My Little Life

Woo Hoo it's the Weekend!!

2009-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Let's see...busy week and a half!! I had an emergency hearing on a temporary restraining order last week. That consumed many hours of my day last week. I was victorious though.

Britton has played football the last two weeks...or not played. The coach is playing just a very few kids both ways (offense and defense) and there are a ton of kids sitting the bench. The sad part is a lot of the kids on the bench were starters last year and were and are really good. One of our friends is really upset and is taking things up with the principal...we'll see how all of that goes. Here are some photos of the plays Britton did get to make. The exciting part was when he got in to the game, he caused a fumble and recovered the ball.

This week was rough for me. My monthly friend was causing me issues this week. Phil spent a night with his mom in the ER...that was a bad night. She's ok, just took the wrong insulin. That is very dangerous for a diabetic.

We have had some rain and slightly cooler temperatures. I am in the process of getting the house decorated for fall. Here is a photo of a Halloween centerpiece I did. I saw something similar in Michael's. I am pretty happy with the way it turned out. What do you think?

Here is a mini I did with my September AMM kit plus some other goodies.

Tonight, we have a house full of boys. They are laughing, singing, and having a great time.

In the morning, we kickoff homecoming and will be going to the parade so Britton can ride the Middle School football float.

Have a great weekend.

NOBODY PUTS BABY IN A CORNER

2009-09-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

Rest in Peace Patrick Swayze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am really saddened this morning at the news of his passing yesterday. I know it was not entirely unexpected, but I hadn't heard any news about his condition in a while and just hoped all was well. I will forever remember him as Johnny in Dirty Dancing. I will be watching it this week and will probably bawl like a baby.

What's been going on with me the last week? Well, last week was my Court week in Lufkin of all places. I was working long hours and have been way behind on the scrappy boards, etc. All in all it came together and went ok. I lost a hearing I didn't feel was fair but what can you do? The good news about it was, he ruled in favor of part of it, and denied part of it. I just have to start all over.

After Court, I visited my friend Steve, who has been having a rough time. I am praying hard for his family right now.

Tuesday night was Britton's first football game. He didn't get to play as he didn't have a doctor's release that we didn't know we needed. So we had to make a quick trip to the doctor to get the release. He will play tonight. He is kind of getting cheated since he was out the first week of real practice and we're afraid he'll end up sitting the bench. We'll see. Will update later.

I've been scrapping away lately. Here is some of the latest stuff:

HONOR ROLL

Studio Calico August kit

D.C. 4TH OF JULY

Studio Calico August kit

JUST 'CUZ

Studio Calico August kit

I added the Bingo kit from AMM Vintage findings

LIL' BUD

Studio Calico August kit

MY DAILY

Studio Calico August kit

FIRST SHAVE

Studio calico August kit

STUDY TIME

AMM September kit

I added the clocks and the Jenni B. chipboard

SWEET DINK

AMM September kit

I am ticked this morning. Trying to watch tivo'd Oprah from yesterday with Whitney Houston. It was pre-empted by stupid tennis. I don't like tennis so that really ticks me off. I am going to have to watch it on the Internet.

Anyway, that's all for now.

Sunday...That's My Fun Day...I Don't Have to Run Day

2009-09-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

Thankfully, since tomorrow is Labor Day, it won't be a Manic Monday. What a good day. Got up and went to church this morning. It was a wowza service. I feel so blessed. Then we tried to go eat sushi but Tokyo was closed. I was most disappointed. We ended up at Applebees. Then to Marshall's.

Yesterday was a slow day. I went to work for a few hours to get ready for Court this upcoming week. I still have a lot to do. I then had big plans to work around the house and ended up just needing to sleep. I was really tired and just needed to sleep. What was going to be a 30 minute nap ended up being over 2 hours. I needed the sleep apparently. We then got ready and headed to Sartins with several couples from the church...great evening.

I am very happy for a long weekend. I really need some rejuvenation. I miss being at the lake this weekend, but hanging at the house doing nothing has been nice too.

I am really happy because I got a little scrappy time in this morning and have plans to do some scrapping this evening if we don't go to the movies.

Signing off today with a layout that I am liking these days...pretty simple.

P & T

Studio Calico August kit

I added the red flowers and the June Bug 3D stickers

Waffle House and Walmart

2009-09-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

You know, when I married my husband and moved to this small town of 1000 people, I had no idea that my Friday nights would consist of dates to the local Waffle House. Seriously, I have worked so hard this week. I return home hoping to be whisked away for a romantic sushi dinner, and my husband tells me he WANTS to go to the Waffle House. Now, don't get me wrong, I love a good waffle and The Waffle House (and yes, you must say The Waffle House...much more hillbilly) here is good. It's not the cleanest place I've ever been.

So we have our waffles, and then go to The Walmart (yes, again The Walmart has much more effect) to just go. We didn't really need anything. We just walked around looking. OMG...I am officially a hillbilly bumpkin. The sad part is the only reason we weren't at the local High School football game is that it was an away game. The even sadder part is that even though I live in a small town, we're 15 miles away from a larger town with lots of restaurant and date choices. I'm just saying.

In other news, Britton returned to school today. He made it all day and is doing much better. Just a residual cough left. With that, I got a call from one of my neighbors and her kids have swine flue. Thankfully, Britton was given some extremely strong antibiotics and the doctor told us not to worry about the flu. I hope that is the case.

I am happy for a long weekend, but next week is Court week so I'm not looking forward to it...but at least it's a short week.

Here are the few latest layouts...I really have been a scrapping fool this week.

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE

AMM-August kit (sorry...wanted to take my pics and it was dark)

HAPPY NEW YEAR

AMM-August Kit (same announcement as above)

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday weekend. I have to say Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad who are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this weekend. Love you.

Happy Hump Day

2009-09-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

Not that it matters for me, but we're on the downhill side to a long weekend. Not that it will be that for me. Since we're having Court at the beginning of the month rather than the 3rd week, I will have to work some this weekend.

I know I've said this, but I'm happy we're busier...job security and all but I am so stressed. We need better help in our office. I don't know what to do. I have no control....hate that. I need less stress--that is all I know.

Well, Britton has strep (sp?) throat. He went to the doctor late yesterday and we found out. He's been running over 101 fever for almost two days. So besides feeling like the world's worst mother, I also have worried myself to death over his fever. The good news is it finally broke today so hopefully, he's on the road to recovery. If I didn't say this yesterday, we also found out Britton made the A team in football. He should be a starter again this year. We're so excited for him. We've got to get him bulked up...he's so skinny. And that is before he hasn't eaten for the last two days.

Here are some layouts I've done in the last two days. If I haven't said it before, I would probably lose my mind without scrapping. This hobby is such therapy. I hate that I can't be more creative or that I don't have more time to dedicate to it, but it saves my life almost daily.

HANGIN' OUT WHILE MOMMY SCRAPS

OUR LOVE

AMM August Kit

I guess that is all the info I know for now.

Stressful

2009-09-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

I feel that I'm complaining too much, but I've gotta say, the stress is getting me. So I woke up yesterday, took Britton for an eye doctor follow up. He said he wasn't feeling great but could go to school. I take him to school, which got me at work an hour late. I hadn't been there 2 hours before the school called saying he was running fever and had to go home. My mom rescued us, and picked him up. He's not well though. I think it's just the crud, but he's been running fever. Pumping him full of Tylenol/Cold. Hopefully, it works or we'll be in the doctor's office.

I feel like the worst step mother on the planet earth. I should have known. Add to that, work was rough yesterday. I was completely booked, but the calls keep on coming. The assistants paid to "assist" do not assist so much with the calls. I have 24 phone messages I didn't get to. Agghh. All I ever hear is how much everyone else is stressed...no one listens to me!!!!!!! I feel so frustrated.

Here is a recent layout from my anniversary weekend at the Fleetwood Mac concert.

FLEETWOOD MAC

AMM August kit

Have a great week!!

Welcome Back!!

2009-08-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost two months since I blogged. It's been a bit of a busy summer and I haven't been on the computer much. I really kind of crashed after the wedding and my creative juices have been a bit drained.

Anyway, I have bought this: Loving it.

Here is a layout and mini I did with some of the photos...so much fun.

SUMMER

Studio Calico-July kit

JUST ANOTHER SUMMER DAY

Studio Calico-July Kit

We have spent a few weekends at the lake.

We bought new living room furniture. I don't have photos of it yet. We also ordered Britton a new bed so we can redo his room. We're still waiting on that to come in.

Last week, we went on vacation to New Braunfels (Schlitterbahn) and San Antonio. Just a relaxing little trip. I took off a few extra days to run errands and go to doctor's appts with Britton before school started.

School started and we're now a week into football practice. Games will start in another week. I can't wait. We went to the Raider football game last night. We killed Hampshire Fannett...we left at the end of the third quarter and we were winning 40-7.

Anyway, that's all for now, but here are a few other layouts I've done recently:

ANOTHER TUESDAY NIGHT

AMM July kit

RING THE BELL

Studio Calico July kit

PRECIOUS

AMM July kit

MY PRIZE

AMM July Kit

LIL DIVA

Studio Calico July kit

WEDDING PLANNER

AMM July kit

Now It's Really Been Too Long

2009-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

My life has been one big ol' whirlwind the last few weeks. I left off with working two weekends straight on the wedding. The weekend of the 4th of July was nothing but wedding. I had Donna, Whitney, Shawn and her sister over on the 3rd. We worked ALL day and got a lot done. The next day (yes, the 4th), Donna and I went out shopping for the rest of the stuff we needed and went back to her house to work on everything some more. Throughout last week we worked really hard getting everything finished. When Shawn started working on the flowers, we realized we didn't have enough and went out at lunch on Friday to get more for the table decorations.

I flew out the door right after work to go handle rehearsal. From there, to the rehearsal dinner, then back to the club to cover chairs and begin decorating. We stayed 'til about 12:30-12:40. We got to bed after 1 and then we were back up and out the door by 7. We worked straight through until about 1:30. We went back and got ready and I was back out the door by 2:10 to oversee pictures, etc. All in all it worked out, but I didn't get home until 10:00 p.m. So tiring but rewarding.

The wedding was so beautiful. Everyone was talking about it and I felt like a real wedding coordinator. I finally had a glimpse of what a fun job could be.

Here are a few of the highlights.

In other news, Phil had his surgery. It was successful and with any luck, maybe we will have a little bundle of joy in the future.

I've seen Transformers II since last post and The Proposal with the girls last weekend. So funny.

Britton is leaving Thursday for a youth group trip and will be gone all weekend. This will give Phil and I some alone time. Hopefully, we'll get to have some fun.

I guess that's all for now.

It's Been So Long.......

2009-06-28T08:38:00.001-07:00

I've done so well with this blog up until a few weeks ago. We're screaming toward Phil's surgery this week. I am helping do the wedding of Phil's nephew Ryan and his fiance Erica. I am happy to help, but it is way more work than what I thought. I did some quick brainstorming and consulting with Shawn, who is doing weddings on the side and we came up with a plan. Donna and I have been shopping for stuff, and my house has turned into wedding central. Been making flower balls...let me share some of it. These are flower balls that are going to be suspended from the ceiling and put into some trees made of curly willow that will have hanging votives. These pictures don't do these justice. I hope it all comes together

Unfortunately, this has left no time for scrapping. I am in withdrawals. Here are some things I did before going into full wedding mode.

HAPPY NAVIGATOR

This is Studio Calico's June Kit. Pics from our D.C. trip last summer

FARMER PHIL

Studio Calico's June Kit...pics from Mt. Vernon

A BOY AND HIS DOG

AMM June kit

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE

Studio Calico June Kit

4TH GRADE

Used Crate Paper on this. I came across this pic from Britton's 4th grade class and just wanted to scrap it. He looks so different now.

YOU ME GEORGE & MARTHA

AMM June Kit-photo from Mt. Vernon

SNAPSHOTS 2008

Studio Calico June Kit

THE RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS IS LOVE

AMM June Kit....loved this kit

OUR LOVE IS LIKE A SUNDAE...WITH A CHERRY ON TOP

Studio Calico June Kit

Britton went to football camp last week. He had such a great time and here is some of his fun. He went on and on about how great it was. Here he is with some new friends he made.

He's driving us nuts with the cell phone though. He's texting incessantly. How do you get them to stop texting and socialize for real? Agghh.

Don't have much else to say now because wedding decorations must continue.

Thank Heaven for Weekends!!!

2009-06-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

This has been a rough week. It's ok and I'll survive, but I am happy that it's Saturday and I'm sitting in my bed with a steaming cup of coffee, watching TV, surfin' the net and blogging.

Phil left early this morning to go see Indycar races. As a result, the girls are coming over tonight!! I need to finalize my menu and go to the store. I am headed for a pedicure, a car wash, to buy Sims 3, He's Just Not that Into You, a file box, paint to retouch my bedroom walls, a frame, a birthday present, a baby shower present, and two wedding presents. Agghhh...so much to do and so little time. I need to get off the computer and hop to it.

A few layouts I did this week

THE PERCH

using up my stash and some paper I bought at the LSS in Lufkin last month during Court. I think it's DCWV

THE BIG TEXAN

June AMM Kit. I love this kit and the star paper worked well for my pics from the Big Texan. I am not really in the mood for snow and winter layouts, but I am here and there trying to work my Colorado album

MY SWEET FAMILY

June AMM Kit-This was also a pic from The Big Texan in the giant rocking chair, but I love this of the three of us. Britton is at the age where it's hard to get him to cooperate for group photos.

Summer Lovin'

2009-05-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in two weeks. I think that's the longest I've gone since I started blogging, but it's been busy. I don't think anyone but my family looks at it though so it's ok. We went to the lake last weekend for Memorial Day. It was a lot of fun. We'll be going more now that school's out.

Speaking of...school was over Friday. Britton got some awards (A/B honor roll and perfect attendance) at the awards program at school. We're still trying to decide on a football camp. Otherwise, he's bummed he won't see his friends every day.

God willing, the sale of my house should close this week. I am praying it works out and closes. I have faith!! It will be a total relief. My dad blessed us with his truck, so now we can sell Phil's car and alleviate a car payment (even though we only have 1 year and 1/2 left). We should make some money that we can sock away.

We've been visiting a church here in Lumberton and have been loving it. Today was such a great service and it's the happiest I've seen Phil about going to church since we married. I am feeling so happy and optimistic.

We have right at a month left before the surgery. I am so excited, I could bust. I actually could be pregnant in the next few months. It's all up to the Lord, but I am praying for good things.

We've been working out and plan to go into the summer really working out hard. We'll see how that goes.

I have been so domestic lately. I've been making homemade everything. I need to post some of the recipes, but I am obsessed with allrecipes.com. I find so much stuff on there...I love it!!!

I have finally been able to scrap a little this past week and weekend. I was on a bit of a two week slump. Here are the layouts.

SMILE AND THE WORLD SMILES WITH YOU

I'M SPOILED ROTTEN

BENTLEY

LOVIN' LIFE

SO CUTE

Not much else to say. I am feeling really good, blessed and happy right now. After being in a bit of a funk for the last 8 months, the last 3 months have been pure joy and all the pieces of my puzzle are coming together.

Week in Review

2009-05-17T19:52:00.000-07:00

This last week was a doozy. Court week is always hard for me, but when it's in Lufkin, the back and forth is for the birds. To add to that, Phil was out of town so I had parent duty all by myself. Needless to say, I was glad for Court week to end and for Phil to be home. I've spent most of my weekend recuperating.

On the work front, I had so much faith restored in our bankruptcy system this past week. Hurricane Ike was so emotional for all of the residents of Southeast Texas who were affected by it. In our immediate area, Bridge City got the worst of it. The people who had the water in their homes have been through a lot, and the ones that were not classified flood zones and had no flood insurance, have really been through a lot. It's even affected people who work for the Court, so it's sensitive. Our trustee and Judge are in Tyler and have had no direct knowledge of the trauma. Anyway, without going into too much of a drawn out story, our Judge really championed for a family severely affected by Hurricane Ike and appeared none to happy with our trustee who argued an extremely insensitive position (at least in my opinion). It was very emotional. The Judge's staff cried throughout the hearing, the Debtor on the witness stand cried throughout the hearing, and it certainly affected me (and they weren't my clients...I was just an observer). I have not felt that much emotion in a hearing in my entire 10 years of practice, nor have I ever left a hearing feeling more proud of the job that I do.

On the home front, Phil is continuing to work in the yard. We've gotten the curtains hung in our bedroom and still need a piece of art and a mirror for our bedroom. We are having an ongoing argument regarding blinds versus roman shade versus a sheer. I have to figure all that out this week.

On the kiddo front, Britton is running for student council treasurer. We've been making posters, cards and helping with speeches.

On the family front, we went to see my dad's group Saturday night. They have a new keyboardist and vocalist. Really good. We totally enjoyed that.

On the scrappy front, I got a little scrappy time this weekend. Here's some recently completed layouts

THE VIEW

Studio Calico May kit

Some pretty Colorado pics

NASCAR WEEKEND

Studio Calico May Kit

Some pics of Phil's weekend with his Air Force buddy, Kevin

MY MAN

AMM May kit

Some pics from our anniversary

A MOTHER'S LOVE

AMM May kit

I also entered this in the Webster's Backside contest

A pic of me, mom, Granny and Mrs. Clark on Mother's Day

JUST US

Studio Calico May kit

Pic from our engagement photo shoot

D IS FOR MY DOG WAITING AFTER WORK

Studio Calico May kit

Just a little Annabelle layout

AT 36

Studio Calico May Kit

Layout about what's going on with me now

THE EXQUISITE LIFE...2 YEARS (& GOING STRONG)

AMM May Kit

Layout dedicated to my anniversary

On the pet front, anyone that knows me, knows that my little Annabelle LOVES me. She loves to be right where I am. While I was scrapping Saturday, she was sitting under my chair, with just her head sticking out. When Phil and Britton came home, this is the photo he snapped...thought it was cute.

Have a great week!

Is it Friday yet?

2009-05-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Is it??? Anyone? Unfortunately not...only Tuesday. This sucks!! Oh well, tomorrow is Wednesday at least. That is an improvement. I can't begin to describe all the ways that this week has sucked for me. Phil is out of town and it's Court week...in Lufkin...ick. I could go on with my issues, but I won't. I am really trying to focus on happy and positive things these days. Oh well.

Let's see. What has been going on in my life?

MAY 5, 2009-Well, my sweet Mr. Phil and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on May 5. It was such a happy day. Here is some then and now. We've had our ups and downs and things are better than ever. I look forward to each new day and adventure with him. He's my rock and supports me more than I ever could have asked for or imagined. I thank God every day for him.

MAY 5, 2007

MAY 10, 2009

(ok I forgot to take it on the 5th, but it's close enough)

MAY 8, 2009-Granny's Birthday. Granny celebrated her 84th birthday. All the grandkids and mom got together for a birthday lunch. Unfortunately, Granny isn't remembering anything these days and while she can converse, she has no short term memory. She didn't realize it was her birthday or that she was 84. She is still in relatively good health and gets around. She still has her sense of humor, but the memory part is really sad.

MAY 10, 2009-Mother's Day. I am also sharing some photos from Mother's Day...we took our moms and my granny to brunch, then to Donna's to celebrate with Mrs. Clark and then to dinner with my whole family. It was a lovely day and I am so happy for every year with these great ladies. I am also grateful that I get acknowledged on this day. I am just a step-mom, but have all the duties and responsibilities of full time motherhood. I am hoping by next year that I'll be a mom for real, but only time and Jesus knows if this will happen for us.

MOM & GRANNY

PHIL AND HIS MOM

ME AND MY MOMMA (MUD)

ALL THE MOMS

Just a cute pic of my sweetie on Sunday

Finally, some layouts I have finished...some for NSD and some I finished this past week. I have been feeling a little "mojoless" lately and have been relying on challenges, sketches, etc lately. When I get like this, I often just grab a stack of pics and paper and just make things happen. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I hate it. Most of these were made that way. Sorry if the topics of the layouts are redundant, but I grabbed a stack of pics and a lot were from the same stuff. It feels good to get some of it scrapped though.

HOMECOMING

This was the NSD Food Challenge at AMM. I had to use monochromatic paper, glitter, stitching, bling and journaling around something-I journaled around the stars.

FUTURE AIRMAN

Corrugated Cardboard challenge for NSD at AMM

I used my Pink Paislee that I've had and just not used for these pics I've been holding on when Phil and Britton went to the air show.

FIRE MAKER

This was for the technique challenge for NSD at AMM. I used an altered chipboard challenge. I painted, stickled and inked my chipboard to look like flames in this layout about Britton's firestarting abilities in Colorado. I used a piece of Sassafrass I've been hoarding and some Hambly scraps I love

P.S. I won this challenge...woo hoo!!

DURANGO TRAIN

This was for the Graphic 45 sketch challenge for NSD at AMM. I really love this layout. It was a fabulous sketch to work with. I cut out my papers tracing another shaped paper I had. I have been hoarding this Basic Grey and decided it was time to use it. I love these pics Phil took on the side of the road on our way out of Durango.

DURANGO PHOTO TIME

Just a random layout using some of my Making Memories Just Chillin' papers. It was an issue getting Britton to cooperate for photos on this trip...he's just at that age I guess. This was one of the ones we were able to get him to pose and smile for.

DURANGO NIRVANA

This was made with the Studio Calico May kit. Picture of our house in Durango and the view from it.

DUDE

Another layout with pics from the Air Show using Making Memories Just Chillin'

YOU MAKE THE CUTEST CRAZY FACES

Using the Studio Calico May kit and some additional embellies (Sassafrass Paper whimsies and Tim Holtz charms)...I must say I love the way this came out.

AIR SHOW SATURDAY

Another air show layout using my Pink Paislee

I am going to Court tomorrow and will probably update on Thursday or Friday, assuming something interesting happens or I have something to share.

Fleetwood Mac High

2009-05-03T19:30:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a pic from Britton's first shave. He is so excited about shaving. Pretty funny. He didn't want to attempt it until Phil gave him lessons.

Well, let me just say, that this is probably one of the most fun weekends I've ever had...EVER!! My husband took me to see Fleetwood Mac at the Toyota Center in Houston. There are a lot more pics, but here are a few. They aren't great because I had to use my little Sony Cybershot. There were no cameras allowed, so this was all I could sneak in. Had Phil worn his cargo pants we could have snuck the good one in. Oh well...our seats were really good and the band was fabulous. They are getting old but they didn't act or sound old...just a really great show.

Nic came and got Bentley on Friday and Evan and Britton left out around 8:30 Saturday morning. Phil and I headed out around 1, dropped off Annabelle to my mom and then went toward Houston. We got there around 3:00. We stayed at the Omni near the Galleria. Really nice hotel. We ran into Marshalls before we headed downtown. We picked up Liz and Renate and went to eat at Spaghetti Warehouse. Not my favorite, but I'm picky about my Italian food. From there we headed to the theater.

We saw so much stuck in the 70s fabulousness and ladies channeling their inner Stevie. So much fun. The band sang for about 2 1/2 hours.

We slept in this morning and headed home around 11 after a great lunch at Pappasitas. We picked up Annabelle and Britton and Nic had dropped off Bentley about 10 minutes before we got home. From there, just a nice relaxing evening.

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-01T17:32:00.001-07:00

I am so happy that today is Friday. As I type this I am completely alone at home while Phil has Britton and his bud at the movies. Nic and Cat came and picked up Bentley for the weekend. In the morning, I am dropping off Annabelle at mom's and Britton is going to Evans for the night and Phil and I will be off to Houston to see Fleetwood Mac. I can't wait.

This week has been an emotional roller coaster. First, PMS is killing me..I am crying one second, mad the next and feel like I weigh 200 lbs. Acckk. Monday, was dinner at moms with some folks from the church who had recent losses. It was a lovely evening full of laughs and reminiscing on old youth group events. I loved it.

Britton had TAKS Tuesday and Wednesday. Phil's been continuing to work in the yard and it's looking better and better every day. Loved American Idol this week...sad to see Matt go.

Tuesday, Phil rescued two kitties that Keri and her family decided to take. They are so cute and I hope to get a pic from her to share. They are probably only 4 weeks old and were living in his plant. They were going to get hurt if we didn't rescue them.

Britton had his first shave this week...it was so cute and I will upload a photo later along with a really cool You Tube video that I have come across.

Thursday was a little traumatic. I don't want to type it and it's probably dumb to anyone who heard the story, but I was sad. I also had to go to a visitation this week for a friend who has lost her daughter at the age of 34 to cervical cancer. This was really hard, but God is good and she's got more faith than I can imagine and is truly an inspiration. We were able to have dinner with Nic and Cat.

Friday was busy as normal but I was so busy it flew by. I am still not feeling well but want to try to scrap!!!

That's all for my totally random week in review. I will be back on Sunday with some pics and updates from my weekend!!!

The Lazy Blogger

2009-04-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

I really intend to update more than once a week...really. But I will fill in all the weeks details...First a layout. This comes from this week's scrapping the music challenge.

MADE 2 LOVE U

The full title says I was Made 2 Love U and be loved by you

In the bricks I filled in other lines from the song-I was made to love you; I was made to find you; I was made just for you; I was made to adore you. This is so how I feel about my Mr. Phil

I used Graphic 45 paper; vintage sheet music; Hambly scraps and some cut up SEI; Prima bling; Prima flowers; Maya Road Flower; and a HL flower sticker; AC Thickers and Carolee's tiny stickers

So, last weekend, it rained all weekend. While we did some things around the house, Phil threw out his back. He spent a lot of his time laying on the couch. I was doing laundry and was bringing it to him to fold for me. My Annabelle loves to lay in laundry more than anything. So she was going from one basket to the next. Then decides to roll over so we could rub her belly in the basket. Kind of cracks me up.

This past week was fabulous. It was a really good week though.

By Tuesday, Phil's back was on the mend. I got to have lunch with my folly Karen, had lunch with my mom and Granny on Wednesday (which we just don't get to do all that much). We've (well...Phil) been working on the yard throughout the week. Trying to pull up some plants that didn't survive the hurricane season/winter. He bought so much stuff yesterday and worked outside all day. I think it will be so pretty when he's done. We did a lot last year but the front yard is still a work in progress. This grass here though...sheesh...hopefully, we'll get it where it needs to be.

I spoke at a legal assistant's seminar on Friday. I got to wear my new dress from Marshall's and thought I looked pretty cute. I really get nervous speaking in public. I talk to fast and use my hands way to much...I so need to retake college public speaking. You'd think after 10 years of practicing law, it wouldn't bother me. They were a nice group. I think they were listening, and gave me a Barnes & Noble gift certificate to thank me. That's the first time I've spoken at a seminar and been given anything...so nice. Let me tell you, the lawyer's groups could take some lessons. These people had gift bags and they were doing door prizes with gift baskets...we are luck to get a pen at our seminars. Great experience for sure.

Me...I had a pedicure yesterday (so needed and wonderful) and went on the hunt for a steam mop. I finally settled on one at Bed Bath and Beyond (the Shark brand). It's working marvelously and I don't want to talk about my floors...wow!!! I went to the mall and had my phone updated and got a new cover. I bought Britton some new swim shorts and bought some Super Snooze from Vitamin World.

That's all for now..til next time...

An Eventfully Scrappy Weekend

2009-04-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

After my last post, I have just had a busy week. Not so bad since I was able to leave work at decent times this week. Britton went to Evan's Friday night so Phil & I had a pseudo date night. The weather was horrible so we just went and ate a bite and came home and watched a movie. Saturday morning, we went to Lowe's and got hardware for the bathroom and I got a really cool mushroom for the garden (will take pics later). We wanted to get a few more things for the bathroom and bedroom but the bottom fell out and here came the weather. It was AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!! Rained all day and night. We got our carpets and rugs clean in the living room. However, Phil did something to his back and he's been laid up ever since. So much so, he hasn't been off the couch in 24 hours. I hope to goodness it gets better soon...geez!!!

As a result, I've scrapped my little heart out. I took out a stack of photos and went for it. I have had so much fun. I have used my own mojo and many sketches to get a bunch done. Here are my layouts...sorry for all the photos.

BADLANDS OVERLOOK

Susan's Handcut Challenge at AMM

based on an April Page Maps sketch

While on our road trip home from Colorado, while driving through New Mexico, we saw a sign for the Badlands Overlook and decided to go see it. It was so stunning.

ANNABELLE

based on April Page Maps sketch

I love this photo of Annabelle from Christmas. I used some of the new Sassafrass papers and embellishments. I bought this paper not knowing what I would possibly do with it but I think this came out cute.

ALL STAR

based on April Page Map sketch

Photos from Britton's football season. This was made from a lot of scraps

DAILY COMEDY

Last Week's catalyst from Creative Therapy

I used AMM's April kit

I used some extra photos I had from our D.C. trip

The layout is about how my husband always makes me laugh

CRAZY FACE

Pic of Britton from out Colorado vacation. He's really not into pics too much these days so he likes to make silly faces instead of smiling for me.

BEAUTIFUL EARTH

This is based on a sketch from the 52 sketches in 52 weeks blog

Another layout with photos from Badlands Overlook

PUPPY LOVE

Just a little layout with some cute pictures of Annabelle

MY D.C. MEMORIES

AMM April kit

This was based on this week's Got Sketch #80

OPRAH WUZ HERE

Photo of a photo of Oprah in Durango. They had gone through Durango when on their road trip. They did the old timey photo and left the photo with the store (I believe it was autographed)

HOW CUTE AM I?

AMM April kit

This week's Pencil Lines sketch

MY DELIGHTFUL FAMILY

April Page Maps Sketch

This was the remainder of the April AMM kit and some left over Pink Paislee

Oh yeah, my hubby decided to take me to see Fleetwood Mac for our anniversary. I wanted to get tickets a while back but he said it was too expensive, but he changed his mind!!! I am so excited.

I guess that's all for now. I have some cute Annabelle and Bentley pics to share but I will save those for another time.

Hump Day

2009-04-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I am really tired this week. I want the week to end. I am watching American Idol, waiting to see if they are going to save Matt and finishing my Scrap-Tastic American Idol final challenge layout. I am wondering if I should do a new one.

Here it is...The challenge was to do a 2 page layout and making up a song to the tune of an existing song. Mine was set to My Darling Clementine...Cheesy Pictures, Cheesy Pictures, Cheesy Pictures, I love you, Standing in Front of Big Buildings, How I love you cheesy pics. The other technique was to use masking without using a real mask. I used shaped chipboard and glimmer mist for the flower and butterfly. I then did a masking technique in the title with paint and glimmer mist.

CHEESY PICTURES

Well, I am happy. They just saved Matt...I am a very happy camper. He is such a good singer and one of my favorites!!!! Hopefully, he'll get out of the bottom 3 next week. Next week is Disco Week. I will be very happy for that.

Good Week

2009-04-13T18:53:00.001-07:00

Last week was my Court week and was extremely busy. I worked very hard and it all came together really well (for a change).

I managed to get one layout done last week (pic of Phil from our honeymoon):

YOU AT SUNSET

based on a Pencil Lines Sketch

I love how this turned out and I basically just used scraps with my pretty piece of Crate Paper die cut paper.

It was a great Easter Weekend. I had to do creditor meetings on Friday. I wasn't crazy about working on my day off but what can you do? I did get to do some shopping though. Phil and I were able to have a date night Friday night. We finally watched Fireproof. All I can say is WOW!!! How moving.

I spent Saturday at Donna's helping Erica plan her wedding and then we all went to Vautreaux's for dinner. I came home and started reorganizing the scrap space. Finished that Sunday morning.

Then Sunday, to church and then to my mom's for Seafood Easter dinner. It was very good, and a great Easter despite the icky weather.

We came home and I did this layout for the Page Maps Blog sketch contest sponsored by My Mind's Eye. What's On Your Mind? I did a layout about all the thinking I do when I am doing my daily commute. The Journaling reads "I love to drive and think-think and drive. My commute allows me to clear my head."

DRIVIN' IN MY CAR

I woke up this morning and checked and discovered that my Timeless Beauty layout is Layout of the Week at Scrap-Tastic. I am so excited. It came out better than I could have imagined. I had to go to Galveston this morning for a hearing. I drove there via Crystal Beach. My oh my...I haven't been since Hurricane Ike. It was devastating. I took my camera and couldn't even take a picture. It was just entirely too sad. There is nothing left...and I mean NOTHING. One of the saddest things I saw was an empty space where a church was and all they have now is a tent. I wanted to rejoice, because at least they go on and have church anyway. I was inspired and blessed by that.

Anyway, Galveston appears to be recovering nicely, which is good. I hope we have a mild hurricane season this year.

2009-04-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Whew...I've been busy this weekend. Friday morning I woke up to run to the store, throw London Broil in the crock pot for dinner with Liz, Renate and Mrs. Clark. I came home and did the side dishes and lemon pie. It was very good and a good time was had by all.

Saturday, got my hair done, then Phil and I went to lunch at Applebees and to Target. Britton was at a birthday party so we picked him up and then I started painting. I'm on to the third color of my faux finishing...it's coming along so well. Then Phil and I just relaxed.

Today, I have spent a long time readying my American Idol layout. The challenge was Composition. Basically, use a black and white photo, use design principles to create a layout. Here it is:

Here is a cute snapshot of Bentley from this morning. He loves being scratched behind his ears and he almost smiles every time. It is so funny.

I am off to work to ready stuff for Court. I am not making it to the store or painting, but I guess on to that this week.

Wacky Wednesday - Hump Day

2009-04-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Let me begin by saying, that I have terrible PMS. This may be too much info, but I am a blubbering idiot. I have cried my eyes out for days...over nothing...over stupid stuff. I hate this but oh well.

On the good news front, I've made to week/Challenge 6 of the Scrap-tastic.com American Idol contest. I am so excited.

Here are some layouts I've done this week amidst getting ready for Court and pms.

My Dear

I used left over pictures from the American Idol contest and some web-site's sketch. I don't remember who though, but this isn't my design. I am noticing my title didn't photograph too well.

GOOFBALL

These are some papers I received from a contest a while back and have tried to figure what to do with them. I mixed them with some Colorbok and Pink Paislee chipboard, Creative Imaginations stickers and Basic Grey rubons.

As promised, here are pics from Britton's track season, which is now over. We're on the countdown til the end of the school year. Woo Hoo...here comes summer.

I just finished watching American Idol. I am quite happy Megan got eliminated. I thought she should have gone home last week before Michael Sarver but oh well. I just love this show.

Another Weekend Come and Gone

2009-03-29T17:29:00.001-07:00

I have been scrapping up a storm this past week. I have been cranking them out. I do really well with kits. I can scrap so much faster.

SUN & FUN-AMM March kit

pic from my honeymoon

MT. VERNON-AMM March kit

from our D.C. vacation this past summer

JUST ME-5 THINGS NOW

Design Team Challenge at AMM

I used some stash for this-older papers that have been lying around. It's all pink and green which I just don't use too often.

YOU MAKE LOVE FUN

American Idol Week 5

The challenge was to pick a decade and a song and make your layout that personifies that song and decade. You must also stitch. I picked You Make Lovin' Fun by Fleetwood Mac (1977). I used the yellow, green, orange and brown color combo to make it 70s-esque. I also used the polaroid photo program to "polaroid-ize" my photos to age them some.

MY EXPLORER-AMM March kit

Can you tell how much I like this kit

D.C. FUN-AMM March kit

CALEB...PLEASE SMILE

I love this photo and have not known how to scrap it. I just pulled it out, took the Kraft paper and used my scraps to layer it. The layout just happened from there. It came together really quickly. I think it's pretty cool.

Britton's track meet got rained out on Thursday so we were able to come home and watch American Idol and watch poor Michael Sarver get voted off (boo hoo). Oh well, Phil and I took off Friday to see a doctor in Houston about perhaps making children a possibility. Things are very positive. I am cautiously optimistic. Britton got to go to the fair with his teen leadership program. He had fun. We get back and find out that there are tornado warnings everywhere. Thankfully, it didn't affect us.

We had Caleb over. Saturday morning, Phil and Britton went out and ran errands. We then worked in our bathroom to get it all painted. Britton had a birthday party and Phil and I enjoyed a night out.

This morning, I began the process of faux finishing my bathroom. So far, so good. Better get back to it.

2009-03-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

I guess being under the weather, I have not had my scrappy mojo. I put away all of my new supplies. I have ordered SOOOOO much stuff as of late, it's ridiculous. My paper holders are overflowing. Chant...must stop buying, must stop buying. I need less buy, more scrap. The good news...I've not bought one thing this week. That is good.

Here are a few new layouts.

MY BABIES-AMM MARCH KIT

These two are sort of starting to get along. They are just so cute

CHILLAXIN'

These are some pictures I have from last summer. I loved this Fancy Pants paper and I just got it. I also went kind of crazy buying the Sassafrass embellies and thought these went well.

I am gearing up for Court in two weeks. I actually feel like progress has been made this week, so I am feeling good so far. I have a long way to go to be ready, but I am feeling good today so I'll go with it. I have been so overwhelmed with my job and where I'm going, but I know I will get it all figured out. I pray anyway.

I need to edit and post some photos of Britton running track. We got some good ones at the track meet last week. I guess that's all for now.

Sunday Update

2009-03-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

Not much to tell. I have had no voice and have been coughing with drainage. This weekend, I've been completely wiped out and have had no energy. I finally got up enough to photograph Easter project 5 and do my layout for the American Idol contest.

EASTER PROJECT 5

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DIVA

This weeks challenge was to bling it out and stamp on the layout. I used 2 pieces of glittery paper, I cut out flowers and stickled them, I stamped and glittered part of the title and used glitter thickers for the rest. I accented with prima crystals. I also stamped the journal spot and stickled the edges.

Not much else to report.

Early A.M. Blogging

2009-03-17T03:40:00.000-07:00

For some crazy reason, I have been suffering with a little insomnia the last few nights. Phil is having respiratory issues so the snoring hasn't helped my problem. I will have to get some more sleep tonight or I will just cry. I got wet Sunday trying to get to the car in the pouring down rain so my sore throat is still lurking. I am feeling better though.

Thankfully, I felt a little better Sunday and finished my American Idol layout and a layout for a challenge at A Million Memories and even started another, which I hope to finish tonight. I also did a really cute Easter Banner that I still need to photograph.

Here is my American Idol Layout. The challenge was to scraplift a design team member and use three embellishments. I am really happy with this.

You're All I Need to Get By

Here is my challenge for A Million Memories, the "Algebra" Challenge. The challenge was to use black, white and one other color.

Me and My Man

This didn't photograph the best as it was raining, I wasn't feeling so well. I am noticing that I am using a ton of black and red on my layouts lately. I chalk it up to Valentine's. Further, I have used a ton of pictures we took on Valentine's and we were wearing black and red so there ya go.

Not AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

Once again...I have a stupid sore throat. I feel awful. I have been in bed all day. I slept very little last night. I am emotional and feeling very sorry for myself. The minute the weather changes, I get sick...every time. I managed to change my sheets and dust. I am trying to gear up to vacuum and scrap. That's all I would possibly be up to, and I'm not sure I would be up for that but we'll see.

I made it to Round 3 in the American Idol Contest. I am pretty excited about it. This week's challenge is to scraplift a design team member and use 3 types of embellishments. I haven't decided on what I'm doing, but I need to get it in gear...wish I felt better.

I have been Easter crafting like a maniac. Here are the latest creations:

EASTER PROJECT 3

I am not quite through with the big egg. It's a two piece box. I used various pastel, springy scraps to make this. I also used various ribbons and stickled it up, which the pictures don't really show. I have some grass and I want to add some paper flowers and eggs to it. I will work on it this week.

EASTER PROJECT 4

I love the house. It is part inspired by scrapper Katie Watson and the tutorial she shared at Christmas time and some that I saw at Marshall's this week. I probably should go buy one of theirs since I likely won't have time to make another and think three make a better village than one. We'll see. I used Basic Grey paper and various ribbons. I made the roof out of the inside of the cardboard box. It is also very glittery and again the pictures don't reflect that.

I have to finish my Easter garland/banner. I am obsessed with making garlands/banners. I should hopefully finish it tomorrow and can share it as well. Then all I will have left to make are my paper Easter eggs.

Finally, I want to share a pic of my sweet hubby and the babies.

Day Off Recap

2009-03-11T04:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was day off for me...I had things to do that are just too hard to do during the lunch hour and after work. I so wish I could figure out how to work part time at the same money or work from home. Oh well. I did determine after an hour in Marshall's that I could never spend my day with screaming children. Maybe if they were mine.

I had to do 341s first thing in the morning. Not so bad. Then, off to take Britton to see Dr. Haak for an Adderall refill. We discovered he's grown two inches and gained 20 lbs since August. Not because he's chubby as he's as thin as ever. He's growing and filling out and starting to look like a man.

We were off to Applebees for lunch and dessert. Then to Marshall's to return a few things and got Britton some new shorts and a shirt and a new basketball. We then ran to my office to get a few things I forgot for the accountant, to get gas, to the accountant.

Our final stop was at Academy to get Britton his kick boxing bag for his birthday. His birthday was on Valentine's. He told us he wanted workout stuff. We wanted to see what he got from the other family members, and then to go to Academy. Since he started track, we've been busy during the week and have had some crazy weekends. Our garage has been a mess so it wouldn't matter anyway. His speed bag and kick bag should go up this week. I am actually pretty excited about this too. He also got a new pair of Pumas...pretty cool shoes.

I went home to reorganize my pantry. I then got on hands and knees and scrubbed the pantry floor Everything looks so good, I am taking a picture this evening.

We had leftovers and watched American Idol. Everyone is so good, I can't wait to see the results tonight. I am predicting Meghan and Anoop to go home tonight. I have no idea, just my guesses.

Anyway, time to get ready for work.

Easter Project 2

2009-03-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, two posts in one day, but I wanted to go ahead and post the pics of my second Easter project...my mini Easter house. I used a Maya Road chipboard house. I used Heidi Swapp and Making Memories papers.

back of the house

Right Side

Left Side

Front

Another Week Down

2009-03-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's Sunday. Another week down, and we begin Spring Break. We're not going anywhere this time though.

Wednesday night was Jeff Dunham. That was just a great show. I have to admit, I have always loved ventriloquists, but my husband and I do not have the same sense of humor. So, I have resisted watching the specials and DVDs not thinking it would be funny. I agreed to go to the show since everyone else was going (yeah yeah with the peer pressure). I have not laughed that hard in a very long time. After the week I've had, it was so worth it.

Thursday, Britton had a track meet. He's been rocking the pole vault, and I am so sad I missed it.

Friday was another day at work. I went to Hobby Lobby and found the lamps I wanted for my bedroom and a frame I needed at Michael's. My bedroom is coming together nicely. I still need a mirror, a few pieces of art, curtains and new fabric to reupholster my chairs...a little every day. I also bought some things to make Easter crafts.

Saturday, we went to the Estate sale of one of the houses in our neighborhood, Hobby Lobby to pick up my lamps. I scrapped a little and made this:

Today we sprang forward. I am so happy it will be daylight for longer. I finished my American Idol layout. This week was unplugged. No premade embellishments or patterned paper. Here is what I came up with:

I Heart Belly Rubs

I took Kraft cardstock and a butterfly mask. I sprayed it with Glimmer Mist and then took the different colors of Glimmer Mist and sprayed it until I got the desired effect. After it was dry, I covered the outer edges with the lighter shade. I used a flourish stamp and Platinum Versa Mark ink to stamp the left side and a part of the right side. I used my Slice to cut out my letters and my heart. I stamped the letters, inked them with pink ink. I stickled the outer edge of the heart with pink and black. I also stickled around the edge of my butterfly mask. I took three different pieces of card stock, wadded them and inked them up to go behind the photo. Finally, I cut the butterfly, sprayed it with Sea Glass Glimmer Mist and stickled around the edge. The pictures don't really do the sheen justice. Hopefully, I'll make it another week.

I've decorated a chipboard house for Easter and am continuing on with my decorations...will take pictures as I progress.

Tuesday Update

2009-03-03T18:22:00.001-08:00

I have no intention of only being a once a week blogger, but I'm doing what I can do this week. Last week was just all about Court prep. I worked late, etc. Friday night, Phil and I had a little date night, which was nice. Britton went to his friends house. I got my hair done Saturday (need to shoot a pic), a pedicure and eyebrow wax (nothing like some pampering). I then came home and worked on scrubbing the tile in my bathroom with the sonic scrubber we found at Walmart. Sunday, I worked all day and worked til 7:30 on Monday. I am worn out and ready to enjoy the remainder of my week.

Tomorrow is Court day and I've just had enough for this month. I am so needing a vacation right now and am not getting one.

Here is a layout I have done for the American Idol contest at Scrap-Tastic.com.

The Challenge was to pick a song and personify it in a layout. Then you had to use 10 different pieces of patterned paper and no cardstock. The cardstock prohibition was easy as I'm not into cardstock on the whole. I chose the song Lucky by Jason Mraz. I really like the song, and for me lucky equals green. I decided to make the layout a bit monochromatic. To make all the different patterned paper cohesive, I stamped on my squares. Anyway, hopefully I made it through to the next round. So far, a fun competition.

Tomorrow night we are going to Jeff Fafa Dunham...the puppet guy. We are so excited, so I definitely will not be blogging tomorrow night. I am hoping to be able to get some pictures. I hope they won't have any weird flash photography rules.

Another Week

2009-02-24T04:11:00.000-08:00

Phil and I had a fun overnight jaunt to Houston, Cypress to be exact. We went to the Premium Outlet Mall. It was a pretty nice little mall, with some pretty good stores. Thankfully, not too good so we didn't come back poor. I bought a Juicy Couture outfit and a Coach wallet and key chain. Phil bought some shirts and jeans, and we bought Britton some shoes and a pair of shorts.

Speaking of Coach, I about went into a coma at that store. I like the Coach brand to begin with. However, I'm kind of cheap. I only buy on sale normally. Over the summer, I bought a new Coach bag at the Marine Exchange in Arlington. I was so excited, because it was about $70 cheaper than retail. At this outlet, they were 20%-50% off the outlet price (which was about $30 cheaper than retail). I was a happy happy happy gal. I ended up not buying a bag since I had only bought one 7 months ago. I am trying to save money and buy less, especially stuff I don't need. I was good.

Here are some layouts I did over the weekend for the Scrap-Tastic American Idol crop, where I also found out I'm a finalist in the American Idol Contest. This will be fun...I love all things American Idol, particularly when it is scrap related. This crop was good. I have dug out some papers I haven't used that I've needed to, and have been putting out some quick layouts. I have been happy with how they turned out though.

Rockin' my 13th Birthday

This is for a scraplift challenge

LOVE IS

The Challenge was to use the lyrics to the John Lennon song Love as inspiration and acrylic paint. This one is kind of crazy for me. I had some Carolee's Love paper I cut up, I used my Wal-Mart doilies that I painted and embellished and then used the words to the song for the journaling.

HAPPY

The challenge here was to take a picture of two pieces of patterned paper, cardstock, a pen, chipboard, one picture and acrylic paint and letter stickers. Then the challenge was to make a layout with those things only. Here we go. This was scary because I used paper for my Winter Wonderland Class. Thankfully, I had some extra of both pieces of patterned paper.

DOWNTIME

Music Challenge-Use Metal (my brad), Unique handwriting (I journaled by hand), Stars (the paper has stars in the chair), Ink (I inked the edges), Chipboard (thickers)

WASHINGTON D.C.

Hollywood Challenge-use two different kinds of bling. I stickled my chipboard in yellow & green to make it mimic the paper and used glitter thickers. I also have a glitter sticker in the bottom right corner

CLOSER

The challenge was to use three different song titles

Bluebonnets

The challenge here was to scrap about a friend using hearts and flowers

Quick Little Saturday Update

2009-02-21T08:47:00.001-08:00

Just a quick update. Last night we went to dinner with the Clarks for my mother-in-law's 78th birthday. A good time was had by all. I made a really good chocolate cake from my Hershey's cookbook.

Phil and I are headed to Houston in a bit for a belated Valentine's celebration, but I wanted to participate in some Scrap-Tastic Cyber Crop Challenges before we went. Here are a few photos from it.

I Love Family Photos

Have a great weekend.

Winter Wonderland

2009-02-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

I have been knee deep in my Winter Wonderland book. I was going to use pictures from Colorado, but decided to use pictures from our one snow day instead. This is not typically how I would do acrylic, but I am loving it. Here is my completed cover.

This is a Prima acrylic album. The cover was painted white around the edges, then embossed with silver and silver stickled around the edges. The back was lined with patterned paper. I used a rub on in the top right corner. I had a snowflake ornament, that I used the snow stuff you can buy at Michael's, so it's very dimensional. I sprinkled glitter on it then sealed with Glossy Accents. I stickled and layered my prima flowers and attached them.

I am documenting this week in pictures...following my routine...focusing on things I love...whether I just love or love to hate. I have not felt very much like taking pictures, so I need to get on the stick.

Yeah American Idol...so happy with the top 3 tonight. The dude Michael from Jasper made it through. I can't tell you how happy I am.

Hello Tuesday

2009-02-17T17:43:00.000-08:00

Today started off with a bang. The alarm either didn't go off or Phil didn't set it or turned it off or something, but we overslept. We woke up at 7...he got ready so fast and flew out the door in 5 minutes...I had a little more time, but I was late...of course.

I have not felt just so well. My stomach has been a little upset for the last week. Nothing agrees with me and I've just felt icky.

I had a pretty decent day with nice clients, this is always good. I had to go to the grocery store at lunch, which is so my favorite thing to do, particularly in heels. Then, ate lunch at my desk, searching medical stuff on the Internet.

I had to leave work a few minutes early to go get Britton from track practice. I did not realize that he was needing to be picked up from the high school. Now, trekking all over Lumberton is no big deal unless it is 5:00 and then the traffic is horrendous. It took me 10 minutes to go 2 miles.

Phil had a work dinner, so Britton and I have hung out making spaghetti and watching American Idol. I'm pretty excited since Michael Sarver, our hometown boy is singing tonight. We will be voting as soon as it's over.

I am taking the Winter Wonderland Class at A Million Memories. Here is what I've done so far. I am a little behind but will catch up.

Here is a layout for a challenge at A Million Memories to use up your leftover letters. I could do 18 challenges for this with all the leftover letters I had. This is this weeks Pencil Lines sketch. I made the bracket out of my letters. To make the colors work a little better, I inked them up. I used some of my new Graphic 45 papers. I just love them.

Valentine Update

2009-02-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

Just a small update with some pictures from Britton's party. But first...a layout

NAP TIME

We were trying to get a new photo for my new Love Frame

This is what 13 looks like

Sleeping Boys

The birthday party

HAPPY VALENTINE'S BIRTHDAY BRITTON

2009-02-14T21:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Little Man!!!! 13....WOW. I am so proud of you and the young man you are. I am so glad you had a great birthday party.

I need to upload some photos from the party and of you on your special birthday.

Happy Valentines to my sweetest Valentine. He sent me some beautiful roses yesterday and he and Britton got me some bath and body stuff and two movies (romantic of course)-Grease and Say Anything...I am so excited. We took Britton and his friend out to eat and to the movies. They went and saw Mall Cop and we saw Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was so good. I read the book a few years ago and just loved it.

All in all a great Valentines.

My new comforter came in yesterday. I bought some pillows and candle holders, etc over the week. It is looking so good. I will snap some pictures once we have our artwork hung. I have ordered some pictures and am shopping for a mirror. It is coming along so good.

I didn't get any scrapping done today. I hope to do some tomorrow. I need to work on a spring time banner for the living room...maybe I'll do one for St. Patrick's day...we'll see.

Valentine Countdown

2009-02-11T19:31:00.000-08:00

For us, Valentine's Day is all about Britton and his birthday. Yup...he's going to be the big 13--A teenager!!! He is growing to be such a fine young man. Phil plans to take him out Saturday and talk to him about manhood and what it means to be a man. I am so happy I married someone so interested in being such a wonderful father, and he is. I just admire him to no end.

I have been scrapping away with my AMM February kit. I just loved it, and only have a little bit of paper, ribbon and the rubons left. It was just so much fun.

Here are a few more things I've made since the last update.

LAZY BONES

Annabelle loves to sleep...she loves to sleep on top of the couch.

You Hold the Key 2 My Heart

This is for the Scrapbook Deals 4 U website. I loved this week's challenge and my kit worked perfectly.

Weekend Scrappies

2009-02-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

As busy as this weekend was, I got a little scrapping time in. After the funeral, we took the boys to the mall and looked for bedspreads, and ate at Logan's. Britton got a haircut and a new hat. After we got home, I got a little more scrap time in while Phil and Britton watched a movie.

My Love, My Valentine

I made this using my February AMM kit

I am digging my new crackle paint. This is the metallic

I Love You More than Pink Frosted Donuts with Sprinkles

I made this using February AMM kit.

Laundry Love

Made using the February AMM kit

Happy Birthday Card

This was made for Phil's Aunt Mary...she turned 80

I mainly used Graphic 45 scraps. I loved this paper so much, I couldn't part with it.

Bungee

I made this using a 2 page February Page Maps sketch

After church, we went to Kohl's and found the bedspread we wanted, but they didn't have the size we needed. I figured I could find it online when I got home, and thank heaven they still had it. So, in a few days, this is what will be coming to my house:

I will need to find new lamps, draperies, and pillows...I didn't buy all the accessories so it wouldn't be so matchy matchy. We rearranged the furniture and will be having some pictures developed and framed. I need to take an updated picture since the painting is completed. Our room is looking so good though.

Biggest Scrap Loser Contest

2009-02-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

I decided to participate in a contest to use up my scrap stash at scrapbookdeals4u.com. It's been fun. Here are my 4 layouts so far.

SNOW ANGEL (week 2)

BENTLEY (week 3)

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME (week 1)

FOREVER LOVE (week 4)

Thankful for Restful Weekends

2009-02-07T05:42:00.001-08:00

I am so happy it is the weekend. I have had a rough week. After working last weekend, making two trips to Lufkin for a rough Court week, creditor meetings, etc., I am happy for a restful weekend. Mr. Maida, Sr. died this week so I attended the vigil last night and will attend the funeral today. He lived a long life, but funerals are always a sad thing. He was a sweet man and I hope he's hanging out playing cards in Heaven. Frank has done really well, but I know how sad their family is.

I have been able to scrap a little bit this week. Here are a few layouts. I completed an Annabelle album this week. Here is the last layout for it.

Stinky Dinky

This is one of my many nicknames for Annabelle. I used some of my new Forrest Friends paper and some scraps from my stash.

I am also working on my 2008 year in review album. Throughout the year, I did monthly calendar layouts from a tutorial I got from A Million Memories. I am going month by month and doing a layout with pictures for each month to coordinate. I am up to the month of June.

Smile Right

As I said before, Phil has been painting our bedroom. Our furniture has been moved out and about trying to get everything done. We moved our comforter and pillow shams into the living room and set it in the chair. Bentley has thought it was cool to snuggle into the covers. It was so cute, we had to snap it (and one of Annabelle too).

I guess that is all for now. We are keeping Caleb this weekend so we'll have boys to entertain. Have a lot to do to get our bedroom finished up this weekend. I have to do some comforter shopping and shampoo the carpet. I will snap some photos when I am done.

Have a great weekend.

2009-02-03T19:39:00.000-08:00

I have been scrapping away. I haven't shown much lately though. Here are a few recent layouts. As busy as I've been with work, amazingly I have had a little scrap time

Snow Day

this was from the one day of snow we've had in 10 years.

I like how this one turned out

Lucky Strike

this was a layout from a recent family bowling night

Landscape

My 2008 month in review book...layout from May

Best Buds?

This is not my favorite, but a little layout with Bentley and Annabelle

Speaking of Annabelle, she got her hair cut...really short. I would have liked it a little longer, but she's sassy and cute. As usual. She was so cute last night snuggled up in Britton's jacket.

That is all for now...gotta get to bed...have to go to Lufkin for Court in the morning.

Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me

2009-01-31T18:33:00.000-08:00

Yup....I'm sick. I started to take a picture of myself with the photo booth on my camera, but oh but no. I look like death...well, maybe not death, but REALLY BAD. I think I am coming down with the flu. Last night Phil and I were watching movies and I was transferring pictures to my external hard drive. I thought I was going to just pass out. I could barely keep my eyes open. I just figured I was so tired from the stress of the week.

This morning I woke up feeling ok but a sore throat. I went to work and it was so cold in the building, I didn't get warm all day. I sneezed, my nose ran, etc. As the day wore on, I just felt worse and worse. I am running a little fever and am waiting on Phil to come home with dinner.

I am just pitiful. I am feeling sorry for myself and am crying at the drop of a hat...poor, poor, pitiful me. I am a country music song.

So Many Pictures...So Many Scrappy Supplies...Not Enough Time

2009-01-29T19:55:00.000-08:00

It never fails, I want to scrap and use up my supplies and scrap all my pictures, and work just gets in the way...acckk!! I have been pretty scrappy lately though. I have been scrapping almost every night.

Here are some of my more recent creations:

Well, other than working up a storm and trying to keep everybody fed at my house, we've all been very diligent in watching American Idol. I am glad all the auditions are over and we'll be getting to see the Hollywood eliminations next week. This is my absolute favorite, and I wait from the minute the show ends for January to roll around again.

That's all for now...good night

Snapshot of My Life

2009-01-27T18:54:00.001-08:00

I have decided to play along with Snapshot of My Life. This seemed more manageable than 365, which I would never manage. Anyway, last week was my week and here are my layouts from that week.

The Cover

The first page...tells a little about me

Page 2

Cover for January

January - layout 1

I have another layout from week one that I need to upload. Also, I need to make an envelope and folder with some clippings from the paper, etc. Last week was so historic. Great week to document, although the week's theme was Routine. Last week was anything but.

Here is another layout I did, using my January kit from A Million Memories. These were some left over pictures I had from the weekend last spring when Phil's sister, Diane and her family were in from Chicago. They don't all get together too often so it is pretty special when it happens.

This will be a crazy week for me. Court is next week, so the week will be spent in preparation. I will likely have to work this weekend. Oh well.

On another note, as an update from Sunday, we found Bentley...across the highway. It is a miracle we found him, but so grateful. Therefore, since he continues digging under our fence, we have ordered an electric fence that will prevent him from getting out.

Lazy Weekend

2009-01-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

What a lazy weekend. I guess the way I sat in my chair on Friday has caused some tension, because I've felt a little strain from my neck to my shoulder blades...that's not been real pleasant.

Phil and I took the Britton and his friend bowling Friday night...that was fun.

Saturday, I went to visit my hairdresser (thank heaven) then home to pick up a little and to scrap. We have been trying out paint colors for our bedroom and are about to get it narrowed down. I have in mind that I want a lavender paint that is really more grey than lavender (so as not to be too feminine). We thought we had it decided and then decided that the color was way too purple. So, we tried the other color we had been looking at and think we have a winner. I had originally painted on poster board then decided before we purchased, we better put some on the wall. I am so glad we did that. The color looks completely different painted on sheet rock than on paper.

Anyway, I pretty much scrapped the rest of the day. Today we are trying to get to the paint store (we got delayed because Bentley has run off again...he loves to dig under the fence...and is being a little stubborn about hiding). We think he's in someone else's yard, it's just a matter of figuring out whose.

If we make it, we'll probably do some painting this afternoon and I hopefully will get some more scrap time in.

Here are some pictures of projects from this week:

And a few pictures from this week:

It's 6:00 a.m. and I must be dreaming...

2009-01-23T04:29:00.000-08:00

I don't know about this early morning blogging, but I was in late last night and we have plans this evening...so here we go. Work has been a little slow this week, but I have so much catching up to do and getting ready for Court on the 4th so been busy busy. I worked til about 7:30 last night. I forgot to look at my calendar, so I have no real idea what I have on my plate today appointment wise. I hate that.

We have narrowed down a few colors for painting our bedroom. We'll see how it goes. I am going at lunch to get a few quarts to try out over the weekend. We are going to clean our bedroom carpet and go over the closet one more time. I know I've already said it, but it feels so good to purge.

I have had such a struggle trying to find a female doctor. When I joined onto Phil's insurance, I no longer had my own. My doctor does not accept Tri-Care. The majority of the ob/gyns in Beaumont are in this same group. I have called 4 other doctors...none take my insurance. There are two or three that do take it, but I haven't heard of them and am having a really hard time getting information on these doctors. I am afraid that I will have to go to Houston just to see a doctor. This has had me on the edge a little this week.

UPS has been trying to deliver our X-Box (oh joy) that's been getting repair over the last few weeks. We have to go pick it up has UPS requires ours signature and come during the day. What happened to the days of taking it and letting your neighbor sign for it?

Oh well...I will be uploading some pics from the week later tonight or tomorrow and am trying to finish up on a Valentine's project I've been working on.

Simplification is Bliss

2009-01-22T04:17:00.000-08:00

No blog post for yesterday. This week has been just great (yes, I am being sarcastic). In an effort to simplify and not have such a disjointed home, Phil and I have been cleaning out our closet and drawers. I had about 7-8 bags of clothes and shoes that went to Goodwill last weekend and after cleaning out the dresser and chest, we gathered two more bags.

My Beaumont house (pre-marriage) had 1900 square feet with 3 walk in closets. It didn't require me getting rid of clothes. I have done two clean outs (one before the wedding and one after) and we were still just overrun. I went ruthless with the clean out. It feels really great to be rid of the stuffed drawers and closets and actually be able to see what I have.

We cleaned the carpet in the closet Tuesday night. We will be doing our bedroom this weekend as soon as we have put away some of the stuff we have pulled out during the drawer clean out. I also need to go get some paint samples...we're planning on repainting our bedroom and bathroom and just doing an overall re-decorate.

Since the house was new when we bought it, all the walls are beige...thankfully, they weren't white, but completely neutral all the same. I need a little color. I think that will help this house feel more like a home.

Britton has had a pretty easy week at school...not too much homework. He's enjoyed being able to relax and watch TV and play with his dog in the evenings. Speaking of, Bentley is doing just great. We have to fix a spot under the fence where he has dug a hole and keeps trying to escape, but he's just the sweetest and is starting to take to us.

I have been working on a little Valentine project that I hope to finish up this evening, but we'll see.

Time to get ready for work.

P.S. I was proud of our new President yesterday in freezing salaries of congress.

Embrace the Routine

2009-01-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

I have decided to follow along with A Snapshot of my Life 2009 (http://scrappingangelsuk.typepad.com/a_snapshot_of_my_life_200/). This month's prompt is all about routine and capturing your routine. I will upload pics later, but this is so interesting to me as this is such an abnormal week here in the United States, but will be fun to document all the same.

Yesterday the kids were out of school in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. Today is the inauguration of our newest president. Congratulations President Obama. These occurrences are so not routine.

However, my normal life treks on. Normal routine for me is up around 6, out the door by 7:45, take Britton to school, drop off Annabelle, then to work. Once at work, I check my e-mail and start my day. Lunch is from 12-1. In an effort to spend less and eat less, I bring my lunch and eat at my desk 90% of the time. We close at 5 and I generally stay after to return calls and finish up paperwork. I am normally out the door by 6. Then home. I live 20 miles from my job and it takes me anywhere from 30 - 45 minutes to get to and from work each day.

With my work schedule, meal planning is key. I try to have the recipe out and food defrosted before I leave for work. That way, Phil can start dinner (as he gets home about an hour before I do) or it's ready for me to start when I get home. Last night was chicken wraps...tonight is garlic chicken and pasta (yeah I know...chicken two nights in a row).

After dinner, we generally all get the dishes and food put up and Britton does homework, Phil watches TV on the couch and I scrap. Bedtime for Britton is around 9:30 and Phil and I are in bed anywhere from 10:30 - 11:30. I like to go to bed much earlier, but that just never seems to happen.

This is a pretty typical Monday - Friday.

This week looks to be no different.

Happy MLK Day

2009-01-19T17:55:00.000-08:00

Mondays always throw me for a loop. I love being off on the weekends and recouping so I always feel so sleepy and have a hard time getting up. I got moving early this morning so I could have coffee with Mom and Granny. Britton was out of the school for the holiday.

With it being a long weekend for a lot of people, work was pretty quiet. It was good for me and I was able to get a lot of extraneous stuff that has just been sitting--done. Seems I was and always will be playing catch up. Well, maybe one day.

I need to upload some pictures today and need to tweak a few things on this blog, but hey...it's only been three days...I think I'm doing pretty well with it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my new tv/dvd combo I got for Christmas for my scrap room. I am sitting here watching Mamma Mia and singing along with Dancing Queen...gotta love Abba.

Enough for now...off to scrap

I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me....

2009-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

Let us go unto the House of the Lord. I love Sundays. There is always a feeling of being completely renewed when going to church.

After church, we went to Mom and Dad's for our weekly family dinner, but celebrated Mom, Dad, and Phil's birthdays...all last week.

I have been working on cleaning out my closet and reorganizing stuff. Yesterday, we took 5 garbage bags of my clothes to Goodwill. I have one bag of shoes and 1/2 a bag of pjs...working on the other drawers in the bedroom this week. The closet looks so much better. I need to go start picking out paint colors so we can repaint our bedroom and bathroom.

Other than the cleaning out, yesterday was relatively uneventful although Phil and I did go eat sushi and I had a little time to scrap. I have been adding to my monthly calendars of 2008 with a layout highlighting something from each month. I am finished through April. It will be a nice album when all done.

Here are the layouts:

From New Years Eve 2007-2008

From Britton's Birthday Party in February

Pic of Britton's first baseball game of the season in March

From our family get together with the Clarks in April. Diane was in town, which was a real treat.

Finally, this was an AMM challenge to scraplift a design team member. Here is my take on Patti's layout.

Well, back to work tomorrow. I think it will be a bit of a calmer week than normal. Britton is out of school for the day in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Have a great week!!!!

Happy Saturday!!!

2009-01-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

This is my first official blog post. I have wanted to do this so here we go. I will be forever getting it set up I'm sure, but I can only set it up so much before it is time to take the plunge and post something.

I am very happy that it's the weekend. Annabelle was up at 7 needing to go out so no sleeping in for me. I plan to work on organizing our closet this weekend. We started the process last week and I hope to be done.

My sole resolution for 2009 is to simplify so I am cleaning out, getting rid of and organizing.

We are still adjusting to the new doggy, but he is so very sweet. Here is a little pic of our newest addition.