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.