Serendipity

I'VE MOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-04-27T23:20:00.004-05:00

SORRY IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE MY LAST POST...BUT I HAVE UPDATED AT MY NEW BLOG! CHECK ME OUT HERE HERE HERE HERE!!

AND PLEASE PLEASE, IF YOU HAVE ME LINKED, UPDATE YOUR LINK!!!! CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL AT MY NEW BLOG!

Juno

2008-04-17T11:42:00.002-05:00

We bought and watched this last night. Loved it. Ellen Page did an awesome job playing this role. Super cute movie!! We also bought "In the Name of the King" with Jason Stathom. We saw it in theaters but since it was a good one and since I love Jason Stathom...we bought it anyway! Plan on watching it tonight.

Becky's Class Kit

2008-04-17T11:37:00.003-05:00

Check it out here...

AMM Exclusive Class Kit * WELCOME SPRING Sign * By Becky Heisler
Item#: 9054
Price: $25.99
Qty Avail: 5
Description:
Includes full color instructions with various photos and template for making your own flowers.

6 Fancy Pants Papers
1 Hambly Butterfly Paper
1 pack American Crafts Poolside Thickers in Pink
1 Jenni Bowlin Transferware Rubons
1 Creative Imaginations Scalloped Wooden Sign
A few Maya Road Chipboard Piecs
A few gold buttons
1 yard of pearls
1 sheet scalloped paper

YAY!!

2008-04-15T20:26:00.001-05:00

Check it out!!

USER INSPIRATION!!

The super talented and super sweet Rebecca Trump used one of my calendar layouts as user inspiration in the Two Peas Garden. SO excited..thank you Rebecca...you did an awesome job...I LOVE IT!

My Music

2008-04-14T01:40:00.002-05:00

This is a layout that I did a few weeks back and forgot to post. I was debating using it for my DT entry, and decided it just wasn't enough...but I still like that I was able to log my favorites!

AMM DT

2008-04-13T18:29:00.007-05:00

So...I made it back on! Yay! Here are the projects that I submitted for the call.

Update

2008-04-10T18:31:00.002-05:00

I finally sent in my DT submission to Michelle at AMM yesterday. I had this mini book that I was going to submit, and BB decided to dump a bottle of MM paint on it, so needless to say, I had to redo the whole darn thing. And it didn't exactly turn out like I wanted...like the first one. Couldn't come across the same products within the time limit I wanted. Oh well..its sent.

Brayden learned something new this morning. Good Morning. He was watching Barney and they were singing a song about Good Morning, so he then layed down and said he was going night night and then popped up and said Good Morning Mommy. It's the cutest thing. But then again, I say that about every new thing he learns.

We went and picked out the final details on the new furniture the other day. Just waiting on the bank to clear up some money. CANNOT wait to get some new furniture. Right now, we are using some furniture my dad came across and it is UGLY. LOL..its baby blue with peach flowery looking things all over. MawMaw-ish. LOL...its bad. Sooooo ready to get some new stuff. I've never had new living room furniture before..always been hand-me-downs. Very excited.

Wait till Monday and check out the new TDX challenge. Next week's challenge is brought to you by Wendy...and boy it is a FUN one!

TDX

2008-04-07T11:04:00.004-05:00

New Challenge is up. HERE!

Here's my layout for the challenge.

The weekend.

2008-04-06T14:10:00.006-05:00

Has been relaxing. We watched movies Friday night. Went to my LSS on Saturday...they had a CHA release expo. Got a lot of new goodies. Mostly Thickers. I'm addicted to those. Also got one of the new Tinkering Ink peek-a-boo books. Cant wait to play with it. We bought Alvin and the Chipmunks last night. It was really cute. After that, we watched about 3 hours worth of Scrubs last night. We bought the first and second seasons a couple months back and then at Best Buy a couple weeks ago, we found the 3rd-6th seasons for $19.99 (beats 35.99!). So we bought them all. We are in the middle of season 4 now. I love this show. The janitor cracks me up. He's probably one of my favorite characters.

I also made some other, non-scrappy purchases this weekend. We are still waiting on getting our furniture...hopefully soon. I keep telling myself that and it keeps getting put off. But, I did buy these...to frame and put up on the walls..

from The Lady's Closet on Etsy

from Alicia Bock Photography on Etsy

and of course..finally ordered this poster from I Am Still Alive.
Now I just have to go shopping for some frames.

HAPPY DAY!

2008-04-04T10:40:00.001-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!---OK...it was yesterday...but I wasnt on here....posted that video LATE LATE the night before and wasnt home most of the day yesterday so I just wanted to WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Can't wait to see you tonight at dinner! BB says he is going to sing you HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Cuteness. I love him.

2008-04-03T16:10:00.001-05:00

AMM April Kit & TDX Challenge #3

2008-03-31T13:43:00.018-05:00

AMM April Kit DT Projects:

and my Layout for the new TDX Challenge:

My AMM DT Challenge is up!

2008-03-30T17:18:00.002-05:00

Check it out HERE!

and here's my post from the thread:

I used to hate buying all the pretty patterned papers because then once I got home, I had trouble cutting them up. I finally got over that and realized that the hand cut shapes and designs from patterned paper adds such detail to my layouts and can also serve as embellishments.

So, my challenge for you is to incorporate some hand cutting into your layout, mini book, or altered project. Here is a layout that I created using Jenni Bowlin patterned paper that I hand cut the florals from. I'll choose a random winner on or around the 13th of April for a small RAK. Be sure to post your layouts here and in the gallery with "DT Challenge Cut It Up" in the title.

Can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Date Night Times Two!

2008-03-29T23:08:00.002-05:00

So last night we went and ate at Zea. Loved it! We had it in New Orleans a few months back and they just opened up the one here in Baton Rouge. It was soooo good. After that we headed to the movies. We saw Stop Loss. Oh my goodness...SUCH a good movie. Lots of language..but then again..it IS an MTV film. Very good though. Ryan Phillippe played such an awesome roll in this movie. And of course after Step Up, I've become a Channing Tatum fan. So we were bored and not ready to go home, so we saw another one. Never Back Down. It was good. It was like Step Up 2, but with fighting rather than dancing. Same story line, basically. It was good though. I liked it..but then again..its hard for me to watch any movie and completely NOT like it.

And tonight...we were COMPLETELY bored. We ate mexican...called everyone we knew to see what was going on. We were going to go bowling. We were going to see another movie. We were going to hang out with friends. But, we ended up riding around for about an hour and a half. Going to WalMart and buying Margarita mix and board games. So I would say it turned out a pretty good night. Just some "us" time.

Also, got some scrapping done today. YAY! Almost finished with my AMM April kit projects. Loved working with this kit. Oh, and my DT challenge over at AMM will be up tomorrow also!

Thursday Evening.

2008-03-27T21:00:00.003-05:00

So....we ordered a DVR finally!! I was excited when the UPS guy showed up with it this morning. No more missing all those shows I wanted to get into!

America's Best Dance Crew just started. YAY! I love this show. Jabawockeez ROCK! I really hope they win. They definately deserve it.

Tomorrow we are headed back to Lonestar for dinner and to the movies ...finally! It feels like its been forever for us to see a movie..well other than Horton, but Brayden didnt make it all the way through..so it will be fun to have a date night tomorrow again. I think we are going to see Stop Loss. Also want to see Vantage Point and 21. Maybe making two (or three, ha) trips to the movies this weekend! Stay tuned for layouts with the BEAUTIFUL AMM April Kit!

AMM April Kit & Class Kit & Wednesday RAK!

2008-03-26T21:26:00.008-05:00

April kit is up! You can get it here!

Also...a new class kit designed by me is up! Very FUN acrylic album using lots of American Crafts!! Check it out here!

And last but not least...a new Wednesday RAK! Just answer what your favorite product to use right now is on the AMM boards at the link below and you will be entered to win!
HERE HERE HERE!

Three Bugs in a Rug Product Spotlight

2008-03-25T12:24:00.005-05:00

Thanks to AMM and 3 Bugs for sending these products to work with!!

Check it out! The Design X was mentioned on ScrapScene on Saturday!!

Easter Weekend

2008-03-24T11:53:00.007-05:00

So....Friday we did an Easter egg hunt here at the apartment complex. Brayden had sooo much fun! He found a silver egg, which got him $5 and then this sweet little girl also gave him one of hers. How sweet was that? He also got a chocolate Easter bunny from the ladies in the office. After the egg hunt, we went to lunch at DeAngelo's and then to the State Capitol to take photos with Amanda, Angel and Bradley. You can see a few of those in the post below.

Saturday we dyed eggs. Brayden had a BLAST doing this. He was covered in dye by the time we were done. We told him that if he was good and went to bed like a big boy, then the Easter bunny would come and leave him a basket full of candy and prizes. That being said, he went right to bed and before leaving his room he asked us, "Easter bunny umming?" It was sooo cute!

Sunday we woke up around 8 or so. He was happy to see that the Easter bunny left him all kinds of goodies...new Crocs, a Case collector's knife to be put up for when he was older, lots of candy, toys and books! He had the most fun cracking open all of the eggs and coloring on the sidewalk with his egg chalks. He even made a new friend!

Brayden left with his dad for a little while and around 3, we picked him up and ate a late lunch/early supper at Lonestar. The BEST salmon and steak ever. We attempted taking Brayden to the movies for the first time after we ate. He did REALLY good up until close to the end. I guess we got about an hour or so into the movie, before he got bored and wanted to throw popcorn. We saw Horton Hears a Who...it was REALLY cute...well the part that we saw!

So we left...came home and relaxed the rest of the evening. Overall, it was a really good weekend!

Photos to share

2008-03-22T20:37:00.004-05:00

Some of my favorite photos from yesterday.

Movies Movies Movies!

2008-03-21T19:48:00.002-05:00

I just love them! We usually make a couple trips to the theater each month, however this last month has been too busy...so we'be done a lot of dvds. In the last month, we've bought and watched:

Michael Clayton--this was a good one. We watched it over the course of two nights after Brayden went to bed. If you like George Clooney, you'll like it. Its one of those lawyer type, you don't know how its going to turn out, but you have to pay attention to what's going on, and the ending is like whoa!

Atonement--this one was good for me. T fell asleep 20 minutes into it...I liked it though. Very long. But interesting. Def a chick flick. And again...very different ending to it.

War--antoher good Jason Stathom movie. I just love him. He plays such a good role in all of his movies. Cant wait for In the Name of the King to come out on DVD. Loved him in that too.

Awake--...I hear it got bad reviews..I LOVED it. SOOOO not what I thought was going to happen. Poor guy!!

August Rush--tears tears and MORE tears!! This is SUCH a good movie. And even my hubby liked it....Def recommend it to anyone.

Stardust--also another VERY good movie. Claire Danes played such a fun character in this movie...and I LOVED Deniro's role. He rocked his role.

30 Days Of Night (also seen at the theater)--We saw this in theaters and bought it when it came out on DVD. Love Josh Hartnett. Need I say more?!? LoL..but really its probably my favorite vampire movie ever!

The Brave One--Still have not finished this one. Hope to tonight. Its pretty long. But from what I've seen...I DO NOT blame the chick!

I Am Legend (also seen at the theater)--LOVE Will Smith. If I could meet a celebrity..he would be right up close to the top on my list. Poor thing. Definately a movie that shows that its not an easy thing to be alone in the world. Not too much that can be said without spoiling it..but it is one to see!

So...until Tuesday..when more new releases come!

AMM List of 3

2008-03-19T00:10:00.002-05:00

A few FUN things going on at AMM:

1. SNEAK PEAK for the April kit...YUM! Love me some Webster's Pages. Aren't they gorgeous? Just wait till you see the rest!

2. Friday night chat. These have been held over the last couple of weeks and are SO much fun. This Friday will be a LIVE chat on YAHOO. It will be for anyone either trying out or debating on trying out for the design team. Members of the current DT will be there (including me) to answer any questions that members may have about being on the DT. This will be TONS of fun. If you don't have yahoo...all you gotta do is sign up for free and post your username here to be invited to the chat.

3. Karen's DT Challenge - Four (not so easy) Rules. Check it out here. PS-theres a RAK involved--who doesnt love a RAK??

New TDX Challenge!

2008-03-17T13:37:00.003-05:00

Its up!

The Design Experiment

Here's my layout that I created for the challenge:

Sore..

2008-03-16T15:45:00.003-05:00

Can you say SORE? OMGosh..I woke up this morning and every muscle in my body is sore. Riding on the back of a fourwheeler for hours can really wear you out! We had tonsss of fun though. Me and T went and met my mom and dad in Forest Hill, La yesterday to a fourwheeler riding camp and it was a blast. Went through some good mud and lots of scary, hilly trails! I'm ready to go back already! As soon as my mom copies some pictures for me, I'll share. Dad must have gotten stuck 5 or 6 times and me and T got stuck once reallly bad in knee deep mud! FUN! T is still exhausted. We didn't get in last night until around 10...we left Forest Hill at 6! Its suppose to be a two hour drive, but after stopping and eating and getting gas, and fixing the tire on the trailer...then bringing the fourwheeler and trailer back to Walker, past our house, and dropping off at his dad's, we finally made it home. He's catching up and taking a nap now!

Okay so...it seems forever since I last posted. I feel like I've been locked in my scrap room...mostly projects I can't share just yet. The new TDX Challenge will be up tomorrow though! I did a layout using the new Making Memories 5th Avenue. I love those papers!

I'll post the TDX layout tomorrow and possible another too!

I know I know..

2008-03-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

I need to update. I will soon. I promise. Promise.

Tagged X's Four!

2008-03-06T23:16:00.004-06:00

Ok so over the last couple of days, I was tagged three times..wait make that four now! Once by Emily, once by Jenni, once by Mia, and then another time by Carla (who is the sweetie who got to lift my layout for Karla's challenge!!)

So I'm suppose to make a list of 7 Random Facts about me...whew this is going to be hard..

1. I *must* soak in a hot bubble bath before going to bed or else I won't sleep well.
2. I am obsessed with denim mini skirts..although my butt looks HUGE in them.
3. Sometimes I still secretly listen to my old CDs-Backstreet Boys and NSync..haha!
4. If I am somewhere and they have Baklava..I cave..I love that stuff
5. I have eaten an entire jar of peanut butter in one sitting...wow
6. The other night at the movies, I was looking for my phone in my purse and I learned that I had all of these items with me-diapers, sunglasses, a sippy cup, a bag of peanut M&M's, one of Brayden's spare t-shirts, and a can opener..lol..yes a can opener in my purse..don't ask how in the world that got there..and Bray was NOT with me on this trip to the movies..
7. I absolutely despise cleaning.

So theres a bit about me you probably didn't know...so my turn.. I TAG...
Patti
Shaina
Gabrielle
Jennifer (JennSue)

Mr. Mailman Came!

2008-03-05T18:38:00.002-06:00

WOW! My box arrived from AMM today..I had placed a few different orders here and there and also had some manufacturer kits on there way..and they arrived today! There was SO much stuff in the box..can I tell ya?? I counted..and yep there are at least 86 sheets of patterned paper...AHH!! Not to mention...several packs of Thickers..NEW AC, Pink Paislee, Collage Press, and 7Gypsies that I ordered and the March Kit (GORGEOUS BTW)!!! So....watch out for lots of layouts in the very, very near future!

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH MICHELLE & ALI!

This was a must share

2008-03-05T13:01:00.002-06:00

Yep...he got a hold of a black marker...a Sharpie! AH! There was black marker everywhere. Up to his elbows. Poor thing didn't know any better. I'm sure he does now! It took two baths and several times washing his hands to get it all off. And even then, you could still see it a bit. Being the mom that I am..of course I grabbed the camera and got a few shots!!

Brown Bear

2008-03-04T15:17:00.007-06:00

Brown Bear What do you see? This is Brayden's absolute favorite book right now. He loooovess for us to read it to him. It was one of my little brothers' favorites and my mom bought a copy for Brayden for his second birthday along with a couple of other board books that she enjoyed reading to Cody before he passed away in October of 2006. When my mom and dad showed up at Brayden's birthday party, I wasn't expecting them to bring a gift, as they had already built a train set table and brought it over to our house..but my mom handed me a gift bag and said that this was something she went and got by herself for Brayden. I had to hold back the tears once Brayden opened the gift bag and found the books with special little notes inside. Just last night, he made me read it 3 times before he would go to bed. He likes to point to each page and say the colors and the types of the animals and the noises they make. He really seems to have a great interest in books, just like both Cody did and just like my mom does. I hope he hangs on to that for a long time.

Layout for Karla's Challenge

2008-03-03T20:14:00.003-06:00

This is the layout that I lifted from Jessi Lute for the challenge on Karla's blog. this was SO much fun. I also posted a pic of Jessi's AWESOME layout that I scrap-lifted. She really has some great stuff in her gallery..it was so hard to choose a layout to lift!

The Design Experience

2008-03-03T00:36:00.011-06:00

So Patti and Emily had this awesome idea to start a challenge blog..and asked ME to be a part of it!! YAY! I was so honored!

So the first challenge has been posted and we have the beautiful, talented, and lovely Wendy Reed as our guest artist for the first challenge! Check it out here!!

My take on the first challenge-

A Note to Your(younger)Self

DT CALL AT AMM!!

2008-03-02T23:49:00.003-06:00

It's that time again!!!

Info forwarded from Michelle at AMM (here's the link to the thread in the forum- AMM DT CALL.

We are looking for 8 Design Team Members and will be accepting applications through March 31st, 2008.

We will announce the eight new designers once they have been contacted and have accepted their posts. The design team position is a commitment through September 30th.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

We are looking for eight energetic, outgoing, talented, versatile and creative individuals who are team. Strong photography, digital scrapbooking and class experience is a plus, but not required.

Interested applicants must register and post on the message boards at AMM during the DT call. We want to spend the next month getting to know you and we want you to get to know us and our community. Your design team experience at AMM will require daily activity on our boards.

We keep our Design Team Members busy with all sorts of activities, i.e., monthly kits, manufacturer kits, newsletter, message boards, chats, classes, etc., so when considering whether you would like to apply for the DT position, please take into consideration the amount of time that will be required to fulfill your DT requirements.

We will need you to submit 2 new (not previously posted or published) original layouts and one altered item. The layouts can be 8.5x11 or 12x12. Altered items are considered anything that is not a page or a card.

Please email your submission to michelle@amillionmemories.com

A Million Memories’ Designers are exclusive to our team. Our designers cannot hold design team positions with any competing kit club or online scrapbooking retailers. Manufacturer design team appointments and teaching at your LSS are acceptable. Your main function as a Design Team Member for AMM is that you will help us to market our store and kit club, whether it be through your designs of the product that we provide for you, word of mouth, etc., We do not want our designers to advertise for competing online businesses.

*Promote AMM whenever possible. Example, if you have a blog, there should be a link to AMM. A picture of our latest monthly kit should also be on your blog. We will in turn post your blog on our blog.

*Consistent and frequent message board participation is required.

*DT members are required to post at least four items per kit - 2-4 layouts, the altered item included in the kit (if there is one), and a card.

*Complete manufacturer sponsorship projects

*Actively participate in a monthly newsletter and blog posts.

*Actively participate in challenges, organizing contests and vendor advertising.

WHAT DO OUR DESIGNERS RECEIVE?

*A free kit every other month containing the industry's latest and greatest products, plus extra supplemental products as compensation.

*Special sponsored manufacturer's kits every 3-6 weeks. These projects are completed and posted on our boards and then we send the projects directly to the manufacturers, who may in turn, use your projects on their site, catalogs, etc. This is direct access to having your work seen by manufacturers.

*Product discounts (more detail will be provided to those who are selected for the team).

*Free product for special limited edition kits that you may (on occasion) design yourself from items in our store.

*Free product for special class kits that you will design yourself.

*Miscellaneous perks - free passes to CHA, opportunity to design with our kits, etc. We have some exciting plans for 2008 which will bring a lot of exposure to AMM and consequently, to our designers.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE e-mail the following information to michelle@amillionmemories.com:

• Name, mailing address, phone number

• Links to other online galleries that show your work (as well as your screen name)

• Link to your blog, if you have one

• A bio of yourself

• 2 new (not previously posted or published) original LO's and at least one altered item. LO's can be 8.5x11 or 12x12. Altered items are considered anything that is not a page or a card.

Include the answers to the following questions in your email:

1) Why are you interested in a DT position with AMM?

2) Site commitment and participation: We'd like to know your thoughts regarding the message board and site participation. We are looking for designers who are team players and are committed to being involved and posting daily on our message board. We'd love to see how you would go about increasing general participation on our message board.

3) Have you ever designed for another website/company? If so, who?

4) Are you currently designing for another website/Company? If so, who?

5) Are you active on any message boards? Which ones? (please provide a few links to your posts and your user name)

6) How long have you been scrapbooking?

**Note: None of the answers to the above questions will effect your chances of being on the Design Team . . .we are just curious. ; ) **

If you have any comments or questions, please email us at michelle@amillionmemories.com

A day summed up..

2008-03-01T15:12:00.002-06:00

So yesterday was a PAIN! Woke up around 8:00..my dad picked up Brayden around 8:15 to watch him while I went to the doctor and to run some other errands. Before heading to the dr, I dropped off rent, went the post office, picked up my computer from the shop and then finally got to my doctor's office for a checkup. Left there, and headed to Denham Springs so that I could run in my insurance agent's office and get proof of insurance so that I could go to the DMV to get a new license..b/c mine was lost. Got there, pulled a number..number 42. They were on 98. UGH! So then I realized I needed my birth certificate..well at least that's what the sign said..so I left, came all the way back home and then had to stop at the ATM b/c once again..the DMV requires only cash. Got back in there, and they were only on number 16. I was thinking to myself..how in the world did I drive all the way back to my house in Baton Rouge, and make it back in 40 minutes and they only went through less than twenty people?? Finally my number was called, come to find out, I didn't need my birth certificate, so that was a waste of gas money and time. I hate going to the DMV. So finally got out of there around 2 or so and headed over to my dad's to pick up Brayden. Stopped at a Subway drive thru b/c by this point I was starving. Once I got to my dad's I visited for a few minutes with my grandparents and cleaned out my car while I was there. Brayden was crying for a banana (that kid loves him some bananas), so we stopped at the Wal Mart in Walker, got some bananas and a few other things that I needed. Ran into a few people I knew..then Brayden's dad called and asked if I'd meet him at Target in Baton Rouge to give him Brayden for his weekend. So I did. Once I finally got home around 5, I layed down on the couch and passed out. Trav woke me up at 7..got up and got dressed to go meet his family at Rick N Robins for drinks...which by the way is why I had to get a new license yesterday and couldn't put it off anymore. Wow. It was a LONG day. Thankfully my dad watched Brayden all day for me or else NONE of that would have gotten done yesterday.

So it's now close to 3:30 pm on Saturday and I am on the couch still in my pajamas. Trav went out for a while to try find a Case knife that he's been wanting. I *should* be cleaning my scrap room and hooking up my pc so that my room is suitable for scrapping tomorrow..b/c luckily that's ALL that I have to do tomorrow. We are going back out tonight to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the UFC fight on Pay per view with some friends and family...so I really need to get off of here and head back upstairs to do some organizing before the day passes me by! I will have lots of layouts posted in the next couple of weeks as I have some really FUN stuff headed my way from AMM!

Some good stuff..

2008-02-26T00:31:00.007-06:00

First of all...The March Kit is up at AMM!! YAY! This kit is probably one of my faves so far..Butterfly Whimsy..you can get it here. Full of product from Scenic Route, Jenni Bowlin, American Crafts, Fancy Pants, and a SUPER cute stamp from Catslife Press. I was "off" this month for the kit, but I HAD to have it so I ordered mine last night! Cant wait to play with it!

Also, Michelle has announced that Wendy Reed will by our guest designer this month! I just love her to pieces..she alwasy has really fun stuff on her blog..you can check it out here. Cannot wait to see what she creates with the March kit.

And last but not least...check out this GORGEOUS print I just bought from 12Fifteen, a stationery and prints shop at Etsy..I LOVE it...its going to be perfect with my new furniture and my whole blue/brown theme with that splash of red. Cant wait to see it IRL and get it framed.

Getting a living room makeover!!

2008-02-25T13:47:00.006-06:00

So...if I am lucky..this will all be in my living room within the next two weeks or so...

Well..for the most part..I picked up the capiz lamp at Target the other day, that I got on clearance for $14.99! Woohoo! I was really excited to find it sitting all by itself in the Global Bazaar clearance section-considering it was regular $59.99..I'd say I got a pretty good deal. I also got two of those wicker baskets for $4 each..regular $17.99. The couch and loveseat that I am getting is from the Cindy Crawford line at Rooms To Go. The rug is from there too. The little red cabinet isnt the exact one that I picked out, but the size, shape, and color is the same. The one at RTG has library card file type drawers, eight of them. Its so cute! The end tables are a tad bit different too, but basically the same size/style. And..I'm really liking this photo wall hanging. I want to do something similar..I REALLY love this collection of stuff...

LOVE the "We are so good together" poster. I think I may order it..since it goes with my blue couch! Anyways..just wanted to share..I will def have some pictures when it is all complete and in place!

New layout..

2008-02-24T13:20:00.003-06:00

I finally got a layout done (and a new blog banner-as you can see above!!) Still dont have my PC back, however I had this photo laying around and wanted to do something with it! I LOVE these papers together. Its Scenic route, Collage Press, Creative Imaginations, and some MM. Love this color combo. Purple is usually the last color I reach for, however I am starting to LOVE it!!

OH-and I almost forgot..Karla has a really cool "Lift Me Up" challenge going on over at her blog..you have until Monday to post on her blog to scraplift a layout from the previous poster in that post, then post a link to your gallery for the next person to lift you. Gonna be fun!

Grab some goodies!!

2008-02-20T13:51:00.004-06:00

There's a new contest going on over at AMM...a chance at winning some new CHA goodies...all ya gotta do is post a funny picture in this thread. There are some pretty cute and funny ones already up! Post there and you'll have a shot at winning this awesome prize pack!

We just got home from the doctor. We had originally only had an appt set up so Bray could get his shots, however while in the waiting room, he started running fever. He ran fever last weekend and was fine both Monday and Tuesday other than a little cough, then this morning he woke up coughing at 3am and starting running a slight fever. When they called us back, the nurse checked his temp..he was at 103.9. She thought she was mistaken so she checked 3 or 4 more times, still with the same result. I think that's the highest he's ever ran. He tested him for the flu-which is exactly what it is and put him on three meds. He's so sad looking. He just lays there with no expression. Poor baby. He wanted to watch Ratatouille, so I put it on, but he's sleeping now. The Doc says he will probably have symptoms for at least 3-5 more days with high fever, even with the Motrin. I feel so bad for him! Wish there was more I could do to make him feel all better!! Maybe some rest this afternoon will help some. Trav's taking off early b/c I have a hair appt at 4, so maybe they'll pile up in the bed or on the couch and sleep all evening!

Wow--I just realized this is my 100th post!! YAY!!

About to go insane..

2008-02-18T20:13:00.007-06:00

I lost the software that goes with my printer and I am unable to find it online, so I am not able to scrap right now b/c I cant print pics!! AH! But the good news..My PC is at the shop. My dad offered to help pay to get it fixed for me. It should be ready on Thursday or Friday! YAY! and...they said they may be able to save all of my files!! YAY!!!! So this weekend I plan to scrap scrap scrap!!! And I promise-I will post some Birthday pics!

This past weekend was a pretty short one. Still kinda recovering from the flu. Got a stuffy nose and a lot of chest congestion. We did make it to the movies on Friday though. We saw Step Up 2. I liked it. It was cute and fun to watch them dancers. I tell ya though, makes you want to go dancing!! Makes ya wish ya could dance..lol! Saturday we pretty much stayed home all day. Watched No Reservations-LOVED it and We Own The Night. Both really good movies. And Sunday, we went back to the movies-tried a new theatre this time. We saw Fools Gold. It was HILARIOUS! I love Matthew Mc and Kate Hudson together. They crack me up. Especially the part where she hits him with a cane..HA! I can say we definately wont be going back to that theatre unless we are in that area..not that it was bad, but Rave has DLP- AWESOME picture and sound. All digital-which means no black specks! Afterwards, we went to dinner for some sushi, then back home to pick up Beebs. Overall, it was a pretty good weekend. Short, but good! I so need to scrap though. I feel not myself! After being sick and losing my computer! I'm having withdrawals!!

Computer gone bye bye..

2008-02-16T14:21:00.002-06:00

my PC crashed last night. AHH!! I hate that dang thing. Always giving me problems. Lost everything stored on it. Luckily all of my photos were backed up except a few...all of my Scrapbook layout photos were not backed up however. So...luckily most of those were uploaded on Photobucket and on here...so anyways..my MIL was kind enough to loan me her spare Dell laptop until I can either get my desktop repaired or get a new one. I'm thinking I want a Mac now. Hear lots of good things about them. Time shall tell..

sick..

2008-02-15T14:20:00.001-06:00

I've been sick these last few days....really sick. This weekend I should be up and running a little better and will update with BB's bday pics..

Wowzers...

2008-02-08T12:30:00.000-06:00

there has been so much going on lately. Finally finished up all my DT projects for the month...did some extra scrapping for myself too! Brayden's party is tomorrow. Gotta head out in a few to go get some stuff to finish up the goodie bags for the kiddos. Ordered his cake from Baum's yesterday I loooove their cakes and its so cute. Its Curious George. His whole party is. He really likes George right now. Last year we did Little Einstein's and his cake was Rocket. I can't wait to share pics of his George cake and party!

My dad brought his gift over yesterday. Its a really cool table he made for Bray's train set that I got him. SO neat. Here's a quick photo I took of it yesterday. It's sitting in our dining room right now. We plan on getting some new furniture for the living room soon, and it will sit behind the couch. He's not quite sure what its for yet. He wants to eat at it! So I'm thinking Saturday night, we'll be busting out the GeoTrax set that I got him. Well, the set plus add-ons. I spent like $200 on that thing and about 2 or 3 on his party! I know, I splurged, but he only turns two once right? It seems I'm telling myself that all the time. He'll only turn one once. It's his first Christmas. Its his second Christmas, gotta spoil him. I'm starting to realize I'm always gonna want to spoil him!

Anyhow...I also got a quick IM from Becky earlier...she's a sweetheart! I had uploaded my Pageframes projects in the Pageframes gallery this morning and she was letting me know that it had been featured on their blog! I was so excited! The girls over there seem so sweet!!

And dont forget about our V-Day crop over at AMM! The fun begins tonight around 7PST. We'll be posting our challenges (with prizes!!!) then and they will be due by midnight on Sunday! LOADS of fun stuff planned for the weekend! Check out more info here!

Another layout!

2008-02-07T22:05:00.001-06:00

This one is one of my faves right now...used the Pencil Lines Sketch #70..

Product Spotlights

2008-02-07T16:33:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Michelle and Alison over at AMM for sending these great products to work with!!! You can see close up images in my gallery.

A2Z

Pageframes
Little Sister Mini Tag Album

Heart Hanger

Heart U Mini Album

Just a quick..

2008-02-05T19:33:00.001-06:00

post..Did this layout late last night for Suzanne's challenge over at AMM. Scrapping a Top Ten. Threw this one together with some leftover American Crafts patterned paper, AC thickers, 7Gypsies Rubons and some Scenic Route labels. Hope to have lots more to share over the weekend!

AMM February Monthly Kit DT Projects and more...

2008-02-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

Here are my projects created with this GEORGOUS kit that Michelle put together!!

This is a mini that I created for my little sister...Our little brother passed away October 2006 and she and Cody were super close. He called her LaLa short for Lindsey, because he could never really say her full name. Its full of some of her favorite poems and quotes and several photos of the two of them.

I used stickles to cover some of the flower chipboard pieces, along with one of the pearl shell flowers and attached them to the spine with embroidery floss. I painted the book before adding some of the patterned papers. I mixed Making Memories in Kiwi and Spruce to get a color that matched the Thickers. I also added a few extra Basic Grey rub-ons.

"One year gone by..."
This is a layout of my DS, niece and nephew. The photos were taken in the same spot one year apart. I added a Collage Press journaling tag tucked behind the photos and some green rhinestones. I also did some stitching with some matching green thread.

"Self Portrait"
Here, I used the same paint color that I did for the mini book, added some bling and some more stitching and distressing.

"Congrats" card and "Smile" tag
I used the leftovers to create this card and tag. The tag is Collage Press, as well as the circle stamp.

So here's what's going on at AMM..

Suzanne just posted her challenge...very cool challenge, by the way. It involves scrapping a "Top 10" page. I am going to make sure that I make time to do this one! Here's a link with the details! There will also be a random winner of a package from Suzanne of TEN scrapbooking items!!!

This weekend is CHA, but for those of us who are unable to go..Emily at AMM has organized a really fun weekend crop for those of us "Left Behind." It'll be a Valentine/CHA crop with lots of fun challenges and of course PRIZES! Those will include 2 of our monthly kits, a few other good prize packs and one prize will be all new CHA goodies! So from Friday the 8th through Sunday the 10th, make sure to stop by!

Also, as an added bonus: Starting Feb. 2 Take 25% off your entire order in the AMM Store until February 11th!!!Enter Code: 2143 at checkout. And finally, join us DT members (well those of us who will not be at CHA) on Saturday the 9th at 6 PST for a chat in the Online Chats Forum. Hope to see you all around!

AND last but not least..dont forget to check out my free online class on the calendar layouts. Here's mine for January. For those of you who participate, there will be a random winner chosen on or around Feb 15 for a RAK!

Okay...I think I'm done now..lol..Hope you all have a GREAT Monday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-02-02T01:00:00.000-06:00

Brayden turned TWO yesterday!! He's growing up so fast! His birthday party will be next weekend since he is off to his dad's this weekend, so I will have TONS of photos to share then!! As for yesterday, I spoiled him rotten. He climbed in the bed with me yesterday morning, watched his cartoons. He took a really long bath with ALL of his bath toys. Then just me and him went out to eat at this little mexican restaurant by the house. He loves to dip his chips. I ordered him a burger and even let him have the fries without making him eat his burger first..lol..I hate giving him fries. Its all he'll eat if you dont take them away! But I gave in yesterday, then he got a scoop of icecream from one of the really sweet waitresses that we often talk to there. Of course he ate it all! He fell asleep as soon as he hit his carseat. Then went home and he slept a little while longer. We played in the park in our apartment complex. Swang, ran around and played. It was just fun focusing all on him. My sister, his Aunt LaLa came over and brought him an Elmo balloon and a few others that he LOVED. He even got to stay up a little late! So anyways....I think he had a pretty good day. He's really looking forward to "Ope presents" as he says it. So next weekend he will have a blast with all the other kids at his birthday party!

Piggy Tales DT Product Spotlight

2008-01-29T14:35:00.000-06:00

Here are the layouts that I created with products from Piggy Tales, provided by AMM! Thanks Ali and Mo!!

Yes, they got in the toybox

Additional products:
AC Thickers
Red polka dot ribbon
Daisy D's red button
Rhinestone brad
Making Memories felt flower

Mr. and Mrs. A

Additional products:
Tim Holtz Grungeboard letter "A"
Stickles in Waterfall
Heidi Swapp chipboard alphas and heart

Jump

Additional products:
Making Memories Noteworthy PP
Collage Press stamps
AC Thickers

Iceman

Additional products:
Making Memories felt flower
Creative Cafe felt ribbon

Thank YOU!!!

Additional products:
AC thickers
Heidi Swapp Alphas

and I've also added more pages to my 365 to the gallery at the right...

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ALL YOUR SWEET COMMENTS!!!

Weekend Recap..

2008-01-28T12:15:00.000-06:00

Well..the weekend went pretty well..the kids were good for the most part. We watched the cute movie with the Rock on Friday (cant remember the name of it)...took them to the D.S. Mardi Gras parade on Saturday..then back home for hot chili, a fire (the first time we burned one in our new place), and more movies. Then after they went to bed, we got to catch a few movies for ourselves...watched Saw IV again..then watched Good Luck Chuck. It was pretty good..they definately could have left a few scenes out though.

Sunday morning, Bray woke up running 102.8 fever. Though we were going to have to take him to the ER, but the Motrin knocked down the fever very quickly. We had the couch bed folded out most of the weekend for the kids, so me and Trav took advantage of it yesterday after the niece and nephew left and cuddled with Bray and watched more movies. Bray is feeling much better today. Thought it was a virus or the flu, but just teething. He's got three new teeth coming in! Poor thing would hardly eat anything. So...needless to say..I didnt get any scrapping done this weekend. I'll have some stuff to share this week for sure though! Hope you all had a great weekend.

OH! I almost forgot..Thursday..I got a call from Maya Road about the Maya Road Lover's Gallery Contest...my submission is going to CHA!! YAY! Check out the link here: MAYA ROAD DT BLOG!

Yes..they climbed into the toy box..

attacking Travis...they did this ALL weekend!

eating breakfast by the fire...

me and T at the parade

yummy hot chocolate...

me and BB

the parade starts...

after catching some beads..

they were tired!

AHHH!!

2008-01-25T15:09:00.000-06:00

Okay, my first time with three kiddos today!! Just got home from picking up my niece and nephew from daycare and school. They are 3 and 6. Wow. Add that to my one and they are a bunch, I tell ya! So I've got two wild boys, 3 and almost 2, and the girlie girl, Angel, who's 6. Wish me luck!!

Three

2008-01-20T00:44:00.000-06:00

Yes, three movies this weekend. Whew. Usually two tops, but this weekend I saw three in theaters. Liked them all too. Lately I've been really into movies. I've come to appreciate the ones that aren't so great and have learned that not all movies have happy endings, but that doesn't
make them bad movies....Our DVD collection has grown over the last few months...over 300 now. Even some that were seen in theaters, we still bought. Is that bad? Thinking about it..that's a lot of money spent and since Christmas, I've seen 6 in theaters. At $8 a ticket. That's $48 just in my movies tickets alone. Not to mention Trav's and snacks. My little sister today asked me "Do you know what I could have bought with all that money?" But somehow it still doesnt bother me. Its something to do. And its definately something that both I and Trav have in common. Late night movies especially. Like tonights movie didnt start until almost 10. It seems to make the weekends last longer too. So anyways...Last night we saw Cloverfield. Amanda and Dustin came too... it didnt start till 9:50. It was different. Not what I expected. I liked it though. It seemed a lot of people didnt. The only thing I didnt care too much for was the camera guy. He had me all dizzy by the end. Then todayI went with my sister, her friend, Lou, and Amanda to see 27 Dresses. LOVED IT! Such a cute movie and really beginning to love Katherine Heigl. She has such a fun personality in her movies. Not to mention James Mardsen...didn't care for him too much till seeing him in this role. He was a cutie. Then tonight, In the Name of the King. Long, but very good. Sad. But very good. Overall, I am please with the three this weekend. Oh and previews! I love previews. **so** Want to see What Happens In Vegas, Made of Honor, Jumper, The Eye, and this other movie with Ryan Reynolds that I forgot the name of already. Looks like February is gonna be another movie month!

Barefooted-ness

2008-01-17T23:36:00.000-06:00

Nohting I love more than his itty bitty toes...I've decided I dont take nearly enough photos. Ha..my husband would laugh in my face and ask "are you serious?" I usually always have the camera on me, but these kind of shots are the kinds I always never do..and they are my favorite. Focusing on the details. The itty bitty toes in cute vintage jeans. Gosh I love those jeans! And Travis snapped a few too...

I forgot...

2008-01-16T17:26:00.000-06:00

to include these in my last post!

I LOVE this line..I got a lot of this from my SS and couldnt help but tearing into it before I got a photo for the swap..My SS sent the PP, ribbon, rubons and some chipboard letters! Thanks SS!

I saw the heart shapes on Keisha Campbell's blog and had to go get them to use with the love story line! not sure what I'm going to do with them yet..probably make a banner type thingy to hang on my mantle! these were so much fun!

Calendars..

2008-01-16T16:24:00.001-06:00

I finally finished my December calendar! My printer ran out of ink...seems it's always doing that! Sorry for the sucky pictures...its been rainy all day!

Products used:
Patterned Papers: Scenic Route, Making Memories, American Crafts, Tinkering Ink....oh and Love Elsie (the black)

All numbers are AC Thickers
(You can get them here)

Label Stickers- Scenic Route, Jenni Bowlin (buy them here!), 7gypsies (here too) and Fontwerks

Other stuff- white applique, small blue flower (i cant remmber for the life of me who makes those bitties, rhinestone, ribbon strips, button and MM sheer shape

Here's the link to the free class on these calendars..
I'll be posting the rest of the directions tonight!

FREE MONTHLY CALENDAR CLASS

sorry..

2008-01-15T14:17:00.001-06:00

for no new posts lately. its been a long rough weekend...i'll have more to share later this week...here's a sneak of the AMM Feb kit! Cant wait to work with this one..

Webster's Pages Product Spotlight

2008-01-10T00:42:00.003-06:00

My projects with products from Webster's Pages supplied by A Million Memories...

Thanks Michelle and Alison..loved working with Websters!

Also, I have my galleries up and running to the right. Started a 365 mini book that you can see there!

I SO Want this..

2008-01-08T13:09:00.000-06:00

Thanks Gabrielle for sharing at AMM this sneak for CHA...

Fun times..

2008-01-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

Last night, Amanda invited me to go eat with her and her friend Mike. Travis was working late so, I went. We had sushi! YUM! Love me some sushi...and we drank sake..for the first time. It was pretty darn good. Only the one kind though. It was sweet, like white wine. Afterwards, we came back home and Trav was here with Dustin, his cousin. We were bore...debating on whether to go shoot pool, go bowling or something else. Too late for bowling as we found out when we called to reserve a lane, and T was too tired to go "out" out, so we decided to go play Laser Tag. It was a BLAST. I had never played before and I pretty much kicked everyone's butt! Well, except for Dustin, but he only beat me by 1 point. The second game we played, there was no one else in the building except the 5 of us. It was WAY funner, b/c there weren't random people you didnt know shooting at you....like little kids who played ALL the time and had the building memorized. We wanna plan to go back. They do private parties from 12-2 for 20+ where you have the whole building to yourself and just the people you know. We're gonna plan a night soon. Here's a couple photos from the night!

Me, Amanda, and Mike

Me and Amanda drinking Sake

Our table..full of yummy sushi!

Me, Amanda, Dustin, and Mike before Laser Tag...I have no idea where Trav was!?

Layouts..

2008-01-03T12:12:00.001-06:00

I'll be creating a link on my blog for a gallery of my layouts...I have SO many previous ones that it would take hours to upload those..so I'll just be adding the new stuff. Maybe at a later date, I'll add in my older layouts...

MAMBI Product Spotlight

2007-12-31T17:40:00.000-06:00

Here are the projects that I made with the fun MAMBI products that AMM sent me to work on last month! Also..be sure to check out the Message Boards at AMM for a free online class that I will be offering!...ps-there's a RAK involved!!

OH and I almost forgot...I just got in my order for some Making Memories Love Story goodies...you must check it out...I cannot wait to dig in!

you can get it here:

papers:
http://www.amillionmemories.com/product_line.php?id=944

embellies:
http://www.amillionmemories.com/product_line.php?id=943

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO EVERYONE! HAVE A FUN AND SAFE HOLIDAY!

December 30

2007-12-30T20:47:00.001-06:00

Today is the day that my little brother would be 5. He passed away last October due to some major issues that he had with surgery. My little sister posted the following blog on her myspace and it brought tears to my eyes reading:

Cody turns 5 years old today. And it also make 441 days since he has passed away. I miss you baby, more than anyone can imagine.

Our family has been through so much with you.... the trips to California, to the doctors and therapists, the medicines and machines... learning to walk and talk like a normal kid, to be happy and so innocent. The horrible 4 months you spent at Stanford Hospital in California last year. We would do ANYTHING to take it back and tell them that you were NOT ready for this surgery. The surgeries, the sores, the CTs and x-rays, the medicines and poking, learning to breathe all on your own, to eat and drink and swallow all over, to sit up... to smile and giggle... all over AGAIN. You shouldn't have had to go through that, you are too innocent and sweet... and you were so strong! I look up to you in every way. Sitting at your bedside everyday, holding your hand, playing with your hair and giving you sponge bath, whispering things in your ear.. hoping you could hear me... three and a half months you laid in that bed until Momma and me could finally hold you and rock you again... I will cherish all of these memories forever... and the time at the park when KiKi and me lied to Momma about where we were taking you... when you had colic and I carried you through the house for hours trying to make you feel better. Waking up every morning and sneeking up beside your bed and hear your giggle when you knew I wanted to play. Shuffling you through the window to MawMaw & PawPaw. Or sitting on your bed with you watching you laugh and enjoy when they chased each other with sticks. Watching you 'do your feet' over and over again because you knew it made everyone laugh. Chasing your through the hallway and kitchen on your lawnmower... when you would give sweet eyes... when you cried for LaLa going off to surgery or when the nurses had to hold you down, it broke my heart. To watch you play with Bob and JoJo and your eyes would light up when you recognized something you love. Playing at bathtime, fighting to get in and then never wanting to get out... eating pop pop with Daddy... or wanting to rock-rock with Momma. You were so funny the first time you saw Brayden when he came home from the hospital, only a few days old and you walked up to him and waved telling him Hey! and giving him lovins... when you would run down the hallway and push my door open and dig in all my dresser draws and throw stuff everywhere... when you wanted to lay down and cuddle and pat-pat. or go outside and ride your golf-cart... I loved to get up every morning and dress you... I spent more money or your clothes and toys than I did on me. Sitting in your bed or laying on the couch and reading your the Dr. Suess books that you loved so much. I am so angry that you can't be with us now... that I'll never be able to hold you or kiss you or hug you... it hurts to know that I have to go to a cemetery to be close to you. I just keep asking why. Why you? Why so soon? Why did this happen? When you were born, I never thought that I would share a bond with you like we did... you are still my everything. You have taught me so much, I was a better person with you here. Now that your gone, I don't know who I am, so lost not knowing what to do. I LOVE you Cody like I will never be able to love anyone else. You were and still are so special, no one can compare to you. I would give up everything I have to have you here again. And I would go through all of this over again just to have you here with us for those 3 and 1/2 years. You are my Angel in Heaven now, I know that, you won't suffer anymore. You are OK, safe and healthy and happy. I hope you don't miss us like we miss you. We will all be together AGAIN! Be truely happy again.

I love you Cody James...

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!

LaLa

A Boy In My House

There is a boy in my house – and tiny little shoes.
And 200 papers in various blues.
There's Bob (he's a builder) and Thomas the Train,
There's a fireman coat to wear in the rain.
They have cars on their shirts and frogs on their hats
There's a glove and a ball and a red plastic bat.
There's dirt on a face and a smudge on a nose;
Grass stains on knees and sand between toes.
There's bathtime at night with bodies to scrub,
And when we're all done there is dirt in the tub!
There's bandaids and bruises and curious bumps,
There's smiles and laughter and sometimes there's grumps.
There's odors most icky; there's boogers so green.
There's more yucky things than I'll ever get clean.
There's piles of laundry; there's stories at night;
There's bedtime and bathtime and dinnertime fights.
There's cars and there's trains and there's books about trucks.
There's Scoop, Lofty, Dizzy, and Travis, and Muck.
Sometimes there are bugs, and sometimes there are frogs;
Sometimes they are lions, or dinos, or dogs.
There are cute little vests and darling neckties
Dragged right through the mud – oh what a surprise!
There's running and climbing and jumping and falling,
And laughing and crying and hugging and brawling,
And rolling and losing and finding and creeping,
And whining and stealing and sometimes there's sleeping.
There's tantrums and time outs and extra loud noise –
There's love in my house shaped like a little boy.

I had to share..

2007-12-26T23:33:00.001-06:00

Me and Trav "play" argueing back and forth the other night about him always forgetting to take out the trash, so I told him that if he forgot to take it out the next morning that I was going to gripe at him all day just to hassle him. He said he would write himself a reminder note...this is what I found taped to our front door the following morning. He cracks me up.

OH AND YAY!! The new AMM kit for January is up!! It is FILLED with yummy goodies from 7Gypsies, Maya Road, Rusty Pickle, Autumn Leaves, and MUCH more! Here's a pic of the complete kit. You can purchase it here: AMM JANUARY KIT!

ALSO..another great contest going on at AMM...all you gotta do is post HERE with your favorite lines for Valentine's Day products and what kind of projects you've got planned and you could win these:

So much..

2007-12-26T12:39:00.000-06:00

to share! Wow..I cannot believe Christmas has come and gone so fast! We had a lot going on this year. Thursday night before Christmas we went over to my mother-in-laws for the kids to exchange gifts. Nanny read them the Night Before Christmas and they opened their gifts, and snacked and played for quite a while. When we got home, we did our Christmas Eve tradition..(well I know it wasnt Christmas Eve, but it was suppose to be our last night with Brayden before Christmas day...however, his dad called and said he was sick, so he ended up with us on Friday night too.) Anyhow..he got his new jammies, and opened his stocking gifts. He cried when he didnt have more to open. We drank hot chocolate and apple cider until it was time for bed.

Friday night, we had a Christmas party at Trav's aunt's house. It was fun. Lots of good food and a Christmas gift exchange game. Once again..Bray had lots more fun gifts to open and play with!

Saturday, we finished up our shopping...but definately stayed far far away from the mall! Went to my dad's and he surprised me with a new washer. So happy. Our's bit the dust about 2 weeks ago. We'd been using the laundromat (sp?) We also went to the movies with a few of Trav's cousins. We saw I Am Legend. LOVED it. I dont think Will Smith can make a bad movie.

Sunday, we slept WAY too late. I got sick on Friday morning and was really bad off Sunday. I dont think I got out of bed until like 2:00. We stayed home all day. Went to Gamestop around 8 and baked cookies and I watched Trav play videogames for a few hours.

Monday..home most of the day. Just relaxed..wrapped a few more gifts. Then to Trav's MawMaws to exchange gifts...and of course EAT again!

Brayden came home Christmas morning..my parents picked him up on their way over at 9. It sucked not having him home on Christmas Eve, but it was either Christmas Eve or Day and I chose day. He had a BLAST opening gifts. He was definately way more into it than last year. Santa brought him a Hot Wheels fourwheeler, and tons of other toys and clothes. My parents bought him a tricycle..he'd been asking for a bike from santa. Everytime we ask him what he wanted Santa to bring him..he didnt even have to think, just would splurt out BIKE!! He also got an outdoor playhouse..that he loves sticking his head out the windows of. We went back over to Trav's MawMaws that evening..and the kids all played and of course, opened more gifts...Bray got a VSmile from Trav's MawMaw and a new blankie. He HAD to sleep with it last night.

Our house was a total WRECK by the end of the night. It went from this...

to this..

and still needs A LOT more picked up and brought upstairs. As for me and Trav, we went light on eachother this year. He got me a bind it all, a new bookshelf, a gift card from the local scrap store and a few other small goodies. He got three case knives, and a few tools. Overall, it turned out to be a GREAT Christmas! Now..on to planning Bray's birthday party! Only a month away from #2!!Here are some more pics...from Christmas night...I know I posted a TON!

Thursday..

2007-12-13T18:50:00.000-06:00

Its Thursday..finally!! So glad that tomorrow is Friday! And SO glad that we may have some cooler weather this weekend. We plan on going to look at Christmas lights Saturday. We went by a few last week and Bray LOVED it..there's this one place in Denham Springs, Omg..crazy..they have like hundreds of those blow up type things of different characters and stuff..they made a pathway for visitors to walk through their yard to see them all..we will be going back there so I can get some pictures! The weather today was yuck..rain and humidity. So no pictures of my current projects just yet. Couldnt get any good natural light.

I am really loving Ali Edwards daily december album. I plan on making one up to start the new year with. Sort of a journal to record certain things..I may do something like 365 days and randomly journal a day a week or something like that..

Oh...if you havent already..HURRY up and go post here to have a chance to win some of the new Rusty Pickle Christmas papers..all you gotta do is post about your favorite Christmas lines, and you will be entered to win in a random drawing.

I have a few pictures to post from the other night..just havent uploaded them yet. I'm such a procrastinator (sp?)

Photo

2007-12-06T15:07:00.000-06:00

We ended up going to church last night. We usually only go on Sundays, but we decided to go last night and loved it..so I thinkg we'll be trying to go on Wednesdays too. We were all dressed up and I couldnt resist taking a picture..turns out..this will be our Christmas card picture!

Boredom

2007-12-05T15:02:00.000-06:00

Trying to cure my boredom. Been browsing TONS of blogs and sites today and found some really cool stuff. Becky at AMM mentioned this really cool site that sells the COOLEST stuff... Papier Valise.. I wanna place an order so bad. Those pins under "Misc" are adorable! And, then I found this etsy shop, Paperologie, love the tags and goodies there! I also came across Ali Edwards' blog and LOVE the Christmas mini she's working on. I'm thinking of doing one, just only 12 days, not 25..since I've already lost that time. Love the clear album with all the red. Very cool. Okay..so I'm going to find something to do. Kinda in a rut right now..waiting on some things to arrive!! (Like 4 packages!! Dont you LOVE getting mail?!?!

Cool stuff..

2007-12-03T11:11:00.000-06:00

Going on at AMM! There's a contest posted in the "Contests" forum..all you gotta do is post about a Christmas project or layout that you are working on and you could win this:

AMM also is currently running a chontest using a PageMaps sketch from Becky Fleck..she will be helping to choose a winner and will also be at AMM to chat on December 6th at 6pm PST.

AMM December Kit DT Projects

2007-12-01T14:42:00.000-06:00

I was SO thrilled when this kit came! It has SO much versatility and yummy products. The kit is up for sale today! If you aren't a subscriber..YOU SHOULD BE!! You can get it at HERE!

Here are my Design Team Projects with the kit.

Thanks Jenni!

2007-11-30T12:28:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do:

Just copy this entire blog entry and paste it into a new post on your blog. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. My friend Jenni from posted this on her blog and I just snatched it up!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for most of the stuff.

2. Real tree or artificial? Fake..so much easier.

3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? usually about a week after Christmas

5. Do you like eggnog? HAte it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Hmm..I dont know..I like stuffed animals.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? My parents bought Brayden one last year for Christmas and will be buying the addons for it throughout the years.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My parents.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Brayden and Angel

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Oh gosh. I wont say.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The kiddie ones.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually am a last minute shopper, but this year I started early November.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No..

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? EVERYTHING! especially cookies!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Commet,Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. lol..no I really couldnt..I left Jenni's answer here...

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have a huge bow I made on top of mine!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Stockings on Christmas Eve, the rest Christmas morning.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Crowds and traffic.

23. What I love most about Christmas? The cool weather..the look on kids' faces opening gifts..seeing other peoples reactions to gifts I bought or made...hot chocolate..Christmas music...looking at lights...I could go on and on!

Oh yeah..I almost forgot..we FINALLY got a new dining room table. Only paig $300 for it with all the chairs WOOHOO!! And got these cute place settings from Target..

Elf Yourself

2007-11-29T18:35:00.001-06:00

You must do this..

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1111363170

i know..

2007-11-26T20:33:00.000-06:00

I've been bad this week. Trav was off all week, so I pretty much spent the week out of my scrap room and with him. We went to the movies twice. Cooked Thanksgiving dinner and had a lot of free time.

Here are some projects that I finished up for AMM. Thanks Inque Boutique and Michelle and Alison. There are more images in my AMM GAllery.

Holiday Card Contest

2007-11-19T14:06:00.000-06:00

At AMM! Check out the details here!

Here is my take:

A bunch..

2007-11-19T14:01:00.000-06:00

of layouts! With the November AMM monthly kit and with a Daisy D's AMM DT Product Spotlight kit. Thanks Michelle and Alison for sending out such GREAT products and thanks to Daisy D's! The Christmas line is just beautiful!! You can view more images of each project at my AMM Gallery.

AMM November Kit

Daisy D's

AMM DT Challenge..

2007-11-11T19:15:00.000-06:00

So its my turn for the challenge over at AMM. Here it is! Please join in and post in the gallery!

Fall is finally here and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I can remember way back in elementary school, we either had to do a project or a paper about all of the things that we were thankful for, so my challenge is all about what you are thankful for this year! Think of five different things that you are thankful for and create a layout or even a mini book about them.

1. I love mixing different patterned papers, so I thought that it would be fun to have you use at least 4 different patterned papers on your project. ( I used SEVEN! -Making Memories Noteworthy (shaped background, #’s 1, 4, & 5), Jenni Bowlin (pink), American Crafts (#’s 2 & 3)

2. Create a “numbered list” of the things you are thankful for.

3. Hide some of your journaling. For my layout, I created “pockets” on the backside of my chipboard elements that hold small pieces of cardstock with a ribbon tab. I added my journaling with some Maya Road Rub-Ons.

You have until the end of the day on Sunday, November 25th to post your challenge. You MUST post it here on this thread AND in the Gallery. I’ll choose a winner on either that Sunday or Monday and send out a small RAK! Hope you enjoy the challenge!

P.S. This is one of the only layouts I have ever made that does not have a photo, but of course, you can add photos if you would like to! HAVE FUN!!!

Here is the layout that I made:

Trees

2007-11-06T13:33:00.001-06:00

Finally got these posted. They have been sitting on my desk for over a week now. For the Handmade Christmas Tree Contest over at AMM. Check it out!

I would type some more, but Brayden is in my lap throwing himself a fit to push the buttons. So tomorrow then!

There's really no words..

2007-11-05T20:47:00.000-06:00

So go and leave some ratings!!!!!

www.youtube.com/amandalhoyt

Wow.

2007-11-05T10:21:00.000-06:00

Okay. So it was a really short, fast weekend. Saturday, we pretty much stayed home all day and got sushi for dinner. Sunday we went to Nana's to prepare for Angel's birthday party. She had a Hannah Montana party and OMG, you are gonna die when I post a video tomorrow. Let's just say that Angel's uncle (my hubby) loves her very much and would do just about anything to try and win her tickets to the Hannah Montana concert.

November Kit!

2007-11-01T16:47:00.001-05:00

The November Kit! Go check it out at AMM!! I'll be posting my projects some time this coming week!

My hubby..

2007-10-30T18:48:00.000-05:00

was just too sweet today. I've been sick and he surprised me with takeout dinner from Cracker Barrel. LOVE their chicken and dumplings! Such comfort food. And he brought desert that we are about to chow down on when Nip/Tuck comes on shortly! :P

still sick.

2007-10-30T16:50:00.000-05:00

Woke up Sunday sick. Both me and Bray are sick with a cold. Ugh. I hate being sick. I did finish up some layouts and said I'd post them today, so here they are!
You can see a complete list of all of the products in my AMM Gallery!

This is my October calendar. I've been doing these since July. They are FUN!

Monday!

2007-10-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

Its Monday! Not everyone enjoys Mondays, but I do! We had a long weekend! My car died on me Thursday. The battery gave up on me. Trav had to leave work to come and change it out. He had his cousins with him. How many guys does it take to change a battery? Obviously it takes 3 1/2! BB was all up in their way trying to "help" with his play tools.
We went to eat at Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro (YUM) and to the movies to see Saw IV with Matt and Laura Friday night. Saw was pretty sicko! Saturday we went to the flea market and the mall, did some shopping here and there, then out to eat with Trav's family because his cousin is being deployed to Iraq soon. It was a lot of fun. Matt and Laura came over afterwards and we watched Hostel 2 and Wrong Turn 2. What can I say? We love horror movies. 90% of our movies are scary ones!

Just "had" to post this pic of BB, Bradley and Angel from Boo at the Zoo last weekend. And the other pic, couldnt resist it! That's my cutie!

I got some scrapping done this morning. Finished up Karen's DT Challenge over at AMM. You should check it out. REally gets you in the journaling mood. I did a few other layouts too. Haven't photographed them yet though.

Cool weather!

2007-10-23T18:23:00.001-05:00

WOOHOO!!! We finally got some cool weather today. It actually got kinda chilly for the real first time this fall. It was NICE! Here's a sneak of the AMM November Kit!!Definately loving the chipboard and those rubons!!

The weekend and new stuff

2007-10-22T19:44:00.000-05:00

Whew. Its been a long hectic weekend. Travis was out of town on Saturday with his dad at a Case event. Me and Bray went shopping with my MIL. Got a lot of goodies!! I also went to my LSS looking for some Thickers, but no luck there. Guess Ill have to order some. Sunday we took Bray to the Zoo for Boo at the Zoo. Amanda met us over there with Angel and Bradley. It was fun. Just exhausting. And I have been on a roll today. Finished up my mini book, and three other layouts. Two of which I posted. Cant post the other just yet!! You can see the other pages of my mini at my AMM Gallery.

AMM DT Product Spotlight and GOOD NEWS!!

2007-10-20T00:29:00.000-05:00

My Design Team Projects for A Million Memories. I did Scrapworks Halloween and PRima. Loved all of it!!

For Scrapworks:
I did 50 mini bags full of candy. Punched pp and added Shimmer Shapes and some sheer ribbon to a few. Filled them with candy and stapled shut for the Trick-or-Treators. I also altered a pumpkin door hanger and two layouts as well as a Thank You card for Scrapworks!!

Prima:
This is a Junkitz tag book that I added some Prima pp and decorative tape to. Did a lot of stitching and added some photos. I altered three mini canvases with the tape, journaling nots, some chipboard pieces and flowers. I also did three layouts and a thank you card. Oh and I altered the mini notebook that some of the journaling notes came in.

<

Thanks Alison and Michelle for these awesome products!

OH...I almost forgot..Just got the new from my dh that I can go to CHA in Feb!! SO excited!!! Thanks Michelle for inviting me!

Secret Sister

2007-10-15T18:53:00.000-05:00

Got my package from my SS! All kinds of awesome goodies!!

DT Challenge

2007-10-15T01:56:00.001-05:00

My take on Dedra's Design Team Challenge...SHE ROCKS!! Check out her challenge HERE!

Wow! Its been a hectic weekend. Friday was a stay at home night, we ordered sushi to go and watched 28 Weeks Later. I had crazy dreams that night! Saturday we went to the new Cabela's and walked around. Then, took Brayden to my MIL's to stay the night while we went to the 13th Gate (Haunted House) with Trav's cousins and sister. It was fun! Today we went to my dad's for fried fish. Came home and been working on some DT stuff. So, now its 2am and I am off to BED! I am exhausted!

Layouts

2007-10-11T21:12:00.000-05:00

Jsut a few new layouts that I did over the last couple of days. Have few more, but can't post them yet! Love Love Love the new Making Memories Noteworthy line!

New Stuff

2007-10-07T22:49:00.000-05:00

We went and bought Brayden's costume today. Went to 3 different WalMarts, and 2 Targets to find his size...but we finally found it. Its a Pirates of the Caribbean toddler pirate costume. Its sooo cute. I tried it on him earlier and he loved it. We also got some pumpkins today to put by the front door. Love me some pumpkins. Love carving them too!

Finally got my scrap room organized..well not all the way..but enough to where I can scrap! I got my October AMM kit and llooooovvvee it! Here are a few layouts that I did with the kit which you can also see in the AMM Gallery. Oh, I also posted a pic of some cutesy lil Halloween Hangers that I did about a week ago with the Making Memories Halloween RAK that Alison sent me a while back.

Wow..

2007-10-04T14:14:00.000-05:00

It sure has been a week! Court didnt go over very well. Its okay though. Im just trying to be strong. On the other hand, I did find out that I am now a member of the AMM Design Team! I am soo exicted about being on the DT. So many wonderful ladies tried out and I am in complete shock that I was chosen. Below are my submissions...two layouts and an altered project. I used mostly products from the AMM September kit to complete all three. THANK YOU ALISON AND MICHELLE FOR MAKING ME A PART OF THE AMM FAMILY! HUGS TO YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE FOR THEIR SUPPORT AT AMM!

Moved in & full kit reveals.

2007-10-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

So we are basically all moved in. Still dont have my scrap desk. Hopefully itll get here today. I am so about to just pull everything out on the floor!

Brayden's room is pretty much done. Still gotta hang some things on the wall, and thanks to Emily's advice, we are going to get one of those rugs with the roads/town on it for him to play on in his room wiht his cars.

We have custody court on Wednesday. Trying to work out a better schedule than the one we currently have. (Wish us well on that!)

On the other hand, I cannot wait for the packages I'll be recieving this week! So much fun stuff coming. I have the AMM kit with add on:

and also I have coming, The Scarlet Lime October kit, along with the October Crush Add-on and the Guest Artist Favorites Kit(Michelle Hill).

I know, I splurged this month. But at least I'll have tons of goodies to work with in my new scraproom!

Inspiration...

2007-09-27T15:11:00.000-05:00

So, todays blog challenge at AMM is to share where you get your inspiration from. Geez..I could go on for days. Of course I get tons of inspiration from all of the gals at AMM. I also get tons of inspiration from the DT at Making Memories. Christy Tomlinson is also a great inspiration. She works with MM and also, just recently started a kit club called The Scarlet Lime. Love this kit. So much fun stuff. I also love getting inspiration from home magazines. One of my faves is West Elm. I love all of the colors and styles in their catalog. Ocassionaly, I scroll through the member and design galleries over at Two Peas. And of course, there are those challenge blogs/sites that get my juices flowing if I am stumped. They are all listed to the right.

Tonight.

2007-09-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

Not too much going on tonight. Did A LOT more packing. All my kitchen stuff, scrap stuff, and Brayden's room is completely packed. Only the bathroom and bedroom to go. I'll get that done tomorrow (hopefully)! Friday we get the keys to our new townhome. I am sooo excited. So ready to be in my new scrap room, scrapping away. Well...off to put Bray to bed. Way past his bedtime!

Kit Clubs!

2007-09-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about my two kits that will be coming in after the first. Here's some sneaks. The first photo is the A Million Memories kit, and the rest of the pics are The Scarlet Lime kit(with add ons)!

Its finally fall.

2007-09-24T12:21:00.000-05:00

Now if only the weather would cool down!

Sunday

2007-09-23T16:20:00.000-05:00

We went to church this morning. Then ate at Los Sombreros for lunch. Trav had to go to work to do a side job, so I got bored and decided to do a digital lo since all of my stuff is packed up. Its my first digi lo ever. So not anything special. Just boredom!

just got back...

2007-09-20T23:59:00.001-05:00

from the after hours clinic, travis was working earlier and drilling a hole in a ceiling and a small piece of wood flew into his eye. We went to see a Dr, and he put some numbing drops and tried getting it out with a needle, no luck, so he went out to his vehicle and got what he called a "drill" and drilled it out. ahhhhh...it was nerve racking. i was watching, my eyes watering. we left brayden with my mil, been gone about 4 hrs. no pain medication. he gave him some antibiotic drops that he has to do every 2 hours and prescribed him ambien to knock him out. he said the only way it will not hurt is if he is sleeping. we're going back tomorrow to see the dr again at his office, so he can see what kind of pain trav is in. he said he would most probably put some sort of contact in it to help. looks like i'll be playing nurse this weekend, since he is too nervous to do the drops himself. he's afraid he'll miss and the bottle we got is like 1 inch tall with only three days of drops in it . It was $75!!! is that not rediculous!!!! i told him.."a drill put it there, and a drill took it out" he wasnt very amused!

Mini

2007-09-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

This is just a mini (pages are a lil over 3 inches) that I threw together last night using some goodies that I got for my bday. The album was included in the package I got from my Secret AMM Swap Sister. I also posted a pic of my goodies from that package!

Moving!

2007-09-19T17:20:00.000-05:00

We rented a townhouse today. It's BIG...bigger than the trailer we are in now. 3 beds, 2.5 bath. In a great area, and close to EVERYTHING! Target, lotsa good restraunts, grocery store right around the corner. Very happy. We are moving in next Friday. Going to have to pack my scrap stuff this weekend, so I'll be dormant for a lil bit till I can get my scrap room going. YAY! I'll have a scrap room! Very thrilled about that!

Hectic.

2007-09-18T13:29:00.001-05:00

Its been a very hectic week. Searching for an apartment. We are looking to purchase a house in about a year, so we are about to move to an apartment for a year until then. Where we are now is just not BIG enough and if it's going to be a year or so till we can buy, we're going to temporarily move just for some more space!

Here's another layout I did for the AMM Anniversary Weekend Crop. This is Alison and Michelle. I used the Pencil Lines sketch for this one!

AMM Anniversary Challenge

2007-09-17T11:04:00.000-05:00

I finished up 3 los for the AMM Anniversary Challenges. The first two are for the sketch challenge and the last for the Odds & Ends Challenge.

Its Friday!

2007-09-14T14:58:00.000-05:00

So glad its Friday. Completed this Layout today. Started it last night, then my printer ran out of ink so I had to hold off on printing the rest of my photos for the lo until just a lil while ago. More Scarlet Lime kit goodies.

Tonight is the chat with Scrapbook Lifestyles at AMM! This weekend is their 1 year anniversary so they got a lotta goodies and challenges for the weekend.

Lovin' this

2007-09-13T18:17:00.000-05:00

Another Layout I did with my September Scarlet Lime kit! I am so in love with these PPS! And the black and cream in the bottom left, isnt PP. Its an actual piece of wallpaper! How cool is that? It was included in the kit. Such a creative idea.

Journalling reads: Brayden was acting rather goofy tonight. He wanted mommy and TaTa to lay on the living room floor with him on the pillows. As soon as I layed down, he quickly snatched my reading glasses of the top of my head and tried putting them on (he achieved this with TaTa's help!) and I was lucky enough that my camera was sitting right there to snap this shot. Love it. He looks so intelligent