Scrapperdays

Getting ready!

2009-07-08T08:39:00.002-04:00

Fantastic! I sounds like all the stickles I bought when they first came out will not go to waste. I have almost 30 of them - most were never used. I just hope they're still good!

I'm liking a lot of these new products. I think I'm going to reward myself with new purchases of some of this new stuff when I reach certain goals. The goals are tbd!

These look fun.

2009-07-05T00:02:00.002-04:00

Can anyone tell me about - or better yet show me some pages with - these products?

I'm thinking about buying a photo printer ...

2009-07-04T02:12:00.000-04:00

Does anyone own a canon photo printer? If so, which one, and would you recommend it? I have a canon camera, so I'm thinking maybe I should get a canon printer too.

I would like to get one of the larger ones that does photos bigger than a 4X6. While I like the compact, I do scrap a lot of 5X7s.

Then again, maybe I should just go with the compact, and get the 5X7s developed by the pros. The larger you go with a photo, the more quality you lose.

I could use some guidance, if you don't mind!

Take care, and Happy 4th!

2009-07-03T09:22:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! One of my favorite scrappy sites, scrapbook.com, is now on facebook! Check it out by clicking RIGHT HERE!

Mama Likes!

2009-06-30T09:42:00.004-04:00

I could really get some use out of this. During the summer, We travel across the state from our house to my parents' house quite a bit. This would be hand. I'm tempted ...

Here's the info:

The Scrap-N-Stow is the perfect storage and organization solution for scrapbookers on the go or with limited space.
Table Top Compartments are sized specifically to hold your scrapbooking tools and materials
Spacious work area—52" x 26"
Table measures approximately 33" tall
Heavy duty—table is sturdy enough to handle all kinds of craft projects
Eliminate setup time, cleanup time and store your work in progress
Luggage Wheels and Drag Handle make it easy to move around

Footnote to most recent post

2009-06-28T21:42:00.002-04:00

A lot of gals at AMR wanted to know how my family and I have been, so let me just indulge that question here: Well!

Allen did deploy again, but we're coping. My son was born with Erbs Palsy, but it is so, so, so mild. He will be in physical therapy for years to come, but it is more precautionary than anything. I know a lot of you were saying prayers for him, and I think they worked!

The girls are doing so well. They've had a heck of a time the last few months with all that has happened, and I'm very proud!

I'm Back - Sort Of!

2009-06-28T21:19:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I finally did get my scrap corner cleaned up. The last page I scrapped would have been sometime around April of 2008. Yep, over a year ago! Wowza, where do I begin? I do want to thank my IRL scrapping pal GayleV, who also participates in the AMR forum, for nagging me once in a while about getting going.
Here's what happened:

Most importantly, I have come to realize that I allowed myself to lost the joy and creativity of scrapping. I became so focused on getting published (never happened, btw) that I no longer was doing any project for the simple joy of doing it. In the July CK, someone wrote, "Stop overthinking, and start creating." That's what I'm going to do. While entering every contest was good for me because it challenged me to try new techniques, etc., it put too much stress on me as well. No more. I'm not saying I won't submit anything (I'm too competitive not to try), but my intention of scrapping will be for the joy, creativity, and for leaving something for my children.
After having baby #3 last fall, all bets were off. Anyone with three or more kids will tell you, having a third changes everything. It does not seem like it would be so much more than having two, but our household changed.
As my scrapping seemed to stop, my scrap area because sort of a dumping ground for everything that I didn't want to deal with. When it turned in to the staging area for a partial remodel of my kitchen, I knew I had to take a stand.
I subscribe to five different scrapping magazines (plus a couple of parenting, a household mag or two, lifestyle mags, etc.). I have not read one since Travis was born in September. My goal was to read them this summer as the kids swam during the day. That goal got shot all to hell when I lost almost every magazine to a flood in the basement. Ugh. All those magazines were totaled!
Finally, my husband deployed to Afghanistan again last February leaving me with even less time to get things organized.

So, I finally got my scrap area, cleaned up enough for me to say that I can start again. Here is the next problem:

I won't be home for most of the summer. The kids and I stay with my parents when they're not in school because they give me a lot of help in Allen's absence.

Here are some immediate goals that I'm going to set:

Get reacquainted with some of the online forums that I used to frequent. I want to see who is there, and what they are doing.
See what techniques are hot, what are not and what the newest stuff might be.
Check out online galleries and read the new magazines that arrive in the mail.
When I do make it home, I want to start page kits. I'll have to go through all my stuff and re-familiarize myself with what I have first though.
Check out contests, page calls and challenges to get my juices flowing. Maybe I'll make some sketches based on these things.
Eventually, I want to bring the page kits to my parents' house and maybe get a page or two done to get me back in the swing of things.

I think doing those things should get me ready to hit the ground running once the kids and I move back home for the coming school year.

So now, if you are still reading this, please tell me where you think I should start or just give me some words of wisdom. I'd love to hear from you!

Here's why ...

2008-12-26T20:28:00.005-05:00

... I've been so inactive.

Aside from two active girls and a newborn of course, things have just been a bit more busy than normal. It's the holidays, we have been renovating here and there in the house again, more and more.

Allen did buy me some new organizing stuff for my scrap area, and I've put a few things away. My New Year resolution is to get the Scrap Corner put back together and to get back on the saddle and do some scrapping in January. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year! I hope you take time to listen to all the beautiful music in your life during the new year!

Travis Chip is here!

2008-10-06T09:08:00.005-04:00

He arrived Sept. 26 and weighed in at 9 pounds, 9.4 ounces (both of my my girls were barely over 7 pounds each)! Here's some photos. Most of you reading this know that there was a complication (Erbs Palsy). Here's a link to find out what it is exactly. I'm glad to say that things are looking up, and I'll update everyone later this week. Prayers are appreciated even though we believe he will sail through this without any long-term complications!

No Baby Yet, But Scrap Area Is Getting A Facelift!

2008-09-21T17:33:00.003-04:00

40 weeks along now. 40 long weeks. Oh, bother! I walk 56 miles a day and drink hot salsa like water, and nothing!

On the other hand, I packed up all my scrap stuff today in preparation of it being re-painted. It's been too long since that room was painted, and I am very excited!

I'll show off pictures when it is finished and everything is put back in place!

Setting Some Goals and the DOODLEBOPS LIVE!

2008-09-09T09:00:00.006-04:00

Ok, it might be a little silly to start setting goals knowing that I can go into labor any second, but I guess I've got the last "burst of energy." Today I will begin to clean up and re-organize my scrap corner. Over the summer I let it become the place where I just dumped all the things that I didn't know what to do with. In other words, it is a MESS!

After that, I'd like to at least organize the many scrappy projects that I neglected over the summer. If I can get them set up in "kits" then it might make it easier for me to find a few minutes here or there to scrap after Travis Chip Smith arrives.

In the meantime, enjoy some photos I took (and will eventually scrap) at the Doodlebops Concert at the County Fair:

Pure joy and excitement on Audrey's face! Her first concert (that she remembers)!

Excitement for Callie, but a little bit of wondering if she's just a little "too old" for a Doodlebops show!

Absolute bewilderment upon seeing the Doodlebops for the very first time!

We're going to try this again

2008-08-13T10:15:00.002-04:00

I've just gotten myself so overbooked right now, that I am afraid hand-making birth announcements will be too much. So, I'm once again asking my friends in blog-land to help me out by voting for my two girls in a contest that will award a $50 gift certificate that I can use for birth announcements.

You can vote for each girl as many times as you want using different email addresses each time. So, if you can use (for instance) your home email and your work email, that would endure you even more to me!

Last week's winner was a runaway with about 150 votes (my girls got about 40 each). Clearly, that person was a lot more forward about asking her friends to vote. Oh well!

Here's the links to vote for each girl:

Vote for Callie here!

Vote for Audrey here!

Thanks to everyone who voted last week, and thanks in advance to all who will vote this week!

If you're so inclined, we could use your votes!

2008-08-05T14:01:00.002-04:00

I entered my DDs into a photo contest, and I'd appreciate anyone who likes their photos enough to vote for them. The prize is a $50 gift certificate for this website that does cards. I'm thinking (just thinking) about going that route for the birth announcements. I'm just getting a little overwhelmed as the summer is winding down and Baby Travis's due date approaches.

Anyway, if you want to check out their entries and maybe throw a vote (or five) our way, I'd appreciate it! Here are the two links:

Vote for Callie Here!

Vote for Audrey Here!

You can vote up to five times from your IP address, but you need to use a different email for each vote.

Thanks everyone!

Summer Scrapping

2008-07-22T11:54:00.004-04:00

It's exciting now that my girls are in organized summer sports. I didn't realize it, but in previous summers, I had done a lot of LOs about water play, sidewalk art, pony rides, etc. I haven't gotten them scrapped yet, but here's a preview of some photos and products I hope to work with in the coming weeks:

In case you're wondering: Our league requires that catcher and pitchers (even in t-ball) wear helmets. They often put Callie at these two positions, and her hair is so sweaty at the end of the games. I need to get a photo of that to scrap too! Good story, don't you think?

I'm hosting a challenge on All Moments Remembered

2008-07-09T10:27:00.004-04:00

Here's the skinny on the challenge:
You're Not the Photographer LO Challenge:
1. All of the photos in the LO must be taken by someone other than you. You kids have been itching to use you camera, haven't they?
2. LOs may have any number of photos from one to infinity, the sky is the limit here.
3. LOs may be any size.
4. LOs may be one- or two-pagers, even a mini book will do.
5. If you are using photographs taken by a professional photographer or any copyrighted photo, please give proper credit when posting on the internet. In most cases, I would not post them on the internet without the photographer's permission. I come from a line of professional photographers, and believe me when I say violating a federal law brings stiff penalties.
6. Use whatever embellishments you want. The challenge here is using someone else's photo(s).
7. Because some of you may not have photos on hand for this, I'm going to give us all until July 31 to complete this challenge. That should give everyone time to locate the photos from a friend's stash or to have someone take and print new photos plus do the actual LO.
8. I'll offer up a nice little RAK to one winner to be chosen at random after the deadline ends.
9. Post your entry in the AMR gallery and then link it here. You post as many LOs as you choose, but each entrant will only get one chance to win the RAK to keep it fair for all.

The most important part of this challenge is to HAVE FUN!

If you're interested, jump on over to the All Moments Remembered Message Board and join in on this challenge. If you're not a member, it only takes a moment to register. Once you've registered, here is the link to the challenge post.

This challenge is open to AMR members only.

Happy July 4!

2008-07-03T23:10:00.004-04:00

I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend! Here's a patriot LO that I have to share followed by a few photos of my youngest daughter (3 years old) all decked out in a patriotic leotard at her gymnastics class!

And ... I'm out!

2008-06-27T09:34:00.002-04:00

After a great deal of soul searching (aka reality checking) I have decided to not enter the Memory Maker Masters contest after all. With a baby due and two others settling back into their fall rotation of after school classes and practices right about the time that the MMM winners will be announced, how much sense does it make to be in the running? On the off chance that I was a winner, I don't think it would be fair to anyone for me to be so over-busy. I can handle busy, but over-busy is too much.

So, I'm back to scrapping for the pure joy of it for now. I'll still enter the occasional page calls (I have to catch someone's eye sooner or later), and I'm most certainly open to any design team opportunities, but no more big contests for me until the kids are all walking (and maybe even potty trained).

I offer my support and appreciation to all those who are still entering. MM is still on the top of my list of publications, so what an honor the winners will have IMHO.

Good luck remaining entrants (now, quit reading and get back to work)!

Red, Orange or Yellow Challenge

2008-06-20T00:37:00.001-04:00

Today's challenge for the scrapbook.com blog challenge is to post a photo of something red, orange or yellow. I chose a photo of the van from the National Tour of Annie that carries the lovable pooch, Sandy (who answers to "Mickey" when not on stage), from city to city for the tour. I also added a photo of my girls with some of the cast. I figure Annie's (Amanda Balon) red hair counts!

Avast Ye! Me's got the Treasure! Plus Blog Challenge

2008-06-14T07:31:00.003-04:00

Ok, I'm really milking this pirate thing, but I found the papers at my LSS in Swartz Creek, Michigan, Capture-A-Memory! I was able to order most of the embellies online between scrapbook.com and scrapbookpal.com too! What you see above are the chipboard pieces that I nabbed. I can't wait to show you all what I make of all this stuff!

Blog Challenge Update - We're supposed to visit three blogs today and leave some love. I've been trying to visit at least five each day, so this should be easy!

Ahoy! I gotta get me hands on this loot!

2008-06-10T09:36:00.002-04:00

The big dance recital is coming up. Callie is in 4 dances, Audrey is in 3. They're in one number together - tumble to a pirate song! I have to get my hands on the Pirate Princess colletion from Rusty Pickle! Take a look:

These are just a few of the products in the line. I want them all! I'm on the verge of eating my own words and actually referring to this line as "yummy." Maybe not just yet though.
Ahoy and Arrg!

Monday Blog Challenge: Water Photo - From October in Michigan!

2008-06-09T07:19:00.005-04:00

This was truly a once in a lifetime photo op. In Michigan, we're in sweaters and fleece jackets in October, but last fall we had a very unusual few days were it shot up to the 80s. My daughter got home from school and made us dig her pool out of the garage so she could swim! Nope, I still have not scrapped the event. The next day, she and my younger daughter had a picnic outside. Haven't scrapped that one yet either!

Sunday Blog Challenge - Greatest Summer Memory

2008-06-08T11:19:00.000-04:00

So ... my greatest summer memory. My greatest memory is just the freedom and excitement of it being summer as a kid. You had no worries. You woke up, maybe had some cereal, played, at lunch, played, came in for dinner, played, took a bath, went to bed, and repeated everything the next day. I remember looking at the sky a lot back then. I was in deep wonder about how big of a world we lived in, but still felt so secure about my little part in which I lived.

Want to hear something weird? I love the smell of skunk. Want to know why? It's because it immediately reminds me of summers when I was a kid. When I was young, our house was surrounded by fields. Yep, there were a lot of skunks out there. Our little dog even got sprayed a couple of times. To the rest of the world, it is a horrible smell, but to me, it takes me back to a much simpler time.

Now, how does one scrap the smell of skunks?

Target Customer Service Sucks!

2008-06-07T23:12:00.002-04:00

I try to always keep this blog scrap-related, but tonight I'm going off topic a bit. I do know that a lot of you do get a lot of your scrapping supplies at Target though, so it's kind of related. Anyway, here goes:

Ok, so I've always know that Target is not user friendly when it comes to returns, but the "service" that we received at our target in Flint, Michigan tonight was beyond horrible.

My Mother stops in at this store at least once a week and buys outfits for each of my girls. She's just that kind of Grandma (and customer). Anyway, the shorts for my oldest that were purchased earlier today were the wrong size. We took them back to the store just to do an even exchange (the wrong size for the right size). Seems simple enough right? So wrong!

The fault on our part was not checking to make sure the receipt was in the bag. My girls had been so excited to see shopping bags at Grandmas, that they tore through the bags not knowing that some things had to go back. So, it was our bad that we did not have the receipt when we walked in the door.

However, apparently it is Target's policy to not allow even exchanges without a receipt. Keep in mind that we were not trying to return them for cash or credit, we just wanted to switch the size. What they could do is let us return the wrong size at the penalty of the sale price and then go through the line and purchase the right size at the full price. That, or we could drive home, get the receipt and go back, but with gas $4+/gallon, who wants to do that?

Top that with the way they handled it. Now, when I started in retail 20 years ago, I was taught to apologize, apologize, apologize any time a customer was upset. Had we heard at any time, something such as, "I'm really sorry about this, but the store policy has our hands tied," we probably would not have gotten so mad. However, nothing even remotely close was even said. Instead, they were rude and even had the nerve to talk down to us (as though working at Target makes them far superior to those of us customers to whom they depend on for their jobs). The "clerk," actually said, "Do you understand that you don't have your receipt?" Can you believe that? When I said, "So at Target, policy comes before service?" she answered, "Yes it does."

So, long rant short, we are lucky to live in an area where we have many choices of where to shop. Sorry Target, you fail in customer service, you fail to get our business any longer.

Great LO Idea - Favorite Summer Eats

2008-06-07T12:38:00.006-04:00

So, today's blog topic challenge is your favorite summer meal. Just one? I'm pregnant! So many things come to mind from the light meals you make that do not require any cooking on those unbearably hot days, to fair foods (especially if it comes on a stick), to meals for the grill, to snacks, to all those yummy summer fruits!

I'm going to make it a summer goal to photography all my favorites this summer and do a LO about them. My LSS (shout out to Nancy, Pat, Mickey, Anne, and the rest of the crew at Capture A Memory in Swartz Creek)has some great papers and embellies to go with them for this, but here are some things I found online to help get everyone's juices (punny) flowing. Note that I haven't purchased any of these, so please don't expect me to post LOs using these items just yet! Ok, here's just a few things that caught my eye while surfing this morning:

My Dream Vacation

2008-06-06T07:00:00.004-04:00

The scrapbook.com blog assignment for today is to blog about vacations, so I'm going for the gold: my dream vacation!

I would be the happiest girl in the whole wide world if I could take the Las Vegas strip (or just build a whole new strip) and place it right in the middle of Hawaii. I'm not particular on which island of Hawaii, but I'd prefer Oahu so I could take a break from the tables and go walk Waikiki Beach for a bit.

The question is, how would I scrap this? Suggestions ... comments ... sketches? Someones got to have an idea!

Better late than never!

2008-06-05T09:21:00.002-04:00

Ok, we just bridged our Daisy troop up to Brownies, but I'm just now getting our investiture (when the became Daisies last fall) ceremony scrapped. My Daisy is the shorty in all of the photos wearing the headband. That's me in the top left corner of the group photo(I'm the leader).

The focus is way off on the photo of the LO. I have to check that, so please pardon the blurriness. The bummer is that you can't see the machine stitching down the side of page one. That's the absolute straightest line of my life!

Meet Ally

2008-06-04T08:28:00.005-04:00

The blog challenge today is to link to something or someone that we love. It did not take long for me to decide to link to Ally's Allies a site started by dear friend of mine to honor her daughter, Allison, who was born with cystic fibrosis. Paula, my friend, has worked tirelessly since Ally's birth to raise money and awareness to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. In fact, the entire family, including Paula, Ally, big sister Kira (not afflicted) and husband Rob, has inspired me from day one. I do hope everyone who visits my blog will take a moment to stop by and check out Ally's site and see what a precious little fighter she is!

Being a military family, we have a lot of photos of "tough guy," soldiers, but let me tell you, the photo of Ally above is a photo of a true fighter!

That's Refreshing

2008-06-03T07:12:00.002-04:00

Today's assignment for the scrapbook.com blog
challenge to is post a photo of something "refreshing."

Here's two photos of my oldest daugther taken a few years apart. The ice cream photo was taken at a local ice
cream shop when she was about 1.5 years. The photo with the man-made springs was taken at Downtown Disney two years later (that's Grandma looking over her). Both were hot, hot, hot July days!

I haven't scrapped either photo ... yet.

It's Hot!

2008-06-02T13:27:00.004-04:00

Scrapbook.com has a challenge for members to blog each day. There is a specific topic for each day, and today's is to blog about something hot. Well, for once, it's the weather. Temps have been below normal here in Michigan, but today it will reach 80 degrees. Here's a LO I did from an even hotter day last summer.

The photos were taken at a an outdoor splash park. It's a ton of fun for kids, and nice for parents because we can sit in the residual spray!

The title of the LO is "Perpetual Fun." The circles and the lines (the orange specialty paper that goes across both pages and the line of circular sun stamps along the bottom) are meant to enhance the perpetual theme.

Father's Day Is Almost Here

2008-06-01T11:27:00.001-04:00

Here's a LO about my husband as a Father/Soldier. I still want to do one about my own father as a Grandfather.

Who is else working on LOs or other projects for Father's Day?

Layout of Airborne

2008-05-22T18:02:00.004-04:00

If you're at all like me, you probably neglect doing LOs of your pets because you're always trying to catch up on LOs of your kids. I'm as guilty as the next. Here's one of our border collie, Airborne. He was priority #1 for Allen and me for three years -- until our first child was born on his birthday.

If you too are guilty of neglecting our furry friends, why not make it a point to make your next LO about your pet?

Of course, I know (Happy) Scrappy Sam has plenty of her furry friends. She's definitely the leader in this category!

(Shameless) Toot Toot!

2008-05-16T15:48:00.003-04:00

Yipee! Creating Keepsakes has chosen my journaling to be featured in their September In Your Words column! The subject was about an important lesson that you learned from a teacher. They used me in the February 2008 column when I wrote about how Allen and I met (he thought I was a shoplifter).

Just Because

2008-05-15T19:12:00.003-04:00

Here's a LO to share - just because I can. I have to say, it's not my favorite. But I love these photos of my daughter, and I've always said that I won't redo a LO once I've proclaimed it to be finished. I may take copies of the same photos make an entirely new LO, but I'll never take one apart and start over. But maybe that's just me!

Another Reason I'm Loving Memory Makers!

2008-05-12T13:34:00.003-04:00

I (finally) got around to reading through my May 7 online Memory Makers newsletter and discovered that they used a subject I originated on their forum to highlight in the newsletter!

I think if you click here, you'll be taken to the newsletter! Scroll down a bit to the header about adhering acrylics!

Here's a layout ...

2008-05-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to share this one. TFL!

Good for ruts!

2008-04-30T14:13:00.004-04:00

If you're in a rut, and just want to get a page out quickly to get you going again, let me suggest pages like these two. All I had to do was trim the photos to size, cut out a title block and journaling block, and BAM!

MMM over SOY

2008-04-25T10:14:00.002-04:00

I've decided to enter the Memory Makers Masters contest over the CK Scrapbooker of the Year contest. I'm a little surpised myself in my decision because it has always been a goal of mine to combine my two passions of scrapping and writing with a column in a magazine. However, having just come off of not winning CK's HOF, I think it's best not to overwhelm them with stuff from me.

Also, I'm very impressed with they way MM actually answers questions on their message board regarding their contest. That's important to me even if I don't stand a chance in this contest!

I also like the direction MM has been taking lately. I think I've only submitted to them once before, but I think my style is fitting for what they seem to be looking for.

Finally, I just happen to be working on a LO that is perfect for the theme "I Believe." When I read the MMM requirements, it was like fate or kismet or something. That, or it was a huge coincidence that got my blood flowing!

So anyway, that's my decision.

Please wish me luck, and I wish much luck to all those entering either or both contests (you'd have to be insane to enter both at the same time though)!

Let's All Set Some Goals for the Week!

2008-04-21T09:14:00.005-04:00

Ok, I like to ask everyone what their scrap goals are for the day on the AMR message board, and I'm one who never seems to meet mine. So, today I want to ask what everyone's goals are for the week.

My goals for this week include:
+Complete the LO that's been sitting on my desk half-finished for almost a week;
+Organize all of my never-been-seen LOs to see which might fit the current calls;
+Possibly start (if not finish) a second LO for the week.

When I look at the list, it doesn't look too hard, but let's face it, the warmer weather keeps us even further away from our scraprooms, and I'm no exception.

I'll check back in and post if I met my goals or not. I'm hoping this will keep me on track!

I also challenge everyone who stops by to set your own goals on your blog! Let's put them out there for everyone to see, and maybe it will help those of us who always find a excuse to not find an excuse!

Third Time is the Boy!

2008-04-18T13:32:00.001-04:00

It's official. We had the ultra-sound yesterday, and we are expecting a boy! Finally, I get to start doing pages in blues and primary colors!

I've been lame lately

2008-04-12T21:45:00.004-04:00

I have not blogged much, and I haven't visited many blogs lately either. Maybe that's part of why I have no MoJo?

So, I'm posting a LO that I did in about 30 minutes once. It's a photo of my oldest daughter with her first and longest friend. His mother just happens to be my first and longest friend. I am hoping it inspires me to put out another quickie or two tomorrow. Wish me luck!

2008 Year Tracker Book

2008-03-26T18:50:00.003-04:00

This past Christmas, my husband bought me a scrapbook kit from Mike's. You know the ones - coordinated pp, some die cuts, brads, buttons, ribbons and the like. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I would do with it. I felt bad because he was so proud of the gift. After all, he bought me something scrap-related!

Then it came to me. A couple of magazines had challenged us to do a book about a year in the life of our family.

I've decided to dedicate two pages to each month of the year. The first page simply holds the calendar page from that month. I'm taking it from the calendar that I have hanging in my kitchen. That way it shows ever little appointment and big event such as the circus! The second page has photos taken from the highlights of that month. I'm printing all the photos in sepia tone to keep uniform.

Here's the pages from January:

(page one)

(page two)

I (finally) updated my gallery!

2008-03-13T17:32:00.002-04:00

It took hours, but I finally got the gallery attached to my resume updated. The layouts shown here are just two of many that I posted today. Over the next week, I hope to update my other galleries. Wish me luck.

If you want to check out my handwork, please click on the link to my resume at the right. From there, click on the link on the resume that takes you to my gallery. TFL!

Tell Me - When Your MoJo is a NoGo: What do YOU do?

2008-03-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

What do you do? I went through it recently and just sort of went with it. I kept up on the message boards, did a little shopping online and in brick and mortar stores, read the magazines and browsed the galleries. Finally, I got the gumption to organize my scrap corner and start back.

I have noticed quite a few posts on various boards from people who have lost their MoJo and want it back. So, my question to everyone who stops by is, "how do you do it?"

Leave me a comment with your answer and let's see what everyone comes up with! If I get enough comments/suggestions, I will feature them (with credit to the authors) on my sidebar over there! It just might help you in the future!

More Shopping

2008-02-27T19:41:00.002-05:00

Today I did some shopping online at All Moments Remembered (there is a link to this site in the sidebar). I had a lot of fun even though she's still waiting on all the new stuff from CHA too. Anyway, here's a peek at some of the things I ordered:

This is an acrylic frame for a 12X12 page. I'm using it to make a keepsakes for a friend's new baby.

These are the Smitten fabric stickers from K&Company. I also got the papers in the line on this order and the chipboard letters and shapes in a previous order. Go to AMR to check them all out. It's cool line.

Ghost Butterfly shapes by Heidi Swapp!

And finally, some cool acrylic stamps from Heidi Swapp!

There's a few more things, but I'm tired ...

A few new purchases

2008-02-26T15:02:00.004-05:00

I guess waiting for everyone to get the new CHA stuff in leaves us with something to be desired while shopping. I still managed to find a few new things, but I had gone in hoping to bring home a load of new things to get me inspired.

I got an alphabet from Technique Tuesday that I've been wanting. My LSS lets met take 25% off of one item each month, so this is what I used that discount on. It's the tall capitals of the Big Timber Line.

These are from the Flirt line by Reminisce.

I did get a little excited over these double-sided papers from Creative Imaginations. I love they way they get non-traditional colors on Christmas pages. It will be so much easier to get my photos to match these papers!

Here's my plan ...

2008-02-22T09:27:00.003-05:00

I need something to get me inspired. And, of course you all know, that means I need to go shopping. I'm going to run by my favorite LSS later today and see what I can find. I'm thinking a new set of something from Technique Tuesday and maybe, just maybe that awesome paper cutter thingy from Making Memories.

So, that's my plan. Leave me some love wishing me luck!

Regrouping

2008-02-14T09:44:00.004-05:00

After HOF, I am just wiped out. I decided to regroup with an easy Valentine project with my daughter and reorganizing my card stock.

We cranked out 23 of these puppies and she couldn't even go to school today because she has the stomach flu!

I had to reorganzie my card stock because I had such a mix and I wasn't sure which manufactuer made what, plus I just bought tons of new Bazzill online from QVC, Scrapbook.com(I had won a $10 gift certificate from them) and scrapbookpal.com (I see free shipping, and I can't stop myself). I sorted and sorted and finally got piles of Bazzill, that stuff you buy in packs at Michaels and a final pile that I couldn't identify and will be used to keep my daughters busy on those long days of winter!

The pile on the left is the Bazzill that I could ID and the pile on the right is from those packs at Mike's.

Here's the pile that I couldn't ID, so oh well!

And finally, here's the new stuff. Isn't it gorgeous! I just love Bazzill!

I'm starting a new game of tag!

2008-02-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

Here's the rules:
The rules are the same as every other game of tag we've passed along. If you are tagged, tag as many or as few people as you want. Just have fun!

Something to pass the long, snowy, blustery hours of winter....

THIS IS TOO FUNNY!!!

1. YOUR REAL NAME
Julie Ann Smith

2. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Julizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color and favorite animal)
Chartreuse Dog

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (your middle name and street you live on)
Ann Hill

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first
two letters of your first name)
Smiju

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (Your 2nd favorite color, and favorite drink)
Red Applitini

7. YOUR IRAQI NAME: (2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your
last name, 1st letter of your middle name, 2nd letter of your moms
maiden name, 3rd letter of your dad's middle name, 1st letter of a
siblings first name, and last letter of your grandpa's first name.)
Uiaoape

8. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (Both parents middle name)
Fay A. (my Dad doesn't have a middle name - just an initial)

9. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Airborne

If you've read this far and want to play along, post a comment letting me know so I'll be sure to check out your blog!

The End Is Near!

2008-02-07T19:05:00.000-05:00

As much as I have enjoyed working on my CK HOF entry, I must say that I am totally relieved that it is almost submitted! All of my layouts are finished and my supply lists are complete (probably - I still have some checking to do). Now I just have to get everything together to submit it electronically! Here's a picture of the aftermath. Note that I'm just showing you my desk. If I showed the rest of the area, you'd have to find Waldo!

I know that it sounds like I'm making it up, but I feel like I'm already a winner (gush). Honestly, I pushed myself so much through this contest, that I feel I have really grown as a scrapper. If anything, I am more prepared to submit to future calls and contests with much more confidence!

Good luck to all my fellow entrants: May the Best 10 Scrappers Win!

I was tagged!

2008-02-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

O.k. I've been tagged. Let me start with the rules: 1. You have to post the rules before you give the answers. 2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name (if you don't have a middle name use your maiden name). 3. After you are tagged you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers. 4. At the end of your blog post you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name (be sure to leave them a message telling them they have been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details).

Here we go (luckily, I have a short middle name as my maiden name is hyphenated)

A - Artsy
N - Never on time. Since I had my first daughter, I'm always running behind.
N - Neurotic. If I were in high school these days, the school would probably threaten a lawsuit if my parents didn't put me on meds for OCD.

Super Bowl Online Crop at All Moments Remembered

2008-01-30T06:40:00.000-05:00

Hosted by yours truly! Stacy at AMR has kindly accepted my offer to host an unofficial crop. Here's the scoop:

Super Bowl XLII is on Sunday, Feb 3, 2008 - Kickoff time is 6:17pm EST, so I'd like to kick off an unofficial crop here at that exact same time!

Stop by for fun and (hopefully) scrapping productivity!

I'll have a challenge or two and I hope others will post challanges as well!

Take part in any, all or none of the challenges.

Use this time to finish up those pesky HOF entries!

This would also be a great time to start those Valentines (I smell a challenge)!

This is for everyone - football fans or not. Stay for the whole game or just pop in and out.

As I said above, we'll kick off when the teams (I forgot who is playing) kick off at 6:17 EST. We will finish up when the game is over and the MVP is announced!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know with a comment here!!

We will have our own forum for the crop! Click HERE for the link to the All Moments Remembered message board!

Note abut registering: If you decide to attend this crop, you will have to register on AMR. It's quick and painless. What you have to remember is to put something, anything about scrapbooking in your profile so that the administrators know that you are not a spammer. Once you do that, you'll be approved. The process can take up to one business day though, so register early if you want to crop with me on Sunday!

Take care, Julie

I'm WHAT???????????????????

2008-01-24T14:25:00.000-05:00

Surprise! I'm about 5 weeks along with our third child! This was not planned (we got rid of all of our baby stuff last summer) but we are thrilled. Shocked, but thrilled. Did I mentioned shocked? Since I try to keep this blog dedicated to paper crafting only, here's the spin: Just when I thought I was finished with baby pages ...

Please keep you fingers crossed and send prayers our way that all is well with the new baby. I go in next week for my first OB appointment.

Giant Prima Flowers

2008-01-15T10:44:00.001-05:00

Has anyone seen, bought, used or thought about these huge flowers by Prima? I got them at my LSS in Swartz Creek, Capture A Memory, and I've been looking at them for a couple of months now. I have two or three projects in mind for them, but I have other things that I have to finish first (think HOF).

They are each about 5-6 inches! That is an 18-inch rule that I used in the photo!

If you've used them on anything, please send me a link. I would love to see what you've done with them!

Check this place out

2008-01-06T08:34:00.001-05:00

For those of you who haven't checked out AMR lately, or ever, do so now! Stacey, the owner, has expanded the site to include a message board (lots of CKMBers over there) and a gallery should follow soon. Plus, and this is the good part, she's getting a lot of new stuff for the store! Can anyone say STICKLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More cool things too. Jump on over and check it out here.

Snowed In - Time to Scrap!

2008-01-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day we have here! Tons of snow keeping us in, so what better time to scrap?
Wish me much mojo. I'm taking down the tree and then scrapping the day away!

Resolution

2007-12-30T12:25:00.000-05:00

I have a (kind of) sbr resolution. There are so many great blogs out there, and I love having links to them on my blog. What I want to do is update and better organize them. I like the way Samantha Welch has hers set up. I'll probably go something along that line. The lovely Miss Detta asked about resolutions on her blog, and that is what got me inspired. Thanks ladies!

Have A Fantastic 2008 Everyone!

That's me on page 51!

2007-12-25T22:51:00.000-05:00

It's not a LO, but I still got myself on the pages of CK! It's for a new column to help us get our journaling going. The story of how Allen and I met is on there. I'm the one who was NOT a shoplifter!

CK did a little editing, but my original submission is below:

My husband, Allen, and I met in college while working at a department store. He thought I was a shoplifter, and I thought he was like a bull dog!

Allen had just transferred to our loss prevention department from another store and didn't know all the employees yet. I worked in the dress department and normally dressed up for work. On this day, however, I was bringing new merchandise out on to the floor and was wearing whatever street clothes I had worn to classes earlier that day.

Because I was moving clothes around, I was practically standing in the middle of the racks and looking all around the floor to decide where to place everything. All Allen saw was some college girl hiding in the racks and looking around. Later he changed his story to say that he thought I was hot and was only checking me out!

Eventually, another loss prevention officer told him that I was not a criminal. He introduced himself to me, and now, 13 years later, we are married with two beautiful girls!

Progress Report - Organization Challenge

2007-12-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

Many know that Erika, aka Journeyfan, on the CKMB has issued a challenge for everyone to get organized. Check out her challenge on her blog. In the meantime, here's how I'm doing:

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Here's my work table. It's built in and quite large, so that's good. The bad part is that it leaves a lot of space to collect stuff that should be put away.

This is the area right next to the work table. Note the Christmas garland on the floor that I was supposed to repair three weeks ago. I guess it will not be ready for this Christmas! The large bus tub (used by bussers in restaurants) is supposed to hold things that need to be put away. As you can see, it has been a long time since I cleaned it out.

Finally, this is the large rubbermaid storage thing (about six feet tall) that used to be able to hold all my stuff. My buddy, Airborne, is also in the photo. He hangs out with me a lot when I'm scrapping.

Oh yeah, and here's even more stuff that I bought on Black Friday and just can't find a place for. I wound up shoving it into the closest that is supposed to be used for our Daisy Troop.

The solution:

And away we go! Here are some photos of the installation. I'm not going to lie, there was a lot of cursing initially. The screws that were included really were useless. Allen found some 1-5/8 inch screws in his stash (luckily, he's a tool guy) that worked much better. Here's my favorite quote from the installation:
Allen: You're not doing a very good job at holding them level.
Me: You're not doing a very good job at being nice.
Still, in the end, Allen told me to order a few more. It's a good system if you get the right screws.

And finally, here's what I've gotten put away so far. I'm off to do some more and then to order some more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This may be my last post until after Christmas. If that is the case and you are still reading (thanks, btw), then have a Merry Christmas!

Cropper Hopper Rail System Arrives At My House!

2007-12-18T15:23:00.000-05:00

It's here! My Cropper Hopper Rail System is here! It's supposed to be my Christmas present from Allen, but he is still at work and I want to open it so bad! That would be wrong though, right?

Look! Even my 3-year-old wants to open it! I'll wait. At least I'll try. Maybe he'll let me go ahead and open it since it's here and all ...

Whew! Finished ...

2007-12-16T20:09:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my Christmas cards.

They are not how I had originally envisioned them, but I really backed myself into a corner time-wise. So, they are what they are.

Now I just have to get them mailed. It would probably be bad form to just leave them in my mailbox with the flag up, wouldn't it?

Now, it is time to get back to HOF!

My OCD Scrapping fix!

2007-12-12T09:09:00.001-05:00

It's coming! The rail system from Cropper Hopper will be in my house in 12-15 working days! I ordered it from Scrapbook.com. It was supposed to be a Christmas present from Allen, but they had free shipping for 24-hours only, so he told me to go ahead and order it!

Even though I make a great big mess when I'm in the middle of a project, I am crazy about being organized. It's my OCD (obsessive compulsive DiSoRdEr) I cannot wait for this to arrive. I ordered enough stuff to fill five rails. I hope that will be enough! Of course, I still have the 7-foot rubbermaid storage cabinet and the wall shelf to store things. Oh what fun I will have once it arrives!

Card sets and stickles

2007-12-08T23:12:00.000-05:00

Whew! I made eight sets of six cards yesterday and today. I pride myself in not making duplicate cards (except for Christmas cards) so the set pictured here is just an idea of what they all look like. I packaged each set in a green-striped cello bag with gold tinsel and candies inside.

Check out what I did with my current obsession - STICKLES! On the blue card, I added it to the felt flowers. On the pink card I "inked" the edge of some torn paper with it. I'm thinking that technique would be so cool for a winter layout.

So, tomorrow I actually make my Christmas cards. At least that's the plan. First, I have to put the mess I made today away ...

First casualty of assembly line cards

2007-12-06T20:49:00.001-05:00

I am making sets of cards to give as gifts for Callie's teachers and for the White Elephant gift exchange at the SOM Moms group that Audrey and I attend. I'm making them assembly line style as I thought that would be the most efficient. Until I found the card in the photo to the left on the bottom of a pile. It got all inked-on. Oh well. I will probably save it and find a way to cover up the goof or pull the embellishments of and reuse on another card.

Still, it was such a shock to my mojo, as I was cruising along feeling pretty good about myself. Then, BANG! Messed up card. I suppose I'm making too much of this.

Oh well, I have 8 sets of cards to make. I cut and score 8 at a time then cover with paper and add embellishments. Finally, I add some sentiment and then move on to my next set of eight. It's actually a good system. I hope to hall all the sets complete tomorrow.

I'm also going to Hobby Lobby tomorrow to look for some inspiration for my HOF crafty combo. I have a few ideas, but I've yet to find one that really screams, "PERFECT!" Maybe wandering the aisles at HL will help. I love what Allison Davis did for hers last year. Check it out here on her blog. Gee, I wish I could figure out a way to use my cake decorating as my crafty combo. HMM ...

Thanks Heidi Swapp

2007-12-03T22:29:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the bling on the boot, my daughter has no problem figuring out which boot goes on which foot! Faced with having to put her boots on without my help at school, she got a little apprehensive. I put the bling on the outside of each boot to help her out, and she went from nervous to fashionable! Who says our supplies have no other uses?

Tagged!

2007-11-26T09:20:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by one of my favorite scrapbookers, Bjh from the scrapbook.com forum.

If you've been tagged, list 7 random facts about yourself and list the 7 people you are going to tag.

Here are my 7 random facts:

After nearly 4 decades, the best friend I found at birth, Jennifer, is still my best friend today. I'm pretty sure she still claims me too! Today (11/26) is also her birthday.
I used to own my own meal preparation business called, "You're the Chef," in Flint, Michigan. We closed a little over a year ago due to the economy.
I am a huge fan of the stage play Annie (not so much the movies though). My two daughters are following in my footsteps.
I studied musical theatre in college and did one regional commercial for a home improvement store the summer after I graduated. It was my one and only professional credit.
I have a masters degree in public administration (I am a master bureaucrat).
If I could, I would be happy to survive on a diet of pizza, gyros and Halo Burger.
My husband and I pulled off a military wedding just 4 days after 9/11. Our honor guard dropped from six to two, but I still walked under the sabers and Allen was not ordered to report (we even made the Hawaiian honeymoon)!

I am off to tag:

Melegs;
Hickschick;
Candice;
HappyScrappySam
TonyaB;
Julie - not me, another Julie; and
Artsychick - a new Memory Makers Master!

No Cricut for me!

2007-11-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

My Mike's advertisement said they opened at 6 a.m. today. I got there at 5:45 thinking I had plenty of time only to find out that they opened the doors at 5:00 a.m. (they just wouldn't start ringing people up until 6 a.m.). Needless to say, the Cricuts were gone. I have not interest in going to the WalMart in town, so oh well. I still was able to get a lot of stuff, so it was not a total loss. I'm taking this as a sign that I am really a QuicKutz gal at heart.

I hope you all have a great day and find deals galore!

Awesome New Papers!

2007-11-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

I just found a new line of papers that I am in love with. It's called Daisy Bucket Designs. They are just beautiful. Maybe I can take a photo and post it tomorrow. They are double-sided, and the colors are great. They fit my style perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did get a new Canon Power Shot this weekend. It was an early Christmas gift from my parents as Audrey dropped my old one last week and Allen's just seemed to poop out on us. My Mom found it on sale at Best Buy, and nabbed it for me. This time, she got the extra warranty that covers it even if I run it over with my car. With the way our other two were treated, that's a real possibility! Thanks Mom!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

2007-11-08T19:20:00.001-05:00

As a writer, and especially as someone who majored in English for my undergraduate degree, I am having a very hard time with my HOF Ticker. You see, I do not have one LO done. Rather, I have one LO finished. Oh, using done in place of finished is one of my biggest pet peeves. It ranks right up there with people who think a lot is actually one word and those that don't know the difference between your and you're. Oh yes, there are also people who insist that they are doing good when they're actually doing well. Arg!
Ok, the ticker stays, but it is really going to bother me!

One down!

2007-11-08T14:40:00.000-05:00

Whew! The first HOF LO is complete. Now that I got started, I hope I keep up the momentum! Anyone else started? finished? still thinking?

Found some mojo and looking for a card kit

2007-11-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

I can't sit her and type for too long, because I've got some mojo, and I don't want to waste it. I have been going through the gallleries at creatingkeepsakes.com and scrapbook.com, and I've got some inspiration!

I think I might "cheat" and order a card kit this year. I'm going to do some looking around to see what I like. Any input would be appreciated!

Where's my Mojo?

2007-11-05T22:56:00.000-05:00

I did do one LO the other day. It's actually a scraplift - sort of. I had the idea in my head and even had the photos developed and on my desk. Then my December CK came in the mail, and there was somebody else's version of what was in my head. So, I knew it was a sign to do the LO. I did it, I love it, I plan to submit it to CK. What's the problem? Audrey dropped my camera, and it is out of commission for now. I don't have a 12X12 scanner. Arg.

So anyway, I have all these plans for HOF, but for some reason, I'm just not doing them. If anyone has some scrapping mojo to send my way, please do so. I think a big part of it was getting through Halloween and then getting through the first Daisy meeting (it was tonight). I now have two weeks until the Daisy's meet again. I also have a great co-leader and a few more Moms that want to help out, so I'm in good shape there. I do have Callie's birthday party in couple of weeks too, so that will take up some time. However, if I keep focused, I really have no excuse.

So that's it: No excuse. I need to start making that counter to the right move. No excuses. Except that right now it's time for bed. No more excuses starting tomorrow.

Scrap-A-Faire

2007-11-03T12:29:00.001-04:00

This is my first time going to Scrap-A-Faire. I have not registered for a class yet. Please take the poll to the right and tell me what you think.

Callie would not let Audrey participate in her school Halloween parade (she's just a pre-schooler after all), but Audrey still had fun watching! This photo cracks me up!

New site I'm crazy about

2007-11-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

Have you been to scrapbook.com? What a resource! Let me know if you've been there and what your name is there so I can look you up! My name (if you have not guessed already) is Scrapperdays.

Here's a photo of Callie in her first school Halloween parade. She was dressed up as Barbie Island Princess. If I had of know that they were just putting the costumes on over their street clothes, I would have dressed her in blue instead of brown!

Hair Scare

2007-11-01T10:05:00.001-04:00

As much as I love Halloween, I'm glad it is over! Between dance class parties, school parties and trick or treating, I'm pooped! Not to mention the late nights because the girls were buzzing on sugar. Yes, last night I found them hiding underneath the dining room table shoving as much candy in their mouths as they could! They also chose last night to break my will in regards to re-brushing their hair before we set out trick-or-treating. At least I will have fun scrapping this!

New LSS for me!

2007-10-25T22:21:00.000-04:00

I finally got a magnetic mat! I'm so excited. I visited the closest LSS in my new area, and there it was! Here's the thing: my husband was confused. He is very supportive of my scrapping, but this time he looked at it and asked, "What do you make that is magnetic?"

I did ask the owner of the LSS if she is looking for instructors, and she said she is. I'm going to take in some of my pages along with a resume. I think I'd really enjoy teaching classes.

Ummmm

2007-10-23T22:42:00.000-04:00

The girls recently took over the master bedroom. Allen and I have a simple plan: Wait until they're asleep, and then put them in their own beds!

Ok, I'm a little off-track on my HOF plan but not really behind. At least I don't think I'm behind. Instead of working on one particular assignment so far this week, I've focused on choosing the photos out of my current stash to use. Accordingly, I'm trying to come up with some new ones. I may have to re-work my current schedule or double up one week. I don't know yet.

Why I love "sketch" submissions

2007-10-21T09:38:00.000-04:00

I finished my submission for Becky's Sketch yesterday - right on track. I opted to do a one-page LO this time. What I love about submitting from sketchs (Simple Scrapbooks has a similar call too) is that it forces you to just do it. Sure, you can play around with your embellishments and colors, but the sketch really keeps you on track.

Today I will start on my first CK HOF project (see plan in the sidebar). I'm not sure which one I'm going to work on, but I'm excited! I also have to put out Halloween decorations and set stuff out on the curb for junk day. Luckily, it will be in the mid-70's today! I'm going to give the girls some rakes and let them play in the leaves!

Happy Fall, Y'all!

On your mark, get set, scrap!

2007-10-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

Whee! Today I'm going to work on the Becky's sketch for April. I hope to start and complete it today.

I've also mapped out my plan for completing HOF. It's more like a rough outline, but it's a start. If you're interested, you can track my progress on the ticker to the right. I actually put it there to keep the pressure on myself.

I went through my calendar and figured out which weeks I can work on HOF, and which weeks I'll have too many other things going on to devote the appropriate attention to my entry. I tried to give myself at least one week on each assignment. This should also give me time to work on other non-HOF LOs.

Basically, my idea is this:

Sundays -- Decide which assignment to tackle. Make list of what I need.
Mondays-Wednesdays -- Gather materials, work on sketches, begin actual work if possible (these days are kind of busy around my house).
Thursdays -- Get my hands dirty putting it together.
Fridays -- Tweak.
Saturdays -- Come to terms with the finished project.

I'm excited now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-18T09:31:00.000-04:00

Today I plan to print out the official HOF rules and make a plan/schedule. I think I will post a link to it on this blog to keep myself on track. Who else is doing HOF? Let me know, and we can keep each other motivated!

I'm back!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-17T09:07:00.000-04:00

Vegas was great. In fact, it was probably our best trip yet. Now that I'm home, it's time to get back to work. I have a few projects around the house (some bigger than others) and I need to get moving on two big tasks:

Setting up our new Daisy Scout troop (I've been given the go-ahead from the Glowing Embers Council), and
Making a plan for completing the Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame contest.

I think I may have to use these photos in a LO soon!

Leaving for Vegas

2007-10-09T08:27:00.000-04:00

We're leaving for Vegas Wednesday, so I won't be here for almost a week! Next Monday at the earliest, anyway. Allen has conned me into entering into a (small) Holdem' tournament. I am Black Jack player, but he really wants me to try poker. Of course, I outlasted him on an online tournament on Full Tilt Poker last night, so now he thinks I'm a natural. I'll give it a shot. I just get so bored playing Holdem'. Regardless, please wish us a safe trip! TTFN ...

Annie - What a Memory!

2007-10-05T09:28:00.000-04:00

I finally got to take my older DD, Callie (5 in November), to see the national tour of Annie last night. It was a thrill for her as she loves Annie and she sat on the edge of her seat during the orphanage scenes. She also shushed me every time I laughed. It was a thrill for me because I still remember my Mother taking me to see the tour twice during the original broadway run. as you can see, Callie was thoroughly exhausted after the show and fell asleep on the living room floor!

Looks like I've Committed Myself

2007-10-02T15:02:00.001-04:00

Oh boy, oh boy! I've decided to give the Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame Contest a shot! I'm excited and a little overwhelmed. There are 10 projects to complete and we have until February 11, 2008, to submit everything. It seems like a long time, but I think it will go fast.

I've never entered anything like this before, so my goal is just to be happy with my entry (and to get it in with time to spare). I have a progress counter to the right of this page, to keep myself motivated. I also put an estimated date of completion to be February 1, so that I will have plenty of time to get the entry shipped to the powers that be at Creating Keepsakes.

Wish me luck. I'm really excited about this challenge. I love having a goal!

Finally!

2007-09-27T23:33:00.001-04:00

I'm back to scrapping! I did this one a week or so ago. Now that I look at it, I would change the placement of the photo, but I am a firm believer in not changing LOs after I've declared them finished. So much more to catch everyone up on, but it's late, and I have to get Callie up early for school. I will catch up later!
Take care, and thanks for stopping by!

All moved in and ready to go!

2007-09-16T17:19:00.001-04:00

I finally got all of my scrap stuff moved back in to my house. I even cleaned up my coardstock and got it better sorted. I use the ROYGBP method, but it had gotten a little out of whack.

I just pulled the supplies to do my first LO now that I'm back in my house. I'll post it when my camera is working. My DDs took it in to the bathtub when I wasn't looking. ARG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting Back On Track!

2007-09-08T23:04:00.000-04:00

Whew! It's been a busy couple of weeks:

Allen returned home;
We all moved back in to our house;
Callie started kindergarten (sniffle, sniffle from Mom);
Both girls started at a new dance and gymnastics studio;
So much more!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we will move almost the last of my scrapbooking stuff back to my house from my parents' house. I am so excited to get back to my addiction! I don't know what project I'll jump in to first, but I just can wait!

Gone until Labor Day!

2007-08-27T23:50:00.000-04:00

I'm doing something unprecedented, unheard of, daring and strange. I'm leaving my computer behind for a few days (almost a week - gasp). Allen has returned from Afghanistan and we are moving the family back to Plainwell. Because I will have a lot to do getting our house back in order and getting everything unpacked, I am going to leave my computer at my parents' house for a few days. I just can't chance the distraction. Once I get reading those scrapbook message boards and blogs, I'm on for hours.

Please look for me to return to the internet after Labor Day. Have a great holiday everyone!

Allen's Home!!!!!!

2007-08-23T10:40:00.000-04:00

Here's a photo of Allen and Audrey at the airport (Callie is off-camera dancing). More later!

Allen arrives home tonight!

2007-08-22T12:56:00.001-04:00

Ok, this may be my last post for a few days. Allen arrives home from his 14 mos. tour this very evening! I'm so excited! I also submitted my first pages to CK last night. What fun this all is!

I was tagged!

2007-08-20T15:35:00.000-04:00

Yea! I feel like one of the cool kids now! Erica, aka melegs on the CK message board, tagged me.

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post these rules before you give the facts.
2. Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of their middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. ***IF you have already done your middle name than do the State that you live in with new adjectives!*****
3. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog-post containing your own middle name game facts. ***Or state if you have already been tagged before!***
4. At the end of your blog-post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.Here is mine:

Ann:

A: Anxious - For now anyway. My husband is on his way home from a 15-month deployment. He should arrive in Michigan by the end of the week. I'm anxious because we will all be moving back into our house (the girls and I have been staying with my parents while Allen was gone) and jumping right back in to the family thing inluding Callie starting kindergarten and Audrey starting pre-school in a few weeks. The girls will also be going to a new dance studio. A lot of changes, but all for the good!

N: Nice - At least that's what I hope I am!

N: Nurturing - Hey, I'm a Mom, it's what I do!

OK, I'm off to find three people to post!

I tagged:

1. Becky
2. IamDerby aka Derbylia
3. nicolemartel

I stepped outside of my comfort zone ...

2007-08-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

...Meaning I did a layout without the typical 1/4-inch photo mats and the like. I tried to go with the new trends I'm seeing on the galleries. You be the judge. Does this LO work for you? What would you have done different? Please let me know. I'm trying to grow as a scrapper, so I want honest assessments.

In case you're wondering ... I'm the redhead that is standing. Next to me is Tracy. Seated from left to right is Jaime, her mother Tammy and my mother Fay. Sometimes Tracy's daughters join us, but rarely. They're both in college and probably find us to "slow them down." They're good young ladies. We are all friends with ties to a certain business to which will not be named just because ... We try to meet up once a month for dinner and a couple of cocktails. None for my Mom though as just one drop of alcohol makes her sick (even when it's been cooked).

My challenge to myself

2007-08-13T10:55:00.000-04:00

As I look at the galleries on the CK site, I'm feeling like my style could use a jolt. I need to switch things up. I can't put my finger on how to put it into words (not good for a writer to admit), but I know what I need to do. I want to get away from all the border-type stuff that I do. While I pledge to always keep my scrapbooks about the photos and memories first and foremost, I want to get a little more creative with my pages. More later, Callie is calling me upstairs to watch Noggin with her ...

Must set goals

2007-08-09T09:33:00.000-04:00

Seriously, I do. I love to do lists if only for the satisfaction of getting to check something off when I'm finished.

Off the top of my head, the projects needing attention right now (aside from most photos and events from July 2004 - July 2006) include:

Books

Allen's deployment book (all the things that happened while he was deployed)
Callie's Kinder-Camp book
You're the Chef
Tabby Cat tribute
Last year's trip to Orlando

Smaller Projects/Pages

Audrey in the newspaper
Getting my groove back
Girls' Night Out
Callie's dance recital
Callie's dance camp
Signs of no more babies
Girls at concerts in the park
Summer fun - swimming and chalk
Yard work
Audrey's wanderlust
Splash pad
Callie and Audrey at the cabin

Oh man--I need another cup of coffee! I also need to set a plan for all this. Coffee first ...

Prime Outlet Shopping and Hidden Pocket LOs

2007-08-08T19:58:00.000-04:00

I took my Mother and two DDs shopping at the Prime Outlet in Birch Run, Michigan today. Though she has lived about 30 minutes from the nationally known outlets for about 20 years and though she is a true shop-aholic, this was my Mom's first trip there. I have created a monster. Petite Sophisticate now has a new life-time customer. Sorry Dad! She did get a lot of great deals though. Plus, it is difficult to find clothes that fit her tiny size 2 frame.

I finally finished the LOs for Audrey's 2nd birthday. I had to do three: one for her babybook, one for her yearly book and one for the book of everything that we did while Allen was on deployment. This LO is the first one I have ever done with a hidden photo pocket.

Tomorrow, I will set some goals for myself for projects for the coming weeks.

TTFN!

To get back into the Autumn mode

2007-08-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about autumn photos lately. Seems odd since we're going through a heat-wave! Maybe it's the school shopping and the way the pumpkins are already turning orange. I just can't wait to get those kiddies dressed in fall clothes and get them outside in the leaves again. Here's a LO from last year.

I finally posted some LOs on CK!

2007-08-07T09:35:00.000-04:00

I added the link to my Creating Keepsakes Gallery below. I can't wait to make more LOs to post!

2007-08-04T22:56:00.001-04:00

Ok, I'm starting to get the hang of this blog thing. I hope to use this to keep myself organized with all my scrapping projects and my writing. I am so, so, so hoping to get back in to writing. I wrote for a newspaper right out of college and then just got away from it. I recently sent out a few article queries to my two favorite scrapbook magazines. I have a few more ideas to send to other magazines too (not all scrapbook related).

I don't know if people will actually read this blog or if I'm doing it just for myself, but if you are reading this now: HI! Check out the photo of my DDs getting relief from the hot sun at a local splash pad. What a fun day! Gee, I'll probably scrapbook that photo and 73 others I took along with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's See ...

2007-08-04T08:43:00.001-04:00

I'm still learnin'!

Scrapperdays

2007-08-03T08:35:00.001-04:00

I am just trying this out!