Lots to share (photo heavy)

This last week was great! I love it when I can pack my scrap tote for work, sit there and scrap, watch the non-ringing phone, and get paid. I also really love the 4 day weekends, and just think in about a month...I have another 4 day weekend and then after that a 3 day week and I am off for another 4 days! I absolutely ♥ this time of year!!!

Wednesday I worked on 3 layouts at work for different themes and challenges. Friday night, I finished up 1 layout with embellishments and then worked on a 3 more layouts. This post is going to be photo heavy, so sit down, buckle in, have your drink in arms reach and here we go.

This year for Thanksgiving I went a different route. (Unfortunately...I don't have photos for this part) I made Cornish hens, fresh green beans with bacon and onions, carrot souffle, stuffing, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, and rolls. I also went off the deep end and made a pumpkin pie and chocolate cream pie too! I really cooked this year and it didn't come from a box!

Friday we went to the Ren Fest. It was the 1st time this year that we went and for us that is odd. We have been averaging about 3 trips a season. I saw something this time around I have never seen before. One was...well we shall call him "loin cloth" boy. Oh my. It wasn't really a loin cloth but more of a pouch with fur to cover his butt cheeks. My 14 year old said "what the..." and the woman in front of us said "I've never seen that before out here" Was it shocking? No. Unexpected, yes. I did not get a pic because I was the one with her mouth hanging open watching him walk by. Next I saw the biggest 'fro on a white kid I have ever seen and something makes me think that it was real.



There was a guy walking around with a very tall Mohawk. I think it was the tallest I have ever seen.



Then there was a very tall "girl"



Henna's were in the picture again this year.

Amber and Sean's Ladybugs. Robbie and I were in shock he got a matching ladybug and she didn't have to talk him into it.


Samantha got a fish. If you tilt your head to the left and look at it like you would :) You can see a fancy carrot - lol!!!


I saw my favorite guy. It was amazing because when I have the camera...I never see him. I just ♥ this guy for some reason.



The whole Ren Fest day was made possible by Melissa. I work with her and she has been doing Ren Fest for I think 17 seasons. Thanks Melissa for the tickets :)



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Moving on to scrapping now.

Scrapfreak's challenges for this month was to tell a story with a layout. I have the perfect story for this one.

HEB


Journaling reads: I used to shop for my grandma @ HEB. One cold day off I went with Samantha to shop. She was still in the little carseat and I had her covered so the cold air would stay off of her. When I walked in the store I was in the produce section and I didn't uncover her right away because I was still by the door and I walked further into the store before I stopped to take the receiving blanket down. Out of the blue this little old lady come up and slapped me in the head and told me that it was about time I uncovered "that baby" and walked off. I stood there stunned probably with my mouth hanging open. I never said anything to her. I finished the shopping and told my grandma who really got mad at this woman. I don't ever remember having to shop for her at HEB again.
I used White and Maraschino Bazzill, 7 Gypsies Barcelona "Matarro", Jenni Bowlin "Black Soda Label" and Black Border Sticker. Cat's Eye Chalk in Black. Letters are the Logo from HEB and MM Tiny Letters in Black.

The next challenge was to use a base of patterned paper.

Homecoming '09


Journaling reads: Her 1st date to a dance. His 1st dance. They looked so cute all dressed up and ready to go! 10/24/09

I used Olive and Oatmeal Bazzill, Collage Press Knave of Hearts "Queen of Hearts" and "Loveable" Journal spot is from the Knave Journaling cards, Cats Eye Chalk in Black, and Bling. Letters are by Doodlebug.

On All About Me their Challenge #6 was for "My Mark". Tell the story about a mark that you have. I have already told the story of my tattoos and who cares about my belly button that is grown up now so I decided to make this about the girls.

*Your Mark


Journaling reads: I guess we could call this your "temporary" tattoo. This super cute and very cool looking photo was made when you took a highlighter, a black light, a dark room and a lucky shot w/ your camera. 2008

I used Prism Vanilla cardstock, Misc. PP from my stash, American Crafts Ribbon, and staples. Letters are White Foam Thickers.

Apron Strings posted their Ad Inspiration last Monday and I missed the deadline but I loved the colors.

Maybe one day


Journaling reads: When I see the two of you in a picture...maybe just maybe you both will be looking at the camera at the same time!

I used Artesian Pool Bazzill, Fancy Pants Celebrate "Confetti" and "Play". Bling and my Zig Pen. Letters are Chipboard Thickers in Mulberry and Carolee's Creation Tiny Letters in Teal.

Their Friday 5 this week was to use 2 sheets of Cardstock, 1 set of handmade items, 1 length of Ribbon and 1 frame.

Week Day Date


Journaling reads: Since our dates out together are far and few in between for one reason or another - we have started meeting about once a week @ Starbucks on the way home just to have a few much needed minutes alone together. November 2009

I used Smoke and White Bazzill, MME Misc. PP, Ribbon, and paint. Letters are Doodlebug and Carolee's Creation Tiny Teal letters.

Its the weekend

Last night I started on my first Christmas present that I am making for someone. A Cherry on Top is having their Fall Crop and even though I only lurk there anymore, it is still fun to play along....plus I ♥ the store.

Meg is hosting a class for a Flip Calendar. It looked easy enough. It took me about a day to finish. I can't wait to box it up and send it off to its destination! I am thinking about making one with my girls on each page for my mom.

**photo to come**
I used Java and Sweetheart Bazzill, Cherry Arte East of India PP - Paisley Rouge, Incense and Bombay. Ribbon, Buttons, Flowers, Bling, Ink, Rings and Book Plate. Tiny Letters are Making Memories.

Sunday:
Other than the calendar - I was pretty lazy and didn't do any scrapping this weekend - I napped a lot (sinus issues) . I watched Mercy last night for the first time and loved it. I watched the last Iron Chef tonight to find out who the next Iron Chef would be and I am so glad that Chef Garces won because the other chef, Chef Mehta just kind of freaked me out! The voice and then something I can't put my finger on says "Hannibal Lecter" to me. I don't think I would be able to watch the show anymore with him on there. I would have also like to have seen Chef Crenn win too, I think Cat Cora is lonely as the only woman.

I think I have been bitten...

No, this post isn't about Twlight or New Moon...I just can't get into the book or movie. My youngest daughter on the other hand is devouring the last book right now and is begging to see the movie.

This post is about how I have been bitten by the Christmas bug. I am generally not a Christmas person at all and it annoys me to no end to walk in a store at the beginning of October and see the Christmas decorations. By the time we put up the lights on the house because we live in one of "those" neighborhoods...I am over it. This year is different.

*This year I want to put up the tree early and by early I mean before December 24th (so not kidding on this one) I am thinking about putting one up the first weekend in December! And instead of white lights only...I want multi-color blinking ones.

*I am so in the mood to make Christmas sugar cookies in the little shapes. I am also going to try out the cake pops from Bakerella too.

*My shopping is done for the girls and I need to wrap them but I still need to shop for my husband. He is soooo hard to buy for but I have an idea. :)

I know this doesn't sound like much and I know that I sound like a total dork here but I am always such a Scrooge with Christmas - not so much on the giving but in the whole "spirit" thing.

Get Meaningful - Lesson #27

This week for the lesson at Get Meaningful it is all about "looking back". It can be something that you didn't see then as you see it now. It can be something that was a good idea at the time but not so much anymore.

I did my lesson on my lesson learned with my 2nd husband. Boy, looking back - I was so stupid...what was I thinking?

My Regret




I used Java and Vanilla Bazzill, Misc Scrap PP from my stash, Ribbon, Bling, Flower, Button, Love Elsie Heart (appropriately cut in half), and Sassafrass Lass Letters.

Wednesday Wants

I am not one to "want" because I can just go out and buy it myself if I want it bad enough. This irks everyone around me when it comes to Christmas or my birthday because I usually never have a want. So since I have been thinking about what I want these days...Here is a list of my "wants" for right now some attainable and some not so much.

1. The Pioneer Woman Cookbook
2. Satellite Radio in my scraproom
3. 12x12 Album Binder x2
4. Page Protectors to fill above album x6
5. My very own Laptop
6. Bose ear buds
7. New Lighting for above my scrap table
8. A day at the spa
9. A new vacuum
10. A real vacation

Apron Strings

You will see multiple posts for today. Blogspot wasn't playing nicely. Keep scrolling, there are 5 post for today.

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Apron Strings
*Challenge using 1 piece of cardstock, 1 printed paper, 1 set of brads and 1 set of chipboard embellishements along with your choice of a sketch to use. Challenge can be found here.

kemah


details:


and the proof


Journaling reads: This is how I remember Kemah. This was the last time we went and that was before the hurricane. There is nothing like sitting on the boardwalk, sun or clouds and just watching the water. I am so jealous of the landscaping too! Oh and a meal is never without the birds.

This was honestly one of the harder challenges I have done because I always use two colors of cardstock and I had figure out how to cut the paper to where I had a contrast and a support at the same time along with a mat for my pics. Great challenge Lori!

I used Java Bazzill, Making Memories Tropical "Palm Trees", staples, MM brads, Letters are MM Poolside chipboard letters.

The Studio

The Studio
*Sketch Challenge and something that you hope or wish for. Use glitter in some way. Can be found here.

I hope


details:


Journaling reads: (I hope) you get everything out of life that you deserve - love, health and hope.

I used Purple Palasades and a scrap piece of Bazzill, Misc PP from my stash, Black Stickles, Ribbon, Prima, Brads and Doodlebug Letters.

Creative Scrappers

Creative Scrappers
*Use Sketch #77 in any theme.

flippin rude


details:


Journaling reads: You would think that by this photo you were mad at me. Sadly, that couldn't be any further from the truth. This your "normal" pose for the camera. I thought because you were in the yard, I could get a good shot but I was wrong because you were (flippin rude)

My husband putting the yard to sleep for winter. I thought I caught him before he got the finger up. He's quick.

I used Ivy and Vanilla Bazzill, Scenic Route Charlotte "Richmond Circle Clover", bling, Letters are MM tiny letters and AC Thickers Brown Darling.

Creative Therapy

Creative Therapy
*Catalyst 87 - If money weren't an issue what would you do with your time? Challenge can be found here

some day {maybe}


details:


Journaling reads: I will have a tub again! I miss the relaxing soaks after work. I hate only having a shower. I want the claw foot tub!

If I had money to do anything in the world...I would re-do my bathroom. Put in a new cabinet and double sinks, a claw foot tub and a walk in shower, I would even have a place to put my towels (I don't have that now) The color would be a neutral color with dark cabinets, glass tiles in the shower and slate floors. Oh the dreams...

I used Kraft Bazzill, 7 Gypsies Barcelona "Terressa" Cat Eye Chalk in Black, MM Clock Embellishment, Photo is from Google found here. Letters are by Jennie Bowlin and AC Thickers Black Patchwork.

All About Me

All About Me
*Use a sketch and what I can not just live without. Challenge can be found here.

I ♥ Godiva


The details:




Journaling reads: "I had no clue what the store "Godiva" was until I was married and still I didn't go in because I was under the impression they were way too expensive. that was before I started scrapping and knowing what expensive was I finally stopped in one day because I was curious. Needless to say...I am now a card carrying...frequent buyer. I go in monthly for my free chocolate and it is so good! 2009."

It is true, I have a Godiva card which entitles me for 1 free piece of chocolate a month. So I take the girls, let them go to Aerie with their little cards that gets them free stuff and I enjoy my free chocolate and buy one for Robbie. In all, other than gas - I spend a whopping $2.50 for creamy chocolate, melt in your mouth, don't interrupt me right now goodness.

I used Kraft and Java Bazzill, MME Laundry Line Flirty "Embrace" and "Lil Girl", real Godiva tissue paper, a negative shape from Maya Rd Chipboard Trims - I used a gold gel pen to color it, Doodlebug Rub On Heart and a Heidi Swapp Bling Heart, Ribbon, Doodlebug Sugar Coated Brads, and a MM Paperie Gold Letter.

Its a sad, sad day

The kit club that I have had now for a year...is closing. I love my kits from Bring Your Own Memories and now they are leaving. I searched high and low for a good kit club that was worth the money and honestly...this was worth the money.

I ordered a Bigger than a Bread box from Apron Strings to see what they had to offer. Its more money a month (about $10, bye bye Egg McMuffins...) so we will see what theirs looks like when it gets here. I will keep you posted.

btw...this is post #82 :)

Wednesday already?

As I told you on Sunday morning I was going to start taking pictures...well that would require me remembering to take the camera and not rely on my blackberry to take the pics for me....

Seeing as how it is mid week and I have nothing that I can post right now for you...I will tell you what I have learned this week.

Monday: McDonald's is such flippin copy cats. They have red coffee cups. Gee, Starbucks rip off? I took a pic of the cup too. Not as pretty at all. No cutesy sayings really and hello...where is the sleeve? I also learned that I had absolutely no tolerance for my co-workers on this day-maybe it was the coffee?



Tuesday: I had Starbucks with the real red cup and sleeve but the best part is that it was yummy and free. I used a gift card that was given to me for answering a question last week during a meeting. What was left of the card I gave back to the girl to use for the woman behind me to take some off of what she owed and I high tailed it out of there. Work was blah but not as bad as Monday and I also downloaded about 40 new songs to my phone. Found out that my girls love Michael Jackson - found this out when I was on the billboard.com and they were looking at the Top 100 songs for this week. I had to dl them some songs for their phone too.

Wednesday: I almost died. I have never almost caused a wreck where I would get squished in the front and the back but I bet next time Ashley's and Genna's mom moves a little bit faster to not drive beside me when I need over. But seriously...it scared the crap out of me. I drove slower after that and the stupid thing was...I had 45 whole minutes to get to work and I had oh about 6 miles to go. We found out that the truck we bought for Amber that when it says right above empty...its empty. I had to leave work ( :0 ) at 3:15 to come home, get the gas can and then go to him. I didn't get back home until almost 5pm and the people today were horrible drivers...no, it wasn't me. You seriously would have thought it was Sunday afternoon.

That is all that I have for now, I will be back later this week with my DT layouts but I can tease you now :)

Get Meaningful:


Creative Pandemonium:

Changing Directions - photo heavy

Here I sit at 7:45 in the morning on a Sunday. The house is quiet and my coffee is brewing. I have been thinking about this for a while and I think it is the way to go from now on. Scrapbooking to me is more than taking pictures and putting them on a page. It is taking the pictures, all pictures and using those whether they make it on a layout or not to tell a story. I used to carry my Sony Digital around with me everywhere and I was taking pics of random stuff that "spoke" to me all the time...and then I quit. I look at my photo batches now and they are groups of photos that are for a particular thing going on at that time and I have gaps of missing memories. I have decided that I am going to start carrying a camera with me at all times and I am going to make my blog into a more "friendly" place to be instead of the occasional news update or my layouts for the week. Sure I am still scrapping but I am living too.

With that said, I have finished my 2 DT layouts that I will post later this week after they go up on their sites and that leaves me 1 layout to do for the year. I am trying to think of a layout to do that means a lot to me personally...as in myself.

As you may have read before I am a beach girl/water girl. Being in Texas and close to the Gulf, the beach has always been a part of me. I feel that I am drawn to it and it makes it all right again in my head with everything I am working through. Yesterday my husband and I got up bright and early, left the kids at home and drove the hour and a half to Galveston. I have been wanting to go but since we moved its the drive I hate going and coming. This is the 1st time we had been to Galveston since Hurrincane Ike last year on Sept. 13th. It was sad, they've came a long way but its not the Galveston that I knew.

**Click on the pics and they will open up in my photobucket. I left them a little bigger than usual so you could see more.

The day in general:


The Seawall:
Up and down the seawall there are cranes and big trucks moving concrete blocks back where they go and sand around. There was hardly anyone on the beach at all even though it was a bright and sunny day. There were surfers but not as many as you would expect for a nice day.





Hooters:
Hooters was a place that we always went when we were down there. There was honestly nothing like sitting on the deck over the ocean and enjoying fried food covered in sauce washing it down with a cold Miller Lite. It was just peaceful really. Hooters lost her fight at around 1am on Sept. 13, 2009 and along with her went the Balinese Room which is where a movie was made, gambling was done way back when and I went on a tour with my mom. To get to the club it was a lonnnnng way out there. This is what is left...



The Flagship:
When I was little, my dad would take us to Galveston and we would have to go to the Flagship Hotel. Not to stay but to fish off of the pier behind the hotel. We would stay forever and catch everything from puffer fish to sharks. I remember the pregnant women always wanting the sharks. I remember reading on my blackberry during the hurricane (no lights) that the Flagship had been damaged badly and there were people in the hotel who stayed - like always. This is what it still looks like today:









We took the ferry over to Boliver and it was wierd to be there. That is where most of the damage you saw on the TV was with all the houses missing. There were places that there was nothing but junk piled up and then there were places that things looked normal. I didn't take pics because I was the one with my mouth opened just looking around so if you saw a blue Chevy truck (Stella) and a woman like mention above riding in the passenger seat...that was me. We pulled into our regular beach turn off and the dunes are gone, the beach is flat and there is something out there in the water that I don't remember at all.

The Ferry Ride:


See the fin? Not a shark my friend, Dolphins!!! I have never seen dolphins while on the ferry. They were happy and jumping all around. They are quick too...this is all that I got.



The view:


In Boliver:




It was an over all great day. We were gone 6 hours total and I really needed to get there and stand on the beach. The breeze was cool and the waves were perfect. I found the best shells that I think I have ever found. I want to go back already.

A Wednesday Post

This post makes #79. Sometimes I wonder if I am all alone in my little blog world. In case I am not alone...when I hit #100 there might be some scrapbook goodies for a lucky one...

Goodbye October & Hello November

This post will finish up my layouts that I did in October. I can't believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner.

I am very close to my yearly goal and I have 60 days left...wait there are only 60 days left of the year!!!!! No way that I only have 60 days that I have to wait to shop my little heart out!!!! I have cheated a bit during the last 4 months....Scrapsupply was having a going out of business sale that I couldn't click past in my email and then I got a "we miss you" email from A Peek Into Yesterday for a whole 20% off my purchase and when I saw the clearance they had then that they had the Amber Road collection from Pink Paislee that I have I have been absolutely drooling over since it came out at CHA this summer...it was on...the credit card wasn't safe at all. I did really well though....22 items for $16 with shipping. I love my Amber Road so much that I can't cut it...yet. I swear I am a paper collector more than a scrapper.

These are my last layouts for October. They were for ScrapFreak's Freaky Friday challenges.

10/16 - No Journaling Allowed - use a journal spot for something other than journaling.
trouble




I used Raven and White Bazzill, Scenic Route Charlotte - Richmond Cover Clover, Maya Rd Journal Sheer, Prima Say it in Crystals bling, Die Cut flowers, and Robin's Nest Dew Drops. Letters are by Luxe.

10/23 - My Little Monster - Something or someone who is a monster in your life.
A little monster





My step dog. Journaling reads: Its definitely a love/hate relationship for the both of us everyday all day. 2009. Under the title is reads: ...in your case...looks are deceiving.

I used Ivy Bazzill, Tan cardstock, American Crafts Metropolis PP, Misc Dog PP, Die Cut and Ribbon. Letters are Foam Thickers and Misc. Dog Epoxy Letters.

This layout I made last night for fun before I went to bed. Its been a while since I just sat down with no agenda and did a layout. It was a bit scary but nice. I used the Make it in Minutes section from the Nov/Dec 2009 Scrapbooks Etc. for inspiration.

fortune




I used Sea Salt and Bon Bon Bazzill, PP from my stash, misc. ribbon & Maya Rd Sheer Ribbon, paperclip. Birds and Phrase was printed on a transparency. Letters are Sassafrass Lass Woodlands Collection.

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November Goals:

• 15 layouts
• Find 10 challenges to do
• Work on my Rolodex swap spots for Scrapfreak
• Join in on a new scrapbook group and make new friends.
• Make a pie from scratch for Thanksgiving and take pics of it.
• Take pics of the girls for Christmas Cards
• Make up my mind if I am going to make Christmas Cards or buy them.
• Actually send the cards at the end of the month.
• Look for Christmas gift ideas to make.