I JUST WANNA SAY!

time to celebrate!

2012-01-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

Hi there!

I hope that your weekend went well!

Ours did. :) The hubby & I decided to join our Church family in doing something for 21 days...and it has been a challenge for me.... the biggest challenge I had to overcome? The big hurdle I put up myself. Worrying about my health issues and how I'd be able to deal. But I realized that I needed to walk out in Faith. So far, so good!

My gorgeous baby celebrated her 11th birthday yesterday!

say Cheese!!!!

The Birthday girl requested Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cup Cakes. These cuppie cakes have a chocolate chip cookie in the middle, with a cookie dough frosting. All of the extras were sent to school to share with teachers and classmates. :D

So...my sweet Lexi....Besides loving your hearty appetite:

11 Things I love about you!

1) That you have a good head on your shoulders.
2) You're true to your beliefs, and know the difference between right and wrong...and stick to what's right!
3) You're incredibly unaware of your beauty.
4) Life is not boring with you in it.
5) Your snazzy come-backs! You amaze me, you have an answer for everything.
6) You're a wild child, but you know how to soften up when you need to.
7) My daughter's a mother Hen! She's awesome with kids.
8) Ok...I don't say this too often, that you're a chatterbox. Because you can't help but tell on yourself!
9) you like to read, a-LOT. just like me.
10) You often provide little nuggets of wisdom. You're sooo smart!
11) you can be such a tom boy, but such a girly girl alllll at the same time!

Ok, I can keep the list going with this one....LOL.

a few days late:

2012-01-04T15:27:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!!! :whistle blowing: :fanfare:

How did you enjoy the Holidays? Have you come up with resolutions, or do the one word?

I've chosen to do one word. My word is ATTITUDE. Isn't that a huge word?
Maybe one day soon, I will explain why I chose this word. Hopefully, I can stick with it. Check back with me on this, okay? LOL.

We had family come up for Christmas Eve. My mom flew up from Florida, and my sister brought her up. She brought her kids and also my sister in law with the kids as well. :) Yes, my house was jam packed full of kids laughing, playing, running! I loved every moment!!!! I meant to get pictures of all of the grandkids together, but time, and my memory didn't allow it. :(

Instead, I have pictures of my fave ornaments. :) they're not as cute as the kids, but I took the tree down this weekend and wanted to photograph them.

This is my fave type of snow flake. :)

Every year, we try to get a couple of new ones that symbolize what we liked that particular year. This year, I found an owl!

and if you couldn't already tell, I like sparkly, glittery things!

Also, throughout our little Christmas/New Years vacation, we've been doing some cooking. Heavy duty! We made some spanish food we've been craving at home, and my hubby was baking cupcakes because my mom was craving sweets.

he made some yummy chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting:

then he baked some egg nog cupcakes with an egg nog/cream cheese frosting. Yum.

and my fave for last: Flan.

ALL of these desserts were made from scratch. He even made evaporated milk!

yes, I gained weight...2 lbs. :(

You know what's coming up?

Another challenge over at AAM. (I want to extend a congrats to Lynn for winning the Dec. prize)

Go on over there on the 5th, that's when the challenge goes live. In the mean time, who would I be if I didn't give you s sneak peek (or 2, maybe 3....)???! :wink:

Are you excited? I am!

so....how did you spend the holidays???! I'm dying to know!

totally sweet day...

2011-12-23T11:15:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!

It's FRIDAY!

I'm excited!

My mom's coming up from Florida tomorrow.

We're taking a week off from work. Yes, you read correctly...the Locksmith is closing down for a week! Yay....I needed some time to kind of unwind and go back to normal after the month or so we' ve had.

I wanted to make a sweet Thursday post to show what else my hubby had going on in the kitchen, but time got away from me, I had a sick terror with me and she pretty much killed my day.

so...without further ado, I bring you a cheese cake brownie. :)

this was delicious!!!! :P

also, DH made chocolate peanut butter cupcakes and Snicker doodle cupcakes with a cookie on top. My teenyterror took the liberty of photographing the ChocoPB it because I was sooo tired...

this was da bomb as well!!! the frosting tasted just like the filling in a peanut butter cup. The snickerdoodles were all gone so quickly to photograph....:blush:

My kids all had their hair cut. I'm not supposed to post any photos online yet because the girls want to see the surprise on everyone's faces....so I will have to wait a bit longer to show it off....all I can say is that they all look so beautiful!!!!

Well...I am going to say it in advance, because I don't think I'll be blogging or online til the new year,

I hope that you all have a Merry Christmas full of Joy, Cheer, and Peace. I hope that it's everything you all expected and then some! :D

Stay safe!!!

isn't it funny? The irony isn't lost on me....

2011-12-19T13:48:00.000-05:00

Hey bloggy peeps!

I've been going through the wringer lately. I'm exhausted and ready for a break. I'm hoping that the upcoming celebrations will go easy on me, so that I can feel re-newed again.

I've been seriously missing scrapping. SERIOUSLY. Remember how a couple of months ago I was thinking of quitting?

The desire is there now, but time. Time keeps running away...and taunting me with the "na, na, na, na, na's, can't catch me!" I see these calls for DTs and I am so tempted to sign myself up. But then reality hits. Can I really get in, and if I do...realistically, as things have been pretty much crazy, will I have enough time to dedicate and do my best?

So....I'm sitting out on all of the alluring calls. But I've decided to start scrapping again earnestly, just for pure enjoyment.

Because I really need a way to blow off steam and relax.

This week, I found some old teenyterrors' photos, and a couple of videos of my teeniest terror. They made me cry. Yes, cry! They have grown up so much, and I don't have a teeny baby to care for anymore. I regret the choice my DH & I made to not have anymore. So as I showed my kids how cute and teeny they were, I told DH aloud...."I want a baby!"

Want to know what Nani proclaimed?

"Mommy, I am your baby!!!"

I looked at her in shock.

Now let me explain:

This child would get so angry and pout whenever customers would walk into the shop and look at how she's grown and exclaim "is that the BABY???" (they'd remember me being pregnant with her).

She'd promptly put her hands on her hips and angrily proclaim: "I-am-NOT-a-BABY!".

see the irony here?

Teenyterrors, Easter 2005

Teenyterrors, Easter 2011

My mommy will be here in NY at the end of the week. The kids are looking FWD to having her cooking...LOL...and she's looking fwd to cooking for them.

Melt down....

2011-12-13T11:35:00.000-05:00

Hello!

Have you ever had a whole bunch of things occur all at once at the wrong time, when you're so busy with other things that need attention and then you just try and handle it all gracefully, patiently, calmly as to not have everyone else freak out? Well, that's what these past weeks have been like...we're not dealing with life and death situations, but wow...life would be a whole lot easier if we weren't dealing with them ALL in one shot!

I just have to be grateful for having a shop and working with my hubby. I don't think any employer would be as understanding as I would've needed them to be. Yes, I am always looking for something to be thankful for...because it usually makes me feel better. If you keep looking for more things to feel dumpy about, it just drags you down deeper and deeper into dispair.

I have a layout to show you!!!

Thanks, Elizabeth, for reminding me. LOL!!!

As you may already know, AAM is back up to challenging! Our latest challenge is YOUR Brand. (click on the link for more fabulous layouts!)

Here is the layout I made. :)

Can you believe that I was stuck!?? I had a hard time getting my layout together. I just didn't know how to describe myself without being sarcastic or a negative Nelly. Asking my family didn't help much, either... they said things like "stylish, beautiful, etc...those seemed a bit shallow to me...but I guess this is how my girls see me, so I will take those words as complimentary and enjoy it for now...because I'm sure the love affair with mommy will end as soon as they want to wear stuff that I won't allow. Oh the joy! :giggle:

Also, up on the blog is a post by yours, truly! I do hope you check it out, and even maybe just leave a comment letting me know how you get past those "stuck" moments! LOL. I know...shameless plug!

sweet Thursday....

2011-12-01T15:47:00.001-05:00

I know...usually Thursdays are Thankful Thursdays...but who says that has to be set in stone???? Not >I

****Disclaimer**** www.teenyterrors.blogspot.com cannot be held liable for any ferocious sweet cravings the following post may cause you to have. No chocolate was mistreated/mis-used. They have been consumed properly.

Do you want to know why it's sweet? I'll tell you all about it in a minute...

Today's Dec. 1st, and I am floored at how fast this year has zipped by. This year has been a busy one for us, we've had unexpected things come up, lots of family visiting, etc. :O It feels like someone pressed that F-FWD button on 2011. Seriously!

Well...4 more days until AAM has a New Challenge up...and yes, I have a sneaky Peek! Sweet!

Speaking of sweet...

I hope that you all had a fantabulous Thanksgiving! We sure did! My hubby had baked sooo much we had sweets coming out of our ears! LOL...ok, not literally!

He baked these pumpkin pies...everything from scratch!

then he made Tiramisu....this thing tastes even better after a day or 2....

He didn't stop there! He baked a chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting and raspberry filling....Goodness gracious! Now do you get the "sweet"?

soo...my house is smelling all kinds of wonderful...the entire 1st floor smells like these:

Yes, my hubby surprised me for my birthday with another lily bouquet. I'm such a brat...he had taken me shopping for clothing at my fave store...and I wasn't expecting MORE. I had expressed how sad I was when the other bouquets' blooms faded. Don't you dislike that? I wish flowers lasted forever...but then again, maybe they won't get noticed as much, right?

now my sneak peek....I hope you all head on over to AAM and check out the challenge....and play aloooongggggg!!!!!

Thanks for enduring that long photo heavy post....

have a sweet afternoon!!!!!

My list:

2011-11-23T11:41:00.000-05:00

Hey there!

Guess what? I celebrated my birthday this week. :) My facebook wall was flooded with birthday wishes, my day went very well despite it being a work day...and my hubby, the dear sweet man, spoiled me. What more can a lady ask for?

My birthday is always near Thanksgiving day, and if we have family coming over I'll get more wishes on that day as well. This year we'll have a quiet one. Just us at home cooking and baking.

I have so many things to be thankful for!

I am thankful that I did get to see another birthday. Having a life threatening illness at a young age opens one's eyes as to how fragile life can be. It's been 6.5 years since I was hospitalized.

I am thankful for my family. My husband and kids are so loving and supportive, and there is a peace at home. It's my favorite place to be.

I am thankful for our workplace. yes, I grumble about it and the people A LOT...but I realize that this is something that God has given us as a means to survive. There are many people out there without work, about to lose their homes....

I am thankful for being able to communicate with friends and family far away via the internet. Be it this blog, facebook, MBs.

I am thankful for the days off we're about to have. We really need them to relax and unwind. I hope to catch up with the things that need to get done at home and to some scrapping.

I am thankful for uplifting music. Be it worship, contemporary, gospel, etc. If I feel down/sad/angry...it always makes me feel better and helps to put things into perspective.

I am thankful for having access to the Word through my phone, devotionals through email, blogs, etc. I almost always am impacted by something I have opened up to read.

there are many more things I could list but I didn't want to bore you all. :) I hope that through all the busy-ness the Holiday season brings, that there is always time to stop, take a breather, and be thankful for something.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!!!!

I'm out of what?!!!

2011-11-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

Hey peeps!

Yep, it's Wednesday, but to me it feels like Friday. This week's gone too slow for me. I'm sooo tired. :(
It seems like November's been kicking me in the behind a bit...maybe a four day weekend will help me out.

Surprisingly, this week I have seriously wanted to scrap. I have pictures, ideas, my hands are itching to make a mess....and guess what I remember? I am out of glue. Seriously!

I know...that little fact shouldn't hold me back...I have a stapler...I can hand stitch...attach with brads sort of thing...but yes...it does hold me back. Because I just want to mindlessly let my hands do the flying/moving/creating/placing. No thinking involved....

So...to get glue for my glue gun.....so that maybe...just maybe this weekend if I get a chance....

I hope that this urge doesn't pass on by....

Yep, I made it up.

2011-11-15T11:41:00.000-05:00

Thankful Tuesday!

I keep reading some awesome facebook statuses that mention what friends are thankful for...and it's cool to take an even deeper glimpse into how their lives are going.

I honestly think that what you're grateful for shows what type of person you are.

Yesterday, as I was cleaning up some trash at the shop while getting ready to close, I found a whole bunch of my teeniest terror's classwork. Underneath it all was a thankful list, in both 1st draft and completed copy. It was cute to see what her list included.

Now keep in mind, she's only 6:

"I am thankful for my mom and dad. I love them because they help me.

My dad buys me stuff. My mom is nice to me. I love my family.

My dad bakes cakes, cupcakes,and cookies for me.

That is why I love my family.

I am thankful."

That certainly put a smile to my face. The fact that she chose to write about us, her family, instead of her toys or TV shows makes me think that she thinks of us while she's at school.

You'd think that was all! The girl wasn't done yet. As I looked through the classwork, I found a piece of cardstock rolled up in a haphazardly fashion. She takes it out of my hands and exclaims:

"mommy, I made your most favorite thing in the world!"

want to see?

for some reason, the colors look off...but really, can you believe that my baby made this? I want to hang it up in a frame. now I really know that while she's off at school with all of her ~~royal subjects~~...err, classmates...she's got her mommy on her mind. :warm fuzzy feeling:

Do you want to know what yummy my DH baked over the weekend? (yes, he's still baking!!!)

I'm not sure where he got the recipe from, but it's a pumpkin cheese cake with a chocolate graham crust. Yummm....tastes like a creamy pumpkin pie. DH's so stinking proud that it didn't crack. LOL.

Oh...wanna see how my neck of the woods looked a couple weeks ago?

this is outside in my backyard...

and the view from my front door....because I was not about to go out on the porch...LOL

Crazy, right? this was in OCTOBER!!!!

So...wait, what am I thankful for?

For fall foliage, finally! :)

For the little reminders that I am loved and thought of.

For a hubby who can bake! despite my saying to cut down on the yummies....

it makes me wanna shout!

2011-11-08T16:04:00.001-05:00

Hey there!

I'm sorry I haven't posted lately. I've been meaning to pop in to share a project or two...but I haven't been creative with paper lately. I guess I've been lazy. The weather we had last week was crazy...lots of snow. I snapped some pix but forgot my camera. :( We lost power at our house....made for an interesting weekend.

My girls have been doing some really cute things lately...putting huge smiles on my face. How cute? Like my oldest saying: "Thank Yerrrrr....." and I respond " you're Wel-Kerrrrrr" (A la madea) She then says "you sound so properrrrrrr." :)

My littlest terror singing quietly to herself while she colors. When I ask her what the song is...she sings louder and sweetie starts singing along with her. Then a duet ensues....

And then teeniest terror again, as I take a break and lay down on the sofa, she climbs on my chest to snuggle and falls asleep...like she used to as a baby. awww....I miss those moments. I'm glad she doesn't feel like she's too old to do so.

My son....he gives me a random hug....or if feeling neglected...will play a prank on me so that he can get my attention.

Oh and my hubby...dear sweet hubby....my lilies are still making the house smell nice...but a lot of them have faded and my bouquet is slowly dwindling. so sad. He's been baking lots & lots....&&& instead of losing weight...I gained a couple of pounds. :O I need to get him to slow down on the yummies.....he made red velvet and tres leche cuppy cakes....divine. The man's got a gift.....

this is an after picture of my girls...remember when I posted about doing hot curlers for picture day? All 3 together. I love this photo. How has your family brought a smile to your face?

winner, winner, blog hop winner...

2011-11-02T12:00:00.001-04:00

Hi!!!

Boy you don't know the weekend I've had. I'll blog all about it soon, I just wanted to pop in quickly to announce the winner:

I went to random.org and tried one of the generators. Forgive me for not knowing how to get one of them on the blog....it picked blog comment 45....

It;s YOU, Beth!!!

Beth Hillier said...

You tag is darling and a what a beautiful layout!!!

Beth
Mytimetoplay.blogspot.com

October 30, 2011 9:49 AM

so if you can shoot me an email over at teenyterrors-at-gmail.dot.com...I'll get the RAK put together and out to you!!!!

I loved all of the comments and am amazed at how many participants there were. :)

Thanks for hopping along!

fall-ing into the blog hop....

2011-10-28T08:54:00.004-04:00

Ok, I know...that was one cheesy title!

If you're following the blog hop, you should've hopped here from Diane's blog. If not, start here and follow along! We'd love to have you join us.

Well, today marks the end of my run as a designer for Creative Charms. This doesn't mean you won't see me rock any of their fabulous products, though. I can't wait to see what the new DT has up their sleeves.

so without any further ado...here's a little something something I've created!

supplies used: PP:American Crafts, KI Memories, letter&stickers: American Crafts & Cosmo Cricket, Transparency: Hambly, Journal square: MME, Tattered angels glimmer mist, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Fiskars border punch, Flowers, gems: Creative charms

How many CC goodies can you spot in this layout?

How about this card I made? The base was a random Tag I got......

supplies used: Tag: unknown, PP: My Little Shoebox, Tickets: Tim Holtz, punch:Martha Stewart, Pearls & Ribbon: Creative Charms, Letter Stickers: My Little Shoebox & cosmo Cricket, Glimmer Mist

So tell me what your fave CC product is....and maybe I'll pick one comment to win a RAK.(sorry, but I'll only ship in the continental US...) I will get together a RAK of CC goodies and who knows what else will get thrown in! If you leave a comment on everyone's blog, Midori will pop into each and pick a random comment to also win a small goody. This increases your chances to win something!

The main prize will be the November Kit and Deal of the Month. Also, you fabulous blog hoppers will have an early peek at the kits. Excited yet?

Now to keep on hopping, Laura's your next stop.

Thanks for stopping by. :)

Help me say farewell!

2011-10-27T12:54:00.001-04:00

My time is coming to an end with Creative Charms. :(

They were really a fun and inspirational place to create for, and honestly, if it weren't for them I'd probably have stopped scrapping....

The products are all fun to use, they can be incorporated in anything! They will always have a fan here!

Tomorrow there's going to be a farewell type of blog hop....where you can go to all of the designers' blogs. It'll start tomorrow at 9AM...and I hope to see you here. :)

I have some sneaky peeks.... of course! You know how excited I get about creating.

so....will you come back to help say farewell??????

cuppy cakes....

2011-10-26T16:14:00.000-04:00

recipe from: Your Cup of Cake. gotta give credit where it's due!

It's the middle of the week! I'm sooo ready for Friday to come and go because I am EXHAUSTED! Tonight we have family night at church and my hubby has been up to his little tricks in the kitchen and baking! yes, knowing that I am trying to watch what I eat. I've shown incredible will power, though.

He made those yummy cupcakes pictured above...yes...I had one.... and baked some chocolate oreo cupcakes for our classes tonight. My students love my hubby because he's always baking and sharing. :) He's pretty talented in the baking dept. It also helps that he's discovered the world of baking blogs! Yes! Now he gets why I can spend hours reading all different blogs. :D

Ask me tomorrow if I was able to resist those yummy looking oreo cupcakes tonight......

;D

just glamorous!

2011-10-25T11:32:00.000-04:00

Hello, how's Tuesday been treating you? I don't know about you, but I am exhausted! I need a monster or a red bull...LOL....really, I don't use those for energy, because I don't like the crash, but a lady's desperate here!

Yesterday my beloved & I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. :) My hubby surprised me. He got me a beautiful bouquet of my fave flowers in the whole world: Lilies! The florist was shocked because she figured roses...but he said "my wife likes roses, but L-o-v-e-s Lilies." Wow...this bouquet was huge...and the lady arranged it sooooo beautifully. I didn't want to take them out of the pretty wrapping she encased them in. :D

I have more pictures but didn't want to bombard the post with pictures of my beautiful bouquet...&& you can't see it, but there's some yummy smelling eucalyptus. Yes, with my sickies going away, that smell was sooo soothing.

Okay, what the heck....let me just pop in another shot...I'm telling you, this thing is huge, you can't get all the deets in one shot!

This is my fave shade of pink...those poor pink lilies have gotten some abuse! Teeniest terror's nose cannot resist flowers. the girl even sniffs the fake ones. SO imagine her little face, her hands, all up on the petals trying to get a good whiff! :/

This AM we had to get up early for picture day. Lexi didn't want her hair straightened. Oh, no. She couldn't make things easy for me...but I can't blame her, I always straighten her hair. She wanted me to curl it. Yes...curl it using heat so she wouldn't frizz up. SO the girls got to school late because it took me a looooong time to get all of their wigs done up. I don't even have after pix...:( DH took these pix as I bounced between the 3 girls, trying to maximize what time I DIDN'T have.

well...I do have my camera handy...hopefully they look as glamorous when they get back. Who's going to hold their breath for me?

think pink....

2011-10-24T12:23:00.001-04:00

Just had to copy and paste this email I got from Midori@ Creative Charms. The reason behind this kit is so touching, please read and if you can, purchase a kit.

Hello Everyone – for the rest of this month, all net proceeds from all web sales are going to be donated to the Susan Koman Foundation in Chris Hertel’s name. We are also featuring a pink kit that we have been fondly calling Chris’ Kit.

Chris worked very closely with us here at Creative Charms. She designed our catalog, created our logos and all the new packaging and anything else we could come up with for her to create. This past July she lost her battle with breast cancer. She left behind a husband and two children. Their wish (and hers) is the find a cure to this disease so that families will no longer have to lose their wives, mothers and daughters to this horrible disease.

Isn't this kit so beautiful?

Chris’ Kit – 57 Pieces- $9.99 (Regular Price $23.21)

· Pink 3D Sparkly Butterfly Garden Brads – 12 Pieces

· Pink Sunflowers – 4 Pieces

· Violet Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces

· Pink Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces

· White with Pink Sparkled Flowers – 6 Pieces

· Pink Sparked Butterflies – 2 Pieces

· Pink Sequin and Felt Flowers – 3 Pieces

· Pink Sheer Flowers – 6 Pieces

Oh, Friday! You are sooo Fabulous!

2011-10-21T14:28:00.000-04:00

Hey all you fabulous bloggy peeps!

Now I wish you all had the same mental image I have in mind as I type my greeting!!! Especially the F- word! "Fabulous" at my house gets a whole lotta girly fun sassy attitude when said. Especially when it's my teeniest terror, Nani, saying it!

In order for you to actually get how "Fabulously Fabulous" Nani says the word...I may need to get her on video saying it in a-l-l of her "Fabulous fabulocity"! You'd immediately smile, strike a pose with her, and then ask me if that child really is 6....or a 30 year old in a 6 year old body! LOL!!!! Her Fabulicious-ness is sooo contagious.

yes, this girl is HARD to resist!

I'm so looking fwd to the weekend. This week I've been sick and lost my voice...and going to work like this. Yep...answering calls, taking care of customers....all with only squeaks coming out. :(

Hopefully, this weekend, I can be quiety productive....or just get some rest so that I can feel 1000% better.

I got some awesome news for you!

Check it out, HERE!

So what do you think?

Fabulous Fall Monday?

2011-10-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you've had a great weekend. :)

Ours was good. Yesterday was a bit sad, my mother in law is going back to Puerto Rico...and add 2 of us not feeling well...but all in all we can't complain. We just got into our jammies after Church.

My sweet Anaïs had an awesome birthday! Saturday she had friends over and had a great time. We did, too. The house wasn't overly rowdy/noisy as I'd thought. We kept checking in on the girls to make sure they were OK...they were quietly playing!

sorry for the blurry photo....

I have some sneaks for you to take a look at...and if you want to head on over to the Creative Charms blog, you can see the layout and card I made with the Oct. kit.

yes, I used up some lily bee stash, the stickers, the paper, and even a tag....I used my cricut, as well, to cut out the leaves. The best part? Most of the paper used in my projects were scraps! woooo hooo!

I'd like to extend a congrats to the new DT over at Creative Charms. You can see the announcement here! CC is an awesome company to design for. Their products are sooo inspiring and so easy to work with. You can't help but create! There's going to be a farewell blog hop, I hope you can stop by!

Also....I've decided that maybe I shouldn't retire from scrapping just yet...thanks to my girls and an awesome young lady who were very persuasive in their arguments. LOL. (thanks, Yaya!) I'm not sure how I'll squeeze it all in....but I think my kids will give me some inspiration!

Have an awesome Monday!

That's why I love you....

2011-10-13T12:51:00.001-04:00

Hey again! Today's a happy day, in spite of drizzly/rainy weather...very little sleep, and an early day! Can you guess why? Because today's my sweet baby's 9th birthday!

I've made her a card...she specifically requested one. Complete with pretty pastels, distressing, punching, inking, misting, blinging....I went with many techniques.

We've went and bought her things off her list that we thought she really wanted. Like those Clarice Bean books she'd been eyeing at Barnes & Noble. That Barbie Jeep that came with Ken & Barbie with an extra outfit for Ken. Oh boy...she gets to strip Ken down this time instead of Barbie...She's gotten blessed because daddy found a pretty lalaloopsy doll at ToysRus.... This girl's such a joy to have in our lives. Why? Because the simplest things make her so happy. She made us a list of her must haves and kept it so simple...and pretty short. She wanted to share cupcakes and be around her Church family, she wanted her mommy to make her a birthday card.

so.....how do I love thee, silly Milly? (that's an insider which I have promised to keep mum) Oh let me count the ways:

1) I love how you always hug and kiss! Yes, everyone gets an amazing Anaïs hug when she spots them. But mommy....oh, mommy gets the special cuddles complete with the heartfelt "I love you soooo much!"

2) You're content! Any little thing makes you happy. It's easy to make your pretty little face light up with a smile. Having someone who's so easy-going is a cute little reminder to take things slowly and enjoy the little things!

3) You're sooo good with numbers. Yep, my future mathematician/accountant. I call you the human calculator.

4) You're such a sensitive soul. Yes...this means your feelings get hurt a-LOT....and that means that I have to comfort you...but it also means that you see when someone needs help a little quicker than someone else would, you show compassion and empathy easier than others. To me, that's a beautiful quality!

5) You're a lover of all things purple! I can't blame you, that color comes in so many different pretty shades that look so awesome with those velvety chocolate brown eyes of yours. I think you may have converted me!

6) You're agile. Yes...for a teeny one, you're good with athletics. You can do a mean split! You love to dance, climb, RUN...OMG are you swift!

7) You love to sing. So much, in fact, that I call you my little song bird.

8) You're artsy. You love to make things.

9) You like to try new things. Yep...mommy makes a new type of food...or I introduce a new veggie...you try it at least once before you make any decisions on it. My little culinary dare devil, you!

As I await my birthday munchkin's return from school, I hope she's having a great day!

TTFN

Just Thoughts

2011-10-06T13:08:00.000-04:00

Our thoughts are powerful and require great self control. If we allow them to run rampant, focusing on things that lead us away from God, then we will wind up at a destination we would never deliberately choose.

These words hit me like a ton of bricks.

I don't think it's a secret that I subscribe to a lot of things that get sent into my inbox.

from things that are shopping related (I promise you...I don't go shopping very often! I just like to see what's new) to daily devotionals, things scrappy related. Yes. These past few days the scrappy related emails were annoying to me. All because I felt such a heavy pessimism in regards to it.

Lets face it, those pessimistic feelings started to creep into everything.
And then popping in to check my email wasn't as fun...so I let everything accumulate.

Today I started going through them, looking through the shopping emails first. Gotta love that coupon they send...or the new arrivals! Which I always never go for....because it pains me to pay full price on an item of clothing to then see them marked down considerably a month or 2 from the date of purchase. Almost makes me feel "ripped off".

Then I got to the devo's. They were like little pebbles hitting water....

and then this: Your thoughts have Wheels....

I'm so guilty of letting my thoughts wander off to places they shouldn't go. I've been fighting for a bit to help cheer someone up who's close to me...and in my effort to give them great cheer and getting no where, I wasn't guarding my thoughts. Hmmm...

It leads me to this:

Our thoughts really do have wheels. Where are your thoughts taking you today?

Happiness.....

2011-10-04T12:03:00.002-04:00

I find it with you....

hey there. you may have seen this layout before....or maybe you havent.

it was in the sept. 2011 pagemaps. i couldn't help but use some bling from creative charms...you know how i love bling.

i couldn't help but using this old lily bee. don't you think the pretty colors complement my gorgeous girls?

hmmm...i'm still undecided about whether or not i should continue scrapping. there's so many things going on that need my attention, but seeing photos like this one really makes me sad that they won't get the attention they'd get if i scrapped them.

plus...the teenyterrors are so bummed...

maybe i should go somewhere that has pretty colors and patterns...maybe then i'd feel inspired and not so down about scrapping.

where do you go that makes your eyes delight?

October Creative Charms kits!

2011-10-03T13:41:00.002-04:00

It's time for October's reveal! ready to take a peek? Want a chance to win some CC goodies? There is a giveaway of the Kit of the Month. All your followers have to do to enter is leave a comment on the blog posting :Happy October!

October Kit of the Month – 102 Pieces - $14.99

· Fall Seasonal Sparklers – 21 Pieces

· Halloween Vintage Metal Frames – 6 Pieces

· Halloween Twinkle Stickers – 12 Pieces

· Orange Braided Daisy Medley – 4 Pieces

· Orange Groovy Petal Medley – 8 Pieces

· Purple Sparkled Flowers – 6 Pieces

· Purple Itsy Glitsy – 45 Pieces

October Deal of the Month – 244 Pieces - $6.99

· Fall Medley – 14 Pieces

· Purple Pure Blossoms – 14 Pieces

· Orange 3D Sparkly Garden Butterfly Medley – 12 Pieces

· Black Fancy Polka Dot Brads – 4 Pieces

· Purple Twinkle Gems – 12 Pieces

· Amber Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces

· Violet Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces

· Purple Gradient Gem Brads – 12 Pieces

· Purple Gradient Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces

· Amber Gradient Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces

Thanks for stopping by!
\

what do you do?

2011-09-26T16:34:00.003-04:00

when the desire to scrap is gone?

My scrappy space has been neglected....the scrappy sites I've frequented: I've disappeared from...scrappy gal pals? If we don't connect on face book....a distant memory.

how do I get out of the rut?

Do I just wait it out? Continue on with life and see if the bug bites me again and I go into a full scrappy frenzy?

Or do I just move on...

and leave a hobby that had me so enthralled, so obsessed?

I'd like to think I'm not that fickle.

I'd like to think that somewhere out there, someone will remember something I made, or words I've put to paper along with paint, photos, & distressing....and say....

"hey, you......what's up?"

But I know lives are busy. My plate is full...and honestly....I don't feel like scrapping anymore. Not even blogging....

yes, as shocking as that may sound...I don't feel like blabbing away...I'm feeling uninspired.

How do you get out of it?

an announcement....

2011-09-21T14:32:00.002-04:00

Hey all!

popping in to let you all know that:

Creative Charms Design Team Call

When: Now – October 10, 2011

Details: Creative Charms is looking for self-motivated and creative designers to design projects twice a month for the Creative Charms blog. This position will begin on November 1^st with a three-month initial contract. Design team members are compensated with $30/month of Creative Charms products.

We are looking for designers that meet the following criteria:

· have an active personal blog with a following of at least 100 members

· be active on Facebook and at least 2 other “gallery” sites (2peas, CK, etc)

· able to work within a short time frame

· able to post at least twice a month on the Creative Charms blog

· creative in scrapbooking, card making and altered projects

· previous design team experience (preferred but not required)

· published in print magazines (preferred but not required)

To apply please send the following:

· name and mailing address (US mailing addresses only)

· link to your personal blog

· links to any design team that you currently serving

· three (3) photos of your best original projects or link to on-line gallery

· list of all design teams that you have been a member

· list of published works (date/publication)

Please send all applications to midori@creativecharms.com with the Subject: Design Team Call before October 10^th. The Design Team will be announced by October 15^th.

This is a great opportunity, the product is amazing to work with and Midori is wonderful to work with!!!

Also....tomorrow we're taking Lexi back to the surgeon. She's been suffering from knee pain, & he told us if she had any aches to call right away. So I'm a little concerned. I had to pick her up from school today, and the system they have set up there is pretty ridiculous. Today was a day that I was seriously tempted to home school my kids.

So please keep my Lexi in prayer.

wishful thinking...

2011-09-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday! Last night was the premiere of the Sing off...I love that show. I know there were other shows premiering last night. Which ones are you looking forward to?

I have a layout up at the Creative Charms blog! Please check it out, if you have an extra minute or two. :)

In the meantime, I can show you one I made for them at the beginning of the month! While you're peeking over there, you can look for this one, too...just to see the pretty details!

now, just so that I can be held accountable...I walked this AM. Despite the rainy dreary weather....is it just me, or do rainy days just suck the life out of you? DH had 2 jobs to go to early this AM, so I had to get the teenyterrors ready and wait out with them. Walking today took a lot of will power because by the time I was done with the kids I was HUNGRY! LOL. I wanted to make myself some breakfast! Have to say though, I did a program on the treadmill that usually had me crawling (ok...exaggeration here, but I wanted to paint a vivid picture.) off the darn thing....&&& I wasn't huffing/puffing throughout it all. Cool, right? I'm a bit proud!

a bit off topic:

my mom in law was visiting with us...she went to see my hubby's sibs...we're taking turns. LOL. The whole time she spoiled my doggy with housefood. And now he misses her terribly! He used to stalk her because he thought that any time she went into the kitchen, it was dinner time!

so what's my point? that we all miss her. :(

Aaron misses bothering her. Let me tell you...this kid made it a point to go out of his way to play pranks on her...and would gleefully run away as she chased him with her slipper in hand.

Alexis, Annie, & Nani miss sleeping with her. Yep, you read that right. They each took turns to jump into bed with her...and they miss their walks with her. Usually to the grocery store...or Family dollar. :) That meant they got to get a treat.....

Tyler...you already know why. LOL

Jr &I: she made us all of our fave foods...you know the ones we don't usually eat. I love chatting with her. And I know she loved being kept busy...the kids wouldn't leave her alone....

so, yeah, we're dealing with some mopey kids right now....

just some thoughts....

2011-09-19T12:24:00.001-04:00

Hellllerrrrr......

*I'm sorry, but this weekend we've been watching Madea's Big happy family...and Madea's crazy vocabulary has stuck! That movie was hysterical!!!

You guys thought that I've disappeared, huh? Well, in a way, I am. Disappearing. Yes, literally. I've been getting a little more serious, a little more motivated, and more involved in losing weight. I'm completely adamant about getting rid of the need of taking medication. losing weight= no more high blood pressure.

So...along with my treadmill (which broke, BTW...she got all fixed up this past weekend), we have invested in a kinect for our xbox and a zumba game. (which is FUN, BTW.) I also found a free app for my phone called Lose it! and that's really been helping me become more aware of what I'm putting into my body. Before I started with that app, I thought I was taking in less sodium and couldn't understand why my blood pressure just wasn't going down. We eat decently, no fried foods...well, now I'm making the changes necessary! So far, there have been some results, quicker than the other attempts I've made.

My hubby and I have been busy with the family, the business, and in preparing for the kick off of children's ministries @ our church. :) We both teach, and we're excited as we're planning our lessons and things to drive those points in! I'm also NERVOUS! So far, my class is growing. :) I just hope that I have the wisdom, the confidence, and the ability to teach these girls, I wanna make an impact! &&& so does my hubby. We both love our students! We're going to need prayer to be able to perform to the best of our abilities in every aspect of our lives. Hubby's been off to training, is continuing to train, and is trying to get stuff together for Youth....he's lucky enough to be one of the chaperones.

<----------see this kid? The one with the long hair? He's started the 7th grade. He's also recently gotten a hair cut! The whole summer I was subjected to seeing that wavy mop on his head! LOL. He's grown up some, too. He's started school and has been taking it seriously. He's been doing his work, behaving better...the sparkle he seemed to have lost towards the end of 6th grade came back with a vigor. He's also been so much more affectionate towards me. I love my baby boy!

Almost the whole 1st week of school, and no photos. Why? A lot of aggravating mistakes being made with the bus, the weather was so dark and dreary...we even had our 1st cancellation due to flooding! I was down. This was the 1st year ever since my boy started school that I never took 1st day pics....look at my gorgeous girls...they were all so excited to start 1st, 4th, & 5th grades. Lexi was upset when she learned she was going to have a male teacher...but is totally over it now that he turned out to be cool. Annie had a little bump in the road to deal with...again, trouble on the bus...but she is working hard because she wants to impress her teacher. Nani has been plain old rocking it...can't you tell by that smile?

well...that's all for now....I was going to post some scrappy things. I havent been scrapping at all...just for creative charms....and I am appreciative to be on the team because if it weren't for them...that poor scrap room would be a desserted area......

:)

a little revelation....

2011-09-01T12:09:00.000-04:00

Hello!!! :)
The first of each month is reveal day and today I get to reveal somethings pink & black! what a lovely color combo, right?

Deal of the Month – 235 Pieces - $6.99

·Black Gradient Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces

·Black Gradient Pearl Stickers – 76 Pieces

·Pink Vintage Pearl Brads – 9 Pieces

·Pink Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces

·Violet Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces

·Pink Sequin Flowers – 6 Pieces

·Pink Gem Garden – 12 Pieces

·Pink Pure Blossom – 14 Pieces

·Pink Spring Medley – 14 Pieces

Kit of the Month – 26 Pieces - $14.99

· Pink Groovy Petal Medley – 8 Pieces

· Pink Braided Daisy Medley – 4 Pieces

· Pink Sequin Trimmed Butterfly – 2 Pieces

· Black Sparkled Butterfly – 4 Pieces

· Black & White Netted Flower – 4 Pieces

· Black & Silver Dotted Leaf – 4 Pieces

There is also a giveaway this week!!! Who doesn't LOVE a giveaway?

The deets:

To enter, You must be a follower of the blog and “Like” us on Facebook and leave a comment on the post Happy September and on Facebook. You have until Sunday night. :)

summer swimming

2011-08-25T17:02:00.000-04:00

hey there :)

lately we've been really busy with work...(Thank You Lord). I'm not sure if we're looking fwd to getting the kids back into school mode...I keep getting that question here at work. I always answer yes...& no....

my uncle went to visit our family in florida and came back wanting to fix up his place a bit...installing molding, painting, all that good stuff. We've been there the past 2 evenings because DH has been helping (he & my uncle made the moldings) and we've tagged along. (my family's a riot!)

yesterday the kids went prepared...and so did I.

needless to say...they had loads of fun at my uncle's pool. :D and they slept really good, too. LOL

You make my heart sing.....

2011-08-22T12:12:00.000-04:00

Hi bloggy Peeps!

How was your weekend? Mine was busy, but great. I even had a camera along with me...but still forgot to snap photos...crazy, right?

It started with a little shopping...my hubby got me a new phone...I guess he saw how left out I felt when he got his....what a sweetie.

then he did some baking. YUMMY in the tummy, but not so great for the waist! :P

Then we went to Church and afterward decided to head down to the boogie down...AKA the Bronx in NYC for you non locals...to surprise Mama!!! (my MIL) she had no idea we were on our way and we got her good, Thanks, Sir!!! (He was the look out).

And now I'm back to work...

wanna see some closeups from this blog?

yeah, I'm working on my card making abilities....and will be doing so big time...but that's a surprise I can't share just yet.....

when things fall apart....

2011-08-17T14:24:00.003-04:00

Hello, all.

I can truly tell you that this summer will be a memorable one. With so many things jumping up at us all of a sudden, so many sad, bittersweet, good...busy things. My mojo leaving me...and it looks like she never wants to come back....

Today a beloved friend's going to Germany. :( It looks like her family will be moving out there, and we're really sad (I sucked those tears in really hard as we said our goodbye's), we're not trying to give a guilt trip & add to what other feelings our friends may be experiencing. Instead, we've set up a skype account so the girls can keep in touch, we still have that wonderful invention called Facebook and emails....along with some snail mail in between for some little handmade surprises. Because of our faith, we know that this goodbye feels like forever, but is only temporary...if our friends make the move, we'll see them again in that big party in the sky, if things don't work out & they come back, we'll be here with open arms.

I've been so bad about taking pictures! Our Bathroom is inching towards being called complete. Our home is s-l-o-w-l-y going back to normal...the disorganization caused mainly by the construction has been cleared out....and we're slowly purging the things that we don't need. We got our fridge yesterday! yay for us! it feels great to have a fridge that's the perfect size for us. translate: humongous enough to fit food for a family of 6.

Mostly every morning I have been waking up early to get on the treadmill....and it feels great! well...not the waking up early part. I'm paying for that because last night I didn't sleep well...but the working out part has been awesome....now if I can only start scrapping again....

My daughter, Alexis, is showing so much improvement with her walking! As we take our little walk to the library, she walks ahead and I just fall behind to watch her gait get less wobbly. It makes me want to cry, to shout, thank the Lord, insert any emotion you can add here________________!!! My kids drive me nuts...but always give me a reason to be grateful....when I see the changes, the growth...it really makes my heart swell....and then they do something to make me want to rip my hair out all over again., LOL.

I wanted to share this with you...it's an excerpt from a daily devo I get in my inbox...this part stood out to me, like jumped right off the screen and screamed:

"You can’t see why God allows what he allows in your life, and God doesn’t owe you an explanation, because he’s God and you aren’t. But someday, and it might not be until you get to heaven, you’ll be able to look back and see the big plan. Until that day comes, keep taking your concerns to God."

You can see the full devotional here:

Purpose Driven Life: When Things Fall Apart

and how about a little music?

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/RbDuM-f36Hs?version=3&hl=en_US">name="allowFullScreen" value="true">http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/RbDuM-f36Hs?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true">

IDK why blogger isn't letting me post videos.....here's a link. hope this works.
http://youtu.be/RbDuM-f36Hs

a little bit of precious &&& specials to catch!

2011-08-09T12:25:00.002-04:00

Hi all!!! :)

I'm trying to get back to blogging...inching my way slowly...I haven't been hitting the scrap table like I wanted to lately and well...maybe blogging will inspire me to do so. right?

SO...I wanted to fill you in on something!

Creative Charms has an awesome specials going on right now...

The first is all the basic Vintage Jewels together in one set for only $6.99 (Reg $22.50). The second is all the Gradient Gem and Gradient Pearl Stickers for only $7.99 (Reg $30.00).

I'm not saying this because I design for them, but these jewels are awesome to work with. you get all the color you could possibly need, the jewels easily remove from the packaging...I really get annoyed when I try to peel bling off and the glue stays behind...

There is also a giveaway this week. One winner will receive the Gem/Pearl set. Just go to the BLOG to see all the details on how you can be a lucky winner!!!

Yesterday (yep, after I blogged) we got a surprise visit from our friend, Precious!
Do you want to meet her?

Her daddy is the plumber across the street from us. Every time the teenyterrors see him, they ask for Precious...& ask him to bring her over for a visit. All we heard was the door chime, and saw a chocolate brown blur run by us to hop on the sofa and sit next to the girls...then she started to lick them. :D

Precious is sooo funny. They'd try to get her to sit in the empty chair, but she kept hopping on Lexi's lap. It seems as though she prefers her seating to be of the human variety....

Nani was very sad to have missed the visit. She was at camp. Precious always has the most fun with her...they run in circles together, she knocks Nani down to then lick her to death...and if Nani hides her face from her...she burroughs her nose to try and find her face. She even takes apart Nani's hair do....by gently pulling the hair clips out of her hair. I guess Precious wishes she had all of that glossy hair all for herself. LOL!!!

styrofoam peeps

2011-08-08T13:25:00.000-04:00

what does a teenyterror do when she's bored?

terrorize the place? drive her mommy crazy?

nope. well...not today. today she made a family out of styrofoam peanuts.

she made us! even the dog!

she set up shop at the back counter!!! look at her concentrate hard. LOL.

I guess she takes after her parents....we need to stay busy or go nuts.

take a look over at the Creative Charms blog...I have a post up :) here are some sneaks.

I have some happy news, too. You'll be seeing a layout made by yours truly in the Jan. 2012 issue of ScrapBook Trends! Guess what else? My bathroom is 95% done. Yay! it's looking really nice.

Have you all been keeping busy? Any kids back in school yet? Mine don't start classes until September, but we've been busy shopping...got them almost taken care of. :)

Take care...have a great day!

birthday cake....

2011-07-28T11:53:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Just popping in quickly to give sneak peeks of a blog post that went live on the Creative Charms Blog.

Yours truly created a layout and here are a couple of views for you...

If you'd like to see the full layout, go ahead to the blog. :D

It's based on a tradition started by a dear friend of ours, Astrid. For each of our birthdays, she'd bake us a yummy birthday cake. (For those of you who don't know her...OHMYSTARS, can she bake!)

She has inspired DH to whip out his baking stuff to keep on with the tradition and even put his own twist on things like homemade cream cheese frosting. YUM!

Hope you all are having a great summer. This summer has been blah for us...I can't wait for when we can actually take a vacation....hey, a girl can hope!

you take the good, you take the bad...

2011-07-25T12:04:00.001-04:00

you take them both and there you have!

The facts of life! (yeah, I do realize that I am showing my age here a bit...to my defense,that show aired while I was still a little girl...but that didn't stop us from watching!)

This past Thursday Lexi got the OK to start walking with a cane! That's the good part. :)

You just don't know how happy we are right now. Well...truthfully...happy, and scared! The DR gave her a stern warning about following his directions. He's had patients not listen, fall, and break the pin inside the hip, making for another totally complicated procedure. We've waited for so long to hear this, and I know how hard it has been for my daughter to totally depend on us (well, she really enjoyed being pampered by gma and I) for everything and missing out on so many fun things she was going to take a part of. She was starting to get moody, frustrated, and crying these last 2 weeks. It was really hard seeing her like this.

Anyways, I'm ready to share some pictures of her...from where it all started:

This is DH and Lexi while we were waiting for her to get prepped for surgery. She was so nervous because she knew that the cool nurse was going to get the stuff to get the IV in. SO leave it to dad to entertain her by getting pix of her....

I think she caught me like this. She kept asking me why I was so worried...and I couldn't answer her, because I was afraid I'd start to cry. I know, bad mommy.

Lex all capped out and ready to go. This girl was a riot during the process it took to do the IV...she was obviously really scared...trying to negotiate her way out of one...BUT when they started it, she kept her eyes glued to what the nurse was doing, asking questions...her daddy tried getting her attention and she shushed him....eek! The Doc allowed her to take her pillow pet into the OR with her. I thought that was sooo nice of him.

Auntie Belinda came for a vist with the awesomely huge monkey for Lex...and daddy trailing behind her with the little brown monkey with a cute bandaid. Just in time...because Lexi was just started feeling disheartened that no one had came to see her.

This is the view from outside her room. See the pretty mountain view?

and this is Lex with her little sisters and her edible arrangements....one of her requests. :D they were so happy to have her back home.

On Thursday we also realized our fridge decided to go Kaput. So not cool...because hello! we're in the middle of a heat wave! Holy stink, batman! As if you couldn't guess it: That's the BAD part!

So...while the kids were in VBS we had to run to look at a replacement. DH fell in love with the idea of getting one of these babies:

we got it at a great price.....but it's on back order...so we're using a teeny tiny fridge in the meantime.

But look: there's paint now....and the woodwork's put up!

Yay...progress!

That corner wall: there was a huge ugly sewer pipe sticking out...so DH framed it and it looks nice now. you can get a peek at the color...(it's lighter IRL) the woodwork, and the flooring. I am starting to see how it's going to end up! YAY! I can't wait til we can get the bottom paineted, the floor grouted, toilet & vanity installed....still seems like we have so much more to do...but we're getting sooo much closer. Hence that saying: so close but still so far away...

It's OK when you're feeling blue....

2011-07-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

So....my mommy's back in Florida. &&& I miss her very much. We're hoping that she can take of things that she needs to so that way she can move back to NY...and be closer to us.

This song I looked up after I posted a photo on facebook of my teeniest terror, Nani...she had a single tear rolling down her face. It reminded my BIL of it...and wow, is this song so beautiful.

Picture perfect!

2011-07-12T10:35:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! I trust everyone's having a fun summer so far. By me, the humidity hit! It makes it a little hard to breathe, but can I say I am very grateful for central A/C!!! and for the hubby who loves to freeze us with it at work and at home. LOL

My daughter is getting closer and closer to being able to walk unassisted. She's already given us some huge scares! My poor mom (she sleeps with her) gets woken up at night by getting a leg swung on her. Yes, you read that right: she swings her bum leg over on her grandma. I'd be scared, too.

My mom will be leaving us soon. she has to go back to florida....to take care of business. I'm trying not to think about it...you know, push it to the back of my mind

The bathroom: Oh, the bathroom. it's progressing s-l-o-w-l-y. I'm being patient...but next time the DH gets a bright idea in his head to start a project while dealing with an injury...I may hit him over the head with a frying pan. :D Yes, dear....that is a threat. So far: the floor has been put down. he isntalled the radient heat underneath...no grout though. then DH had the bright idea to add making his own wainscot for the wallls. After all, he spent so much money on these tools so he wants to put them to good use. GREAT. It's coming out beautifully! it's about 85% done...and took all of Saturday to cut down, make the fancy edges, install...and lots of dust! OhMyStars, the dust! I just want to see paint on the walls, the toilet installed, and my brand new mirror up. yep, we got it! Patience sure is a virtue...

Oh...my whole purpose of posting! A layout is up at Creative Charms! I'll post the close ups, but can you pretty please go and check out the layout...and comment. LOL. yeah...I'm an AW.

The layout was created using their July Deal of the Month. It's a kit full of pretty summery embellies and the kicker: it's at such a great price!

so...hoping you're all enjoying the summer...heat and all...LOL.

Be breezy! :D

Creative Charms Kits revealed!

2011-07-06T12:46:00.001-04:00

Hi All. If you're here for the blog hop, look down at the post below. :D You have until tomorrow at 5 to win, so leave comments!

Creative Charms has July's Kit of the Month and Deal of the Month up on the blog and website for all of the details!

There is also a blog candy giveaway, a new wedding mini kit and bringing back the vintage brad kit from last weekend. Also, CHECK OUT the Simplicity line! It's 70% off until the end of July or when it is gone.You don't want to miss out on it.

Blog Hopping with SFTIO!

2011-07-04T22:22:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope that you all have enjoyed Independence Day and are ready to hop along in a fabulous blog hop! You should've come here from Laura's blog, make sure you don't miss a stop!

Scrapbooking From The Inside Out is celebrating an Anniversary & Independence Day by hosting a hop and offering fabulous prizes! The current DT and various Alumni are participating (hence my participation! YAY! I have to say that this place is one of my fave places. Rachel was a dream to work with and everyone there's so sweet. I CRIED when my time...a whole year with them...came to an end!) <------ I know, what a big wimp.

Now I'm going to post one of my fave layouts created:

March to the beat of your own drum

Taking these series of photos was awesome fun, my kids had a blast making tons of noise as they marched.LOL.There's hidden journaling with a love-felt message to my teeny terrors, and I love the color combo. I think it's perfect for celebrating!

The Details:

SFTIO will be giving away 3 kits - each winner will get to choose from Independence, Optimism or Friendship, including subscriber Bonus. And for a grand prize, they are giving a $50 gift cert toward the CRAFT retreat.

The hop will be from 7:00 a.m. -Thurs 5:00 p.m. PST.

so make sure to leave a comment on each stop because that will increase your chances of winning one of the awesome prizes! SFTIO kits are EXTREMELY generous, filled with the latest, coolest products. Trust me, you will want to win! :D

Next on the hop is Jamie. Happy Hopping!

and then there was one....

2011-06-30T10:22:00.002-04:00

Hey, Hey, hey!

Can you believe I have yet another DT project to show? This is the last one for ScrapGal, and it's a mini!

in my kit, I got a JB mini which I thought was so versatile. You can make anything out of it (besides the obvious mini album) for ex: cute handcrafted coasters, a cute banner, the sky's the limit.

I used some scraps of MME paper and little odds and ends that were left over from the kit along with things from my own stash like those fabulous 7gypsies stickers and spritz to put it all together.

closeups:

I have to laugh as I think back a couple years to how afraid I was to try making a mini...they're super easy to make and I have to say: I am addicted!

Thanks for taking a peeksie!

some more projects :)

2011-06-29T10:22:00.003-04:00

Hey again!

Now I'm trying to enjoy my time with my mommy. We flew her in from Florida so that she could stay with Lexi, and she'll be leaving soon. :( We're going to miss her, she's such a goof and has made us laugh soooo hard with her antics.

I have some more projects to show you. I created these for ScrapGal. My time with them is up, but I wish them lots of luck. I'm ready to move on after all is well with Lexi. Maybe now that she isn't mobile, I can make a spot for her to scrap with me. That should be awesome for us both.

In my kit I got BoBunny Futbol line. None of my teenyterrors are athletes, so I decided to just use the bright summery colors for something else.

Then with the scraps and matching die cuts that came in my kit, I decided to make cards like Mary Jo did. (thanks for the inspo!) I used different things to make the die cuts pop out at you like glossy accents, pop up dots, a spinner to make it somewhat interactive, & ink.

you can't see it in the pix, but the pennant has glossy accents on it and it has such a great effect.

I got happy mail today! I got pubbed in scrapbook trends and got my layout back, the issue I was in, and some goodies. what a fabulous surprise!

Hope the summer's treating you well. Take care!!! :D

some DT projects :D

2011-06-28T10:42:00.000-04:00

Hi, all.

Hope things are going well for you. I've missed posting and sharing projects! I need to get back into the swing of creating things. Hopefully sharing these projects will motivate me to create more!

These projects were created for Creative Charms. I'm really enjoying being a part of their DT. The product is inspiring, so much fun to create with.

These 2 are the latest and up on the blog now! Please check them out, there are closeups and more details...and if you like leave me some love as well! :D

what do you think? Have I been doing a good job with them?
have an awesome day :)

Goodbye....

2011-06-24T10:56:00.001-04:00

Today's the last day of school for my kids. I'm not going to lie: this school year has been really tough on us all. The Teenyterrors have tested us so much when it came to school work and their grades have reflected it. Not too proud of that.

The kids have all made it to a new grade, though. Starting September, I will officially be a mommy to 1st, 4th, 5th, & 7th graders.

We went to Teeniest terrors' K graduation...and all I have to say is Oh My Stars!!!! The amount of cuteness & sassiness displayed as each group performed their 2 songs along with dance. I'm so sure those teachers had their hands full and days full of laughter and some patience testing. I'll be back with pix!

That same day Lexi went with us to also say goodbye to her teacher and classmates. I had tears in my eyes as I saw the joy in everyone's faces as they realized that she was really there!!! She was happy to be able to say goodbye.

leaving you with something to watch/listen to!!!

Have a great weekend!

time just goes flying on by.

2011-06-19T17:28:00.000-04:00

Hi!

It's been a while since I've posted...I know, poor neglected blog!!!!

Since I've posted last, my daughter's had surgery, we've had class trips to get the other teenyterrors ready for...the days have just been zipping on by.

This is my brave teenyterror resting after her surgery. I stayed with her while she was in the hospital and wow... was that a long night. She needs help with everything and for an independent child, she's handling it all very well. I'm so proud of her.

I'm going to blog about her hospital experience at another time, though. I took some photos, I wrote everything down so she has something to look back at as she gets older. :)

So for now we're enjoying just the every day moments since Lexi cannot put any weight on her leg for 6 weeks.

This is the teeniest terror snuggling up with her dad-dums on Father's day. we're staying in today, but I hope that all of you out there are celebrating and taking that special dad in your life someplace nice. :)

Oh, and just an FYI:

Creative Charms has a sale going now that will run through the 9^th of July. ALL Simplicity items are 70% Off! These are great for graduation projects, weddings and anything else than needs a neutral accent. Check out the site, you'll see they're gorgeous product to work with :D

hope you're all having a great day!!!

Another Scrap Gal Layout! As seen on the blog

2011-06-12T12:01:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone!

Here with a layout I created for scrap gal. These will be the last projects shown as June is my last month there.

In my kit I got some BoBunny Futbol Line and at first I didn't know what to do with it, to be honest. I don't have kids who play sports...but after some thinking I went and created this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/teenyterrors/002.jpg

I used a black and white photo of my kids, used bubble wrap and some paint to stamp those circles on the layout...and there you go! A fabulously bright layout that uses a sports-theme line for kids enjoying a lovey dovey moment! You don't have to go with the obvious when you scrap. :D

Hope you're inspired to "go against the grain" while scrapping!

is the grass really greener....

2011-06-09T20:40:00.003-04:00

on the other side?

This week hasn't been a great one. We have no updates on the bathroom. Honestly, business picked up a bit and we're having extremely hot weather, so with DH working outside by the time he gets home he is drained.

Then my sweet darling,

<-------Lexi, finally got her appointment with a specialist. It's not good...she has a slipped hip, and needs surgery. The sooner, the better. She missed her class trip to splash down.

She's been looking FWD to this trip since like, forever!!!

The good news is how she's taking this. She cried a bit with her daddy in the car ride back home...but then looked at the bright side of things. This has been a huge comfort to me, knowing that she is unafraid...because if she were to have been a mess, I'd be a huge crying puddle. So...tomorrow she has another appointment, and we'll know when they'll schedule her surgery. She'll be in recovery for 18-24 months. That part, she doesn't know!

My hubby has decided to stall on his surgery...and is still doing the physical therapy thing. He claims to feel better...IDK if he's saying it so I can leave him alone...but "I'll be watching you, Mike Wasowski, Always watching....!"

Today my sweetie, Ana Banana,---------> had a field trip in this scorching heat and when she got back to the school, they sent her straight to the nurse's Office. She almost passed out while on the trip and the nurse had her resting, but was worried that she'd pass out on the bus ride home.

SO since Tooney's class is right next to the office and she is a kindergartener, I asked if she could be with her sister so that I can pick them both up. Didn't make any sense to me to have my little baby ride on the bus all by herself, especially with a substitute driver today... The nurses there were gushing over my girls, BTW. Telling me how cute and sweet, and always well dressed they are. Then giving me a "good job, mommy!" I guess they felt the need to distract me from feeling sick to my stomach out of concern for my delicate little A.B. ( short for Ana Banana).

Oh, and guess what! As if that wasn't enough...My ACR----------->

(you don't wanna know what that stands for...) was felt up by his classmates while his teacher was out sick. I have to say that I am happy that he didn't grab the girls back...oh, that could get sooo ugly quickly!!!I'm not happy that he didn't tell us. so he got a talking to about that.

So that has been my week...all in a nut shell...did I tell you it was REALLY hot out?

Oh, I've decided to get back on track and start my early AM workouts. I've been feeling really sluggish lately and my body has been aching me. SO hopefully getting my body moving again and losing weight will help me start feeling like a spring chicken again. :D

let me know what you think of this song, Ok?

....And if you made it this far, you get a huge cyber hug!!!

still on the fence...

2011-06-02T21:54:00.002-04:00

Hey bloggy peoples!

We're just getting home from some stores in our search for a bathroom mirror. The peacock looking round one I posted about...DH liked the picture better than it's appearance IRL. If you all know the hubby...is that he is very vocal about what gets placed in the house...not one of those dudes who never notice a thing...which can be a blessing...but not very much so for that mirror.

I am being the extra picky one, though! I want something special...SOOOOO...what do you think about these contenders?

Source: media.pier1.com via Arlene on Pinterest

it looks so much prettier in person...and DH has his heart set on it...we're just worried that it may be too large for a 36" vanity. The mirror's dimensions are 30"x40"... I was thinking we'd place it vertically, not horizontally. I know if we go with this one, the colors will pop off the paint color we chose. Have I posted that yet?

Source: images.lowes.com via Arlene on Pinterest

this one I liked the most from Lowe's. and it's round!!! :D

OK...so I didn't grout the tiles...DH got to it. look at how pretty!!!

today DH installed the shower doors, as well. Take a peek!!!

so each and every day...we're taking baby steps...yay! {This is the only "finished" area...LOL. This one little corner!}

My hubby went to a specialist for his torn tendon. He told him he has 3 options:

*deal with the pain and stay that way...and risk more tearing,
*go to PT for 6 months
*get surgery done. but it is very painful and the recovery time will be long.

SO we're doing PT for now and if it doesn't get better....he's going under. I want him to get fixed already. I hate seeing him in pain. :{

Have a great evening!!!

Today's the 1st....and we all know what that means!!!!

2011-06-01T11:20:00.003-04:00

It means that today is reveal day! Yay!

I always look fwd to reveal days, it's the day that all of my hard work pays off...the day you get to see what I've been working with...so it's excitement all around! :D

Creative Charms has their reveal today:

June Kit of the Month - $14.99 (73+ Pieces)

Red, White & Blue for You (Regular Price $25.56)
· Blue Flared Flowers – 4 Pieces
· Blue Braided Daisy Medley – 4 Pieces
· Red Braided Daisy Medley – 4 Pieces
· Blue Felt Flowers – 6 Pieces
- Blue Gingham Butterflies – 3 Pieces
· Blue Fun Butterflies – 4 Pieces
· Blue Washed Flowers – 6 Pieces
· Red Itsy Glitsy – 36+ Pieces
· Layered Felt Flowers – 6 Pieces

June Deal of the Month - $6.99 (225 Pieces!!!)

Patriotic Burst (Regular Price $19.00)
· Red Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces
· White Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces
· Blue Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces
· Red Gradient Jewels – 76 Pieces
· Blue Gradient Jewels – 76 Pieces
· Red Gem Garden – 12 Pieces
- White Gem Garden – 12 Pieces
· Blue Polka Dot Brads – 6 Pieces
· Red Polka Dot Brads – 6 Pieces
· 18” Red Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon

also, Scrapgal's website and MB is up today.

See, all around good news!

check out....

2011-05-31T17:56:00.000-04:00

the DT scraplifting Heather, SG's GD for may.

and my layout for Creative Charms!

Tonight I'll be grouting my bathroom....maybe tomorrow I'll have some updates! ;)

have a great evening.

Let there be light!

2011-05-30T23:46:00.001-04:00

Hi there!!!

I hope that today was a great day for you all, remembering all those who have risked their lives for everything we presently enjoy!!! I am grateful!!!

Today we had a busy day, are you surprised? I'm not!

The recessed lights are up in our bathroom!!!

and look at what else went up today!!!

Tiles!!!

They're all up now. You'll get to see how it turned out after the walls get grouted!!! Yay! Now we're really seeing progress!!!

tomorrow my blogpost goes live on Creative Charms! sneaky peaky time!

Good night!

Mirror Mirror on the wall....

2011-05-29T10:11:00.015-04:00

Hi!

I've been looking for a mirror.

We have almost everything we need for our bathroom. Seriously...the hubby decided that we need to re-do it since we're stuck here in this house due to the housing slump.

Don't get me wrong, we Love, LOVE, L-O-V-E our house. We've spent so much moohla on it, brought 2 brand new teenyterrors here from the hospital, we have awesome memories, and some sad ones. It's just that the neighborhood is declining.

Well..since we've decided that we're staying put....DH has saved and waited to buy the things we want on sale. So little by little our house stored the things we want to prettify our sanctuary with.

One thing that we haven't found yet?

A Mirror.

Isn't that like top 5 on a bathroom's most important list?!? What- what???!

So...this is what has caught my eyes and I pinned just so I don't forget where I found it...what do you think?

This one's my fave:

Source: media.pier1.com via Arlene on Pinterest

Source: potterybarn.com via Arlene on Pinterest

this one doesn't really go but it still caught my eye:

Source: potterybarn.com via Arlene on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Arlene on Pinterest

yes, I want something out of the ordinary looking...I want to look at it everyday and marvel in it's beauty...or at least say to myself "I rock for getting something so out of the ordinary!" LOL!!!

Any suggestions as to where I can find more? I'd appreciate it!

you know I couldn't leave without showing you this guy:

Source: media.pier1.com via Arlene on Pinterest

what are your obsessions lately?

just Create!

2011-05-28T09:34:00.000-04:00

Hi again,

Hope that you're enjoying this long holiday weekend, have it filled with fun plans or down time (if you need it). I just wanted to pop in and show off this fun and colorful banner I created with a maya road canvas mini I got in my kit from scrapgal. This is my last may project. :D

This banner took me a little longer to work on than my usual projects. It was my first time handling canvas (I love it!)

I painted it a cream color, used some pretty prima flowers from my stash, cut out the letters/flowers using my Cricut, and sewed (yes, sewed, your eyes are NOT decieving you) buttons from my stash. I thought the buttons would add something...and it took me forever to sew on...LOL...I'm so being disowned by my grandma if she ever finds out...(she is sooo talented with sewing)! Added some glitter on the letters and attached with some MM ribbon that I already had. IMO it matched perfectly.

want to see closeups?

come a little bit closer:

in the closeups you can even see that I inked the edges with some pretty pink. This will be hanging somewhere in my scrappy space!

we're going on & on....just random bits and pieces.

2011-05-27T12:26:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but I am totally looking forward to a long weekend.

These past few weeks have been extremely long for me, so I am really needing some time at home...but I'm not quite sure they'll be relaxing...

Just wanted to post some updates of the things going on at my house :)

the bathroom almost completely has walls...LOL

The plumbing's completely done, we're not really happy with keeping the tub where it was. The plumber insisted on keeping it there...ruining our design....but hey can't complain too much. He did it for free.

this is the other side. We need to get the electrical taken care of before everything gets covered up. that corner is where the washer/dryer will be.

this is the wall behind the new tub. we got a bigger/wider tub thinking it was going to go across the other wall...but we'll make do. those boxes are for the thermostat (we're getting heated floors!) and light switches. We've picked the color we're going to paint the walls as well! So I'm pretty excited!

so as you can see there is SOME process in our bathroom. It's been going a little slower because my hubby's doing bulk of the work alone and now found out he's got a torn tendon. We got the call from the specialist this week and he's going in next week to it down with him and see what his options are in getting this fixed. He's been in a lot of pain lately...I really dislike seeing him like that. All I can do right now is let the housework go a bit to be an extra set of hands for him. I'm having my own little health concern as well...I went in for bloodwork to make sure everything is under control and some things came back abnormal. I will normally joke that nothing about me IS normal...but I'm a little scared/worried because some of the wording used reminded me of my hospital stay. So please pray for us...if you're of the praying kind.

We have a new addition to our family! Meet Nemo:

He's not dead...he's sleeping. I saw him like this and ran to get DH thinking my son's fish was dead...all panicked and scared...for him to LOL at my reaction. Nemo was a project my son participated in at the afterschool program. when they were done, they had the option of keeping their betas. He's so excited and of course the girls are now clamoring for their own fishies to keep in their bedroom. This brings back memories. we had a huge fish tank full of African Cichlids that we had to get rid of years back when DH broke his hand. I miss them, it was always so calming to sit and watch them as they went about their business.

Just wanted to share a song, hope that you are blessed:

Have a happy Friday!

PS....I am really happy that this TV program started up again. It premiered last night.

As seen on facebook:

2011-05-26T15:52:00.000-04:00

I posted a rare 2 page layout I created using the kit I got from Scrapgal. :)

IDK for some reason I found them a little harder to make than a single page. I decided to try and challenge myself by making something I don't normally make. It's simple, but I like how it turned out. what do you think?

My kit contained some awesome MME lost & found paper...love the colors, the patterns...and some green MLS letters.

June 1st ScrapGal will be relaunched! Jenn's almost done with inventory and the site will be back up again!!! Things will go back into full swing! SO I invite you to come back, chat, play along in the challenges. There will also be a prize if the scrap gal facebook page gets 200 likes!

Hope to see you then!

Roses: Handmade and easy to make.

2011-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

I've always admired those beautiful handmade paper flowers featured on projects and wondered how to make them. I was inspired to try making some after looking at a Cricut Cartridge packing. It said: "cut and layer them...." and lo and behold! A lightbulb flashed over my head!

Using my cricut "mother's day bouquet" cartridge, I cut out the same flower in various sizes: 1, 1 and 1/4, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 inches.

To make these roses, you don't need to use this cartridge, you can use a scallop punch, or even hand draw flowers and cut them out.

After I cut my flowers, I sanded the edges down to make them look worn and to help warp the flowers a bit. Then I used something round (if you don't have any tools, you can use a pen or a pencil) and wrap the petals around them to curl them.

Now all you need to do is arrange all of the flowers from largest to smallest and stick each layer to the one below it. I used glue dots.

Afterward, I took the smallest flower and folded it, rolled it up so that it looked like a bud. the bottom should look like the bottom of a cone. The end needs to be snipped off so you can adhere the "bud" in the center. When you put them all together, you can fold pieces under so that the flower looks fuller/like it's opening up.

this is what it looks like:

You can do so many things before you glue the flowers together. You can:

emboss them
ink them
spray mist them (that will also help with giving them a nice shape and also true-r color)
glitter them

Here's a rose (the one in black & white) I made to go on a layout I created for ScrapGal. I got some yummy MME Lost & Found papers to work with. I inked mine in red ink.

look at how good it looks next to a pre-fab rose!
There's so many different possibilities with these flowers, I hope you find them as easy to make as I did!

dream a little dream....

2011-05-23T18:08:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how 4 ~~teenyterrors~~ kids can come from the same two people and all be so similar and so very different all at the same time!

Just amazes me totally.

This weekend I'm catching up on my fave wedding programs I set on DVR...you can say that in between construction, cleaning/laundry, there was a wedding marathon. :D

we watched Four weddings, Say Yes to the dress (the girls love one of the consultants), and my fair wedding. Mr. Tutera is one talented dude!

My little girl & I watched an episode in which the mother of the bride was soo negative in all of her dress choices. It truly got on our nerves!

As my baby girl lays her head on my lap she says in her matter of fact voice:

"Mommy, you're going with me to help pick BOTH of my dresses because I know you're not like her!!!".

I took the compliment and then felt that dread overcome me....

"uh, two dresses???" I ask quietly.

"yeah, mom, daddy's paying for the ceremony dress, and I'll pay for the party one!" She replies with a huge smile, showing off her adorable neat little dimple.

"you know you have to save up for a long time for a dress, right?"

she starts to giggle....

and then I think to myself....
"oh my goodness....we have three of them!"
Her daddy says she's never getting married!

something borrowed, something blue

2011-05-18T12:11:00.001-04:00

well, this week has been both dragging and quick!

(wow, if that isn't an oxymoron, IDK what is!) What I mean to say is that the day drags on at work. The rainy weather has kept the shop slow. Really slow. Then I get home to scramble around to get the teenyterrors fed, then packed up and shuttled to get them showered. Thank goodness for amazing friends and family. I'm thinking that maybe the timing of gutting out the bathroom was wrong...maybe the summer would've been better since the kids have no school and the later nights for them wouldn't be too much. The kids have been doing well, but the scrambling is making fell it.

So far the new tub is in. plumbing done. new wall up. the configuration we wanted the room set up in was changed because our plumber friend let us know how much more work our plans was going to be....so I am hoping that the bathroom still ends up looking nice and feeling roomy.

Now the question that is looming over our heads is what to do with the walls. We started purchasing everything slowly as we saw things we liked that were at great prices, so we have tiles, the new vanity, fixtures, etc. the only things we haven't purchased yet are the toilet (we're waiting to pick it up when the floor's done so it's not another huge box to store) the glass shower doors (again for the same reason) and paint!

I've been browsing sites for inspiration and have noticed that the color I was leaning towards is used A LOT. :sigh: So now I'm turned off....even though I still love it, I want something different!

How's this for different?

Source: styleathome.com via Arlene on Pinterest

I really love the contrasting colors. IDK if I'll use this in my bath because I have dark woods in it and very little white...but maybe I'll lean more towards this color family....who knows?

any suggestions?

deconstructed: all about this past weekend

2011-05-16T10:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday???

not quite sure I can call it that, it's raining here...I know, I know, Good for the plants and stuff. But rainy days and I don't really mix if I'm already feeling tired. They just make me want to curl up under the covers with an awesome book, a fun magazine, or even with a teenyterror who still unashamedly loves to take cat naps with her mommy. I just can't do that today! I have work, the kids have school, and we have this going on:

in case you were wondering what on earth this is? It's my main bathroom gutted out. The rest of it is in here:

LOL, that box spring wasn't in my bathroom. It's from an apartment a tenant left behind. ;P
and this is my ~~little~~ ~~clueless~~ boy who is going to be his daddy's apprentice throughout the whole process. So far he's enjoyed ~~making gray hair pop out of my scalp for~~ walking on the roof.

Oh how I love this kid ~~even though he refuses to get a hair cut and it's starting to look like Justin Beiber's~~!

So yeah, my weekend was full...of dust, laundry, coralling kids. Have I forgotten the late nights? My body's KILLING me! I'm beginning to think that maybe, just maybe we should call TLC's Spouse Vs. House...just so I can get away from the whole construction process. eh...then that would mean 3 weeks of no contact with the hubby...***weighing my options here***.

dumb dust it is....

I have a blog post up over at Creative Charms! Check it OUT!!! I have close ups and deets there.

I'm sooo not a card maker...

both were made using pretty bling and my new Cricut Imagine cart!

So, how has your weekend been?

walking with a little Spring in my step....

2011-05-10T10:58:00.001-04:00

Hi!!!!

Here in teenyterrors-ville (lol) we're enjoying BEAUTIFUL Spring weather! The only bad thing about it here is that since we're in the valley, DH, my teenyterrors, and our friends are suffering from those dreaded allergies...and my poor black jeep can't stay clean and shiny...it has that layer of pollen all over it. Drat!

The days have been Sunny (with the exception of that one day last week which it poured and was dark&dreary) and warm, with the evenings cooling down...IMO, that's the best type of weather, comfy enough to walk around without a sweater during the day, and then having to shut the windows at night because of the breeze. Oh, and the pretty colors that pop up like the pretty tulips and daffodils...and the cherry tree outside our shop:

Aren't those blossoms gorgeous???!!! I drive up to this every morning!!!
Remember that photo I posted of teeniest offering a dandelion bouquet? It made it to a layout I created for ScrapGal, and it's posted on the Blog. The online store has been closed for inventory, but if you stop by the blog, it's been updated everyday with something pretty made by the DT. :)

in my kit I got some pretty American Crafts Letterbox paper, I thought the colors and patterns would work well with the subject I wanted to scrap. I got those pretty "Thank You" Rub-ons which I rubbed on to scraps and matted (and added pearls to). I really didn't want to clutter my layout, but still wanted to do some of the usual layering/pattern mixing I love to do so much. :D

Hope you're enjoying beautiful Springy weather!!!

Creative Charms Kit & Deal of the month reveals!

2011-05-02T14:28:00.000-04:00

Hi!

Just breezing by quickly to let you all know that Creative Charms has May's Deal and Kit of the Month up.

May Deal of the Month: $6.99

This includes:
Sparkling Garden of Delight – 347 Pieces

· Amber Gradient Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces
· Blue Gradient Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces
· Pink Gradient Gem Stickers – 76 Pieces
· Assorted Gradient Pearl Stickers – 76 Pieces
· Light Purple Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces
· Light Green Vintage Jewels – 12 Pieces
· Green Gradient Gem Brads – 9 Pieces
· Purple Gradient Gem Brads – 9 Pieces

· 18” Blue Fancy Polka Dot Ribbon

May Kit of The Month: $14.99

This includes:

A Knitted Garden – 46 Pieces
· Knitted Strawberries – 3 Pieces
· Orange Countryside Garden – 6 Pieces
· Green Knitted Butterflies – 4 Pieces
· Blue Small Knitted Flowers – 9 Pieces
· Blue Blooming Garden – 12 Pieces
· Pink Blooming Garden – 12 Pieces

Now, I just got my DT product today and let me tell you how pretty these items are!!! You cannot beat the price!!!

Friday fun

2011-04-29T13:40:00.000-04:00

Hi!!! :D

In case you're feeling like playing along at blog hops, I have 2 for you:

Creative Charms is having one to say farewell.

My PaperTreehouse is having a Fruit of the Spirit blog hop. I couldn't particpate due to illness. :(

My good friend, Mary Jo, put me on to an awesome site called pinterest. It's a place you can "pin" things you find while surfing the net. SO very cool!!! You can follow friends on this site as well, and like or repin to yuor boards. So far I've pinned some things that have caught my attention like these:

Can you tell I have a huge owl addiction?

Source: westelm.com via Arlene on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Arlene on Pinterest

Source: shoppegirls.blogspot.com via Arlene on Pinterest

This song speaks to me soooo....

I scrapped last night and am so in love with what I made. LOL. Gotta wait til the 1st to show it off, though.

Have an awesome weekend! Hugs!

so I'm a little late....

2011-04-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

in between feeling the sickest I've ever felt since 2005 (the dreaded year that has changed our lives) and everything else...

I lost my mojo.

You know what else? I was at the point that...dare I say it? I didn't even care. I wasn't lugging around my beloved rebel with me to capture my teenyterrors in their absolute ~~teenyterrorizing~~ cuteness...not chatting anywhere...just plain old felt like disappearing.

I lost my voice.

Yeah, for real! I'm squeaking!!! Guess what? That was kinda like an eye opener.

And this was, too:

a special announcement!

I am so honored. I was about to give up...I got the news right in the middle of everything and that was like the dim little light you see at the end of that tunnel? :D

It got me to snapping pix again....
Can I just share?

You can't see it in this picture, but this is my only boy looking at his daddy. I love his expression here.

I find it so amazing how kids can find beauty in something so undesirable as a weed. My daughter goes crazy when she sees dandelions! She picks dandelion bouquets every chance she can get and offers them to me with a smile so big, you'd think she was handing me a huge bouquet of roses. How can I refuse her?

psst....don't be surprised if you see this in a layout soon. LOL

I couldn't leave my 2 other girls out of this post, so here are my 4 teenyterrors, all dressed up for Ressurection Sunday:

Hope you're having a great day!!!!!

Getting back into the groove of things....I hope!

2011-04-25T14:12:00.000-04:00

Hey lovely people!!!

Last week wasn't such a great one, I was sick in bed for most of it, got better, then my eye swelled up, then that got better and then I totally lost my voice. I was better today but after a phone call or 2 my voice is back to squeaky mouse mode. I have to remember to bring lots of tea bags, honey, lemon, & my bag of halls to work with me tomorrow.

Today's my oldest terror's birthday. He's 12. :D Happy Birthday, sweetie!

I'm here to show off a layout :)

This layout was created using my kit from Scrapgal. I love how bright and colorful American Crafts papers are!!!

Sorry for the short post but as you can imagine, I am backed up here at the office and have to get back to work. will be back tomorrow hopefully

what's going on?

2011-04-12T11:33:00.001-04:00

Hello, hello, hellooooo!!!

Have I missed posting, I hope you've missed reading! (LOL)

Our loved ones have had a few snags these past few days and would love if you guys can keep our friends and family in prayer. :) Much appreciated!

I wanted to swing on by and post a layout I created for ScrapGal, this is sure to make my day a little happier (it's rainy here in teenyterrors-ville!!)

wanna see?

I was going through some of my older photos and found this one. It's of my older kids starting their first day of school. Teeniest terror was upset because this year she was starting headstart, but they start a whole week later than the big kids. Being the teeniest, she always wants to be considered as one of the big kids and has to keep up with them or be one step ahead of them! LOL.

see how I matched them all? I still try to do that. :D they hate it, of course...but one day when they have teenyterrors of their own, they'll understand my ~~insanity~~ OCD.
wanna see close ups?

can you tell that I love to use my white pen? LOL.

well peeps, I have to get some work done...so take care!!!

easy Mini As posted at Scrap Gal

2011-04-07T03:13:00.006-04:00

Hi there! Arlene here to show you a quick and easy to make mini. It's sooo cute, totally uncomplicated, and came together quickly.

I used everything that came in my kit, Creative Memories mini tag album, American Crafts paper, Ribbon, Stickers, Chip pieces, & rub ons. Only things added from my stash were photos, glue, and paint/ink!

Here's the cover:

I love the bright paper/pretty graphics that "Blue skies" and "a walk in the park" have.

After covering the chipboard with paper, I smeared some white acrylic paint and then layered on more paper, embellishments, and my photo. With these pretty patterns, I thought simple would be the best way to go.

This mini was amazingly simple to put together, and it's a neat little gift to give a loved one. :) This one's going to my girls!

Thanks for peeking!

Arlene

wellllllll it looks like we have a winner!

2011-04-05T20:09:00.001-04:00

Randomly chosen:

Angie, with this lovely comment:

Angie said...
great page. love how the pic looks, like an old style pic. great job. and all the details also!

Angie

I've got to get the RAK together for you, please email me at wwwdotteenyterrorsatmsndotcom so I can get it out to you!

I really want to thank everyone for hopping along with us!

Ready for a little "hopping"?

2011-04-01T05:00:00.104-04:00

Welcome to the April blog hop for Scrap Gal!

You should have come here from Stacey's blog. You don't want to miss out on any of the challenges!!!

Today we want to give you a little taste of what we do over at Scrap Gal by sharing this months challenges in one blog hop! In addition to winning prizes along the way you can participate in this month's challenges found at the SG message board for another chance to win a prize!

Make sure you stop by all of the designers blogs and leave a comment (we all need a little love sometimes!!!) then don't forget to stop at Scrap Gal and leave a coment telling us that you liked about the blog hop for a chance to win this..

So, my challenge for April is the photo challenge. I thought what better challenge than to use a transformed photo for a layout/project?

Wait a minute! What does she mean by "transformed" photo?!!?

I am in no way great at using photo enhancing software...I need a baby steps book for those things. LOL. SO what I mean by "transformed" photo is alter your photo in any way you want/need.

Here's my layout using a photo I transformed:

and some closeups:

How was this photo "transformed"? Well...this was a photo that my BIL took of my DD on his cell while babysitting. (I think I should take him by the hand and cross him over to the "darkside" and start him scrapping...because he certainly does have a great eye for details!)

Here's the original..which I saved off FB!

It's cute enough, right? I just wanted to add more to it. SO...I headed over to Flickr
Flickr's full of fun effects to play with, along with the usual cropping/editing features. You can also do the premium membership thing and do more. I've got the regular account...

The effect I used on my photo (after uploading, of course) just click on "actions", and then "edit photo in picnik". There's tabs along the top of your photo, and chose "create". On the left hand side you see all different types of awesome "alterations" if you will. I chose "cross process" for this particular photo. Easy peasy!

Then I lightly (very lightly) scratched the photo up a bit....just to give it an antique feel. Then added to the layout! Easy!

I also love playing along with a free program an awesome scrappy friend put me on to: Gimp

Now you don't need to use any program or site to alter, you can ink or distress, the sky's the limit as to how you want to go about completing this challenge.
Hope you have fun creating!

Mary Jo's next on the hop....

To make sure you're visiting everyone, here's the blog hop order:

Rita

Stacey
Arlene <-----little old me :)
Mary Jo
Mette
Scrap Gal Blog

I'll be offering a small little RAK (sorry, I don't have a picture & it's available to participants in the US) to a randomly picked blog hopper who leaves a comment on each challenge (what do you like about it? is it easy, fun, etc) who becomes a follower, and leaves a message on the MB. :)

So what are you waiting for? keep hopping!

This is the stuff....

2011-03-30T12:46:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to share this song...love how it puts so many things into perspective!

happy listening!

what? Another Mini???!!!

2011-03-29T13:59:00.001-04:00

yep...you know, being a part of a DT is really an honor for me? I love that while I get my name on a blog and my pic/bio plastered on the MB, I get products that I love to work with, and some that challenge me. I think that's cool. getting challenges thrown in every now and then...because lots of times those are the projects I end up totally loving.

Being on a DT also pushes me to go beyond the 12x12 page...yes, they're cool to make. But doing little projects like mini's attempting cards (still working towards making more of them) makes me feel sooo accomplished! Like YAY!!!

take a look at this latest mini I created with my March DT kit from Scrapgal, using BG.

the front cover

I wanted this to look like a hogde podge collection, using some fave pix and awesome heartfelt quotes. it sits on my scrappy desk by the window as a little reminder of what family's all about! what are your fave things to make mini's about?

feeling just a wee bit sneaky-ish

2011-03-28T13:08:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday....

well...that's an oxymoron if I ever heard one...LOL. Mondays always drag for me.

just wanted to share this: I'll be putting it on my side bar as well...

I love playing along and reading the comments, they really leave a smile on my face, leave me feeling like I connected in some way some how with someone. KWIM?

ready for the sneaky peeks? these are of my projects which will be revealed on the 1st for Scrap Gal. I love reveal days, it's like I'm working hard toward something and can't wait to show it off....

I also wanted to share a little toot:

you can find me here and here in the basic grey gallery!!! using my scrap gal DT layouts. isn't it exciting!!!

welcome aboard!

2011-03-25T03:37:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the Heartache No One Sees Faith Blog Hop.

(If you are hopping with us you should have come from Selina's blog). if you just happened to find this post, please go to www.mypapertreehouse.com so that you can start the hop from the very beginning. :)

Let's get down to business!!!

Women have a very unique way of being strong, yet gentle. through this process we find ourselves many times hiding heartaches that truly affect us, but somehow we cannot bring ourselves to talk about. Sometimes it is because of "what would people say" or because we want to keep a certain image, or even because we are trying to keep our loved ones from becoming worried: we hold on to the heartache and even come to believe that "this is as good as it will ever get". Today we are out in the internet laying our hearts bare before the world. We have come to understand that God IS who He says He is and indeed He will complete the work He has begun, and so we lay our heartache before Him in hopes that He will meet us here. As you go through this hop, take the time to think about your own hidden heartache, and if any of our blogs motivate you to speak about it, leave us a comment or even send us an email. As sisters we should remain together and encourage each other to continue the walk towards His arms: the only place we will find rest and comfort.

Here's how the hop works:

Like last time we have some GRAND Prizes to share with you, plus most of the blog owners are willing to share some RAK with you. In order to qualify for the GRAND Prizes you ought to leave a comment under this thread and become a follower of this blog (if you are not one yet). We are asking that you would also become a follower of paper Tree House Studio on Facebook so that you can stay updated with our challenges and contests. In order to qualify for the RAKS i ask that you would also become a follower of those blogs and leave them a comment with your thoughts about the project they might have created or the story they were willing to share (if any). It can be very humbling to share our hearts with the world, yet the Bible says that our troubles come so that we can console another going through the same thing. My prayer is that the Lord would use this for His Glory as He heals all of our hearts.

Now for the GRAND Prizes:
Paper Tree House Studio:
Scrapbook News and Review Magazine: One Year Subscription
Bella Blvd.: $45 retail value worth of their yummy product
Echo Park: Love Line
Scrapbooks & Stuff: Cricut Your Story
Punky Sprouts:
The Paper Blossom Shop: $25 gift certificate to their shop.
remember that in order to be considered a winner, you should leave a comment here and become a follower. :) It is that simple.

As you hop through the blogs you will see some very open lives, and others that are not as much. We are all being molded everyday more into His liking. Know that I have been praying for each of the participants, and as you begin to open your heart, I will be praying for you as well. It is my desire that the Lord would begin to build a community of bold women that would be willing to show their weaknesses so that in turn He can be their strength. Maybe next month we can hop through your blog as well.. This will happen every month on the very last weekend of the month, so please plan to be here learning about Him and about His love for YOU and His commitment to make you His!

Here is the list of bold and beautiful women that were willing to lay it all out there:

My Paper Tree House

Nana CampanaRebecca

Sueli Pinheiro

Kacee

Jessie

Selina
Arlene <-----this lady sounds familiar!
Natalie

Christel

Bonnie
Dolores
Kari
Tania

Here is my story:

As mentioned earlier, we ladies have the capabilities of being so very strong and gentle all at the same time. "Good Girls" are those who endure, make no complains, keeps it all bottled up inside, and just handle things on their own. At least this is the impression I had. No matter what it was that I went through, I always masked my hurt with a smile. A lot of times no one really knew what was going on with me but my soppy pillow at night and God.

Now I know that it doesn't make me a bad person to air out how I feel (as long as I do it in the right way), or to defend myself. I shouldn't just stay there and take it, or just keep it all bottled up inside of me. My smile is a genuine smile!

Products used: Lily bee design: Paper, Tim Holtz: tickets, film strips, distressed ink, My Little shoebox: tiny alpha stickers, Tattered Angels: glimmer mists (pink & grey) Sketch: Creative Scrappers

some closeups:

Thanks for participating with us... Now hop on over to Natalie's blog !

what have I been doing?

2011-03-24T14:42:00.001-04:00

I haven't been posting as much...and i feel like I've been such a neglectful blogger!!!

So...I decided to photograph some things that I have been busy with! LOL

I've been working on church bulletins! So far I've been asked to do up the Senior Saints, Women's mins., helped out with Singles Mins.and this is the last one, sunday school! It looks amaturish to me...but then again, these are my first attempts to do bulletins, ever!!! LOL. I have to say my cricut has been getting a LOT more use lately!!! I had sooo much fun doing up the sunday school one, the director was specific in what she wanted: she wanted it to look like a party invite!!! my lovely hubby has ordered a cartridge for me so I can add on to it (party hats and streamers) yay!!!

I've been doing humongous "thinking of you" cards for members who've been ill. So far I've done about 5...do you recognize "vintage" Chatterbox paper I have been hoarding?

too bad I didn't think to photograph the other things before I turned them in...

Come back tomorrow!!! I'm participating in a blog hop and would love to see you here!!!

Take care :)

an easy technique*** as posted on the scrap gal blog!

2011-03-23T04:14:00.034-04:00

Do you have those itty bitty containers of alcohol ink collecting dust because you have no idea what to do with them?

I decided to play along and see what easy way I can use them for a layout. Want to see?

first, I took my applicater tool and used my blue ink and a gold color. Just be careful not to let them mix.

then I stamped the applicator down onto my cardstock

I added a metallic gold mixture to add pizzaz

and this is how it looks on the layout

Supply list: Paper, letter stickers (large) Basic Grey. small letters, cosmo cricket. chipboard, American crafts. flower: Maya road

You see that "doily" in the layout? I was a part of packaging that some prima flowers came in. I cut a piece off and decided to see how the alcohol ink would react.

This is what it looked like after brushing it on. Alcohol inks dry really fast, so you can see a bit of streaking. I wasn't looking for a perfect look.

hope you're inspired to dust off stash that's collecting dust in your scrappy area, as well!!!!

TTFN!

Arlene

feeling mopey?

2011-03-21T18:14:00.000-04:00

sometimes when my day feels like the worst one ever, I see someone, hear of someone who's going through something way much worse...and it makes me so very appreciative of who and what I have in my life. It makes me think:

"hey you! stop being mopey! it can be worse! you can be going through what so and so is going through right now! snap out of it!".

a neighbor of ours at our workplace lost her husband just before Christmas. she's very sick and depended on him so much. he used to take care of the building they lived in, cleaned up for the landlord, took care of business for him...and now that he's gone, the landlord's trying to put the poor lady out. he has a smear campaign, going to everyone who would listen (even come into my shop daily) to him hem and haw and complain. He's stalking her, getting peole from the county to interview her claiming that she's an alcoholic...she stopped drinking and now he's calling again claiming she's mentally ill.

the poor woman just wants to mourn her loss in peace...and the man shut her heat off, drastically lowered the temperature on the water heater, and shouts at her in the middle of the walmart parking lot...screaming out all of her business.

the sad part...people in the neighborhhod don't know her...and sympathize with HIM.

Life is unjust...and at times I want to rip my hair out because I see so many creeps doing things like this to people who are defenseless and get away with it. She came into my shop today, a crying mess...and my heart broke for her. Because while my life has its little amounts of troubles....her life seems so bleak right now. It makes my little issues look pathetic in comparison.

smile......

2011-03-08T12:55:00.001-05:00

This is one word I have to keep repeating over and over....

SMILE!

Why's that?

Because I'm going through scrappy withdrawals....

and last week was one busy/hectic/crazy/high-stress/ everything got dumped on me week...one in which one day it got to be too much and I broke down and cried.

Yep...I was at work...got some terrible news, got a phone call from a person calling about work, wasn't specific, and took exception to my asking her questions to give her a price...she got nasty and that's when I hung up the phone and bawled.

Tears coming down my face as I cut keys for people...my daughter being home sick from school asking me what was wrong and I couldn't even talk kind of week.

So I say just SMILE.

Do you know I joined the Choir at my church? My hubby's been trying to get me to join since we started attending. LOL.SO...this Sunday we went and sang to someone very special who's going through something terrible. She has cancer...and has been fighting it for a long time. But she never complains...and even through her weakened condition, you can feel her sweet spirit...and how she worried about US. I couldn't contain the tears...I was so touched...I don't do well in situations like this...and briefly wished I could be tougher and cooler in times like these.I'm such a cry baby!

Then yesterday AM...as I was getting ready to go to work...I open up the little gate on my porch, take a step and go plummeting down....my right side is all bruised, swollen....and I thought....

Smile! It could be worse!

Okay...so those were my 2nd thoughts! My 1st were: "OUCH, what the heeeeeeck just happened???!!!!".

So this layout is my 2nd created for ScrapGal...using the manu of the month, BG and their Urban Prairie Line. I love, love, love the bright pretty colors, how paired up with white they look phenomenal...and how my daughter's bright smile and clothing compliment them.

So...basically all in a nutshell....what makes me feel better? a smile.

not just any old smile...but a teeny terrors' smile. they can make me melt and help make everything feel better.

I am feeling a bit torn about something....a DT call has been placed...by a manu who I absolutely LOVE....and OMG...my confidence isn't all there anymore...and it's kinda disuading me from entering. This is a huge dilemna, because I know if I don't go for it, I will torture myself with the what if's....and if I don't get in...which is highly likely to be the case...I know trillions of crafters feel the same way I do about this manu....:sigh: what would you do???

have a good day, everyone! Don't forget to SMILE!!!!!

come help celebrate!!!

2011-03-04T11:12:00.001-05:00

Hi all!!!

today's one of my fave days: FRIDAY!

Guess what today brings?

My dear friend, Nancy, who I met at SFTIO, is celebrating 1000 posts!

There will be prizes, and if I know her, they'll be super cool, fabulous, and awesome!!!

Go on over and help her celebrate!!!

back to Basics over at Scrapgal!!!!

2011-03-03T13:11:00.000-05:00

For the month of March, the DT has been each given line from Basic Grey to work with. I got Urban Prairie.

The colors and graphics are sooo very pretty, and I have to admit...a bit challenging for me at times, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE that I was challenged (yes, I am a masochist!) because the layouts I got from them I absolutely LOVE!!!!

wanna see my 1st one?

this one is part of the color challenge at scrapgal, it's my first attempt at putting a color scheme together. :) Hope you play along!

well, thanks for peeking, hope your week is going great!

another guess who.....

2011-03-02T12:51:00.002-05:00

you will find here!!! <------ click on it, you know you want to!!!

exciting, isn't it????

wanna see a bigger view?

This was my other exciting news!!! Toot, toot!!!

come back tomorrow for my March reveals!

Also, a dear friend of mine is celebrating a milestone, and you are invited!!! It'll be this Friday....

have a spectacular day!!!!

close buddies

2011-03-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

It's the first of the month (AGAIN!!!) and I have yet to reveal one of my February scrap gal layouts!!!

This one I love, it's of my 2 teeniest terrors: Arianna & Tyler.

using graphic 45 le romantique!

did lots of fussy cutting, used glossy accents to make the roses pop....I love the way this layout came out.

come back tomorrow for a view of my march layouts!!! March's manu is BASIC GREY, and we're going back to basics!

guess who

2011-02-25T15:09:00.001-05:00

made featured member?

Before I spill it, if you're here for the blog hop, go to the post before this one.

Now back to my news: yep...that would be ME! Yay! I am sooo very excited to have been asked by Janet & Debbi!I have been on pins and needles wanting to spill the beans. LOL. I NEEDED some happy email! I have another toot to share, but that will have to wait until March!

SO this is CCG# 181

supplies used: Lily bee designs: paper, die cut, rub ons. prima: lace, flowers, mask, packaging for flowers. Chipbaord: buzz and bloom. paint: delta, tattered angels

I may play along again, these colors inspired me so much!
please go on over to the site and play along!

Friends, Love,&&&& Faith...It's a HOP!

2011-02-25T10:39:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Paper Tree House Studio's Friends, Love, and Faith Blog Hop, I am SOO glad that you're here!

Today, we're out in force on the internet -- showing our faith and giving the glory to God. United, we stand as Christian paper crafters and blog owners to make a presence on the internet for all to see. If you are hopping with us, you should have hopped over from Sueli Pinheiro's blog. If you happened to just come across this post and you want to join in on the fun, make sure you jump over to the beginning so that you do not miss out: Paper Tree House Studio. We have lots of amazing ladies to visit, and I wouldn't want you to miss out on anything!

I wanted to do a bilingual post so that way our spanish speaking friends won't be left out here!

Bienvenidos a la Rayuela Amigos, Amor, y Fe de Paper Tree House Studio. Hoy estamos unidas con fuerza en el internet--demostrando nuestra fe y dándole gloria a Dios. Unidas estamos como diseñadoras Cristianas y dueñas de blogs para dar a reluccir nuestra fé a todos los que nos visiten. Si estás saltando con nosotras hoy, debes estar llegando aquí de el blog de Sueli. Si apenas acabas de encontrar esta página y deseas saltar con nosotras debes ir al principio de la rayuela que se encuentra en Paper Tree House Studio.

Here is the blog order:

1. Paper Tree House

2. Nana Campana

3. Wendy Swenn

4. Ledia Rivera

5. K Andrew

6. Noel Culbertson

7. Monique Fox

8. RuthTacoma

9.Corinne Stevens

10. Angela Lenssen

11. Nancy

12. Julie Overby

13. Rachelle

14. Kari Sanchez

15. Jennifer Evans

16. Dolores Cancel

17. Natalie Strand

18. Christel Bonner

19. Iris Babao Uy

20. Jackie Weeks

21. Carol Dunn-Hale

22. Sueli Pinheiro

23. Arlene Camacho <------hey! I know that name!!!

24 Jessie Czelusniak

25. Carolyn de Freitas

We're celebrating the theme of friends and we're happy to share our projects with you based on the verse:

Estamos celebrando el tema de la fé y estamos feliz de poder compartir contigo nuestros proyectos basados en este verso:

"...those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

"...pero los que confían en el Señor, renovarán sus fuerzas; volarán como las águilas: correrán y no se fatigarán, caminarán y no se cansarán." (Isaías 40:31)

this is my oldest daughter with my little neice. can you tell she's adored and totally loving the attention?

First, we would like to take a moment to thank our generous co-sponsors! There are lots of awesome and generous prizes waititng to be won!
Prizes? Oh, yeah! There will be three lucky grand prize winners for today's event.

Primero, le queremos dar las gracias a nuestros co-auspiciadores generosos.
Premios? Oh, Sí! Van a ver 3 ganadoras bendecidas por varios grandes premios al finalizarse el evento.

To enter, simply hop through the blogs and take note of all of the participating DT members of Paper Tree House Studio, and make sure to jot down the "blessed words" they will have in their post, and leave a comment on their posts. Once you gather all of the words, you will have another special Scripture to inspire you to create while leaving His legacy. Then send us an email at mypapertreehousedt@gmail.com listing each of the staff members who participated in today's hop and the completed Scripture. It's that easy. All entries must be received by Monday, February 28, 2011 at 12 noon, EST and seven winners will be randomly chosen to win.

Para poder calificar, simplemente sigue el ritmo de la rayuela saltando de blog en blog siguiendo el orden descrito en cada blog. Mientras salta toma nota de las muchachas del equipo de diseño y escribe las "blessed words" que te van a dar conjunto a su nombre. Debes dejar un comentario en su blog y luego envíar un e-mail a mypapertreehousedt@gmail.com con todas las "blessed words" que recogiste. Entonces notarás que vas a tener otro versículo que te inspirará. Realmente es fácil. Todos los e-mails deben ser recibidos para el Lunes, 28 de febrero de 2011 a las 12 del mediodía EST. De estos e-mail se escogerán 7 ganadores.

These are the prizes: (YAY!)
One Cricut Gypsy from Paper Tree House Studio
One Bind-it-All from Zutter
One baggy of goodies from Create 365
One baggy of goodies from Papperie
One baggy of goodies from Paper Trunk
One year subscription to Scrapbook News and Review
One $15 gift card to Memorable Seasons so that you can purchase your favorite goodies!!

In addition, many of our participating bloggers will have amazing blog candy and RAKS available for one of their blessed visitors by simply leaving a comment and becoming a follower on their blog. That's a lot of chances to win, so let's get to the Hop!

En adición, muchos de nuestras participantes van a tener RAKS y regalitos disponibles para bendecir a las que participen en la Rayuela. Para calificar para esos regalitos, lo único que tienes que hacer es dejárles un mensaje y ser seguidoras de sus blogs. Tienes mas de 20 oportunidades de ganar en esta Rayuela!

The next stop on this blog hop is Jessie Czelusniak
Don't forget to look for the blessed words so that you can win BIG and follow our blog!
No te olvides de buscar los "blessed words" para que puedas ganar en grande y sigue nuestro blog !

And the blessed words you'll find here......

"Proverbs 3:5-6"

Have Fun!

Diviértanse!

a Love-ly banner

2011-02-23T06:30:00.067-05:00

Hi there!

Here I am to show you a quick an easy project I made for ScrapGal.

I've decided to do something new to me, a banner! How exciting, right?

Here's the full view:

and some close ups:

This banner was so simple to put together. I used scraps from my Feb. Kit containing Graphic 45 "Le Romantique" Papers, frames, tags, and trim. To make the patterns I fussy cut stand out, I added some glossy accents.

Now I used these tags that came with my kit

then punched the end and inked them after distressing them a bit. I added a pretty ribbon by May Arts that I already had in my stash to tie on top.

I used this cute little mini book to use as a frame for the letters I cut out using my Cricut.

I cut out scraps to fit the mini book, added eyelets to string the tags together, and that's it! I was always afraid to try to make a banner thinking they were more complicated to make. I was pleasantly surprised and hope to make some more.

Supply List:

Patterned Paper, lace trim: Graphic 45

Ribbon: May Arts

Journaling card: Jenni Bowlin

Flower: Prima

Eyelets: We R memory Keepers

Hope you've been inspired to try something you haven't tried yet. Until next time!

Arlene

The 6 PM Challenge....come one, come all!!!!

2011-02-18T18:00:00.002-05:00

wow, 3 posts in one day....

popping in quickly to post the 6 PM challenge!

I like easy challenges, and this one will be using a specific type of photo,

Use a lovey-dovey photo, can include hugs, a kiss, can even be funny (like mine)!
Include some bling in it!

I was inspired to use CCG's latest color challenge! (not required for the scrapgal challenge, but I wanted to give them credit for the color scheme I used on my layout. totally approriate for a lovey dovey layout, don't you think?)

the 4 PM challenge is up....

2011-02-18T16:00:00.000-05:00

over at the crop,
and it's a 1,2,3 challenge!!!

use one heart,
two photos,
at least three patterned papers OR embellies.

easy peasy, right?

here's my layout:

head on over to the message board for more details!!! see ya there :)

Scrap Gal ** Crop your heart out* is in full swing!!!!

2011-02-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!!! Just wanted to let ya'll know that the crop is in full swing, there are wonderful games being posted, challenges, and prizes to be won!!!
Come and play along if you can!!!

Love....

2011-02-14T15:42:00.000-05:00

Have you hugged someone today?

Little lady

2011-02-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

hey you!

Can I just tell you that yesterday was a crazy day? Because it most definately was! I'm not complaining, though. Busy days while being tiresome, are great days. I go to sleep a whole lot earlier than usual. :D

Today I wanted to pop in and show you another layout I created for ScrapGal!

I got my kit and was just floored at the beautiful stuff I got. I am so thrilled to be a part of the team there and honored.

Last month creating went fairly quickly for me...my hnads were in crafting heaven. Gotta love when that happens, right?

so without further ado!

Supplies used: Paper, envelope, chipboard, lace, tag: Graphic 45, letter stickers: my little shoebox, punch: fiskars, glossy accents, ink: ranger

Head on over to the MB and join in on the challenges there!!!

To be loved...a challenge

2011-02-07T10:43:00.000-05:00

Monday has arrived with a new challenge over at My Paper Tree House!

The challenge? What does it mean to be Loved?

I used Nana's sketch for my layout and the lyrics to Francesca Battitstelli's Beautiful, Beautiful.

ready to see the layout?

Here it is:

supplies used: papers, die cuts: Lily bee, flowers, bling: prima, lace: making memories, chip alpha: buzz and bloom, paint: making memories & tattered angels, punch: fiskars, pen: sakura

ready for some close ups?

I traced out the die cut with some extra room on the dotted paper so you can see hints of the polka dots underneath

Here I wanted to accent the flourishes I cut from the paper with a whole sheet of bling. I just cut up to put in different areas. I'm usually very stingy with them on layouts since they can get so pricey, but I couldn't resist! LOL!!!!
I hope you like my layout, and truly hope that you play along. :) Have a great day!

Scrap Your Heart out!

2011-02-04T09:38:00.003-05:00

As posted in the MB:

"Crop your heart out" February 18 & 19th at ScrapGal.com starting at 9am CST

In a month that's all about love let us join together and celebrate what we really love scrapbooking!

A matrimonious occasion!!! You're invited to ScrapGals "Crop your heart out" crop where you will fall in love with challenges that will inspire you to create and take your scrapbooking to another level!!

So grab your favorite snacks & come over chat with the gals, you know you want to!!!

This crop is being sponsored by QuicKutz! We will be giving away lots of prizes including TWO LetterPress Combo kits! One in the store and one online! You don't want to miss this!!!

*If you you are a local you are welcome to come to the store and join the Gals for a crop in real life!

Feb 18 & 19th- contact the store for details!

Scrap Gal is located on

68 North Main in Cedar City Utah

435-867-1910

Bad days.....

2011-02-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

Hi, just popping in right quick to show off a layout I am loving. I haven't been scrapping as much lately and well, I took advantage of the tons of snow we've had in the area to lock myself up in my scrappy area and just create.

Ta Da!

supplies used: patterned paper & cardstock: SEI, Chipboard & Fabric(teal): Buzz and Bloom, transparencies (teal dots & white frame): Hambly, Alpha stickers: American Crafts, letters: Cricut/provocraft, Teal paint: Tattered Angels, Punches: fiskars & martha stewart, white paint: Making memories, pens: uinball signo & sakura, Flower: Lily Bee

I used a fabulous sketch from Sketchy Thursday, an awesome color combo (#177 to be exact), and a photo that kinda embarassed teeniest terror...LOL....

Now I know I posted about bad days and well...I decided to scrap about it...using this photo of my baby in tears...because I can empathize at the moment! I've been feeling really down lately and have been just lost in thought about what my next steps will be...it seems like every door I have knocked on has been slammed shut...and well...it takes its toll on self esteem, hampers my creativity, and makes me want to crawl into bed....I just have to keep in mind that while doors close, they do so for a reason! Soon (very soon, I hope!!!) the right one(s) will open up for me and make all of this seem very trivial...maybe something I can look back at and laugh. Here's to hoping!!!

some close ups for you:

here I used the scraps of punched paper to paint before I adhered the butterflies

letters cut out using my alphalicious cart., stuck on and then traced over.

a view of my pretty buzz and bloom border and lily bee flower :)

Hope you like!!! :)
have a fabulous day!

I JUST WANNA SAY!

time to celebrate!

a few days late:

totally sweet day...

isn't it funny? The irony isn't lost on me....

Melt down....

sweet Thursday....

My list:

I'm out of what?!!!

Yep, I made it up.

it makes me wanna shout!

winner, winner, blog hop winner...

fall-ing into the blog hop....

Help me say farewell!

cuppy cakes....

just glamorous!

think pink....

Oh, Friday! You are sooo Fabulous!

Fabulous Fall Monday?

That's why I love you....

Just Thoughts

Happiness.....

October Creative Charms kits!

what do you do?

an announcement....

wishful thinking...

just some thoughts....

a little revelation....

summer swimming

You make my heart sing.....

when things fall apart....

a little bit of precious &&& specials to catch!

styrofoam peeps

birthday cake....

you take the good, you take the bad...

It's OK when you're feeling blue....

Picture perfect!

Creative Charms Kits revealed!

Blog Hopping with SFTIO!

and then there was one....

some more projects :)

some DT projects :D

Goodbye....

time just goes flying on by.

Another Scrap Gal Layout! ***As seen on the blog***

is the grass really greener....

still on the fence...

Today's the 1st....and we all know what that means!!!!

check out....

Let there be light!

Mirror Mirror on the wall....

just Create!

we're going on & on....just random bits and pieces.

As seen on facebook:

Roses: Handmade and easy to make.

dream a little dream....

something borrowed, something blue

deconstructed: all about this past weekend

walking with a little Spring in my step....

Creative Charms Kit & Deal of the month reveals!

Friday fun

so I'm a little late....

Getting back into the groove of things....I hope!

what's going on?

easy Mini ****As posted at Scrap Gal****

wellllllll it looks like we have a winner!

Ready for a little "hopping"?

This is the stuff....

what? Another Mini???!!!

feeling just a wee bit sneaky-ish

welcome aboard!

what have I been doing?

an easy technique*** as posted on the scrap gal blog!

feeling mopey?

smile......

come help celebrate!!!

back to Basics over at Scrapgal!!!!

another guess who.....

close buddies

guess who

Another Scrap Gal Layout! As seen on the blog

easy Mini As posted at Scrap Gal

Scrap Gal ** Crop your heart out* is in full swing!!!!