Sitting on My Back Porch

Ready to Delve into 2012?

2011-12-30T20:52:00.003-06:00

I love new beginnings. They always offer hope with no boundaries. I get excited about the beginning of a new month or even a new week, so it's no wonder that I'm almost giddy at the prospect of a whole new year! I think God intended for us to feel this way about each and every day since each new day is certainly a gift from Him.

"His mercies....are new every morning." Lamentations 3:22,23

In 2012, I want to Do More, Be More, and Live More!

I also like to think I'll blog more, but that remains to be seen.

Tip of the Day: Take 30 seconds and hit the Unsubscribe link in one of your emails. (Although I'm really hoping you won't unsubscribe me. But, hey, the last thing I want to do is hold you back from accomplishing your true goals). The past few weeks I've been overwhelmed with the constant bombardment of my inbox. I've decided to unsubscribe from one email newsletter or blog feed each day until the inbox and Google Reader count gets manageable.

Old Window into Chalkboard

2011-10-18T19:37:00.005-05:00

We had most of our windows replaced last November. Now eleven months later, we've finally finished the first project with the old windows I wasn't about to pay someone $100 to haul off.

If you follow me on Pinterest, you know I have more ideas than I have time. But finally our chalkboard is complete! Oh...well not really....we still need to attach the hooks and wire on the back and actually get it up on the wall. It's going to hang right above this bench the kids use for their backpacks, dance bags, soccer bags, and anything else they need to take our the door with them. Usually there are so many shoes on that bottom rack you wouldn't be able to see that I've neglected to clean that baseboard or vacuum underneath. I'm hoping we can use the chalkboard to write down weekly/daily schedules or making a chore list!

What's on the Menu?

2011-09-19T23:31:00.002-05:00

After whining on Facebook about coming up with dinner ideas, I decided to go ahead and get it all laid out there this week in time for Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday (well, almost in time). I finished up the grocery shopping tonight while Addison was at dance so here's what we're planning:

Monday - Totally a fend-for-yourself night since I was in the car from 5:30-9:00. The kids had chicken nuggets after school and cinnamon rolls for a bedtime snack. Carl made a quesadilla with leftover roast beef, I had a cinnamon roll and a dill pickle. *I know you're rolling your eyes*
Tuesday - Kielbasa, noodles, green beans.
Wednesday - Crockpot nachos - I have been meaning to try these for 6 months now!
Thursday - Grilled chicken strips, salad fixings & garlic cheese toast. Some will have salad, some will make wraps, some will have it all separate 'cause they can't stand their food to touch each other!
Friday - Fall Fest at the elementary school. If we don't eat there, we'll make French Toast.
Saturday - Pulled pork stuffed potatoes, Salad.
Sunday - Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and corn.

And just a note for next week's planning....Kroger has whole chickens on sale for $0.79/lb. this week. Go ahead and grab one then check out this recipe for Rotisserie Style Chicken. It is so good. As you can tell, I get alot of recipes from the other Laurie.

A Little Creativity

2011-08-06T20:14:00.004-05:00

Trying to get some mojo back! It's been way too long since I've spent any time crafting....

I saw this blog post on Tip Junkie the same week we were deep cleaning Addison's room. I realized the pink knobs on her white desk really don't work any more since the little girl pink has been long gone. So I used some butterfly stamps and made these. The two larger ones will replace the ones on her closet doors.

I also am trying to make some scrapbook pages for Clark. You know what they say about the second kids....it's absolutely true. I was such a good scrapbooker when Addison was little, but life has gotten so crazy and poor Clark has so few pages just of him.

I've had fun spending little snippets of time here and there playing with paint and stamps and papers. I just need to realize the little snippets are all I have right now and remember to take advantage of them.

Wishes for Bella Blog Hop - Week Four

2010-07-13T10:47:00.006-05:00

I'm so glad you joined us for Week Four of the blog hop for Bella. You should have arrived here from Katharina's blog. If not, head on back to Denise's blog so you don't miss a single thing in the Week Four blog hop. I can't wait to see how many cards will be heading to Bella this week!

I used the Card Patterns sketch 72 as a jump off for the card I'll be sending to Bella. Everything on the card is from The Angel Company except the button I snagged from my stash.

The next stop on the blog hop is over at Pat's. Please be sure to hop over to to see what she's created for Bella. Then after you finish hopping, if you decide to make a card for Bella, be sure to hop over to Erin's blog where I know there's a place to link up for some goodies from Chrissy Armstrong, Whiff of Joy, firecracker designs by pamela, and Whimsy Stamps. There is also a GRAND PRIZE so make sure you link up at the Grand Prize post too!

You can mail your card to Bella at:

The Bella Tucker Fund
P.O. Box 199
Londonderry, NH
03053 USA

I'll be drawing a name from all comments left on this post for THREE new and uncut (although retired) stamp sets from The Angel Company. If you want to see some of the images, the sets are Marvelous Mottos, Dropping Boxes (great for stamping labels to wrap up chocolate nuggets), and Salsa Flowers. You have until Noon (EST) on Monday, July 19 to post your comments here and post your link on Erin's blog for the week four prize and for the grand prize. Winners will be posted on Tuesday July 20.

I really hope you'll send a card to Bella so she knows how much she is thought of.

Giving you a month's heads up!

2010-06-16T17:07:00.004-05:00

Erin put out the call yesterday for blog hop participants for Bella Tucker. Please read her story. As the mom of an active 8 yr. old girl, I just had to sign up. I won't be part of the blog hop for another 4 weeks or so, but that means I've got 4 weeks to pull together an awesome package of blog candy to be given away on my blog post during the hop. I already have some brand new, uncut stamps set aside. We'll see what else I can come up with between now and then. What do you need to do? Well, I don't have all the details yet...but go ahead and get started on making a card to send to Bella! And meet me back here on July 13.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

The Great Flood of 2010 - Our Story!

2010-05-02T17:32:00.012-05:00

Rain on Saturday. This is a view from our covered patio of our backyard. If you enlarge this photo, you might be able to see the white-caps on the creek behind the treeline. This creek bed will be dry rock during the hot summer months.

The view from our covered patio toward the neighbor's backyard. Notice the water pouring off the awning over the door of our bonus room --- which is nothing more than a converted garage. You'll see inside that door in just a minute.

The view from our front door. I have never seen that little creek around the circle of the cul-de-sac before!

Here's inside that downstairs door. Addison and Carl are sweeping the water out as it pours in behind that door. It's coming from the crawlspace which is actually higher elevation-wise than the floor of the bonus room.

Here's where the water is coming in from the crawlspace. You can see the ripples in the half-inch of standing water.

Sunday morning we didn't go to church. But my children gave their best performance acting out the story of baby Moses. There is a Cabbage Patch baby in that styrofoam cooler.

Addison setting up the props:

Here comes the baby in the basket!
More rain!!
During a break in the rain we got out to drive around the neighborhood and take some pictures.
In front of some houses in our subdivision:

Brentwood Country Club golf course:

From the bridge of the Little Harpeth River (just south of Brentwood Country Club and north of Murray Lane):

And a zoom in of that tree above. Yes...someone is innertubing!!!

Cal Turner's farm which is my favorite landmark near our house:

We are fine! A little water damage and about 7 hours without power, but we are very lucky. The news coverage of some of our neighboring towns and communities is just heartbreaking. Please pray for Nashville and Middle Tennessee as we recover from this disaster.

Railroad Depot

2010-04-28T18:44:00.005-05:00

Four months later, I finally got my depot sign hung above the back door today. Not sure if you can tell, but that little ridge behind the treeline is the CSX short line. I do love this sign...it was my Christmas present to me!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T09:04:00.012-05:00

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T08:26:00.002-05:00

Happy Haunting!!!

2009-10-31T06:35:00.003-05:00

Last Day of Fall Break

2009-10-20T21:30:00.007-05:00

After some puniness and general malaise over the first 3 days of Addison's fall break, everyone seemed to feel much better this morning. Maybe it was the beautiful sunshine and pleasant temperatures. It really was a gorgeous fall day!

I was very happy since I had been hoping we'd be able to get to one of the local pumpkin patches (if you consider an hour away local). But do you know how hard it is to find one that's open during the week? I think they reserve their weekdays for field trips, homeschool groups, etc. Luckily, we did find Boyd's Pumpkin Patch (very friendly and reasonable too!).

We got lost in the corn maze,

took some pictures,

then picked out the perfect pumpkins to bring home.

After we got back home, Addison and Clark had fun painting their little pumpkins.

Now if we can just get another warm, beautiful day to carve the big one into a jack-o-lantern!!

Happy Birthday Clark!

2009-10-04T20:28:00.004-05:00

In just four short years, we've gone from this sweet little guy

to this sweet little guy.

He is lovin' Buzz Lightyear right now (and Superman, Spiderman, Batman and any superhero he can find).

We even ventured out to Chuck E Cheese tonight to make sure he had a super special day since he's our special superhero!

Happy Birthday Clark!

White Water Rafting (miniscale)

2009-09-26T12:16:00.009-05:00

I guess today is as good a day as any for my "Once-A-Month-Blogging". I realized a couple of weeks ago that given my transition from blogging to Facebook to Twitter, pretty soon I'll just expect you to read my mind! LOL And as a new blog feature, I've added my Twitter updates to the sidebar.

We have had so much rain the past couple of weeks, our backyard is reaching lake status again. There is an underground spring in the backyard, and when it reaches its limits water actually bubbles up out of the ground (along with a crayfish or two). Somehow I doubt we'll be using the fire pit anytime soon.

This morning it was raining pretty steady, and the kids are acting bored to death. Once we got a little break in the rain, Addison and Clark head out to the creek right behind the treeline. It's in the 70's here, so I let them go for it. It has a little current going, and they both are having fun using it as a wading pool.

Then Carl brings out the pool float and they had a blast "riding the raft."

What fun for them! And I love that a little outdoor time and some hot chocolate afterwards have cured the "I'm bored" mantra for the moment.

Krazy Corner to Kids' Corner

2009-08-26T14:38:00.006-05:00

I was called on the carpet about a week ago by a friend who noticed that I hadn't updated the blog lately. Seems I've turned into a OAMB (Once-A-Month-Blogger). But instead of boring you with all our vacation and back to school pictures, I'll show you what I did today.

The office/craft room has recently become a dumping ground for lots of things. We've been cleaning out my mother-in-law's house to get it on the market. Boxes and items from her house landed on the table and floor until I had time to figure out if we needed to give these things a home or not. But not all the blame lies there. Since there's not been much crafting going on in this room the past few months, the kids and I have gotten bad about letting the table pile up. I've been wanting to set up a little area for Addison and Clark to keep their art supplies instead of letting them spread across the house.

I signed up for Aby Garvey's free one-week online workshop (started yesterday) to give me a jumpstart on getting organized. Since today is my day at home, I decided to tackle this crazy corner. One shredder to goodwill, other shredder moved upstairs near the filing cabinet. Rolling tote moved to the attic, paper files purged. I still need to unpack those scrapbook supplies under the table, but we're saving that for another day. I'm just happy that the kids have their scrapbook paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, stickers, glue sticks and scissors neatly contained! So whether it's used for homework or artsy stuff, they have their own little area to work in. I can't wait for Addison to get home from school to see it! Clark has seen it, but he's much more interested in watching our plumber replace bathroom fixtures at the moment.

Does your family have a mission statement?

2009-07-12T09:07:00.003-05:00

I've been mulling this over since I read Simple Mom's blog post earlier this week. No formal discussions with the family about this yet...just thoughts running through my mind. I can guarantee you we will be working on this in the near future. In today's crazy, busy world, I think we could use a clear-cut standard to measure against the activities we involve ourselves to see if they are helping us or hindering us from achieving our long-term family goals.

If you have one, please share it (and you can also share it here)! If you don't, do you want to join me in formulating one for your family?

Thank you Addison!

2009-06-28T22:35:00.009-05:00

We just got back from a little vacation to the Smokies. We stayed in a wonderful cabin way up on Ski Mountain in Gatlinburg with the most spectacular view from the back deck. The drive up was a little unnerving at first, but we got somewhat used to it. Our excitement was when this visitor showed up going through our trash can....no more than 20 feet from the front door!!
And then he wandered off just as nonchalantly as he showed up. We didn't really do much tourist-y stuff except the Ripley's Aquarium which everyone enjoyed.

But yes...it was because of Addison that we scheduled our little getaway. Her dance team participated in the Stage One National Finals Thursday and Friday. They didn't make it to the Shootout today, but I am so proud of how well they did...especially since this was the first year of competing for most of the team.

It's no secret (at the studio or to my friends and family) that Addison has struggled with her backbend for "Germs". She nailed it during Friday's performance, but when I saw this picture I asked her why she and her friend on the far left are looking at each other.
Her answer: Bella was saying "Great job Addison!" and I was saying "Thanks." You gotta love the sweet innocence of these little girls!

And who can forget "The Cars That Go Boom!" It will be hard to find a costume or a catchy little tune to rival this number.

Great job Hubbies! Thanks for the trip to Gatlinburg! :)

Dress Rehearsal

2009-06-03T23:55:00.003-05:00

After spending almost 9 nours at dress rehearsal today, I'm too exhausted to say much. But here are some pics of my little diva!

Remember the hat that goes with this?

Another Long Hiatus

2009-04-28T14:21:00.006-05:00

I'm afraid I've had another long spell of neglecting the blog. It seems I've just moved from one crazy deadline to another lately. Tax season ended officially two weeks ago tomorrow...then we switched immediately into competition season for Addison's dance team. But life has not been all work and NO play.

We did find time to color Easter eggs.

And have an egg hunt.

Ride with daddy on the lawnmower.

I will admit the only creative thing I've done is to turn this plain pink felt hat

into this:

Addison's costume is definitely not one of those "off-the-shelf" numbers. Lots of time went into it, but they are definitely out of this world.

My next project is to finish 6 pages in 22 scrapbooks for the end of school!!! I hope to be back soon to a regular blogging schedule! Where is that darn Calgon??? LOL

Still no Thank You cards

2009-03-11T23:18:00.003-05:00

It's just been too busy to find ANY time at my craft table. We've been getting people off to a Daddy/Daughter dance at school, playing outside,
getting connected with an uncle who lives out of town and we don't see as often as we'd like to,
and building the Washington Monument out of sugar cubes.
Add in the tax work, lots of phone calls and details to attend to, and crossing my fingers and toes that one of the prospective tenants for the condo will actually turn in an application and have good credit.

But Hope Springs Eternal so I'm holding out some grand intentions to find some time to play in the craft room this weekend....

Hoping for a little time this weekend

2009-03-07T07:33:00.003-06:00

to get back to the blog. My MIL passed away on Wednesday so right now my "cup runneth over" with all the different hats I'm wearing and emotions we're experiencing. I do need to get some Thank You cards in the mail, so I hope to be back sometime this weekend with those to share.

A Dusting of Snow and a CASE Challenge!

2009-03-01T22:37:00.004-06:00

Lest ye think that the view from our backporch is always as green and lush as the blog banner would lead you to believe, here is what I saw this morning from the porch. Quite a difference, eh? Just a dusting of snow, but enough to make the kids happy. And yes, the tree line is quite different. The ridge behind the trees is "our" railroad track...I've been told it's a local line that ships mostly between Nashville and the Saturn plant about 25 miles away. It only runs a couple of times a day, and now we can actually wave to the conductor when the train goes by! Between the track and trees is our little creek. Carl cleared out all the underbrush so that we have a better view of the kids when they're playing back there.

Addison has ALWAYS wanted to keep snow around. So this big bowl of snow is now residing in the chest freezer. Around July, she'll decide she wants to eat some of it. LOL

And my inspiration for the challenge....my bedside bookcase that I was dusting today. I've hung onto the idea books, that stack of Papercrafts magazines, the Cards and Scrapbook Trends issues. I'm really not ready to part with them, but I need to use them. So I'm challenging myself to CASE (Copy And Steal Everything) one project a month from one of these publications. It's just another part of my "stash" that I need to dig into occasionally.

If you want to join the CASE Challenge, leave a comment on this post with a link to your CASE-d creation. Your inspiration could be from a printed publication or anywhere online, but you also must link us up with the project or artist that inspired you. CASE-ing etiquette demands that you give credit where it's due and never use those creations for anything other than personal use. Have your project linked here by March 31 to be in the drawing for a RAK of goodies from me. :)

On a side note, seeing that pic of the bottom shelf makes me thankful that the heating pad, back brace, and inflatable lumbar pillow are all neatly stacked. That means my back is behaving itself right now, and that is always cause for some gratitude.

Not Quite Ready for Spring Yet!

2009-02-28T18:03:00.000-06:00

The challenge at Stamp Something this week is to create something reminding you of the cold winter winds. I've been playing with the challenges at Stamps and Smiles this week, and I used Sketch Challenge #3 for this card. (Don't worry, I'll show you the other SAS challenges soon....I'm just keeping a little backlog of things to post over the next few weeks when life will be keeping me away from the scrap table). The stamps are from Treehouse Stamps colored in with my Prismacolor pencils and OMS. After I finished this one, I wished that I'd thought about using liquid applique on the marshmallows. Oh well...there's always next time.

We're actually under a winter weather advisory tonight. It remains to be seen whether we'll get any accumulation, but since I have all the fixin's for some homemade vegetable soup & cornbread and my sweet family all around me, this card says it all for me!!!

Blog Candy Winner

2009-02-26T20:24:00.002-06:00

We printed all the comments, cut them into strips, folded 'em and put them in a bowl. And Addison picked:

Denean!!!!

Denean and I were on a design team together way back when. She is always so good about leaving comments, and her photography is awesome!!! Make sure you check out her blog. Denean, let me know which prize you choose!

I'm about 95% finished updating the blogroll in the sidebar. When you have a couple of free ~~minutes~~ days, check out these links. These bloggers are my constant source of inspiration.

CPS 104 Paper Tray

2009-02-26T00:28:00.004-06:00

In the back of my mind, I know that because of my work schedule it won't be long before I need to pack up the craft room for a while. So I've made my list of cards I need before the middle of April, and I'm going to try to knock out as many as I can in the next few days. Of course, there are several birthdays on that list.

After I saw this card a couple of weeks ago, I made a mental note to rectify the fact that my Paper Tray set has been somewhat neglected lately. When the CPS 104 sketch was posted with Papertrey Ink as this week's sponsor, I realized this was the perfect opportunity to pull out this set (PTI's very first release). I love the clean, simple look of this card, and it will be a one-stamper so no worries on sending it through the mail.

Addison.org is ~~down for maintenance~~ sleeping like a log. We'll pick a blog candy winner Thursday night after I get home from work.

Enabler Alert!!!

2009-02-24T00:28:00.003-06:00

Have you seen the new Elzybell releases???

I've been watching a few of the sneak peeks, and I just need to say....See the Cool Beans set?............

That sentiment is SOOOOO me!!!! Especially this time of year. :)

Jen's SFYTT for TCP Tuesday!

2009-02-21T17:16:00.004-06:00

All week I've been meaning to join the TCP Tuesday challenge cause I love any excuse to ink up my Smells Like Cake set. But, honestly, I always run into a creative block making cards ahead of time. And there aren't any birthdays on my list for at least...ummm....2 more weeks!! I might fall over and faint if I made a card 2 weeks before I needed it!!!

Then this morning I saw Jen's Sketch For You To Try
and the little wheels started turning. (If you saw smoke in the Brentwood area, that's probably what it was). So in between getting the house presentable for unexpected company from Memphis, showing the condo to some possible renters, and cleaning up at least half a bucket of water on the kitchen floor because the 3 yr. old wanted to play "Hard Knock Life" (remember Annie?), I finally finished this card. I hope I'm not too late even though I am a little early for the next birthday.

I am working on getting that blogroll updated, and don't forget about the blog candy here!!!!

Quick Card for CPS 103

2009-02-20T07:28:00.003-06:00

Quick post for a quick card using the CPS 103 sketch. Paper and chipboard flower are SEI Ally's Wonderland. I had a little fight with the Basic Grey rubon, but hopefully I was able to save it with a black marker.

I'm heading to work today and out to dinner tonight. Really hoping I'll find some energy tonight to do something here in my craftroom. And don't forget I've got blog candy here.

3 WEEKS and Counting --- Blog Candy!!!

2009-02-19T00:04:00.002-06:00

I added a new gadget to my blog.

Can you see it right over there? ---------->

Yep! We're counting down to my THIRD Blogoversary! I can hardly believe I've ~~stuck with this~~ (always come back after long disappearances) for 3 years. And I really really appreciate YOU coming back to listen to my random thoughts, dote on my kids, and appease me by looking at my creative attempts.

Anyway....I'm planning a little celebration. What's wrong with this picture? I don't even start planning my kids' birthday parties three weeks out!! Shhhh...we just won't tell them.

So what's the first thing you do when you're throwing a party? You clean up the house. I really want to revamp my sidebar which is long overdue for a facelift! I'll be expanding my blogroll adding lots of blogs that I read regularly. Most of you know I'm addicted to blurfing. I especially enjoy visiting blogs of people who stop by here and leave me comments. If you have a blog, please post here with your Blog address and I will get you added to it.

Hmmm....too busy to leave a comment? Shall I entice you with some Pre-Blogoversary goodies? This is YOUR CHOICE of prizes:

Prize 1:
Large chipboard butterfly by Doodlebug Design ready to embellish
Edge distresser by Heidi Swapp
3 packages Scrapbook Nails
1 roll American Crafts ribbon
Remember the Moments stamp set by Technique Tuesday
Family stamp by Autumn Leaves
Misc. chipboard shapes by Tinkering Ink
1 yd. black twill ribbon

or if you don't papercraft or don't want to add any more supplies to your existing hoard, how about

Prize 2:
A set of 8 note cards handmade by me...similar to this style....with the Monogram Initial of your choice. Of course, this will not be available for immediate shipping...but I will make them for you asap.

There will only be one winner...but the winner will have their choice of the two prizes. In order to win:

Please leave your blog address. I'd love to be linked to your blog as well but that's entirely optional. If you don't have a blog, why not start one? Then we could celebrate our Blogoversarys together??? Not going for that?
Okay, if you don't have one or don't want me adding yours to my blogroll, just link me up to one of YOUR favorites. I'm always looking for more inspiration, more challenges, more online stores, more recipes, more home-keeping tips, and more ways to save money. Just try to list one that hasn't been posted ahead of you. There are tons out there---I find new ones every day!!
Let me know that you spread the word about the giveaway on your blog, a forum, or via email to get a second entry in the pot.

I'll pick a winner using Addison.org on Thursday the 26th. You have until Wednesday 2/25 at 11:59PM CST to post your blog links!

Watercolor Garden Sympathy

2009-02-18T09:55:00.002-06:00

I have been needing to send one more sympathy card, but put it off with all the Valentine's that had to be finished. Yesterday's Timeless Tuesday Challenge on the Flourishes Newsletter blog is to use flowers. I decided to pull out my very first flower set....Watercolor Garden. I'm not sure how long this has been retired, but I will always love it. I also wanted to use this week's sketch from Mercy since I never found time last week.

I pulled out the sentiment from Treehouse Stamps and some paper that has been in my collection since the first year I started scrapbooking. It's such a great feeling when I use things I HAD TO HAVE so many years ago. I added some wide lace folded under the stamped panel and some little pearls.

Since I had everything out, I decided to make an extra card for my stash. Sympathy cards are not easy for me, so I like to have some on hand.

I know the blog has been a little naked on pictures lately, so I'll throw in this one. When I was editing the pictures of the cards this morning, I saw Clark setting up his card from Saturday in my "photo shoot area" (a towel over a file box by the open front door). He is really getting into the whole card-making process....from using the trimmer, the Scor-Pal and now setting up for pictures. LOL

Dinner is in the crockpot and I'm heading to the office for a few hours. Make sure you check out this Bazzill cardstock giveaway from my good friend Linda!

What I did tonight!

2009-02-16T23:26:00.003-06:00

Click here....cause it's her idea and I didn't take pictures anyway.

Yes...nevermind that Clark & I didn't even get home until 6:30 with a carload of groceries to put away. Truth be told, I didn't spend THAT much more time in my kitchen than I would have to make only tonight's dinner. And it's like money in the bank knowing I have a couple of backup meals in the freezer.

Is there a particular meal that you make double batches of to put one in the freezer? I'm all ears. I've got just a couple more weeks before tax season totally turns crazy...inevitably wreaking havoc on my routines at home. The more I can prepare, the better it will be for everyone in my family!!!

And if I keep this up, you're all going to know exactly which blogs I do read! Thanks Meredith, for finding this one a few weeks ago.

Blog Candy Alert!

2009-02-15T21:41:00.000-06:00

Carla has some yummy yummy blog candy up for grabs. If you don't already know about Moralia's Weblog, check it out! She is an amazing papercrafter, and I love peeking in every day to see her latest creations. Click here for a chance to win some MM Chloe's Closet!

Random Sharing of my Google Reader

2009-02-15T13:58:00.001-06:00

If you took a glance at my Google Reader, you would see that it runs the gamut! I would *guess* that 90% are blogs of card-makers or scrapbookers or challenges for either. But in addition to a sprinkling of blogs of friends, I also read finance blogs, frugal blogs, and home-making blogs. And you know how the blog world goes...one post has a link to another blog that you just have to add to your Reader. Because I read Common Sense With Money, I found Audrey's blog. I've never been a very fashion savvy gal...when I'm not working, I fight the urge to hang out in my sweats and jammies. But it doesn't mean I don't dream of having that "always-pulled-together" look. I am totally enjoying her 365 Days of Fashion Advice for Moms. Go check it out!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-14T13:38:00.000-06:00

Hope you are all enjoying a Happy Valentine's Day!

While Carl went to the hospital this morning to check on his mom, we sat down to make a few last minute cards.
And you know the saying about the cobbler's children? Well...not one card for Carl or the kids, but I did use this tutorial to make a super-quick paper cone to hold their candy!

And yes...I just found out it's Happy Valentine's Day to me! I was the lucky winner in this giveaway for TWO new Basic Grey collections at Craft Critique! YIPPEE!!!!

Have a great rest of the day! And as much as I love all the pinks, reds, chocolate browns, whites, blacks and hearts....every year on the 14th, it feels like I've overdosed on it all. I'm ready to put it all away until next year! LOL

M&M's Matchbook Valentines

2009-02-13T06:05:00.001-06:00

In typical fashion, I waited until the last minute to finish these little matchbooks to hold the Fun-Size M&M packs. I ended up using the same design for both kid's classes. I originally thought of the idea to have something "boy-ish" from Clark. But Addison has become very adamant about being a tomboy lately, so I decided to make it easy on me and use these for her friends too! In fact, she would have rather that I made all blue ones for her class, but I ran out of blue cardstock and had to use some of the dreaded pink! LOL I dug out my much-neglected Autumn Leaves Astroboy stamp set and some TAC stamps for the HVD sentiment.

If you've got any of the fun-size packs sitting around, these are easy peasy.

1. Cut cardstock 4"x8".

2. Score at 3.25", 3.75", and 7.25".

3. Stamp inside and outside of cover.

4. Add diecut letters "U" "R" to front cover.

5. Fold in right edge and staple twice.

6. Use a staple to attach a fun-size pack of candies topped with a 3/4" border.

7. Sign the cards.

8. Fold over front cover and tuck under right edge! TA DA! All ready to deliver to school this morning!

CPS102 and Kim's Birthday Challenge 5

2009-02-12T06:39:00.001-06:00

If you follow my Angel Company blog, you know I've been playing along with Kraftin' Kimmie's Birthday Challenges. I did run out of time to finish the fourth challenge, but I took a break last night from making Valentine's for both kids' classes last night to make a quick card for Challenge Five. The challenge was to use patterned paper and hearts. Since I still need a few more Valentine cards, I just had to play along.

I've been wanting to try this week's CPS Sketch #102 since it was first posted. It's just so pretty! The Making Memories patterned paper has been in my stash FOREVER! Literally, it was from one of the very first scrapbooking kits I ever got. I cut the hearts with my Cuttlebug and used my new threading water punch (YES!!! I finally got one!!) for the border. Sorry for the glare, but I took this picture right before bedtime and I had no energy to take another one.

Check back tomorrow to see if I actually finished those 35 Valentine's for the kiddos. I'm using the same design for both classes....and I think it's turning out pretty cute!

Don't Laugh! It's a cute idea...

2009-02-08T11:16:00.005-06:00

I actually made this card last weekend, but didn't deliver it until today...so I didn't post to be sure it would be a surprise. I bought the Cuttlebug Puzzle die a few weeks ago and then ordered some Craft-a-Board from Ellen Hutson's store. Craft-a-Board is thicker than cardstock...almost a chipboard thickness. I cut a A2 size piece, stamped with an image from the Quiet Moments set at Treehouse Stamps, and then *tried* to color in some grass, water, and a beautiful sunset. Okay...don't look at the sunset too long. Denean, will you come to Tennessee for some personal coloring lessons? Please?

Once I'd finished coloring, I ran it through the Cuttlebug using the puzzle die and cut the card into puzzle pieces.
Then I needed a box. I found this template from Jenn del Muro for a 4" square pizza box
After putting all the little puzzle pieces inside, I covered it with a paper scrap and tied it off with some ribbon.

At the last minute...

2009-02-08T01:21:00.000-06:00

I decided to enter a card for the Papertrey Ink sketch challenge. I'm far behind on Valentine's Day cards anyway, and you can't win if you don't play, right? And, oh boy, they are giving away some great prizes. I don't think they are finished yet....so check Nichole's blog daily if you haven't been already.

I pulled out some Scenic Route Loveland paper and chipboard and made this card. Nothing fancy, no stamping, but fun, colorful and DONE! I really need to buckle down on the Valentine's....like yesterday!

And ummm...looks like I'm going to get this posted with about 30 minutes to spare! LOL

CPS 101 - Encouraging Verses

2009-02-06T22:45:00.003-06:00

I'm fighting either a head cold and a headache tonight, or maybe it's just a sinus attack. It's been a long week and a somewhat emotional day, and I just couldn't face the two sympathy cards I found out I need to make over the weekend. In an effort to concentrate on something a little more uplifting, I decided to use CPS Sketch 101 and some Encouraging Verses to make this card for one of the gals that helps with the Childrens' Ministry at church. I was one of the lucky winners of this digi stamp set on Julie Buhler's blog. Julie designed these stamps and you can buy them here. It's so easy just to open a file and print them off. I colored in the tree with my Prismacolor pencils blended with OMS, and the paper is Basic Grey Mellow.

I even finished off the inside where I'll write a note letting this person know how much I appreciate them. It's reassuring to know that in today's hectic, stressful, frantically-paced world there are other people out there helping me try to "firmly plant" my children in goodness and Godly values.

Photo for Feb 4

2009-02-04T23:23:00.003-06:00

This might be titled "Only in the South"

does your 3 yr. old learn how to make milk gravy. LOL

Friday Sketch #47 in a Quickie

2009-02-02T00:07:00.000-06:00

I have to remind myself occasionally that making a card doesn't HAVE to take as long as I usually take. I usually spend a lot of time chosing the perfect color cardstock, the perfect inks or pencils or markers to match whatever patterned paper I've picked out to use. I'm also renewing my love for the Cuttlebug. When I was putting some things away, I ran across these little embossing folders in my drawer. I'm not sure they've ever been used!

Amy's Friday Sketch 47 seemed like a perfect plan for these little embossing folders. I grabbed some fun paper from my scraps and was finished in less than 15 minutes. That's probably a good thing, since I had many more things on my list today!

Project 365.52.12 Update

2009-02-01T14:13:00.000-06:00

Last photo for the month of January...flowers for my anniversary! Now I just need to get those January pics printed and get them in my album. Don't forget those cameras during the Super Bowl party. *wink*

Eleven Years and counting....

2009-01-31T00:15:00.001-06:00

That's right! We're celebrating eleven years today! Well...I'm not sure there will actually be that much celebrating, but we'll probably go out to dinner or something. I will admit the eleventh has been one of the tougher ones (moving, health-wise, financially, etc.) But we really do love each other, and I'm looking forward to getting on to year 12! I let Addison pick out which picture to show you. Leave it to my kids to find the one with sweets in it! LOL

I did make a card to give to Carl. You can see it here! I hope he knows that my heart really does belong to him forever. Happy Anniversary Honey!

If you love a good surprise...

2009-01-30T20:08:00.002-06:00

and a great bargain, you should check out the Mystery Boxes at {ScrapAttackScrapbooking}!!! I've ordered mystery boxes from Lauri in the past, and I've always loved what she packs in these things!

You can check out the details on their blog!

And Shop Here!!!

Oh....and drop by the message board too! They are one of the friendliest groups out there!

RAK from Bloggy Friend

2009-01-30T07:48:00.004-06:00

Many of you know I am addicted to my Google Reader. This RAK came from one of the gals I check on every time she posts. I love her humor, her writing style, and her energy for stamping. She sent this little RAK for commenting on one of her posts a few weeks ago. Thanks Leslie! And make sure you go check out The Crooked Stamper!

I'd appreciate any good stamping vibes for later today. It's been a LONG week trying to meet some deadlines at the office. But I really NEED to ink up some stamps tonight. I'm just hoping I don't fall into the Friday night collapse!!!

MTSC27 for Jen's Blog Tart

2009-01-26T05:50:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the awesome giveaway Jen del Muro is having this month? Can you believe how much stuff is included in this blog tart? Have you mailed your card for the international students yet? There is still time to enter this giveaway, but you'll need to hurry.

I used Mercy's sketch #27 to make this card which is heading out to Dallas in today's mail. The stamp is from Inque Boutique. I received the patterned papers (including those little die-cut flowers) in a RAK and I have no idea who makes them. Maybe the fact that I'm loving this color combo is a sign that I'm longing for Spring.

CHA Live!

2009-01-25T13:37:00.002-06:00

Did you know Making Memories is broadcasting live from CHA! Go check it out on their blog. They always have lots of spectacular giveaways during the show. If you're not at the show, this is almost as exciting, huh?

2 Fav 4-Letter Words - LOVE and CASE!!!

2009-01-25T12:23:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I hosted my first card class. You can see the projects we made here (and don't forget to enter the giveaway too!). After the class, my friends stayed for supper, and we played in the craftroom for a couple more hours. They were so productive while I was ~~referreeing the hoodlums~~ playing the perfect hostess. However, I did get one project finished during our playtime!

I'm the first to admit that I rarely (if ever) have an original idea. There is so much fabulous inspiration out there in blogland and so many projects I want to re-create....my philosophy is "Why re-invent the wheel?" LOL

Here is an example of a complete CASE of this project on the Shabby Chic Crafts blog. I picked up the square frame on sale, found the patterned papers in my stash, and used some velvet letter stickers that have been sitting around too long! VOILA! A perfect little seasonal wall hanging that now graces our dining room.

So much for...

2009-01-23T20:54:00.003-06:00

Friday nights when I used to come home and craft alone!! I have constant company these days. But I'm really not complaining. Ten years from now they'll both be dying to get away from us and spend Friday nights with their buddies....so I'm really just gonna treasure these days where getting to play with momma's paints is just the cat's pajamas.

Okay....it's their bedtime now. I'll get my time in just a little while.

More CHA Goodies

2009-01-22T22:25:00.002-06:00

Look at these goodies from Queen & Co. Comment on this post for your chance to win a bucket of your own!!!

Altered Wall Clock

2009-01-21T13:34:00.003-06:00

Okay....the title of this post should really be "How my sidetracked mind works!"

I've been brainstorming for an idea to keep the mail from piling up on my desk at home. It's inevitable that I never have time to get through ALL of it every day, so I stop at Office Depot last night to buy this little vertical sorter.

So I can put my mail in file folders that look pretty!

But while I'm at Office Depot, I find this!!

So I spend the rest of the night making THIS....which is now hanging in my craftroom/office!

And yes....I'm rationalizing the whole thing. Because at school, the first graders are learning to tell time, and we don't have any other (working) clocks in the house that are not digital. So see? Makes perfect sense, huh?

Oh my Goodness!!!

2009-01-19T22:18:00.001-06:00

You HAVE to see this Sweet Celebration from Bella Blvd!!!

That is just the cutest stuff I've seen yet! Just perfect for all those birthday cards and invitations and party favors. Oh the ideas are just endless!

Check out their blog for more peeks of CHA Winter releases.

From the words of a Kindergartener....

2009-01-19T07:24:00.004-06:00

Happy Mark & Luke or King Day!!!

Resurrecting this post from last year just 'cause it's one of those "little things they say" I never want to forget. Enjoy your day!

End-of-the-Weekend Ramblings

2009-01-19T00:19:00.004-06:00

How are those New Year's ~~Resolutions~~ Goals going? I found a cool tool on Beth Dargis's blog called Don't Break the Chain. Go to Beth's blog to read how this started, but after using it for exactly a week I can say that I look forward to marking off another day and NOT breaking the chain. One of daily habits I'm trying to get back in the swing of is a load of laundry a day. I know from experience that (barring sickness) one load a day is enough to keep us all in clean clothes and clean towels in the closets. Nine days out of ten, I'll have a full load of any one type (whites, darks, towels). On the rare day that I don't have a full load, I'm committed to another laundry type chore like ironing or straightening dresser drawers. So far, this nifty little gadget is motivating me to keep it up 'cause I don't want to break the chain!

On to Project 365.52.12:

If you're not using Becky's kit, Meridith is sharing free weekly templates for digi scrappers. I'm printing these off to use as sketches for my paper scrapping. And even if you're not doing Project 365, these are great designs for any layouts with lots of photos.

And a couple of pics....

Saturday night - I take a pizza from delivery guy and set it on the table right inside the front door then step back to the door to pay him. When he leaves and I turn back around, this is what I see:

And for Sunday -
We had more firewood delivered yesterday, but this guy didn't stack it for us. This is what it looked like right before church this morning. I took this so we'll remember just how much we're loving our woodstove. It reminds me so much of my childhood since the woodstove at my parents' house is always burning. My hubby wasn't feeling too well today, so late this afternoon I decided to go out and spend five minutes stacking it up. I didn't want to do more than that given all the back problems I've had. But every hour or so, I'd go back out and stack for another five minutes. Let me tell you---that brought back alot of childhood memories too! Anyway, four trips outside and that pile is now neatly stacked taller than me!

Speaking of which, I better go check the fire then head to bed. The alarm is going to be blaring before I know it. :)

Shout Out to SheetLoad

2009-01-15T20:13:00.001-06:00

Have you ever tried SheetLoad of Cards? It's a FREE downloadable monthly e-zine with a great card design. You all know how much I love sketches. AND they give you the instructions for mass producing. So you can save paper AND get a stash of nice-looking cards in hardly no time at all! There is a different design each month...and did I mention it's FREE???

Using the January issue, I made this cute card in no time flat. I definitely recommend that you go check it out every month.

Shout Out to Simply Cardstock!

2009-01-14T16:27:00.003-06:00

Wanna see what was in my mailbox this afternoon?

Ready to ooooh and aaaah and drool?

Is this a cardmaker's dream or what???? 50 sheets of 8.5x11 Bazzill textured cardstock!!! And, oh my goodness, it's already sorted in ROYGBIV order!!!! LOL

I was the lucky winner of a giveaway on the Simply Cardstock blog. I know I've posted about Simply Cardstock before, but that was before Vicki took the reins. Let me just tell you, I think Vicki is just as sweet and customer-service oriented as Renee always was! She even sent this adorable little card with my package.

I loved the days when I had my Simply Cardstock subscription....however having two kids and, now, two mortgages has prohibited that luxury lately. You should really go check out them out at www.simplycardstock.com.

And now, just an update on my goals posted at the beginning of year----SIX handmade cards sent out so far in 2009, and one more going in the mail tomorrow.

And a picture for Project 365! This is my new "scrappy" outfit. New pajamas given to me for Christmas. They're so warm and cozy and the colors just scream at me to go play with all my fun stuff. So I don't dare put them on until all the daily chores are done. KWIM?

2009-01-12T20:53:00.000-06:00

Saw this on Allison's blog and had to give it a try:

Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people.

Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love.

You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love.

And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

Friday Sketch #44 and Project 365.52.12 Update

2009-01-11T20:24:00.003-06:00

I used Amy's sketch and my Treehouse Stamps to make this quick card. One of the girls in our neighborhood turns 11 this week, and I wanted to make her a fun card. I love how easily this sketch pulls together.

I saw there's a free download on Becky's Blog in case you weren't able to get one of the Project 365 kits. And here's our picture for Sunday, January 11. My kids have taken to building forts underneath the folding tables in my craftroom. I think they have been in here constantly since we got home from church except for the three-hour nap Clark took. :)

WooHoo!!!

2009-01-10T23:27:00.000-06:00

My long-time (and I'm talking like since we were 5-ish? maybe 6? LONG TIME!!!) friend Kana has recently joined the blogosphere. You'll love her stuff! Drop by and show her some love!

Project 365! (or Project 52....or even 12!!!)

2009-01-09T22:51:00.004-06:00

It's the scrap world's buzzword right now, isn't it? Project 365? Even if you didn't get the kit (and I didn't even try), reading about it has encouraged me to keep the camera out more the past nine days. So far, two days in 2009 with no shots were taken. But in my busy world, that's not unusual. I'm just committed to not let too many days (or even weeks) go by without snapping the shutter or focusing in on what really goes on in our day-to-day lives.

So whether I call it Project 365 or Project 52 or even Project 12, I will be documenting our life in pictures this year. During my craft room re-organization project last weekend, I ran across this album and little kit from Creative Cafe.
It was one of projects at Scrap Etc last April. I didn't even attend that class and haven't done a thing with the kit. But the little album has 12 tabbed sections which I'm thinking will be perfect for my 2009 photo journey. I'm going to have to start printing smaller sizes (which is an option at scrapbookpictures.com) or leaving the zoom alone so I can fit more pics in this album (measures approx. 7 x 5.5)

If you haven't heard about Project 365, follow the links from Jolynn's post to learn more. Then tell me....are you doing it? It's only the 9th....definitely not too late to start. I'm sure you have something in your stash you can use to pull this together! And if you don't...I'm sure I have something in MY stash you can use. LOLOL

Oh....and here is my picture for today! Playing Sorry on a Friday night.

Addison is SEVEN!!!

2009-01-07T08:55:00.005-06:00

How did that happen? LOL It was also the first day back at school for her, so we really couldn't celebrate until last night. Thanks to Crystal, we were able to take advantage of this special deal.

Dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory:

Opening Presents:

Cake:

You can see the card I made for her here!

Love you sweetie-pie! And I'm glad you had a Happy Birthday!

My weekend project

2009-01-04T14:48:00.005-06:00

I was lucky to take a four-day weekend and warned my family before it started that my focus was going to be getting the craft room/office organized. We moved here seven months ago, and there were still ~~several~~ too many unpacked boxes sitting around. It's technically the formal living room so what a mess on the rare occasion that someone comes to the front door. I'm not even going to show you the before pics...they are embarassing!!! Plus I have plenty of AFTER pics.

I can actually craft in any 12 inch square space, but finding what I knew I had somewhere was, on occasion, a hindrance. This room is also my office for our personal finance stuff and where I work when I need to work from home. With tax season approaching I'm sure there will be more and more of that activity here too!

Looking in from the foyer:

I got these white cubes at Michael's and I LOVE them. Patterned paper and cardstock are stored vertically on the left half. And yes...that pink bag holds my unfinished projects from Scrap Etc. Someone please make me finish them soon, okay???

Almost everything else is in one of these drawers.

Alphas, ribbon, large embellishments are sorted by color. Here's a view of the pink and red drawers.

Unmounted stamps are stored in CD cases. These drawers are the perfect size and each drawer will hold about 30 stamps sets!!!

There are also drawers for rub-ons, for chipboard, for stickers/transparencies, and a few for specific themes like Baby, Christmas, Birthday, etc.

And here's a pic once we moved the school desks back in after my cleaning frenzy. These desks were left behind by the previous owners and my kids LOVE them. They sit in here with me and draw/cut/color or just watch tv. Guess I never should have worried about separating the playroom and craftroom combo we had in the old place, huh?

A Batch of Cards and A Haircut

2009-01-03T14:35:00.006-06:00

Remember Toni from yesterday's post? I used this card of hers as inspiration for a batch of cards to add to my stash. The stamps are TAC and Inque Boutique, paper is Three Bugs in A Rug - Tickled Pink, and some ribbon from my stash. The sentiment is embossed with white embossing powder. I'm feeling good about having a couple to stick in the mail and a few more to have on hand when I need one but don't need to take the time to make one. KWIM?

Clark has been in dire need of a haircut. I gave him his first two haircuts almost chopping off his left ear the second and last time I did it. Then I handed haircut duties over to the sitter he went to before he started preschool. I hated to bother her on a holiday weekend to see if she could cut it, so we headed to Uncle Classic Barbershop just a mile or so from the house. Clark was a real trooper and sat very still for his new cut. While we were there he told the gal cutting his hair that he was going to go home and just look in the mirror.

And yes....I do still have a daughter....she's been unusually out of proximity from the camera lately. Her week is coming up though. I've been on a card-making frenzy this weekend and she is a little put out that I haven't started her birthday card yet. She doesn't understand yet that if I NEED a card on Tuesday, I'll probably make it Monday night. LOL

TCP Tuesday 39 Challenge

2009-01-02T12:39:00.002-06:00

I needed a card for the birthday party Clark went to this morning. When I saw this week’s TCP Sketch Challenge, I knew this was the perfect chance to pull out my Smells Like Cake set again.

Right before my blogging hiatus this fall, I won this fun set as blog candy from Toni Armstrong. Toni is such a sweetheart and even sent this adorable card using another TCP set along with the stamps.
I have several friends who can definitely identify with that sentiment. LOL

Even though I haven’t acknowledged it here on the blog, I have inked up the Smells Like Cake stamps several times the past few months when I needed a fun birthday card. I’m finally getting around to showing you how great these stamps are. I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol. The paper is some Polar Bear Press that’s been sitting in my stash way too long. Hopefully Clark’s three-year-old friend liked the little penguins.

We sure had fun at the party. This was Clark’s first time at one of the big “party places” with inflatable bouncers, slides and obstacle courses. I am exhausted since he insisted that I do everything with him. I’m thinking that naptime can’t come soon enough for BOTH of us!

What we've been eating!

2009-01-01T23:30:00.000-06:00

I'm posting a link to a couple of recipes so I'll be able to find them more easily next time I need them. LOL

This is the second year we've made these yummy cinnamon rolls for Christmas Day AND New Year's Day so I think it's become a tradition. Just wonderful and so easy!
Christmas Eve Shortcut Cinnamon Buns

Then for New Year's Eve, I tried this recipe. Something I love to order when we go out to eat. Took a little time to chop all that spinach, but it turned out great!

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

It's TIME TO SHINE in 2009!

2009-01-01T11:04:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year!!!

Do you pick a word for the year (a la Ali Edwards)? I typically choose phrases instead of words, and I've been doing this since 2003. I remember that clearly since that was right after I found Flylady so it was "Clutter-Free in 2003!" LOL

I went through lots of words for this year..... mine, divine, whine, and finally settled on SHINE!!! So this year is TIME TO SHINE!

It kind of covers everything for me like making the house shine which is certainly high on my list, but more importantly letting my spirit shine. You know the spirit that is the REAL you...not the one that gets bogged down in all the details of daily life and fatigue that comes with it. The one that remembers to do nice things for people and pursue the passions that are important to your heart.

I'm sharing pics of two people who truly let their spirit shine ...my Dad and my son:

My parents have been visiting and Clark wants to do everything Poppy does...especially as it relates to any outside activities.

Here is my 84 and 1/2 year old father riding one of the scooters down the driveway. This is a man that definitely does not let his age define what he can or cannot do. Those of you that know him know how much I love him. I'm truly a Daddy's girl, and I am so thankful for his shining example.

And here is the little guy. One of his favorite things to do right now is get up on the hearth and have a little show. He sings all the songs in his repertoire - in this picture he is singing "This Little Christian Light of Mine -- I'm Gonna Let it SHINE."

I haven't set many specific goals other than making sure that I'm living my life in a way to let the priorities SHINE through. The only objective goal I have set is to mail a handmade card to everyone in my address book sometime during 2009. If you don't think you're in my address book and you want to be on the list, click the email link in my profile and send me your snail mail address. :)

I hope you're having a wonderful day to start off the New Year! We're fixin' to go to Target -- Clark needs to buy a birthday present for one of his buddies and Addison is determined to help pick it out.

Yep! Santa came to our house!!!

2008-12-25T08:43:00.002-06:00

Here's the proof!!!

I got a little help capturing this photo from icaughtsanta.com

If you're reading this, Merry Christmas from all of us!!!!

My Pirates

2008-11-01T09:42:00.002-05:00

I know I am quite prejudiced about these two, but aren't they just the cutest little pair of pirates ever???

Happy New Year!

2008-10-14T22:44:00.004-05:00

LOL! That's kind of how I feel. Working in tax, I've been totally engrossed in last year trying to get all those 2007 tax returns on extension filed. Now that they are finished, I get to have my own little celebration to finally close the book on 2007!!

Sorry for ignoring the blog for so long. It's just been terribly busy getting those tax returns done, helping Clark celebrate his 3rd birthday, and trying to keep everything at home running as smoothly as possible. Addison's school has Fall Break on Thursday and Friday, so I'm taking a couple of much-needed days off to be with her and catch up on a few things around the house. I hoping to find a little time to catch up around blogland too!!

A Thankful Reflection

2008-09-06T23:33:00.004-05:00

Goodness knows I really shouldn't be taking the time to blog tonight. I'm way behind on emails and blog comments because I'm trying to stay OFF the computer and get some neglected tasks handled. But since this is my outlet for recording my thoughts about the day, I just couldn't let this day end without an entry.

I find it really sad that I can go for days (or even weeks) going through the motions of life without stopping to really appreciate all that we have been blessed with. You know what I mean? Juggling schedules, finding work/home balance, time is short, the "to-do's" are always longer than there are hours in the day? For some reason, today I am just overwhelmed with all the blessings in my life and a genuine appreciation for all the things I in no way deserve. I know there are many that haven't even crossed my mind today, but here are a few:

1. So thankful for modern medicine and the power of healing. One year ago today, I wrenched a disc that had been giving me fits for months. I would spend the next 10 days in bed waiting for surgery --- even strong pain meds gave little relief during that time. I'm thankful today to be *mostly* pain free and not have to explain to a two-year old that I can't pick him up!

2. So thankful that even in today's labor market, my husband is starting a new job on Monday after more than 10 years of self-employment. It's tough out there. Everywhere he looked, they are getting so many applicants for each job it's hard to be THE ONE that stands out and gets hired.

3. So thankful for our new home. When you get to be as old as we are, you know exactly what features you're looking for if you're going to go to all the trouble of moving. This house had everything on our "must-have" list (even if alot of them need repairing or updating) plus a few more.

When we would talk about finding a new house, Addison would always say she wanted a creek. Can you imagine how excited we were, after we had already bought the house, to find out there is a creek just behind the treeline in the backyard? It's been mostly dried up this summer, but the Gustav remnants made for a little wading fun today!

4. So thankful for my two beautiful, healthy and amazing children. I had read the statistics on having kids late in life, and they're not very encouraging if you're one of those women of *advanced maternal age*. I know I'm so blessed to have these two considering we didn't even start trying until I was 39! They amaze me every day with their love for life and learning. Tonight as I'm snuggling Clark before bed, he blurts out, "Be ye kind one to another!" I had no idea he was already memorizing Bible verses at preschool...and he got this one down pat.

I know there are so many more....but the pillows are calling. Just remind me next time I start whining of all I have to be thankful for, okay?

Friday Sketchers #17

2008-09-04T18:58:00.003-05:00

Sigh! I've been needing to make cards all week, but life seems to be moving at warp speed. Glad I was at least able to use Friday Sketchers #17 before it turns to the next Friday (at least here in the US). Sympathy cards are always so hard for me, and I needed to send two this week!!! Picking the right image, the right colors, the right papers. I wanted to use my Hydrangea Vase image and sympathy sentiment from Treehouse Stamps. Finally I found this paper from Fancy Pants that seemed to work. I liked the image and paper so much, I made another one. And I even have one more image already colored. Maybe I can actually get one card in my stash, so the next time there is a need I won't have to go through this process again!

I'll leave you with a picture of a little guy visiting by our back step yesterday.

My Wish

2008-09-01T08:34:00.003-05:00

Isn't is funny how we find our inspiration? After reading (and listening to) Angela's blog entry yesterday morning, I was so compelled to get this picture scrapped. I used Stuck Sketch #53 and pp by Rhonna Farrer. Even after listening to these words practice after practice, I still get teary-eyed when I hear this song. I hope you have a minute to listen to the words...then go hug your little ones or scrap a layout letting them know your wishes for them!

Why I Grocery Game!

2008-08-31T15:05:00.004-05:00

I've been playing the Grocery Game for over 3 years now! When life gets too crazy, I miss a few weeks here and there. But today's trip to Harris Teeter proves why I stick with it.

Including the must-have today 3.99 Oxyclean (no sale/no coupon), the total for all this was only $11.44 plus tax!

If you ever decide to give the Grocery Game a try, I'd love for you to use me as a referral. My email is: mybackporch at gmail dot com.

CPS #79

2008-08-28T23:54:00.004-05:00

Another busy week without much to share here! Everything is good, just busy...and about to get busier since Addison's dance classes and Wednesday night Bible classes for the kids resume after Labor Day. I guess we have this long weekend to enjoy a few more days without the full schedule.

I did sit down at my craft table tonight (even though there is only about a 12-inch square area that is usable at the moment) and played with some Tinkering Ink goodies that came in the mail this week. This card is for CPS Sketch #79. There's really not much to it. The paper is Tinkering Ink, and the rub-on is American Crafts. Such an easy-peasy card. I'm hoping the striking color combo makes it look like a little more work went into it than really did.

Thanks for dropping by. Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

This is so fun!

2008-08-23T20:14:00.006-05:00

I saw this link to Yearbook Yourself on Julie Campbell's blog and just had to try it for myself!

It's so fun to see what you might have looked like back in the day. LOL I think it's a very realistic projection if I had been having yearbook pics taken in any of these years.

How about 1962?

Or 1972?

In fact, I'm quite sure that I have a few from 1990 that look exactly like this!

If you try it yourself and post them, I'd love to see a link. I think these are hilarious!

CPS #78 and Pamela is a Maniac!

2008-08-22T19:04:00.004-05:00

I finally got around to this week's sketch on the Card Positioning Systems blog. Stamps are SU Fabulous Flowers, patterned paper by Prima, and some pink and fruit punch Stickles. This one was made for a co-worker who is moving away. I hope she likes it.

Pamela has ANOTHER awesome giveaway on her blog today! Check it out HERE!!!

Check out this giveaway!

2008-08-21T22:47:00.002-05:00

While I'm being busy ignoring the blog (and many of yours too *sad face*), check out this great giveaway! Pamela is giving away an entire scrapbooking kit!!!

Hurry! Go!

And I promise to catch up this weekend.

SOS Mystery Envelope LO

2008-08-18T06:04:00.003-05:00

Last month, I signed up for the mystery envelope challenge on the Sisterhood of Scrap blog. It was a fun challenge to take minimal supplies and use all of them for a layout. In addition to what I received in the mail, I added a sheet of white 12x12 cardstock and some stamping for my title. (I think you can tell I'm way out of practice with the wood mounted stamps, huh?)

You can check out what the other gals did with the same supplies HERE!

And believe it or not, I really am up this early blogging. Today is Addison's first day to ride the bus the school....so we have to get everyone ready quite a bit earlier than we did last week! I've got the camera ready. Hoping I get some great pics to share!!!

Using My Stash

2008-08-16T19:47:00.003-05:00

The August challenge at Use Your Stash is to use patterned paper. I found a sketch from Sketch It Out and dug into my stash of Dream Street papers. No cardstock on this layout, but I cut into 5 different patterned papers. Yippee! One more LO ready for Sara's album.

Use Your Stash is giving away an awesome prize for taking their August challenge. But you only have until August 20 to enter...so go check it out quick!!

52 Sketches #32 and some {SAS}sy Scrapping!

2008-08-16T09:10:00.003-05:00

What a bad blogger I've been! We've been working on getting back in our school routine this week. It's going great! But definitely an adjustment after the lazy days of summer.

I did find time last night to work with Sketch #32 at 52 Sketches...52 Weeks.

I'll be spending what spare time I can find this weekend trying to finish up the gift album since my niece leaves for college in just a few more days. I found out about an online crop at Scrap Attack Scrapbooking.

What a friendly bunch of scrappers! And some great challenges (and awesome prizes) to keep me motivated! You should come join in the fun on the message board! Here's another LO I did for a challenge over there.

First Day First Grade!

2008-08-12T01:04:00.003-05:00

WOW! Summer vacation sure has flown by! I guess that happens especially when you move just a couple of days after the last day of class in May. Today was the first day at Addison's new school. She was a little apprehensive about starting at a new place and making new friends, but she is very happy that her new school doesn't have a uniform dress code. Mom, on the other hand, is not so happy about it. That standard school attire was a sure way to avoid the arguments over her fashion choices.

We got there a little early so she and Clark had time to check out this awesome tree on the school yard. On the way inside, we had seen a couple of familiar faces. I'm hoping she felt more at ease by the the time we got to her classroom. And you just gotta love the snaggle tooth smile. Here's wishing you a terrific first grade year my dear!!!

Another Double Challenge

2008-08-06T01:04:00.003-05:00

Korin of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps provided the sketch and the prize for this week's challenge at the Dutch Dare Challenge blog. I love this sketch. I decided to use a stamped image of Sweet Gretchen that Korin had sent along with my last order. Since the theme of the week on the Stamp Something blog is Thank You's, I used a TAC sentiment and made a Thank You card. Thank You cards are something I never seem to have enough of.

Sorry for the lousy picture. The lighting is terrible in here at night, but I knew this card would not scan well either.

Challenge(s) Card

2008-08-05T22:22:00.003-05:00

This card was made with two challenges in mind. This week, the theme at Cute Card Thursday is something "In The House". Do you realize how hard it is to find a stamp of something INSIDE the house? I used this week's sketch from Friday sketchers and some older SU stamps (I think these were in a hostess set??). The paper is all Basic Grey Infuse. It's nice to have a belated birthday card in the stash. Goodness knows it won't be long before I forget someone's birthday. I couldn't even remember to take a picture of this card during daylight hours today, so I had to resort to the scanner.

CPS #76

2008-08-03T09:12:00.002-05:00

This morning I was cleaning off my table from the past few days of layouts. I found these American Crafts paper scraps and thought they'd work perfectly for CPS Sketch #76. Luckily I had already hand-cut the flower out so the card came together very quickly, and I can always use some fun cards to send "just-because!"

Okay...gotta get moving! It needs to be a busy day here.

Magic - 52 Sketches #29

2008-08-02T22:01:00.002-05:00

I've been cropping with the gals at Sassy Scrappers this weekend. They're having a Tropical Luau Crop with lots of fun challenges. I used a recipe challenge from the crop and Sketch #29 at 52 Sketches...52 Weeks to set the tone for this layout. Hearts are clear embosssed on the black background cardstock. The patterned paper and journaling card are by Jenni Bowlin. To achieve the large scallop effect, I cut circles and then cut them in half. It's all pulled together with some ribbon and lace and a few Heidi Swapp jewels. I made this one for my niece's gift album, but I like it so much I think I need to replicate it for our wedding album!

Li'l Baby - 52 Sketches #30

2008-07-31T00:09:00.003-05:00

Using more than two or three photos on a page always befuddles me. But I need to get through this stack of pics for that gift album, so I was quite excited when a couple of five-photo sketches came up on the 52 Sketches...52 Weeks blog a couple of days ago! This layout is for sketch #30. Cardstock is Bazzill. The patterned paper and thickers are from American Crafts.

This is my chance to catch up!!

2008-07-29T23:11:00.002-05:00

My Google Reader is loaded with stamping blogs with a few scrapbook and home-ec type blogs thrown in for good measure. At last count, I think I was close to 2000 unread posts.

Thank heavens for the SU convention!! I'm guessing this week is my chance to catch up and get that Reader cleared out. Wish me luck. :)

It's been a Scrappy Weekend!

2008-07-27T23:40:00.003-05:00

I got three more layouts finished for the gift album I'm working on, the altered tin and one card. No wonder my house looks like a bomb went off.

Altered Tooth Fairy Tin

2008-07-26T19:23:00.004-05:00

Well...lots of drama and tears also came out with the first tooth this afternoon. Silly tooth has been loose for MONTHS!
You would think I would have had plenty of time to play with an idea that's been floating in my head all that time. However, in typical Rachel fashion, we're getting by with the just-in-time method. Luckily, I was able to quickly put my hands on an old Altoids tin and some epoxy stickers my friend Linda had RAK'd me several months ago. I used some paper from Daisy D's and Dream Street, some misc. ribbon, alpha stickers and ticket, and a poem found through Google.

What's the going rate for the tooth fairy these days anyway???

Shocked?

2008-07-26T12:40:00.004-05:00

I actually finished a layout. I'm still trying to get an album done for my niece before she leaves for college in less than 3 weeks now. Thanks to one of the Scrapfest challenges at Creative Scrappers, here's one more page for her album. The old Making Memories eyelet plaque says "A father sees himself in his child's eyes."

If you haven't heard....

2008-07-25T23:15:00.005-05:00

20 layout sketches and 5 card sketches! WooHoo! Anyone wanna guess what I'm doing tonight? Well....actually I'm just getting started. We took the kids to see the Wiggles tonight. Clark absolutely LOVED it. Addison had very mixed emotions. She really wanted to enjoy it one minute, but then the "big-girl-I-can't-possibly-still-like-the-Wiggles" side would appear. Anyway, we stopped for a late dinner and now the kids are in bed. So I'm gonna stay up late and scrap!!!

I'm Exhausted

2008-07-21T00:23:00.006-05:00

The slightest possibility that extended family might need a place to sleep tonight en route to their vacation destination sent us into a flurry this weekend to deal with the all the boxes in the guest room...the room that can end up being a dungeon for months after a move. I'm happy to say that the boxes are mostly gone, the beds are made, and I would not have been embarrassed to have overnight guests even though it turned out they didn't need to stay here. But I'm tired and the alarm is going to ring way too early tomorrow morning.

The scraproom is coming along slowly but surely. Maybe I should just invite ya'll over to scrap in a week or two. That would be one sure way to make sure all these boxes get unpacked. Right now I've gotten just a tad too comfortable with them stacked out of the way. *sigh* On the bright side, the guest room is ready if we decide to pull a late-nighter! LOL
My husband keeps asking me where all this stuff came from? And how in the world I fit it all in my little 8x8 space at the old house. The sad thing is that I really don't know!!!

Tagged!

2008-07-19T08:39:00.003-05:00

I got tagged this weekby my friend Kris! So here goes:

Each player answers questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 or 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answers.

What were you doing ten years ago?
Hmmmm....Gosh that was before children and scrapbooking? What did I do? Working, settling into married life, and going to alot of sporting events.

5 things on todays "To Do" list
1. Saturday housecleaning stuff
2. Figure out what I'm taking to a pot luck tomorrow
3. Pay bills
4. Work on unpacking more boxes
5. Referee kids

I'm addicted to
Coffee
Blurfing
The Grocery Game
Mexican food

Things I would do if I were a MILLIONAIRE
Pay off the mortgage.
Worry a little less about funding college and retirement.
Take some awesome family vacations.

Places I have lived
Laurel, DE
Nashville, TN
Brentwood, TN
(I resist change, can you tell???)

And I'm tagging:
Denean
Emelyn
Radona
Julie S

Sketches at Creative Scrappers

2008-07-12T19:26:00.005-05:00

I finally got around to setting up my little sewing corner today. I think I'm going to love being able to keep my sewing machine out. Hopefully, that means I'll use it more often. Now I just need to find some cute fabric and sew a cover for it! It is taking forever to get this room the way I want it. But progress is progress I suppose.

I'm loving the weekly sketches at Creative Scrappers. For the second week in a row, I finished both the weekly layout sketch and the weekly card sketch. The layout is the cover page in an album I'm making for a gift. The papers are Prima and Daisy D's. I'm still not sure what's going on with the shadows on my scanner. I must have messed up some settings during the move???

For this quickie card, I used some Doodlebug scraps and an AL Rhonna Farrer stamp paper piecing the little guy's wing.

And I'll leave you with a pic of my baby. He was home one day this week with some kind of tummy bug. I was on the phone when I saw him lay down in the family room right in the middle of the floor. By the time I got off my call, he had fallen fast asleep and stayed right there for over two hours. If you know Clark, you KNOW he felt bad to do something like that!!

Our Creative Corner Sketch

2008-07-09T00:21:00.004-05:00

I'm seeing lots of Christmas in July, so I decided to bring out the Christmas papers and stamps too! I've been wanting to try some of the weekly challenges at Our Creative Corner, and finally found some time to work with the sketch for this week. As I was finishing up this card I realized how easy this design would be to mass produce when it comes down to crunch time in mid-December. Someone remind me of that if when I get in a panic five months from now!

Paper - Making Memories, Stamps - CTMH Snowman Holiday, Misc. Ribbon.

Snapfish Deal

2008-07-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

I have SO many photos that need to be printed, so I couldn't pass up the latest offer from Snapfish. Use coupon code JUL4PENNY08 and get up to 50 digital prints for a penny each! Even with shipping of $3.44...that's 50 prints for under $4.00!!! A great deal in my book.

Edited to add: This deal is only good through July 12.

My Day

2008-07-06T18:54:00.003-05:00

I read a great quote this morning at the Creative Scrappers Forum....unfortunately it proved to be the story of my day.

"Having one child makes you a parent; having two you are a referee."
~David Frost

Creative Scrappers Sketch #6

2008-07-05T19:02:00.002-05:00

Put on your sunglasses for this bright layout! And I'm not sure what is going on with my scanner, so I'll apologize for the shadows on the scan.

I just discovered the Creative Scrappers blog and forum...and I'm glad I had time to work with this sketch! Check them out. A new sketch goes up every week.

Little Surprises!

2008-07-05T13:07:00.000-05:00

After living in the same place for almost 18 years, it's been fun to wait and see what is going to bloom next at our new home. I'm loving this triple daylily.