Pampered Diamond

Trying

2011-05-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is a test, only a test, just to see if there is anybody still out there. I think about my blog alot, I just can't seem to think of anything worth while to write. I have been very busy the last few months. I got a new job (which I LOVE), I went to China for 2 weeks and I am training for a sprint triathlon. My job is at the hospital in the Lactation Boutique. I get to see all the new babies and my hours are only 9:45 to 2:45 4 days a week. I finally admitted that I hate to clean my house and do not want to spend my free day cleaning, so I hired a cleaner. Man, what a wonderful feeling to come home to a spotless house. I have been making cards mostly but I am so ready to scrapbook again. I have been working on a project for the Sassy Scrapper and I have also been hired privately to scrapbook for someone. I love scrapbooking for someone else, to me it is way easier because I am not emotionally attached to any of the photos. I don't feel that I have to scrapbook every picture and I don't have to journal. I have also redone my craft room. I have added a slate wall, another table and a cardstock case. I love it and will post some pictures soon. Well, here's to hoping I can keep up in the blog world!!

Ok I know I am the worst blogger!!

2010-12-11T19:43:00.000-08:00

I really love reading other people's blogs, I just can't seem to put anything on mine. I guess sometimes I think no one checks it and no one cares what I am doing. But on the occasion I get a comment it makes me feel good and then I want to blog again. This last month has been pretty busy. I am way behind on all things Christmas. We went to Chicago for Thanksgiving to spend it with Drew's mom. She is going through chemo right now and really doesn't have anyone to check on her or stay with her. We really had a great time. My birthday was a couple of days ago. I didn't do anything special except go to breakfast with my good friend Shannon. Another one of my best girlfriend's birthday was this month too and I made her this cute card!! I love the way it turned out. I used a couple of stamps that I do not know the company of, but the circle background stamp of from a local artist Courtney Baker. She makes the cutest stamps sets and they are priced great. The Sassy Scrapper carries some of them, but she also has a store on the web - www.practicingcreativitydesigns.com.
Like I said, I love to read other people's blogs. I have been following this one blog because the girl is so funny. To make a long story short, she had a hard time getting pregnant, finally got pregnant but was extremely sick, she had the baby way early and she only weighed 1 lb and 8 oz. She shares alot on her blog, and I love how open and honest she is with her good feelings and bad feelings. I comment on the blog often just because I want her to know how much I am touched by her story even though we have never met. The blog is www.kaylaaimee.typepad.com.

Pretty Little Card

2010-11-17T18:18:00.001-08:00

Here is a card I did for my cousin's daughter's wedding. I love how dainty it looks. The background of the card I used a swirl stamp with Versamark and then sprinkled the Stampin Up Glassy Glaze Enamel, which turned out amazing. When I put it back into the bottle some other left over embossing powder got in the bottle with the Glaze and now it is contaminated (little specks of color mixed in with the clear). Does anyone out there know what I can do to get the glaze back to clear?

More Halloween

2010-11-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. It was taken using the timer on my camera. The shirt Drew has on I bought him a few years ago and he loves wearing it, it says I Love Witches. I made my shirt this year to go with his. I used my Silhouette and cut out a flying witch out of fuzzy black iron on material. You can't see it to well but it turned out great!

I love Halloween

2010-10-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

I love dressing up for Halloween, especially when it is an adult only party!! This year Drew and I went as An Officer and a Gentleman. I loved that everyone told me I was hot but Drew was not. What do you think?!

A Few Cards

2010-10-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few cards I have made in the last few weeks. My husband works for Caterpillar and wanted a get well card to send to a co-worker. I loved the way the card turned out.
I also made a couple of sympathy cards, using the positive and negative of silhouette cut.

I can't believe I did it!!

2010-10-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

DIV OVRL SEX ****6.3 MILE***** ***FINISH****
PLACE PLC PLC NAME AGE RANK TIME PACE TIME PACE
27 661 200 Lee Diamond 40 27 57:58 9:12 2:03:19 9:25

Well the time came to compete in the Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon and I hoped I was ready. I wasn't as nervous as I was for Sherry's Run. I guess it was because I really didn't have any expectations. My goal was to run it in about 2 hours and have enough left in me at the end to sprint. My time ended up being 2 hours 3 min and 19 seconds. I came in 27th in my age group. I felt really good the whole time and was able to sprint the last part. I felt really good about my accomplishment, because I have never in my wildest dreams thought I could run a few miles, much less 13.2 miles. Now everyone says I have to do a full marathon, but I really do not have any desire to do that. Just thinking of running for at least 4 hours straight does not sound like fun to me. What I would like to do is the sprint triathlons. They are usually a 300 yard swim, 11 mile bike ride and 3.2 run. The last 2 I can do with no problem, it's just the swimming I am concerned with. So I am going to start trying to teach myself to swim. I have until May to get ready. I can do it!!!

I'm Back!!! For now...

2010-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Since I have quit the Sassy Scrapper I have been trying to get caught up on things, but we went camping for 4 days, I have been cleaning my Mom's house once a week, and my washer has been out for about a month (needless to say we are starting to look like an episode of hoarders around here). Thank goodness my new washer came yesterday and I have been able to scrapbook in my craft room for the past few days. My cousin is finally having a baby and the shower is tomorrow. The theme of the shower is Alice in Wonderland. They are having a girl, so I thought it would be cute to make her a mini album to put all the pictures from the shower in. I loved the way it turned out!!!

Concentrate

2010-10-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Have you ever not done something because you just can't decide what or how to do it? That is they way I have felt about my blog lately. I want to blog about my crafting but also about my personal experiences, so I can't decide which one to do. Which means I don't do either. But today I have decided to do both. Last month I ran in a 5k in honor of my dad and came in 2nd place in my age group. I was so happy and know my dad would be so proud. I ran 3.2 miles in 24:43, not bad for a 40 year old who has only been training a couple of months. My next big goal is to run in the Murfreesboro Half Marathon. At first I really wanted to be competitive but I have had alot of stress and a foot injury that has made me just except that my new goal is to finish the half marathon in about 2 hours. My crafting goal is to start scrapbooking my kids lives now before I forget too much, so I quit my job at the scrapbook store to have more time to do the things I want to do. I want to start making bags again and hope to set up an Etsy store. Here is one of the bags I have done lately that I donated to GPA for a silent auction.

Did you go to the fair?

2010-08-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

Of course I didn't again. Every year I say I am going to go, but never seem to make it. Oh well, for all of you that did I created this awesome 2 page layout for your pictures. I am teaching the class at the Sassy Scrapper on Thursday Sept 23 at 6:00. The cost will be between $15 and $18. Come on in and sign up!!

Special Tribute

2010-08-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a page I created for a kit for Sassy Scrapper. It is a limited edition kit offered at a special price. The kit comes with all the supplies to reproduce the page for $14.99. Mary is also helping me promote Sherry's Run with matching any donation that is made through the store. Click here to read all the specifics. Thanks in advance for helping me honor my Daddy in raising money for cancer.

Look what I did in 3 minutes.

2010-08-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

I needed a birthday card but did not have much time. So I took some scraps laying around my craft space and came up this card. I love it!!

New Teacher Gifts

2010-08-06T11:37:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am one of those parents who butter up the teacher hoping she will take leniency on my kids. I like to make a beginning of the year calender to set the year off right. As always I wait to the last minute and stay up to all hours of the night trying to get it done. This year's turned out really cute. I thought I was keeping it really simple but of course it still took me forever. I also make a card to go along with the present.

Cute little family

2010-07-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of us at the beach. We finally got to spend some time with Drew's daughter. Her name is Ashley and she is 18 years old. She lives in Minnesota and came down with Drew's mother to spend her vacation with us.

Having a Good Time

2010-07-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of my mom and I. I asked her to go to Florida with us and she accepted. She says she is having a good time. We both have had a few weepy spells, missing daddy but I am so glad we have been able to spend some time together.

Fun with Just Rite Stampers

2010-07-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a layout and a card that I am teaching at the Sassy Scrapper. I actually got the idea out of their catalog. I just changed it up a bit. I love the new clear blocks. It made lining the alphabet up so easy.

Fast Friends

2010-07-08T20:34:00.001-07:00

Fred has been with us for 2 weeks and our resident hound has taken him in with open paws. There has not been any hostility from either of them. Scout lets Fred push his way around (he doesn't have much choice because Fred is about 10 pounds bigger). I love to take them on walks they do so good together, except for when they pee on each other's head. When we come in they both go straight for the watering bowl. Sometimes Scout waits his turn but most of the time they both stick there head in together. SOOO CUTE!!

Come on into the Sassy Scrapper for this class!!

2010-07-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

I am teaching the Cricut class this month at the Sassy Scrapper. Here is the layout I created using the new October Afternoon paper line Thrift Store and Fly a Kite. I love the way it turned out!!

Does this angle make my nose look big?

2010-07-04T15:51:00.000-07:00

This picture is sooo cute!! We were just sitting out in the driveway and I was taking pictures of Fred. He has the cutest face to go along with his cute personality:) Scout was out with us too, but he likes to sit in the car in between the seats where you can't see him, even if we are not going anywhere.

Everyone Needs a Little Love

2010-06-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

We have decided to open our dog loving home to a greyhound in need. His name is Big Fred and he is 4 years old. He has a little bit of separation anxiety and barks and whines when left alone. He came from an apartment with no other dogs, so we are hoping our Scout will keep him company until he finds a permanent home (which may be ours). He is very curious and playful. He has already taken to the new squeak toy I bought him. Scout does not seem very excited, but he never really shows much excitement. We are quite a sight walking down the road. Scout is 75 pounds and Fred is 78 pounds. I thought Scout was big, but Fred actually makes him look small.

Oh the Joys of Summer

2010-06-21T15:10:00.000-07:00

Scout got to enjoy a wonderful treat today. He got my left over ice cream cone. He loved it. I am very excited for him because on Thursday we are getting another greyhound to foster. His name is Big Fred and he is even bigger than Scout. Stay tuned for all the details.

I love you Daddy!!

2010-06-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

Today I lost my first love and best friend, my daddy. I am so broken hearted and lost. My daddy was my biggest cheerleader and I am going to miss that so much. I always had a great time with my daddy. We went on lots of horse riding trips, which are some of my best memories. He always said I was the one that made everyone laugh, the comic relief of the family. My daddy lived a great life, he got to do the things he loved and be with the people he most liked to spend time with. I am so grateful there are so many people that loved my dad and gave him joy to be with. He was always ready and willing to help with anything anyone needed. I am so thankful God answered my 2 prayers, 1) that he make it to the family reunion, which he did and 2) not to let him suffer long, which he didn't. I know the next few days are going to be hard but there is a peace to seeing all the people that meant so much to my daddy. I love this picture of my daddy, it is so him. He loved his horses better than anything and they loved him. Daddy, I know there must be horses in heaven and that you are riding one already!! I love you and miss you already!

I Love This Card

2010-06-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

We carry a line of stamps at the Sassy Scrapper that are designed by a local artist. I love them and her newest one is amazing. I can't wait to get it!!! She has a website that has a gallery of amazing cards on it. I took one of those examples and put my own spin on it. I loved the way it turned out. The banner is from her stamp set Look Up. It is so versatile. The wish big is cut out with my Silhouette, which I absolutely love. I added the candle because I thought since I was telling someone to wish big they needed a candle. The ribbon is actually a piece of fabric with torn edges. What do you think?

For my Sweet Daddy

2010-06-06T05:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a card I made for my Daddy. My Daddy is the best cowboy I know. He loves the cards that I make him. He said he would not take a million dollars for this card. How's that for priceless!! Not sure if many of you know, but my Dad has Stage 4 cancer. He has a grapefruit size tumor in his liver and many in his lungs. About a month ago they gave him 3 to 8 months to live. He went Friday to have his kidney and liver function checked and they sent him straight to the hospital because he has an infection. They are not sure what is causing it, but it's probably just another stage that causes infection after infection. This is his second one in 3 weeks. I just pray that he does not suffer too much. I love my Daddy more than anything. We have such a close relationship and it us just hard seeing him not feel good.

This makes me happy!!

2010-06-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

I love fresh herbs and this year I am trying to grow a little herb garden on my deck. I love the way the pots turned out with the names on them. I cut the black vinyl out on my Silhouette. I used the CK periwinkle font. I took this picture a few weeks ago. I need a new one to show you how much they have grown.

Love My Silhouette

2010-05-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have had my Silhouette for a while but have not used it too much. Then my Gypsy broke and while I was waiting on a new one I had to use my Silhouette. It really is amazing. It takes a little getting used to, but the options are endless. You can use ANY font that is on your computer, and there are tons you can download from the web. You can do print and cuts, where you can print it out on your printer and then have the Silhouette cut it out. Here are a couple of pages I did using the Silhouette to cut out the titles. Oh and one more thing, it can cut out very delicate things unlike the Cricut.

Fun Day

2010-04-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Scout and I ran in the See Spot Run 5K at MTSU on Sunday. We had a blast, especially Scout because he got to spend time with some other greyhounds.

New pictures of Scout

2010-04-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

Scout is really coming around. He has been a little shy and mopey, but I think we have convinced him we are a loving and spoiling kind of family. He gets lots of good boy treats, even some homemade ones. He gets to take the kids to school in the morning, he loves riding in the car. He also has been going running with me. He loves it but is very tired when we get home. Today was the first day I left him alone all day, so I left him with a chew bone to occupy him. He loves to be petted. I love this picture of him making Drew love on him even though Drew is sitting at the table busy.

Look what the Easter Bunny brought!!

2010-04-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I am so happy. My heart has been so broke since we lost Dixen in February. I did not think I wanted another dog, but how wrong I was. We had GPA/N bring us a couple of adoptable Greyhounds on Saturday afternoon. Since we are used to having one greyhound we just decided on one. Meet Scout, he is an 8 year old male and he is sooo awesome. He seems so much bigger then Dixen. He is 77 pounds and very meaty. He is a definitely a follower. He wants to be where ever we are. And he is so soft. You can't help but pet and love on him. Once we get used to him we are going to get him a playmate!!

Where has the time gone?

2010-03-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

I know it has been forever since I have blogged. I actually have not been doing too much crafting. I just haven't felt like it. I really miss my dog Dixen. So much that we are awaiting a home visit so another greyhound can pick us to be their home. I think we are going to welcome 2 into our house, and maybe even foster one. I think greyhounds are the best pets and they really need us to help educate everyone on how great they are!! I went on a retreat a couple of weeks ago, and it was just for fun, not for work. I had a great time and did get about 7 pages done. I will try to post some of them. I actually got to sew today. I made 2 purses for my friend Sherri's daughters. They love my purses and I love making them for them.

Love Prima

2010-03-04T18:47:00.001-08:00

Prima is having a fabulous giveaway. Go to their blog to enter www.prima.typepad.com
They are also starting live webcast classes. You can get the kit ahead of time to do along with the class. The Sassy Scrapper I think is going to carry them!!!

Yeah 2 more layouts

2010-03-03T21:35:00.001-08:00

My goal today was to do 2 layouts to teach at the store. It is now 11:35 and I just finished the 2nd one, so I did it!! The first one is a first birthday layout using the new Creative Imaginations Melange birthday line. I used my new favorite technique on it twice. I learned from Heidi Swapp how to use crepe paper sprayed with glimmer mist and then stamped. I gathered it under embellishments to make it look like a ruffle. The second page is for March Madness. It is a basketball themed layout using some of the new Reminisce Real Sports paper and Teresa Collins Sports Edition paper. I used another one of my favorite techniques on this page. I used a strip of coordination cardstock and ran it through my dyno gun to say basketball and then sanded it.

Apple Jack from Sassafras

2010-02-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here is one of the new lines from Sassafras. It is called Apple Jack, which is perfect for my sweet Jackson. The colors were perfect for these pictures of Jackson with his new Awesome shirt. I used a new technique I learned from Heidi Swapp this week. She takes crepe paper and sprays it with glimmer mist and then gathers it to make a ruffle. I also stamped mine with dictionary words to add more dimension.

Good-bye Old Friend

2010-02-22T07:36:00.001-08:00

Well the day came that I was hoping would not come. My sweet Dixen finally got to where he could not get up. We took him in this morning and had he put to sleep. This is the only dog we have had since we got married. We got him in 2000 when I was pregnant with Cole. We meet some people at a pet store that rescued greyhounds and then put the up for adoption. We went to their house and they brought out 10 dogs for us to pick from. Immediately I noticed Dixen because of his coloring. I thought he was so beautiful. But I was not sure about him because he was acting so hyper. He was running around and jumping. I sat on the couch and he came running up to me and hit me in my mouth with his head. Since I was about to have a new baby I knew I did not want a hyper dog. We left and came back a few weeks later and had them bring out 3 dogs, one of which was Dixen. Once again he was all over the place. Another one we thought about was named Romeo, he was a darker version of Dixen, but his nose was not as long, and I love their long noses. Romeo was not very excited, in fact he just went and laid down, while Dixen on the other hand was begging for our attention. I had heard that when you go to pick out a greyhound you leave with the one that has picked you and this was definitely the case. Once we got Dixen home he was not hyper at all, he was just trying to get us to take him home. He was such a loving, loyal and sweet dog. It's like he knew we rescued him and was grateful for it. Greyhounds are not suppose to be very active dogs, like a lab, but he loved to go on the boat with us, he loved to go camping, he just loved being with us where ever we were. I know there are greater tragedies that people are going through, but please pray for my family because to us this is a great tragedy and we are all very sad about it. Thanks Dixen for all the joy you brought into our lives and we hope that you enjoyed being with us as much as we enjoyed being with you!!!!

Happy Sunday

2010-02-21T14:55:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day. It was so beautiful day today here in Murfreesboro. The kids played baseball out in the backyard with the neighborhood kids. And I got to make some cards in my craft room. I am way behind on sending cards out, so I made some Thanks you's and some Just Because ones. I also made some Thank you's for Jackson's birthday presents. I used an old Star Wars calendar. I love the way they turned out.

I'm Back, but don't want to be

2010-02-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

We got back from Vegas on Thursday afternoon. Came straight home and ate a sandwich, then headed over to a friends house to bid him goodbye. They are moving to Phoenix, boo hoo. Then on Friday I took the kids to school and came back to finish the stuff for the Valentine's party. It took me all morning. Then Friday evening I had to go to the funeral home, a friend's daughter in law had died while I was gone. Saturday I had to go to Belle Meade for Cole's basketball game. Then I went to work. My parents kept my kids so after work I went to Lavergne to pick them up. Sunday I had to greet at church so I had to get there early. Afterwards we came home and got everything together for Jackson's birthday party. We got to the Embassy Suites at 3:30 and 5 kids plus my 2 were ready to party. All I have to say is thank goodness I did not have to clean the room. Now I am finally at home, I need to unpack from 2 get aways, clean the house and try and get some work projects done, but what I really would like to do is take a nap. The kids are home today so I probably will not get much done. I wanted to show you a few pictures from my trip. I did not take any pictures of us gambling because I was scared a pit boss might come and yell at me. We saw 2 shows so I have pictures of us. The first one is of Drew and I dressed up to go to the Jubilee Vegas showgirl show. It's pretty shocking to see about 50 topless women at one time on a stage. The second picture is of us with the men from the Blue Man Group. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. I laughed so hard I cried my makeup off.

Seems Weird

2010-02-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

It really seems weird to not be locked in my craft room every night late trying to get a layout done. I figured up how many layouts I did last month between the LOAD and the scrapbook I was doing for someone. The total number is 50. I'm not sure I did a total of 50 all of last year. Now if I can just keep it going. I have finished one of my teachers Valentine gift. I needed to finish all 4 before I left for Vegas in the morning but it does not look like it is going to happen. I hope to be able to post some pictures from Vegas, so keep a look out.

I'm on a roll!!

2010-02-03T13:34:00.001-08:00

Here is one of the Valentine shirts I made myself today. The fabric is Heidi Grace fabric that I cut with my Cricut. I have another one I hope to get done today too. Wish me luck!!

Another One Down

2010-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

I just finished the purse I am donating to the wine tasting. Last year the purse I donated was stolen but reappeared right before the auction ended. I hope to start making purses again and selling them on Etsy and at Sassy.

More Projects

2010-02-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Well now that my LOAD is done I can get back to the many projects that have been on hold. Jackson's birthday is coming up so I finished his invitations today. I think they turned out super cute. The picture is from Christmas and it is so perfect for his Ben 10 themed birthday. Next I have to finish a purse for the silent auction at the wine tasting this weekend. Then I have to finish my teacher's Valentine gifts before Friday because I have to work this weekend and Drew and I are leaving for Vegas on Monday. I can't believe we are going on a trip alone. We have never been on a trip without the kids.

Last Day

2010-01-31T15:38:00.001-08:00

Well my husband is happy. Today is the last day I HAVE to do a layout. I hope to keep going but don't tell him. Today's challenge was to use colors from your house. I used the colors in my kitchen. I love these pictures of Jackson from last November. I also love the Jenni Bowlin inspired core'dinations cardstock I used for the background.

I love Teresa Collins

2010-01-30T16:07:00.000-08:00

I love the Teresa Collins line and I love awesome sports paper. So when we got this line at my LSS I could not wait to do something with it. I scraplifted the idea off of Two Peas in a Bucket.

Winter Wonderland, finally

2010-01-29T17:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the kid's school closed and there was not a snowflake in sight. When we got up this morning, still nothing. Finally around noon it started to fall and did not stop. We went out to play and I got some great pictures. I made a snowman with the kids help and Cole made this huge snowball. He wanted to know if we could keep it in the freezer? Today's LOAD was a sketch. I loved it and this is my interpretation.

Yesterday and today

2010-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a staff meeting that lasted until 10:30. When I got home I hurried to get a layout done and submitted it at 11:53. I was praying for no computer or scanner problems. The challenge was to use buttons. I don't love the page but I love the picture. Today's challenge was a title challenge. We had to use the title, "Parenthood it's not a job, it's an adventure."

I'm still here

2010-01-25T16:49:00.000-08:00

Yes I am still doing the LOAD. I just have been scrapping some pages for someone else also. So some days I can't get around to doing a page for myself because I have been trying to get hers done for her. Today's challenge was to use cardstock only.

20 minutes

2010-01-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

Can you believe I did a layout in 20 minutes? Me either, that has to be a record. I am off to the Sassy Scrapper to teach an all day Disney class!!

So much cuter in person

2010-01-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge was a saying,"Family is a little world created by love." This picture is from Thanksgiving and the picture is of my whole family acting silly like we always do. If you only knew what we put in baskets you would understand!!

It's Ok

2010-01-21T17:18:00.001-08:00

Today's challenge was a sketch and she wanted us to make a really long title using the mini alphabet stickers. I don't love the layout, but it's done and that makes me happy. Cole opened up a bunch of shirts on Christmas morning. Usually kids are like "whatever". But Cole said, "Yeah clothes, I really needed some new clothes!" Yesterday's submmission was to use Stickles. I worked on a Disney album all day. I will try to load the pictures later but until I do you can go here to see them.

Fun challenge

2010-01-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge was to us a Mother Goose nursery rhyme title from this link http://www3.amherst.edu/~rjyanco94/literature/mothergoose/rhymes/menu.html
I had the perfect pictures of my dog, so here is my submission.

Yeah for Boys

2010-01-17T18:54:00.001-08:00

Today's challenge was to take a favorite layout and use different paper and embellishments. I don't know where I got the layout but this is my take on it.

Celebrate

2010-01-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

Today was such a great day. I sewed a couple of projects, ran 3 miles, and had a surprise birthday lunch with my friends. If any of you reading this know me very well you are probably thinking, your birthday was in December. Well we all know December is a busy month so my neighbor Mary Katherine wanted to treat me to lunch now that we have time. Little did I know she invited a few of our favorite friends and ate at B McNeels. I totally blew my diet but man was it good. So today's challenge was to do a layout with the word Celebrate on it. What a perfect layout for today. Mary Katherine is going to send me the picture so I will add it to the layout when I get it.

Today was much better

2010-01-14T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today was much better than yesterday. I actually got some of the Christmas decorations down, worked out and ran 1 mile, had lunch with my Dad and Sister, took my youngest son to be tested for the Discovery School and got my layout done before 9:00. The challenge today was to document my favorite part of my day that is part of my routine. I titled this page any day of the week this is where I want to be. These 2 pictures are of my completely disastrous craft room, but I still love spending time in there.

What a day!

2010-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

I have not stopped at all today. I got up and got the kids ready without their willingness, so we were running a little behind. Got them to school, was going to go to the gym to workout but forgot my ipod. So I came home and worked out 30 minutes on the WII active. Showered and got ready to go to work. I had a class this morning. I got there right at 10 and realized I forgot my Gypsy which I had to have to cut out stuff for the class. Allison came and let me run home to get it. Work was not to busy so I did have a little break. Then I left work at 6 went to the gym and ran 2.5 miles. Came home and Drew had picked up a pizza thank goodness. The House of 3 with Heidi Swapp was having their live chat at 7:00 so I logged onto that and watched for an hour. I tucked the kids in bed and told them bedtime stories. Then came in my craft room and did my LOAD. And now I am posting it here, then I'm going to get in the shower then to bed. It is 10:25 right now. Geez I'm tired. Today's LOAD challenge was to scrapbook a picture you have been meaning to scrapbook and use a product that you love. I used lots of things I love on this layout. I used a Tim Holtz mask with glimmer mist. I used Teresa Collins Friendship paper to cut out the sayings. I used Say It with Crystals and alcohol ink them to match. And I used the Stampin up punch to make my journaling block look like torn notebook paper.

Not Feeling it

2010-01-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge was to use paint somehow on the layout. I had in my mind what I wanted to do and how I wanted this layout to turn out. But do you ever have one of those layouts that just won't come out like you have it in your mind. Well this is one of them. I love this picture of my funny man Jackson. The journaling reads - My Jackson is a one of a kind. He is always coming up with funny sayings and doing funny things. One day I told him to go get dressed and he came down wearing this tight black Under Armor shirt and black shorts. He then puts on my gold necklace and says, "Its tight yo!" Where does he get this stuff?

Lazy Day 10

2010-01-10T19:23:00.000-08:00

Since I worked today and taught a book class that lasted 4 hours I was not really in the mood to sit in my craft room. Plus my husband is tired of me disappearing in there every night. So tonight I decided to do a digital layout so I could sit in bed with him and complete it. The challenge today was a page map sketch. I love digital but I will never give up the feel and smell of traditional paper!! (I'm a closeted paper sniffer!!)

Today's Challenge... LOVE

2010-01-09T19:23:00.001-08:00

Today's LOAD challenge was to use one large photo and the word LOVE on the layout. The theme of my page is, "I love Christmas morning anticipation." The journaling reads - The rule at our house on Christmas morning is you have to come and wake Mom and Dad up before you can go downstairs. The reason being, so we can set up the camera to get the expression of those sweet, excited faces when they see what Santa has brought. We always tease them and say what great things we see but we make them wait a few minutes longer just to build the anticipation.

Another day, another layout

2010-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Today's challenge was to only use patterned paper, no cardstock allowed. You had to use at least 3. I actually used 4. The title is done using a patterned paper that is pearl tone on tone.

Jan 7 Load

2010-01-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

The challenge today was to use crimson, black, white and gray. The moderator is a huge Alabama fan, so in honor the game tonight this is what she asked of us. I did use those colors, but they are kind of grungy so to me it is not so obvious. I love the way it turned out. That dog of ours is just the cutest thing!!

Premade cards are so easy

2010-01-07T13:36:00.000-08:00

I love to make cards but sometimes using preprinted cards and adding something to it is just so easy. These are 2 cards from a set I made my friend Denise for Christmas. These look just like her.

I'm on a roll!!

2010-01-06T19:53:00.001-08:00

I am loving this LOAD. I haven't gotten this much scrapbooking done since the last 3 day retreat!! I love this layout. I bought this Teresa Collins Christmas paper, but only 3 sheets...what was I thinking?

Jan 5 LOAD

2010-01-05T21:00:00.001-08:00

Just finished my Jan 5 LOAD. The challenge was to do something related to being warm since it is so cold. I had the perfect picture of the boys and I in the hot tub at our cabin in Gatlinburg. I love the way it turned out.

Catch up on the LOAD

2010-01-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

Drew, the boys and I have been out of town since Sunday. We went to Gatlinburg snow skiing and had a blast. I could not take my scrapbook supplies so I took my computer and did my LOAD's digitally. The first one was done from a sketch we were given and the second one was done from a recipe. She told us to use 1 patterned paper, 2 cardstocks, 3 ribbon strips, 4 pictures and 5 buttons. The last picture is one I did the night before we left. It was a challenge to use the colors pearl magenta, pearl mint green, spring lilac and dark blue. It really was a challenge because I do not like mint green or purple.

A New Challenge, among many.

2010-01-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

If you read my previous post you know I have decided to try and train for the Music City 1/2 marathon. I also have another challenge I have decided to do (this one I think will be much more fun). I have joined a LOAD group on Crimson Cropper. It is a challenge to do a layout a day in January. Today's challenge was to use a new product. I finally got the Jenni Bowlin inspired coordinations cardstock pack. So the background is using a sheet from that. Another new product I used was a print cut file from my silhouette. I have had my silhouette a while but have not used it hardly at all, and have not used the print and cut at hall. The journaling tag is a tag I printed and then cut out. Not bad for a layout done in an hour.

This is a test.

2009-12-31T15:46:00.000-08:00

I was just wondering if anyone reads my post. So to check I am going to let a secret out. I have decided to get my butt in gear and get back to the gym starting in January and start training for the Music City 1/2 marathon in April. I swore I never wanted to run in a race, but what better way to get in shape then to have a goal and reach it.

What a couple of cuties!!

2009-12-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

Look at my two sweet boys. We had a pancake breakfast at church and Santa was there. They were a little apprehensive at first but when they got close to Santa he just grabbed them and pulled them in.

Can somebody please slow time down?!

2009-12-14T17:57:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been a month since my last post. I have been so busy. We had a fun Thanksgiving weekend at The Sassy Scrapper with lots of classes. I have been working quite a bit but I am off for the next few days. I hope to get my Christmas crafting done and hopefully my Christmas cards done. I know I am behind. I also turned the big 40 a week ago. I can't believe I now have to say 40, ouch. My mom said "Welcome to middle age." I told her I was going to get a boob job, then I changed my mind and said I was going to get a tattoo. For any of you that know me very well the only tattoo I could possibly stand would be one of a freckle. I got to spend my birthday shopping with some good friends Karrie and Marta. This is the picture of us eating at Logan's. The waitress gave a big shout out to the whole restaurant to wish me a happy 4oth. How embarrassing. One of the cute young waiters came by and said he would have guessed me at 21. What a sweet young man!! I also had a crop at the store. We had a great time and ate lots of good food.

I think I'm going to LOVE my Gypsy

2009-11-13T15:45:00.001-08:00

I got my Gypsy on Tuesday and have been playing with it everywhere. I was at basketball practice on Wednesday and somebody asked me what I was playing. My friend Karrie asked me to do a page she saw somewhere and here is my version. The title I designed on my design studio and then transferred it to my Gypsy and cut it out. I love the way it turned out.

Don't you just love fall days!!

2009-11-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Jackson my youngest son was invited to a birthday party yesterday at the park. I took the opportunity and my zoom lens to take some really cute pictures. These are a few of my favorite.

Girls just love to dress up!

2009-10-28T07:41:00.001-07:00

Saturday night was my son's annual dinner fundraiser. It is a Dinner/Auction. Instead of having it in the gym at school it is now held at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro and we had a lot of fun drinking, eating and dancing. Here is a picture of my good friend Shannon and I waiting on dinner.

Don't Miss Out

2009-10-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the Sassy Scrapper is having their 2nd annual Scrap Pink day this Saturday. It will be from 8 am to 11 pm at the Lascassas Baptist Church on 231. The cost is $35.00 plus tax and that includes lunch and dinner. There were be some t-shirts for sale that say "Fight Like a Sassy Girl 2009". The cost is $12.99 - $15.99. Please come down for all the fun and support a good cause. Remember 1 in 8 women get breast cancer, we need a cure!!

A Couple of Layouts

2009-10-13T14:05:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of layouts I did in a class I took at the trade show in Houston. The paper is from GCD Studios. This paper has a super cool texture. The flower on the first page was so fun to make. It is just hand cut circles each one smaller in size and then wrinkled up and put together with a brad.

Live the Life You've Imagined

2009-10-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Most of you know how much I love Tim Holtz. Being his assistant at CKU was so wonderful, but this past weekend I actually got to be a student in 3 of his classes. It was so awesome. I did some things I have already done on my own but also learned some new techniques from the master. He remembered me from CKU which was very cool. I also got to meet and take 2 classes from Jennifer McGuire. She is another very talented person. She does cards mostly but she uses alot of Tim Holtz inspired ideas and product. I am always the teacher so getting to be the student was very fun. I also took another class from Prima and we made a mini album using the packaging. It was so cool, I can't wait to put pictures on it. Here are a few of the pictures from this weekend.

See what CKC does to you!!

2009-09-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

After 2 full days of non stop demoing and a lack of sleep this is what happens after refueling on some yummy food. The second picture is of my demoing, I really did love it even though I felt like I had cotton in my mouth after a few hours.

Spooky!!

2009-09-19T13:01:00.001-07:00

Yeah! I finished my Jenni Bowlin Halloween Bingo mini album. I love Jenni Bowlin, but especially her Bingo cards. When the Halloween ones came out it just screamed mini album to me. I am teaching it at the Sassy Scrapper on Monday September 28. I loved the way it turned out!!

What a slacker

2009-09-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been over a month since my last post. I have been so busy with school starting and lots of work stuff. I am going to be at CKC in Nashville this weekend. I am working the booth for the Sassy Scrapper and teaching a class. I hope more than 2 people sign up for my class. I am going to be demoing Just Rite Stampers. I love this product and love demoing it. One of the things I have been working on is a Tim Holtz inspired layout. It is a class I am teaching on September 21. I love how it turned out.

Altered School Item

2009-08-08T06:06:00.001-07:00

Here is a composition book I altered. I used My Mind's Eye paper and embellishments. I used the Stampin Up punch to punch the edge. It was super easy!!

Fun Card

2009-08-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

I am a member of a secret stamping sister yahoo group. It is for 3 months and you send your secret sister goodie boxes and whatever else you would like. I sent her a package yesterday and made this card to go with it. I have several card magazines and I grabbed one yesterday and had decided whatever page I opened it to I would make the card using that idea. The page I opened it to used a photo on the front with some word stickers for the saying. This is my interpretation. The bird picture was taken on my back deck in the spring. I took about 30 pictures of this sweet little bird. I got some great ones and had already decided I would like to use them on cards and I finally did use one. I used a cuttle bug embossing folder to embossed the edge and then alcohol inked a charm to match and hang at the top. I also distressed the edge of the photo.

My Sports Book

2009-08-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the sports mini album I did of Jackson playing soccer. I used lots of fun product and incorporated lots of techniques. I love the new grunge paper from Ranger. You can cut it with your cricut. I also love to cut my own acrylic and alcohol ink it. This book is a class at the Sassy Scrapper on August 8 and August 24.

I have a new Boyfriend

2009-08-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

Haha made you worry didn't I?! Here is a double layout that I am actually teaching at the Sassy Scrapper. I used some of the new paper from Cosmo Cricket called The Boyfriend. If this was my personal page I would have used more of the actual paper but since it is a class I used coordinating cardstock instead. Hope you like it and if you want to come take the class, it is on Tuesday August 25 at 6:00. The cost is $12.50 for 1 page and $15.00 for 2 pages.

My Favorite Christmas Traditions

2009-07-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love this album!! My favorite thing about Christmas is the traditions the we do. This is a mini album I did for the Sassy Scrapper for a Christmas in July class.

Just Back!!

2009-07-10T18:38:00.001-07:00

I know it's been a while since I posted but like everyone else I have been so busy!! The kids and I just got back from camping with my parents at Natchez Trace State Park. We rode horses in the morning and swam in the afternoon. Then after dinner we watched movies under the starlight. After everyone else went to bed I stayed up and did some digital scrapbooking on my computer. I am such a scrapbook junkie. Here are the 2 pages I did. I know 2 pages does not sound like much. But I am still new to the digital scrapbooking and trying to scrapbook in a tent on an air mattress is not the best scenerio. The second layout I did of some pictures from this weekend. I love horse riding with my Dad. We would love to go out west for a few weeks and just ride, maybe one day!!

Beach Book

2009-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a Bo Bunny Word book I made for my store. I am teaching the class twice in July. I think it is going to be so fun. I love Bo Bunny!!

A couple of cards

2009-06-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of cards I have done lately. The first one is one I made for my friend Brenda who was having back problems. The other one is the Father's day card I made my husband. I love the Tim Holtz masks used with glimmer mist. I also love my dyno click gun used with a strip of coredinations cardstock instead of tape.

That's a little better!

2009-06-15T15:01:00.001-07:00

I finally had time to fix the header on my blog. It still is not great but it will do for now. I have not had time for much lately. I have been working quite a bit and doing classes, so in my spare time I am either coming up with a class project or making the kit for it. This weekend I did get a chance to go to my family reunion. It was a little disappointing because most of the family did not come. On the way back my parent's car broke down so I did not get home until 12:30 Saturday night. I slept until 10:00 the next morning and then I was not good for anything else. I am currently trying to work on a layout that will express the way I feel about my sweet Jackson and his blanket. The love he has for that blanket is unbelievable. So anyway, I am trying to get the best pictures to show that, here are a couple of them.

Good Grief

2009-06-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

Pardon the goofy looking blog. I am trying to make all cute but I have to leave to go to work and I ran out of time. Hopefully by tomorrow I will have it looking good!!! Keep your fingers crossed.

OMG!!

2009-06-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

I can't belive the fabulous weekend I had. CKU was in town and I can never seem to afford to go, so I signed up to be a volunteer. They had several listings of companies and designers you could sign up for. The first one that caught my eye was Ranger. I wasn't for sure but I figured Tim Holtz would be the instructor. Even if he wasn't I love Ranger so I would win either way. When I got there I walked in to the Ranger room and the only person in there was of course Tim. I introduced myself and got right to work. A little bit later his partner Mario came in and he helped me. Tim taught 4 classes on Friday and they were very fast paced with 4 projects to be done. I worked my tail off but I had the best time!! I told Tim and Mario I was coming back on Saturday and they asked me to please come back to help them because I was so awesome. Can you believe that?! The king of awesomeness told me I was awesome!! Saturday was even busier because we had over 40 people in each class trying to do 4 projects in 1 hour and 30 minutes. But we had it down to a science and everyone said it was their favorite class. Tim and Mario were once again very thankful for my hard work and gave me some goodies!!! I can't believe I was so lucky to get to spend 2 days with one of my favorite designers!! Thank you Tim and Mario!!!!

I'm more Green than I knew!

2009-05-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

I always love making my kids teachers gifts. I have made teachers in the past tote bags but this year I made the tote bags out of old plaid school jumbers and the pocket on the front is from an old oxford school shirt. What a great way to recycle!!

Theodore Roosevelt was one cool dude!!

2009-05-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today my 8 year old had his biography book report at school. He decided to do it on Theodore Roosevelt. They had to dress up like the person they were reporting on. He wanted to dress up as the cowboy version. When I had a little trouble finding something for him to wear his said he second choice was to go as a dirty kid, because as a kid Theodore always liked to be outside in nature and would always be dirty. My dad is a real life cowboy and I used to be a part time cowgirl, so between the 2 of us we came up with his outfit. The chaps and spurs are my dads but the cowboy hat and boots are mine. We had to bribe him to get him to wear the chaps but it was definitely worth it. I think he looks great!!

It's tight yo!!

2009-05-14T19:51:00.001-07:00

I am convinced that Jackson is going to be an entertainer of some sort. He is always acting in some way or putting on some kind of show. He is so hilarious but when you laugh he thinks you are laughing at him, oh the dilemmas of being a star. Yesterday I was sitting at the table and he comes down dressed in this attire and starts acting like he is rapping. Of course the first thing I do is laugh and grab my camera.

I Love Mini Albums

2009-04-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the mini album I did for Jackson's birthday party at Embassy Suites. It is going to be a class at the Sassy Scrapper in June!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have the funniest kids. Yesterday they wanted to dye eggs, but at the time we did not have any power. We went out to run some errands so we went ahead and bought the supplies. By the time we got home the power had come on. So I prepped all the stuff while the eggs were boiling. I had a cup of vinegar to add to the coloring. As I was about to mix the colors, Jackson had a funny face and asked me what was in that cup. I told him it was vinegar and he started spitting saying he had drunk it. We all started laughing because it was so funny but he did not think it was funny. We finally got the eggs dyed and then added funny faces to them.

Thankful to God!

2009-04-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard Murfreesboro was hit very hard yesterday by tornadoes. I was in my craft room when I started hearing it on the tv, so I went downstairs to check it out and as I looked out my back door I saw it coming. I got my kids, husband and dog and took cover as it was blowing by. We lost power but that was the only thing we lost. Many neighborhoods around us lost houses. I am so thankful to God for protecting us during that terrible tragedy. The good that came out of it for us, was that we got to spend some quality time together as a family without all the distractions of tv, video games and just plain busyness. We cooked our dinner on the grill, since it was Good Friday we could not eat meat, so Drew and I had fish. The kids do not like fish, so Jackson had peanut butter sandwich and cereal and Cole had cereal, french fries (steamed on the grill) and corn on the cob. I am posting some pictures of us eating our gourmet dinner by candle light. The pictures are a little deceiving because it looks really bright but it was extremely dark and we had a lot of candles lit to be able to see. After dinner we played Life and really enjoyed each others company. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that was effected by the tragedy. Stay strong and know that God is there for you!

Finally!!

2009-04-08T19:33:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I finally got my new computer. I got a 16 inch HP laptop and it is so awesome!! Now I can actually craft in my craft room without having to run downstairs to get on the computer. I hope to keep my blog updated more. I also hope to post more layouts and enter challenges and contests. I made a gift today for my son's teacher for Easter using vinyl on a plaque I got at Hobby Lobby. I think it turned out great. The other 2 pictures are of my craft room with two vinyl words I put on the wall. The one that says simplify I think is hilarious because if you look beneath it, it is anything but simplified!!

I can't believe it!! I'm pregnant!!

2009-04-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

APRIL FOOLS!! Haha I have pulled this one on several people today. What I really can't believe is the goal I set for myself at my job this month I exceeded!! We were challenged to sell Fiskar border punches. My personal goal was to sell 50. As of Saturday I had sold 38. I was only working one more day in March so I did not think there was anyway to make it. But guess what, I sold 22 yesterday bringing my total to 60!! My boss does not believe me.

A Suite Life

2009-02-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

Jackson turned 7 on February 15. He had wanted his birthday party at Bounce U but I was not willing to pay $400 for a pary, so instead we decided to have 3 friends come with us to The Embassy Suites and spend the night. We kind of copied the idea from the Disney show The Suite Life of Zach and Cody. I made the invitations and instead of a cake I made cupcakes that looked like popcorn and then made popcorn boxes to put them in. It was a great time!!

Phew!!

2009-01-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

Now that the holidays are over maybe I can keep my blog updated. I made several things for Christmas presents and I will hopefully post those, but I wanted to post the album I made for the store. It is going to be a class at the end of the month. It is made using Prima acrylic build a book pages and bunches of embellishments. I used my new favorite new technique using alcohol ink on it also.

Of all days!!

2008-11-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

OK, so for the people that know me, eating is probably one of my most favorite things to do. So obviously Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is all about eating. Well this year I did not get to enjoy it as much as I would have liked, you see I had an eating injury the night before which hindered my enjoyment. What in the world? you are probably saying. Well, I was cooking Wednesday night, making Cuban food and I had fried some croquettes. When I took a bite of one it was not hot enough in the middle so I popped it in the microwave. When I took it out, I took a bite and the filling shot to the back of my esophagus and fell all the way down to my stomach scalding the whole way down. So now when I swallow it feels like a square cracker going down my esophagus. So can you imagine not being able to enjoy the wonderful Thanksgiving food knowing that every bite is going to be painful to swallow. Only me would this happen to.

Grandkids already?!

2008-11-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

So this morning I was in the bathroom getting ready and my 6 year old comes in and precedes to ask me if I was going to have any more kids. I told him no. He said,"Well then I am going to have 3 kids. I am going to name them Zach, John and David. No actually I am going to have 4 kids and name them Zach, John, David and Jesus." (I did not give him any response at this point.) He continued and said, "No I think I'll have 5 kids and name them Zach, John, David, Jesus and God, God and Jesus Diamond." So at this point I had to tell him that you can't name your kids God and Jesus, to which his response was, "That stinks." Then he continued, kind of talking to his self , saying, "I hope my wife lets me name all our kids." So what's worse, that he wants to have 5 kids or he wants them all to be boys? (You see I only have boys and both my sisters have boys so I would love to have a girl to spoil at some point.)

What to do?

2008-11-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

So what do you do when your six year old son runs around the house singing, "I like big butts and I cannot lie, no one can deny!"

Then my 8 year old sings, "I like big bacon and I cannot lie, no one can deny it is so delicious and so nutritious!"

Red Kool Aid

2008-11-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

I haven't bought Kool-aid in a long time but it was the end of the month, you know the time when you feel like you are camping from your pantry because it is so bare. Anyway like I was saying we did not have our usual stuff to drink so I found some Kool-aid in the pantry and made it. I also forgot you add one whole cup of sugar to this wonderful mixture, it just doesn't seem right. Of course my kids loved it and couldn't get enough. This picture is of them on a sugar high and they have famous red Kool-aid mustache, which I forgot to wash off before they went to school. Oh well, I'm not running for Mother of the Year!!