a chick in the sticks

For the Luv of Art May Digi Challenge

2011-05-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

I love sketches, don't you? Well, if you do Check out For the Luv of Art May Digi Challenge!

Here is my take on the challenge!

I could not wait to use these photos and the "Hope For A Brighter Future" Digital Collab Kit #1 was perfect for this!!

And there is more to come! I am getting an early Mother's Day gift tonight! The kids and James are letting me lock myself in my scrapbook room to...gasp...scrap! With no interruptions!

I am planning on working on my first hybrid album. I will let you know how it goes! :)

Dream Big Fundraiser!

2011-04-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

Grab
This!

I am a little late, but better late than ever.

I fundraiser to help adopt a little baby boy.

read here for more information.

http://farleykids.blogspot.com/2011/04/dreaming-big.html

today is the last day. and any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

For The Luv of Art

2011-03-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

I am so very excited to be a part of For of the Luv of Art's Digital Design Team.

I have been busy creating. Working on my Mount Vernon and DC album.

Also, been playing with new digital software from Panstoria. If you are looking to start doing digital scrapbooking or would like to just get your feet wet, then Panstoria is what you are looking for. Not only is it easy and inexpensive, but they have a 30 day FREE TRIAL on their software. You cannot beat that!! Check it out. Trust me. You will not be disappointed.

Now, back to Mount Vernon and DC. Here is a taste. In the past 2 weeks, I have cranked out over 40 digital pages. I am almost done. It is so nice to be able to get a few albums completed, when your life can get so crazy at times.

Here are some of my favorite layouts.

This layout I used Pxlcafe's All Roads Lead Home Digital Kit by my dear friend Janet Carr (Little Feet Digital Designs)

This Layout I used Olivia's Friend by Little Feet Digital Designs. This beautiful kit is available at For the Luv of Art.

This last layout was inspired by For The Luv of Art's March Digital Sketch Challenge. I used Laura Burger's Retrofunk Elements and Amy Teets' Digital Spring Fling Minikit.

I cannot tell you how excited I will be when I get the pages printed out for my album.

And to my traditional scrapbookers, do not worry, I am still a traditional girl at heart. Actually, my next project is to work on my Hershey album. I just need to clean up my scrapbook room and find some time to hide in my scrapbook sanctuary.

Will post those as I do them.

Great NEWS!

2011-03-23T07:15:00.001-07:00

I am thrilled to say that I am now a part of the For The Luv of Art Digital Design Team!

You should check out For the Luv of Art! They are an online store (both traditional AND Digital) and a wonderful online community! I hope to see you there.

I will be posting layouts on my blog soon. I have been working on my DC album with some really cool kits!

See you soon.

SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET

2011-02-14T15:25:00.000-08:00

Yes! you read it right! A scrapbook flea market is coming to town! My sweet friend Lynn is hosting it this year. It is a fundraiser for the North Hagerstown High School Marching Band.

Did you know that the county does not give ANY money to the marching band? All the money they need throughout the year, is made through fundraisers. I was shocked to hear that!!

So! Lynn needs our help to raise money for their marching band! And you can get some great bargains while doing it! Now that is a WIN WIN SITUATION!!

Below is a flyer. Rent a table or just come and enjoy the amazing bargains, food and fun!!

Kids, Potty Training and Scrapbooking

2011-01-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Hello there! Remember me? It has once again been a long time since I blogged. Every time I blog, I tell myself I will do it more. But you know how well that happens. LOL

I have been busy. As you all probably know, raising three kids keeps you that way. Busy.

Jet started playing basketball. First year. And for Christmas, Grammy bought him a basketball hoop. Now we just need it to warm up a little so we can play (I love the cold, but not THAT much! )

Quinn started and has graduated the potty training. In THREE days. Not sure who is prouder. Me or him. LOL

Do not think I am a SUPER MOM. I had help. My friend bought a book Easy Potty Training by Lora Jensen. And it worked! Who knew!? I highly recommend it to any mom's who are dreading the potty training like I was.

Kaileyne is still dancing. She is in Tap, Jazz and Ballet. I have no idea how she does it. I am tired just from driving her around.

And me... my scrapbook room is finally finished! And I love love LOVE it!! Of course I have not had a lot of time to play in it yet. But it is done! I know. I know! You are all saying ... why aren't you scrapbooking?...are you nuts? ... do not deny it! I know you are saying it. LOL

Well, I am scrapbooking. I have been teaching classes. Lots of classes! I am actually teaching for the next 5 weekends. So, not a lot of time to create. Just cut kits. But I will be in that room a lot. Soon! Real Soon! And my hubby may have a had time getting me out.

I am also applying to be a Design Team Member for an online kit club. I have realized I miss being on a kit club design team. I think I scrapped more when I was on one. So, keep your fingers crossed. I will let you know how it goes. :)

Sooooo, wanna see my scrapbook room? Ok. Ok. You twisted my arm. ;)

Here we goooooooo.....

TA-DAAAAAA!!!!!

this is my work table...I love Target!

this wall displays my favorite layouts.....

Framed my childrens' artwork.. so I will always be surrounded by them and their work....

What is behind that curtain???

paper....and...

my albums..and other scrapbooking goodness...

Some other goodies... I love my felt cupcakes!!

And that is about it...time to take Kaileyne to ballet.

Check out this giveaway!!

2010-10-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

This is toooo coool! I have played with the SCRAP DOTS! I love them!!

Check them out on Facebook or their blog to get all the giveaway info.!! Helmar Rocks!!!

Guest Designer for Jen Martakis Digital Designs

2010-08-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! I was asked by the wonderful Jen Martakis to be a guest designer for August.

Jen has the cutest kits! This week I am designing with her Monsters Digi Kit!

Keep checking back...Jen is releasing some AMAZING kits this month! And I get to play with them and share them with you! :)

You can find Jen Martakis Designs at 2Peas.

Quick Post...

2010-05-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

My latest layout....

Gotta Run...been a long night.. two kids throwing up.. so far I have:

Clean up three piles of vomit
steam cleaned the carpets
run 2 loads of laundry

I am ready for bed...but I have a feeling it is going to be a LONGGGGGG night...

Off to bed....

Digital Freebie Kit

2010-05-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Been catching up on some of my layouts. My free time is almost over. Life will be getting busy again soon.

So, I did this layout using Janet Carr's Bunny Trail Digital Kit and her Bunny Trail Digital Freebie Kit.

Ok off to do some more laundry...busy weekend coming up...

See ya soon!

Bunny Trail - Little Feet Digital Designs

2010-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know. I know. Long time no see! It has been crazy around here. I am just so happy it has slowed down for a moment so I can scrapbook for myself.

I have been working on my White House Easter Egg Roll Album. My scrapbook room is not all moved in yet, so I have decided to do it all digitally. And I am LOVING it!

I have been using the Bunny Trail Digital Kit by Little Feet D igital Designs .

Another awesome kit by Janet Carr!

This is a two page layout.. I love the carrots!

I will be back soon to post more! I have to get a scrappin'. Before life gets crazy for me again. That would be tomorrow!

See ya soon! Janet Carr Rocks!!

Tickets! Tickets! Tickets! And Prize Time!

2010-04-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

TICKETS FOR THE 1ST ANNUAL SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET ARE ON SALE NOW!

AND READ THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG ENTRY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE THAT WILL BE GIVEN AWAY THE DAY OF THE FLEA MARKET!

GET THEM NOW AND SAVE $2.00 ON YOUR TICKETS!!!

Ticket Prices

$3 prior to the event or

$5 at the door (CASH ONLY)

TICKET SALES:

Contact Tracy at 304-725-5527 or mail you check to

NJE SFM

c/o Tracy Franklin

112 Stratus Drive

Kearneysville, WV 25430

(make check payable to NJE PTO)

Need a Table?

Well, just email me at:

scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com

or call me at

304-725-3952

and we will get you taken care of!

Need DRIVING DIRECTIONS?

Then see the blog post below!

We are very excited about this! And the wait is almost over!

We want to know if you are coming and from where!

And you can WIN A PRIZE by just telling us that you are coming!

Leave a comment with your name on my blog letting me know that you are coming!

Then, your name will be entered in a VERY SPECIAL DRAWING!

A Drawing that you can ONLY be entered in if you leave a comment on my blog!

Want to know what it is? Well, I will give you a hint! It is Scrapbook Supplies!

Yes, I know it is a lame hint! But you will not be disappointed!

I will post a picture of the prize before the Flea Market! So keep checking my blog!

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET!!!

AND YOU CAN ONLY WIN IF YOU ARE AT THE SCRAPBOOK FLEA MARKET!

Driving Directions - Scrapbook and Stampin' Flea Market

2010-03-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

I know when you hear that there is a Scrapbook and Stampin' Flea Market in West Virginia, you may think it is a LONG way away from VA, MD, PA and DC.

Well, it is not. We are close. We are in that tiny tiny panhandle that is close to all of you.

I wanted to post some driving directions. So you can see we are closer than you think.

We have over 50 tables sold already. And people are letting me know that they are "in" for this.

Even I am cleaning out my scrapbook room. And trust me I have a lot I would LOVE to clear out for LOW LOW BARGAIN PRICES!

Seriously, you do not want to miss this!!!!!

So, let's get to the driving directions...

Just click on the City/State link you are close to and it will direct you to mapquest with the directions.

Tickets are available NOW!

Email us at scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com for more information on ticket sales and table rentals...

See you there on May 1st!

Scrapbook Flea Market - May 1st

2010-03-23T08:46:00.001-07:00

Scrapbook Flea Market Tickets on Sale Now!

2010-03-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to shop?

Love bargains?

Well, then what are you waiting for?

Tickets to the

First Annual NJE Scrapbook Flea Market

are on sale NOW!

Tickets are just $3.00 when you buy them in advance!

How do you get them?

It's easy!

Write a check out to NJE PTO for $3.00
Mail check to:

NJE SFM c/o Tracy Franklin 112 Stratus Drive Kearneysville, WV 25430

And that is it!

On the day of the Scrapbook Flea Market,

we will have a Will Call Station that will have

your special wrist band waiting for you!

Include your email address with your check, if you want to be

added to our mailing list.

On this mailing list, you will be the first to

receive updates on the Flea Market, Tickets, Raffles, etc.

Please email scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com,

if you have any questions.

All proceeds from table registration, ticket sales raffles and food sales, go to purchase new playground equipment for the students of North Jefferson Elementary.

And if you want to RENT A TABLE at the Scrapbook Flea Market,

please email scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com!

Cost:
$30 per 6 foot table
$20 (if you provide the 6 foot table)

Scrapbook Flea Market Table Registration...

2010-03-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

is OFF AND RUNNING! In less than 24 hours we have reserved 35 tables!

At this rate tables will not last...

see yesterday's post for all the details...

if you want to be a vendor for our NJE Scrapbook Flea Market, please email

scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com

for more information...

Do not forget, Tickets go on sale this coming Monday.

I will post where to send your checks to then.

And thank you so much for supporting North Jefferson Elementary!!!

Scrapbook Flea Market - Table Registration Open!

2010-03-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

We have finalized the date, time and place!

Now it is time to get moving!

Do you have tons of scrapbook or stamping items that you thought you would use? That you were saving for that "special" layout? Or tools that were cool but for some reason were never used? And now all those items are just there. Clogging up your room and falling out of your closet!

Well, it is almost Spring! And it is time to get to Spring Cleaning!

Clean. Organize.

Now, what will you do?

Rent a table at the 1st Annual
NJE Scrapbook Flea Market Fundraiser!

And sell those items!

The event will be held indoors at the

Rock Spring Church
114 Poor Farm Road
Kearneysville, West Virginia

Saturday, May 1st

9am-4pm

We have over 100 spots available!

Cost:
$30 per 6 foot table
$20 (if you provide the 6 foot table)

If you need more than one table (like I do), just let us know!

You will make all checks payable to: NJE PTO

Your vendor fee is a tax deductible donation

All proceeds from table registration and ticket sales go to purchase new playground equipment for the students of North Jefferson Elementary.

If you are interested in being a vendor, please email me at
scrapbookfleamarket@yahoo.com
for more information and to reserve your spot...

All vendor registration will be on a first come, first serve basis....

So, do not wait... register now!

Ticket Sales

Ticket Prices are $3.00 prior to the event or $5.00 at the door (CASH ONLY).

Your ticket to the flea market is a tax deductible donation. Cash Receipts for your tax deductible donation will be available at the door for your $5 admission fee.

All proceeds from table registration and ticket sales go to purchase new playground equipment for the students of North Jefferson Elementary.

Ticket sales will be opening up next week.....

Food and drinks will be available at the event....

More information will be coming soon........

NJE Scrapbook Flea Market Yahoo Group..

2010-02-08T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! We are working hard to getting the final details going on the scrapbook flea market on May 1st, 2010. More updates will be coming soon.....

In the meantime , we have created a Yahoo Group for you all. Not only will you receive updates and announcements, but you will receive them at least 24 hours before they are posted to my blog or other scrapbook websites.

So, you can get a jump on when table rentals and ticket sale registration opens.

Right now the group is closed to public posts. All messages will be coming from the group moderators.

As the date of the flea market gets closer, we will open up the group to all
posts from members. So, we can talk about everything that has to do with the flea market and count down to when it begins...

So join now! :)

Thank you again in advance for your interest and help with raising money for North Jefferson Elementary!

Click to join njescrapbookfleamarket

Snow Snow Snow....

2010-01-31T05:53:00.000-08:00

We got hit again! The weather people were calling for only a light dusting to 2 inches in our area...

So, I went to a crop 2 hours away, James went out with his friends for the night and the kids were at Grandma's house (an hour away).

Well, they were wrong! Wayyyy Wrong!

I got to the crop at 8 am and I had to leave at 1pm because there was about 4 inches on the ground.

I left and it took me 4 hours to get home. The roads were a nightmare. Tractor trailers jackknifed, cars abandoned, other cars turned around with busted front ends, and cars stuck in the medians. It was ugly!

James picked up the kids at 2:30 pm. He got home 15 minutes after I did. he was coming from the other direction. He said the roads were just as bad.

We were all so happy to be home. And safe.

And we got about 6 inches yesterday. Not a dusting. So, thanks Mr. Weatherman! For being so...uhh... accurate... {eye roll}...

Well, gotta run! Need to go and shovel some snow.

Do you love Digital Freebies?

2010-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

Now that I have been dabbling in digital. I do! It's like going into my LSS when they are having an embellishment sale. I squeal like a little girl!

And when you work with so many talented Digital Designers at Creative Memories, it is hard not to get excited when they create something and share it with all of us. For FREEEEEEE!

Do you know what I like best? Digital Page Freebies! Slap a photo here and VOILA! A beautiful layout....

Want an example... SURE YOU DO! I am so glad you asked!

I know this talented lady.. Janet Carr

And she has a Digital Freebie Blog! I just looked there the other day and I say this page template she had as a freebie.

All I had to to was drop a picture into it...I love love loveeeeee it!

Do you want it? I know you do! CLICK HERE to get it!

And that is not all she has! Take a moment and look! You will not be disappointed....

Welcome to my New Blog!

2010-01-27T20:39:00.000-08:00

Ok not new, but redesigned! Isn't is beautiful? I see your heads nodding .... Excellent!

My Blog Makeover was done by a very wonderful and talented Kristina Proffitt! And she did it so quickly. One day my blog was boring..the next Ka-Blowwee! Perfection!

Kristina and her partner Crystal Wilkerson have created templates for your blog that are just so bright and inspirational! The name of her business is Blog Designs by Two Happy Mommas. You need to check them out! You will not be disappointed!

Kristina even redid my Scrapbook Resume Blog. I cannot tell you how happy I am with her work! And she is a pleasure to work with. Y'all know how difficult I can be sometimes! ;)

As you all know, I am quite the bad blogger. I never knew why, but I think it was because my blog was so..well....blech! Boring! Dull!

Not anymore! I cannot tell you how many times I have come to my blog today. I love it! So, I had to share it all with you! And I am sure you will see a lot more of me now too!

Thank you Kristina! Thank you Crystal! You guys ROCK!!!!!!!!

NJE Scrapbook Flea Market is Coming!!!!

2010-01-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yes! That is right! A Scrapbook Flea Market is coming to West Virginia!

It is a fundraiser for new playground equipment for North Jefferson Elementary!

So, it is a place to find great scrapbook bargains and raise money for our school.

Save the Date!

Saturday- May 1, 2010
9am to 4pm

Stay tuned for more information....Table Rental and Ticket Information will be coming soon ! Please check my blog for updates!

All proceeds go to North Jefferson Elementary PTO.

My first attempt at digital...

2009-09-03T09:00:00.001-07:00

Well , I am a Traditional scrapper and never thought I would do anything digital. Seriously!

But when my husband's family went to Lincoln, Nebraska to be a part of their great great (great?) grandfather's, Charles E. Bessey, induction to the Nebraska Hall of Fame.

Charles E. Bessey is a huge deal in Nebraska.

So, I thought that making a scrapbook would make a great Christmas present.

But I am a really "bulky" scrapper and I figured this book should be more of a flat coffee table book. So, I thought, maybe I should do it digitally! And the fact I would have to make 3 albums made the decision easier. LOL

So, I started playing around with Creative Memories StoryBook Creator Plus. And within a 24 hour period, I created a book. Now, I do not think it should have taken me so long to do it, but I am not a manual reader. LOL

I used the Black and White Content Collection for the papers and all kinds of assorted Creative Memories "bling" for the accents.

I sent off for one book to be printed. I cannot wait to see it all together...

But I wanted to show you the pages I created....shhh it is a surprise for my MIL and SIL....

I am kinda proud of it.... :)

The first picture is of the cover. Charles E. Bessey was a botanist.

Sneak Peak! Creative Memories Trick or Treat Additions

2009-08-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I am back and getting into the swing of things. Preparing for the kids to go back to school (13 days to go! YAY!) and doing assignments for Creative Memories! Double YAY!

That is why I am here!

I wanted to give you a sneak peek of the NEW Creative Memories Limited Edition Trick or Treat Additions.

I had so much fun playing with this new line!

The line is available starting September 1st!

Want to see what I created with it?

The first project is a layout I did of my little girl....

the second project is Halloween Candy Party Favors made out of empty tuna fish tins...

And finally, 2 cards....

Don't ya just love the papers and stickers?

Contact your Local Creative Memories Consultant on September 1st to to get you very own Limited Edition Trick or Treat Additions...

Thanks for looking...

Kathleen

It is raining...

2009-08-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Pouring. No mowing the lawn today. (YAY!)

I will be doing assignments all day. Weather is perfect for it. I think I can crank some out during the race. Can we say GO TONY? Yes we can!!!

I wanted to share some photos from Ocean City. We go down with my parents and all the grandkids. It is always a great time for them.

Here is a photo shoot of all the kids at the beach. They are so patient (kind of) when Aunt Kathy/Mommy takes tons of shots of them. I think this one is my favorite because everyone is just doing their own thing. Distracted. And bored. LOL

Here is a picture of just the girls...

And the boys....

Well, I am off. Time to feed the kids and play a few games. I think I see Go Fish! in my future.

Friends..

2009-08-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

I love my friends...they are so good to me.

But I feel like this summer, I have lost touch with them. It has been so crazy. I know life can get in the way sometimes. And I also know it is not because I do not care or they do not. We just get busy.

You would think that me picking up the phone or writing an email would be easy. But then when you think of it, the baby decides to use ketchup as a drawing tool on the kitchen floor. Or the twins are fighting. Or you need to clean the house, mow the lawn, etc. You just get side tracked.

It is no one's fault. Life Happens.

But the part I love best about my friends. We can go days, weeks, months without talking. But I know they are there. They know I love them. They know! And as soon as the kids go back to school, I will be back on schedule. YAY!

So, to all my friends. I am here. Sorry that I have been MIA. I Love you. Miss you!

Ready...Set...Poison Ivy

2009-07-31T08:46:00.001-07:00

Since I have been back from vacation, I decided to do some projects outside the house. The weeds have gotten out of control . Our flower gardens have become weed gardens.

So, out I went. 3 days in a row. Getting a lot done. Then, I started itching. Here and there. Then, in between my fingers. Oh, how it itched. Then, bumps. Poison Ivy! It is torture!

I know I should not scratch it. But it feels so good when I do. It is agony. I have put bleach on it and hydra cortisone. No real help.

I need to keep my mind off of it. Thankfully, I have assignments I need to do. The creative process will do it! I hope. Keeping fingers crossed. Maybe not. It may make it itch more. LOL

Enough of my pity party.

Tomorrow. Pics from our vacation. YAY!

Hope you are having a great day.

Aaaaah!

2009-07-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

We are back from vacation. And we are now gearing up for home projects and back to school!

It has been a terrific summer, but I am ready for it to be over. LOL

A lot of running around. Packing and unpacking. I am ready for us to be on a regular schedule again.

I am now trying to play catch up and getting back to designing.

I updated my blog and the header with a picture of the kids in OBX. I do not know why, but this is one of my favorite pictures of the three of them.

I hope you are all having a great summer. Fill me in on what you have been up to.

Update..GASC in VA....and some other stuff

2009-06-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I know! Long time no write!

Life has been a little crazy. End of year recitals, cub scouts, no more school for the kids. Oh, the list goes on. So, many excuses.

But here I am.

The kids are doing great. We recently got back from vacation. 3 days in Hampton, VA for the Blackbeard Festival. Very cool! I highly recommend it. We had a lot of fun.

Then, we went to the OBX. Never been there before, but we were invited by James' close friend Duke. We had a wonderful time and met some amazing people. Actually, they were ALL amazing. We did not want to leave.

Coming up, I will be at the GASC at the Dulles Expo center on Saturday. I will be working at the Creative Memories booth doing Make and Takes. Come on by and say "hi." It will make my day!

I have been working on some stuff that I hope to show you soon.

But for now that is it. We are all doing ok. Better than ok.

And I will be back soon. You better believe it. :)

In Loving Memory Class by Tania Willis

2009-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

I love taking classes. I really do. My favorite classes are the ones taught by Tania Willis. I love her. I was lucky enough to take a Circle Journal class with her years ago. We even did a few rounds of CJ's with Tania. It was a lot of fun.

The best part of it all is that Tania and I became friends. And have been friends ever since.

Her classes are wonderful. She is really talented. And this time she is doing a class that I think we can all relate to.

A class about scrapping the loss of a loved one.

Below are the details about her class. This is a class that may help all of us get through the pain we feel when we lose someone close to us. Start the healing process and created something beautiful about that special person. You should really check it out.

In Loving Memory by Tania Willis

April 9 - May 7

During this 5-week course (one session per week) Tania will help spur you on to create an album dedicated to a loved one you have lost, all the while encouraging you to be gentle on yourself through the process. She will provide prompts and challenges to help you get your thoughts in order and onto the page, as well as suggestions for selecting photos and how to overcome the dilema of not having many photos at all. In addition, page sketches will be offered and a variety of embellishment techniques will be taught along the way. There's no better way than to complete a treasured project than in the company of a supportive teacher who is on her own journey of remembrance after losing her mom very suddenly and unexpectedly the summer of 2007. “It’s scrapbooking as a healing therapy, not just art.”

Registration is now OPEN here: http://debbiehodge.squarespace.com/in-loving-memory/

Cost: $25

Answers to frequently asked questions here:

http://throughtrialsiambeingpurified.blogspot.com/2009/03/in-loving-memory-your-questions.html

I am so Egg-Cited!

2009-03-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

All of us are going to the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll!

James and I were on our computers for 90 minutes trying to get these tickets! And we succeeded! (Ok, James got them for us! He is a superstar!!!!!)

I have been wanting to go to this for years, but could not get down to DC to get them. I mean, there are people who camp out for days before the tickets are given out!

But this year, they did the tickets online. And we got them. I am so happy. I have never been and I know the kids are going to love it!

Our cameras will be fully charged. I foresee a ton of photos taken at this one event. Scrapbooker Heaven!

Only 3 1/2 weeks! YAY!

Not sure who will be more excited, me or the kids.

I will get back to you on that! Hee hee

Organization

2009-02-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ok I am not the best at this.

Actually I am horrible at it

I have the best intentions. But deep down I am a slob.

I am trying to change it with my new scrapbook room.

Last night I brought all my paper downstairs. Ok, most of it. Some of it is still on my messy floor. Under layers of scrapbook supplies.

I organized all my cardstock. By color. From the lightest shade to darkest. It is now proudly displayed on my paper rack.

Today was patterned paper day. Uggh!

This one is tricky.

I have catorgories:

Circle
Squares
Stripes
Plaids
Floral
Stars
Words

That part is easy

But I am wondering is I do "themed" categories too..

Halloween
Summer
Ballet

I did that before. And by manufacturer. But I forgot I had these papers.

I do not want to do it again. Some of these papers I really like. LOL

So, I am torn.

And I am finding that I hate scraps.

I have tons of them. Especially Junkitz papers.

I cannot make myself throw them away. It would be wrong if I did. So wrong.

So, As I was sorting my mountain of paper, I was trying to think of a way of storing the scraps. In a way that would be easy to go through and not an unorganized mess.

Well, I have been toying around with getting Pottery Barn's Samantha Bench. But the price tag has made me hesitant.

The Samantha bench has 3 baskets you can purchase that go under the bench. I thought..Hey I can put my scraps in there and they will be accessable and out of sight. Also, organized. I could use one basket for solid cardstock. Another for patterned. And one for themed papers.

I was seriously considering taking the plunge and making a PB purchase....{sigh} So much money. For paper scraps?

but then I had a thought....

As you know I wanted that Pottery Barn Craft table, but was having the same issue. Price. And I found that Target had one that was just like PB's but more than half the price.

Last year for my birthday, I bought the Target craft table and absolutely love it.

So, I did a search on Target and found this..A dead ringer with the PB Samantha Bench!!

And the baskets and cushions are included! For only $199.99.

And they are having 15% off and free shipping. With another discount I got I am only paying less that $159.00 for it! Winner Winner Chicken dinner!

Now I have a cute bench that will hold my paper scraps. All nice and tidy!

Now, when I was reading the reviews on this bench, I saw that people think the cushions are a cheap and cheesy.

So, off to PB website I go. To see if they have their cushions for the bench available. I figured I would be willing to spend the $75.00 for the cushion since I saved @ $400. Right?

It is all about justification. LOL

So, I looked.

No luck. No longer available.

But I did find this.

Outdoor bench cushions. The right dimensions. And only $4.99. Can anyone say clearance? YAY!!

My new scrapbook room will be downstairs so moisture resistant cushions is right for me..

I ordered it. I got the multistripe. I wanted the red or white but alas they were sold out.

Most of my room colors are pink white and black with a splash of red here and there.

So I figured it would be ok to splash more color with the multistripe. {fingers crossed}

But for $4.99 I figured I could take the chance right?

Well, that is the latest. Trying to turn a corner and get organized.

My goal is to get the room upstairs emptied in the next 10 days, so I can get the room ready for my daughter. Deadline. February 28th. Her 7th birthday.

Once she is moved in. Quinn will be out of our room and moved in with big brother Jet.

I definitely want to meet this deadline.

Wish me luck.

Quinn

2009-01-19T07:29:00.001-08:00

Thank you for all your comments and support.

I had some really good friends help me out the night of the "incident"

And I cannot thank them enough.

I am not sure what I would have done without them.

You know who you are and I love you very much!

I wanted to share pictures of Quinn.

I took these right after we got home from the hospital...

Those little band-aids on his cheeks were to hold the oxygen tubes in place.

I took them off when I gave him a bath that night....

Here is another picture of him. He is not looking at me because Kaileyne is behind me making funny faces. Quinn loves it when she does that...

And the final picture is Quinn's scary hospital head. Yes it looks fine if you are looking at him straight on BUT.....

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKK!

He gets the scary hair from me..... :)

Thanks again for all the prayers and well wishes for Quinn and my family.

You have no idea how much it has meant to me.

The Day My Heart Almost Broke!

2009-01-18T07:23:00.000-08:00

Before I get into this, let me say that Quinn is OK!

He is home and he is ok!

Ok now that it has been said....

Thursday night we were watching a movie. Everyone in the family room.

Quinn was shimmying around the coffee table, when he fell.

I could not see him under the table. But I heard a little cry. Then nothing. Then a thump. He was laying on the floor.

James asked Kaili to get him. She tried picking him up, but couldn't. She was laughing because she thought he was playing around.

Then, I heard. "Kaili it is NOT funny. PICK HIM UP!" That is when my mommy alarms went off! I knew something was wrong. I was getting up as James picked up Quinn. I saw Quinn was limp. But eyes open. I said. What's wrong. James said I do not know.

I took Quinn from him. Looked at him.

Shallowed breathing.

Eyes rolling up to the back of his head.

Pupils fully dilated.

Not aware. At all. He would not react to my voice. Oh my God! My Baby!!

I looked at James and told him to call 911 now!

The paramedics took forever to get there. The 911 operator was telling us to stay calm. That they were on their way! Stay calm? My baby was hurt. I was freaking out!

Paramedics got there. Still unresponsive.

I hear them talking. Concussion. Bleeding into the brain. Heard them say that he needs to be airlifted to Inova in Virginia.

This is bad!

Twins are crying. James is of course upset. Things are falling apart.

I do not know what to do. My baby. My little baby boy. It is serious.

I grab my purse and say ok I am going with him

They tell me I cannot ride in the helicopter.

They put on a back board and neck brace. They take him. I am trying to gather items for Quinn in a bag. While trying to calm everyone down and reassure them (and me) that he will be ok. Praying in between.

I have to go alone. James had knee surgery not even a week ago. And someone has to stay home with the twins.

I drive the 90 minutes to the hospital. Knowing my little boy is there alone. My heart is in my throat.

I get there and the doctors are waiting. They have the results from the x-rays, MRI and CAT scan. Everything is ok. He is fine. No brain swelling. No bleeding into the brain.

That is when I lose it. My baby is ok and now it is ok to lose it. So, I let it all go.

They take me to him. He is in a neck brace with all kinds of wires on him. They had just taken out the breathing tube (thank goodness I missed that. Not sure how I would have handled seeing him like that)

He is still coming out of sedation. Still groggy. But I say his name. He lifts his hand and grabs my finger. My heart melts. My baby boy is going to be ok.

We stayed overnight for observation and we got home Friday afternoon. The twins are so happy to see their brother. Daddy is relieved.

It was a rough 24 hours. But it is ok. My little boy is healthy and he acts like nothing happened.

Life is good. And back to normal.

Mommy, on the other hand, is a little on edge. Every time he gets near anything with edges I get ancy (which is all the time). He has no idea what happened. And try telling a 12 month old he needs to just sit in one place and stay put. Not going to happen!

He bumped his head this morning and I just about jumped out of my skin. He seems ok, just going to keep my eye on him.

So, I am going to spend some cuddle time with my little boy. I may be MIA for a few days.

Just wanted to let you know why. Have a great weekend.

Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser

2009-01-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ok, I normally do not do this but.........

The twins came home yesterday, talking about how they need to help people.

I had no idea what they were trying to tell me. They were both talking so fast.

They got frustrated with me and shoved some papers into my hands and said...

"Mommy, we HAVE to help!"

Their school is having a fundraiser to fight Heart Disease.

Jet and Kaileyne will be joining the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart Campaign for the American Heart Association.

While I was reading the information for the fundraiser, I saw this:

My children's generation is the first in history that is projected NOT to outlive their parents!!

I was shocked! I had no idea.

So, I agreed to set up their webpage on the American Heart Association website.

Jet's Hoops for Heart

Kaileyne's Jump Rope for Heart

They both have set a goal of $200 each.

I will be setting both Kaileyne and Jet up with a donation from Mommy and Daddy of $25.00 today.

I am hoping that maybe my friends could help them out too.

The American Heart Association's online fundraising website has a minimum donation amount of $25.00. If you want to donate less, that's ok. You can donate to me via Paypal (kmt310e@aol.com) and will transfer the money to the AHA every time I get $25. Or email me and I can send you my home address, if you want to send a check.

Every little bit will help. And I want to help them reach their goal.

Thanks.

Classes! Classes!

2009-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend I am teaching some Creative Memories Classes in Frederick, MD.

I really love to teach. I love getting people excited about scrapbooking!

And getting them to see that Creative Memories has some really great stuff out there.

So this is the first class...

it is a Card class....

You will complete twelve 5x7 cards for $20

I will also be teaching a class where we will be making four 12x12 layouts using Creative Memories Discover and Delight papers. These papers are a limited edition that you cannot purchase. They are also double sided. On one of the layouts I show them how they can use the same papers to make a layout for a boy or a girl.

The last class is a layout and card class using Creative Memories With Love Accents Kit.

Well, that is it....

Thanks for letting me share.

now off to do more cutting for these kits...

And I will be making a special trip to the ribbon outlet today. I am so excited. LOL I love ribbon!

I know hubby will be happy when I am done. No more paper scraps all over the floor LOL

Blog Candy!

2009-01-06T12:53:00.000-08:00

I love giveaways! Don't you?

I also love finding out that there is a talented scrapbooker watching me!

Well, I found both!

Ewonne is in Sweden. I took a gander at her blog and I was blown away by her beautiful work!!

I also saw that she is giving away some Blog Candy!

Look at this!

YUMMMY!!!

here is the link to her blog: Through My Eyes.

You should check it out!

Tell her I sent you.... ;)

PS - I know I have been promising pictures of my scrapbook room. i will get them on here, but I am still working on a few things in there. I actually hung some artwork that the twins did for me. They are so excited that something they did is hung on the wall instead of the refrigerator. LOL

Also, been cutting up class kits for classes I am teaching this weekend.

I will post those tomorrow.

better run. need to paint my ribbon holders.

Don't forget to enter Ewonne's Blog Candy Giveaway!

Success!!

2008-12-28T22:38:00.001-08:00

First, I hope everyone had a happy holiday! It was crazy here! The kids were so excited. I think they were bursting at the seams on Christmas morning!

Kaileyne's Christmas theme was HANNAH MONTANAAAAAAAAAA!

I think she almost fainted every time she opened a gift that had HM in it!

You know how six year olds are! It is all about the drama! LOL

The only thing she loved more was Pixos! She has not stopped playing with that since she got it.

Jet's Christmas theme was Monster trucks and Wall*E.

He loves Wall*E. he has watched the movie at least twice a day.

And he laughs. Oh how he laughs!

I love my son's laugh!

You can be in the other room and when you hear him laugh, you laugh.

His laugh is so contagious. So genuine.

Quinn's Christmas theme was oblivion. LOL

He did not care.

He just dug himself a hole in the middle of the ripped wrapping paper and made a home.

That was his fun for the day!

Ok, enough about the kids. LOL Let's talk about me me meeee!

Yes, my husband and my brother got the ceiling tiles, lighting and floor down in my new scrapbook room!!!! YAY!! That was my Christmas present.

Then, my MIL got me a gift card for Lowes. Double YAY!!!!

Went out this weekend. Bought a door. A door frame. Outlet covers.

And had the guys put them in this weekend. Triple YAY!

It looks like a room now!

We cannot put the base moulding or the corner round in until the cabinets come (heavy sigh), but it is coming around.

I was going to put a closet door in my room, but decided to put a curtain there instead. I thought that the door would make the room look smaller.

And that would not to at all. LOL

I want it large in charge!

So, now I have to save up for my cabinets. It will take me a little time but I am so excited.

I even cleaned up the entire basement tonight. It was a disaster!

But knowing that now I can set up my craft table in it, makes me all giddy inside. hee hee

I am going to do that tomorrow. I may even put some things on the wall.

I may even transport some things downstairs from the disaster I call my "current scrapbook room."

Kaileyne says she will help me as much as possible. Why? because she knows as soon as that room is clear, it is all hers to Hannah Montana up.

My baby girl will have her own room. She is beyond thrilled!!

I do not have any pictures of my room yet. I want to do a couple things before I take pictures.

I should be getting my curtains this week (fingers crossed).

Once I get them put up, I will share some photos.

I need to ask your opinion about something anyway.

Ok, gotta run. Tomorrow is "go to the dump day."

After cleaning the basement, I have a lot of things to throw away. Too much for the trash guys to pick up.

And my little baby boy is turning one on Thursday. Can you believe it has been a year?

And his party is Saturday. So much to do.

So, I will holler at ya soon.

Have a great week!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

From our CRAZY Family to yours!

Thank you Secret Santa!

2008-12-23T08:46:00.000-08:00

A bunch of us from the Creative Memories Design Team decided to do a Secret Santa.

It is always fun! And I had not done one of these in so long. So, I was really excited!

It is so nice to be able to get to know someone and spoil them with goodies at the same time.

Don't you think?

Well, I received my package from my Secret Santa Yesterday.

She definitely deserves a shout out!

She was very generous.

I loved everything, but my favorite is the hand made picture frame. Isn't it adorable?

I only had one problem. I still do not know who she is! LOL

Hopefully she will come out soon!

Thank you Secret Santa!

And Merry "Almost" Christmas!

What? Only four more days?

2008-12-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

Oh geez! I thought I had more time. 4 days?

I am "almost ready"

Just need a few more presents wrapped.

Today, is cookie day. Kids will be making sugar and chocolate chip cookies today from scratch.

Ok, I made them from scratch. The dough is in the frig. Ready to go. I did that last night. James helped. And then my brother came down just in time for the community cookie dough taste test.

Tomorrow is a full at the school. Crafts and Pizza Party.

Pick up a few more things for hubby.

Then, I need to create 3 classes for a crop before Christmas.

No problem right? Where is that egg nog? LOL

Hope you all are having a good weekend.

FOUR MORE DAYS!!!! Are you ready?

My Weekend at Scrapbook Cottage!

2008-11-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened! After many years, I actually was able to go away and crop for a few days!

And I sure have missed it!

A good friend of mine, just opened a Crop House call the Scrapbook Cottage.

It is in Hedgesville, West Virginia. About 20 minutes from Martinsburg.

The place is absolutely gorgeous!! As soon as I got there, I was relaxed.

She has 2 big crop rooms. We each got a 6 foot table to scrap on (those who know me know I tend to spread, so this was good LOL) with your own Ottlight and Craft mat.

The food was awesome. Leigh is a great cook.

I scrapped until 4am Saturday morning. I just could not stop. The creative juices were going.

I scrapped 8 pages in less than 24 hours. I have never done that!

Everyone had such a great time. We plan on doing this every 6 months.

So, if you get a chance, you should really check it out.

You will not be disappointed in the Scrapbook Cottage.

Leigh thank you so much for inviting me! I had so much fun!

Hey Dawn, I am thinking if my scrapbook room is not done by Spring, that we should go here. We will invite our friends to come with us. what do you think?

Ok, gotta run. Going to a Christmas Craft Fair with the kids today.

Hubby is staying home to work on the scrapbook rooom for me... YAY!!!

One step closer to getting it done...

Have a glorious Sunday!

Day #3....Creative Memories Advent Calendar

2008-11-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

I know some of you are still a little surprised that I am on the Creative Memories Design Team.

I am not. I am proud to be a part of this team. There is so much talent and the women are so wonderful to work with!

You should really take another look at CM.

They still have the High Quality albums and tools that we cannot live without, but the things they have and will be coming out with will blow your mind. It sure did that to me.

I am honored to be a part of this!

So, with that said I want to show you an Advent Calendar I created using CM's Everyday Display, Jewel and Primary Christmas lines and new alphabet stickers.

I created this for our 30 Days of Holidays. Each day during the month of November, you will find a brand new holiday project idea that was created with Creative Memories Products by our Design Team. You should really check it out.

So, here is mine....

The squares are 2x2 and I put magnets on the back of each square. I also cut out24 red "X"s and put magnets on them as well to mark off the days as they go by.

The stockings and mittens are from Big Lots. I put all the red "X"s in the mitten and the stockings will hold the daily goodies for the kids.

I really love the way it turned out and it was a lot of fun to put together.

See ya tomorrow.....

Talladega!

2008-11-17T06:15:00.001-08:00

Ok here I am... Day #2 (told you I would be back heh heh!)

let's talk about Talladega!

I had the best time ever! We met up with some old friends and camped for 6 days.

We hung out and even spent some time with some of Denny's, Kyle's and Tony's Pit Crew one night. yeah we did!

It was AWESOME!

Race Day was H-O-T! Hot! I was baking in the sun. But it was all worth it.

And even though the end of the race ended in a call from Nascar.
Tony won! And I was there to see it! Woo hoo!

Also, Denny Hamlin was in a bad wreck. It happened right in front of us on the backstretch. It was bad. He had to be transported to the hospital. But he was ok.

The only bad thing about the entire experience was that I was unable to see my friend Gretchen. We talked on the phone, but we were not able to hook up.

What were we thinking? LOL The track is huge. She was on the front stretch. I was on the back.

I am so sorry Gretchen! I miss you and I wish we could have spent time together.

Overall, Talladega was amazing! I had so much fun, but was ready to come home to my family.

Next year, we are taking the twins to Richmond to see their first race. I think that may be the only race we make it to next season. But I know the kids will love it! And Richmond is a track we have never gone to before. Fun! Fun! Fun!

On a sad note, yesterday was Tony's last ride in the Home Depot #20 car.

He starts his new ride with Stewart-Haas next year in the Old Spice #14 car.

And it is Red! Yuck! I do not look good in red. I will miss the orange! But we will be ready!

We go where our driver goes!

So, that is it. Talladega in a nutshell.

I camped. I drank a little too much (shhh do not tell anyone). Spent time with old friends. Met some new ones. Talladega Perfection.

Have a great day!

And see you tomorrow.

PS I will post an advent calendar I did for Creative Memories in tomorrow's post!

I know I have been MIA!!

2008-11-16T12:20:00.001-08:00

And I know I have a lot to get you all caught up on...

BUT....

I have information about a HUGE giveaway...and thought it should take precedence. LOL

My friend Colleen Stearns told me about a contest A Cowboy's Wife is hosting.

And Colleen is having one too. They are both huge and easy to enter...

Just click away.....

Let me know you entered...

Let Colleen know that I told you about it...

And good luck..

let me know if you win..

And hurry...

contest ends November 23rd!!!!

P.S. I "plan" on blogging every day this week to get caught up. That is my goal. Ok that is what i am telling myself. SHHHH..don't let me sike myself out. LOL

Procrastination...

2008-09-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

pro·cras·ti·nate (pr-krst-nt, pr-)

v. pro·cras·ti·nat·ed, pro·cras·ti·nat·ing, pro·cras·ti·nates

v.intr.

To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.

v.tr.

To postpone or delay needlessly.

Why do I procrastinate?

I am sitting here with a huge list of things I need to do before I leave on Wednesday morning.

And what am I doing with this "huge list?"

Just looking at it. And looking. Not doing. Just Looking.

I will tell you that I work better under pressure. I do.

That is why I love tight deadlines. I can get it together!!

But with things like getting ready for a trip or doing things around the house, I am the Queen of Procrastination!!

Running around like a crazy woman. Thinking I forgot something. Knowing I forgot something. It can get quite ugly. LOL

And I have always been a procrastinator.

I did when I was in school. So, I had a few weeks to do a project or essay. No problem! Plenty of time! Then why did it always seem like I was scrambling the night before to get it all done?

I was 45 minutes late for my wedding. Ok, the photographer was in a car accident and the bridesmaids dresses were coming apart at the seams, but 45 minutes???? Ugggh!

And I am leaving for Talladega in two days! Two days! My girlfriends and I have been planning this for almost a year. I thought we had all our ducks in a row, but once again we are scrambling with the last minute details.

Have I packed?

nope.

Do I know what I am packing?

nope.

Am I getting ready to pack?

nope.

It is par for the course. LOL

It is definitely something I need to work on.

So, there it is. I am a procrastinator.

I am pretty sure I will not be posting anything else until I get back next week.

But I know I will have stories to tell. LOL

It is going to be a blast. Once I get there.

It is getting ready to get there that will be a process. LOL

So, wish me luck.

Procrastinator. Out.

(have a great week)

The Countdown Begins!!

2008-09-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

TO TALLADEGA!!! 7 more days!

Can I get a Whoo HOO? LOL

Yes, I am a NASCAR FAN!!

It is a girl's getaway! 3 of us are going! I love Talladega!

And I am going to see a fellow Nascar Fan there too!

Gretchen Mcelveen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love her! And I miss her. I cannot wait to see her again!!

All this week, I am getting everything together. Running around.

I cannot wait! I love this race!

See ya soon!

Crazy Weekend! But so much fun!

2008-09-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, as some of you may know, I joined the Creative Memories Design Team in January. This is truly an amazing opportunity. Not only are the women I work with amazing and talented, but they are also super nice too!!

CM has been keeping me busy for the past 8 months! :)

To say that the stuff Creative Memories has come out with lately and will be coming out with soon will BLOW YOUR MIND is an understatement!! I have been "oooohing" and "aaaahhhing" for months.

So, keep your eyes peeled! It is all very exciting!

I am so honored to be a part of this.

And now I have been invited by local Creative Memories Consultants to teach at their crops!

I taught at a crop this weekend. It was so much fun! There were over 100 ladies there and their enthusiasm for the classes were off the charts!!!!!

I want to thank the Consultants for having me! It was a phenomenal experience!

The crop was 11 hours long and I taught the entire time I was there! It was crazy, but invigorating at the same time. I taught four classes. They filled up so fast!

Wanna see them?

"A Bountiful Life" Class

"Eeek" Class

"Fabulous Fall" Class

And a Shape Maker class. Sorry, I do not have pictures of this.

The class showed innovative ways to use the Shape Makers. We played around with the punches and created a few things.

I was running around all day teaching classes. I barely had time to eat, but it was all worth it!! I had a great time.

So, that is my weekend in a nutshell! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I know I did! :)

I have a few seconds..

2008-09-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

I took Kaileyne to Hair Cuttery to get her hair cut. Before I knew it, It got short...

REAL SHORT!!

LOL

What do you think?

Ok, have to run. Need to do some finishing touches on some classes I am teaching at a crop this weekend for Creative Memories!

I will tell you all about CM and me soon.....it is exciting!!!

Sharing Some Layouts...

2008-08-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

I have been a little busy scrapbooking! Yay!

It is so nice to get back into the swing of things.

All these pages were done using the Homegrown Scrapbooks Summer Survival Kit.

So, here are some of my creations:

Kaili and Jet at their end of year recital. Aren't they cute as Jack and Jill?

My husband doing some rock climbing!

The twins playing in the pool.

One word: Geronimooooooooo!

Kaili and Jet making a Longaberger basket!

That is it for now. I will post a mini album I did of Kaili's Ballet Recital in a few days.

I just need to do one more page.

Have a great weekend!

Homegrown Scrapbooks New Kit for Fall Survival!

2008-08-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Just when I think that Stephanie cannot top herself, she does.

There is a lot of yummy goodness in this kit. And the Add-ons are to die for.

I think I bought every bit of it. Shhhh! Don't Tell my husband. LOL

If you do not know, over a year ago, Homegrown Scrapbooks came up with a new way to do a kit.

The kit is done every 3 months. There is a Spring, Summer , Fall and Winter Survival kit. It is jammed packed with paper, alphabets and embellishments.

When you purchase the kit, you are enrolled in a 6 week program. Each week you download a pdf that is jam packed with layouts and techniques. Each one of them has step by step instructions on how to create it AND the sketches for the layout. All you have to do is play along.

You also receive a binder to put each lesson in. By the end you have a binder filled with sketches and ideas. It ends up being a huge idea book.

There are also challenges and prizes given out at the end of each program. I love it!! You should check it out. It is definitely not your ordinary kit club!!! And you will not regret it!

Here are the pictures of the kits and the add-ons. I will post the layouts and mini album I have completed using the Summer Survival Kit this week.

Contains 1 sheet each of the following Patterned Papers
Basic Grey Ambrosia: Mandarin, Tangy, Winsome
7Gypsies Savannah: Flocked Bird
7Gypsies Savannah: Troup and Wright
Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy: Happy Camper, Gojumpinalake, Nature Walk, Strip Tease
Cosmo Cricket Haunted: Nevermore
Sassafras Happy Place: Apple Delight, Promises
Sassafras Woodland Whimsy: Rose Thicket
Prima Little Guys: Starstruck, Fun Times
Prima Youth: The Best of Things, Coupling
Kaiser: Flutter
Pink Paislee Vintage Moon: Night Owl and Moon Glade
My Mind's Eye Encourage: On Target
My Mind's Eye Masculine: Strength
Bo Bunny Splendor: Splendor, Stripe
Bo Bunny Beautiful Life: Beautiful Life, Stripe
Luxe Simply Luxe: Orange Lined and Brown Grid
We R Memory Keepers White Out Nonsense: Silly Sally, Wishy Washy, Sing Song, Fiddle Faddle
October Afternoon Hometown: Main Street, Woolworths, Depot Park, County Library
Creative Cafe Lucky: Teal Die-Cut Paper
American Crafts Cardstock: (2 sheets each) Apricot, Denim, Sunflower, (1 sheet) Alligator Emerald Foil

Sheers and Transparencies
1 sheet KI Gizmos Sheer Delights Transparent Paper
1 sheet Hambly Black Frame Wallpaper Transparency
1 Fancy Pants Glitter Cut: Autumn Frame
1 sheet Prima Orange Dot Transparency
1 My Mind's Eye 29th Street Transparency Frame
1 My Mind's Eye Family Transparency Frame
1 My Mind's Eye My Love Transparency Frame

Flowers
Assortment Prima Whispers Black and White Flowers
1 set Prima Licorice Lollipop Flowers
Assortment Prima Summer Singles Flowers
Assortment Prima Essentials 5 Makes Me Happy and Christmas Flowers
1 package My Mind's Eye Embark Crochet Flowers

Brads and Such
Assortment 7Gypsies Paper Clips - Words
Assortment Creative Cafe Buttons: Teal, Gold, Green
9-12 pieces assorted 7Gypsies Nottinghill Brads
Assortment We R Memory Keepers Nonsense Glitter Brads

Chipboard
1 package We R Memory Keepers Nonsense: Chipboard Words
1 set Sassafras Hog Heaven: Pal Around Chipboard
1 Maya Road Cupcake Mini Coaster Book
Assorted Maya Road Chipboard Bracket Sets
1 Maya Road Nature Keychain
1 set Prima Owl Chipboard: Deco Fun
1 set My Mind's Eye Embark Chipboard Borders
1 My Mind's Eye Lucky Chipboard Title

Bling
1 package Prima Say It In Crystals: Black Diamond Swirl
1 package Prima Say It In Crystals: Clear Swirl
1 package Kaiser Gunmetal Pearls

lphabets
1 sheet Creative Cafe Lucky Alphabits Cardstock Stickers
1 set Prima Felt Alphabet Boy
1 sheet Sassafras Fawnd of You Too Monogram Alphabet Stickers
1 set American Crafts Dolce White Thickers
1 set October Afternoon Hometown Alphabet Stickers: Yellow and Blue
1 sheet Pink Paislee Fashion Script Black Alphabet Stickers

Stickers and Rub-ons
1 sheet 7Gypsies 97% Complete Family Stickers
1 set Mr. Campy Cosmo Cricket Stickers
1 set October Afternoon Hometown Rubber Charms
1 sheet Luxe Journaling Tabs Stickers
1 set Sassafras Serendpity Pink Flower Flair Rub-ons

Felt and Ribbon
1 package Chatterbox Stitched Felt - Together
1 package We R Memory Keepers Flocked Lace: Nonsense Blue Bird
3 assorted Creative Cafe Felt Spirit Words
1 sheet Creative Cafe Lucky Die-Cut Paper Ribbon Stickers
1 package My Mind's Eye My Boy Trims

Journaling
Assortment Prima Felt Factory Frames with Journaling Inserts
1 sheet Bo Bunny Splendor Journaling Cut-Outs
1 sheet October Afternoon Hometown Journaling Cards
1 My Mind's Eye Strength Journaling Card
1 each Creative Cafe Shipping Tags: XL Chocolate, Large Gold, Medium Teal
1 sheet Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Journaling Cards
1 Knock-Knock Notesheet

Stamps
1 Prima Acrylic Stamp: Owl
1 My Mind's Eye Acrylic Stamp: Life

Thickers Add-on

Just Me Add-onContents List:

Prima Just Me Clear Acrylic Stamp Set

American Crafts Cool Flair

7Gypsies 97% Complete Life Stickers

Down Home Add-on
Contents List:
Prima Down Home Line: 1-12"x12" plain sheet, 1-12"x12" die cut sheet, 4-6"x6" sheets, 5 ribbons (1 yard each), 10 flower pieces.

Fresh Baked Add-on
Contents List:
Maya Road Cupcake Chipboard Album
American Crafts Cupcakes Details
Tsukeniko Memento Rich Cocoa Dew Drop Inkpad
Making Memories Chocolate Felt Alphabet

Special Occasion Add-on

Contents List:
Prima White Glitter Swirls 12x12 Transparency
7Gypsies Carolina Journey Dots Flocked Paper
7Gypsies Journal Clear Acrylic Stamp Set
7Gypsies French Ribbon Pack: Hudson Valley
Making Memories Silver Mini Shimmer Alpha

Falling Leaves Add-on

Contents List:
Sassafrass Orange In a Stitch Blossoms
Prima Say It In Crystals Thanksgiving
Kaiser Copper Pearls
Kasier Bronze Rhinestones
Chatterbox Artsyliscious Chocolate Trims
Making Memories Brown Mini Shimmer Alphabet
Maya Road Copper Mist (not shown)

More Alpha Add-on

Contents List:
Basic Grey Offbeat Sweets Mini Monograms Alphabet Stickers
Basic Grey Piper White Chocolate Chipboard Alphabet
Fancy Pants Daily Grind Chipboard Alphabet Box Set
American Crafts Aqua Chloe Remarks Alphabet Stickers
Chatterbox Artsyliscious Choclate Fine Letter Press
Making Memories Black Puffy Alphabet

Take A Hike Add-on

Contents List:
Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Ribbons and Trim Card
Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Clear Acrylic Stamp Set
Creative Cafe Lucky Price Tag Cut-Outs
Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Rub-on Book
Sassafrass Hog Heaven Framed Chipboard Stickers
Creative Cafe Calendar Cut-Outs

Young at Heart Add-on

Contents List:
2 x Kaiser Sheriff's Star Gems: Clear
Maya Road English Ruler Singleton Stamp
Maya Road Gear Chipboard Album
Making Memories Red Puffy Alphabet
Kaiser Red Pearls
Prima Youth Brads
Prima Youth Epoxy Stickers

Feeling Lucky Add-on

Contents List:
Creative Cafe Lucky Phrases Cardstock Stickers
Prima Denim Lollipop Flowers
Creative Cafe Lucky Labels Cardstock Stickers

Free Falling Add-on

Contents List:
We R Memory Keepers Nonsense Chipboard
We R Memory Keepers Nonsense Trims
American Crafts Chit Chat Tangerine Puffy Thickers
Creative Cafe Lucky Teal Felt Pocket
Prima Mixed Album - contains pages from heart, star and square page sets

Roar Add-on

Prima Say It In Studs Dinosaurs
Prima Dinosaur ROAR! Stamp Set
Prima 7x12 Acrylic Build-A-Book Pages: Torn, Deckle, Scalloped Star
Making Memories Blue Puffy Alphabet
Prima 5x7 Splatters Glitter Transparency
Prima Little Guy Epoxy Stickers
Prima Little Guy Brads
Prima Frosty Treats: Shining Star
Prima Lollipop Flowers: Cypress
Prima Say It In Crystals Red Mixed Crystals
Prima Say It In Crystals Blue Mixed Crystals

Halloween Add-on

Contains 1 package each of the following:
Prima Green Tea Mixed Gems
Prima Frosty Orange Lollipop Flowers
Prima Little Boo Essentials Flowers
Making Memories Spellbound Die-Cut Journaling Stickers
2 yards Prima Black Banner Lace
Making Memories Spellbound Tiny Alphabet
Making Memories Spellbound Puffy Alphabet Stickers
Making Memories Glitter Foam Spellbound Jack-O-Lanterns

Contains 2 each of the following patterned papers:
Making Memories Spellbound Black Glitter Dot
Making Memories Spellbound Glitter Crow
Making Memories Spellbound Newsprint Die-Cut
Making Memories Spellbound Orange Brocade

New Layout and Etsy Find!

2008-06-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today is laundry day (ewww!) and I only have a second.

But I wanted to share a layout I did using something I found at an Etsy Store and the new Teresa Collins papers .

If you do not have the Teresa Collins papers, you have to get them. They really are awesome!

And these die cut scrolls are my new addiction.

Wanna know where I got them?

Check out the article I wrote on the Homegrown Scrapbooks Blog and you will find out!

Have a great Sunday!

Dance Recital Today!

2008-06-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Kaileyne is dancing today.

Big Stage.

Tap.

and

Ballet.

This is her favorite time.

Make-up. Oooooooh! All the pretty make-up Mommy lets me wear for just today!

She did so well.

She is a beautiful Dancer.

And she looks so darn cute!

Summer is here!

2008-06-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

The kids are out of school and it is disgustingly H-O-T! Seriously! I have not wanted to step outside for a week. I mean, come on! What is the point of getting dressed, putting make up on and doing your hair, when as soon as you step outside you melt like wax. Not to mention any clothes you are wearing melts into your skin. YUCK!

Can you all tell I do not like the heat? haha!

I know some of you have been wondering the state of my new scrapbook room. It is going..slow and steady. Emphasis on "slow." The drywall is up. Primed and I am almost done painting.

The room is in the basement and has one little window. In other words, no natural light. It will be okl because James is putting in a boatload of lights in there. It will be blazing! But it did not leave me a lot of color choices for the walls. I am a green and orange kinda girl, but those colors would make my room look really dark.

I was talking with a friend of mine and we agreed that the only real option besides yellow (ew! lol) and white was pink. Now I have to tell you. I have never been a big pink fan. Not even in scrapbooking until my DD came along. Then it became fun. But still never thought I would paint an entire room pink. Maybe for Kaileyne, but certainly not for me.

Alas, that has changed. My scrapbook room will be pink. The color scheme will be black, pink and white. all white cabinets. black craft table. It will look good. I have been buying stuff like crazy for this room Loving that part. LOL

But right now the entire room is pink. I walked into it today and felt I was walking into a bottle of Pepto. Seriously! The color is Champagne Blush. It is a great color. Just a little overwhelming when there is no ceiling tiles or flooring in there yet. Just PINK! KWIM?

Enough of my incessant babbling.

The room may not (probably won't) be done until late fall. I am saving up for the cabinets and the countertop. I am thinking black countertop with the white cabinets. Because I am messy when it comes to stamping. LOL What do you all think?

Also, I am looking hard for seat cushions for my new room. I want a Pink plaid. You know black white and pink. I am so desperate i was thinking of trying to (GASP) make them myself. And I don't know how to sew. It could be an adventure. LOL

Ok that is about it. my scrapbook room update. And the weather. LOL Hotter than you know what! Thank goodness for air conditioning. I may never leave my house. And you think I am kidding.

Gotta run. Little boy is hungry. I think for lunch he will be having peas. YUMMY!

Take care and will write soon. Kaileyne has her ballet Recital this weekend. So I should have tons of pictures to post.

Have a great week.

DAWN! This one's for you!!!

2008-06-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

'NUFF SAID! LOL

Happy Memorial Day!

2008-05-25T05:34:00.001-07:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.

It is a jam packed weekend for me. Like it has been for the last few months. Nothing has changed. LOL

My hubby says that he thinks I thrive on chaos. I plan too many things to do. Go crazy doing them all but somehow get it all done.

This weekend was no different. Last Friday I decided I wanted to do a yard sale. So I was running around the house like a mad woman trying to clean out all the cabinets and shoving them in the garage.

I had the yard sale on Friday and Saturday. Early morning! Ewwww! I am so not a morning person. Not at all! But having a 4 month old baby as your alarm clock works well for me. He does not let me sleep past 6:30 am. LOL

So, after the yard sale on Saturday, I packed the kids in the car for a cookout at my mom's house.

Then, after 4 hours, I packed the kids in the car again and drove to a camp site to drop the twins off with daddy. James goes camping every year with his friends and he wanted the twins to come this year. Are you being silly and asking why I was not camping this weekend too? Awww you are funny. I am not the camping type. Hotels are more my bag. LOL But James and the kids love it. And they won't be back until Monday(insert giggle here).

After dropping them off, I drove home with Quinn and we both sacked out for the night.

Today, my brother Pat is watching Quinn so I can mow the lawn. It really needs it. We have had so much rain lately that the grass has been perpetually wet and not mowable. it has gotten so bad that I have been calling it the Taylor Jungle!

When I am done that, I will be doing laundry and (gasp) scrapbooking. I am so excited. I may even stay up late to crank some layouts out. I miss my night owlness.

And don't let me forget the race is on tonight. Coca-Cola 600! Do I need to say it? YES I DO!

Go TONY!!

So, that is is my weekend in a nut shell. What are you doing?

And so that you know I have been cranking out some stuff using the Spring Survival kit from Homegrown Scrapbooks. If you have not checked it out, you really should. I know I am biased but Stephanie was brilliant when she came up with this program!

And speaking of Homegrown, I will be doing an article spotlighting a Hot Blog and Etsy find. I have never been to Etsy. So, when I went there I was amazed at all the beautiful things on there. And I found something to die for! No, I am not going to tell you yet...stay tuned!

You will not be disappointed!

So, let me share some of the things I have done......

This is an altered screen I did about the two places I want to travel to.

Have a great weekend!!

Layout Time!

2008-05-11T01:59:00.000-07:00

Now pick yourself off the floor.

I know you are in a state of Shock!

You are saying "Kathleen has posted 2 entries in 2 days? WHAT THE?"

I know it is true. Trying to keep you all on your toes LOL

Is it working?

Oh well.....

I will keep trying to amaze...LOL

Ok, back to our regularly scheduled program................................................................

During the past 10 years that I have been scrapbooking, I have realized one thing.

Scrapbooking really is therapeutic for me.

The crazier it is at my house, the more layouts I crank out.

And let me tell you, I have been creating a lot of layouts this past month.

I just feel that all the anxiety, stress, etc. melts away while I am creating something.

I know it may sound silly, but it really works for me.

So, here are some of my layouts I have done.

All these layouts are from the Homegrown Scrapbooks Spring Survival Program.

The program is amazing!!! They have four throughout the year. One for each season.

You should check it out.

The first one is of my son Jet.

Watch out! It is a two pager! Ha ha!

Jet is such a fearless boy. Drives me crazy as a mom! And don't ya love that Dinosaur paper!? I do!

And here is the layout I did of those adorable Easter photos I just took. I know I know!! Another 2 pager. What is the world coming to? ha ha

And the third time is a charm. Here is a layout of my son Quinn playing on his playmat.

I have just recently started doing 2 page layouts again. I really have missed doing two pagers.

Whatcha think?

Ok I am hitting the hay. Quinn is fed and back to sleep and I am beat.

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!!!

Some new pictures

2008-05-09T02:14:00.001-07:00

Spring is here.

YAY!

Beautiful weather.

Warm enough to finally wear shorts.

And because it was warm, I was able to take pictures of of the kids in their Easter outfits (yes I am only over a month late!) But that is not as bad as the fact that it was the first time that Jet and Quinn had worn their outfits. LOL

I was happy that I took these pictures when I did. My little "Chunky Monkey" was busting at the seams in his Easter shorts.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Kaili and Jet do love their baby brother.

And how cute is this? I am so pleased with these pictures.

That is it for right now. Just a quickie post. LOL

April has been a tough month....

2008-04-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Only one more hour until it is over...Come onnnnnnnn May!And when I say "tough" I mean really tough.

So, get comfortable. I will fill you in.

April started off well enough. My Scrapbook room was on its way and my birthday this month. How bad could it be?

Well, it go bad. I was running late one afternoon picking up the kids from the bus stop. I was rushing. While I was loading Quinn up in the car, I saw that the dogs had gotten into a trash can. I quickly pick it up. Then got in my car. Forgot my keys. Ran into the house. Came back. Started my car. Messed with my Ipod then put it in reverse.

I hit something. I heard a yelp. I screamed "no no no!". Ran out of my car and saw my Ruby under my car. I started to cry. I pulled her out. One of her legs was limp. I knew it had to be broken.

I ran into the house calling for my brother. I told him I had backed over Ruby and needed to take her to the vet. Asked him if he could pick up the twins. I ran into the house. Called my vet. They were closed. Called the ER Vet, got Ruby in the car and off I went. I called James while I was driving down there. Voice Mail. I was hysterical. My little Ruby. Sweet Ruby. I prayed she would be ok. I did not know where I hit her. I did not know if she had internal bleeding. I was so scared and so guilt ridden.

Got to the ER Vet. They took an x-ray and said she had a twisted fracture in her femur and would need surgery. But they could not do it. I had to leave her there overnight and pick her up at 6 am the next morning to get her to the vet who could do it (90 minutes from my house). Not a problem. I knew I would do anything for her.

Got home. Cried. Cried some more. Our dogs are our family. The guilt I felt was unmeasurable. I did not get much sleep that night.

So, the next morning I packed Quinn in the car and off we went at 6 am. We picked up Ruby and drove the the other Vet. When we got there, they told me that the break was more complicated than what the other vet told me. Multiple fractures. Very Serious. And one more thing. They could not do it. They said my best bet was to go to Virginia Tech and have their specialists do it.

I asked what were my options. This is what they are:

1. VA Tech
2. Amputation
3. Put her down

Well, #3 was not an option. And #2 wasn't either. I did this to her. I needed to do whatever I could to fix it.

My decision was made. I asked how far VA Tech was. It was 3 hours south of them. I started to panic. I was not prepared for this long trip. I did not pack enough bottles or diapers for Quinn. I could not stop to get the things I needed because I had an injured dog in my car. So, I hoped Quinn would sleep for the ride down there and I would pick the items I needed for him once I dropped off Ruby. Quinn was sweet enough to do that for me.

I got down the VT and they took Ruby in. The doctors there told me they needed to do x-rays and a blood work. It would take 40 minutes. At this time, Quinn was getting hungry. I asked them if I could go to the grocery store (2 miles away) and pick up things for the baby. They told me "no, you cannot leave" At that moment I was getting irritated. I mean I drove 3 hours to get to them with a 3 month old baby. What did they think I was going to do? Just leave her there and and not come back? Ugh! Anyway, I waited. And waited. Poor Quinn. I felt like the worst mommy ever@

Well, they looked at the x-rays and they told me there would be 2 plates they would try to put on her femur and metal rods. I did not really understand. I just wanted her leg to be fixed. That is all. I told them to do whatever they could to help her. The surgery would be tomorrow. I thanked them and walked to the car.

Since they had Ruby settled in and we left to go home. now, Quinn had been a trooper. Not really fussy. But then he hit the wall. You would too if you had spent 8 hours in a car seat on a warm day sweating your diaper off.

First stop grocery store. Bought diapers, formula and a couple other things for our trip home. I am still a wreck. Quinn is a wreck. I am not looking forward to the ride home.

I stopped 6 times on the way home. Quinn was done with the whole car seat thing. So, I had to find department stores or malls, so I could take him out and walk him around. Did I mention i did not have my stroller either? Excellent.

needless to say. The trip home took longer than the trip down. We got home @ 8:30 pm. 14 1/2 hours on the road. Quinn and I were exhausted. We both went straight to bed. He slept like a rack. I on the other hand did not.

The next day came. The doctors at VT were going to call during the surgery to give me updates. But by 11 am, I heard nothing. I was freaking out a bit. I called them and the person on the phone told me that they Ruby was in surgery and had been for about 2 hours. He would check with the doctors and have someone call me back.

30 minutes later they called. Bad news. They had tried everything but the plates would not hold. James and I had to make a decision. We were back to option #2 and #3. Remember what we said about option #3? Well, #3 was still NOT an option for us. So, her leg would be amputated.

They called after the surgery and then next 4 days. They said she was doing really good. Walked on the three legs the day after the surgery. They were amazed. I wasn't. That was my Ruby-girl. Stubborn and full of spunk.

I picked her up the following Monday. It was the longest drive. I wanted Ruby home but was feeling so much emotion. Knowing that Ruby would not look the same. That she would not be able to adjust. And that she would be different towards me.

When I walked into VT and they brought her out, I stifled a cry. My poor Ruby. Ruby was whimpering. I thought at first that she was in pain. Then i saw it. Her tail wagging. And she was pulling the doctor down the hallway trying to get to me.

When she got to me, I sat on the floor and gave her a big hug. Saying "I am so sorry Ruby" over and over again. She replied back to me with lots of doggie kisses.

Then we went home.

Her incision has healed up well and the staples were taken out last week. She was getting around good on her 3 legs and I have seen her running now and then.

I am typing this all down now 3 weeks after this all happened and it still brings me to tears. I hate that I did this to her and I could not fix it. If you knew Ruby, you would see how full of life she is. And I feel so guilty about all this. She loved to run and jump. And people tell me that she will again. That it just takes time. But it does not subside the guilt I feel inside.

I keep replaying that day in my driveway. Why didn't I walk behind the car like I normally did every day? Why was she laying behind my car? Why didn't I know she was outside? So many "whys" and "what ifs."

But she was doing well and she was alive. I was optimistic for the first tme since the accident.

But we have had a set back. Since she only has 3 legs, she puts more pressure on the elbow of her remaining leg. And that pad that is on the elbow has gotten infected. There is now a hole in her pad and we are now packing it with gauze. It looks pretty bad and Ruby does not like the bandage on her. She goes off and hides and takes it off. It is not that difficult because it is at an awkward place. So, I have to keep an eye on her. This has to heal. I cannot risk it getting badly infected. I cannot imagine what we would do if that happened.

And I can't. I will be positive. I have to be.

My birthday was a blipp that went by.Maybe I should be grateful that I did not have time to realize that I turned 38. ha haa...

So, that is it. That is what I have been doing for the month of April. Taking care of Ruby along with my normal day routines. It has been hard. But things will be better. May will be better.

Come on May!

And look at that....it is 1 minute past midnight.

Buh bye nasty April...I will not miss you

P.S. I will post other things I did this month but I think this is enough for now. I am sorry I have been MIA (again) but I hope you can understand why now.

Another Day...

2008-04-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

and the basement has been gutted. I worked on it for 2 days and it is definitely cleaner. The best part? No run ins with any snakes! HOORAY! haha

Even called the Junk Be Gone guy to haul out a lot of trash for me. I would have done it but I could not budge the old washer and dryer. Trust me I tried.

I have done my part in this little endeavor. Now I have to stay on my husband and my brother to finish hanging the drywall. Then I paint and put in the flooring.

I think this time it will get done. James and I made the mistake of trying to finish the entire basement at once. It was daunting. I believe doing it in small steps. Small projects that can be completed will get it done faster. I have this problem. I want it all done NOW! I am not a patient person when it comes to home projects. I know. SHOCKER right? ha ha

So, this has been a test for me. I have told myself that this will take a year to complete my new scrapbook room. I have to save money up for each step. Flooring. Then Cabinets.

But one thing I am not waiting for is the desk. I wanted the Pottery Barn craft table, but it is so expensive. Even with my birthday in April, I cannot rationalize spending that much money. I tried though. LOL

One of my friends told me about the craft table at Target. It is more than half off the Pottery Barn table. And that is the one I am gifting myself for my Birthday. YAY! I will be getting that before the walls will be painted. A girls got to do what a girl's got to do. Right?

I will share pictures of my room so you can see the progress.

And I know I need to get more pictures of Quinn on here. I am such a bad scrapper. No new pics. Ugggh. Will be working on that. And I promise I will get pictures of Quinn in that awesome Tony Stewart Stroller that Dawn gave me.

Dawn, I will call you soon. I miss our chats.

Ok it is 1 am. Need to get to bed. Another busy week ahead. Will be gutting out my room. Cleaning house. There is a Scrapbook Yard Sale at the end of April and I plan on getting in on the action. Getting rid of the stuff I have been hoarding and the things I do not think I will use.

Goodnight and see ya soon.

Yes, I am back!

2008-04-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

I know I have been MIA. March has been a crazy month and April is looking like much the same.

I have been doing my DT projects and teaching. The crop with Crops Plus was wonderful. The classes were a success and the people I met are just amazing people. I could not have asked for a better group of women. Thank you DJ and Sarah for allowing me to teach.

Like I said March has been crazy. With work, DT projects, class preparation and my sweet little baby, I have had no time. NO TIME!

And this month I am back with Homegrown Scrapbooks. I was on maternity leave, so I was not on the Winter Survival Program. I was so sad. It was an awesome kit. But I will be doing the Spring Survival kit. It totally rocks. I cannot wait to get my hands on it. And I will be working with some very talented ladies that have joined our Design Team; Ruth Akers, Leena Loh and Janine Langer. I am so excited to be working with these talented ladies.

This week I have been playing catch up with all the things that have gone to the wayside because I have been running around. You know, laundry, bill paying, post office. The dull stuff. LOL

Today, I am going to gut out my basement. I need to straighten it up. Normally, I would not go down there. Even if you paid me. It is a total mess. But the ball has started to roll on building/creating my new scrapbook room. My brother and hubby have begun to plan out my room. Cabinets, table, and flooring. This has been on hold for 2 years, so I need to keep them going. And the way to do that is to clean up that mess downstairs. Spring cleaning!

I am a little leery about being down there. James found a snake skin down there that is about 6 feet long. EWWWWWW!!! I cannot imagine running into that thing. I would FREAK out!

And my sweet baby boy is doing well. He just turned 3 months. Cooing more and smiling. Oh and that smile! It melts my heart. He has this half crooked smile he does now and then that makes me laugh. It is the cutest thing. I hope to be lucky enough to catch it on film soon.

Well, I better get it started. Quinn just went down for his nap and it is time to throw down and get dirty. LOL

And I will try not to be away for so long.....

I have been tagged!

2008-03-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

Not only have a been a bad blogger lately. I have not been keeping up with my friends blog either. But last night I went to Dawn's blog and realized I was tagged with these questions.

So, here I go....

1. What were you doing Ten years ago? James and I were living together and I was planning our wedding.

We were getting married in May, so I was a little frantic. I am pretty sure I was such fun to live with (ha ha!).

I worked at a publishing company and one of my co-workers had a Creative Memories party. Yep, it was the first time I was introduced to scrapbooking. And the rest is history. :)

2. What were you doing one year ago?

I was a SAHM and getting ready for James and I to go on our first little getaway without the kids. You know the one I came back pregnant with Quinn? LOL

3. Name five favorite snacks:

Chocolate Cake, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Gardettos, Chips and dip

4. Name five things you would do if you were a millionaire:

I would pay off my mortgage, do all the renovations we want to do with our house, take the entire extended family on a trip (I am thinking Ireland) and buy an RV and go to all the Nascar Races in style LOL

5. Name five things you like doing...

scrapbooking, watching TV, going to the beach, drinking Margaritas (does that count LOL) and laughing with my kids

6. Name five things you would never wear again...

bell bottom pants, TOUGHSKIN JEANS(nightmare in Elementary school), knee warmers (ode to Flashdance lol) Clogs and Banana Hair Clips...what was I thinking...

7. Name your five favorite toys...

camera, ipod, palm pilot.. I think that is all I have..I need more TOYs! LOL

I tag my Friend Kathy P and Sara D.

Now I need to go. I need to start cutting up kits for my classes this weekend.

Thanks Dawn for the Tag. It was a lot of fun.

Bad Blogger bad!!!

2008-03-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have been lapsing in my blogging duties. I have so much to catch you all up on.

First, let's talk American Idol and Survivor! Love these shows.

I have a little confession. I have never voted for everyone before. Even when Daughtry was in it two seasons ago and I LOVE ME SOME CHRIS DAUGHTRY!

But that changed Tuesday night. David Cook did Lionel Ritchie's song "hello." Wow! I loved it! I even downloaded it from itunes. And I so did not want him to go. So, my fingers went numb dialing his number. LOL I wanted to hear more from him.

Also, I may be in the minority but I do not want David Archuleta to win. He seems a little "fake" to me. I may be wrong. I hope I am. He seems to be the favorite in this season of Idol.

Now to Survivor! I love Cerie! She is a sneaky. I am enjoying her game play this season. Much stronger and no one seems to realize it. I mean how do you convince someone to keep Chet and vote off a powerhouse like Joey? But she did. And the smile on her face when Joey left was priceless!! Go CERIE!!

Now, back to our regularly scrapbooking program. My first month with Inque is awesome. I really am enjoying working with their stamps. They are so versatile.

Here are some of my projects I have done. I have uploaded them to Inque's Gallery too. You should take a look. I am working with a lot of talented ladies on the Design Team.

The picture above is the cover of the class I am teaching at Crops Plus in Culpepper, VA and McLean, VA in March. I am using Inque Boutique Stamps and Junkitz Destinations line.

I am happy to say that both classes are SOLD OUT!!! It is so wonderful being able to make people excited about a class. I cannot wait to teach it. But all this weekend and next week I will be making the kits. Talk about cutting up a storm. LOL

Ok that is it for right now. I have to get ready. Meeting up with my MIL today. Have a great weekend. And I will do my best to be a better blogger.

Just checking in and upcoming Class dates

2008-02-23T06:41:00.000-08:00

I hope you are all having a great weekend.

It has been a few yucky days. Snow, ice and sleet. Kids did not have school on Friday and they were sad because they could not play outside. Nothing fun about playing in freezing rain and it is a little hard to build a snowman out of ice. ha ha

James had a birthday last week. It is always a good birthday for him because it falls on the weekend of the Daytona 500! GO TONY!

We bought him Nascar's Trackpass, so he can listen to Tony while the race is on. Feeding the addiction. ha!

I love Nascar. So happy it is back. I only have to say one thing to my driver Tony Stewart! CUT YOUR HAIR! It is too long.

I have been working on my Inque Boutique projects. I cannot wait until march 1st. So, I can show you my creations. I have been having way too much fun with their stamps.

I will be teaching classes at Our Crops Plus in March. There are two events. One is on March 15th in Culpeper, VA and the other is March 28-30 in Mclean, VA.

I will be teaching a Travel Acrylic Album and School Memories Box book at both events. The Travel Album features Inque stamps.

I will post the albums on March 1st for you to see. If you are interested in going email Sarah and Deej at info@ourcropsplus.com . Sarah and Deej are wonderful people and a lot of fun. I hope to see you there.

Also, I am excited to learn that SOY Finalist Sara Dickey will be teaching a class at the Culpeper Crop! I saw the class sample and it is gorgeous! She is so talented. I am definitely going to take it.

I think that is it.

I better run. The twins have a fund raiser at their school today and I need to get all of us ready. James had the late shift with Quinn last night, so he is still sleeping. Apparently, Quinn was not cooperating with him last night.

Enjoy your day!

Something you may not know about me...

2008-02-16T07:13:00.001-08:00

Deep breath.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..

Ready?

I am afraid of Clowns. Yep. You read that right. Clowns really creep me out.

And do not even get me started on the movie "It" by Stephen King. I had nightmares for years.

I do not know why. And it is not something I tell people about. For years, the only person that knew was my husband.

Until last year. When my Father-in-law came up to visit and gave clown noses to my kids as a fun gift. It was horrible. I did not say anything when the twins put them on. I thought I was okay. But then they came right up to my face and started to laugh crazily. That did it. I bolted upright and moved away from them. James was watching me the entire time. Waiting to see what would happen and trying not to laugh. I had told him about my little phobia, but he had never seen it first hand.

My FIL looked at me like I was crazy. Then, James told him about my fear of clowns. I think he still thought I was odd, but at least he understood why I was freaking out.

And my kids aren't much help. They think it is hysterical that clowns wig me out. They have fun with this little tidbit.

EXAMPLE: My daughter was watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade last year and she started screaming "Mommmy! Come here! Look!" I came around the corner and ask what she needed. She looked at me and while laughing she said...

LOOK MOMMY! CLOOOOOOOOOOWNS!!!

The tv was filled with clowns. Lots of them! Ugghhh!

She really got a kick out it. I vacated the room immediately. I could still hear her laughing as I went upstairs. Where does she get that from? LOL

You are probably wondering why I am telling you all this now.

Well, I always thought that it was silly being afraid of clowns. I mean, how can you be scared of something that is suppose to bring joy and happiness to everyone. I cannot even go to a circus. I get cold chills just thinking about it.

Then, I saw a commercial during the Superbowl. It has become my favorite commercial of all time. Makes me feel like I am not alone. LOL

Click it and enjoy!

What are you afraid of?

Can you share it with me? So, I do not feel like such an oddball?

Please????????????????? LOL

Have a great weekend.

Where does the time go....

2008-02-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

Time is just flying by. Quinn is over a month old. My days are blurring together.

But life is good.

I know I have not really talked about my husband much. But I have to tell you. He is one funny guy. We laugh all the time. We also fight about who is funnier. Me or him. He says he is the funniest, but I "know" I am. It is a never ending battle. He is in denial.

But we agree on one thing. Jet is funnier than both of us. He has inherited our "funny" genes. He can always get James and I laughing. It is a gift he has. Nothing makes Jet happier than making people laugh.

The best part is that Jet "gets" us. He plays along with our jokes, while Kaili rolls her eyes and is wondering how she got in this crazy family.

Jet did it again tonight. He cames downstairs after we tucked him in and said his tummy hurts. So that you know his tummy always hurts when he wants to stay up late. He says he tries to talk his tummy out of it, but his tummy will not listen. His tummy is the stubborn sort.

Anyway, he said that if he sat on the couch for awhile his tummy would feel better. And then it began. I started it. Asking him silly questions about his tummy. After a few minutes of mild giggling on my part, I told Jet he had to go to bed. He started pouting. Batted his eyes and pleaded to stay up a little longer. I told him he would have to ask daddy.

So, all eyes went on Daddy. He told jet that he could stay up for 10 minutes. That should be long enough for his tummy ache to get better. Jet agreed. A couple seconds went by and Jet said....

Well, ummmmm..I have been thinking...that uh..I changed my mind...20 minutes...yeah that should do it.

I think it was the way he said it. And the innocent look mixed with a half smirk that made James and I laugh so hard. Jet knows exactly what he is doing.

He knows that if he can keep us laughing, he can do no wrong. Or get out of the wrong he has done. LOL

And sadly he is right.....we are softies for our fellow funny people....especially if he is our son..

Icy Weather....

2008-02-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

has hit the panhandle..............

I love the way the world looks like after an ice storm. I know an ice storm can make roads treacherous and power lines can go down, but it makes everything look so beautiful.

School has been canceled for today. The twins are watching a movie and Quinn is in his new swing sleeping.

Speaking of Quinn! He received a present from a sweet friend of mine and talented scrapbooker; Dawn Tavela. My fellow Tony Stewart fan!!!

You know how I was saying that we have not really bought anything for Quinn yet? Well, Dawn helped us out with that. She gave us a stroller! It was so sweet of her. But it is not just any ole stroller...

Oh nooooo...she gave us this....

A TONY STEWART STROLLER!!!

How cool is that?

And she made this for Quinn too.........
I absolutely love this...Now I have to go out and buy some of this Grunge board....it is just awesome!!

Thank you so much Dawn. It all means so much to me.

Some Free Time....

2008-01-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh it is so nice. My husband is home. Quinn is getting on a little schedule. The twins are adjusting so well with their new baby brother and life is getting back to normal.

I have even had time to work on my projects for Inque Boutique. I have been having so much fun with them. Unfortunately, I cannot share them with you just yet.

See, I do not officially start the Design Team until March 1st. So please check Inque Boutique's gallery and my blog then to see the projects the Design Team has created.

Have you seen the new CHA Sneak Peaks for Inque Boutique? Click HERE to see them....

It is going to be a great year......

Speaking of "great things", Quinn had his 1 month old appointment yesterday. He gained 32 ounces in 2 weeks. He is a good eater. My little man weighs 9 lbs 2 ounces now. He is going to be my little chunky monkey. I cannot believe how fast he is growing. And it seems like his little face changes every day. I will post more pictures soon. I have been a bad scrapbooker Will try to work on that one.

The other day James and I realized that other than a crib and changing table, we have not really purchased anything for Quinn. It has just been so crazy around here.

So, we just bought a Papasan Cradle Swing. It swings back and forth AND side to side. Quinn loves it. It looks so comfy. James said if they made an adult size one he would get one.....LOL The ones 6 years ago were nothing like this.

I think that is it. All of the FREE TIME I have, that is.

I hope everyone is doing well.

Who has the sweetest husband ever???

2008-01-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

I do!!!

As some of you know, James has been out of town for 2 weeks.

And it has been a little stressful at home without him, but yesterday he made my day a little brighter and a lot less stressful.

The fed Ex man delivered a package to me yesterday. It was a package for me from my husband.

He sent me a beautiful and HUGE bouquet of miniature roses.

and a little note....

I just about cried.

It was so sweet of him.

I totally needed this.

I miss him terribly and cannot wait for him to come home (which will be very soon).

Isn't he the best?

Thank you for letting me share my "Good Husband Moment"

I love you James

relaxing weekend and AMAZING NEWS!

2008-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

Last week was an emotional roller coaster for me with my hubby leaving town and the complications with my c-section. For the people who know me, it is hard for me to ask for help. Well, not this time. I called in reinforcements. I had to go to the hospital to change the dressing on my incision and I did not want to take the kids. So, my mom came over this weekend to help.

Can I tell you how much I love my mom? She has always been there when i needed her. Even when I did not know I needed her. She even took Quinn with her when she went to bed so I could sleep through the night. I did not realize how exhausted I was until then. I slept like a log. I am so grateful. I do not think I could have made it this weekend without her.I am the luckiest person to have a mom like her.

Then, Monday my MIL came up to watch the kids.

I am so blessed to have family so close and willing to help. You cannot ask for anything more.

So, that was my weekend.

Now my AMAZING Scrapbook news!

I have been asked to be a member of the Inque Boutique Design Team!! I am truly excited to be a part of this talented team.

I start next month. And they just sent me their stamps and I could hardly wait to play with them. I already did a 6x12 layout and I am in love!!!

Want to save 15-20% off of all Inque Boutique Products?? Well, you can! On January 26th, Inque Boutique is having a celebration!! Everything Inque Day!

I hope you will check it out.

Fun Tag from Debbie Hill.....

2008-01-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

I saw this on Debbie Hill's Blog. And thought it was a lot of fun to read. At the end she tagged us. So, here are my answers.

What's his name? James Taylor. Not the singer. LOL

How long did you date? 3 years but moved in with each other after dating for 6 months.

How old is he? 38 will be 39 soon. But he looks like he is 18. No i am not kidding. He has a baby face

Who eats more? Hmmm that is a hard one. He loves food. But I will say me.

Who said 'I love you' first? He did. And he will tell everyone that. We were at a bar. Sitting alone. And he just looked at me and said it. He is quite proud of that moment.

Who is taller? James. he is 5'7" and I am 5'6"

Who sings better? Neither. We are both horrible singers!! But I can dance better than him.

Who is smarter? Wow another hard one. I think we are both smart. James has a skill. You know the filing of useless information on his head. Things you think would never be asked in a normal conversation but somehow always does. He will be the one that knows the answer. He is also a Discovery Channel Freak.

Who does the laundry? Both. I wash and dry. He folds. I hate folding. And I will put away.

Who does the dishes? Both again. I will load the dishwasher. And he unloads it.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? James

Who pays the bills? Me.

Who mows the lawn? James usually does. Unless I really want to do it and hop on the mower without him knowing.

Who cooks dinner? Cook? What is that? I do most of the cooking. He has a few dishes that he enjoys making. And he is KING OF THE GRILL!!

Who drives when you are together? I do. I like driving.

Who is more stubborn? ME ME ME MEEEEEEE

Who kissed who first? James did. Another moment he is proud of.

Who asked who out first? Not sure we ever did. We both worked at Home Depot. We went out a lot after work to a local bar with other co-workers. Then we just started going with just the 2 of us. We have a lot of funny dating stories, but still not sure who asked who out first. I may have to ask him that question.

Who proposed? James.

Who is more sensitive? James is. I am just bitchy.

Who has more friends? In the past, I would normally say me. But now would say him.

Who has more siblings? Me. I am 1 of 5. James has one sister. His family is very small. Mine is huge!

Who wears the pants in the family? Yikes. When it comes to family. I would say me. But with other things I would say it is 50/50.

I only have a second.....

2008-01-17T22:10:00.000-08:00

But I realized today that I have not even started my birth announcements yet. So, I took pictures of Quinn today. And I had to share this picture of him....

Isn't he the sweetest?

I love this picture of him.

Ok have to run....Quinn is hungry....

P.S. I have some exciting Scrapbooking news. I will fill you all in soon.

C-section Set back

2008-01-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

WARNING: Not for the queasy......

Whenever there is surgery involved there are risks. Chances of complications. I never really thought about them because the twins c-section was such a breeze for me. I recovered fast and the scarring and bruising was minimal.

Unfortunately, this is not the case with my latest c-section.

While in the hospital, my incision opened a little. The doctor on call who delivered my baby (not my regular ob/gyn) told me not to worry. It would heal up on its own. He told me to follow up with him in a week. A week later I went to see him. I had major bruising and the would was not closing. he still told me not to worry everything looked fine. I saw him 2 days later and he said I was healing and the bruising was going away. He told me I had a hematoma under my incision, but that would heal too.

Well, I was unsure. One hole was the size of a nickel and the other a pea. I just did not see the big hole closing on its own.

So, I went to my regular ob/gyn today to get a second opinion. She was not happy with how it looked. Said I had some major clots in my belly and it needed to be cleaned. I told her to go ahead. Not thinking of what it entailed. They had to open my incision, clean the would with saline and peroxide (OUCH!!!!!!!), and pack the wound full of gauze.

I cannot tell you how much this whole procedure hurt. I consider myself a person with a high tolerance for pain, but this had me in tears. Toe curling pain. And the worst part is that I have to go into their office every day for the next two weeks and have them take out the old gauze and repack new gauze in its place. They are treating it like an abscess .

My hubby feels awful because he is out of town and cannot help me. Luckily my brother is here and he has been a HUGE help! And I have called in my reinforcements. My mom and dad. LOL To help me this weekend.

I am a bit overwhelmed. I am happy that I am on the road to recovery, but I am hating the fact that it is holding me back from completely enjoying my new baby and time with the twins. Know what I mean? And I have no idea exactly how long my recovery will take before I am 100%.

So, today was a bad day. A rough day. And I think it will be rough for awhile. But I am trying to make the best of it.

I just wanted to let you all know what was going on. Just in case you do not hear from me for awhile. Sorry for the blog downer but I promise my next entry will be an upbeat one.

But there is a up side. Even though I am going through all this, it is still all worth it because I have my new baby boy. He is healthy and too cute for words. I am grateful for that.

The Birth Story of Quinn...............

2008-01-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve was a quiet one. Kids went to bed, James and I watched a movie together, and then I was on the computer surfing the web.

We actually missed the New Year come in. It seemed like a regular night. I think it was 12:05 when James looked at me and said "Happy New Year." As you can tell the ringing in the New Year was not a big deal for us.

That all changed about 30 minutes later.

I started feeling a little crampy. I dismissed it as contractions because I had just had a nasty stomach virus a few days before and thought it may be coming back.

Then about an hour later, the cramping intensified. I was not sure if they were contractions or false labor, so I kissed James good night and decided to lay down to see if the pain would go away. After 2 hours of restless sleep, I got back up. James was still awake. I told him that the contractions had not gone away and that the baby may be coming today. So, James asked what he should do. I told him I still wanted to wait. The contractions were still all over the place and I wanted to wait until there was a pattern to them. I told him to go to bed and I would wake him up if anything changed.

Around 6:30 am, I could not take the pain anymore. It was intensifying. I called the hospital and told them I was a scheduled c-section and was having contractions. They told me I needed to come in and they would page my doctor.

My brother woke up to get ready for work. I told him I was going to go to the hospital and needed him to watch the twins. I then woke up James. We both got dressed and out the door we went.

When we got to the hospital at 7:15 am, the nurse and wheel chair was waiting for me. They did not want me to walk. I got up to my room, they hooked me up to monitor the baby and the contractions. The contractions were 2 1/2 minutes apart and I was 5 cm dilated. The nurse told me we had to stop the contractions. They were coming too fast and since I had a c-section with the twins, I am not aloud to deliver vaginally.

I was disappointed. I thought she meant I would not be having the baby today. I was wrong. When she rushed back into my room with the shot, she told me that the OR team was on its way and I needed to hold on until they got here to deliver my baby. I was scared, but I was so excited too. Today was the day I would see my little baby boy.

James reacted a little differently. I am not sure if it was watching me get a shot, lack of sleep, the realization that this all was really happening or a combination of all of it, but he turned a little pale. Enough for the nurse to be concerned. She asked if he needed some water. He nodded. She left and came back with a glass of water for him. After that, he looked better. And he was back to his joking self. I love this man. He can make me laugh and he is always there for me. I swear I am the luckiest person to have found a man like this.

Around 8:00 am, James called my mom to let her know what was going on and told me she was on her way.

At 8:30 I was wheeled into the OR to get prepped for surgery. That is when the doctor's told me that it looked like Quinn would be the New Year's Baby!

And at 9:30 am, they started the c-section. Quinn was born at 9:40 am. He was healthy and crying. I was able to see my little boy a few minutes later. He looks so much like James. A real cutie.

James left with Quinn, while the doctors finished with me.

James made all the calls to the family. I heard from a few nurses told me that he did it while holding Quinn. They said it was so sweet. They had never seen a Daddy beam over their child like that before. He had a glow to him.

I got to my room at about 11 am and James, Quinn, and my parents were waiting. And it was then that I was able to hold my son for the first time. It was so overwhelming. My little boy was finally here. I was so happy. I held him for a very long time. I just did not want to share.

The twins came to the hospital later that afternoon. They were so excited. They "oohed" and "aaahed" over him. It was a good day.

Quinn was unable to sleep with me in the room that night. I had somehow broke open part of my incision. It was pretty bad. There was a lot of blood. I think I actually freaked out the night nurse.

Other than that my hospital stay was uneventful. The next night Quinn did spend all night in my room. He slept with me in my bed. I woke up one time and while I watched him sleep, I realized how much I was enjoying this. How much I really wanted this.

It is now a week later at 6 am and I am feeding Quinn. It still feels so surreal. I still cannot believe he is finally here.

But I am enjoying every moment of it.

Baby Quinn is here!

2008-01-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

BABY QUINN HAS ARRIVED!!

NEW YEAR'S BABY!!

QUINN THEODORE TAYLOR

JANUARY 1, 2008
9:40 AM
7 LBS
18 3/4 INCHES

I only have a few minutes. I just walked through the door.

but wanted to share a few pictures of him....

he is already famous....LOL

First baby to be born in tri-state area on New Year's Day

Here is the article about him....

Baby Greets New Year

He is healthy and we are all home.......

Will tell you all about it soon.....

I almost missed this guess. Good thing I read my comments section! LOL Well, I did miss it but now it is all straightened out!

BTW DAWN!!! Send me your address you won the Baby Pool. You were the closest! New Year's baby!!! You will win a Junkitz Goodie Box from me!!!! She was only 8 hours off! Way to go!!!

Hello...My fellow Tony fan!!! I am going to add my guess as January 1st 1 am. Yikes! I am glad you have set up a new blog. I have enjoyed all your projects that you have shared and can not wait to see more. You are so talented! I feel like I have gotten to know you a little bit over this past year. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Even though it is sad that Junkitz has ended, I look forward to seeing what is in store. I too, believe Kenny and Stacey will do GREAT things with Inque Boutique!

December 26, 2007 6:26 AM

Lots of things to talk about...

2007-12-29T06:52:00.001-08:00

Christmas has come and gone. Isn't it weird how you take so much time and effort to prepare for it and it is over just like that? Goes so fast.

But it all so worth it. Seeing the look in the my kid's eyes when they first walk down the stairs and realizing that Santa Claus really was here.

Kaileyne and Jet loved Christmas. Jet got a lot of Transformers and Kaileyne got her Barbie Island Princess. I took some pictures but have not uploaded them yet. Will try to do that soon.

Went to the doctor's and they said the baby will be taken by c-section on January 3rd. No later! 5 more days and I will hold my baby boy. I am so ready. I have to go in today for a non-stress test. After that I have one more doctor's visit before I go in to the hospital. YAY!

My kids have been sick the last few days. It is a nasty virus. Hits you without warning. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Body aches. Lasts about 2 days. It is the worst thing. All you want to do is sleep, but you wake up suddenly to vomit or run to the bathroom. I felt so bad for them. It seemed horrible. I stayed up for 2 nights in a row with them. Then, unfortunately I got it. Yuck! Kaileyne was better but not Jet. I was useless. Thank goodness Kaileyne is such a good helper. I would not have made it through the day without her. When James got home I passed out. I feel a little better today, but my stomach is still a mess. Won't get into all the details but dry heaving when you are 38 1/2 weeks pregnant is not something I ever want to go through again. LOL

New Blog.....

2007-12-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

Last year, I was not into "blogging." Being on the Junkitz Design Team really changed my views on it. Now I do not know what I would do if I did not blog.

This week, I found out that Junkitz has closed it doors. You have no idea how much it saddened me to hear this. My dream came true last year, when I got an email from Debbie Hill asking me to be on the Junkitz Design Team. And I have been riding the biggest high since then.

And just because Junkitz is saying good-bye, does not mean that I am not still thankful. Because that could not be farther from the truth.

I could not have asked for a more talented team to work with. And I cannot thank Stacey and Kenny enough for this opportunity. I feel truly blessed. Not only because I was able to work on my Dream Design Team, but I was lucky enough to work with Stacey and Kenny. Two amazing people that I happy to be able to call my friends.

Stacey, thank you for believing in me. Thank you for all the laughs. Thank you for being my friend. Something I know will not end with Junkitz closing and I will cherish forever.

Good Luck with your new venture with Inque Boutique. I know it will be a success.

And to the ladies who read my blog and made me feel at home. Thank you for letting me share my life with you. I hope you keep in touch. That means you too Dawn my fellow Nascar Fan!

And do not worry I am still doing the Baby Pool. I am copying and pasting the guesses below and the winner will still receive a Junkitz Goodie Box from me.

boston terrier mommy

I am going to guess December 29th at 5:15 p.m. Here is hoping your newest tax deduction comes this year. LOL Best of luck with your new baby.

dotsrfun

I am guessing...January 2 at 3:15 pm! :) Best wishes on your new bundle of joy!

ILscraps

First of all, best wishes on your delivery on whatever date that might be! But my mind is sayin' Dec 27th at 1:20pm. Take good care of yourself! MargieH in Chicago

dutchscrapper

my guess is December 30th at 3.46 am. I hope you have a fast and painless delivery!

mei_lye

I'm guessing it could be 26th Dec at 7pm. All the best on the birth of your little one.

Paola

HHmmm... I'm feeling Dec.27th at 3:30pm! Good Luck and a speedy delivery!

MelissaB

I'm going for December 31st at 7pm!!! Get that tax deduction in just in time! Melissa

scrapaloha

we're going for the 1st baby of the new year...December 31, 12 am

Perez

ok December 30 at 1027 am ... your aol buddy

jill

Considering how well organized you are for this birth I'd like to say you could have it any day. However, I've been there. My guess is January 4 at 9am. Sorry Kathleen. My HOPE for you is that you have the baby on the day that you most want to be having it. Good luck to you for a healthy delivery.

Vicki in MD

I was thinking it would be an early January present, like January 8th, at 9:23 AM. But I bet you're hoping that it won't be that much longer! I bet you can hardly wait until you hold that new bundle of joy in your arms. Best wishes for a speedy delivery whenever he decides to arrive.

*Natalie*

December 24 at 11:45am, but I like January 5, because that it my Birthday.

scrappinhero

Ok K...i am thinkin this will be a Jan 3 baby. (my dad's bday) I am gonna quess 2:13 pm! Best of luck to you whatever day he comes! You so deserve the very best! Them pups need a new play toy too!!!!bwwhahahahahaha...LOVE YOU!!! Jer

happyscraps

Ok, I think an additional tax deduction is warranted for this year so my choice would be December 31 at 9:50 pm. Good luck on whatever day you deliver. Stephanie

kelligirl

well if we are picking birthdays I am going to say dec 20th (my brothers bday) at 6 pm or my dad's birthday Jan 6 same time 6 pm

hobbemom

My guess is Jan 3 at 3:40pm. Best of everything... Louise

Vicki in MD

I don't know if this is ok or not - but can I re-adjust my prediction? I'm thinking that Jan 3rd around noon sounds a bit better after reading all you're going through.