Hello off days!

I love this time of year...paid off days and vacation time of top of that to extend the normal off days.

This time of year is like my birthday...I don't work it. My anniversary is tomorrow and I can't wait! This year we decided on a steakhouse. Our 1st year, I had a horrible allergy to something going on and my nose was runny and I was stopped up at the same time. I think I sneezed about 100 times during dinner. We went to Pappadeaux's. I had the Cedar Salmon. The 2nd anniversary, we had to take our youngest with us. We were watching American Iron Chef one night and saw a guy from Houston who went against Mario Batali and lost but still...a "famous" chef...we had to go. We made our reservations and off we went. The name Ibiza. They didn't have a kids menu so they came out and talked with Samantha and asked her what her favorite thing to eat was...they made it for her. It was amazing!! Last year, we went to Benihana's. It was so good!

I did a bit of scrapping this week. No layouts but at least I worked on something to get me out of my scrappy funk. The Everyday Scrapper posted a few things and I just had to try them out.

The last minute Christmas Card
I couldn't make a Christmas card no matter how hard I tried because it was past Christmas and it just didn't feel right so I made a Valentine's card instead from scraps.



Inside:


Everything was from my stash, nothing was new. I used Stickles inside the lines of the stamp for a little something extra.

Paper Roses:




Made from scraps, the frame is a Bazzill frame that I picked up 2 years ago or so on clearance at a scrapbook store about 50 miles from me.

Gearing up....

for the New Year.

I know that I am going to make some changes to my blog. I have actually been thinking about them for about a month now. I really want to be here more than 2 days a week on the average which is really just the weekends when I upload what I have done that weekend. So be on the lookout because I am looking to be here on average 4 days a week and I will be incorporating more than scrapping into my blog because after all, I am more than scrapping...I am a mom, wife, taxi driver for teens, a full time office worker and a woman who loves girly things but isn't girly at all anymore.

I have also been thinking about my scrapbook goals for 2010. This year my goal was 183 layouts. I hit that goal in November. This next year isn't going to be about quantity but quality. No, I am not going to spend $10 a page but I want to make my pages more meaningful - tell more of a story and not just make them cutesy to get something on paper. KWIM? Sure, I know this isn't possible with every page because not all photos require a lot of journaling.

One thing that I already know that I will be following in 2010 is Project 12. Becky Fleck will be providing a sketch monthly to get you to scrap how your month went. When you are finished for the year you have a great way to look back at all the things that went on. Because you are doing it monthly...if you are like me...you won't be struggling to remember what happened in the pic.

Here is the January Sketch (click to enlarge)


And for me as much as you, the timeline of new sketch releases and reveal dates for the year!

January sketch and official launch: December 26th
February sketch: January 30th
March sketch and January reveal: February 27th
April sketch and February reveal: March 27th
May sketch and March reveal: April 24th
June sketch and April reveal: May 29th
July sketch and May reveal: June 26th
August sketch and June reveal: July 24th
September sketch and July reveal: August 28th
October sketch and August reveal: September 25th
November sketch and September reveal: October 30th
December sketch and October reveal: November 30th
Final album reveal and prizes: January 15th, 2011

Christmas jealousy....

All the presents have been opened and the mess cleaned up. I am getting ready to go in there and start on our Christmas dinner but I had to stop in to say "Merry Christmas" and that I hope Santa brought you all the goods that you could ever hope for and then more!

The kids loved their presents - I did well this year even if I have to say so myself. The dogs on the other hand...I have one who loves me and one who is not so happy with me right now. It is all over this toy:



My smallest dog is peeved at me...won't even look at me because he wanted this toy. Why, I have no idea. It is too big for him and he got this super cute little elephant that is just his size:



So needless to say, I have a 70 pound dog that is as happy as a clam and a 8 pound dog who is not my friend.

Hope your dogs are happier than mine. Oh and btw...I have yet to see the cat so I am not sure what he thinks about his Christmas present yet.

Christmas Eve

Here I sit again shortly after 10pm finishing up things for the day. Its absolutely crazy exactly how fast this year has flown. Its seems like it was only yesterday I was looking forward to a New Year and today it is almost over.

My mojo is gone. I sit to scrap and nothing. I am not inspired by anything right now....it sucks.

I saw this on Monica's blog and thought that while I might not use it all the time there will be times that it would be a great thing to use to look back on. Its from The Simple Woman's Daybook to help you with your journaling and getting things down and out of your head.
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Outside my window... It is 39 degrees and the wind is blowing like mad. The wind gust are down - only 15mph now. It was 26mph earlier.

I am thinking... that I was pretty smart this year when it came to Christmas Shopping. I finished today with the dog and cat toys. In all...I spent less this year than any other year and have gotten much better gifts.

I am thankful for... my pie not burning and the wind that blew the leaves away when we were out earlier having to rake.

I am wearing... pajama pants (Scooby), a t-shirt and 2 pairs of socks. My hair is in a bun :)

I am remembering... how there used to be drama 24/7 in my house but not anymore.

I am going... to be surprised tomorrow because I have no idea what the gifts could be...honestly.

I am currently reading... only blogs. I need to go to the library to get more books

I am hoping... that tomorrow goes smoothly - I really hope I don't burn the ham when I am glazing it.

On my mind... I can't believe that in 1 week, I will celebrate my 4th wedding anniversary. It seems that we have been married for forever and a few days. I guess because we have been together for so long.

Noticing that... I really need to vacuum.

Pondering these words... Patience Grasshopper

From the kitchen... Apple Pie and eggs that are waiting to be made into deviled eggs

Around the house... vacuum before anything tomorrow.

One of my favorite things... my laptop, I like that I am able to move around and blog or surf where ever I want :)

From my picture journal...



My daughter...the dork.

Another weekend down

Here I sit Sunday night in bed watching E and checking in for the weekend since I have been scarce so far. Don't be in shock but I didn't scrap this weekend. Nope not one page. The shocking thing is...I cleaned the house and did the laundry in record time!

I did finish my calendar that is going to mom. I read yesterday on a blog (and now I can't remember who I read because I was a surfer when not cleaning) about taking the time to make something for someone out of love and they don't cherish it - tossing it to the side or just not caring that you took the time to create something for them. I honestly hope that she likes it and puts it out where she can look at the pics of the girls.

I made a Barn Star and a Bird Ornament. The bird hated me but the star turned out wonderful. I took my mobile down and have replaced it with my star over my scrap table.

I have been thinking. I need to visit/post to my blog more than once a week. My DT duties will start back up again in January and I am ready but I will to attract more readers. Starting in January - I have plans for this blog.

That is all for now - stay warm, stay dry and hopefully enjoy your short week :) Merry Christmas!

Apron Strings

This week was the wierdest week that I have had in a long time. Fly through Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but come Thursday and Friday it drug like the batteries were going dead. By Friday at 5pm I felt like I was going crazy and wanted to pull my hair out sitting at the desk behind the computer. It was just not good.

I slept a bit longer than I normally do on Saturday mornings (12:30pm! and I had a normal bedtime) and it ruined my whole day so I got a late start on these layouts for the week because I was busy chasing down Christmas presents for people at work.

These layouts are based on sketches on the Apron Strings blog for the 25 days of Sketches. I am working slowing on completing my 25 sketches but I have faith that I will complete them. The 2 page layouts are going to be the hardest for me.

Sketch #9
Ready to go


My daughter ready to go to the homecoming dance this year. I can't believe how grown she is. She is still supposed to the little red headed girl who was always giggling and being a goof ball...not a half grown woman who is taller than me. Journaling reads: I honestly can not believe how grown up you are! You looked beautiful all dressed up for the homecoming dance. Knock them out!

I used Kraft Bazzill, misc PP from my stash, Ribbon, Flower, Epoxy circle from Elsie. Letters are MM Paperie Greenhouse.

Sketch #10
Fancy carrot


My youngest getting her henna this year at the Ren Fest. It honestly looked like a fancy carrot when you looked at it like you would a :) in an email. Journaling reads: Your 1st henna it was a very pretty fish. We were a little shocked because you gave up the turtle henna. This fish looked like a fancy carrot sideways!

I used BonBon Bazzill, October Afternoon PP and misc PP from my stash, Ribbon, and Rain Dots. Letters are Piggy Tales and Carolee's Creations.

Sketch #11
There was 4


My daughters and I about 3 years ago. This is the last picture of us all together that I have of us. Journaling reads: We were together for a total of 15 years (its been changed on the layout) I am not sure if we will ever talk again but I hope that remember the 2 sisters who look up 2 you.

I used Whirlpool and Lime Crush Bazzill, Penny Lane PP, Buttons and a printout from online (looking for link to post). Letters are by Little Yellow Bicycle.

Lazy Sunday

I was a bump on a log today. I didn't do any scrapping but I did do some shopping and I have to say that after the experience I had out there at Michael's - just at Michael's alone - I am so very excited that I am finished with Christmas except for my husbands presents and where I am going...I don't think I will have an issue with massive amounts of crazed women shopping like mad. I might have to deal with the men but I don't think still they would be as bad.

So at Michael's, I bought my Bazzill and Basic Grey Ambrosia patterned paper so that I can start on my calendars that I am giving for Christmas. I order my pics for one of the calendars and the my first 5 days for my December Daily from Scrapbookpictures.com - if you have never used them and in the market for a new place to print your pics at reasonable prices, you should seriously think about checking them out. They have all sizes, finishes, and the website is easy peasy to navigate. I love them! <--all that was said with no kick backs from the company either :)

No scrapping for me today, I was Lazy with a capital L. Here it is though 10:20 at night and I am wide awake and ready to get started. The kids are in bed and DH is snoring on the couch...its time to create!

Brr! Its Saturday :)

No snow today but it is very cold outside, granted not as cold as yesterday but still cold. I love my little heater that I have in my scrap room keeping my toes warm while I scrap to my little hearts content.

Things that happened this week other than the snow. I started and have kept up with my December Daily. I have the album made, covered and decorated. I have all the pages cut and the holes punched in them. I have them numbered and I have to figure out how I want to do them now. I really want to send the pics off to Scrapbookpictures.com because I can get them in the size that I need them and not have to worry about cutting and then either messing it up or not having enough room to trim the pic. So that is my quandary on this part of the book - do it how I want and add the pics later or having them printed off weekly and trim them myself.

The best thing really this week is that I used my points at work to get my own laptop. So it makes it a lot easier on me now because I don't have to wait my turn to get on the family computer. Points you wonder. Well I work in sales and when you sale so much you can get a money incentive to sale as much as you can or they offer points to certain websites. Its up to the company to determine how much each point it worth. I cashed in 301 points and I got this laptop. Its little but I really like it!

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Apron Strings this month is doing the 25 days of Sketches leading up to Christmas. There are prizes along the way for doing at least 3 sketches in the week and then you do all 25 sketches you automatically get a treat. I love treats!

Day 2 - Becky Fleck
Quite the (pear/pair)




My daughter and her best friend. Journaling reads: The two of you are definitely a pair! You coordinate down to the shoes matching clothes. This photo was taken after school during a homecoming week theme day: Dress like a nerd day. I think you two mastered it!

I used Hershey Bazzill with October Afternoon Farm Fresh "Farmyard" and "South Forty" patterned paper. White gel pen, Robin's Nest Dew Drops, Stickles, Maya Road Chipbord Pear, Zig Pens, Making Memories Journaling Spot. Letters are Making Memories Tiny Letters Pink Ledger and Jenni Bowlin Reverse Brown Stickers.

Day 3 - Julie Bonner
When?



Journaling reads: (When?) did you grow up? How did I miss it? I can't believe how fast time has flown. It was only yesterday that you were the one who took naps with me on the couch and now you are a full blown teenager! No matter how big you get-you will always be my baby! Nov. 2009.

I used Java and Whirlpool Bazzill, Little Yellow Bicycle Autumn Bliss "Brown Leaves" (both sides) , White gel pen, Robin's Nest Dew Drops. Letters are AC Thickers Grey foam.

Day 5 - Amy Crockett
K9 Poser



Journaling reads: This dog cracks me up! Ever since he was little he has been a poser! If he sees a camera in your hand he will sit, perk his ears and "smile" all on his own without anything said!

I used Raven Bazzill, Misc. PP from my stash, black bling, Cats Eye Chalk in Charcoal. Letters are AC Thickers in Poolside black vinyl.

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Snow Day!

Woohoo! I have to say that today was a day :)

Snow, Snow and more Snow. Who knew that at 37 it would be so fun to go outside and take tons of pics and play in the snow! I got lots of great shots along with ones that the girls at work are going to send to family members to prove that it does snow in Texas. What is crazy though...New York has our weather - they are in the 50's and we have theirs.

This is the group of us at work in front of our sign to prove that it was snowing and we didn't photoshop ourselves in there. The warehouse peeps were laughing at us because we were all a tad bit excited!



Here is a shot of the cars in the front row they were stealing the snow off of to make the snowballs.



Here is me and Stella. I love my truck and her blue with the white was pretty cute if I have to say so myself. Stella is my pic of the day for the December Daily 4th day. Crazy thing is, I posed willingly for this photo and even updated my facebook photo with it! What is the world coming to?





I will be back tomorrow with some layouts to post :) Stay warm!

December Daily & Goals

I have never done this before but it looks interesting. I hope that I do not lose interest before the end of the 25 days and I am already behind because for some reason...I have never heard of this before. Ali Edwards is doing a December Daily Album for the 25 days leading up to Christmas.

Last night I decided which route I was going to go and I took the 8.25" x 5.5" 3 ring binder route. I tore it apart because it was a hideous neon green color and put it back together with a printed paper and cardstock. Sure with the paper it isn't meant to go for the long haul in the wear and tear department but I don't plan on putting it out there for the entire world to thumb through - so I think we will be good.

Tonight I am going to start on my layouts and with the size of the paper that I will be using, this should be a great way to use up my scraps that are in my stash.

These are my photos from the last 2 days. I haven't taken my photo for today because I know what I want it to be but I am still at work :( and haven't gotten to take that pic yet.

Day 1: Our old standby for dinner - good and cheap :)


Day 2: The big talk of snow. These are the storm clouds rolling in and causing all the panic for our southern Texas freak out over the white stuff because that means #1 cold (imagine that) and #2 Idiot drivers...yes more than usual.




Day 3: Godiva time! I ♥ this time of the month!!! This month I got a Cappuccino Truffle and a Hot Chocolate Star that has chili powder in it.

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My goals for this month is to work faithfully on my December Daily Album.
Make 3 more calendars for gifts.
Make a mini album for a gift for my daughter's friend.
Make the least amount of Christmas cards that I possibly can. (hehe - not kidding)