to come out and play! Just a pleasant sight to see when we open our curtains in the mornings. The geese are heading back north, the frogs are croaking away all day and night, and the buds on the trees are just ready to burst. What a wonderful season Spring is. Everything is coming alive and warming up!

And for some other exciting news ..... Nicole has now moved down to the Portland area and is working at OHSU. I'll be joining her tomorrow for our first ever Mother-Daughter lunch! YEA!!!

Happy Monday!

Wow, this is gonna be a long day for me....been up since 3am and haven't been able to get back to sleep. Too much on my mind I guess, or it could be the constant trobbing in my darn leg, again. Whatever is the cause, it makes for a VERY LONG day =(

I think my allergies have finally gotten under control. Thank goodness! That was a very long two weeks and I don't want to endure that again, ever. It's nice to be able to breathe nornal again =)

The weather here has been gorgeous and "Spring Fever" has hit me big time. Raked and weeded my flowerbed on saturday and saw all sorts of surprises popping up! Looks like most everything made it thru the very soggy winter and now wants to "smile" for all to see. Thank goodness most stuff is perrenials and will come back. I'll just do a spot of color here and there in pots and call it good. I love having all the bright colors in the Spring and Summer months. Now if I can just talk Butch into a few potted trees placed here and there...............

In just over a month we'll be heading down to Arizona to visit Mom for her 76th Birthday. It'll be nice to visit with just us and not a whole army load of people like last year. It was fun, but it was also hectic and I didn't get to spend the time with her that I was hoping for. We'll also have a full week this time instead of a few days. Not quite sure what all we'll be doing, but Butch & I want to do a bit of siteseeing and hanging out at the pool for a couple of those days.

Well, another day is calling me to get myself moving. Have a good day all!

My turn at Got Sketches?

In my scrapbook club I belong to, we have bi-monthly turns at creating or finding sketches, doing our take on it, and posting it to the message board. This week was mine and here is what I created. Yes, these are pictures from last year, but I am catching up slowly!

As for the rest of our lives, my allergies are still a huge problem and now everything has headed sound into my chest. Sounds like a barking seal around here when I get going! On the upside, the sun is shining and its a gorgeous day here. My crocus have decided to make their debut and the daffodils won't be far behind. We're suppose to get a string of beautiful weather till middle of next week. Time to clean up the garden area after a messy and wet winter.

Love to all and have a pleasant weekend.......

the BIG 5*0

Celebrated Butch's 50th Birthday with family & friends on Feb. 2nd at our favorite Mexican restaurant, EL Rancho Viejo. The food is so delicious and the Sangria isn't back either!

allergies galore...

Why is it on my day off I have to plagued with allergies that won't quit? I take the drugs and feel so drowsy and just want to sleep, or I don't and feel like poo-poo. I just can't win! There's suppose to be all sorts of meds to combat these things, but since there's so many allergies, its just like throwing your money down the tubes. Unless, of course, I want to be stabbed with needle after needle for the actual testing to pinpoint the problem. Um, no thanks! Needles and me don't get along....

Off for another nap. Later..........

Layouts are here!