(No internet access on the road yesterday...)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Shhhhhh.... don't tell!
I'm so excited I had to share what our kids will enjoy tomorrow... their first pet guinea pig!
For those of you who know me, I'm not a big fan of animals. So you may be as surprised as I am that this cute little critter has already captured my heart. And I can't wait to watch my kids love on him too!
An update will come after we've officially named our little guy. Isn't he cute?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
A Hybrid Sneak-Peek
I'm working on some new Design Team projects for Paper Pals! I've got one layout finished, but have more work to do.
Here's a sneak peek at the first layout-- I used some products from one of my very favorite companies, American Crafts.
These fun, springy patterns come from AC's Blue Skies line. Great patterns on one side, fabulous solids on the second side. Their little product books are irresistable-- I used a journaling sticker from their "Remarks" Journaling Sticker Book.
I created the hybrid page after being inspired by a layout by Cathy Zielske. I used one of my favorite photos from this last summer of my niece on a swing at a family birthday party. Her blue eyes just popped in the pic, didn't they?
Look for more projects by moi using these papers and journaling stickers on the DT blog within the next week!
Here's a sneak peek at the first layout-- I used some products from one of my very favorite companies, American Crafts.
These fun, springy patterns come from AC's Blue Skies line. Great patterns on one side, fabulous solids on the second side. Their little product books are irresistable-- I used a journaling sticker from their "Remarks" Journaling Sticker Book.
I created the hybrid page after being inspired by a layout by Cathy Zielske. I used one of my favorite photos from this last summer of my niece on a swing at a family birthday party. Her blue eyes just popped in the pic, didn't they?
Look for more projects by moi using these papers and journaling stickers on the DT blog within the next week!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
In Process...
My Christmas cards are not in the mail yet, but they're close!
This year I really wanted to make my own christmas cards, but I was also interested in saving time and money. So I found a solution that I think lets me have my cake and eat it too!
Shutterfly had a great sale in October that gave me incentive to order photo cards early for a great price. I intentionally chose a very simple design so that I could add some of my own glitz (using stuff from my stash)to make each card unique. (I also added a removable note that includes our family blog address.)
So here is the card SOTM (straight out of the mail):
And then here are some examples of the finished cards with my added embellishments: ribbon, chipboard shapes, glittery star stickers and brads:
Now... if I could just get them into some addressed envelopes with stamps...
This year I really wanted to make my own christmas cards, but I was also interested in saving time and money. So I found a solution that I think lets me have my cake and eat it too!
Shutterfly had a great sale in October that gave me incentive to order photo cards early for a great price. I intentionally chose a very simple design so that I could add some of my own glitz (using stuff from my stash)to make each card unique. (I also added a removable note that includes our family blog address.)
So here is the card SOTM (straight out of the mail):
And then here are some examples of the finished cards with my added embellishments: ribbon, chipboard shapes, glittery star stickers and brads:
Now... if I could just get them into some addressed envelopes with stamps...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Creative Gene
I'm happy to think I passed it on!
When my first grader was given an optional homework assignment of creating a diorama based on a book, she dismissed the idea that it was optional (and actually put it as priority over other homework!).
She had so much fun recreating a scene in the book "Sheep in a Jeep". I really enjoyed watching her process and thinking while she came up with every little element in the simple shoebox.
The hard part is deciding on whether we dismantle it so that her brother can have his toy jeep back...
When my first grader was given an optional homework assignment of creating a diorama based on a book, she dismissed the idea that it was optional (and actually put it as priority over other homework!).
She had so much fun recreating a scene in the book "Sheep in a Jeep". I really enjoyed watching her process and thinking while she came up with every little element in the simple shoebox.
The hard part is deciding on whether we dismantle it so that her brother can have his toy jeep back...
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
CKC Take Two!
I enjoyed my second Creating Keepsakes Convention in November. Seven of us ladies packed up and made the roadtrip to Seattle (actually Bellevue) to take in the festivities.
Here's the whole group when we gathered for lunch at Taco Del Mar on our roadtrip over.
Me and my pal Angela (we go WAY back...say, 30 years...)
Once again, it was so much fun! Crazy shopping at the vendor faire (like having a hundred scrapbook stores in one room!!!) and good classes where I learned some new stuff and brought home some great projects partially completed.
This mini book was my favorite class-- I made it hybrid by prepping for the class before we went to the conference. I created some text pages that have lyrics from songs in the background and journaling on top of why that song is meaningful to me. Great class!
And, last but not least... the stash of goodies I purchased! Mostly from the dollar booth and clearance bins on this tight economy year. But still lots of fun!
Here's the whole group when we gathered for lunch at Taco Del Mar on our roadtrip over.
Me and my pal Angela (we go WAY back...say, 30 years...)
Once again, it was so much fun! Crazy shopping at the vendor faire (like having a hundred scrapbook stores in one room!!!) and good classes where I learned some new stuff and brought home some great projects partially completed.
This mini book was my favorite class-- I made it hybrid by prepping for the class before we went to the conference. I created some text pages that have lyrics from songs in the background and journaling on top of why that song is meaningful to me. Great class!
And, last but not least... the stash of goodies I purchased! Mostly from the dollar booth and clearance bins on this tight economy year. But still lots of fun!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Annual Scrapbooking Weekend
October is one my favorite but busiest months. While crazy busy and home, I can always count on some refreshment when I head to the Palouse Divide for some scrappin' time with friends who I only see this one time a year.
The location is a great example of the majesty of God-- and a big reason why a lot of people love north Idaho. It's simply gorgeous.
This year we got to enjoy scrapping in the new lodge.
And with three nights and 4 days of scrap-scrap-scrapping, one CAN be productive if they put their mind to it. Well, this year I did. I wanted to use up some of my stash, and I'd say I put a good 29-layout-and-a-dozen-cards-dent into it!
Can't wait for next year. It's already on my calendar!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Blessing in the Bungled Bumper
One sunny October Sunday afternoon, my family was travelling onto campus with me at the wheel.
Out of nowhere, a small silver honda pulled out of an apartment complex parking lot. I didn't have time to stop, so I slammed on the brakes and closed my eyes.
No airbags deployed, so that meant we'd made impact at a speed lower than 15 MPH. This to say it was a minor collision, and all people involved (including my three kiddos) were perfectly fine.
The two silver vehicles weren't quite as lucky. But there was a blessing in our bungled bumper.
The young man who we ran into is named Cody. Cody has made a lasting impression on our family... and not in a twisted or bent metal kind of way.
This 20ish year old young man made a consious choice to accept responsibility for his actions. So many "kids" his age are assumed to be irresponsible. Cody proved to us that society's assumptions cannot include all young people.
We heard him say "I'm so sorry, this was completly my fault" multiple times. Immediately to us, again when his roomate came out to check on him, another time when friends walking by noticed the chaos... and yet one more time when the police officer was issuing him a ticket.
What happened to the excuses? The denial? The cranky attitude? We saw none of it. Respect, humility and responsibility were all we saw throughout the 30 minute ordeal.
Conversations over the incident came up at dinner with our kids (what an example of how to respond to a crummy situation!), and many times over with my friends and family. I even sent cards of appreciation to his parents and to Cody himself.
It seemed that some people who heard the story found it odd that I was so impressed with the guy... wouldn't everyone respond like Cody in this situation? It made me wonder why it impacted me so strongly.
It made me think.
It reminded me of a "Peanuts" cartoon that demonstrated how people don't like to take responsibility. It showed Peppermint Patty talking to Charlie Brown. She said, "Guess what, Chuck. The first day of school and I got sent to the principal's office. It was your fault, Chuck."
He said, "My fault? How could it be my fault? Why do you say everything is my fault?"
She said, "You're my friend, aren't you, Chuck? You should have been a better influence on me."
Somehow, we think that someone else is responsible.
It made me think about a time when I slipped into this bad attitude a couple of weeks prior to our bumper incident. I was pulled over by an officer for speeding, but was not issued a ticket. Now I can tell you that I deserved a ticket, but at the moment, I was giving myself (not the officer) a dozen excuses of why I should have been left alone to cruise at 32 mph in that 25 mph zone.
When I looked back on that crappy mental attitude, I realized how incredibly different I had responded than the way the wise young man Cody had chosen to respond.
Eck.
So it has kept me thinking. And working on my responses to my actions. I'm realizing some of those responses are rooted in many years of denial and blame. It's tough to change, but good for me to try.
And so I'm thankful to Cody and our bungled bumper for the baby steps forward that I'm trying to make. What a blessing, eh?
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." --1 John 1:9
Good as new!
Out of nowhere, a small silver honda pulled out of an apartment complex parking lot. I didn't have time to stop, so I slammed on the brakes and closed my eyes.
No airbags deployed, so that meant we'd made impact at a speed lower than 15 MPH. This to say it was a minor collision, and all people involved (including my three kiddos) were perfectly fine.
The two silver vehicles weren't quite as lucky. But there was a blessing in our bungled bumper.
The young man who we ran into is named Cody. Cody has made a lasting impression on our family... and not in a twisted or bent metal kind of way.
This 20ish year old young man made a consious choice to accept responsibility for his actions. So many "kids" his age are assumed to be irresponsible. Cody proved to us that society's assumptions cannot include all young people.
We heard him say "I'm so sorry, this was completly my fault" multiple times. Immediately to us, again when his roomate came out to check on him, another time when friends walking by noticed the chaos... and yet one more time when the police officer was issuing him a ticket.
What happened to the excuses? The denial? The cranky attitude? We saw none of it. Respect, humility and responsibility were all we saw throughout the 30 minute ordeal.
Conversations over the incident came up at dinner with our kids (what an example of how to respond to a crummy situation!), and many times over with my friends and family. I even sent cards of appreciation to his parents and to Cody himself.
It seemed that some people who heard the story found it odd that I was so impressed with the guy... wouldn't everyone respond like Cody in this situation? It made me wonder why it impacted me so strongly.
It made me think.
It reminded me of a "Peanuts" cartoon that demonstrated how people don't like to take responsibility. It showed Peppermint Patty talking to Charlie Brown. She said, "Guess what, Chuck. The first day of school and I got sent to the principal's office. It was your fault, Chuck."
He said, "My fault? How could it be my fault? Why do you say everything is my fault?"
She said, "You're my friend, aren't you, Chuck? You should have been a better influence on me."
Somehow, we think that someone else is responsible.
It made me think about a time when I slipped into this bad attitude a couple of weeks prior to our bumper incident. I was pulled over by an officer for speeding, but was not issued a ticket. Now I can tell you that I deserved a ticket, but at the moment, I was giving myself (not the officer) a dozen excuses of why I should have been left alone to cruise at 32 mph in that 25 mph zone.
When I looked back on that crappy mental attitude, I realized how incredibly different I had responded than the way the wise young man Cody had chosen to respond.
Eck.
So it has kept me thinking. And working on my responses to my actions. I'm realizing some of those responses are rooted in many years of denial and blame. It's tough to change, but good for me to try.
And so I'm thankful to Cody and our bungled bumper for the baby steps forward that I'm trying to make. What a blessing, eh?
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." --1 John 1:9
Good as new!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Words to Share
Need a post between Wednesdays to prove I still have words... :)
I do have words, just not the time to record them. Hoping to share more of my story soon... Until then, the calendar rules.
Until then, I'm off to Seattle's CKC tomorrow! Yippee!!!
I do have words, just not the time to record them. Hoping to share more of my story soon... Until then, the calendar rules.
Until then, I'm off to Seattle's CKC tomorrow! Yippee!!!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Before it's gone...
Before Halloween is gone (or all the treats that comes with it)...
I thought I'd share a photo of the gable box that I created for Design Team at Paper Pals.
One could fill it with a bunch of fun treats! Check out all the details here.
And, using more of the halloween paper for a layout that isn't about halloween.
These were fun to make!
I thought I'd share a photo of the gable box that I created for Design Team at Paper Pals.
One could fill it with a bunch of fun treats! Check out all the details here.And, using more of the halloween paper for a layout that isn't about halloween.
These were fun to make!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
New Little Graphic I Created
As you may know, I'm on the Design Team at Paper Pals.
Well, I've been wanting to create a little "blinkie" for our team to share on our blogs. So here's what I've created:
It's still a first draft, as I'd love to animate it and make it a link to our blog, but thus far I'm not educated enough to get that done. Working on it. (And totally willing to take any technical support from those who already know this stuff!!!)
For now, we have a step toward promoting our team a little better! Enjoy.
Well, I've been wanting to create a little "blinkie" for our team to share on our blogs. So here's what I've created:
It's still a first draft, as I'd love to animate it and make it a link to our blog, but thus far I'm not educated enough to get that done. Working on it. (And totally willing to take any technical support from those who already know this stuff!!!)
For now, we have a step toward promoting our team a little better! Enjoy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Simply Amazing.
See this fun little button I got to create?
I had not imagined that I'd ever be the one to need to post this little notice on my blog. But it's my lucky day.
A layout I submitted to Creating Keepsakes magazine was chosen for publication. So today I removed the photos of it from my blog (as well as the Paper Pals Design Team blog) I packed it up carefully into a box along with several forms and am shipping it off to Beth Opel of CK. She's publishing it in the February 2010 issue!
A year ago I'd never have imagined this would be possible. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Simply amazing, isn't it?
I had not imagined that I'd ever be the one to need to post this little notice on my blog. But it's my lucky day.
A layout I submitted to Creating Keepsakes magazine was chosen for publication. So today I removed the photos of it from my blog (as well as the Paper Pals Design Team blog) I packed it up carefully into a box along with several forms and am shipping it off to Beth Opel of CK. She's publishing it in the February 2010 issue!
A year ago I'd never have imagined this would be possible. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Simply amazing, isn't it?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Squished and Squashed.
Feeling a bit squished and squashed these days. Curious to see how I'll come out on the other side of this time period...and excited to see what I'll learn through my experiences!
"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." --Isaiah 64:8 NIV
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Hello again, PSE.
It's really been awhile since I got into a little digiscrapping. I love it, and thought I'd be doing it a majority of the time.
Instead, I've mostly been creating with paper. So fun.
But this week, I opened Photoshop Elements and created a hybrid page. It really introduces so many options when you can design some of your page on computer and use paper and embellishments to finish it out.
Here's the sneak peek. You can see all the details at the Paper Pals Design Team blog.
Enjoy!
Instead, I've mostly been creating with paper. So fun.
But this week, I opened Photoshop Elements and created a hybrid page. It really introduces so many options when you can design some of your page on computer and use paper and embellishments to finish it out.
Here's the sneak peek. You can see all the details at the Paper Pals Design Team blog.
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Bugs. Gotta love these.
Wanna do a fun kids party themed in bugs?
My cousin's wife Audra is a cake decorator, and she made these ADORABLE (can bugs be adorable?) little cakes for her 2 year old's birthday.
And my sweet niece Mya who turned one almost a month ago had a ladybug party. Her mom and Aunt Brit worked hard on these creative, cute and TASTY little ladybug peanut butter balls. So yummy!
And, after scanning Google images, here's a couple more ideas to throw out for a bug party. A Bug Scientist Specimen box w/ the party invite inside!
A party favor bucket/craft idea-- easy, inexpensive, fun!
These caught my eye and made me want a toddler again (something tells me that my almost 9 year old won't spring for a bug theme...).
Enjoy! Hope these ideas by creative people inspire you, too.
My cousin's wife Audra is a cake decorator, and she made these ADORABLE (can bugs be adorable?) little cakes for her 2 year old's birthday.
And my sweet niece Mya who turned one almost a month ago had a ladybug party. Her mom and Aunt Brit worked hard on these creative, cute and TASTY little ladybug peanut butter balls. So yummy!
And, after scanning Google images, here's a couple more ideas to throw out for a bug party. A Bug Scientist Specimen box w/ the party invite inside!
A party favor bucket/craft idea-- easy, inexpensive, fun!
These caught my eye and made me want a toddler again (something tells me that my almost 9 year old won't spring for a bug theme...).
Enjoy! Hope these ideas by creative people inspire you, too.
Friday, August 14, 2009
BOYS. I get to hang with some dang cute ones!
As a part of my great Paper Pals Design Team position, I got to create with some really fun papers that fit boys just perfectly.
I've been wanting to make some things featuring my nephew (and always love to scrap my son!), and this was my perfect chance. These sweet little boys melt my heart!
Check the entire layouts out at the Design Team Blog!
I've been wanting to make some things featuring my nephew (and always love to scrap my son!), and this was my perfect chance. These sweet little boys melt my heart!
Check the entire layouts out at the Design Team Blog!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
New Post at Paper Pals...
I just posted some Christmas layouts on the Design Team blog. Here's some sneek peeks!
If you'd like to see more info about these that feature the new My Minds Eye Colorful Christmas line, visit the Paper Pals Design Team Blog!
If you'd like to see more info about these that feature the new My Minds Eye Colorful Christmas line, visit the Paper Pals Design Team Blog!
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