Pink Sketch 3 & Hurricane Gustav

To say I like hurricanes might sound a bit morbid,
So, let me explain what I mean.
We're currently settling in to await the wind & rain effects of Hurricane Gustav.
Though I don't like the tragedy & damage that comes with hurricanes,
there's something to be said about the stillness & quiet.
Everyone in their homes
not going anywhere
businesses closed down
and knowing there's nothing you can do.
I like having things sorta "stand still."
That's the homebody in me shining through:)

So, you might remember last week
I was having a hard time w/a layout
I put that layout aside & pulled it out today.
Within minutes, it was completed using Pink Sketch #2.
I told you I would reuse this sketch, because I do like it.

Since it "seems" I'm on a roll of sorts,
I went ahead & did Pink Sketch #3.
This took a life of it's own,
as I kept adding & adding.
I finally had to stop before I messed it up.

And, my etsy shop is finally up & running.
I still need to create a banner,
something I want to do with my blog too.
Not sure how well it'll do,
but nothing ventured, nothing gained!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Labor Day.
Ours is supposed to be tons of rain & wind compliments of Hurricane Gustav!!

My new Etsy shop

I'm taking the plunge & opening an Etsy shop.
I've sold on Ebay for years,
but I've never really liked the "bidding" thing.
Etsy shops are not known for that,
so I'm going to start selling some of my projects.

Here's a link to what I've got listed so far.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5391060

I realize I've only got a few things listed,
but it's taking me time to get everything ready.
I'm going to mainly sell my handmade cards,
But I have a few other items that I'll be listing shortly.

Since I'm new to all this,
I'd appreciate any feedback or comments you feel will improve the store.

Thanks & I hope you'll visit.

Pink Sketch #2 & another RAK giveaway!!

I bet you thought I forgot about the RAK?
I didn't.....I've just been busier than I thought I would be:)

First, if you haven't seen the new sketch site Pink Sketches,
go check them out.
I did the following layout using Pink Sketch #2.
Please don't judge this new sketch site by my layout.
I'm not crazy about the journaling &
I think the entire thing looks very 70'sish!!
So, I might do another layout w/this sketch.
The site has some great designers & the first 2 sketches have been great.

And on to the RAK.
I've decided to give away 1 set of SEI's Ally Wonderland.
Follow the link to see the color scheme of this paper line.
You'll get 6 different, double-sided sheets.
If you would like to be put in the drawing,
please leave me a comment with a link to your blog.
If you don't have a blog, then tell me you'd like to be entered.
I'll give everyone until 9:00 PM CST Sunday the 31st.

That's all for now.
I'm working on some cards,
and watching the weather.
I live on the Gulf Coast, so we stand a chance of Gustav!!
Getting up at 5:45 every morning is kicking my bottom,
and this is the latest I've been up all week.
I've gotta get to bed!

RAK winner & a card!!

First things first, the RAK winner!!
I have a very sophisticated method of choosing the winner that goes a little something like this:

Go to blog & see how many comments were left.
In this case there were 14 (see, I told you the chances were good:)
Call hubby at work & ask him to pick a number between 1 & 14.
Pretty high tech, hu?

Anyway, he chose #13........................which makes
Lindsay the winner!! CONGRATS Lindsay!!
I hope she doesn't mind I linked her blog.
Go check out her work.
It's amazing!!
If you will email your snail addy, I'll get your June CARDS to you.

Now, don't go away with your hopes down.
I'm doing another RAK!!
After I posted the first one, I realized I had two sets of SEI's "Allys Wonderland" papers.
I keep looking at them & don't think I'll use them.
I also realized yesterday I had 2 duplicates of some Fiskar border punches.
I have no idea how I managed this,
But it's to someone else's advantage.
I think I'll RAK one of those too:)

So, stay tuned for another RAK give-away
which I'll probably announce tomorrow.
I have something new I want to try.
I LOVE visiting other peoples blogs, especially for inspiration.
Aside from the "well-known" scrappers, there is so much talent that needs to be shared.
So, I think I'm going to start posting blogs weekly I find inspiring.

In the meantime, my job interview went well today.
Very part-time, which is perfect for me.
No discussion of pay just yet, but that will come.
Don't even know if I got the job, but I have a feeling I will:)

I also made a card yesterday.
See, this is amazing in itself, because you should see all the cleaning I did!!
I have 4 garbage bags FULL of "stuff" from the girls rooms.
They both came home to "empty" rooms.
I'm now on the hunt for a desk for Ashlyn's room
And my littlest baby finally gave up her crib!!
YES.........she's almost 4 & still wanted her crib.
We had the sides completely down, so it was more of a daybed.
I think being in school gives her a "big-girl" feeling"
And she was very excited to help us take it down.
It makes me sad to see it go, but she's very happy!!

Here's my card using some Amy Butler papers & some WeR grommets.
Stay tuned tomorrow for another RAK giveaway.

Have a blessed Wednesday!!

CPS 79, Laura #7 & a RAK!!

I'm not sure who coined the term "stay-at-home-mom,"
but I'm positive it was during the days of June Cleaver.
Yesterday marked my first "official" full-day as a stay-at-home-mom,
without the kids......they are both in school.
Do you think I got anything done?
That would be a "no."
I find myself wasting time.
Time that I regret I wasted later:)
Camryn is doing fine.
I picked her up Friday & found her crying.
It broke my heart!
We concluded she was ready to go home & missed us.
Yesterday she tells me she didn't cry,
but the teachers mentioned she did.
They called me last night to give me a progress report
And said she's doing just fine w/intermittent crying throughout the day.
That really does break my heart,
But she loves school & that does make it easier on me.
She's actually pretty eager in the mornings,
minus all the OCD issues with clothing:)
AND.......................................
I have an interview tomorrow with a real estate agent.
He "thinks" he needs an assistant
& only needs someone a couple hours a day.
That fits perfectly in with my schedule, as long as the pay is good.
We'll see how that turns out & my SAHM days might be over:(

But onto scrappy stuff.
I came to a mental block in my layouts,
so I did a card using the CPS #79.
From a little enabling from my good friend,
yesterday I purchased some $1.00 stamp sets @ JoAnns & wanted to use them.
My butterfly has french knots.

My other card is using 2 Sketches 4 U - Laura Sketch #7
I was featured as a Fab 5 last week, which is an honor.
There is some seriously talented ladies who submit their work.
And I want to THANK everyone for their sweet comments.
I visit many of your blogs, but rarely leave comments.
It's not that I'm not inspired or drooling, that's just me:)
So, THANK YOU, for taking the time to leave me comments.
I do appreciate every one of them.
Here's my card using some more October Afternoon.

Just Let Me Scrapbook is also offering 35% off your ENTIRE purchase
until Labor Day!!
Just use coupon code LABOR08
This includes NEW items, SALE items & CLEARANCED items.

AND, last but not least, onto the RAK!!
I finally received my CARDS goodie box about 2 weeks ago.
I got 2 copies of the June magazine & only need one.
So, if you would like to receive a copy of this issue,
Please leave me a comment, by Wednesday 9:00 am CST & I'll draw a name.
Your chances will be good since I don't get much traffic.

Have a blessed Tueday!!

Mother of the Year Award, Sketch This & Pink Sketches

And the Mother of the Year Award goes to.....................................
Mrs. Dawne Ivey!!!
Come on down Mrs. Ivey...............................
tell us..........
did you ever think forgetting to pick up your child,
on her first day of PreK4,
at the right time
would earn you this award?

Ya..................
we didn't think so!!
Can I get an "AMEN!!"
What an emotional day for me.
I hold back tears this morning,
Only to let them flow freely on the way home, while I blogged
while I did a layout about her first day of PreK
and while I typed the journaling.
Through all of this, I didn't realize I had forgotten the time
Until I got to the parking lot at 11:45 (coyly thinking I was early)
and realized I was 45 minutes LATE!!!
Thank goodness this school has after-school care & she wasn't alone.
And she took it all in stride!!
Such a sweetie & she's already napping!!

So, while I busy being late, I scrapped a few of her pictures from this morning.
I used Sketch This 63.
I love the colors in this dress & knew I wanted something bright.
Using the KI Memories lace papers was perfect.

I also found this new sketch site called Pink Sketches.
Yesterday, I did this layout using Pink Sketch #1.

I guess that's all for now.
I've already exhausted myself & the day is only 1/2 over:)

Today.........................

I woke up 11 mins late because I found out my alarm clock is broken.
Ashlyn decided she wasn't going to school & argued with us for 20-mins.
Camryn woke-up without any probs, very anxious to go to school.
Camryn decided she didn't want to wear the dress she picked out last night.
This ensued lots of crying & clinging to daddy.
Despite the arguing & crying, I got some great "first day" pics of Camryn.
I kissed Camryn several times while walking her to class & holding back my tears.
Camryn was such a big girl as she walked into her classroom.......by herself
And didn't even try to come running back to me.
I let the tears fall as I reviewed the pics in the truck.
My babies are both in school now!!
I came home to an eeriely quiet house.
No patter of feet from Camryn,
No incessant talk about wanting chocolate milk.
Just me, the house & silence.
I am counting down the days until Labor Day.
There is no school that day!!!

Times are a changin' & Pencil Lines 98

And I'm not sure I'm ready
Or that I'm going to like it
But change is inevitable.
8-years ago, I was thrown into the whole "motherhood/stay-at-home-mom" thing
Literally overnight
I was headed to work after my "regular" 38-week check-up
But I never made it.
Instead, I gave birth to the sweetness that allows me to be a mother.

By the time she started school, I had another ankle-biter,
So my time at home was, once again, consumed with the likes of "babyness."

Ashlyn started school Monday & is doing fabulously!
Come Thursday, Camryn will start PreK-4!
I will have to start getting up at 6:00
EVERY SINGLE MORNING!!
And I will be home by myself for the first time in 8-years!!

Times are definitely a changin'
And I'm not sure I"m ready.

I'm not ready to have both my babies in school.
I'm not ready to get up early everyday
I'm not ready to let them both go.
And I'm not ready for change.

Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to being a SAHM, without the kids.
I will fill my days with uninterrupted cleaning & scrapping.
And maybe some exercise, if I decide to get off my lazy bum

But, that doesn't mean I'm ready to see my babies get older.
THAT, I'm just not ready for.

As promised, I've been working on some layouts.
I've so needed to scrap some pictures,
especially since I'm 2 1/2 years behind!!
I used Pencil Lines 98 and let me just say.....................
I LOVED this sketch.
This was the perfect sketch for some multiple, not-so-great pics I have.
Events where no one photo really stood out,
Yet, I wanted to scrap the event so the girls would remember.
The first is from a dance competition workshop Ashlyn got to attend in 2006.
She wasn't on the dance team yet, but her bf invited her to see what it was like.

These pics are from Ashlyn's kindergarten play.
Unfortunately, I didn't jot down any notes
And I don't remember much from the event.
I love how this layout turned out though.
I decided to stitch 2 lemons on the layout
And I think they turned out great!!

And that's all I have for now.
Hoping to get one more layout done today.
And spend some quality time with Camryn before tomorrow.
Have a blessed Wednesday!!

2 Sketches 4 U - Kazan #7

Managed to get another card done while Camryn napped.
I used 2 Sketches 4 U - Kazan #7.

Now, off to pick Ashlyn up from her first day of school.
We have dance & piano this afternoon too,
But we might hold off a week if she's already got homework!!
Thanks for looking.

CPS 78; Creatively Yours 11 & the First Day of School!

It's the first day of school!!
Ashlyn was so excited this morning, she woke-up before her alarm went off.
She told us she just turned it off!!
WOW!! I don't see that happening for very long:)
School starts at 7:30 this year & for elementary kids, that can be tough.
Here's one pic I took of the girls this morning.

Camryn & I got to go meet her teachers (she has 2) & see her classroom.
She was very excited & can't wait until Thursday morning.
In the meantime, she's already napping.
6:30 is awfully early for my baby!!

Since we all have to get up so early this year, bedtime for the girls is 8:00.
I'm used to them going to bed at 9:00 on school nights,
& I found I had more time than usual on my hands last night.
So, I made my brother's bday card using CPS 78.
New Chatterbox papers & some American Crafts.

I also tackled the Creatively Yours card sketch 11.
Using some older Collage Press papers, but they are some of my all-time favs!

Dance also starts today with each of the girls taking 2 classes
& Ashlyn taking piano lessons.
I'm hoping this new school schedule isn't going to wear us out!
and I'm hoping to get some layouts done this week.
I've been making so many cards, I need to work on getting pictures scrapped.
Hope you all have a wonderfully, blessed Monday!

2 Sketches 4 U & Sketch This 61

I know I said I wouldn't be able to blog for awhile,
but I have wedding invitations to make
& I'm procrastinating.
I really hate doing multiple items of one thing.
Very redundant.
Times 60 *sigh*
So, to get me motivated,
I pulled out some old October Afternoon & did the 2 Sketches 4 U - Laura Sketch #6.
I really love these colors together & like how this turned out.
The butterflies are cut from KI Memories lace paper & I used flocking to color it in.

I started my cardmaking with this birthday card.
This is using some older Scenic Route that is some of my fav.
I actually bought this while in NC, but they didn't have the stripe.
I really wanted the stripe.
I don't like how it this turned out.
It's supposed to be for my fil's birthday,
but it doesn't look "manly,"
and I don't like it how the stamping turned out.
I used Sketch This 61 & love the sketch.
I want to do a layout too....the design team work was very inspiring.

And with that, I need to get back to my 60 invitations *sigh*

Triple the Sketch 17, CPS 76 & Home @ last

I'm home!!
For those that noticed me gone:)
I'm home & missing Cashier's terribly.
The weather was PERFECT!
I mean PERFECT!
The highs were mid 70's & the lows were low 60's, high 50's.
NO humidity!!
Did I say PERFECT?
We want to move there so bad, but dang is it an expensive community!!
Here are a few pictures I took.
Some are of the golf course we played & you may or may not be able to tell the high elevations.
The butterflies..........TONS of them & boy were they gorgeous.
We also went horse-back riding & I was so proud of Ashlyn who rode by herself.
The waterfall is from a boat ride we took on Lake Glenville.

We'd love to go back in the Fall, so I might see about booking another week.
Just gotta see how many pennies I have to save between now & then.
The first full day we were there, I stayed at the cabin with Camryn.
We went into Cashiers for some shopping & another lady told me about a great scrapbook store 40-mins away.
You bet I made the drive & boy was it worth it.
I haven't been into a real scrapbook store in over a year.
I was in heaven & it was HUGE.
So much stuff to look at, but I was good & only bought things I knew I would use, which included some older line papers.
That afternoon, while everyone else was napping, I made a couple of cards.
The first is using Triple the Sketch 17.
I bought an 8x8 Cosmo Cricket "Hello Sunshine" pad.
Love these papers & a great size for cards.
The butterfly was cut from some KI Memories lace paper.
I adhered 2 together, then used Doodlebug Flock(red),
And wrapped DMC floss around the middle.

This second card is uing CPS #76. It's extremely simple, but I like it.

Trying to catch-up on lots of other stuff.
Luckily, I did all the laundry while we were in NC, so I'm good there,
but school & dance starts Monday for Ashlyn & Thursday for Camryn.
I started cleaning out their closets before we left & their rooms are a mess.
I still need to do some clothes shopping for Camryn....she has to wear dresses
And I have a birthday card to make for my fil, plus 60 wedding invitations!
So, not sure how much I'll be able to blog for the remainder of this week.
Once school starts, I'll have more time on my hands.
Happy Hump Day!!

Here today....................Gone tomorrow!!

Seriously!!
We're leaving in the morning for Cashier's NC.
I'm excited, but exhausted.
I'm exhausted because Ashlyn has had girlfriends sleeping over since Sunday night.
She's at a friend's house right now, so I can pack.
So, I'm exhausted because I haven't slept w/all the screaming & hollering going on:)
I'm exhausted because the weather in Cashier's is going to be BEAUTIFUL!!!!
The high is supposed to be 76......................EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!
Being the "cold-natured" person I am, I have to pack 2 sets of clothes.
That's exhausting!!
We're going on a River Cruise, at night..........no shorts for me.
We're going horse-back riding, golfing & to the Biltmore.
Not sure what else we're doing, but I'm excited about the trip.
We've never been to Cashiers & I love visiting places I've never been.
So, preparing for the trip has exhausted me & I'm so ready for a nap.

I did manage to make 2 cards in the past week.
I haven't felt motivated to do a single thing.
I was hoping to scrap some today before we left, but I probably won't.
Maybe being gone for a week will help my creativity.

I won't be posting while I'm gone.
So I hope everyone has a great rest of the week, weekend & into next week.

Here I am............................

don't give up on me:)
I'm still alive.
I've been busy.
Ebaying, vacation bible school & cleaning.
I was actually looking forward to getting to scrap this week.
Then I remembered we're leaving Thursday for Cashiers, NC.
We'll be gone until the following Tuesday, and then.........
school starts that Monday.
We'll have Open Houses & a new schedule to get used to.
I mean...........I'll have to start getting up at 6:15 EVERY morning.
How do you people do it?
I promise it won't be pretty, but I"ll survive!!
I wonder how this will cut into my late night scrapping?

I did do a layout last week & never got it posted.
I used a Creatively Yours sketch.
I finally got around to using my button making kit & covered them w/some fabric.
I will make a confession though......................it was hard for me & I had to go buy another kit:)
I couldn't get the back to "pop" in, like the directions said, so I did the next best thing..
I grabbed my hammer:)
I hit it too hard & busted the blue-popper-in-thingy (is that a name?)
So, I went & bought several more in different sizes & made the 4 on this layout.
LOVE how they turned out & am anxiously awaiting some Heather Bailey fabric.

Not much else new, except I am hoping to scrap.
I have another layout in the works, just need to finish it.
I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.