twas the day before Christmas Eve...

Note to self... always finish your holiday shopping before December 15.

I had to get a couple of gifts at the mall yesterday - the Friday before Christmas aka December 22. 'Nuff said. I phoned hubby and said "if you don't see me by dark, send in the troops". We made it out - my daughter was with me. She was unbelievably happy. But of course, she always does like going to the mall.

Have a Blessed Christmas - oh, and for Seinfeld fans: Happy Festivus!

Beginning to look alot like...

Christmas!! We finally have our tree up. It's getting more and more full of handmade ornaments every year.... delightful treasures. I've had most of the kids shopping done before December, but *ugh* all the other shopping. I hate shopping... I do... why? Because it depletes the checkbook. That is the only reason. *sigh* I have talked my son into waiting for "other stuff" until after Christmas. I told him the sales will be HUGE - and he likes to shop.

I took my first of many Christmas photos last night. The kids were delightfully cooperative, although the lighting wasn't the best. Oh well - 2 more weeks of practice to go!

Dear Santa....

Dear Santa,

Do you remember the last snow we had in Northeast Louisiana? We sure did enjoy it. It came late, late on New Years Eve (2000) and New Years Day 2001 was beautiful. My son, who was...gosh - only 8 at the time, built this beautiful snowman.... the last snowman we ever built. Santa, could you be a dear and send us snow this year? Just a little bit? Not a huge ice storm (we really don't like losing electricity because... well... tv and computers don't work well without it. And you can't recharge your digital batteries very well to take all those snow pictures). Please, Santa. We would like snow - before my son grows up any more. He's now 14. And there is my daughter who is almost 5. She has never touched snow. Never played in snow. Never built a snowman or tasted a snowflake. Please send enough snow that will allow the kids to have a snow day... or two. And don't let the temp get too high to melt it all away too fast. I hope I'm not asking for too much.

That's all on my list.

~me~

Black Friday also titled "Out with the crazies"

Well, I went out at 5am on Black Friday. I have only went about 5 times my entire life that I can remember. Too crazy - but I lost my mind this year. I went and my son (he's 14) went with me. My main reason was to get a $90 sewing machine for $65 at Target. It's a Christmas gift from last year that I was too lazy to purchase (my folks gave me $) - but my really, really old machine died a couple of weeks ago. First we went to a store in the mall when it opened at 5am (actually I was about 5 minutes late so I didn't actually get caught in the mad rush thru the doors.) I bought a few good buys using my b-day money (gee - and that was 5 weeks ago..he he). Then we headed to Target. The line wrapped around the side of the building. No WAY was I going to the end of the line. THere were people standing in the parking lot across from the front doors - so we crossed over and stood there with them. What were 2 cops and 2 store owners going to do to the line breakers? Yep - call me a line breaker. Me and my son dodged the cops and made it thru the first few people - and were able to get a buggy. Since that was the last store we needed to go to - once we got our "goods" we weren't in a hurry to leave. BIG MISTAKE. After we browsed, we went to the checkout line and the line went to the right to all the way thru the store to electronics, then curved BACK around and went to the check-out area. (I personally think that lack of sleep must impair people's judgment so that they are more apt to be herded like cattle without complaint). So we are standing in line looking at electronics for quite some time before we even turned in the right direction. Low and behold the pharmacy opened 2 checkers there and we were able to get thru - but I'm not sure how much faster that was since those 2 checkers seemed to move slow. I shared my buggy with the lady behind me who had an armload of things. SHe was abandoned by her partners who didn't want to stand in line for an hour (they went to eat). I let her put her things in the bottom part of my buggy. It was the least I could do since she was one of those who actually got in the long line that wrapped around the outside of the building and didn't get a buggy. At 7am my phone rings - I guess my daughter got up. (she's 4 1/2).

hello..... hi, mom. how's it going.... fine.how are you?....... I'm fine. Is it crazy?..... yes, dear.pretty crazy....... are you getting me that toy? what's it called again?...... etch-a-sketch?.... yeah.etch-a-sketch.......no, honey.No etch-a-sketch.Santa is bringin you that....... oh, okay. well, bye.......bye...

Then the line broke off to the pharmacy so we took it. Of all aisles to be in, we were now in the feminine products aisle. We felt quite educated. Can you imagine my son??? I didn't know they made panty liners especially shaped for thongs. Not that I would ever need any, but it was funny. by the way, does anyone get the logic as to why they put condoms next to EPT tests?? Sure wish we had of been on the cosmetic aisle instead. I could have used some new lipstick but I'm always in a hurry to pick out just the right shade. ha ha ha ha ha ha I would have had plenty of time.

Then we headed back to the mall b/c my son wanted to go to the new Starbucks. Yes, people, Northeast Louisiana now has a Starbucks. What did we find there - at least a 30 minutes wait. But my son saw 2 of his friends there. Then I went to Bath & Body works, saw the line that went through the store- and said - that's it - lets go home.Came home - put away my b-day gifts, played with my machine, and went to bed. The other holiday gifts are still in the trunk. Shhh - don't tell the kids.

Tee Shirt Rak - we have a winner

Hi! We had a good response to the tee shirt rak. I put all the names in a bowl and had my son draw one. And that name was......Scrapcat. I'll be trying to contact you. If you see this - Pea-mail me on my 2 peas id. Congratulations!

It looks like it's that time!!.. and a RAK

It looks like it's that time - and finally feels like it, too. Fall has officially graced the Bayou state. Most of you reading this are scratching your heads - but you have to realize - in Louisiana - you usually run your A/C 9-10 months out of the year and wear sweaters maybe 3 weeks out of the entire year (if you own a sweater). Fall foilage? We're lucky to have leaves turning RIGHT NOW! My friends from Michigan were here in mid November a few years ago and was amazed that everything was still green. Snow? My dd is 4 and has never seen snow in person. Maybe this year! We opened the door today to take the below photos and bbbbbrrrrrrrr - it was almost freezing! Just two nights ago we went to the Fall Festival in short sleeves, and she had on a flimsy princess dress - and we were outside - no coats.

Okay - okay - so let's get to something FUN! My two friends, Maraya and Emery have developed a unique line of scrapbook tee-shirts! They debuted the first 2 designs at a local convention this summer and they were a hit. The Scrapboutique was recently at Scrapbook Expo in Austin, Texas with three new designs and I have the honor of RAKing on of the shirts right here on my blog! Check out the photos of my daughter holding up the Croppin' Cowgirl shirt (in the almost freezing weather!). This is the shirt we are RAKing (in your choice of size). (What is a RAK? RAK = random act of kindness). It's pre-shrunk, and the fabric is distressed, vintage and very soft. I have the Croppin' Cowgirl and the Madame LaRue's (besides one of each of the first debut - view them here ) and love them!!! If you saw them in Austin, you know how classy they are. Jennifer Stewart has pics of these shirts on her blog taken in Austin!





All you need to do to be entered in the drawing for this t-shirt is visit the
Scrapboutique website and look at the 5 different t-shirt designs and tell me which one your favorite is. I'll draw names Sunday night and post the winner Monday on my blog!

Piggy Tales is IN DA HOUSE

The box is here..the box is here. The new Piggy Tales MT release is here! If you haven't seen the new releases look here! The new lines have chipboard letters and 12x12 tag sheets!

I made this page using the Gingerbread Man collection. My daughter had a field day with her pre-school to the pumpkin patch. They had to wear matching "field day" shirts - can you imagine what I was thinking about taking photos of her in a lime green shirt in a harvest colored setting. Viola! Turned out to be a great photo and perfect for this paper line!

Paper Salon: Pub Calls Challenge

Paper Salon is the featured manufacturer for the Pub Calls Challenge for the next 2 weeks. Read about it Here!. There are TWELVE prizes!!! WOohooo!!! If you've never sent anything in for these challenges - don't miss out on this one. If you don't have any Paper Salon - get some! I can't wait to see all of the entries. This album is going to be pure eye candy!

I've been tagged

I've been tagged! This time by Julia!

The rules are: List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them. Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag at least 3 other people.

1. I like to sleep with the temperature pretty cold and under lots of blankets. I don't like to have a draft from the covers hanging down the side, so wrap them under my legs.

2. I don't like English peas. My mom used to make me eat them, so I would swallow a spoonful of whole peas in a mouthful of tea.

3. I'm a nail biter. I may grow them long here and there and they will look beautiful, but deep down - I'm a nailbiter.

4. My dog lets me know when the UPS man truck pulls up. We are usually at the door before he even gets out of the truck.

5. My dog likes to play with the stream of water from the water hose. She likes to attack it then barks at you for more. Go to summer photos in the archives to see her in action.

I'm tagging Donna, Tami, Hilary and Cindy C. (Mainly b/c she hasn't updated her blog in several weeks. We'll see if she has time for this!)

Paper Salon is Bloggin' with Sneak Peeks

Paper Salon now has a BLOG! It's full of sneak peeks. Bookmark it!

Looking for Memory Trends Sneak Peeks?

It's always exciting to see sneak peeks of products right before the big trade shows!

Flair Designs,Inc. has just released Horsin' Around. Fourteen all new Western themed patterned papers, coordinating cardstock stickers, and metal charms. This line is FUN! Here are a couple of things made with these papers.






Piggy Tales will be releasing three new lines for Memory Trends: Goldilocks & the 3 Bears Collection, The Gingerbread Man Collection, and Little Boy Blue Collection. Check back here and the Piggy Tales website in the next few days for photos!

This is a purse I made for Memory Trends using the Piggy Tales Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs Collection.



Don't forget about Cardstock! Prism Papers is one of the main cardstocks I use for my creations. I made this page for Memory Trends using the Prismatics Cobalt Pack - various shades of cobalt with coordinating colors - all in one pack! (And just in case you are looking for Prism - you can find it online. One place is Memory Villa.



Check back soon for Sneak Peeks on Paper Salon's new paper lines and Tailored Tins!

The T-shirts are going to Austion SB Expo!

Look for Scrap Boutique t-shirts at the Austin Scrapbook Expo in late October! Check back in the next few weeks for pics of the newest designs. You will flip!!!

UPDATED:You can now get the T-shirts online at The Scrapboutique!

If you are interested in non-scrapbook t-shirts and other items, visit my Cafepress stores:
French Quarter Stuff!
Dachshund Stuff!

Memory Trends sneak peeks will be posted soon!

September - Almost Fall

Wow - can you believe it. In 2 more weeks it will be officially the "fall/autumn" season. Tell that to the weather in Louisiana. My daughter started pre-school classes last week at a new school. She asked me Friday if she was going "tomorrow" and I said "no". She said "why". "Well, because your teachers won't be there". I guess that's a sign that she loves her new school.

I may not be updating my blog again for a few weeks. It's "busy season" for scrapbook manufacturers, and I've already warned hubby that it's going to be crazy for a couple of weeks.

here are some pics from last week. My daughter on her first day at pre-school, and then my son in his new jeans. It's really hard to find cool jeans that fit him b/c the cool clothes he wants are all in grown up sizes. He ended up with 2 pair of these. I like them so much I want him to find some for his dad. Have a great week!

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend is here. The "end of summer". We never do anything for LD. School starts in mid-august - so we are already in full-school schedule. Hubby usually always works either LD weekend or Labor Day (this time he's actually off on Monday). I hope those of you that are traveling have a wonderful and safe time.

It was another exciting day for me. I was asked to join the Piggy Tales Design Team. 14 other ladies received the news today. I can't wait to get to work. Check out their products. Each line is named after a different fairy tale character.

Again, have a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I'm looking forward to September because it's another month closer to cooler weather in Louisiana.

Update on the Cat Story

For those that are interested in the cat and her kittens. Elizabeth, the mom, has been adopted by her foster mother. The "dad" came home and fell in love with her so Elizabeth is now "his" cat. The kittens have been weaned and are in a different foster home, and will soon be available for adoption at River Cities Cat Shelter. We thought they would be coming back here for a week or so, but another home became available. I was glad, because I didn't want the heartache of having to say goodbye to the little cuties again.

It's been a WONDERFUL Monday

Besides having a good mail day (thanks to a wonderful friend who really, really RAK'd me BIG TIME) - I was also asked to join the Self-Addressed Kit Club. I've been a member of Self-Addressed since it started and LOVE THIS CLUB! It's basically a card-kit club, but it's not limited to cards. Anyway, I'm so excited because I LOVE SELF-ADDRESSED!

Oh No! I've been TAGGED

Oh No! Oh Yes! I've been tagged - thanks to Tami!

Okay - so here are my answers:

If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Somewhere nestled in a hilly wooded area in the mountains - but of course - not to far from a major city with a scrapbook store.

What's your favorite article of clothing? jeans and t-shirt

Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? nice smile

What's the last CD that you bought? "Create 7" by Winds of Fire

Where's your favorite place to be? at the beach

Where's your least favorite place to be? lost

What's your favorite place to be massaged? at the local massage place... okay, okay - you meant "where on me??" - ok, my shoulders.

Strong in mind or strong in body? strong in mind

What time do you wake in the morning? around 7:30

What's your favorite kitchen appliance? oven (you didn't ask which one I used the most)

What makes you really angry? lying and disobedience

If you could play any instrument, what would it be? harp

Favorite color? periwinkle blue

Which do you prefer, sports car or SUV? to be practical - SUV - but for play - the sports car!

Do you believe in afterlife? yes

Favorite children's book? The Pokey Little Puppy

What is your favorite season? spring

What's your least favorite household chore? cleaning potties

If you could have one super power, what would it be? to fly

If you have a tattoo, what is it? --nuthing here--

Can you juggle? not really, why?

The one person from your past you wish you could go back and talk to? gee - never thought about it. Maybe my grandma.

What's your favorite day? saturday

What's in the trunk of your car? jumper cables and a flat rate priority shipping box (just in case)

Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? sushi (have to watch the cholesterol)

okay - NEXT!
I'm tagging Donna and Sonda!

35 Days - The Cat Story

If you've read my blog, you know that five weeks ago we were blessed with the presence of a mother cat and her three babies. (you can read the story HERE.) River Cities cat shelter is in the process of moving to a new building - as soon as the construction is complete, and pretty much would not take any more cats until then. So we waited. We set up a nursery for mom and babies in our laundry room. Despite my cat allergies, I played with them and loved them daily - as did the rest of the family. What we thought would be 3 weeks turned into five weeks exactly - thirty-five days. I finally contacted PAWS and they found another lady who was willing to keep them until the new facility was ready. I just wanted to share a few pics of the little darlings - now that they are gone and I once again experience "empty nest" syndrome for the second time this summer.



This is Jack, who I found out at the vet is really Jackie. She opened her eyes first.


This is Willie (Wilamina b/c she's a girl, too!) She opened her eyes 2nd (I'm using the order of opening eyes as if it were birth order).



And then there is my precious Pearl. Pearl stole my heart. I pray she eventually goes to a wonderful home (and the rest of them, too). (That is the tough part, letting them go and not knowing how they will end up!)I tied jute to a couple of toy balls so they would have a play center. I could hear the bell jingle from the living room.

Last photo is Elizabeth. The vet says she's about 2 years old. Also that she is the friendliest tortoise colored cat (they are supposed to not be the nicest cat). She was a wonderful mom and a very nice house guest. She was only vocal when we entered the room, and seemed VERY appreciative of the nice place provided for her and her babies.




I cried all the way home from the vet's office, where I met the new caregiver. It was a bit traumatic for the babies, but they seem to be adjusting to their new temporary home

Uhu and Chipboard

I just tried my UHU Creative Scrapbookers Pen. I used it to adhere chipboard letters down to the cover of my photo keeper album. WORKS GREAT! What I really like about this is that the applicator tip is angled, the glue doesn't wrinkle paper, and the applicator doesn't clog! And it gives great hold. Here's pic of my album (yeah - I finally have a place to put those wonderful cards people have made me!).

The album is from Caputo's Kits, the papers are Flair's new Autumn Splendor, and the chipboard is a framedango from Everlasting Keepsakes - new size (smaller for cards!).

Thank you, Wendy!!

My friend, Wendy "K" called me last week from a scrapbook store in Jackson to tell me about a great find on buttons! Thanks, Wendy - for thinking of me. I used these Foofala buttons last night on this page. They are great! Oh, and the papers are new CHA Summer release from Piggy Tales.

Cape Town (Scenic Route)

I received a wonderful package of goodies from Scenic Route yesterday (see previous blog) and made my first layout with the Cape Town collection today. This is my son. Love this collection!

Scenic Route is in DA HOUSE!

Wholey Schmoley Hole-puncher!! I just got a package of goodies from Scenic Route! It's their CHA SUMMER Releases: Hampton and Cape Town papers, chipboard and alpha stickers! This schtuff rawks! These goodies were surprises sent by Scenic Route for participation in the Pub Calls Gallery Challenge last month. I'll post some creations made with this as soon as I can!

Mrs. Betty's and Croppers Island

What? Who is Mrs. Betty and where is Cropper's Island - you ask? Whoever you want her to be and where ever you are! These are two AWESOME tee shirt designs that are the co-production of my LSS owner and one of her designers. These shirts were revealed for the first time July 15 at the Scrapbook Celebration convention in our city. They were a hit and some of the sizes sold out the first day. Mrs. Betty's is a teal with "Mrs. Betty" in red. Cropper's Island is brown with a blue tropical beach and cute flower. (**Click on the pics to see larger)



Here are the shirts together. (Maraya, the store owner, me in the Mrs. Betty tee, and Emery the graphic designer).
















Could these shirts BE any more fun!!?? Terri, Emery and Maraya are modeling Cropper's Island tees (see, you just can't help but have fun in these tees). I'd LOVE to hear your feedback on these. They just MAY pop up at a convention near you - so please - feedback is appreciated! (pssstt.. if you leave lots of raving comments - I may can persuade her to let me rak one!)





Oh - and for those that want one NOW - you'll have to contact The Scrap Shack. Tell her where you saw them so she'll know the power of the Peas really does work! New designs are coming.... I'll show pics as soon as they are ready!

Happy Friday

Happy Friday! Yesterday was my daughter's last day of swimming lessons. She loves the water but has no interest in getting her face wet. OH WELL! Maybe next year.



Today was a perfectly overcast sky. A nice layer of clouds to insulate us a tad from the heat, which also makes for perfect photo shoots in mid day. I'm off to my LSS to crop until midnight! Gotta get those swimming photos done!

Do You UHU?

Do you UHU? I've joined Maria Filosa in posting some projects that I make using UHU. Check back soon for my review. Click her website if you'd like to UHU, too!

I have a little secret. I know, don't you hate it when people say "I have something to share but can't tell you right now". So it's my turn to do it.

CHA! Jennifer Ellefson shared some pics of the Everlasting Keepsakes booth with those of us that didn't go to CHA in Chicago, including a photo of Faith and Darien Courtney, owners of the company.

Meanwhile, I can't wait to try UHU on the Everlasting Keepsakes chipboard!

*Click on the photos to enlarge them*

The last box is heading out to Chicago (SNEAK PEEK)

I'm shipping my last box of creations for CHA today! Yeah. That means I can clean off my dining room table (from convention class supplies), clean up my scraproom (we won't talk about that!) and then clean the house.

The last box of creations is for the Everlasting Keepsakes booth (#1916). Stop by and visit if you are there and take a peek at some of their new products. Here are a few of the pages I made for the booth. The first one shows the NEW Chinese words chipboard! (Scan doesn't show the images as well!)

The next one show the tall letters (the "D" in dream). These are also NEW!

Meanwhile - back to cleaning up. THat should keep my mind off all the fun my friends are having at the CHA Summer Convention!! Wish I were there. Be sure to stop by the 2Peas Pub saturday - there is a party for the stay-at-homes!

If I'm a dog person...then

....why are there four cats living in my house?

Last weekend I heard a neighborhood dachshund barking on our street. I "know" the bark of a dachshund because I've had them all my life. I opened the window and told it to "go home" (2 blocks over) and it did. The next morning it was back. This time I decided to go out and see why it was coming to our street. Very odd behavior. Well, there was another dog and it seemed they were barking at a cat. The cat was in the street in front of our house. I told the dogs to "go home" (and they did). I went to the cat to see if it had been hit by a car, bitten,etc... It was "acting a bit weird" (which to me means - it didn't run away when I approached it). Other than it looked starved - I didn't notice anything - but I had huge compassion and took it a chicken breast and put it by the mailbox. I know, I know - you don't feed a cat - but I decided I'd live with the consequences.

The next morning my hubby was off work, and we heard her. He said "Your cat is calling you". At least the dogs weren't out there. It sat outside the front door and cried that mornng. We went to a movie before noon, and hubby got home first. The cat was in the garage with 3 kittens. I left the garage door up 6 inches in case the post man needed to leave a box. Well, I got a delivery - but not a package. We made a bed in our dog's pet carrier and gave her food and water. We checked on her periodically and left the garage door cracked for her at night so she could roam. The next day I came home from an errand and there was only 1 kitten in the box. I freaked. I called the shelter (who was full anyway) and she said the mother may have abandoned it - or was moving them. I have to admit- the garage was hot - we live in the south. She began to tell me how to care for a newborn kitten and my jaw dropped. I told her "I will FIND that momma". So I went outside and called her - well, not being my cat I didn't know her name or how to call her - but "here kitty, kitty" seemed to work. She came from the shrubs. I immediately picked her up and put her in the pet crate with the kitty and told her to feed it. I had no idea how long it had been abandoned or if it even was. I then had my son to carefully seek out the babies in the bushes - which he did. We put them back in and I locked her in. I discussed this with the shelter and we all agreed to hold them hostage in my laundry room for their well-being.

now - you must realize - I am a dog person - and I live with a dachshund. So having 4 cats in my laundry room (oh, and I'm allergic to cats - achoooo!) is strange. ANyhoo - it's been almost 1 week and miss little stray cat and her babies are doing well. She's gained alot of weight and is very friendly. The cat shelter has a waiting list which we are on, but the good news is that they will be moving to a new location in 3 or 2 weeks and they think they will have room. I know we will miss "fun kitten play time" b/c they will just be getting around by them, but I will know they are well cared for and will hopefully go to a good home.

Meanwhile - I keep having to apologize to my dachshund for the strange noises in the laundry room and why mom disappears behind the door for short cat visits. Anyhoo - if you saw my earlier post about the baby birds and "empty nest" syndrome - I guess this is my fix for that. I'll get some pics later. Want one? Want them all? I'll throw in the pet carrier, cat food, and kitty litter for free.

Have you seen these?

Have you seen the Simply Ribbon Tailored Tins from Paper Salon? How about the Oodles of Doodles??? Or the Hemlines? These are just three of the 11 new Tailored Tins coming out at CHA this summer! Take a peek HERE!

If you can view my side bar gallery - I used the Simply Ribbon stamps on "My Girl" for the flower stems. Check out the 2 peas gallery for Paper Salon CHA Sneak Peeks!

More on Aqua Dog

Okay - I can't seem to get any more pics on the other post for my amazing aqua dog - so here she is in all her glory - acrobatically dancing with the stream of water.

More Paper Salon Peeks

Just a few links to wet your whistle:

Tribeca

Dazzle

and a couple of tins:

Some of the New Tailored Tins!

Summer Fun

Are you looking for more Paper Salon sneak peeks? Well, it will be later today. The first peeks are in the previous blog. How about some entertainment while you wait?

My kids went walking down to their grandpa's sunflower garden. Yes, I said sunflower garden. When grandpa does something, he does it big. Not one but two very, very, very long rows of sunflowers. Why?It's for the birds. Really. So, we all went to see the sunflowers up close and personal, but there was a problem. He had just tilled the dirt around the rows Dark, rich, yummy garden dirt and it had rained. Yes - that means mud. Squishy, gooshy mud. Me and Arielle opted to go barefoot, but Daniel borrowed a pair of Grannies shoes. So off we went.















Now I have to tell you about Jasmine. Jazzy isn't a typical dog. Jazzy LOVES the water, is known to have voluntarily jumped into Arielle's kiddie pool, and drinks from the faucet. She LIKES you to squirt her with the super squirt gun, and in these pics, she's jumping up and biting the water spout from the water hose. Meet Jazzy - the amazing aqua dog.

(okay - I have more pics to upload but blogger isn't cooperating. I'll try again later)

I've got another Sneak Peek!!

It's time for another sneak peek! The girls at Paper Salon have been given the greenlight! Check back here or check out A Peek Into Yesterday or Lifetime Moments for more images! Here's a couple: The first is a little bit of "Dazzle" along with some - should I tell ya?.. okay okay - holiday Tailored tins!!!

Next we have some Tribeca with a splash of more tailored tins.... this time the flavor is flourishes. Yumm!!!!

Happy Birthday, America!

Have a wonderful holiday and remember to be thankful for our freedom.

Flair CHA Sneak Peek!

Stay tuned early Monday morning for some sneak peeks of some upcoming CHA releases from...... well, stay tuned. How about a pic while you wait?





UPDATE!! You can read more about the new release at this 2 Peas Thread!

Scrapbooks, Etc.

Scrapbooks, Etc / Better Homes & Gardens has a blog full of wonderful scrapbook pages and information. They requested a scrapbook page of me and my hubby for an upcoming idea book, but then changed the idea book plans. So my page was in limbo. Imagine my surprise when I found the page! You can find it HERE! Scroll down to the very bottom. If you click on the photo, it will come up larger.

I'm off to a Patriotic production at church. My son is going to be one of the Iwo Jima soldiers (raising the flag). I hope the lighting allows me to get some pics!

Mommy, I cut my hair!

"Mommy, I cut my hair!" is NOT the phrase a mother wants to hear her 4 year old say. Well, guess what I heard this morning - yep - just that. She said "Mommy, I don't need to go to Ms. Debbie's now, I cut my hair". Ms. Debbie is my hairdresser, who sometimes trims my 4 year old's hair. As you can see from the blog photos, my daughter had long, straight, blonde hair - completely opposite of mine. When I was lucky enough to have long hair when I was young, it was always frizzy, wavy or curly. I say lucky enough because for some reason, my older sisters always seemed to convince my mom that I "needed" a short haircut. I don't know if that was meanness or did they really think I needed short hair? I always wanted my hair to be long. When I was 5 years old living in the white house (as I called it) at Kingsley Field AFB in Klamath Falls, Oregon, yes, I remember that far back one of my friends who lived at the end of the block on McGuire Street, Kirsten, had long hair. Kirsten wore it in a pony tail and it pounced just like a horses tail when she ran. I wanted a pony tail so I could run like a pony! So you immediatly think that is why my daughter's hair is long? Nope, that's not why. I cut a few inches off last winter and just didn't like it. Plus, she's in ballet, so she really "needs" long hair. Plus, it's the style right now.

So back to the haircut. I asked her if she cut her hair, and she rather sheepishly said no and walked away. I was calmly taking visual inventory and didn't see any gaping holes that I hear other parents talk about and show photos of, so so far so good. Then I saw it. It wasn't too bad. She had taken a piece from the crown of her head and pulled it at her eye level (about 5 inches from the root) and cut it. Not too much damage. relief!!! So we went to the table and there it was, 5 inches of beautiful, straight, blonde soft hair, lying on the floor. I picked it up and told her how sad the hair was that it didn't get to be on her head anymore. I didn't scold her. Now, in case you are wondering why a four year old had scissors - well, it's my fault. I let her scrapbook at the table yesterday, along with stamps and ink. She's really quite responsible for a four year old - but I should have put up the scissors. I learned that lesson last year when she cut holes in my brand new Gulf Shores souvenier t-shirt that I had for about 2 weeks. I got it at the Shark Store - her favorite store from the trip. I never buy t-shirts, so I was so sad about the holes. It was then that I hid all the scissors.

Meanwhile - I took my daughter to school today and when I took her out of her carseat, she said "But - I want to go to Ms. Debbies". See, I explained to her that only Ms. Debbie can cut hair because Ms. Debbie has special hair scissors and we only have paper scissors. Then after school, she still insisted on going. So now I am trying to explain to her what an apointment is.

Scrapbook Celebration

For those of you in the Arkansas / Mississippi / Louisiana area - and those who just love to travel - we are having a scrapbook convention in West Monroe, Louisiana. The FIRST EVER in this city that I am aware of!. I'll be teaching some classes there, and of course shopping from the fabulous selection of vendors. Do you want to get away and crop till you drop? Check out this link for more information. If you come - please ask around until you find me. I would LOVE to meet you and take some pics! Here's the information for Scrapbook Celebration!

Oh - and for a chance to win a free ticket to both crops, Friday and Saturday from 10am - Midnight (wow!) - check out Mississippi Paper Arts' contest for details!

That time of year....

It's that time of year. Well, yeah, it's summer - but that's not what I'm talking about. It's the mad rush to get CHA projects done. That and regular life. I can barely see the floor in my already small scraproom. My computer desk? Can't see the surface. Everything revolves around "I've gotta get this done...I've gotta get that done...". I warned my hubby a month ago this time was coming. I think he forgot. He rented some DVD's this weekend. So my life has pretty much been like this...
Thursday - take son to the river for photos for CHA projects
Friday - take photos of daughter for more CHA projects. Work on project no. 1 (meanwhile kids are at home - so everything is subject to interuption). Pack altered items and cards for mailing. Pack another card for mailing. Mail comes - got a magazine that had my projects in it - made scans (and couldn't resist looking thru at all the creations). Gee, where did the day go? Hubby home. time to take a long break and watch a movie. Hubby gets called out. Keep watching movie. Hubby comes home - rewind the movie to where he last saw. Read magazines while he watches what was replayed. that makes it seem like a really, really long movie! Prepare for a class to teach the next day. Wiped out.
Saturday: Up and at 'um. Teach altered project. Return home. Start on project with photos of son. Finish project! (yeah). Where did the day go? Time to watch movie no. 2. Retreat to my bedroom to veg on new bed. Son asks "why aren't you working, mom?" Banish son from bedroom. Okay - not really. A little bit of Trading Spaces and I'm wiped out again but I did have some cool ideas on repainting our bedroom furniture.
3. Sunday - church, then home. Back to work. Gee - I can't even remember what I worked on and that was just yesterday. Took a late nap! Worked till the wee hours.
4. Monday - finish projects left over from last night. Start new project which ended up getting re-done two times. Taking a much needed break to blog and then shower. Yes, it's after 5 and I haven't showered although the dog took a dip in dd's blow up pool.
5. Note to self: Self - prepare and mail off projects to two publications. Don't forget! Now if I would just remember to read my reminder.

Summer Movies

I love movies - especially in the summer. There are so many "summer releases" coming out. I went with 10 ladies (fellow scrapbookers) to see The Lake House Tuesday night (Tuesdays always have the best prices). I loved it. But I keep thinking about it. Why? It's the "time travel" factor. There are so many "problems" and kinks in time travel stories, but I love them. I always watch Back to the Future reruns when I happen to find it on the cable listings. There's just something cool about time travel. I really, really want to watch The Lake House again - probably to catch more "time travel" story kinks, but mainly just to watch it again.

I didn't feel that way about Cars. I loved Cars. Cars was adorable, and I want to get the DVD as soon as it comes out. Super cute. But didn't want to rush out and watch it again right away.

I'm also counting the days until Johnny Depp's new movie comes out. Is it okay to call it "johnny depp's" movie? he he.

If you haven't been to any movies this summer - try to catch one - soon! It's a great way to relax and have fun.

Empty Nest

I have empty nest syndrome. I went to take photos of the five baby birds again - 4 days after the last photo - and this is what I saw.



I can't believe I missed seeing them learning to fly. I panicked because I didn't know where they were. They were there the day before - I could hear them "singing" when their mommy brought them dinner.

Then I looked. They were just a few yards away perched on our fence. They were all there, but I only got a pic of 4 of them because the other male was flying. Yes, the males already have color! When did this happen. They were all still dark and fuzzy just a few days ago.



I watched them throughout the day. They moved further and further away. Out of our yard, to the pond behind our house. I could still see them in a distant Bradford pear tree. Then they were too far to see. I was sitting outside talking to my mom on the phone - and they flew over my head! But I don't know where they went. I was hoping they would "come home" and stay in their crowded nest for the night so I could "see" them.

*sigh* Empty next syndrome. They grow up too fast. I wish I would have taken more photos and watched them "leave" the nest. Lesson learned: Cherish your real children even more and more and be thankful that they don't grown up and leave home in two weeks.