Happy New Year Eve!!

I hope everyone is truly enjoying this time of year.
I've been busy with family.
I had the pleasure of going shopping w/the girls & William.
NOT that William truly enjoyed himself,
but I always enjoy his company when shopping.
We managed to get "most" of my living room decor.
We've been in our new house 5-years
& I still don't have it decorated the way I want.
So, I got a gorgeous art piece as a gift
& used that to encourage myself to get things done.
I still have a long way to go,
as our bedroom & the girls rooms are not done,
but at least the main part of the house is complete
& that makes me happy!!

And it seems I'm finding myself doing LOTS of last minute planning.
We decided to "throw" together a Bunko party for tonight,
so I've been cleaning, shopping & prepping food for the gathering.
I wasn't excited at first, but now that I'm finished
& waiting for guests to arrive.........I am!!

I haven't done the first thing scrappy in a couple of weeks,
but I imagine once the girls are back in school,
I'll get back into the swing of things:)

I hope you will reflect on the blessings of this past year
& the blessings of the year to come.
I know I am & will be documenting them in a layout soon.
Happy New Year to you & your family!!

a very Merry Christmas to you!!

To everyone out there in blog-land
to you & your families
I wish you all a very Merry & Blessed Christmas
Enjoy this time with your family
& reflect on the meaning of this wonderful season!!

On the eve of the eve of Christmas Eve?

Huh?
Say what?
Ya............I really don't know either:)
So, I have nothing scrappy to show,
but I have been busy.
This weekend was dear hubby's birthday,
so we celebrated at a local fav restaurant with family.
It was nice & afterwards his family came over for cake.
Sunday we went to church & then out to eat w/my sister.
Afterwards, we took the girls to Krispy Kreme!!
Our local Krispy Kreme was remodeled this past summer
& you can stand & watch the donuts be made.
It is such a treat for them & I continue to forget my camera:(
They also have these new "mini" donuts.........
my advice,
DO NOT get them!!
These little devils are so addicting
& I firmly believe pack more calories then the big ones.
At least you might (notice I said might) stop at 1 big donut,
but the minis......................I'm just saying!!!

Today I finished wrapping gifts!!
We've only 1 more to get
& I'm leaving that for hubby to pick up?
I also baked today, since the girls are w/my parents.
I baked a scrumptious loaf of banana nut bread.
I had to find a new recipe, as the one I had just wasn't good.
LOVE this one & will definitely be making it again soon.
I also baked some chocolate chip walnut cookies.
These are hubby's favorite..............
hoping to brighten his long day:)
And, I have some peanut butter fudge in the fridge.
I'm anxious to try this, as this is a new recipe also.
We're going to attempt fudge also,
but I need to buy a candy thermometer first.
I don't want any reasons for why it didn't turn out!!

Not much else happenin'.
The girls & I will hang at the house this week
& then off to celebrate Christmas with family.
I hope this week finds you in the best of Christmas spirits!!
I'm remembering the miracle of this season
& hoping you are too!!

2Sketches 4 U & a *TOOT*

Hello outside world:)
I hope everyone is truly enjoying this time of year!!
I've been so busy finishing up teacher gifts
& just Christmasy things in general.
I'm feeling pretty tired,
but after school tomorrow,
I'm home-free for a couple of weeks!!

I do have some exciting *TOOTS* to share;
I got a card picked up by Scrapbook Trends,
AND, I got several cards picked up by PaperCrafts
for their Card Creations Volume 7.
Pretty excited about both of these:)

So, here are my final teacher projects.
Another container filled w/my homemade hot chocolate
& a tin of chocolates.

All the gifts have been neatly wrapped,
with other items, in a giftbasket for school tomorrow!

I also had a chance to play with the 2Sketches 4 U Laura sketch.
I love these Basic Grey papers
& wish I had more, but I'm down to scraps!!

Look for this card in the June 2009 issue of CARDS magazine.

I've got Christmas parties for both girls tomorrow
& then nothing planned afterwards,
except maybe a nap:)
I hope you all have a very blessed Thursday!!

Scrapscene Card of the Day

I have another Christmas card posted at Scrapscene.
Here's the link, if you're interested in the full directions.
Otherwise, here's a peak at the card:

I've loved using these MME papers
& realized I don't think I have enough for any layouts now:(
I did get a couple of layouts completed last night.
I'm real happy with them &
will try to get them posted later today.
In the meantime, I've got girls to get dolled-up
for a Christmas photo shoot they don't want to do:)
Have a fabulous weekend everyone &
thanks for stopping by!!

It's Friday!!

Happy Friday everyone:)
I kept my littlest baby home with me all week:)
She was actually well enough for school today,
but how can I resist when she asks to stay home?
She's only in PreK4, so there's plenty of years ahead for school.

Here's a card I made using a December card sketch from So Sketchy.
I've had these papers FOREVER!!
I honestly cannot remember where or when I purchased them,
but finally found the stickers @ HL a couple of weeks ago.
So, I pulled everything together for this card
and love how it turned out.

So what's on your agenda for the weekend?
I'm hoping to get the girls Christmas picture taken.
I've got Christmas cards all made & ready to mail,
but I can't decide if I want to this year?
I hope your weekend is wonderful, whatever your plans!!

another So Sketchy & gift

I'm feeling rather productive lately.
I've been widdling away at making Christmas gifts,
but I honestly have no idea who the recipients will be.
I have 3 school & 2 dance teachers to buy/make for,
but I like to give gifts that I know will be used.
I've just been enjoying making handmade items,
so someone WILL get these:)

Here's a layout I finished a couple days ago.
I used a So Sketchy December layout sketch.
I still feel like it needs something,
but not sure what or where......
maybe I need the journaling:)

Here's another gift.
It's a Maya Road tin filled with Hershey's dark chocolate.
I wrapped each individual piece of chocolate
in the same paper that's wrapped around the tin.
Sorry about the lighting being awful,
but the weather is still yucky.
The paper is a beautiful deep red.

I still have another layout to post
& I'm gonna widdle away at more stuff today,
but I also want to do some more Christmas shopping!!
Decisions, decisions!!

So Sketchy card & a gift

I've been at home with 2 sick kiddos:(
That's not fun, but they've been pretty good,
probably because they're sick!!
The weather has also been ugly,
forcing us to stay indoors,
which is good since everyone is sick!!
So, I've been working on sketches & projects.
This card is using a card sketch from So Sketchy.

First, I used some great Bo Bunny papers
that the wonderful Kristen Swain sent me, as a RAK!!
I also used my Expression & new Graphically Speaking cartridge.
Had a bit of a prob cutting "catch-a-wave,"
but I like how it turned out.
Then, I finally altered a container for some homemade hot chocolate.
I LOVE how this turned out,
but that's because of the colors.

I've also managed to do a couple of layouts,
but with the weather being drab,
I can't get good pics, so they will wait til another day.
Off to wrap some chocolates for a decorative tin:)

2Sketches 4 U - Kazan 15 + bonus sketch

I am honored to have one of my Christmas cards on Scrapscene's blog today.
If you've never visited their blog, well...........you should.
Not just because of my card,
but because they are chock-full-o-information pertaining to the crafty world!!
So, my card is for Day #39 of their "Christmas Card A Day" series,
and here it is:

I used the bonus sketch, at 2Sketches 4 U, by Heidi Van Laar.
It's a simple card, that took approximately 15 mins to make.
I'm simply posting a picture of the card,
but if you want the full instruction, go here.
I also did the current Kazan #15 sketch.
I hope you're not too tired of seeing me use gray.
I love it with just a splash of color.

You can see this card in PaperCrafts Card Creations Volume 7 in 2009

That's all I have for today.
I am hoping to get some layouts done though,
so I might be posting later.

How's your Christmas shopping coming?

CPS 93 & 94

Since I'm feeling more caught-up then ever,
I've been tackling this week's & last week's sketches.
I love doing sketches, I get so much done quicker.
This first card is using last week's CPS 93.
I really love Basic Grey's new chipboard shapes
& the colors in the Urban Prairie are so fun.

And here's my take on the current CPS 94.
Gray is the "in" color this year &I'm lovin' it.
I enjoyed pulling all my gray out from last year
& I can't seem to stop buying gray for my girls' clothing.
Anyway, a simple enough card

That's all I have for now.
I'm pooped..........
2 little girls found their way into our queen-sized bed last night:)
In case you're wondering..................
4 people don't fit in queen-bed very well,
even if 3 of them are little:)

Getting it done........................

Happy Monday everyone:)
I hope your weekend was good?
Mine was & I'm feeling like I can see the end in sight!!
End of what..............you might ask.
You know, all the Christmas rush of
buying, wrapping & making presents,
Christmas pictures & cards,
baking, parties & all that stuff!!
Though I still have some baking,
presents for teachers to finalize,
the girls Christmas photo shoot,
& Christmas cards to mail,
I DO actually feel like I got a lot accomplished this weekend.
Here is another Mr. Jingles I made,
which is a smaller version,
as Ashlyn decided she was keeping my first one.
This one WILL go to my sis in KS & is already shipped!!

These little ornaments are a continuation
of the ones Jenni Bowlin debuted 2-years ago.
I've continued to make some every year for our tree,
and these 2 will go to my sister & sil.

So I'm hoping to get some sketches done this week.
I haven't done any in a couple of weeks & I'm itching to scrap.
I hope your Monday goes well & thanks for stopping by!!

my version of Mr. Jingles

Are you like me & extremely busy right now?
I can't seem to breathe
& I'm starting to stress with everything I want to do.
We still don't have our decorations up yet,
though we do have our tree up:)

So who has seen the lovely Mr. Jingles
the ever-so-talented Mrs. Lisa Pace made?
Isn't it the cutest thing you've ever seen?
I absolutely fell in love with it,
the very moment I saw him.
To have an ounce of her creativity *sigh*
So, I was determined to make one for myself
and I did just that, but I made 2 & plan on more:)
Since I didn't have her paid-for instructions,
I had to "wing-it," but I think it turned out darned cute.
We're calling him Mr. B (for blue) & he's going to my sister in KS.
The last pic shows a beautiful ornament
I picked up 50% off from HL.
I'm thinking I can jazz his collar up a tad more too?

This second one is staying home with me
& we've dubbed HER, Mrs. G, for garnet.
I still have to find a hanging ornament for the bottom
& she'll be complete.

I'm thinking I'll make a couple more, as gifts.
It really doesn't take a long time,
once you figure out how to do everything,
and it's a relatively inexpensive gift
that looks like it cost more than it did:)

Welp, off to bible study
& hopefully get more things accomplished!!

CPS 92

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
We did & it was the most laid-back one we've ever had.
We didn't have to be anywhere until 2:00
& I was only in charge of 2 dishes!!
We loved it!!

So, I don't shop on Black Friday.
If you lived where I do,
you probably wouldn't either.
Ease of traffic flow was definitely not on the County's
mind when constructing our road system,
so it could easily take 30-mins to get 5 miles.

So, while all of you are out shopping:)
I'm at home, without kids, scrapping!!
I finished my CPS #92 card yesterday,
and started a new one, but it's not coming together.
This one was easy & quick though.

We normally get our Christmas tree this weekend,
but not sure we will?
I'm not in the mood to pull down decorations either,
so, I'm off to try & get some more scrapping done.
The girls are going to see Bolt today
& maybe when they get back,
it'll be nap time:)

Thanksgiving Coupon

For those that might be doing some on-line shopping,
here's a little something something you might want to take advantage of:

To show our thankfulness for our customers, enter the code THANKS08 during online checkout to receive 40% off your ENTIRE purchase through Monday! Shop early for the best selection!

Offer Expires: Monday, December 1 www.justletmescrapbook.com

2 Sketches 4 U - Kazan 14 sketch

I feel like I'm back in the saddle again.
I didn't realize how bad my computer was until now.
Things are running so fast & I'm lovin' it.
I've had a rather productive day today,
getting carpet steamed cleaned, showers cleaned,
some homeschooling done, programs downloaded,
homemade hot chocolate made
and both sketches at 2 Sketches 4 U finished.
The first card uses Kazan's Sketch 14.
I got my Label Tulip kit the other day
and I'm lovin' the combination of colors in this kit.
Lots of Maya Road & some Basic Grey & Fancy Pants papers.

This card uses Hanneke's bonus sketch.
I originally cut a similar shape on my Expression,
but then decided to use this 7Gypsies label sticker
& simply cut around it.
The card is actually small,
measuring only 3 1/4" long x 2 1/4" high.
I did cut the leaves with my Expression though.

I mentioned in my previous post about the beautiful
styrofoam snowflakes my friend made for me.
They own a business that cuts styrofoam
& she cut 3 different sizes.
Here's a picture

She's trying to make some extra money for Christmas.
If you'd be interested in having a set of 3 for $15.00+shipping,
please email me. I can also give you the dimensions at that time.
These are fairly thick too....I think she said 2"?
I plan on covering the front of mine with some glitter
& then using wire to hang them,
embellished with ornaments & ribbon.

On the eve of Thanksgiving, for us Americans,
I hope you have safe travels, many blessings
& a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend ahead of you.
No Black Friday shopping for me:)
Hoping to scrap & spend time with my girls though!!

more So Sketchy November design work................

And where the heck have you been all my life?
Boy howdy am I glad to be back!!
I gave up my computer a week ago
only to get the horrible news that my hard drive was corrupt.
Luckily, I had transferred important stuff to my external,
but dang it..................
it still takes forever to reinstall everything you had before.
Not to mention I'm having a prob with iTunes,
so my work for tomorrow is already planned.

In other news, I did take advantage of having no computer
and I relaxed.
It was nice not having my "daily" blog stops & challenges to mess with.
Instead, I did lots of Christmas shopping,
some card-making,
and no cooking?
For some reason, husband isn't understanding that:)

I do have two more So Sketchy projects to post though.
Go here.............So Sketchy...................to get the first sketch.
and here's my take on it:

These are pics of my brothers new house.
I used a Maya Road chipboard house album page
to put some of the inside pics on.
I love the My Minds Eye transparency.



Here's the 2nd sketch:
I will admit I had a harder time w/this sketch?
Not sure why, but I like how this turned out, in the end.

And that's all I have for now.
I did make 24 Thank You cards
& 5 generic "everyday" cards for Ashlyn's teacher.
This is part of her Christmas gift.
I also made some "cookie-cutter" birthday cards,
but I"m not sure what to do w/them now:)
I had my bil's bday yesterday, mil's today
& my nephew's tomorrow,
so I'll be giving cards for those occassions.

I also have a link to the television show,
Susan Neal from PaperCrafts,
did featuring my Bling Button tree.
I'll try to get that linked tomorrow.

And I have a gorgeous styrofoam snowflake set to show you.
My friend owns a styrofoam business & can cut just about anything.
She cut me 3 of the most beautiful snowflakes
& I can't wait to decorate them for the holidays.

That's all I have for now.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, whereever you are!!

CPS 91, 2 Sketches & a RAK!!

Happy Tuesday everyone!!
I hope your week is going good so far!
Mine is.....I could complain about this & that,
but why?
Life is truly good!!

So, I've had a chance to work with the CPS 91 sketch
& 2 Sketches 4 U - Laura 13 sketch & the bonus!!
I'll start with the CPS sketch.
I must admit I love the simplicity of it,
but wouldn't you know I have to go & complicate it.
I started with this first card.
My entire sentiment & design was "supposed" to go across the bottom,
you know............like the sketch (go figure),
but it didn't work out as I had it envisioned,
so..............here ya go!!

Here's my 2nd attempt.
I have 3 birthdays coming up,
two of which are for boys.
I don't make "manly" cards enough,
so I enjoyed this one.

Once again, I got to play around with my Cricut Expression
for this one & made the label.
Here are my 2 cards for the current 2 Sketches 4 U sketches.
The first is using Laura's #13 sketch.
Trying to use some more of this beautiful K&Co paper & embellies.

And this second is using a bonus sketch by Kristen,
one of their awesome design team members.
Using some yummy My Minds Eye Christmas papers,
and I went with circles, instead of squares.

So, I have to turn my computer over to the computer gods!!
It's been acting very, very strange lately
& it's been frustrating to say the least.
I have no idea how long they'll have it,
but I'll survive:)
And, don't forget I'm offering a RAK.
See this post for all the details!!
Have a blessed day everyone!!

Guest Designer @ So Sketchy & a RAK!!!

I think I mentioned a couple of posts back,
I was working on some projects for So Sketchy?
Well, my work has been posted & I hope you'll go visit.
Not necessarily to see my work,
but to see all the wonderful sketches Ally puts up, almost, daily
and the wonderful work from the regular design team.

Here is the link to the first sketch I used.
'm also going to offer a RAK.....................
Anyone that uses the sketch,
leaves a comment & link at So Sketchy,
and posts to this comment, with a link to your sketch,
I'll put all the names in a drawing for a RAK from me.
Here are my projects:

The reason I have 3 projects?
Well, originally I had to get my juices flowing,
so I made a card.
That was just what I needed & proceeded with the 12x12 layout,
only to realize this sketch was based off an 8.5x11 layout:)
BUT, it wasn't hard with this sketch to recreate the projects.
That's the beauty of sketches.

The weather here is chilly again & I'm soooooooooooooooooo
in the mood to make some homemade soups, pies, breads & cookies!!
I told William I had to wait until December 1st
or our waist line would NOT appreciate it:)

I hope you're all having a Blessed Sunday!!

Weekend chillin'................

So, Ashlyn had the wonderful opportunity to see
So You Think You Can Dance, at our local civic center last night.
She even got a 2nd row from the stage seat
& stayed out til 12:30 AM getting autographs.
She was so excited!!
William also called & they didn't get 3rd place.
I could tell he was bummed,
because the team they were hoping to beat
came in 2-mins before them.
But it sounds like he enjoyed himself.
The weather here has slowly gotten colder
as the day has gone on &
I think we're expecting temps in the 30s tonight!!
I've gotten some scrapping done today,
though not as much as I would have liked.
Two of these projects were from last week,
but all are using sketches from So Sketchy.
The first uses the September 3rd sketch.
The card is using an August 8th sketch.
The 3rd uses a current November 1st sketch.
And the last uses Sketch #25.

I've been playing a little more with my Expression.
I cut the apple for my "homework" layout using it.
I also got the Design Studio, but I'm having computer probs
& can't install it right yet.
I want to make some really cool shaped cards:)
I hope you're having a wonderful weekend so far!!

Kazan's Sketch 13 & a couple of TOOTS!!

So..............................
where the heck you been all week?
Hehehehehehehe!!!
I've been here,
just busy gettin' things done.
I'm sure you know the feeling!

So, can I start by tootin?
I'm excited to say I got some more cards picked up
by CARDS magazine for their May issue!!
I love the ones they chose & can't wait to see them in print.

I'm also the Guest designer for So Sketchy this month.
I've been busy creating some projects,
which should be posted next weekish?
If you get a chance to stop by,
I hope you will.
I really enjoy all the sketches Allison posts
& her design team is pretty talented too:)

And now, I have my card for Kazan's Sketch 13 at 2 Sketch 4 U.
I finally got to hook up my Expression Tuesday.
I cut a couple of things & then showed the family what it could do.
They were pretty excited & I let them pick something to be cut.
Ashlyn chose the snowflakes on this card
& asked me to make a Christmas card for her teacher.
So, here it is in all it's simplicity,
but so Christmasy to me!!

So what are your plans for the weekend?
William has his final bike challenge,
where they're vying for 3rd place.
This is a pretty big deal,
since they just started doing these challenges 1-year ago
& there are over 100 teams competing!!
I'm hoping to get some scrapping time,
but will give the girls some one-on-one time first.
Ashlyn is absolutely dying to cut more stuff on the Expression:)

CPS 88, 89 & 90

How has your weekend been thus far?
Mine has been wonderful.
The weather is absolutely gorgeous
& I've had scrappin' & family time.
Last week I did both CPS 88 and 89.
I thought I had linked them & had not,
so I'm posting them again.

This morning I also managed to do the current CPS 90.
Love how this turned out.

Look for this card in the May 2009 issue of ScrapTrends Magazine

I also got my new Cricut Expression Friday:)
I haven't even pulled it out of my truck
as I've been getting projects done first.
So....................gotta go get it now!!
Happy Blessed Sunday everyone!!