My Creative Outlet

33 years ago.....

2008-08-07T22:19:00.002-05:00

.....I came into this world, screaming and guns a blazin'!!!! LOL It's been a pretty good day.....I got a really cool digital picture frame and it's the coolest darn thing I've gotten in a loooong time!

Summer is coming to an end for us really fast. My kids start school next Friday and I start my job at the doctor's office I used to work for years ago on Aug. 18...YIKES!

Hope everyone is well, safe and happy!

Long time no post!

2008-07-22T13:28:00.002-05:00

LOL...well how the heck are you all doing? I want to thank you all for the comments and support I continue to get even though this blog hasn't been updated for months! I'm still not scrapping but living life to the fullest and HAPPY! I'm thinking maybe in the winter I'll sit down and scrap some summer pics cuz I have tons! Summer's been great and the kids are going back to school mid-August. I will also be returning to work at the same time so it's going to be a huge adjustment for me...and my feet! ROFLMAO....flip flops for nearly 3 years!!!! Anyhow, I miss you all and hope you are doing great!

Much love,
Tricia =)

2 Months and 2 Days later.....

2008-04-17T15:25:00.003-05:00

I am still here.....HAPPY.....and living life!!!!!!!!!!!! So many of you have contacted me and I thought I better get over here and let you all know I am alive and kicking! You all have no idea how much I appreciate your care and concern and sincere friendship through this time. My kids are doing AWESOME and we are just having fun and enjoying the warm weather!!!!! If any of you have Myspace, let me know so we can add each other!

I promise to try to update this page more than every few months...LOL I haven't scrapped in FOREVER, but I am sure I will one day again....maybe in the summer when life slows down a little!

I think of you all often! Sending out my love to you....
Tricia =)

Happenings in my life! =)

2008-02-15T06:59:00.002-06:00

I haven't posted anything other than scrapping information or what my kids kick butt doing...LOL....but I know several friends visit and have no clue what's going on with us these days! After enduring a marriage that for 2 years was met with constant road blocks and arguing due to his inability to faithful, I am getting a divorce. Now, don't get all boo-hoo on me....Lord knows I did all my crying when I was trying to keep this together and I finally figured out when that smiley faced light bulb went off in my head that is was OVER! I have moved on, my kids are happy and now he gets to deal with his reality of life. If it weren't for my friends and my wonderful family, I would not be in such great spirits as I am today. Sure, I still have gloomy days, but instead of it being EVERY single day of my life......I have very few!!!!!

Now that that is out of the bag...LOL....the kids are doing great! I guess it's obvious I've sort of taken a hiatus from scrapping to just concentrate on me and figure out life again. The kids even noticed Mom was singing again and laughing, which apparently I wasn't doing too often. That was definitely an eye opener to hear your 10 and 5 yr olds tell you something like that. I love my kids so very much!!!!

I ask you to just pray that we stay safe and healthy and I will eventually get to scrapping again. It's been a nice little break and my DT term at CSS is ending at the end of February.....I'll be posting before that!

Love going to you all!!!!
Tricia

3 Bugs "Playful" Reveal

2008-02-03T21:35:00.001-06:00

Today was my reveal at CSS using the "Playful" line from 3 Bugs in a Rug! Take a look:

TAGGED!!!!

2008-01-25T11:43:00.000-06:00

Tag! You're It!
I was recently tagged by my good friend Martha. This is one I haven't seen before. It's called the middle-name game and here are the rules:

1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

So - here are my answers:

My middle name is ANN:

A= Articulate
N= Nerdy
N= Night owl

Have fun with this! I'm looking forward to reading everyone's answers! and now I'm fixing to tag: Ann, Lisa and Amanda L.!!!

LSU WINS BCS Championship!!!

2008-01-07T23:43:00.000-06:00

WOW WHAT A GAME!!!!! LSU 38 - OSU 24

What can I say other than I love my LSU TIGERS!!!!

Scenic Route Roxbury Reveal at CSS

2008-01-04T23:18:00.000-06:00

Scenic Route sponsored our January DT kit and it was so vibrant and challenging for me to work with! I'm happy with what I have created so far, but I have at least one more LO to do with these papers! I didn't add anything to the LOs or cards except doodling to show the kits full potential! TFL!

FINALLY UPDATING!!!

2007-12-26T08:40:00.000-06:00

Geez....where has the time gone??!!!? I hadn't realized it's been so very long since I posted anything. Life has been CRAZY and so busy. Most of December I wasn't even online since my husband was home from work for several weeks. I was sick (very sick) for a week of it, so I wasn't very thrilled about that. He worked his tail off though to begin making our home more beautiful than it already is and I am so proud of him. I usually help, but he did this while I was sick, so it wasn't easy lying there watching!

The kids are just amazing! We went to a karate tournament and they both made us so proud!!!! We had Christmas with them early since Daddy was home and then Santa came later! It's our first Christmas (close to it anyhow) with DH since he went to work overseas. It was very different and very exciting all at the same time!

CSS is ROCKIN' as usual!!! We have a new reveal coming a few days into the new year!!! I have to get busy and get my stuff completed!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

COSMO CRICKET - BE GOOD REVEAL

2007-11-23T09:15:00.000-06:00

Cosmo Cricket sponsored our December kit at Creative Scrap Shack featuring the "Be Good" line!!! These papers and diecuts are GORGEOUS! I have the entire alpha set waiting for a mini album, but I ran out of PP so I am waiting for the LSS to open!!! Please visit http://www.creativescrapshack.com/ and check out all of the creations from the DT using these beautiful papers!

Layouts

4 Cards

Teacher gift: altered candle jar

Altered Wood Basket

Handmade Tags

2007-11-10T08:20:00.000-06:00

I am in a Tag Swap over at Creative Scrap Shack and I had so much fun making these tags!! I made 18 in all and I really love how they turned out. This was a first for me and now I'm thinking of making my own tags for all of my packages this year! I made 6 of the circle ornaments (alternating the rings), 6 scallopped edged circles (alternating colors), and 6 striped tags - each one different!

CSS November Kit Reveals!!

2007-11-04T07:37:00.000-06:00

On November 1, Creative Scrap Shack Design Team revealed our creations with the November Kit! This is my second time trying to upload, as Blogger was giving me issues the other day. :(

Please check out my creations below and visit http://www.creativescrapshack.com/ to see all the DT creations! Congratulations on another beautiful kit Tam and Terrie!

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Tami Floyd.....she is our Guest Designer for November! We are so excited to see what Tami creates!!!

I'M IN THE SISTERHOOD!!!!!

2007-10-28T11:02:00.000-05:00

I am so excited!!! I have been waiting for a few days to spill the beans and today I finally can!!!! I entered a challenge at the Sisterhood of Scrap and was chosen as a SISTER for the week of Oct 28-Nov 3!!!! Here is a link to check it out: http://sisterhoodofscrap.blogspot.com/

GOTTA CATCH UP!!!

2007-10-27T22:39:00.000-05:00

WOW how time flies these days! It's been over a week since I've posted and I have so much to say! LOL

CSS NEWS: The BOO BASH CROP at Creative Scrap Shack was AMAZING and so FUN! We had a great turnout and we all really enjoyed welcoming some new members! The challenges were so creative and different and the creations made by the members for these challenges are out of this world! Carman is still adding product to the 50% off section and new items are arriving almost daily!!!!

KID NEWS: My kids ROCK!!! They really and truly do. I cannot imagine a day in my life without them, even when some days are tense and a little out of control! All in all, they are happy and they make me so very happy and honored to be called MOM! They both recently had testing again in taekwondo and DS received his purple belt and DD has moved up to camo belt, which means she gets to start sparring! She is so pumped and ready for this! Check out these pics of them proudly displaying their new belts:

THEY MAKE ME SO PROUD!!!!

HALLOWEEN PARTY: Tonight we celebrated Halloween a little early with a party at our karate school! I dressed up with the kids and we had a blast! This is my first "official" Halloween party in my 32 years....but my second if I count DS's bday party one year that was a costume party! We had gumbo, yummy treats, a haunted forest, a pinata and lots and LOTS of great company! Check us out:

I was Athena, DD was a Barbie Cheerleader and DS was Peter of Narnia! They had a costume contest for each age group and BOTH of my kids WON!!!! They were so excited and I was beaming from ear to ear!!!!

R U READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

2007-10-15T05:40:00.000-05:00

Now that I have that song in your head......travel over to Creative Scrap Shack for some football themed CHALLENGES! The DT has been hard at work preparing for the big "game"!!!! It's going to be totally fun and of course a prize for a lucky participant!!!!

Here is my CONCESSION STAND creation (inspired by Chris Pozzi's October Map--link below):

http://www.creativescrapshack.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=4411&ppuser=10

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TICKETS.....GET YOUR TICKETS!!! My other challenge is to make a ticket....any theme, any style!

SO MUCH NEWS

2007-10-11T08:43:00.001-05:00

Gosh where do I start??

CREATIVE SCRAP SHACK......things are just amazing here and if you haven't visited the Shack, you must! It's totally fun and filled with so much inspiration and wonderful ladies it's unreal! We've revealed our October creations and our CHALLENGES will be posted October 15!!! These are based on a theme and so FUN!!!! You must check it out!!

Also at the Shack......our HALLOWEEN BOO BASH CROP!!!! Saturday, October 20 starting at 9 a.m. Central time!!! You don't want to miss this!

MY KIDS......well, they just ROCK!!! Last weekend we went to Ruston, LA for the "Rip through Ruston" karate tournament and they were AWESOME! I am so proud of both of them! DD shined and won her trophy for "Best Black Belt Attitude"!!! She looked adorable with her matching bow I made!

DS ROCKED this tourney! He placed 1st in Weapons; 3rd in Sparring and 3rd in Forms! He was really hard on himself after forms.....he was tied and had to redo his form and he almost fell coming off of a step-reverse side kick. He broke down as soon as he finished, but he collected himself like a CHAMP and hammered his weapons form (which truly does rock!). Sparring has been his most difficult task because of his personality and he totally left that outside the rink. He has a huge bruise on his elbow ( cuz they sparred on a wooden gym floor ) but is so proud of that bruise! LOL

Here they are with their trophies.....aren't they just adorable??!!!?

Zarah TAGGED Me!!!!

2007-10-10T19:25:00.000-05:00

Well, what a surprise.....a tag from my dear swedish friend, Zarah!

The rules are as follows:
1) Link to the "tagger" & post the rules.
2) Share 7 facts about yourself- random / weird facts.
3) Tag 7 people & link to them.
4) Leave comments on their blogs, so they know they've been tagged.

So, if I tag you.....follow those rules!!!!!

Ok....here goes....

1) I graduated from high school and started college 2 weeks later....by age 19, I had a degree in Radiologic Technology!!

2) I will only swim in clear waters....muddy waters scare me! ;)

3) I have met 3 online scrapping friends in Illinois!!!

4) I was the tallest girl in my school until the 8th grade.....I was 5'7" and a girl moved to the area who was about 5'10".....YIKES!!!!!!!!

5) If I were rich, I'd travel the world and visit as many countries as possible.

6) I am one of 38 grandchildren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7) Christmas is my favorite time of the year!

Ok....mine are nothing unusual....I'm quite boring actually.....ROFLMBO......so, let's see who I will tag......hmmm......

Kim, Shelley, Tam, Jenelle, Ellen, Martha, and Jules.............you've been tagged!!!!!!

I made HAIR BOWS!

2007-10-04T08:56:00.000-05:00

Well, I have FINALLY done it! I made some hair bows with success....thanks to my buddy Shelley May!!! She told me about "Ribbon Retreat" and I finally have the right instructions! I made 3 and I plan on making a whole lot more!!!!

This bow was made specifically for DD for her karate tournament this weekend! She's a yellow belt...so a girl has to match right??!!!? ;)

This is one she wore to school today! I love the 2 tones and of course she looked totally cute! LOL

And this was my first one...it's 3 bows stacked into one!!! The flash turned the PINK dots white, but it's brown ribbon with pink dots!

So, if I can make bows....ANYONE can!!! LOL

FIRST CSS REVEAL!!!

2007-10-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

The October Kit at the CREATIVE SCRAP SHACK was designed by Senior DT members Tam and Terrie! They ROCKED this kit design and I had SO much fun creating with the rich and beautiful papers and elements! I added some Fancy Pants felt, which is available in the CSS Store! Thank you for taking a moment to look at my reveal!!!!!

My Layouts:

My Cards:

I was able to make 3 cards with this kit (and I still have a little for at least 2 more cards!)

My Mini Album:

To view this little Mini Album of my trip with my DH to Phuket, Thailand please click here:

http://www.creativescrapshack.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=770

Now the October kit has been revealed, you MUST run to the CSS Store to get the NOVEMBER KIT!!! It's GORGEOUS and packed with so many yummy items!!!! Run here to get it: http://www.creativescrapshack.com/store/product.php?productid=692&cat=9&page=1

THANK YOU FOR VISITING MY BLOG!

TGIF

2007-09-28T20:39:00.001-05:00

TGIF is an understatement! I subbed 4th grade all week and I am soooooo happy it's over! I"ll sub again for a couple days, but OMG a week was insane! LOL

Well, even with all the insanity of my week, I've managed to create some LOs very dear to me for a circle journal group I am in! This is one about being in the kitchen or around a kitchen table. I made this LO about some old bowls that were handed down to me from my grandmother. These yummy papers are Daisy D's and can be found in the store at the Shack!

Creative Scrap Shack has alot in store for all of you, so please check us out and visit often! HAPPY SCRAPPING!

CSS Kits just keep GOING....

2007-09-26T05:49:00.000-05:00

....and GOING....and GOING!!!! I am still using my Oct kit from the Shack and I still have enough for a layout and probably several cards! Word has it that the kits also usually have more paper in them....MORE PAPER!!! I have so far made 2- 12x12 LOs, a card and an altered 5x5 mini album...and I still have loot left! It's amazing! Tam and Terrie have also given us sneak peeks into November's kit and OMG....slap yo Momma beautiful!

So, now that you are in suspense, check back here and the Shack on Oct 1 because that is REVEAL DAY!!! My very first reveal....and I so excited!

2 Years later....

2007-09-24T05:27:00.001-05:00

Well, today is the day I stayed up 24 hours listening to Hurricane Rita blow through. I was only an hour from home......NOT where I wanted to be, but after DH made a last minute decision to board us up we just didn't make our target area because we were exhausted. So, we ended up elsewhere than where I really wanted to be. 3 Weeks later.....we returned home....but thankfully I only endured 2 days at our stop and the rest was living with....MY MOTHER! LOL It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We finally made a run to our home after 2 weeks to get the fridge out and access the damage....which was minimal compared to some neighbors and our neighboring parish. My children will never forget this...I certainly never will either. I'm thankful we still have a home standing and each other.

Please pray for our friends in neighboring CAMERON PARISH. You haven't seen much coverage because EVERYONE left this parish....friends helping friends, etc. This parish was 90% wiped OFF the face of the earth and 2 years later some are still rebuilding....still struggling to get the help they need. I'm not discounting those affected by Katrina, but everyone around here is quite testy because this little parish (actually it's quite large) hasn't been remembered.

The greatest lesson from Rita/Katrina.....get out any way you can. The government in N.O. should have done more to help their people. The federal/state government and big TV networks should do more to promote what happened in Cameron Parish. We've stomped and pleaded and George Clooney and the President have been, but little national coverage has hit this area.

Ok, off my soap box now. I have many friends who were severely affected by this. If I've offended anyone with my thoughts, it was not my intention. I still remember those who lost life and home in both hurricanes and the world learned a really hard lesson.

CRAZY LIFE!

2007-09-23T16:53:00.000-05:00

WOW what a week! Each week seems to be worse than the one before! LOL I've been subbing ALOT and I am booked all this week for my DS's class...but I think I need a few days break to do lots of things around this house. I am used to cleaing and doing laundry on specific days and my schedule has not allowed for this! It's driving me insane....that's my OCD coming out! I have been able to scrap with my CSS kit however, and I am finishing a mini album tonight! The reveal is coming soon and I can't wait to share everything with you all!

CSS is ROCKIN' and if you are visiting my blog but you haven't checked out CSS...PLEASE do! The most wonderful ladies are there and OMG....we have so much fun! There is a HALLOWEEN CROP on October 20 starting at 9 a.m. and I am so excited about this one! We're also having some really cool and unique challenges this month and next month so please come and join the fun!!!!

The kids are doing AWESOME in school and karate! We have another tournament coming soon and they are excited about it. DD is having a few issues with talking in class....but I knew that was coming! LOL DH has no clue when he's coming home and honestly it's taking a toll on me. We've been arguing alot and I hate it, but we'll get through it like we have before....I am just grateful for my kids, my mom and my scrappy friends for all your love and support!

Have a great week everyone! HUGS AND HAPPY SCRAPPING!!!!

PageMaps Toot

2007-09-16T14:02:00.000-05:00

I can finally share my card I made for PageMaps Sept newsletter! Becky sent me an awesome sketch to work with and I can finally share it with all of you!

It's also been a week since I posted and I've been CRAZY busy! The kids have karate almost every day of the week and they are doing such an awesome job with their new material! School is going great and I have been substitute teaching ALOT! The next 2 weeks I am booked solid so I tried to get as much done this weekend as I could in the house and outside! The weedeater isn't working right, so I have no idea what to do until I get DH to answer his email. Report cards come soon....can't wait to see what the results are! Everyone have a blessed week!

Finally scrapping again!

2007-09-08T19:21:00.000-05:00

WOW it feels good to use my scrappy supplies! I've been so busy with school and the kids, I have not scrapped in a while. I finally finished some circle journal things (that are late) and made a LO of my boy! Please take a moment and take a peek!!! HAPPY SATURDAY!

BACK TO SCHOOL CHALLENGES AT CSS!

2007-09-05T19:39:00.000-05:00

WOW...this week is flying by! Monday was a holiday here for us, so we didn't have school! We wanted to hit the beach, but the rain sent us to the movies and we saw the hilarious "Rush Hour 3"!!! LOVE the Rush Hours!!! Other than school and karate, I've been cleaning out cabinets and trashing the trash and everything else is in a huge box for Care Help - a local goodwill type place in our town!

Now the scrappy stuff! CSS IS HAVING A BACK TO SCHOOL CHALLENGE MONTH! The DT at CSS has teamed up and we are now "teachers" giving our "students" assignments to complete! You should really check it out because it is a wealth of inspiration and so many ladies have already jumped on board and are completely those assignments! Here's a link that takes you to the master list of all the challenges: http://www.creativescrapshack.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=6417 Please register if you are not yet a member (say hello and I sent ya!), then sign in on the "sign in" thread and let us know you are playing....then....GET SCRAPPING!!!! I'd love to see some of my new friends I've made through this blog of mine to join in the fun! It's a great community with NO DRAMA and totally fun! OH!!! My assignment is the Home Economics class and it's all about hand sewing....NO RUBONS AND NO MACHINES!!! Here is my LO I made for my example:

This LO is near and dear to my heart as it is of my grandpa's swing that he made out of a bus seat that he'd removed when he bought a school bus and converted it to a camper when I was wayyyyy younger! I spent many days swinging with him or alone on here and now that both my grandparents are gone, I had to snap that picture before the house was sold. Now I can look at this LO for the rest of my life and just smile thinking of them! TFL!

The other exciting news: my first DT kit for CSS arrived yesterday and I am so excited! The entire kit was designed by Senior DT members Tam and Terrie, and let me tell you they did a great job!

SO MUCH TO SAY!

2007-08-31T19:10:00.000-05:00

WOW...I didn't realize I haven't updated my blog in nearly 2 weeks and so much has gone on in our little lives! School started and I became a substitute teacher. Kindergarten is testing all the children (which will be repeated toward the end of the school year) so I have had a Kindergarten class last week and this week for half a day and as much as I LOVED my little class I had, my house is a WRECK! LOL Last weekend we also went to Allen, TX (near Dallas) for a karate tournament, so I really had no time to catch up!

So, school is going great for the kids. DD is having a talking issue, but she's my DD, so she comes by it naturally!!! ROFLMBO DS is awesome as usual and both of their teachers are very pleased with them! I'll get to sub DS's class at the end of Sept when his teacher is out of town so I am very excited about that!

Karate.....my kids ROCKS! Both kids participated in the Texas Twister in Allen, TX at the Southfork Ranch! DD is a Tiny Tiger and received a medal and she is very VERY proud of this! DS placed 2nd in weapons and 3rd in forms, but a judge told his instructor he scored him wrong and he should have had a point more, so it basically would have at least put him in a tie or 2nd place, if not 2nd place itself. Sparring didn't fare so well, but he gave it his all and knows what he needs to improve! All in all he did GREAT and I am so proud of both of them! Here they are with their medals!!! Our next tournament isn't until early October and the best part is the 2nd one in October, Daddy will be home to watch! They are very excited about this!!!

The kids also had color belt testing this week and DS is now a green belt and DD a yellow belt! DS has joined Leadership so he has a fabulous gold stripe in the middle of his green belt! This will allow him to earn points at tournaments and possible be a state champ in forms, weapons and/or sparring!

After our tournament, we didn't visit the Southfork Ranch because I had a "date" with my best friend from Radiology school! She and her family have lived far away for several years now and it's been at least 8 years since we last saw each other! It was like there was never any time between the visits because the conversation just flowed like it always did and the best part.....our children met each other for the first time and it was AWESOME!!! She has twin girls who are 4 and they and DD became fast friends. But, the BEST NEWS: as soon as their house sells.....THEY ARE MOVING BACK HOME!!!! I am so excited, you have no idea! I miss her so much and thank goodness for email and Xmas cards over the years, but it's going to be wonderful having her close again!

So, this has been my life for the past 2 weeks! LOL I have totally enjoyed it but I am exhausted and I am so happy Monday is a holiday! I have to say that substituting is definitely going to keep me busy this year! I am about to start scrapping and I am very happy to do so....it's been nearly 2 weeks! YIKES!

Beginning of a Busy Week

2007-08-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone! This is the first day of a very busy week for us! I have errands to run, supper to cook, and karate classes to get the kids to! I'm also running up to the school to sign up on their substitute teachers list! At the end of this week we're heading out for a karate tournament in Dallas, TX!!!! So excited since both kids are going to compete this time!

BEST EMAIL THIS A.M. -- Basic Grey picked up my "Thinking of You" shaped card I made during the CSS and RSC crops! I am very excited....here's my link: http://www.basicgrey.com/catalog/idea_gallery_info.php?idea_gallery_id=22584

Hope you all have a GREAT week!

SCHOOL IS IN!!!

2007-08-18T17:09:00.000-05:00

Friday my kiddos started school again! DS is in 4th grade and DD in Kindergarten! They were so excited to return and see their friends and who the new teachers were! Even though we attend public school, we have to wear uniforms, which has it's advantages!

I was really looking forward to this day and I stayed busy, but boy it was quiet around here.....TOO QUIET!!! I never thought I'd hear myself say that!

Tagged by Terrie!!!!!

2007-08-17T10:29:00.000-05:00

My dear friend Terrie tagged me and now I need to finish these statements and then tag someone.....

I'm happiest when....I am surrounded by my kids and my husband and we're snuggled all together watching a movie!

Someday I'm going to... learn to relax and not sweat the small stuff (but it's really hard)!

When I'm really down, what I want to do is... surround myself with happy people and my children. There's nothing like a little one looking at your and saying "I love you Mommy"!!

I feel anxious when...me and my husband argue; or I have dreams of my children hurting.

I like people who... down to earth and REAL!

All it takes to make me happy is... my children, my husband, a beach, Jalepeno chips or an ice cold Corona!

What I really want to do is...raise my children to be respectful of themselves and others and give them the happiest childhood I can; travel to Australia or Africa.

A person really should...think before they speak and MEAN what they say. NEVER LIE.

If I could do whatever I wanted, I would...travel to meet all my scrappy girls and my friends who live far away!

And now my turn to tag someone......hmmmm....Sandy....it's your turn!!!!

SUPER SALE at CREATIVE SCRAP SHACK!!

2007-08-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

Don't walk....RUN to Creative Scrap Shack for 35% off the entire store (excluding kits and gift certificates)!!!!!! Carman has graciously given this discount on NEW CHA items as well!!!! Click the link below and check out her inventory! Pop onto the message board too and say hello....and that Tricia sent you! ;)

CSS Link: http://www.creativescrapshack.com
(For some reason the links to CSS from my blog are not cooperating, so please copy and paste the link to your browser.....Thank you!)

Busy Week

2007-08-15T10:29:00.000-05:00

WOW...it's already Wednesday! This week has been really busy! School starts Friday, so we spent most of last week completing our shopping list for school. Once we get the backpacks from the monogram shop, we're ready to go!

Keileigh had to get 4 shots for kindergarten and she was AMAZING!! The nurse giving the shots was an angel and Keileigh only said a low "ouch" with the first one! Needless to say, the Barbie she's asked for was her reward for being so brave!

Saturday and Sunday I scrapped a bit! CSS held the "Endless Summer Crop" and although I didn't get much accomplished on Saturday, I did Sunday. Here are a few of my creations:

My 4 Generations: Me, My Grandmother, My Mom, and Keileigh Photo taken when Keileigh was 1 day old!

Last night, I made my card for PageMaps, but I can't share until the September newsletter comes out! Once it's released, I will share with you all!!!

I MADE THE CSS DT!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-08-11T12:13:00.000-05:00

OMG....can this week get any better???? First my bday was awesome....and now this!!! They just announced the new Design Team members at Creative Scrap Shack and I am now PART OF THAT TEAM!!!! WAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Congratulations goes out to Martha and Jules as well!!!! You all have no idea how much this means to me! I almost didn't try out, but then decided to do it and then didn't think I had much of a chance....LOTS of talent in this call!

I can't wait to share my creations with you all! Speaking of that, I am at CSS today all day for a CROP!!! Come visit if you need some inspiration!!!!

CSS ROCKS!

Are you a BAD GIRL???!!!?

2007-08-09T15:27:00.000-05:00

OMG this site is just YUMMY!!! I saw a post about it on Zarah's blog so my inquiring mind got the best of me! Ok, I am just plain nosy and OMG....the colors alone would keep me visiting this site!!!! It's called BAD GIRLS....and I also see my pal Cari Fennell (who is a major deal in the SB world IMO) there on the DT!!! So, now I have placed my logo here hoping they check me out!!! There is a chance to
win a RAK if the Patrol finds their logo on your site, in your siggie, etc.!!!

If you're BAD...click here! http://www.badgirlskits.com

I swear every DIVA should check this place out! I have registered and now I await my approval, but I think I'll be hanging out a little to see what all these "bad girls" have up their sleeve!!!

Pictures to Share

2007-08-08T08:27:00.000-05:00

I have finally downloaded all of my pictures from DD's bday and my day as well! I want to THANK YOU each and every one of you who have sent messages to us and please know I truly cherish each one!!! Being part of such a wonderful crafty community has linked me with some incredible and talented people and I am blessed to have met you all either online or in person!!! Thank you again.....yesterday was one of the best days I have had in a very long time! And finally.....here are some pictures!!!

Check out these BEAUTIFUL flowers my love sent me...stargazer lily and roses are my favorites....he did great didn't he??!!!!?

And finally some pics of my DD's big day at Michael's....I highly recommend a party there!

32 Years Ago.....

2007-08-07T08:20:00.000-05:00

32 years ago, my parents welcomed a big baby girl! ROFL I was considered "huge" back then, and now I would be average! Anyhow...yes....today is my birthday!! WOW...I can remember thinking 30 was "old" and always wondered what it would be like to be 30-something. Well, I can attest I really don't feel any different than I was at 23. There are differences though: I'm wiser, I'm more confident, I'm more emotional....but when I look at myself...I don't see an age; however, when my body aches, I totally feel way older than 32!!!! ROFL

My day is going to be great! I get to hang out with my kids, eat a great lunch (with my fav dessert: Millionaire Pie) at my mom's house; go to karate and then later tonight meet my dad and his wife for supper! So, I plan to have a HAPPY day!

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Last night I finally did some scrapping! I'm very behind on my July CJ with one group, but in an hour, I had 2 pages I am very happy with! We had to scrap our favorite holiday, without using Christmas OR duplicating one already used! Well, I LOVE Christmas from the reason for the season to the fun stuff, and birthday was already used....so I had to get my thinking cap on! My friend Carol and I tossed around ideas and I came up with Groundhog Day!!! This year was so fun waiting to hear about the little guy because my son was aware of this particular day now and he was thrilled when the groundhog came out before we left for school!!! It was very exciting for him, so I have a new found love for Groundhog Day! LOL

Lots to tell!!!

2007-08-02T08:51:00.000-05:00

First....I am very excited to announce that I have been published in the August/September 07 addition of Ready, Set, Create!!!! I am on page 36 of the first set with my LO "True" using Scenic Route!!! Next I am on pages 119-120 with some altered tins I made for Teacher Appreciation Week in May!!! I am so very excited!!!

Second...a friend of mine from CSS...Tam...is now selling her Whatchamadoodles in the CSS store! You really should check out her mini albums and her handmade ribbon flower buttons! OMG...too cute!

Third...I have HOLLY BUTTONS!!! OMG...you need some buttons! Holly is my sweet friend from WeB who custom makes buttons with LOTS of yummy details on them. She was a doll and sent me a few and I cannot wait to use them! I have some other things ordered from her, so once they are in, I will definitely post them here! Check out her buttons and bling here: http://scrappybuttons.blogspot.com

But for now, here is a pic of the buttons she sent me:

Guess who's 5????

2007-08-01T09:11:00.000-05:00

This is the face of a 5 year old!!!! My baby girl's birthday is today and it's a bittersweet moment! She's entering the world of "young ladies" while leaving her "baby days" behind her. I had a moment last night while reflecting on the last 5 years with her and I cried tears of joy. How was I chosen to be blessed with such a sweet soul who is full of love and tells me hundreds of times a day "I love you Mommy"?? How did God know sending me a girl was just what I needed in my life....diva-ness and all! I never could have guessed what these years would be have been like when she was born, but I cherish every waking moment I have with my girl....who will always be my baby girl!!!! I love you Keileigh!

Handmade Party Hats

2007-07-30T11:02:00.000-05:00

I have to share this because it just really makes my heart smile! Yesterday while I was scrapping, DD was doing her crafts! She walks into the office holding 3 handmade party hats for the bday party Saturday!!!! I am so proud of her and she was so very proud of herself! She's made 9 total for her friends to wear!!!! Here are the hats......

She's been crafting since she was 2 and her creativity never ceases to amaze me! I love seeing how she can express herself through art!

Final CSS DT Call Creation Posted!!!

2007-07-29T22:51:00.000-05:00

WHEW!! I am finished! Boy this last LO really had me going! I really wanted to use this particular picture of my DD for this LO which was using at least 3 different techniques. I was really getting annoyed because I didn't think I had the right paper to use for it....then I dove into my stash and found some!!! I am very happy with the outcome of this LO and everything I have created for this call! Whether I make the team or not isn't what ultimately matters....I was challenged for this call unlike any other since usually they want you to submit your "best" work! I loved this call and truly enjoyed what they made us do!!!! Thanks for checking out my work and the comments you've all left....I truly appreciate it!!!! And without further ado......here is the last LO I've created for the call......

The techniques I used were: stamping, tearing, inking, and chalking!!! TFL!!!!

OY....almost forgot my "excitement"....ROFL.....I broke my pinky toe!!!! Long story short: DD left her stool in the kitchen...mom blasted through the kitchen in the dark....WHAM...toe meets wooden stool and Mom nearly hit the floor!!! ROFLMBO....now it's just a pitiful, purple little toe!!!! But, alas, I have things to do and people to take care and most importantly....my baby girl's 5th birthday to worry about...so this little toe will not slow me down!!! LOL

Hope you all had a great weekend!

BASIC GREY TOOT!!!

2007-07-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

I am so very excited!!! I posted my layout below "True Beauty" to the Basic Grey idea gallery and they PICKED IT UP!!!! I am very excited! Here is the link if you'd like to see it in the gallery: http://www.basicgrey.com/catalog/idea_gallery_info.php?idea_gallery_id=22086

Thank you for sharing my toot with me!!!!

My Challenge for CSS DT Call

2007-07-25T21:44:00.001-05:00

One of the required creations for the CSS DT Call was to make a challenge and present it to the members. This is mine:

Have you ever made a flower using a transparency??!!!? If not, here's your chance and if you have, here's your chance to do it again!!!

1. Hand draw or trace a flower....ANY FLOWER....onto a transparency. PAINT the transparency...either the entire thing, the outline, certain parts....but I must see some paint!!!

2. LOs can be 8x8 or larger only please!

3. Use at least 2 photos on your LO!

4. JUST HAVE FUN and ENJOY!!!

This is my creation for the challenge and I LOVE it!!!

Thanks for looking!!!!!

PageMaps Toot!!

2007-07-24T19:00:00.000-05:00

With all this insomniac activity happening today, I have totally forgotten that I have been asked to create a card for Becky Fleck's September CardMaps!!!! I was published in May and she'd been trying to email me but I wasn't receiving them :(, so I got paranoid and thought maybe she didn't like my work...so I emailed her and politely asked if I were still on the contributor list! She said YES and she'd been trying to reach me!!!! WHEW!!!! I can't share my creation with you all until the September newsletter comes out, but I promise to post a link once the newsletter is complete!!!!

UPDATE on the Insomnia: ROFLMBO.....Ok, well, after I ate lunch and made a quick Walmart run, I began to fade with RAPID SPEED! It actually brought back memories of nights out with a tad too much to drink and all your body wants to do is shut down. So, we got home, I asked the kids to PLEEEEEEASE let me sleep......I LOVE MY ANGELS!!! I slept for about 2 hours...enough to energize me and keep me focused on driving and DS's karate class AND get home to make some quick mac&cheese. I am about to get comfy because I am slowly going down....LOL Guess I won't be scrapping tonight; but I will get to veg out with my kiddos!! LOL

Insomnia SUCKS!

2007-07-24T07:26:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have never had true insomnia and tonight/today I have experienced it. UGH!! I have been having trouble sleeping through the night for months now, but I always sleep enough and feel rested most days. Last night, I went to bed around midnight and laid there for 2 hours....got up.....went back to bed around 3 a.m. Laid there some more....dozed off for a bit, then the bladder called my name....UGH!!! So here it is 7:30 a.m. and I am still awake!!! ACCCKKKKKKKK!!! I should just go shower, get the kids up...go to Walmart so I can try to nap because we have karate later this evening. If it weren't for my burning, dry eyes, I'd be okay! LOL

Ok...enough whining! Here are 3 of my 5 DT call entries for Creative Scrap Shack! My fav is the LO of my beautiful daughter! Please check them out....TFL!!!

I used Basic Grey Perhaps as my Showcase Product and I loved using it!!! TFL!!!!

Blog Challenge from Amanda L. at CSS

2007-07-23T22:24:00.001-05:00

Her Challenge Question: What would you do if you didn't scrap?

Honestly, I have NO idea what my answer would be. I know before I found scrapping and I had stopped working, I watched ALOT of HGTV and cooking shows....ROFL....guess that explains my weight gain I experienced that first year without working!!! LOL This question is rather difficult to answer (just like what did I do before I had kids) because I usually try to scrap several times a week between running errands and doing house duties. The times I don't scrap are when my DH is home because I try spend as much quality time with him as possible.

So, how about you......what would you do if you didn't scrap???????

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Now to my post for today! Well, it was quite a day for us! We really didn't do anything really special today until karate! DS kicked his way to the brown board and almost broke the black board.....YES THE BLACK BOARD...a.k.a. the hardest board to break!!! He did a front kick and well.....kicked booty!!! He was so excited and so very proud, as he should be!

I also received an email from a very dear friend of mine who lives near Dallas and it seems I will get to visit her and finally meet her twin angel girls when we venture that way in late August for a karate tournament!!! I am so excited! I haven't seen her in about 8 years, but we've kept in touch through years via mail and email! We met in xray school and have been great friends ever since.....and the best news is that they are thinking of moving back to Orange, TX .....which mean she'll be CLOSE TO ME!!!! Wonder if she's started scrapbooking yet??!!!??

So, my day was just awesome after about 4 p.m.!!! LOL I have completed 3 of the 5 DT Call assignments and I plan to finish the rest by week's end! Wish me luck!

Finally HOME!!!!!

2007-07-22T19:45:00.000-05:00

We finally made it home around 3 p.m. today! Traveling to Victoria yesterday was so nice and there was hardly any traffic.....and I was an hour AHEAD of my leave time!!! WOOHOOO! LOL

The baby shower was nice and there were lots of presents for my SIL! What I loved most about my trip was seeing some of DH's family that I haven't seen in over a year. We were able to visit with our fav aunt and uncle for a few minutes too. Sometimes I wished I lived in Houston so I wouldn't be so far from them. The kids were AWESOME and such great little travelers, considering there wasn't much for kids to do...LOL!

Today we headed out around 10 a.m. and stopped at Borders Bookstore for DS a new book....of course DD has a new book too! DS just finished reading the entire serious of Narnia, so he's decided to start on Phantom Stallions now! He's barely 10 and on a 6th grade reading level! I'm so proud!

After not sleeping very well last night, I crashed on the sofa for 2 hours after unpacking....boy I needed it! The kids finally left me alone and I was able to rest! Now I am starting on my DT items to submit for the CSS DT call! I guess this is it for now!

MIA Saturday

2007-07-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

Well, the weekend it upon us and I will be heading out of town Saturday morning. I have a baby shower to attend for a family member and since it's so far away, we have to stay overnight. What I hate is that I have NO laptop so I can't access anything while sitting in the hotel room in the evening.

I have a great pic to share of DS in his sparring gear, but I have to resize, etc. so once that is done, I will share with you all! Have a great weekend!!!

It's HUMP DAY!!

2007-07-18T12:28:00.001-05:00

Wow it's Wednesday already! I should be cleaning, but I have literally sat here most of the morning to post and submit for a new DT call.....yep....I said another! There is a call going on for Simply Obsessed! They are brand spanking new and have really cool looking kits. Check it out here: http://www.simplyobsessed.biz/designteamcall I am not that confident that I will be on either team, but it's worth a shot right??!!!?

My friend Amanda won the guest spot at Paper Trunk....check it out here: http://papertrunk.blogspot.com/ CONGRATULATIONS AMANDA!!!!! I can't wait to see your creations with these papers!!!!!

It's a Beautiful Day!

2007-07-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

Finally...THE SUN IS SHINING! So far, my day has been pretty great. Missing my hubby like there is no tomorrow, but overall, it's a great day. The kids are happy and behaving! Had to take the girl to get a tooth sealed at the dentist and she did GREAT!! Makes me sad in a way how fast she is growing up. We scheduled her bday party at Michael's!!! I bet this is going to be quite fun and interesting! ;)

Here's a LO I made last night! Love how it turned out! Enjoy your day everyone! HUGS!

It's Monday.....

2007-07-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

Oh I hate Monday! I have to get my booty in gear and clean this house. I did light cleaning throughout last week, but it's time to put some muscle behind it and really CLEAN!

I wanted to give a shout out to my WeB girls that sell some pretty cool stuff! If you visit my blog, Holly and Jen have some really cool things they make and sell. Holly makes these BEAUTIFUL buttons....you have to check her out! Jen makes EMBELLIE bags and sells them for a GREAT price!! I haven't purchased anything from them, but I have seen the stuff and well, if my LSS closes....I'll be getting my embellies from Jen! Holly is going to send me a few buttons, so I'll post a pic so you all can ooh and aah over them!!!! She's on to something BIG!!!

Oh yeah...can't leave out my CSS gal Tam! She makes little albums/gift tags, etc and has a little store too! Her style is very unique! Give her a visit too!!!!

Well, not much to write home about YET...as it is only 9:15 a.m. here, but I wanted to share my latest creation! I love STICKLES!!! Tanner thinks it made the waves look really cool! We were at one of our local beaches and had our first picnic that day too!! TFL!!!

CSS DT Call!!!

2007-07-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

What a FUN night!!! The Bonfire chat at CSS was a BLAST!!! Congratulations again to Tami Floyd who won their "Big Kahuna" contest. It was 7 weeks of very INTENSE scrapping!!! She's a great scrapper...check out her blog!

They've opened a new DT call and I think I am going to try out! I love this place so much and I have many many close friends there. If anything, it will challenge me to create something new!!! I'll keep you posted on what happens from there!!!!

Hope your Sunday was wonderful! Mine was....just missing my man! HUGS!

3 Bugs in a Rug Contest - CSS

2007-07-15T10:04:00.000-05:00

Creative Scrap Shack held a contest sponsored by 3 Bugs in a Rug and I WON!! You cannot imagine how excited and happy I am. It's not because of the wonderful prizes, but the LO that I entered. It's something so very personal and dear to me. My baby girl loves the song "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw and she misses her Daddy even more when she hears it. Anyhow, this is my LO.....hope you like it too!

Journal reads:

"...go on take on this whole world, but to me you know you'll always be, MY LITTLE GIRL..."

Keileigh, the first time you heard this song by Tim McGraw, your eyes filled up with tears and you cried for Daddy. You said this was your song about you and Daddy. I can't hear this song without getting emotional because a girl your age should not be able to comprehend a song of this magnitude- but you do! This will always be you & Daddy's song. No matter where you are and no matter what you do in life, you will for certain always be Daddy's Little Girl!

Pictures taken: Xmas Day 2002, Nov. 11, 2004, Summer 2004

Quote reads: Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to his parents. -Abraham Lincoln

TFL!!!

I AM A BLOGGER!!!

2007-07-15T00:40:00.000-05:00

Well...I am finally here....I have entered the blog world!!! I am scared as hell, but I have enough friends to help me out!