Shane's First Halloween-y!

I pulled this layout from Shane's 1st year book to share with you. In this picture, it was 1989 and he was just 6 months old! Wow, that was just yesterday! Wasn't he cute as a little jockey?

I used some fun Halloween paper and KI Memories Halloween lace cardstock. That lace cardstock is such a nice way to keep the look of patterned paper.

When Shane was three years old, we started having parties at our house for the little ones. Oh, we went through a lot of toilet paper for mummies, lots of spaghetti for brains, and apples for bobbing. We always tried to put fun instead of scare into Halloween, and it was great fun!

For those of you heading to parties or going Trick or Treating, have a great time!!

A Day of Scrapbooking

I had a scrapbooking day at my house in early September, and I found just the right paper and embellishements for it!

First of all, I'll tell you that we had a great day. I love my scrapper buddies! My sister Linda, my two nieces, Jessica and Kristina (they are Linda's daughter-in-laws), my mother-in-law Sharon and me. We did more talking, laughing and eating that day. But we all managed to get something done!!

The base paper is Colonial White Textured Cardstock from CTMH. The patterned paper is The Write Stuff designer paper from SU! I love that set - good colors and comes with (3) matching 12x12 sheets of cardstock tags. I also used K & Company paper flowers. Have you used them? They are such sweet flowers and some of them are glittered. They come in a 6x6 pad and have 200 pieces per pad. Normally $4.99 (and that is a good price!), I picked them up online for 40% off. What a deal! The scrapbooking stickers and epoxy are random that I've picked up here and there.

I love these scrapbooking days!

Easy Christmas Gift

Ar you looking forward to a quick and easy Christmas gift?

I made this treat jar for Jerry's grandmother. I used paper, bling, flowers, and ribbon for the jar. So simple, and yet so nice for making the perfect gift.

Terrifically Tacky Tape works well for adding paper to glass. You can put whatever phrase you want on the front according to your gift. Just think, what a nice way to make a coffee bean jar! Soup mixes, cookie mixes, candy, nuts (for the guys).

I think this is a fun way to show some love during a holiday or other occasion!

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Happy Birthday to my sweet, dear, wonderful husband! He is turning 42 years old today! He's trying to catch up to me, but somehow that 5-1/2 year gap is just not closing - LOL!

Jerry is at peace the most when he is by (or on) the water. I take loads of pictures of him like this. It's looks like he's really contemplating, doesn't it?

I wish for Jerry today (and every day) all things good and that the sun shines bright on him. He truly deserves those blessings!

Over the Top!

What fun is this? First of all, I am always honored to receive a blog award! Thank you, Tina, for sending this my way - you are amazing and so is your blog! But really, isn't that the funnest (yes, I know it's not a word) image oyu've ever seen? I wear aprons in the kitchen and sometimes when I'm cleaning, so this image is very modern-day June Cleaver to me!

The rules are this: I need to pass this award on to five people, post on their blog to let them know I left this award, and then I need to answer a list of questions in ONE word. Fun - I love reading Tina's answers!!

First of all, I'll let you know that I'm passing this award on to Kim, Dawn, Tammy, Jamie, and
Laurel. I read their blogs daily (or sometimes twice if they post again!), and I am always inspired by their creativity. More so, I can feel their hearts through their posts. What a great thing!

1. Where is your cell phone? charger
2. Your hair? strawberry
3. Your mother? JoAnn
4. Your father? Calvin
5. Your favorite food? pasta
6. Your dream last night? sisters
7. Your favorite drink? coffee
8. Your dream/goal? lakefront
9. What room are you in? kitchen
10. Your hobby? scrapbooking
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? still very happy (that required more than a word!)
13. Where were you last night? crafting
14. Something that you aren't? sarcastic
15. Muffins? cranberry
16. Wish list item? lakefront
17. Where did you grow up? Meadowlands
18. Last thing you did? dog (played with her like crazy - Beagles have high energy!)
19. What are you wearing? t-shirt
20. Your TV? off
21. Your Pets? dog&cat
22. Friends? close
23. Your life? relaxing
24. Your mood? content
25. Missing Someone? sisters
26. vehicle? Jeep
27. Something your not wearing? jewelry
28. Your favorite store? Archiver's
29. Your favorite color? browns
30. When was the last time you laughed? morning
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? Jerry
33. One place that I go to over and over? woods
34. Facebook? yes
35. Favorite place to eat? BeefOBrady's

Music Box

I made this music box 2 years ago for my mother-in-law for Christmas. It is 4x4 and plays the Christmas Song. I can't remember what company makes this box, but I picked it up at Archiver's. I used Everlasting paper from CTMH (so lovely!) and I made an accordion scrapbook to go inside. What a nice way to store Chrsitmas memories!!

When I had taken the picture, the Liquid Glass wasn't quite dry on the rose, but that truly did the rose a nice look!

The Two Gretels

I was going through my Bible Study this morning, and I came across this poem. It reminded me that once we set out on a path, we can never quite go back to the way we were...

The Two Gretels

by Robin Morgan

The two Gretels were exploring the forest.

Hansel was home, sending up flares.

Sometimes one Gretel got afraid.

She said to the other Gretel,“I think I’m afraid.”

“Of course we are,” Gretel replied.
Sometimes the other Gretel whispered, with a shiver,“You think we should turn back?”

To which her sister Gretel answered,“We can’t.

We forgot the breadcrumbs.”

So, they went forward because

they simply couldn’t imagine the way back.

Oldie, But Goodie

I just didn't want to go without posting, so I thought that over the next few weeks, I'd bring you some "old" artwork. Maybe you've seen it, some I've never posted, but this is a good way to keep in touch!

This is the beautiful Unforgettable paper from CTMH. I created a window and used layered botancials to hang in the window. The clear buttons across the bottom all have botancials underneath them. Fun card to make!

Oh No! No Crafting for Me!

Well, I had a visit with my doctor today. There were a couple of things I needed to get looked at, and the news was not what I hoped for - because it means no crafting for a while!

I have a partially damaged radial nerve in my right hand. I specifically asked if I have carpel tunnel, but she said no - that is a different nerve. Nonetheless, I am now sporting a love outdoor denim and black colored brace. It's big enough to support my whole forearm and most of my hand. Let me tell you,typing is not the easiest! Also never take your dominant hand for granted! You just never know what you use it for until you can't!

I was also having two interesting lesions looked at. It seems as the one on my foot is a spider bite. Gracious! The second one is a bit more serious. I have a pre-cancerous "lump" on my temple. I have to go to the dermatologist to have it biopsied. It is most likely benign, but that 10% chance makes me glad I had it checked. It grew out of thin air in a matter of 10 days. It takes an army of men to get me to the family doctor, so I was glad that this time I didn't resist!

Well, no more typing for me. I will have to craft vicariously through all of you for a few weeks. I cna't wait to see what you all come with during this fall season!

You Warm My Heart

I was playing in my craft room and decided to get going on some Christmas things. I worked with pyramid boxes today.

What a fun way to give someone a gift card! I also thought it would be nice for some homemade candy. You know it's just that little something that you could tag onto a gift.

I used Apsen products from CTMH. The flower is a two botanicals, two white daisy paper flowers, and a cordouroy brad. All from CTMH. I've glittered the flower - which looks much more fun in person!

I was in our backyard this afternoon playing "stick" with Chanel. We stopped to look at the oak tree. SO pretty right now - it's always the last to drop leaves. I got to thinking about the leaves and what I could do with them. So that was the end of "stick"!

I brought some leaves in of varying sizes, and I decided to use them on cards. First, I'll let you know that the pattern is from Card Maker magazine. Ok, so on to the leaves.

I took a leaf and rubbed it with Dazzle Versamark. I sprinkled it with clear powder and embossed it. What a shine came from this process - and what a great way to preserve the leaf in the process.

I used Barn Red and New England Ivy Textured CS from CTMH to create the card. The stamp set is TLC and is also from CTMH. I used my Script Cuttlebug folder for the front for dimension

What fun to use something from nature to send away as a card. If you aren't near your loved ones, you can send a little piece of yourself to them!

Embellishments You Won't Find in the Store

When I was cropping yesterday, I created some embellishments for my pages. I thought I'd share them with you!

The first one was created with die-cuts and flowers. I cut two flowers with my Slice "Think Pink" cartridge, and I layered them with Bazzill flowers. The order is diecut, flower, die-cut, flower, and button. So easy! This embellsihments is aobut 4" wide.

The next paper flower was created from a a flower in my Noteworthy Slice cartridge. Two different papers from Paper Loft and layering made this sweet 3" embellishment.

I love creating my own pieces for a page. Not only are they unique, but they exactly match the layout.

Try this sometime with whatever die-cutting machine or tool you have. Let me know how it turns out!

Sunday Crop

Today I spent the day at Archivers Sunday Crop. I started scrapping at 11:00 am and left at 8:00 pm. I had a blast! Let me tell you, the gals at my Archiver's (Coon Rapids) are so knowledgeable and friendly. It's like stepping into another room in my own house. It's just that comfortable.

Wow, I got a lot done. I used my 30% off coupon to purchase another Slice cartridge. It's "Think Pink," and I just love it! Great font, phrases, fun flowers and leaves, tags, and lots of silhouette shapes. I ended up using it a lot today. What a great little machine.

I finished 10 pages, so I'll share some of my work with you this week. If oyu live near an Archiver's and have the time to go, attend one of these Sunday crops. They also have Scrap Manias on Friday and Saturday night. Great work space, great coupons, and they bring in really yummy food along with beverages and plenty of chocolate. You'll make some great scrapping friends and get some work done, too!

Chick'n Scratches Layout

Over at Two Chicks Design on Facebook, the Head Chick put out her first sketch challenge. If you don't have a Facebook account, Two Chicks is a great reason for getting one! Christie is always putting out good challenges, and not only that, she has amazing scrapping clothes and kits. Look for her at expos. You will see her booth!

Anyway, you will see that I flipped my pages form left to right, and then I rotated the sketch. My design holds true,you just see it a little differently - isn't individuality great?! Here are the challenge "rules":

1. You have until 11:59 pm central time on Sunday, Oct. 18 to upload a photo of your layout using the sketch.
2. Two Chicks will draw a name to win a $50 gift certificate to their site.
3. You must use at least 2 buttons and 1 piece of chipboard on the layout.
4. One word on the layout must be in your own handwriting.
5. You have to use one piece of patterned paper that you have been "hoarding" for at least 6 months.
   

What a fun challenge! I knew right away I would be pulling you Moon Doggie from CTMH. I have had that paper sitting around since April. It's been a hoarder because I just didn't know what to do with it. Also, I wasn't quite certain when I bought it that I liked the paper packet.

All the products used are CTMH (except for the Bazzill flower). You'll notice that the skethc called for 5x7 prints. Well, here is a hint if you don't have any. I used 4x6 pictures, and there are four mats under the (2) 5x7 spots. They are measured in quarter-inch increments. I don't know how well you see it on the computer, but in "real life" - LOL! - I like the looks of it. I also popped up a few photos for character.

These is my sister Patti's family, and she is in the picture as well. We spent a day in Duluth with them, and it was gorgeous by Lake Superior. Truly it is wonderful to see her kids together. They certainly love each other, and their kindness towards each other is amazing. My sister Patti is truly a mother to be admired...

Jerry loves the layout and the faux woode grain paper that is used as the base sheet. Me? I like this layout, but I'm still not too sure I'll make anything else with this paper. Maybe it will be my one hoarding paper set!!

What are You Doing Today?

I thought I'd show you what I am doing. I am going to a crop in November at my friend Lori's retreat house. I thought I would take advantage of the long weekend to really get a grip on my Christmas pictures. Guess what? I am going back 20 years! It seems like Christmas was like Shane's first year. I would set them aside and then not touch them until I could do them all at once. Well here is my all at once! Right now I've only got them sorted out from 1989 to 1994, but it sure is fun going through all the memories.

I have always had my pictures sorted. I love my Cropper Hopper boxes that I picked up from QVC. But now I am going through the years and picking out Christmas. For each year there is Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and celebrations from both sides. Whew! That's a lot of pictures! I'm thinking though that if I had been digital there would be a ton more! You know how we snap away with our digitals!!

Well I'm heading back to 1995, so you have a tremendous day! Tell me, what are you doing today?

Adam Lambert and 2012

**In order to hear these clips, scroll down to the bottom of my blog and pause the music. That way you'll be able to hear just the clips. If you are looking for artwork, scroll down one more for my Twitterpated layout!**

Oh my goodness! We are so glad in our house that Adam Lambert is doing SO well after American Idol. Not only will his CD be out next month, but he recorded a huge song (with his huge voice) for the upcoming movie "2012." Check it out HERE and see what you think!

We watched trailers for this movie before we even knew of the song. John Cusack is one of my favorite actors, and this movie looks amazing. Look at the preview HERE.

That's it - just sharing my love of music and movies with you!

Another Twitterpated Layout

What a pretty young woman! I wanted to scrapbook my niece Lacey's graduation invitation along with a picture from her party. For this particular page, I liked the stickers from Twitterpated "it's a Wide World." I built the layout from there using all CTMH products.

Sales for You

I thought I would mention a some sales for you. We surely need to economize in our craft whenever we can!

The first is Scenic Route. They are liquidating all of their product in preparation for closing. I really like some of their papers, etc. It's always sad to hear about a company closing. I love this hobby of mine, and I am one of those consumers that loves to draw from everywhere to complete my memory books, gifts, and cards. Well anyway, check out their sale. You might find some things you like!

The next sale is Sticker Planet. When this company first opened years ago, it was just that - stickers. Now they have changed their name to Sticker Planet Plus, and I am so impressed with what they carry! I can get Bazzill flowers there, stamps, papers, embellishments. They divide everything by company, so it's quick and easy to shop on their site. Because they are internet-only and don't send catalogs, they also keep their costs really low. Anyway, use this code - SP50SHIP - before October 19 and you'll get free shipping on your order of $50 or more. Their shipping is incredible. I ordered several papers not long ago (you get to order by piece - not package), and I was quite concerned about the delivery. I don't want bent paper! But each companies paper came in a clear envelope. the embellishments were separated, and there was a lot of packing peanuts to keep everything safe. I was very impressed! I have been ordering from this company for years, and it just keeps getting better and better!

Don't forget to sign up for your Archiver's newsletter! If you have one in your area, it is well worth it. Every month you get at least one 30% off coupon and a coupon for free cardstock. Just the other day, I picked up 1o sheets of 8-1/2 x 11 paper for $3.90, and I got 10 more sheets FREE. That makes 40 cards for Operation Write Home!

Also, check out JoAnn's online. A lot of times I find things less expensive online than I do in the store. I have needed a new fiskars euro trimmer for awhile (the only one I'll use), and I found it online for $18.19. That's a great price considering I paid $29.95 for my first one. Also, a great value because my first one carried me through 5 years and so much cutting for workshops! I simply did a google search and found a free shipping code for JoAnn's, and I was good to go!

Hope this info helps you save a few $$! With the money you saved, maybe you can get a pedicure or go to a movie with your sweetheart! ;)

Coffee is ALWAYS a Reason to Celebrate!

At least I think so!

I found a design similar to this in Card Maker magazine, so I decided to give it a whirl. This is my Inkadinkado stamps. It stamps a beautiful vintage coffee cup. I gave the stamp a little color after stamping by using chalks - light blue for hte cup and a cream color for the coffee.

I've used Staz-On Timber Brown ink for my stamping and distressing. I love the richness of staz-ons ink. They make an image very crisp and clear. This is K & Company paper, some random embellishments, and a sentiment stamp. Easy and fun to make!

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful...

Jerry was going to pick up the fall leaves today (yes, it is FALL), but that has been side-lined by this very cold, white stuff. Even in MN, it's way too early for this!

Did I ever tell you that I'm not a fan of winter?

Tomorrow morning we are supposed to wake up to 24 degrees. There is one good thing. Snow brings work to Jerry, and he paints a lot of cars from the time it snows till spring.

Oh. Spring. That sounds like a far way off right now! 6 months of winter again...

The berries are pretty on my honeysuckle, though...And this is a unique picture with snow on the deck, but fall colors on the tree behind.

So what's it like in your neighborhood?

American League Central Division Champs!

After a near 5-hour and 12-inning game, the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers to win the AL Central Division!!! There was a lot of clapping, cheering, and yelling at our house tonight!!

You'll see I've sent over pix of Joe Mauer for you to enjoy. That #7 is my favorite player! Off to New York tomorrow to meet up with the Yankees for the division play-offs. Too much fun catching all this great baseball!!

Ah, Such Cute Boys!

My niece, Jessica, brought over pictures of her cuties. Pop open the layout and look at those faces. Tell me if that doesn't make you smile!!

With the antique picture, I thought that Twitterpated was just the right paper to use. I was not sure of this paper because I'm really not fond of the Sorbet color. However, the teensy chocolate dots are just perfect on this paper. I also LOVE that chocolate plaid. I popped up the owl and mushroom from the stickease packet, scalloped some borders, and this was just right for this layout. Other than Twitterpated Level 1 (yep, this is a Level 1 - I really, really like using them) and the matching stickease, I used a chocolate brad, a little liquid glass, and some Artsylicious velvet ribbon.

Here and There It Was a Lovely Day

Jerry and I had a wonderful day! We took a tour bus through the school district to the St. Croix River area (Minnesota - Wisconsin border). We knew it was cloudy and a little bit chilly, but it was still a fabulous day! We rode the motorcoach to Stillwater and boarded a river boat. What a relaxing ride down the St. Croix River! About 2-1/2 hours later, we docked back at Stillwater and did a little shopping. Jerry and I headed first to the Northern Vineyards and then to the Fine Art Fair and Jazz Festival in town.

From there the motorcoach took us to Aamondt's Apple Orchard and St. Croix Vineyards. They actually let you walk between the rows of grape vines. Have you ever had a sweet grape right off the vine? Oh, they are so wonderful! I am quite certain that the fruit in Heaven tastes just like that!

Of course we picked up some bottles of wine at St. Croix Vineyards. I can only have a sip, but boy do I savor that bouquet!

I ran into some fresh grapeseed oil at the vineyard, so I was overjoyed to pick up some of that. have you ever cooked with grapeseed oil? First of all, it has half the amount of saturated fat than that of olive oil. And remember, olive oil one of the better oils for us! Grapeseed is very light, and therefore you retain a lot of your food flavor. It's very, very flavorful. If you should use it, start out with a lesser amount in your pan. You will be surprised how far this oil goes! I usually get mine from a direct sales company - Wildtree - but what a treat to pick up fresh grapeseed oil! By the way, I'm still scantily using our bottle of olive oil from Tuscany. Such a nice flavor in that, too!
We took a walk through the apple orchards, too. The apples were so heavy on the trees! You all ready know how much we love apples in our house!

So, if you have the opportunity to get away for a day like this, do it! Don't think twice, just go! These little one-day vacations are good for the soul!