Awe, Scrap!

2010-02-28T15:47:00.008-05:00

A FEW NEW LAYOUTS...

Wow, where do I begin? I can't believe I haven't posted to the blog since early November. Life has a way of really throwing you some major hiccups. Let me back up just a bit. On November 8, 2009, my husband came home and told me he had just lost his job. The job he had for the last 12 years! They didn't offer a him a severance package or extended our health care benefits, it was literally, "thanks for your service" and a hand shake. Being so close to the holidays, Woody and I tried our best to hold life together. We prayed, updated resumes and took odd jobs. The enormous generosity of friends, family and complete strangers was overwhelming and totally unexpected =) By early January 2010, my hubby had found employment with a nice company and begun working again. Gods grace is all sufficient!

If employment issues weren't enough stress, the state of Virginia has experienced one of the coldest, snowiest winters since 1942. Our boys actually didn't have a regular day of school for the first 2 weeks of February! While I did enjoy playing in the snow with the kids and all the fabulous picture opportunities a snow day brings, being employed part-time (me) I don't get paid days off. At the same time, my beloved iMac completely stopped working and our downstairs heating unit seised putting out heat - ugh! Once again, financial stresses loomed overhead.

I truly believe that this difficult time in our family's life has made each of us stronger. We have all learned the TRUE value of a dollar and have actually enjoyed finding ways to make that buck go farther. God's ways never cease to amaze me!!

I did manage to muster up some of my lost mojo, and used it to put together the following two layouts.

"A Taste of Winter"
Matthew, February 2010

"Dream Summer!"
Disney Vacation, 2008

I promise to try and stay on top of the posts and bring you all some more fun layouts. Thanks for taking a moment to look at my work!

2009-11-07T20:54:00.007-05:00

~ New Sketch @ Let's Scrap ~

Okay, I'm a bit behind the 8 ball this week. I've been running here, there and everywhere! All that aside, Let's Scrap has a new sketch posted.

This is the layout I created based on the above sketch.
'Waves of Fun in the Sun'

Let's Scrap has a great sponsor this week, GCD. Their prize package features papers and embellishments from their Artsy Urban collection - gorgeous stuff! So be sure to upload your creations into the Let's Scrap gallery by Wed. Nov. 11. Also, be sure to tag your work with 'ls125'.

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Just a reminder:
I have created a new scrapbook network - Art From The Heart. Please click on over, I'd love to have you join me there!
Art From The Heart

God Bless & Happy Creating!

2009-11-06T22:21:00.003-05:00

New Site - 'ART FROM THE HEART'

I've decided to start my own scrapbook network.
Art From The Heart
- a friendly place to come and be inspired, share your creations and enjoy chit chatting with fellow scrapbook lovers. Art From The Heart features challenges, sketches, blog hops, weekend crops and contests.

We are currently holding a 'Nature Challenge' and would love to have you come and join the fun! A hugh embellishment RAK will be awarded to one lucky winner.

God Bless & Happy Creating!

2009-11-02T18:39:00.011-05:00

~ New Week, New Sketch...

...@ 52 Sketches 52 Weeks.
This weeks sponsor is Shabby Chic Memories. Boy, have they put together an awesome giveaway!! So grab the sketch and let those creative juices flow, cause you don't want to miss this opportunity!

Here is what I created with the sketch, plus a few detail shots:
'Every Step Together'

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Be sure to upload your layouts to the
52 Sketches 52 Weeks gallery and tag with Sketch #44.
God Bless & Happy Creating!

2009-10-30T07:42:00.004-04:00

~ DT Challenge @ Let's Scrap ~

If you’re anything like me, you absolutely adore the rich earth tones of fall, the crisp whites of winter, the brilliant pastels of spring and the bold colors of summer. Well for this weeks challenge we are going to focus on the colors of nature. I want you to create a layout – using any Let’s Scrap sketch – with only nature photos. There should be no people in your pictures, just the gorgeous outdoors. Layout size and sketch are totally your choice.
Here are a few layouts I’ve made:

Please upload your art into the gallery and tag with ‘challenge22’ + your sketch #.
One lucky winner will be chosen from the uploaded photos on Friday, November 6. I will be sending that winner this huge embellishment prize pack.

God Bless & Happy Creating!

2009-10-28T18:23:00.010-04:00

A LOOK BACK...

A few days ago I decided to organize the tons of photo cd's I have stored in a large box. As I began sifting through them I was over come with memories and moments long past. It really hit home when I began looking @ these photos taken just 5 years ago. Where do the days go? My oldest will be leaving for college this summer, my next to oldest will be getting his license this year and my third child will begin middle school next year. WOW, life really does past you by if you're not careful!
A Look Back @ '04

I used the November sketch by Karen Cole. The sketch can be found in the November issue of Scrapbook Inspirations magazine.

I used Glimmer Mist 'Denim' on the piece of yellow pattern paper - to help give dimension and texture.

God Bless & Happy Creating!

2009-10-26T08:20:00.009-04:00

Love This Magazine!

Okay, I may just be the last person on earth to find this, but wow am I glad I did -
Scrapbook Inspirations magazine.

It is published in the UK but I found it my local Barnes and Noble.
This magazine is jam - literally - jam packed with layout after layout. It's right there on the cover of the October issue, "271 ideas for original projects" - that averages out to be approximately 3.4 layouts/cards/alterables per page! They also have a 'sketch' for each issue, which the entire design team works with...loads of inspiration gals. Take a look @ November's sketch by Karen Cole - fun stuff!

Don't panic if you can't find it in your local sb store or book store because their blog is equally as good. Use the above link to check it out for yourself. Let me know whatcha think.
God Bless & Happy Creating!

My Front Porch View

2009-10-25T18:49:00.004-04:00

The western sky was truly breathtaking this evening. I love it when God colors the sky with His radiance.
God Bless & Happy Creating!

2009-10-23T19:56:00.008-04:00

I just found this new kit club site. She is currently running a design team call -- how exciting is that! Her first kits will go on sale November 1st. Drop on by and register to join us:
The Scrapbook Get-Away
God Bless & Happy Creating!

Where Did Summer Go...

2009-10-22T23:56:00.013-04:00

...that is the million dollar question! As I hung the fall flag outside the house and lined the pumpkins up on the front porch, I had to ponder this question myself. This photo of my youngest was taken on the 'last' evening of summer - the night before school started.

Poor guy, he just looks so sad...

I hope all your days are filled with joy!

God Bless & Happy Creating!

Fun Card Sketch...

2009-10-22T16:05:00.010-04:00

...now up @ Let's Scrap!

Our sponsor this week is Transparent Touches and Tags
a magnificent monthly kit club. They will be giving away a gorgeous kit to one lucky participant this week.

I had a blast with this sketch and couldn't stop at just one. I went on to make over 3 different cards...

I used a 'Piggy Tales' barndoor on this card to give dimension (plus who doesn't love a secret compartment).

...used another barndoor.

I'd really love to see your card creations...please go to Let's Scrap and upload them to album lsc107 or "edit Photo" and tag lsc107.

God Bless & Happy Creating!

New Sketch Time...

2009-10-11T20:30:00.013-04:00

...over @ 52 Sketches 52 Weeks. The sponsor this week is Color Me Daisy. They have donated a FANTASTIC kit for our end of the week giveaway - take a peek here.

This fun sketch created by Julie Bonner: (sketch #41)

This is what I created using her sketch:
'15 and FABULOUS'

Be sure to upload your layouts to the gallery no later than Saturday, Oct. 17. Please tag with Sketch #41.
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We also have a new sketch over at Let's Scrap we have a new sketch as well. The sponsor this week is That's Jazzy Stamps. She has donated a spectacular assortment of fun stamps for this weeks giveaway...take a peek here.

Here is this weeks sketch.
Just imagine the possibilities with all these photos...

This is my take on the sketch. (Sketch ls123)
'Here We Go Again'

Be sure to upload your creations to the Let's Scrap photo gallery no later than Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Please tag with ls123.

God Bless and Happy Creating!

Great New Find!

2009-10-03T09:18:00.006-04:00

I just LOVE IT when I'm strolling through the isles of my local craft store and stumble upon a really cool item that I could use on my next layout. Take a gander @ this product find.
They are called "texture makers" and their intended use is for adding texture to clay projects, but my scrappers eye saw something else =)
The package comes with 2 different texture makers, both 5x7 in size. They are made of a very heavy polymer; therefore, never lose their shape and are extremely easy to clean - soap and water, no staining. Also, because they were made for clay projects the designs are cut deeply into the polymer making inking or painting a breeze! The only draw back I found is that they are not clear, but if you're using them to make background patterns being exact is not a necessity. And most exciting of all they were ON SALE, yes!
Using this weeks sketch #39 from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks, I created this layout using the "texture makers".

A few close ups showing the background...

Thanks so much for stopping by!
God Bless & Happy Creating!

It's Wednesday...

2009-09-23T22:34:00.012-04:00

...and you know what that means - new sketch @
Let's Scrap.
This weeks sketch is very versatile. I chose to make a 12x12 layout with the sketch, while other DT members chose to do a 2 page spread. We even had one of our site members use the sketch to make a 6x12 layout (a fabulous idea, I think).
Sketch ls121:

This is my take on the sketch, plus several close-up photos:
'My Fearless Lil Monkey'

Be sure to load your layouts into the gallery @ Let's Scrap no later than Tuesday, September 29th. When you upload, don't forget to tag your layout 'ls121'. We have a spectacular sponsor this week - ScrapbookDeals4u.
I can't wait to see your creations!
God Bless & Happy Scrappin'!

Good News...

2009-09-21T19:40:00.013-04:00

...don't ya just love the sound of that! Well if you don't mind I'm gonna do a wee bit of bragging about me kids - gotta do it when you can, right? Well it all started Saturday morning. The family packed up and headed out to a weekend baseball tournament which our son Adam (my 15 year old) and his AAU baseball team were playing in. The weather could not have been more perfect, our younger two boys behaved greatly and we ended up winning our games one right after the other. Adam was totally on fire with his first ever 'inside the park' home-run, countless triples, doubles and a few ESPN catches in the outfield. Our team, the "Hanover Sports", went on to win the entire tournament with a record 5 wins 0 losses! And like all good scrappin' mamas out there, I took plenty of photos to share.

And if that's not enough happy news, when I got home last night and checked my emails I was ecstatic to find out that I'd been selected for a 2nd DT term @
52 Sketches 52 Weeks!

And I've got some great company - take a look at this list of new DT members:
Jennifer Findlay
Amy Harle
Georgia Keays
Tanya Knippelberg
Laina Lamb
Pearl Liu
Amy Oxford
Sherry Steveson
Piradee Talvanna
Lisa Wood
You can begin seeing our wonderful creations
beginning October 4th.

God Bless & Happy Scrappin'

'Our Guilty Pleasure'

2009-09-10T19:30:00.010-04:00

It's that time of the week - sketch time! This weeks sketch @ Let's Scrap has loads of endless possibilities.

Also, we have a fantastic sponsor this week,
Citrus Tree Studio.
Here is my take on the sketch, along with several closeup photos.
'Our Guilty Pleasure'

~ quick reminder ~
Please choose the album ls120 or "edit Photo" and tag as ls120, when uploading your layout based on this sketch.
I can't wait to see your magnificent creations.
God Bless & Happy Creating!

...and so it begins

2009-09-08T22:26:00.016-04:00

Yep, it's back - SCHOOL. It was rather poetic that we all awoke today to cloudy skies, rain showers and low temps. It was as if God could feel my sadness...
summer is over. Thankfully, I was able to get a few good pictures despite the gloomy conditions...
"Jacob" Senior
I'm still in denial that my first born is a Senior.

"Adam" Sophomore
He didn't go to school today.
He is still fighting Strep throat =(

"Ethan" 5th grade
A picture is truly worth a thousand words.

"Matthew" 3rd grade
My baby is no baby anymore, sniff...sniff

...and so it begins, another school year.

How many days until summer break?

Never 2 Old

2009-09-06T10:25:00.015-04:00

September's Build-a-page @ Prima is up.
Wow, this one looks way too fun not to give it a try.
Just think of all the possibilities those
little squares can hold!
~ Never 2 Old ~
(my take on the sketch)

I tried to showcase my 15 year old who was just so sure that spending an hour or two @ the park would be boring. He had a blast swinging and sliding and spinning...
hence the title 'Never 2 Old'.
Here are a few close-up photos:

For the star border I used the masking technique with Glimmer Mist. Once the mist was dry, I outlined the stars with both a metallic pen and a fine point black pen.

Well, thanks for stopping by.
God Bless and Happy Creating!

2009-09-01T23:41:00.003-04:00

~ WE HAVE A WINNER ~
First, I would love to THANK everyone for your kind comments and for taking time to visit my blog.
So without further ado, our winner of the HUGH EMBELLISHMENT GIVEAWAY is...
Poopsie (aka) Abbie Cliff
Please forward me your physical address to lisawd@comcast.net.
P.S. More giveaways coming very soon =)
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Okay I know summer is not 'officially' ending, but sadly it is drawing to a close. My kids have only 2 weeks now before that school bell starts ringing and Labor Day is just a distant memory. Well, instead of feeling sad about summers end, I thought I'd celebrate it with a
HUGH EMBELLISHMENT GIVEAWAY!
Take a look at this...

It's loaded with major brand name products.
Names like:
• Making Memories
• We R Memory Keepers
• Prima
• Maya Road
• Jenni Bowlin
• American Craft
Plus, some extras not even pictured! All you need to do is leave a comment. THAT'S IT! Now if you want to link this post to your blog, website, Facebook or message board - FANTASTIC and THANK YOU, but it is not necessary to win. Comments will be excepted now through August 30th. I will pick a name from those who commented on Sept. 1st and post the winner here.
US addresses only
Thanks in advance to all of you and Happy Creating!

You Are Back

2009-08-28T16:46:00.012-04:00

This is a very special layout for me...it documents a great accomplishment for my oldest son. Jacob was in a major automobile accident back in late December 2008. He broke his right femur clean through and had to undergo surgery to implant a rod inside the femur. Much to our delight, recovery went faster and better than expected and this layout tells the story of how far he has come.
"YOU ARE BACK"
Here are a few close up photos...

I used this weeks sketch @ 52 Sketches 52 Weeks to help create my layout. They have a tremendous sponsor this week as well - Noel Mignon.

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Morning kisses are what make my life so sweet

Here's hoping your day is filled with kisses!
God Bless and Happy Creating.

Guilty Pleasure

2009-08-24T00:08:00.004-04:00

Is it really true - August is almost gone?! Where has the summer gone? I just happened to catch on the news tonight that the sun now sets @ 8:01 p.m. EST - sniff, sniff! I'm already missing those looonnnnggg summer nights. Well, to help my family out with the 'end of summer sadness', my hubby and I took the kids out to Sonic for dinner. 'Sonic' home of the absolute best slushies ever!
• Me - Lemon-Berry Fruit Slushie
• Hubby - Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
• Ethan - Orange Cream Slushie
• Matthew - Blue Power Aide Slushie

Nothing brings a smile to my family's faces (or a nasty freeze to their brains) faster than a delicious Sonic Slushie!
Get out there and enjoy what's left of your summer!
God Bless.

End of Summer GIVEAWAY

2009-08-21T19:27:00.005-04:00

Okay I know summer is not 'officially' ending, but sadly it is drawing to a close. My kids have only 2 weeks now before that school bell starts ringing and Labor Day is just a distant memory. Well, instead of feeling sad about summers end, I thought I'd celebrate it with a
HUGH EMBELLISHMENT GIVEAWAY!
Take a look at this...

It's loaded with major brand name products.
Names like:
• Making Memories
• We R Memory Keepers
• Prima
• Maya Road
• Jenni Bowlin
• American Craft
Plus, some extras not even pictured! All you need to do is leave a comment. THAT'S IT! Now if you want to link this post to your blog, website, Facebook or message board - FANTASTIC and THANK YOU, but it is not necessary to win. Comments will be excepted now through August 30th. I will pick a name from those who commented on Sept. 1st and post the winner here.
US addresses only
Thanks in advance to all of you and Happy Creating!

Exclusive PageMap Sketch @ Let's Scrap

2009-08-21T15:16:00.013-04:00

Hey gals! Just a heads up if you are scrapping away this week......

Becky at Page Maps is allowing Let's Scrap to feature one of her sketches for the month of September! We will draw one winner on October 1st for a HUGE RAK of Scarlet Lime "Rock & Roll Project Kit" Click here to view goodies!! You may do one or both sides to this sketch. Please upload it to the album PAGEMAPS in the gallery .....have fun!
Here is a layout I just completed using the 'page 1' of Becky's sketch:
"My Precious Boy"

Because I had a long story to tell about this photo, I used hidden journaling. I also sprinkled white paint on the background cardstock by using an old toothbrush. I loaded the brush with paint and gently rolled by thumb over the bristles therefore giving the background a soft white "snowy" feel.

Close Ups...

I can't wait to see what you come up with.
God Bless and Happy Creating!

Family, Friend, Sister

2009-08-18T23:01:00.010-04:00

The moment I saw this weeks sketch at 'The Scrappiest', I knew it had this photo of my sister, Kelly, and I written all over it. Plus, I rarely get to scrap anything girly so this was an added bonus. Wahoo.
"Family, Friend, Sister"

• I used mulberry paper to cover the flower petals
• I splattered light & dark blue paint on the white background cardstock for added character

Here is a look at Sketch 26 if you are interested in giving it a whirl as well.

God Bless & Happy Creating!

I Am Blessed

2009-08-17T09:36:00.006-04:00

I'd like to start off by saying, "I am truly blessed". Don't you just love those moments - or weekends - in your life that help to put it all into perspective. Well, this past weekend was filled with life's special moments. First, we celebrated my baby's 9th birthday - and let me tell you - when your baby turns 9, you reflect =) Where did the days, weeks, months and years go?

Then on Sunday my band, 'Frontline' was invited to lead worship @ New Highland Baptist Church. And can I just say, "any day I get to start off by singing my heart out for the King is a GOOD day!"

Then, if that weren't enough, I received an email stating that I had been selected as one of the new 'Let's Scrap' design team members. What an honor! Let's Scrap is a weekly sketch based site. So be on the look out for loads of new sketches, challenges, prizes and layouts. If you've never visited 'Let's Scrap', click on over and check us out...

God Bless and Happy Creating!

Fun With Photos Tutorial

2009-08-14T10:06:00.003-04:00

Color Cutout Photos can be so much fun and very eye catching. They can make a very bright and busy photo easier to use and/or it can help you emphasis a specific element in your photo.

Steps: Using Photoshop Elements
1. Go to Layer > Duplicate Layer (making a background layer) The original layer is locked and you will be working with the background photo.
2. Select the background layer and then go to Image > Magic Extractor (Magic Extractor allows you to select part of an image so that you may alter the photo without changing that part.)
3. Click on the tool called the Foreground Brush tool. This tool allows you to select the portion of the photo that you will want to cut out, the part you want to “stay the same”. You do not need to make a solid line just put dots around the image. This will tell Photoshop that this is the part you want to cut out.
4. Next click the Background Brush tool. This allows you to select the portion of the photo you would like to “change” (in my examples, the portion of the photo that is black/white).
5. When step 4 is complete, select the preview button. This step may take a minute or two depending on the speed of your computer. If you are satisfied with the outlined object click complete. If not click cancel and start again.
6. Final step, select the original photo and adjust the color (I often change mine to black/white).

These are a few layouts I have done using this technique:
"Pink" the new Blue

For You Mom

If you love the effect you get from the above technique but don’t have photo software, never fear…I have another way to do it.

Steps: Using 2 Photos
1. Purchase or print 2 of the same picture – one in color and one in black/white. Sidenote: Walmart and Target have the photo machines that will allow you to choice b/w.
2. Take the color photo and carefully cutout the object you want to emphasize. Sand edges very gently, trying not to remove the color.
3. Next, adhere pop dots to the back of the colored image you just cut out.
4. Very carefully take the color image and adhere it on top of the black/white photo, trying your best to line up the image as exact as possible.

These are a few layouts I have done using this technique:
"LD (Lee-Davis High School) Pride"

OR, for a slightly different illusion you can adhere the color image off just a bit. I feel this gives the image a "movement" feel.
"Wild Thing"

I truly hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and have fun using these techniques on an upcoming layout of your own!
God Bless and Happy Creating!

Teen Essentials

2009-08-13T10:06:00.010-04:00

I had a great time making this layout of my son Adam. He is such a typical 'teenager' and this photo proves it! If you look closely you'll see all the items listed in this one photo. 1. Video game: by his head, 2. Cell phone: laying on sofa, 3. Land line: on sofa as well 4. American Eagle: belt, 5. Aero: shirt, 6. Unlimted texting: goes without saying, 7. Sleep: only when not texting!
My layout is based on Sketch #20 from 'The Scrappiest'.
"TEEN ESSENTIALS"

A few close up detail photos...

God Bless and Happy Creating!

Happiness Together

2009-08-11T22:05:00.005-04:00

My son, Ethan, just happened to snap this photo of hubby and I as we were heading out for an evening stroll. It just amazes me how one simple photo can speak volumes.
My layout is based on sketch #016 from 'Ready, Set, Scrap'.

A few close ups...

Life is short, take a walk with the one you love.
Happy Trails To You, Until We Meet Again!

Our Summer Moments

2009-08-10T15:53:00.006-04:00

I really enjoyed creating this layout. It was a fun way to showcase just a few of our families favorite summer moments. The layout is based off Sketch #87 from the 'Got Sketch?' blog. The products I used were from the 'Transparent Touches & Tags' August #3 Kit.

Here are a few detail photos...

God Bless & Happy Creating!

River Layout

2009-07-30T09:34:00.007-04:00

I just had to scrap my guys and their love for river fishing =) The layout is based on sketch #62 from 'Creative Scrappers'.
"My Guys Love 2 Fish"

...a few detail photos...

God Bless and Happy Scrappin'

The River

2009-07-27T20:08:00.014-04:00

We are so blessed to have friends who live on the river!! We just spent a 'fabulous' weekend on the gorgeous Potomac River. Oh how we loved just soaking up the sun, swim in the river, fishing off the pier and crusin' around the cove in the boat. Does it get any better than that - I hardly think so! Thanks again Bob, you're truly a blessing to our family.

God Bless!

Crazy Summer...

2009-07-23T09:57:00.009-04:00

It's been one of those summers, ya know the kind where the only time you get to rest is when your head hits the pillow at night! Well, I did manage do create a layout the other day =) This layout is showcasing one of my families many stops this summer, Buckroe Beach, VA.
"My Summer View"
I added some 'Glamour Dust' on the waves to give them a bit of sparkle...CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

Well, the family is heading out again...going to the visit a friend who lives at the river this weekend. I'm sure I'll have tons of photos to share and scrap when we return.
God Bless and happy scrappin'

I'm So Honored

2009-06-18T09:22:00.006-04:00

One of my friends from 52 Sketechs 52 Weeks has just honored me - well my blog - with this special award...
Thanks so much Stacy! And if you get a chance, hope on over to her blog for some more amazing inspiration!
Scrappin' Everyday Life
THANKS A MILLION Stacy!

Hawks Take 2nd & A Few New Creations...

2009-06-17T10:19:00.014-04:00

WOW! What a spring we've had around our house. It feels like ages since I've had a chance to post. Well, it actually has been ages since my last post ;(

Let's see, since my last post in April, my oldest son and his High School baseball team made it all the way to the STATE finals. Sadly though they lost the last game and took second place. The Hawks finished their year with a record of 24 wins and only 2 losses!! You ROCK HAWKS!
Jacob shutting down the other team in the final inning of the STATE game!

Despite all our baseball travel, I have had a chance to complete several layouts for 52 Sketches 52 Weeks...
I THINK I CAN

"PINK" THE NEW BLUE

SPRING AT OUR HOUSE

Happy Creating!

What A Spring!

2009-04-24T08:23:00.010-04:00

Wow, we have been running crazy around our house ever since Easter break. Ethan had his foot surgery - all is going well with his recovery, baseball is in full swing - @ two different schools, the preschool year is coming to a close and the allergy season has been unrelenting. But with all that craziness in my life, I was still able to whip up a fun little layout about our family's latest addition.
~ Buster PrettyBird ~

I hope your spring is filled with much fun and even more photos!
Keep Creating =)

Sketch #14 @ 52 Weeks 52 Sketches

2009-04-05T16:42:00.013-04:00

It's time, it's time (she said while typing frantically)...the first sketch the new 52 Sketches 52 Weeks team had to work with. I love the sketch and had a magnificent time working with it.

To accompany a fantastic sketch, 42 Sketches 52 Weeks has a fantastic sponsor - Kenner Road. Take a look at what they are offering in the prize pack this week as well as what they have to say about their company.

More than a scrapbook kit club, Kenner Road is a vintage inspired marketplace. Our hope is that our creative monthly scrapbook kits, digital elements and vintage provisions help you to document the life you live, in the way that you like to create. Whether it's paper or pixels Kenner Road is inspiration found.

My interpretation of the sketch...

Well be sure to click on over to 52 Sketches 52 Weeks
and Kenner Road sometime this week.

Keep Creating =)

Sketch #13 @ 52 Weeks 52 Sketches

2009-04-03T20:40:00.011-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting this weeks sketch, it's been a crazy one around here! Well, without any further set backs here is sketch #13 from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks.

We have an amazing sponsor this week --->
CRAZY DAISY KIT Co.
Take a look @ what they are sending out as a prize for this weeks sketch winner...WOW!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is my take on Sketch #13
"Just Be You"

Met Buster Prettybird --->

2009-03-30T06:20:00.009-04:00

I was just quietly scrapping and keeping to myself Saturday afternoon when my hubby comes through the door and tells me to close my eyes. Not really sure what to expect, I complied a bit reluctantly. When I opened my eyes I saw my new best-friend, Buster Prettybird. Apparently my sweet, sweet husband wanted to make sure I was surprised for my birthday (which is not for another 12 days). I love my hubby so - and Buster too, of course =)

Matthew 6:
25-27
25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

Knowledge is POWER!

2009-03-23T18:37:00.008-04:00

I had a lot of fun creating this layout Sunday afternoon. I even tried using a few new techniques/medias =) First, I used a small piece of a box as the background to my large photo and second, I used an image from my clipart file (the pointer finger/hand). I really feel good about the way the whole page came together.

Layout features my son, Ethan, participating in his very first Reading Olympics.
~ Knowledge Is Power ~

A few close up photos showing the different medias I used.

Happy Creating!

Blog Giveaway WINNERS!!

2009-03-18T20:30:00.004-04:00

Who's in the mood for Spring?
More important,
WHO'S IN THE MOOD FOR FREE EMBELLISHMENTS?
Well, I've put together a Spring Embellishment kit that might just suit both moods. All you need to do is post a link to this blog on your blog, facebook, message board (only where allowed) or online community. Then come back and post a comment here providing a link to your post. That's it! If you post to several locations, provide a link to each and you will get credit/entered for each. If we get more than 25 posts, I will add another Spring kit (exactly the same).

Deadline to add a comment is Tuesday, March 17th @ 12:00 pm EST. Drawing will be held on Wednesday, March 18th.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow! The response to my Springtime Blog Giveaway was fabulous. We had over 25 responses so I'm going to give away 2 embellishment kits!

By using the Random Number Generator I was able to pick 2 winners - they are:
SILVIA and STACY MILFORD

Lady please forward me your physical address to lisawd@comcast.net and I'll get your goodies right out.
Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who participated. Stay tuned to my blog I'll be having giveaways about every two weeks now =)

Spring is Here

2009-03-16T14:09:00.008-04:00

Springtime brings about many wonderful visuals; beautiful flowers, kite flying, long walks, birds singing, warm days/cool nights - ahhhh. Well, not in the Wood household, you mention the word "spring" and my mind goes in a completely different direction. I see mud covered baseball pants, smell the fresh leather of a pitchers/outfielders glove and I hear the unforgettable crack of the aluminum bats. To me that's spring - has been for the last 12 years! This was the inspiration for my "Spring is Here" layout.

This layout is was created using the #11 sketch from
52 Sketches 52 Weeks.
::sidenote:: I'm not a really big "circle" fan so I simply took the sketch and modified it a bit. I used a rectangle background instead of a circle and added more masculine elements.

Several close-up photos:

I Made The Team!

2009-03-15T21:56:00.004-04:00

I couldn't be more excited right now than if I'd won a million dollars! Well, maybe. Anyhow, I'm ecstatic! I just received word from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks that I've been chosen to be a part of their very first Design Team! WaHoo! Thanks Julie =)

And the blinkie makes it all official!

~ Spring Blog GIVEAWAY ~

2009-03-14T10:42:00.005-04:00

Obsession #2

2009-03-14T09:23:00.007-04:00

Our family has a little "tradition" we started about a year ago - two Fridays a month we'll go out to dinner and then to Barnes and Noble to look at books or play with the trains, just something different. Well, that's where the obsession thing rears it's ugly head. At this moment in time I have 4 books in my "planning to read" pile, one book on back order and another I've just begun reading, yet look what I did! If only there were a (DEAR day) Stop, Drop Everything and Read day in my life like they have in the elementary schools. Oh well, summers coming hopefully I'll be able to move some of these selections to my "books I've read" shelf.

Read on!

Hubby's Birthday

2009-03-12T18:14:00.015-04:00

It's amazing how many layouts I do of my boys or even the pets, but rarely do I find myself doing one of my hubby. Well this week I changed all that =) Using the #10 Sketch from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks, I made this layout of my dear hubby celebrating his 57th birthday.

************************************************
Some close up shots...

Layout made using pattern papers found in my March Kraft Girls kit.

Here is a look @ the #10 Sketch from
52 Sketches 52 Weeks...
I modify the sketch just a bit to accommodate only having two photos instead of four.

Keep Creating =)

Friends

2009-03-05T16:05:00.008-05:00

My Ethan is such an animal lover. Often times I struggle to get a photo of just him =)
Well, this layout I did features Ethan and one of his bestfriends -Ginger- sharing some love.

************************************************

Happy Creating!

My Sweet Escape

2009-03-04T10:14:00.016-05:00

I love to create layouts featuring pieces of me and where life finds me right now. This just happens to be one of those fun layouts. I used the amazing sketch #9 from
52 Sketches 52 Weeks.
Julie is always giving us great stuff to work with over there!

~ My Sweet Escape ~

Here are a few close-up shots showing some of the detail work -->

Here is Sketch #9 from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks

Happy Creating =)

It Finally Happened...

2009-03-04T09:49:00.009-05:00

SNOW FELL IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA!
And lots of it, about 8 to 10 inches of it =) It's been about 5 years since our last significant snowfall and we have been so overdue.

The kids have just been beside themselves with joy! We've sleided, had snowball fights, been to a late night bonfire and spent so much time together we're now ready to kill each other. Thank you God for this late winter storm it's been such a blessing to our hearts.

~ Singin' for the Lord ~

2009-02-23T18:47:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, singing is my life's #1 passion. I have been preforming in different arenas since I was about 5 years old. Well, just this past weekend the band I'm in, Frontline, finally got together and had a group photo taken. The band has been "Praising the Lord" through music for nearly 12 years now. I was honored to be asked to join them a couple of years ago. I LOVE these guys so much, but love our mission even more!

Our next concert will be Sunday, March 8th @ 6:00 p.m. at Berea Baptist Church in Rockville, VA.

I Want My Sofa Back!

2009-02-20T15:42:00.005-05:00

Okay, I had just 45 minutes before the "big yellow taxi" pulled up in front of the house and kids pilled out. So I thought maybe, just maybe, I can close my eyes for a few minutes, NOT! I turned the corner to find this on my sofa...

Really!?!?
::I say with as much sarcasm as I can muster up::
-- if it's not the kids and all their friends, it's the dogs! huff.....

Yummy NEW Paper Company

2009-02-20T09:25:00.006-05:00

~ Marks Paper Company ~
Take a look @ their two new collections...

There are six papers per collection and they are all double-sided.

Magnificent stuff! But if that's not enough to get you excited, how's getting these lines for FREE? All you have to do is click the link below and leave a blog comment - that simple! GOOD LUCK =)
Marks Paper Company

~ Grandpa's Gals ~

2009-02-19T15:52:00.010-05:00

Just this past January we had a wonderful 4 day visit with my husband's oldest daughter, Erin and her four children. They live out in Utah and we rarely get the opportunity to see them for an extended period of time. So imagine my joy when I saw this weeks sketch @ 52 Sketches 52 Weeks, and knew that I take the perfect photos during their stay. The layout below features Allie (3 years old) and Erin's newest addition Miley (4 months old). Seeing that Woody and I have only boys in the house, I was simply gitty over the chance to scrap girly photos and to use the color pink =)

~ Grandpa's Girls ~

Here are a few close up shots of the embellishments used and some of the detaling...

Here is a look at the #7 Sketch from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks:

Keep on scrappin' and I'll chat with you again later =)

I've Been Tagged...

2009-02-15T18:39:00.010-05:00

...and lived to tell about it =)

I was tagged by Julie Bonner and these where my instructions - go to the place on your computer where you store your photos, then go to the 6th folder, then the sixth photo. Take that photo, put it on you blog & tell it's story.

Well, be careful whatcha ask for cause here's my photo:

This photos story:

Back during Christmas we took the boys to visit Santa @ our brand new Bass Pro Shop. The store is one of the largest in the country. It was decorated magnificently, with trees two to three stories tall, reindeer tracks leading to Santa's workshop, carolers caroling and fresh cookies with hot chocolate - just amazing.

This picutre is just one of the many novelty items they had out for display. I just loved the old truck loaded down with fresh cut Christmas trees - it reminded me of something you might see traveling along a snow cover country road on a Thomas Kinkade Christmas card. Plus, the logo on the door says, "RedHead", which I have two sons with bright red hair, so it really spoke to me.

Thanks for the tag Julie, and remember "what comes around, goes around" =)

Sketch #4 @ 52 Weeks 52 Sketches

2009-01-26T13:35:00.008-05:00

I simply adore this new site, 52 Weeks 52 Sketches. The sketches are awesome and the inspiration is endless. This is the layout I made using this weeks sketch - #4.

"...with Friends"

This layout features my son, Matthew, doing his spelling homework - never a fun experience. This evening though he said it would go much faster if he had his "friends" close by to help. He was right, he was done in about 20 minutes and we had no yelling or crying - I love his friends =)

I used pattern paper from the Cosmo Cricket "Cogsmo" line, as well as the coordinating black chipboard elements. Here are a few close-up shots that show the chipboard and the 3D feel I gave some of the embellishments. What a fun and fabulous line this was to work with!

Here is the #4 Sketch if you'd like to give it a try yourself.

Keep and scrappin' and we'll chat again soon =)

-- I Can See Clearly Now --

2009-01-21T07:50:00.008-05:00

"I can see Clearly now, the blur is gone," those were your words. Poor thing you really never stood a chance, seeing that both mommy and daddy wear glasses. I was just hoping that the inevitable could have been put off a little longer, but it was totally out of our control. Truth is you look absolutely amazing in your new spectacles and I hope you enjoy seeing all those distant object that have alluded you for a while now.

This layout features Ethan and his new specticals...

I using both the American Craft puffy alphas stickers and the Heidi Swapp ghost alphas on this layout.

I had a great time creating this layout using my January kit from Transparent Touches & Tags.

I also used the #3 sketch from 52 Sketches 52 Weeks.

Thanks for lookin'. I'll be chatting with you again real soon!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2009-01-17T09:11:00.004-05:00

Having lived in Virginia my entire life, I've become every accustom to winter temperatures that fluctuate great. Sadly enough, I've also become accustom to winters without snow...tear, tear! But this morning really blew me away! I woke to, well you can see by the photo, 3.1 degrees outside. That's CRAZY cold! Tempetures more commonly found in, let's say ND or upper MI, NOT Central VA. And to top it all off, we have NO - I repeat - NO snow to enjoy with these absurdly cold temps, Ugh!

Our Weather Central shows: Time of day first, Indoor temperature second and Outdoor temperature on the bottom.

New CherryArte -- finally

2009-01-13T09:43:00.007-05:00

I'm so excited...I just received this awesome email showcasing CherryArte's new lines! They are spectacular! Plus, if the patterns don't draw you in, how's the fact that all 3 new lines are now printed on cardstock weight paper!!

Take a peek for yourself - or just click on over for a better look at the complete lines. CherryArte

They have also come out with fantastic new rub-ons to accompany their lines - yum!

I'm such a CherryArte's fan =)

Sky baby ...

2009-01-12T16:24:00.018-05:00

I created this layout today using the #2 Sketch from "52 Sketches 52 Weeks". I love this fun new site. They feature a new sketch each week (hence the name). And if that's not enough to get you to visit, they also award weekly prizes =) Gotta love that!

For this layout I used the pattern paper found in my December #2 kit from "Transparent Touches and Tags". The pattern paper is the Cottage Collection from the new company "Scrap Within Reach" - excellent stuff!

Meet Sky, our family's newest addition --->
I really had fun using several different techniques on this layout.

Back In The Swing Of Things...

2009-01-09T10:16:00.019-05:00

Yes! I finally found a little bit of "mojo" and just ran with it. This is one of my favorite photos taken of Adam and his friends right before they left for Homecoming. It was actually taken with Brittney's new cell phone - isn't technology grand!

I used the new "Purdence" line from Crate Paper. I purchased the entire line as an add-on to my December kit from Transparent Touches & Tags. Several of the embellishments, ie: date tag & chipboard "together" where found in the TTT December #2 kit.

I used several fun techniques on this layout -

1. layering, 2. paper cutting & 3. glittering.

1. 2.

It feels so good to create =)

I created this layout using the #1 sketch from

52 Weeks 52 Sketches.

When you get a chance click on over to this fun new site.

Unexpected Twist!

2009-01-07T08:41:00.010-05:00

Our Christmas ended up being nothing like I'd expected. Late in the evening on December 22, my hubby and I received the call that NO PARENT ever wants to get - our oldest son, Jacob - 17, had been in an accident. He had hit an oak tree head on at approximately 45 mph.

We spent from December 22 until December 28 in the hospital. He had to undergo reconstructive surgery on his right femur, which was broken clean through. The impact also caused a concussion, a large laceration in his head and enumerable amounts of scraps and bruises.

We are very lucky that this accident did not take his life. The officer said, "I've seen lesser accidents claim victims". I guess you could say this was our families "Christmas miracle".

Thanks so much for all the prayers, cards and emails. They have been a great comfort to us during this difficult time.

So Who Went Out...

2008-11-28T22:26:00.007-05:00

So, time to fess up! Who was crazy enough to participate in the time honored tradition we like to call "Black Friday"?

I must admit I was awake at 5:00 a.m., but only to use the bathroom and then climb back into bed for another couple hours.

Last year I took Adam out with me for some early morning shopping and was so appalled by all the pushing and crabbing that I vowed to NEVER be foolish enough to go out early again. I did hit a few spots late in the afternoon and was still able to come away with some GREAT DEALS. So the old adage "the early bird catches the worm" isn't always true.

Well, if you ended up being one of the brave souls that concurred the madness - God bless you and I hope you were able to find exactly what you were after.

Meet "Sky"

2008-11-27T19:19:00.011-05:00

I don't know about Thanksgiving Day at your house but at our house it is never a dull occasion. There always promises to be some type of drama or excitement. Well, this year proved to be no exception.

Earlier in the day we adopted this precious puppy from a good friend of ours. Say hello to "Sky".

We chose Sky for the name because of her crystal blue eyes - they're sky blue. She is a beautiful mix of cattle dog & husky (hence the blue eyes).

Well, I hope you all had a very blessed Thanksgiving Day and ate plenty of goodies. Stay safe and I will chat with you again real soon.

1st Place

2008-11-25T08:35:00.006-05:00

I was finally able to finish a layout with the photos of Ethan and Matthew's first Cub Scout pack meeting. They got to share the 1st Place award for most popcorn sold in the pack. I'm so proud of them!

Thanksgiving Sale

2008-11-22T18:55:00.003-05:00

The entire store is 40% off the week @ 4 Scrappy Sisters.

Come check out all our new arrivals and monthly kits.

Spend $50.00 or more and get free shipping!

4 Scrappy Sisters Store

My New Flavor

2008-11-21T15:23:00.005-05:00

I discovered this spectacular coffee while at one of my son's football games this season. On that particular night it was bitterly cold - a night that made you so desperate you'd even drink the concession stand coffee to stay warm. Well, to my utter shock the coffee was out of this world delicious. I even made a special trip back to the stand just to get the brand name. Come to find out it's a seasonal blend sold at our local BJ's wholesale store. Needless to say, the next morning I was at the wholesale store with 3 huge cans in my cart!

I must also add, their cans are each a work of art - I love that! I've post a link to the manufacturer so, if anything, you can look at the cans themselves.

Harmony Bay - Autumn Spice

"My New Flavor"

First Place!

2008-11-18T08:03:00.005-05:00

What an exciting Monday night we had - our first Cub Scout Pack meeting! Both Ethan and Matthew shared the first place award for greatest popcorn sales in Pack 507. They were both elated, not so much by the wonderful gift cards to Bass Pro Shop, but more by the fact that they now won the right to "pie" one of the leaders. Well, Ethan pondered his choice for several minutes and then decided the best candidate would be...Dad! Take a look at this most joyous occasion...

I must admit, that was my favorite part of the evening as well!

Ponder This...

2008-11-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.

Autumn Is Here

2008-11-10T12:29:00.010-05:00

Finally! I absolutely love autumn; the cool, crisp nights, apple picking, High School football games, hayrides, and especially the deep rich colors of the falling leaves! I was able to capture a few amazing pictures of the spectacular Virginia foliage, as I was driving into work the other day. I was so thrilled with them that I just had to spend Saturday morning scrapping them. I used the gorgeous November #3 kit from Transparent Touches & Tag. They complemented the photos perfectly.

I also made this fall vase & tag using the November #3 kit (except: orange ribbon and flowers). The "vase" is actually an old coffee pod cylinder we no longer use.

Happy Autumn Everyone!

A Few New Creations...

2008-11-08T10:25:00.006-05:00

...well, almost new. These are two layouts I did back in October.

It's hard for me to believe that my Adam is old enough to attend his very first Homecoming dance :) Wow, where oh where does the time go?

And then there's Matthew...what a silly, silly boy! He loves my new sunglasses. Honestly, they don't look that BIG on me :)

All Heaven Rejoices

2008-11-05T19:17:00.008-05:00

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

This was Ethan's chosen scripture for his baptism service; what a powerful statement of God's eternal love for each and every one of us.

I can't wait to get a moment to scrap this blessed occasion, but until such time I just had to share these special photos with you all.

Ethan, baptized into the family of Christ October 19, 2008.

River Weekend

2008-07-31T08:55:00.013-04:00

I can't thank my friend enough for inviting our entire family down to the river for the weekend. We had such an incredible time swimming, boating, fishing, eating and just plain chillin' out! I actually jumped off the end of the pier - crazy the things you'll do when pressured by friends :)

I must say, God's splendor is never seen much greater than in a sunrise or sunset on the Potomac River.

Thanks Bob - xoxoxo

~ Remembering ~

2008-07-17T20:09:00.002-04:00

This is a layout I created just recently. The photo features my daddy as he spends the afternoon fishing at the local pond. Little did we know how powerful and special this photo would later become. He passed away very suddenly about two weeks after this was taken.

Look at how peaceful he is...almost as if he knew his days were few and therefore trying his best to take in all the beauty he could. I miss you daddy, xoxo.

God Bless.

Just Slip, Slidin' Away

2008-07-15T08:41:00.010-04:00

Have you ever just gotten so sick of the pool that you just decided to pull out the old slip-n-slide. Well, that was us just the other day. And to be totally honest, I think the boys had just as much fun...

Not only did they have a real blast slip, slidin' the afternoon away, but I was able to get some really fun photos ----->

A Few New Creations...

2008-07-13T16:02:00.004-04:00

Wow, summer break is now half over and my scrap time this season has been little to non :( but I was able to carve out a few hours last week to make the following layouts...

This is my oldest son Jacob

Me...a closer look

The second layout feature products found in the 4 Scrappy Sisters August kit which goes on sale the 20th of July.

ME...A Closer Look

2008-07-12T13:44:00.006-04:00

The photo challenge at 4 Scrappy Sisters this week called for a "self portrait." This was a bit of a stretch for me, seeing I'm not really big on photos of myself. Well to my surprise I was able to capture two fairly decent shot of myself.

It's Been So Busy Around Here

2008-04-15T09:19:00.018-04:00

Last week was truly a blur. Between baseball games, practices, birthday and vendoring, I feel completely out of touch with reality!

Well yes last week, April 10th to be exact, was my 38th birthday. My hubby surprised me with dinner, cake, cards and presents - what a good man. He gave me this gorgeous neckless called "Tears of Christ", very special. Then he took all the boys to pick out cards and presents for me. It was an awesome day, I felt really special.

In the midst of last weeks 100 yard dash, I was able to carve out a few creative minutes. Take a look at these cards I made using the

4 Scrappy Sisters March Full Size kit. There is only 1 kit left in the store so if your interested run quickly. Side note: today, April 15th, is the last day of our "Tax Relief Sale".

Chat again really soon!

Envelope Album

2008-04-07T22:39:00.007-04:00

I've spent the last 2 or 3 days working on this envelope album. I've decided that I'm going to offer it as a class at our next 2 weekend scrapbook retreats. I can't tell you how easy and fun it was to create - and believe me when I say the possibilities here are truly endless.

For this envelope album I created a pocket for each one of my boys + one for hubby. I then interviewed each one of them. I had a list of about 10-12 questions and then narrowed it down a bit for the album. Then I put together a small group of photos for each one and tucked them in the envelope pocket with their Q& A's pasted on the outside. It really turned out great if I can say so myself.

Thanks for looking and I'll be chatting again soon.

The Little Things

2008-04-06T07:16:00.007-04:00

Okay, this just goes to prove it's the little things

in life that really make me happy. I was over at the bank recently, when the teller sells me an offer I just couldn't pass up. "If you complete this brief credit application today we'll give you one of these FREE." "Sure, why not," I said, and now I'm the proud owner of this awesome little radio/cooler combination - what a great idea! We can so use this at the 101 baseball games we attend each spring.

The radio part is am/fm with a built in antenna. Plus it has an earphone jack and a plug for your ipod. So now all I have to do is attach the ipod and it'll play through the speaker...ingenious idea I tell ya. It's all about the little things in life...the little things.

Chat again soon.

The Best Idea Book EVER!

2008-04-01T20:42:00.008-04:00

I'm the kinda person who is always on the search for amazing new idea books. Well this one is the BEST I'VE EVER SEEN!

You all know already how much I love Becky Fleck and PageMaps, well her long awaited

idea book has been published and reached my doorstep yesterday afternoon!!

It is literally FILLED with all new sketches and example layouts. But the most ingenious part of the book is that she has condensed the sketches into travel 4x6 laminated cards that detach from the back and fit into this cute little box (also in the back of the book).

Now when your at home you've got the book to refer to but when you travel to crops all you need to grab is this little 4x6 box full of sturdy, laminated idea cards. They have a sketch on one side and an example layout of the other - BRILLIANT, I tell ya, just BRILLIANT. The book is filled with sketches for all size scrappers; 12x12 single, 12x12 double, 8.5x11 single, 8.5x11 double, 8.5x11 landscape, 8.5x11 portrait...it unbelievable. The book itself is hardback with a spiral binding on the inside, which makes it so easy to flip through all the yummy pages!
I truly think if I could marry this book I would.

Chat again really soon!

Busy Weekend!

2008-03-31T09:46:00.009-04:00

4 Scrappy Sisters spent the weekend vendoring a scrapbook retreat with Scrappin Retreat. We had a great time, met a lot of fun scrappers, scrapped a little ourselves and sold some of our stock - heck I really don't think it gets much better than that :)

~ Here's a look at what I was able to accomplish this weekend ~

----------------------------> One Proud Mama <----------------------------

I just have to share a very proud mama moment with you. Take a look at this - my son Jacob (Jake as they call him on the ball field).

Jake's No Hitter

Can you see me beaming from ear to ear!

I hope your weekend was filled with great joy. Chat again real soon!

Just A Little Easter Humor

2008-03-22T19:35:00.000-04:00

Don't send a lame Easter eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

I've Created A Social Monster :/

2008-03-21T07:49:00.011-04:00

My 13 year old son has one of the greatest sense of humors I've ever known, and this just goes to prove the point. I accidently left my computer unattended with the 4 Scrappy Sisters message board still live. When I came back there was a post entitled "The sexyest boy alive". I was afraid we had a hacker but quickly learned it was just my socially starved son. Well as the night wore on it became apparent that he was having way too much fun for a kid his age and even ended up creating his own user account :0 You've gotta love the name he chose "Da Man". What a total nut. Look at a couple of his posts:

"Da Man"{user name}

{Avatar pic.}

hey hey hey ladies of the board guess what i now have an offical user name so you will be hearing from me alot more and just to let you know i will make your day the funniest one you will ever have and if there is anything you want to know about me and my amazing life you know were to find me and for the other repliers know its close to spring break and i dont have any home work and i sleep when sleep is needed :) about me i like long walks on the beach my favorite color is blue and im now 13 and single. i play many sports as baseball,football,and wrestling so im pretty built im currently 5"11 and 160 Pounds of sure hunkness and i am currently working hard towards my scholarship at UVA i am a very entresting little guy i like to make people laugh and like to see people happy and if there not i will make them happy so any of you have husband troubles feel free to talk to da man (me) so i guess thats it so message back and tell me a little about you


well i see that you ladies have missed me so don't worry I'm here well as you know i have to go to school so i will have to leave you at 8:00 so we can have fun till my mom gets on jk so anyway who wants to talk __________________________

What have I created!?!? I did tell him if he wants to be a part of the mb he must scrap something. He said, "I'll just throw a little card together." We'll see!

Check out this layout I made during the 4 Scrappy Sisters cyber crop. It features Adam modeling the new suit we bought him for mom's wedding.

Chat again soon!

Spring Has Hit Virginia!

2008-03-20T21:05:00.018-04:00

Yep, it's the end of March here in Virginia and all signs are pointing to another beautiful and busy spring. We have runny noses, itchy eyes, constant sneezing, baseball practices, baseball games, baseball tournaments, more sneezing, sinus headaches...do you see where I'm going with this.

Well, with the help of Claratin and/or Zyrtec, I was able to see Jacob's, my oldest, first High School baseball game about a week ago. He pitched an unbelievable first game. If fact, I don't think they can get much better. He pitched a 7 inning - NO HITTER - game, with only 92 total pitches thrown and a top pitch speed of 88 mph. Can you tell I'm one proud baseball mom!

Despite my extremely busy spring schedule, 4 Scrappy Sisters was able to pull off a week long Crop-Til-Ya-Drop cyber crop and it was a tremendous hit! My Design Team is unbelievable - without their hard work and dedication the crop would have been a mess. Hats off to each of you. You gals ROCK!

And you won't believe this, I was even able to pull off a few of the challenges myself. Take a look at this cute little card I created for one of the card challenges.

Chat again real soon - I promise! :)

Tis the Season

2007-11-24T12:28:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is now over and the mad rush is on! Adam and I actually braved the early morning crowds yesterday and accomplished some shopping. Poor Adam though, he really got an eye full of the "Grinchy" side of Christmas. Sad to say we witnessed pushing, grabbing, butting in line and just plain ugly natured people. Some life lessons are hard to witness but help us grow as individuals.

This afternoon we're all going to enjoy some college football.

It's the big UVA vs Va. Tech game. GO Hookies!

I'm Addicted

2007-11-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

Okay this is really scary!

As I was blog hoppin' just yesterday I came across this little quiz. I must admit I knew I'd receive a high score but didn't think it would be in the 70's...I really need to get a life.

77%

Click on the block if your interested in seeing how addicted you are.

Ramblings From A Proud Football Mom....

2007-11-09T08:48:00.000-05:00

They did it...they did it!

The Lee-Davis HS JV football team rocked the county with the best winning season on record in many, many years. Last nights win ended their season with a dominating record of 8 WINS and 2 losses. A stunning record indeed.

The Lee-Davis boys were unstoppable last night. With each blow of the whistle, the C-feds dug in and pushed forward for positive yardage. This relentless determination and powerful teamwork resulted in a scoreless game by their opponents; Lee-Davis 27 - Atlee 0.

This group of starters marked their place in history this year with constant dedication and skill....

18 - Phillip {Quarterback}
17 - Justin {Wide Receiver}
15 - Jacob {Full Back & Line Backer} my son
11 - LaJay {Full Back & Line Backer}
10 - Brandon {Wide Receiver}

CONGRATULATIONS BOYS!

A Howwwlin' Good Time

2007-11-02T19:30:00.000-04:00

Yeah, another Halloween has come and gone but not without a few great photos to helps us remember the occasion.

First we have Ethan and Matthew - scaaaary!

and here's Daddy takin' part in the fun...

And it wouldn't be Halloween without the older boys being overly thrilled about passing out candy to all the little munchkins.

Chat again later!

My Silly Guys!

2007-10-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

Just the other night I went shopping for Halloween treats to send with the boys to school for their "treat bags". Who would have guessed that these silly little glasses would have been such a hit.

WOW - it's almost scary to see how much they look like their daddy with these on...the big nose, bushy eyebrows, tiny glasses - there's only one thing missing the mustache! Well you be the judge....

You know I love ya babe with all my heart, it's just that the similarities were too funny to go unmentioned!

Sneak Peek @ Nov. Add-On's

2007-10-23T15:33:00.000-04:00

I altered this composition book over the weekend to show you the add-ons we'll have available for November. There will be new acrylic stamps, ka-jinker jems and a Creative Imaginations mini kit. Remember to check back with us - 4 Scrappy Sisters - on October 25th, that's when all the November kits and add-ons go on sale.

Oh yeah, before I run I have a quick question, who's in the mood for some Figgy Pudding - Basic Grey style? It'll be available in the store on the same day - wahoo!!

Is It Just Me...

2007-10-23T06:32:00.000-04:00

...or am I not the only obsessed Webkinz fan in the world? I'd seen them many times on my trips to Ben Franklin, but never really knew what all the fuss was about. Well, a couple of weeks ago interims came home and Ethan did very well, so we offered him a small reward. " A Webkinz" he shouted. Why not I thought, they're only $8.00 and BF in right around the corner from our house - it was a win, win situation. Little did I know I was about to meet my next obsession! These precious little things not only look adorable and feel so soft and cuddly but they have their own cyber universe. A interactive world where you can play games, decorate rooms, feed and dress your pet, go shopping and interact with other Webkinz. Needless to say, I returned to BF the next day and got one for myself. I love playing the games and decorating different rooms. I'm in the process now of creating an interactive backyard - complete with a garden, grill, hammock and trampoline - how fun!

Meet Pepper - my black lab.

Spending Time Doing What I LOVE!

2007-10-21T20:36:00.000-04:00

Scrapping and Eating...

Just last weekend Kristin and I took 4 Scrappy Sisters on the road to Nags Head, North Carolina. We vendored and scrapped the weekend away with Scrapbook Escape Weekend Retreat, which is organized and hosted by Mary Full. She does a fantastic job. We will be the featured vendor at her next crop retreat in Virginia Beach the weekend of January 25 - 27. If you're interested in joining us please post me a note and I'll get you in contact with Mary.

Well seeing that I'd never been to Nags Head before that weekend, I was insistent that we visit restaurants local to the area. There was this one - not exclusive to Nags Head - but was an absolute must visit, if not for any other reason but it's name. "Dirty Dick's" - yep you read correctly - Dirty Dick's Crab House. Neither one of us really knew what to expect but when we arrived to a full parking lot we knew we'd made the right choice. The seafood was the absolute best I've ever eaten. I had crab cakes and - oh my gosh - they were at least an inch and a half thick with no visible breading just lumps of crab meat. Unbelievable! And don't even get me started on the hush puppies (homemade with real corn inside - ahhhh!!). Okay, I'm going a little over board I know, but when it comes to good food I just can't help myself!

Well, once we finished gorging ourselves, we made a quick pit stop at the Dirty Dick's souvenir shop. I just couldn't leave with out getting a little something for my man...check this out:

...come on ya just gotta laugh!

Chat again later!

Halloween Hangman

2007-10-18T10:07:00.000-04:00

This is too funny! Perfectly creepy for this time of year!

http://dedge.com/flash/hangman/hangman.swf?a=300

Chat again later.

Just Doodlin' Around

2007-10-17T19:33:00.000-04:00

It's week 2 in my doodling class and I'm having so much fun!

The class is offered through Big Picture Scrapbooking and taught by Maelynn Cheung. She is truly a "Master Doodler". I have learned many new techniques that I've already put into practice.

Week 1 Project: Take an existing layout from your achieves and bring it to life using only doodling dots and/or lines.

Easy you say? Not really. For me, there's that constant fear I'm going to make an irreversible mistake or even worse, turn my "labor of love" into an endless maze of squiggles and swirls. Well, I must tell you once I got started it was all most hard to stop. Now I'm looking at each layout - new or old - through a doodlers eye.

Take a look at what happened to my "My Boys" layout once I added a few dots and lines.

1st Homecoming Dance

2007-10-01T16:09:00.000-04:00

Well, hold on to your hat, I just got these photos in from Jacob's first Homecoming dance. Wow, kinda scary if ya think about it - next will be prom, then graduation, then - okay, okay, jumping a few years ahead. Deep breath...ahhhhh. Let's just enjoy this moment.

These first photos are of Jacob and his dad (Don), as they both attempt the age old task of tying a real necktie! Not as easy as it looks.

Here's one of Jacob being a true gentleman, as he helps Kelly down the stairs.

And finally, the cute couple posing for a few quick photos before dancing the night away!!

Chat Again Later!

NO WAY!

2007-10-01T11:25:00.000-04:00

It can't be October already! Didn't we just load the kiddos on the bus for the first day of school!?! And is it just me, or are the chain stores smothering us with Christmas decorations and music before the tots have even had a chance to dress up in their scariest garb and go bell hoppin' for candy. Insane, I tell ya!

Well, I must give a shout out to Target though. They really know how to sell their goods. That $1.00 isle is a killer - and right there as you walk in! Yesterday I ran in to grab a few odds and ends when I stumbled across this gold mine - and each was just a $1!

Needless to say I grabbed two of each thing you see. I probably should have gotten more but didn't want to look like one of those "crazy" scrappin' ladies!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In sports news...football season #2 has started. Yep, Adam's Middle School games started last week. So now I'm attending anywhere from 2-4 games a week. Busy, busy, busy and lovin' it! He's a few shots of Adam's first game!

Chat Again Later!

Retreat Class

2007-09-22T20:58:00.000-04:00

Guess what? We've been ivited to vendor another crop! Yep, and this ones in Nags Head - woot, woot!

For this crop 4 Scrappy Sisters has decided to offer a class. I really wanted our class to be different from just a page layout our a mini album (not that either of those are bad choices, but I just wanted ours class to be different). So after pondering the subject for a couple of days this is what I've arrived at - an altered composition book. Yes - it's different plus it can be personalized and quite versatile. Okay enough of the sales pitch, let me know your thoughts.

Chat again later.

Retreat Layouts

2007-09-19T08:18:00.000-04:00

My weekends work:

What A Weekend!

2007-09-18T20:42:00.000-04:00

4 Scrappy Sisters went vendoring this past weekend. Yep that's right - and boy was it a blast! We spent Friday - Sunday with a terrific group of gals. Oh yeah, and Smitty
:-) Kristin and I ate way too much, slept far too little, laughed until we made ourselves sick, completed some layouts and made a small profit! Life is GOOD!

Here are a few photos I snapped during our retreat:

and of course a couple of shots of Kristin and I just to prove to the hubby's we really were vendoring the weekend away:

Thanks goes out to Scrappin Retreat (http://www.scrappinretreat.com/) for inviting us to come. You guys put together a great weekend getaway. Hope to vendor with you all again real soon!

Before I run - have you seen who is in the "New Kit On The Block" spotlight over at Willow Traders? Boo yah! It's us - 4 Scrappy Sisters! What an awesome review Christina gave us. Thanks So Much!

Music and Apparel

2007-09-12T21:45:00.000-04:00

1st - Apparel:

After an insane trip to Wal-mart this morning, I was so glad to get home. And what to my surprise - a package from my friendly little "man in brown". So I did as any girl would do, TORE it open. It was filled with our newly designed 4 Scrappy Sisters t-shirts! I think they turned out great. They come in both white and grey, sizes M-XL and will be available for purchase in the 4SS store later this week. Now you can show your scrappin' spirit all over town!

2nd - Music:

While visiting my neighborhood Wal-mart today, I picked up the new "Lifehouse" CD, Who We Are. Can I just say AMAZING! I have listen to it 3 times already in its entirety, and think I love them even more each time through.

I had never heard of them until a few weeks ago. They were the featured band on Jay Leno's Tonight Show and it was truly love at first listen!

http://www.lifehousemusic.com/ (click here for a listen - you won't be sorry).

Exciting News @ 4SS!

2007-09-10T08:19:00.000-04:00

Early yesterday morning I received an email from Scrappin Retreat asking if 4 Scrappy Sisters would be interested in vendoring a crop retreat this weekend. Well Hello - of course we would!! The retreat will be held in Charlottesville and has a projected 50-60 scrappers coming! What an amazing opportunity this will be to get our business name out there in the public eye.

Scrappin Retreat took over where Let's Scrap 4 Fun left off, providing wonderful weekend scrappin' retreats in Virginia. They hold 3 to 4 different events a year, ranging from Virginia Beach, Richmond, Fredericksburg to Charlottesville.

GO !

Also, 4 Scrappy Sisters will be the featured "New Kit On The Block" at Willow Traders this month. The grand revealing will take place on September 15th. Please drop by the site and check out what the September kit has to offer - I promise you won't be disappointed!!

Gotta get packin, chat more later...