Ok I know I am the worst blogger!!

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

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

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

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

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!!

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...

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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!!

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?

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

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

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!!

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

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

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!!

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

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

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

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!!

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?

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

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

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

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

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!!!!