Now, what was I saying?

Unexpected Fun... Snow?!!

2012-01-30T08:31:00.000-08:00

After the bustle of the past few days around here we decided to take my mom for a drive into the mountains. We had heard that they had drained a lake up in the mountains above us to improve the existing dam and they had uncovered loads of fun things. Sound like a fun time?. Well we piled in the car, (I decided that I would wear sneakers instead of the uggs I had been wearing.. they have started to get hot)... no jackets (lucky I found one in the car).. it has been beautiful the past few days. Well needless to say... we found SNOW! lol..

Here are a few snapshots from our trip.

After our drive, Mom decided to treat us to the spaghetti factory. As you can tell Andrew LOVED it!

Mom is leaving in a few days so things should get back to the "normal" around here. But then.. is there really a normal?
Take care!

On the RUN!!!!

2012-01-24T08:42:00.000-08:00

My mom is here from out of state. I am on the go this week. I just wanted to pop in and share with you one of my Favorite albums I have created. I took a dive into working with metal and embossed the front and back covers in metal and adhered it to an accordian album that I created. Just the perfect colors for valentine's day. Let me know what you think!

Sweet, Sweet, Rain!

2012-01-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

Yes! Finally we have rain! We have been so dry this winter. Rain is a beautiful thing for us right now in our small area of the world. I know when you get too much it is a bad thing but right now I am really enjoying it. I just want to snuggle up in bed and be cozy.

I think I must have always loved the rain. The sound of it falling softly on the roof. The clasp of thunder in a lightning storm. It brings back so many memories.

Memories are special. They can't take them away from you. Maybe that is why I enjoy scrapbooking so much. I get to filter through all of the photos that have memories attached and create with my most favorite medium, paper.

My store is up and running now on etsy.
You can find it here.....http://www.etsy.com/shop/designstudioL

please check it out! It is off to a slow start but everyone says it takes a bit to get going.

Above are a couple of Valentine's cards that I have created. I just love the flying heart one. The "Be Mine" label is actually a fabric label.

The one below is so much fun. It is just hearts and flowers focusing on special words on the paper.
Take care everyone! I am off to clean the house, .. ENJOY THE RAIN,... and maybe I will sneek in and "touch some paper"! :)

Working on My New Online Store

2012-01-19T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys! I bet you have been wondering how and where I have been. I have been slowly working on my new online "Studio of Design". It has been a true learning experience. I have been bothering my kids with learning linking and how to make banners. I really think that they are hiding from me now!

Now I am in the photographing stage ( I truly need practice) and.... what do you expect in an area that has not seen rain
in forever?...RAIN! It is truly an adventure!

I am yearning for a little more creative time in my scrap room right now, but here I sit working on the computer.

I am so excited about this venture as I miss traveling around the U.S. like I used to working the scrapbook shows. I really miss all the friends I made and some of the faithful people that were in the classes I taught. Now I will be home based and can design to my hearts content, still feel the paper between my fingers, and enjoy the process.

I will be keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well and God will bless this venture.

If you happen to see a card, layout, project, or any other hand made item on my blog and are interested in something similar or maybe if it is available the exact item, let me know.
I can always set you up with a custom listing.

I will be giving all the link to the store as soon as it is on line!
Hugs to all!

Cleaning my Scraproom....

2011-11-21T08:42:00.001-08:00

I have been puttering around my scrap room trying to clean it up a bit before Thanksgiving festivities at my house. While picking up this and that, I managed to create a layout and a card
while hubby kept peeking in to see how my cleaning progress is going.

I thought I would share my two creations with everyone. One an everyday layout and the other a Christmas Card. I am getting so excited for the holiday season to get here!

Thanks for looking guys! Have an awesome Thanksgiving!

Thinking of You!

2011-11-11T07:36:00.001-08:00

Today for some reason I woke up thinking about my son David. There is nothing wrong, I was just thinking about him. Have you ever done something similar? I have had a hard time talking to him lately. He has been so busy with life. remember how it is when you are first starting out? How you struggled in your first apartment? I usually do layouts of my smallest and sometimes I wonder if the older boys feel left out. This is a layout that I did a few months ago for him and thought that I would post it today.

Andrew is out of school today so we are planning on creating something this afternoon.
Who knows what we will end up with!

Back Again!

2011-11-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

After much thought and urging from a friend, I have decided to try and get this blog going again. I can see I picked the right name for this blog when I set it up. "Now what was I saying.." sure makes sense now!

I am not going to try and recount the last year, Frankly it would take me a year to do that! ;) I just want to start fresh! I have been creating again and it feels so good. I have been spending the last few weeks "warming up" to my scrap supplies again. There are so many things that I want to play with.
I was wanting to get ahead of the game and create a few holiday cards. I had bought a few sheets of the new Crate Paper Peppermint line a few weeks ago and they were just calling for my attention.
I had way too much fun playing with this line of paper.

You can purchase it at my favorite online store (Scrapbook Doodle) if you are interested. Yvonne the shop owner is the best shipper I know of. She gets it out Fast! :) Scrapbook Doodle

**I have started selling my cards, so if there are any posted that you like please contact me!

Here are a few of my creations:

Thanks for looking all! It sure feels good to be BACK!

Puppies!

2010-09-03T08:29:00.001-07:00

Yes! We have Puppies!!! NINE PUPPIES to be exact!
It has been loads of work and lots of fun but they are now ready to find new homes.
We have homes for six of them but the other three are still looking. The last picture is of two of the three that are still.... homeless.
If anyone knows of a home... let me know!
Oh and the big adult brindle... He's the dad and all mine... I would not let go of him for anything! ;)

Score!

2010-09-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Life around the house is starting to change. Our second to the youngest son David is now engaged
to a wonderful lady, Miss Olivia!. David is now moving out of the house which gives me something that I have been dreaming about for a long time. Yes! It is time for a scrapbook/craft/office room all for myself.
I love antiques and I have been collecting furniture for craft storage for quite sometime now. I have my awesome printer's cabinet I found. I also have amassed three library card catalogs, an old antique dresser, and my collection on sewing machine drawers. I was wondering through one of my one of my favorite haunts and came upon this antique string dispenser. It is dated 1889. I absolutly LOVE to use string in my creations and decided that it must be added to my collection. Score!!!
I was talking to the gentleman and he also mentioned that he has another double printers cabinet complete with dies in his warehouse. I must admit I was tempted but realize I only have so much space.
I noticed that paint is on sale this weekend at Home Depot and I already have bought a ceiling fan for the room. The room has vaulted ceilings and I just can't wait to get started!
Now if only he will pick up the rest of his stuff! LOL! Hummm a yard sale might be in order....

Oops! I was caught!

2010-09-01T07:02:00.001-07:00

I had to laugh, my husband asked where his layout was. It seems I forgot to post the layout of him. He was so proud of this thing.
I promised to get it posted right away so here it is honey. It was also made from the "Pack your Bags" Kit from Scrapbook Doodle.

It has been a whirlwind or"Potato"!

2010-08-31T12:33:00.000-07:00

It seems since last November there has been a "potato" going on in my life. I chuckle when I say that. If you know me then you know my son Andrew who is always worried that a "potato" will
touch down at any second. (Potato = tornado) I think instead of a "potato" I must have had a
giant Yam.. lol... or hurricane.
After losing my dad and getting through other hurdles in my life I am ready. It is starting to slow down now. Life is becoming a bit easier. It is time to start fresh.

I am just getting back into scrapping and starting to feel better with what I am creating.
These are a few things that I put together with the "Pack your Bags" kit from Scrapbook Doodle.
It was super fun to work with and is packed full of goodies!

Wow! November is here!

2009-11-08T08:27:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe that November is already here. The time has flown by.

I have been busy working on the house, working shows, and taking care of the family.

My creative time has been cut to almost nothing for the past few months but has been exchanged for time working on our house. New paint, new kitchen and bathroom. It is nice to have it feel so fresh.

I have been cleaning and going through some of my clothing. I have a stack of scrapbooking t-shirts in sizes m-l-xl. If anyone would not mind hand me downs..(they are practically brand new) let me know! I would hate for them to go to waste!!

I am seriously looking forward to the holiday season. Time with the family is the best.

I did post a few layouts above that were done. I have been loving the Dr. Seuss isms lol!

Thanks for looking!

August is here!

2009-08-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

August is here and it is getting time for school to start. Dare I say.. I can't wait!! (wink wink!)

The first of the month is always a busy day for me . I always try to get my newest Rusty Pickle projects for the month up on line. I posted them above.

We got up for an extra early walk this morning because Ian had to work. I think the dogs look forward to going as much as I do. There is something relaxing about our walk. It is our time to talk about what is going to happen for the day and spend a little bit of time together.

Last weekend we headed for the coast. It wasn't for fun but to go through a few things at Ian's mom's house before they sold it. We were able to take an antique china cabinet (the glass needed repair work) and also an antique men's dresser for David's room.

Tomorrow we plan to head back over there and visit with his mother who is in a nursing home.

It seems we are always running somewhere.. at least we are running together!

We are Back!

2009-07-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

After our 6,500 mile road trip we are home! We all had loads of fun . We did have a few "bumps" in the road but we all worked together and tackled it as a family and are now returning to our busy lives at home.

Andrew had so much fun. I still hear things comming out of his mouth telling someone about something that happened or that he learned on our trip and think.. "wow! He really was listening". He was telling someone yesterday about how electricity was made with a dam and how the locks work on the dam we visited. The funny part was we had stopped by this dam for a quick picnic one day with my parents. But boy it must have made a big impression on him!

We visited Destin, Flordia and spent one day on the beach. Ahh.. the water was so nice. Not freezing like we have here in California. We all got a bit of sun even with the spf 70 we used.

Visiting with my parents was so much fun and eventful too. I was able to pick enough blackberries for some homemade jam. Yummm!

I missed Ruby and Max terribly and they were so happy to see us when we arrived home. I think their "welcoming party" lasted for about 20 min. We finally had to put them outside so we could carry in our luggage.

Now we are refreshed an back to our "real world", but boy it was sure fun to get away for a bit!

2009-07-01T04:51:00.002-07:00

Well we are about to head out in a few days on our yearly "Family Vacation". I say "about", because here I sit, with nothing packed or ready to go.

It has been a hectic week around our house. My mom and Dad were out visiting, my grandmother was placed in the hospital, and then a rehabilitaion facility, Andrew had swimming lessons, and the list goes on.

My birthday is fast approaching and my kids decided to surprise me with the "bestest" gift in the world. They decided that mom needs to "stay connected" on her trips and bought me a laptop. It was such an awesome surprise! My son Jeremy orchestrated it all and then did the horribile duty of setting it all up with my software that I need. Eveyone tends to hide when I need computer help.

I must say thank you to each one individually as all had a hand in this..

So Thank You... Jeremy, Jennifer, Michael, David, Andrew (Yes! You can have my old dinasour!), and Ian... Y'all are the best! I love you all!

I also included a photo of one of my Dt projects for Rusty Pickle for July to the side! Thanks Jamie for the inspiration and thanks Andrew for the idea on how to use TH Swivil Clasps to hang the circle on! What would I do without my little scrapbooker? He is so full of ideas! I love how this turned out!

Now it must be off to pack!

Remember... "SMILES ARE FREE!"

Hugs!

"Up" and Away!!

2009-06-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Things have been busy around our household these past few weeks!
After returning from Pasadena everything has taken off!
My poor grandmother had to celebrate her 97th birthday in the hospital.
Hugs Grandma! I love you!
My parents are visiting from Tennessee.
Andrew is taking swimming lessons. It is too funny to watch. He loves the water and has fun when he wonders off from the class. I swear he is going to be the death of me.
We leave for vacation next week. I have packing to do.
I am trying to get my July Dt projects finished. I can't wait to share them with everyone.
I did post my "Day in my Life" page for June above. We went and saw the movie "Up".
I used the idea from the movie of the house floating away with balloons. The bottle cap pin from the movie, the movie ticket stubs, and a picture of Andrew were all used. Oh and then I also used a strip of an old 8mm movie.
Well I am off to start accomplishing some more chores.
Did I mention that everthing in my garden is "in season"? Squash or tomatoes anyone???

Back From Pasadena!!

2009-06-18T19:30:00.001-07:00

It was a great show in Pasadena!

I got to see lots of my local friends who traveled up to visit Pasadena's first ever CKC.

I just had to post this photo from the show. It is our typical "WE ARE DONE!" dirty hands photo.

I even had the hubby and Andrew helping us out! Andrew was quite the motor mouth during tear down. I think our neighboring booths were getting an earful of him. I had to laugh, because my hubby told me on the way home.. "Now I know why you come home so tired and bruised every show." He had helped us with set up too and said he had to get back to his work to "rest".

We had an awesome crew! Thanks Guys!

Now I am busy around the house doing catch up for being gone for the past two weeks.

My parents will be arriving on Saturday and I am anxiously awaiting their arrival.

I have a few projects to complete and then just got an awesome box of new Pickelicious goodies from my UPS man! SCORE!

Off to Arlington!

2009-06-02T20:14:00.001-07:00

I am headed out the door soon to work the GASC show in Arlington, Texas! I will be working with my good friend and fellow chef Kim and a local person from the area I have never met.

I am also hoping to touch bases with my freind and fellow chef Jill! I can't wait!

This is going to be a busy next two weeks. I will be doing back to back shows with the next one a CKC in Pasadena!

I am anxious to see the new Rusty Pickle Patriotic line at the show... and maybe pick up a few more goodies. I am already anticipating getting home and getting to play.

I will be missing Andrew who told me he slipped a secret note into my suitcase. I am not susposed to look until I get there.

I wanted to leave you with a few of my June RP creations. Enjoy!

Summer is comming FAST!

2009-05-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Working with the papers I was given for my June Creative Team assignment for Scrapbook Doodle reminded me that summer was fast approaching.

It has been so hot outside and staying inside and creating was just the ticket. Don't get me wrong I was still chasing andrew, cooking dinner, but after all went to bed... I had lots of fun!

School is almost over for Andrew and summer is sitting here ready to start!

Tags with Andrew

2009-05-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Andrew sat down with me the other night while I was watching a Tim Holtz Demo on the computer. It is had to believe that he sat through the whole demo and was so interested in it.

He asked if he could make one. I had been wanting to try too so while he watched it again and made a "list" of the things we needed I dug them out with enough tags for both of us to give it a shot.

I can not believe how easy they were. What was even worse.. one of the tags we did you can't tell his from mine.. lol. I guess that I shouldn't say worse.. I was just surprised at how well he did. He even corrected me on a few of my "faults".

I posted our creations above. His are the set of two in the picture and mine are the set of three.

I was so proud of what he created.

Now I fear, he will be into my scrap supplies more often. He has found "that man" as he calls him on You Tube and has been watching all of his demos! I have created a mad man!

Playing with Scrapbook Supplies

2009-05-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last night I sat down to do my "Day in a Life" album page for May.

The 19th this month happened to be a Tuesday so I couldn't resist scrapping Andrew's favorite weekly holiday. I was itching to play with the new Cosmo Cricket Early bird and play with some Tim Holtz product so I dug in and had some fun.

I used my QK Silhouette Digital cutter for the lettering and then masked on the tag with the Tim Holtz Grunge Mask. I had a blast. The Chipboard frame was actully an old Scrapworks one I had laying around from Christmas and I added those cute eating utensil chipboards that went with the new Cosmo papers. I added Rusty Pickle Buttons and monthly rubons and was done! I really had a lot of fun doing this months.

Today I will spend paying insurance bills (Yikes! dont' ever have a teenage driver.. it will kill you pocketbook!), picking up around the house , and then hopefully working on some more assignments!

Now I must go out and fill the wading pool.. I need to have it ready for Andrew and the dogs!

It's going to be a hot one!

2009-05-20T07:19:00.001-07:00

Yes! It is going to be a hot one!.... Summer that is!

It has been so hot and humid the past few days here. I finally bit the bullet so to speak and turned on our air conditioner. We are filling Andrew's wading pool daily. I don't know who is enjoying it more Andrew or the dogs!

I was playing around with some scraps and some older pictures from last year and created these 6 x 12's. I enjoy working with this size. It is perfect for scraps and pictures that are not quite perfect.

I am off to water the garden and see how my tomatoes, and peppers are doing. I picked the peas and the spinach yesterday. It should not be long until I can also harvest the radishes and carrots.

Andrew has only a couple of weeks of school to go. Yikes! Summer vacation is almost here!

Here Comes the Rain?

2009-05-01T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today I uploaded my May Design Team Assignments for Rusty Pickle. I really had a lot of fun playint with these. I loved the orange and black together! You know I rarely have done layouts of myself but this one was actually a lot of fun to do!!

It is susposed to rain heavy this evening and then again tomorrow morning so I cancelled the garage sale. I wil just move it forward a week or so. We really need the rain. My garden would love the water! Don't get me wrong I water it all the time but there is something about a nice warm rain.

Speaking of gardens... mine is comming along nicely. I even saw a small pea pod in the pea vines today. My peppers, tomatoes, and strawberries, along with the peas are blooming. My spinach, beans, and carrots are looking well too! Andrwe planted some corn at school in a pot and brought it home so I put it in next to our cucumbers. If they keep growing we will have three whole stalks of corn.. LOL! YAY!

Well I just wanted to show ya'll the layouts! I hope to get some more done this weekend.. durning the rain???!!

It's "Chicken Day"!!!

2009-04-28T12:35:00.001-07:00

Well I have been busy scrapping away at home. I just finished the above layouts that are made out of the Scrapbook Doodle's May monthly kit. It was fun to play with the orange and blue for a while. The last one was a photo that Andrew took of me. He is such a "goober". He is always grabbing my camera and snapping away. When I was erasing his "photo session" from my memory card I came across this picture and thought.. Why not use one?

Tonight is open house at school and also "Chicken Day"! Those of you who don't know about Chicken Day, obviously have not received a call from Andrew on a Tuesday. We buy chicken from KFC on Tuesdays because of the specials they run . (Wow it has been on for about a year now!)

Well when I pick him up from school we head off to pick up dinner. He has figured out how to call people using my iphone so he grabs it and looks at everyone's picture in my address book and proceedes to call and let them know it is "Chicken Day!" Don't be surprised if you get a call!!

We are thinking about having a garage sale this weekend. We were cleaning out the garage last weekend and had people stopping by asking if we were cleaning or having a sale. Hey.. don't laugh! We made $45 on the clean out! The big plus was we didn't have to put those items back into the garage! We set an old lawn mower out that Andrew had destroyed and filled with dirt on our back slab for our yearly rubbage day comming up... it was gone the next day. We don't know who snagged it but it was one less thing to haul off to the city yard!

Well it is time to think about picking up Andrew and celebrating "Chicken Day", so let me leave you with this......

HAPPY CHICKEN DAY!!!

St. Louis Fun!

2009-04-14T06:19:00.001-07:00

Working St. Louis with my buddies? What can I say.. one word says it all..."FUN"!!

Bad hair days were even fun! (just look at the above photo.. what was it doing?)

Nanette and her daughter Kalie were a blast. I think we were always giggling. The tear down crew? Well look at the pictures above at the dirty hands. They were awesome!

I am happy to be home for a bit to spend some time with my family. Thanks St. Louis for a wonderful time!

Butterflies and Packing

2009-03-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today Andrew's insect project was due at school. Everyone in the family was susposed to help make and research an insect of Andrew's choice. Everyone else had suggestions of maybe doing an ant or a lightening bug (think of the possibilities) but Andrew stood firm with his choice of a butterfly.
I helped Andrew research it, while David and Ian did the model... ahemm .. let me clarify.. David did the model while Ian ran to pick up the supplies and watched.
Andrew was quite proud of it this morning as he carried it into the school. He asked me to to a photograph of it as he was leaving.
Today I have been finishing up some layouts, trying to sort things, and pick up around the house.
Tomorrow I will be packing to head to CKC St Louis, MO (really it is in Collinsville, IL).
As some of you know I have been collecting state charms for my bracelet. I already have one from last year for MO, so I think I will be doing the IL one for this show. It counts right?
I will be working with Nanette and her daughter Kaylie! It should be loads of fun.
I am also going to get to see Jamie and her mother Rose! They promised to help with tear down like last time in Kansas City!
I can't wait to see them!

Home to Play For A Bit!

2009-03-27T07:42:00.001-07:00

Well I am home for a few days, I leave to go to St. Louis CKC next week.

Andrew has kept me busy. He has a few school projects that are comming

due and then we have been enjoying the spring weather.

Andrew was out with the dogs blowing bubbles the other day. I heard him giggling and

Max was barking and jumping. After a closer look I see that he was blowing the

bubbles and Max was trying to jump up and "pop" them. I had to run and grab my

camera and capture these shots!

Ahh!! I am enjoying these warm days!

Pleasanton, CA Done!

2009-03-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

What a blast we had in Pleasanton!

I absolutly loved all of my helpers and would love to have them back anytime!

Teresa... girl you rock! Thank you so much!

The tear down crew... what can I say? We did it !! I don't think that some of you have laughed so hard in ages.. even my hubby helped!...(why can't I get him to help at home?)

I must admit.. it being the first show of the year it kicked my you know what and I pretty much vegged all Sunday.

But.. I did drop a few lbs!! Hee hee.. and it was much more fun than getting on a treadmill or going to the gym!

Tasha.. you deserve a medal! How do you sleep? LOL! Brenda and I giggled so hard.. Lance was snoring so loudly the people in the next room were beating on the walls for him to stop in the middle of the night!

Thanks again ladies.. and Teresa and Brenda.. I hope we get to do this again.. Ya'll are the best!

And away we Goooooooo!

2009-03-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Yes! Show Season is starting!

Tomorrow I am heading out for the Pleasanton Expo in California. I will spend today packing, tying up loose ends aound the house, and finishing a few projects I have on my desk.

This picture is from the Chatanooga Show last year. That was a few pounds ago. Maybe starting work will help shed some of my "packed on" winter pounds.

I will be working with one of my great fellow chef's Brenda, and Lance will be teaching. We will also have the honor of having a helper for set-up. Yay Tereasa!!

When I return home my mom and Dad will be here visiting and I will get to spend some time with them. I miss them being around in my life every day. I can't wait to see them!

Hopefully my house will not be in too much disrepair when I return from the show after three days with all men being there! You know how the guys are! (wink!)

Always Remember...

2009-03-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

This week has been so hectic around our house.

Spring has sprung so to say.

Yards needed mowing, dogs to the vet for shots, help out at school, floors that needed repair among other things.

Surprise!!

My son decided to keep it from us that his girlfriend from New York was comming to visit.

I found out when he called me from work the night she was susposed to arrive. It seems that she was stranded in Las Vegas because she had missed her flight.

They decided that he would pick her up there (a 6 hour drive one way) after he finished his night shift at work.

Well he made it to Las Vegas and was headed home and fell asleep while driving and ran into a semi.

Luckly no one was hurt, but his car was totaled.

It made me start thinking how that sometimes you get busy with life and you forget to tell people who mean the most, that you love them.

My older boys have grown up and left the nest. I don't see them everyday. Do they know how I feel?

I have decided that no matter how embarassing it is for them, how silly they think it is, or how much they think they have grown , that they will receive those mommy kisses and hugs forever.

I love them!

Jackpot!!

2009-03-06T12:22:00.001-08:00

Today I feel like I hit the Jackpot! My sister in law sent me some photos of their family.

As most of you know I only have boys, but now, I finally have some girl photos to work with!!

Everyone tells me to just scrap myself. Trust me, it is not the same. Most of the photos of myself at a young age are black and white and will not go with the new trendy paper. While they do make fabulous heritage layouts, they just don't do the new paper "justice".

We are so lucky to have the new camera types that give you such true colors in our photos and make it possible to do layouts with such bold and bright colors.

I have been struggling with designer block recently so I hope these will help get me out of it.

The wind has picked up around here and it has cooled off a bit. I am in desperate need of sunshine and warm weather! I find myself shivering in the mornings still. Where is that "shorts weather" I was asking for?

March is here!

2009-03-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

March has blown in with lots of rain here.

We spent yesterday moving things in the house and cleaning a bit here and there.

We live in a very tiny house and it seems we are jam packed into it.
There is not a day that goes by that I am not dreaming of a house a bit larger. If I could have a room of my own to scrap that would be an extra blessing.

My husband has been wanting us to get one of those small mini freezers but we sadly have had no room. He decided to move a wooden filing cabinet into the house so we might have room in the garage for the freezer.

Well when you move the cabinet the files need to be cleaned right? I spent most of the day shreading documents that were at the oldest, 20 years old.

It felt good to be rid of the junk but of course the cabinet takes up room in the house.

There were lots of treasures in there . Fun family photos and things that had been forgotten.

I made the layout here from an old photo of my sister and myself. The materials used were all from Scrapbook Doodle's March kit. We were quite a pair!

Today I am off to see what March brings. Looks like rain for sure!

February! Where did it go?

2009-02-28T17:53:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe that February is over. It seems like the month had just started.

We spent today in town. I can't believe how fast Andrew is growing. He had a field trip last Wednesday and as I was dressing him I noticed that all of the pants he has in his drawer were hitting him at and above his ankles!

I received an email that Osh Kosh was having a $10 pant sale this weekend so I vowed to get him a few pair. Yes! to my amazement, he had gone up two pant sizes. What was even more amazing is while he could fit into the slims they were a tad snug and now he is a regular!

We fixed up his wardrobe with 3 pants, 4 shorts, and four new shirts which totaled to under $100 including tax! Yeah!!

After that we ventured to the mall to pick up a few other necessities and then Ian surprised us with Lunch at Red Robin. David had gone with us so for a change the entire household was there! It was so nice.

Today feels like Sunday to me. Ian has been working 6-7 days a week so we have not had a Saturday together in forever. I am hoping that tomorrow I can have him knock off a few things on my "honey-do" list.

I created the February layout for my "Day in the Life" album. The day that was chosen was just an ordinary day for me. I tried to make a layout that said just that! I am going to make the album myself with my bind it all. These pages I do will matt onto kraft colored pages. I am really looking forward to seeing how it ends up.

I have been dreaming of summer and I must admit I am ready for March.. I really want to dig out those shorts and pack the pants till the fall!

Let me leave this post by saying one of my new favoite sayings....

"A true friend will always say you are a good egg, even though they know you are slightly cracked!"

New addition!

2009-02-27T20:53:00.001-08:00

I am so behind with my blog.

Everyone in the family has been sick and life has just gotten in the way.

I have vowed to get this going again.

We have a new addition to our family.

Meet Ruby!

We picked her up in Oregon from my good buddy Kathie D on the 17th of Jan.

She is our male boxer Max's new best buddy.

The online board that I follow and design for (scrapbook doodle) started a challenge to be done monthly. We are creating an album called "A Day in my Life". We are chosing a day and every month we are scrapping something about that day.

I was a little behind because I decided to join mid February. So February will be soon to follow!

This layout is done for the 19th of January.

We picked Ruby up less than 30 hours earlier!

I have some hidden journaling on the tag under the photo pocket about our routine's changing.

Wow! Feburary is almost over and we are into March.

The Pleasanton, Ca Expo is comming up fast! I'll be hitting the road soon heading out around the middle of March. I hope to see you all there!

My Guys 2008

2009-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

With my boys living all over now, it is hard to get a photo with each and every one of them in it!

Here is the Christmas 2008 photo!

We have birthdays for three of them at the end of the month! I need to get the cakes ordered! They don't like to share!

In two weeks we are going to pick up our new addition to the family.. our new "Ruby"! Here new room (crate) is ready and waiting!

I can't wait to get out of the house and on the road!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

Well the New Year has started and is going strong.

Little changes are taking place in our family, schedules changing people comming in and out of the household.

So far...

I have finally had my oldest move out.

My son David, got his first set of college grades and we were so happy to see he has a 4.0 average after this first semester.

Andrew is doing well at school. It is so cute to see him so excited about it!

I have been helping out in his class room on Tuesdays. I think he loves it as much as I do. This way I can keep my eye on him!

We are getting a new addition to our family in a few weeks.

Our dog Max is finally getting a partner.. we will be picking up a new little puppy "Ruby" in a few weeks! We will be back to potty training again and all that fun, but nothing beats those puppy snuggles.

With all of the new changes going on I am starting the new year with a motto. My new motto for this year is the one reflected on the card to the left.. "Life is good.. Follow your dreams".

Gingerbread Fun!

2008-12-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was loads of fun! We made gingerbread houses with Andrew's class. Well we used graham crackers but still as cute. Let's just say it was a "sugary" day at school! Andrew was the "brick and mortar" guy and I showed him how to glue the goodies on. I think more went into his mouth than on the house!Don't you just love the reindeer horns? They had a christmas program just before we decorated the houses. I got to listen to all the favorites, Jingle Bells, Feliz Natividad, Up on the Housetop, and don't forget Rudolph! The children were all full of holiday excitement.

Then I was presented with a special gift from Andrew. I can't wait to see what he has made now!

Happy Holidays

2008-12-11T17:51:00.001-08:00

Here are a few cards and layouts+ that i made with the CT Kit I got from Scrapbook Doodle and some Tim Holtz Stamps that I have.

I realied that it must have been a long time since my update when my Grandmother started complaining that nothing new had been posted here. Hi Grandma!
I got home after my last travels and dug in. I started volunteering at Andrew's school and trying to catch up around the house.

We are trying to get ready for the holidays around here. Andrew has his Christmas program at school tomorrow. He has been practicing Jingle Bells, Rudolph, and We wish you a Merry Christmas every day.

I just love it when they are his age, full of wiggles, giggles, and smiles.

It should be super fun and we are making gingerbread houses in his classroom afterwards.

Now to make sure my camera's batteries are charged!

Packing AGAIN!

2008-11-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

My last trip of the year is upon me. Can you believe it I have yet to pack. It seems like everything around here has been needing my attention.

I have spent most of this morning in the dentist chair having some badly needed repair work done. My mouth is swollen, my gums black and blue, and I am on medication but... I will be on that plane!

I am leaving tomorrow morning, more like late tonight, and should reach Utah mid morning.

I am so excited to see all of the friends that I have made this year and to actually get to SCRAP with them.

It will be a nice little vacation for me before Thanksgiving Vacation hits here.

I heard today that it was snowing there. OK, I am still wearing shorts here in CA, maybe a pair of capris on a cooler day, but SNOW? I don't even think I have a coat in my closet!!

Hopefully I won't turn into an icicle!

Well off to dig into the netherlands of my closet and find something warm!

Things That Make Me Smile

2008-10-28T07:15:00.001-07:00

This is the photo that is the wall paper to my cell phone.

When I am traveling and need a taste of home I always reach for my phone, turn it on, and have a peek.

It always brings a smile to my face.

It is my son Andrew (don't you just love that cute smile), a sonic soda (yep diet cherry), and they are sitting in my VW bug! It is my view from my drivers seat when I turn around and look at the back.

Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can make you feel all warm an cozy?

Ontario Expo - Done!

2008-10-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

My last show of the year... DONE!

I arrived home from Ontario tired but I sure had a blast! I got to work with two special ladies Casey and Tracey.. yep... they still rhyme!

We had such fun this trip. It was so easy for us. Everything was within walking distance of the hotel. We laughed giggled and had a lot of fun.

It is bitter sweet... the last show of the year. I am going to miss all of my Pickle friends I meet at each venue, not to mention all of the fun ladies I get to work with. For now it is back to cleaning, and being a MOM.

Andrew has missed me badly. He arrived at the hotel early with his dad to pick me up. They sat in the lobby and watched T.V. When it was time to walk over to the expo his dad told him it was time to go. He started crying saying, "We don't have my Mommy yet!".

I am teaching in Clovis this weekend doing my Fall-A-Days album. You ladies are in for great fun! It is an awesome little album!

Oh.. and check out the dirty hands... yes.. it is hard work to tear down a booth but we did it!!

Sacramento Expo

2008-10-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well I am home from Sacramento and packing for Ontario.
Sacramento was so much fun! I got to work with two of my favorite ladies Kathie and Laura.
I did get to see the new Christmas Line from Rusty Pickle! I love it! Amazing!!
It was so much fun to go shopping on Saturday night and to be able to do "girlie" things. I usually have a boy in tow so it was a special treat for me.
We couldn't resist taking out photo with Poseidon who was standing just outside of the Expo Entrance!
It was so much fun seeing all of the Pickle fans at the Expo.
I am packing now for Ontario to work with Tracey and Casey! Wow ! This has been a whirlwind three weeks!

Meeting Friends....

2008-10-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun in Kansas City!

I got to meet one of my long time on-line friends Jamie and her mom Rose. They stopped by the booth and helped us tear down and then we decided to go out to dinner. What else whas there to order for an appitizer? Deep fried pickles of course!!! There were lots and laughs and giggles to be had by all.

I also want to offer a shout out for the ladies who helped tear down. You can tell by our "dirty hands", it was hard work but smiles were all the way around.. Thanks ladies!!

After getting home safely I am packing and planning for my next stop Sacramento, CA. Is the month over yet??

Kansas City.. Here I come!

2008-10-07T08:52:00.001-07:00

Well my whirl wind month is starting! Tomorrow morning I am flying out to Kansas City to work the CKC there! I will be working with two awesome ladies, Tamara and Kim. I can't wait to see them.

I spent yesterday trying to get everyones Halloween costumes in order and trying to finish the laundry.

Yesterday I received a box that Santa Pickle had sent. Thanks Santa! I must have been really good!!

Wow! Rusty Pickle has some awesome new stuff out! Glitter, bling, new album shapes, shaped paper, new fonts on the alphabet stickers, I can't wait to play! Ohhhhhh........... this is going to be a long three weeks!!!!

and now for HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-03T06:59:00.001-07:00

Here is a fun Jumbo Card made just for you!

It is made using a 12 x 12 chipboard album cover from Rusty Pickle.

I used it in a card class that I taught and the ladies just loved it!

They came up with all sorts of ideas. If you had grandchildren you could place a picture of your child when they were little along side of one of your grandchildren's current halloween pictures.

You could also turn it into an on going album by inserting 6 x 12 pages and adding a yearly halloween photos into it. There are so many possibilities!

The weather is susposed to cool down a bit around here and it might even RAIN! Oh I love the rain... we get it so rarely!!

Well I am off to create before I leave for Kansas City next week!

Holidays?!

2008-10-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a few things for the holidays. It is fast approaching and it gets me in the mood. I am ready for the hot weather to leave or for it to at least cool off a bit.

I am leaving next week to start a three week jaunt. I will be heading first to Kansas City. While I am there I hope to meet up with one of my good friends who I met online!

After that I will be off to Sacramento and then finally Ontario. Yes October will be a busy month for me. Until then enjoy these creations. I hope they get you in the mood for the holidays and the cooler weather!

The Usual

2008-09-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

This sight is starting to become more frequent here lately. It seems like I have been on the go for the past few months.
After my last show in Chattanooga, TN, I stayed over and taught two classes.
My "All American" class was taught in KY. The ladies were awesome. We all had a lot of fun, I met some new ladies, and had a wonderful time together.
The next night I taught my "Fall-a Days" class at Scrappuccino in Greenbrier, TN. Lola and all of the ladies were just the greatest! We had a rocking class and the ladies were just the greatest! Thanks!!
I had another awesome trip. The show in Chattanooga was loads of fun thanks to Kathie and Tamara! You ladies rock!
I am back home to straighen up and get ready for another adventure. Next stop... Kansas City! Oh... and maybe sneek in some scrapping??!!!

Planning, and Packing

2008-09-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been busy around my house the past few days.

I have been busy kitting for classes in Kentucky and Tennessee,
trying to get the house caught up so I can leave and feel good about leaving it, and trying to finish up some projects that are due.

David's birthday is going to be while I am away, Hubbie's was the day I came back from San Diego, and it was the dog's birthday too.
We went out for dinner at a local steak house yesterday to celebrate. (no Max didn't go, but he did get the bones!)

I am getting excited about the classes I will be teaching. The "All American Kid" one is very special to me, as it is the one I entered when I tried out to become a Rusty Pickle Chef. I adore the "Fall-A-Days" Class. The rich warm colors make it a perfect book for the fall season that is upon us. If anyone is interesteed abouut taking the classes just email me!

It is going to be a whirl wind trip.. I can't wait to get started!

Back From San Diego!

2008-09-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Yep! That's me!

Wow! San Diego was fun! I was able to work with my two buddies Casey and Tracey..(Hey they rhyme!)

We had a blast as usual!

While I was there I stayed at Tracey's house. What a great family.

They were so gracious to have me! Thank's guys!

I came home and was tackled at the door by Max . (At least he missed me!) Now I am off to see what the next week will bring!

Classes!

2008-08-24T07:56:00.001-07:00

................You Guys have been asking so here are a few pictures of some of the classes that I am teaching in the next frew months!

I promise I will post the time and locations in the near future!

All should be $35 and under just right for your pocketbook!

Make sure you sign up ASAP!

First Days!

2008-08-22T06:39:00.001-07:00

He was ready to go and I was ready for him to start. Yes! Andrew has now started Kindergarten!

Backpack in hand (yes, it must be a Thomas the Train one) he was out the door.

The first day was for the parents and the second was for the child. He came home with many stories to tell. There were new "Rules" to learn..(can you beleive they make you walk in a line? There were old friends to see from Preschool. There was new playground equipment to check out. I think he had a wonderful first day!

Now maybe Mom can have a bit of "quiet time" to scrap those first day pictures!

Planning Stages

2008-08-15T07:58:00.001-07:00

It seems like I am still in high gear around here.

I have one just starting Kindergarten and another college. If you mix those two things with dental appointments, doctor visits, and scrapping you have one busy schedule!

I am planning an upcomming class for my ladies in KY! I think they are going to love it! If you ladies are reading this, make sure you sign up and don't forget to tell your friends!

I just finished this layout with one of the waterpark pictures. I was itching to play with the new candyland papers from Rusty Pickle.

They ended up being so much fun and just fit the picture perfectly.

This weekend we hope to do some back to school shopping and then just spend the last couple of days together as a family. School starts on Tuesday, I can't wait!

Busy, Busy, Busy... and it is still HOT!

2008-08-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

It seems like for the past few weeks I have hardly had time to breathe. I have been running around getting ready for school to start, going to appointments, planning new classes, and working shows for Rusty Pickle.

I just got back from a show in PA. It was so much fun!

I was able to snag some of their new Candyland paper that should work with these water photos I have been posting. I am hoping to find some time maybe next week after the show in Santa Clara to work with it.

I am planning on teaching a class in KY and another at a LSS in TN after the show I am working there. I am planning their classes now. It will be so much fun to see some of the ladies that I taught in July again!

Andrew is getting ready to start Kinder, and David is starting college. Our family schedule is getting ready for a big change.

It seems like yesterday they were just tots! They sure grow up fast!

The weather has been hot, hot, hot but what can you expect for August in the Central Valley? Maybe a trip to the water park is in order next week. A cool breather may be just what I need!

Cheap Wet Fun!

2008-07-24T18:41:00.001-07:00

About a week ago one of my friends told me about a fun, wet, and cheap place to take the kids! You pay $3 for parking and the rest is up to you! We decided to meet up with our little ones and let them enjoy the cool water on a hot day!

They had such a blast. They ran from one water feature to another soaking up the fun, while both moms snapped shots with our cameras.

I ended up taking almost 100 photos and can not wait to do a mini album with them! Now I only need to decide which ones to use!

It was the best $3 day I can remember!

Fun! Fun! Fun!

2008-07-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Teaching in Kentucy was such a BLAST!
This group of ladies survived a day long class of three Rusty Pickle mini albums! ( I think one or two of the ladies left early and are not in this picture) It was such a hoot! Everyone in the group was super talented, nice, and hilarious all rolled up in one. They were all A+ students in my book!
The place where they held the class was super! There was lots of room, it was air conditioned, just perfect. I only wish I lived closer so that I might join their cropping group.
We got to walk up to the town square for lunch, There were awesome burgers and we even got the pleasure of sharing the place with a convention of motorcyle members from the "Grim Reapers"! LOL! Did anyone ever count them all??!
We have made plans for another class for the fall. I can hardly wait! I'll have to make sure I pack my button jar again.. (wink... wink)!!

Ready, Set, Go!

2008-07-03T13:20:00.001-07:00

The truck is almost packed, the gas tank is full, and showers are being taken! We are almost off.

I found this picture of Andrew from last year and I thought it was a good fit. He still thinks he has a driver's permit!

We have lots of driving ahead of us. Whatever lies ahead we will tackle it as a family! It will be another adventure to add into our family history!

So... Ready, Set, Go!!!!!

Lucky!

2008-07-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

I am so lucky to get to work for a company where I can travel. I enjoy working the shows and getting to meet ladies who are interested in scrapbooking like me. These are some pictures that were sent to me by Kim, one of the ladies in the above picture. Kim is on the left and Alaina is on the left, with me in the center (photo on left). What awesome ladies they are. We shared a lot of laughs! ( I won't share the late night photos we took!) What a blast! They had to put up with me being sick, so they are even more special in my book! I would probably never have gotten to visit Niagra Falls on my own. What an awesome sight it was. I feel so blessed.

Counting Time

2008-06-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

It is one week today until we leave on our trip!

The countdown has finally started. Last second errands, plans, and details are finally happening.

After a morning of errands, David, Andrew, and I picked up lunch and headed to my Grandma's house. Yesterday she had her 95th birthday! Grandma needs a party! (She still doesn't look a day over 60 to me. I only hope that I can age like that.)

Andrew saw to it that we stopped to get a "special" birthday gift from him. You know you have to get party hats and horns if you are having a birthday! He even had one for her dog!

After the birthday lunch we helped Grandma by giving her dog a bath. I think Andrew was as excited about helping as her dog was to get it! They were both jumping around after we were done.

Time always is on my mind. Five days to this... an hour to that... It seems like I am always rushing here and there. As I was driving home I started thinking how fast time passes by. Wasn't I just out of college? Surely I have not been married that long... where have all of the days gone? Grandma can't be 95!

I have decided that I am going to relax and enjoy this vacation with my family. No rules, no time schedules, and enjoy a little me time. Life only happens once. I want to enjoy it!

***And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. - Abraham Lincoln*****

Forecast: HOT!!

2008-06-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

It is way too HOT!

It is even scarier knowing that summer has just began and there are many days of it ahead.

Everyone around is trying to find a way to stay cool. Fans, pools, and slip and slides can now be seen everywhere in the neighborhood. Yesterday we sat outside enjoying the cool morning breeze while we planned our trip and watched the boys play. It did not last long. Once the sun peeked through the branches of the shade tree we were sitting under we quickly moved inside to the nice air conditioner.

I captured this shot of Max enjoying the water. He was barking and dashing in and out of the sprinkler we had set up for Andrew to play in. You can't see Andrew but he was right there along side of him. Andrew has started calling Max his "brother". I guess I have five sons now instead of four. The two are pretty inseperable. If you see one the other is near. If Andrew is hauling dirt with his trucks you can bet that Max has dug it up for him!

I have several scrapbooking projects that I want to start but they are big and I hate to start them only to have to leave them unfinished for a while. I think tonight I will try to work on a layout or something small. It helps me relax at night.

Andrew has been taking an interest in scrapbooking. As a matter of fact he has raided my scrapbooking desk twice in the last 24 hours. Punches, scissors, and even a "cherished" piece of paper I had been saving has been taken. It is so hard to punish him when he comes up to you and hands you his creation with that proud look in his eye and asks you to send it in to Rusty Pickle! What is a mom to do?

No More Dumping!

2008-06-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

After looking at my garage I have decided that I need to start working on the "No Dumping" rule in our house!

Yikes!!

So often things get pushed aside waiting until I "find the time" to get it done. We have an overflowing cans, bottles, and glass section, not to mention the garage sale area.

It is a wonder I can find anything!

Today I woke up and decided it was a yard sale day. I got a late start, but it was still well worth the effort. I was able to make some money and go through some of the stacked boxes. After the yard sale I am proud to report that there are only two boxes to return inside and I have 7 more to go to the local charity thrift store. Yay!

The two boxes that I am keeping will go great with other items I need to rid our house of and hopefully will sell at another sale in the near future.

I have decided I like to have the extra green in my pocket versus the boxes that I have to walk around in the garage.

I am going to try and get tuff with my boys. No more dumping their stuff in the garage! It is their resposibility to dispose of their items! Does that make me a bad mom or a better one for teaching them to dispose of their own items?

Antique?

2008-06-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

I love shopping in antique stores. You never know what you can find. The down side of it is that I see things in them that I had when I was a kid. Am I getting to be an antique?

One of my most treasured finds was an antique printer's cabinet to store my scrapbook embellishments.

I love looking through the paper items for items I can use in my scrapbooking.

Yesterday I took my mom and dad out for a day of antique shopping. I didn't find anything to take home but we did have lots of fun looking.

After our "day out" I took them back to my Grandmother's house where they are staying and then went with my mom to pick apricots for jam. She already has made cherry and strawberry at home. I can hardly wait to get to taste it! Maybe while I am visiting I can get some blackberries picked for another batch! Yumm!

I can't believe it is less than two weeks until our vacation. We are still planning like crazy and hope this is going to be an awesome trip. I am looking forward to getting away, relaxing, and snapping a few photos to scrapbook when we get home.

Deciding What to Take

2008-06-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well less than three weeks until our family road trip to Tennessee. I always look forward to the trip. It isn't the drive that I enjoy as much as the time I get to spend with my family.

I always have trouble when I pack when it comes to trying to decide what I want to take. I tend to overpack. I am already trying to decide what I can live without this trip and what is a must.

I found this picture from our trip we made last year. Andrew wanted to make sure we didn't forget him! We walked out of the house and there he was!

This year we will have three drivers in the vehicle so it will be much easier. We usually drive straight through. It usually takes us about 35-36 hours of constant driving to get there. (maybe with a few hours of sleep here and there at a rest stop!) I always look forward to that hot shower when we get there.

I am also excited about getting to teach classes to a group of wonderful ladies back there! It is going to be so much fun. I have a special treat planned for them to do, along with the classes they selected! I think they are going to have a blast!

The count down has begun for us. I am starting my pre-trip list today! Yay!!

Being Flexable

2008-06-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

Being flexable is a way of life in our household. Sometimes you have to put off things that you would prefer to do so others can achieve things in their lives.

We had an unscheduled appointment pop up so we put fishing off one day. It all worked out to my advantage. My son David checked out this blog and decided it needed some changes so I let him go to work! Yay for me!!

Today we did our fishing trip. Let me just say... We had a blast! It was beautiful up in the mountains. Andrew my "Little Stinker" caught four fish! He beat everyone! We ended up with eleven trout and nicely sunburned tans.

Tomorrow I am co-teaching an acrylic album class at my LSS. It is the second time around for this class. Last time we had so much fun! I always look forward to teaching with Tanya!

For tonight I am tired but refreshed. It is always wonderful to be able to get away with loved ones and clear your head of all of the daily muck. An added advantage is the awesome pictures you will end up getting to scrap from the adventure!

Making Things Work

2008-06-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Somethimes they work like a well oiled machine, other times I wonder if they are all against me!
Trying to keep my family on track and working together on things is geting harder and harder!

Today was a busy day with appointments and errands taking up most of my time.
We visited DMV, the photo lab, paid college tuitions, dentist, and lots of other "fun" things.

It was also our dog Max's bath day. Usually we give him a bath in the shower but now with the warm weather we thought why not use Andrew's wading pool? He loved it but the three of us who did it ended up soaking wet! Next time I think I will opt for the shower again.

I did some work today trying to set up some class descriptions for some upcomming classes I will be teaching. I had needed to do it for a long time and finally got around to it.

I am hoping to get to go fishing tomorrow with my boys. I love going with them. It takes my mind off of things and helps me relax. I really don't care if we catch fish. I think it is just the clean air and being with my boys that helps clean the stress out of my head.

Well off to scrap the evening away. I need to try and get a few DT asignments done.... and add a little.. oil to my family machine! We dont' want any squeeky wheels around here!