New blog look...hope you like it :) I wanted to do something a little simpler this time. Clean and fresh. Just in time for the new year right?
Coming soon:
A new project I'm working on and super excited about:
*Dec Daily Days 17-25ish
*Oregon Duck photo album
*Tour of my scrap room
*Layouts that didn't make it to the blog (for some reason)
Hope everyone is having a good new year so far. For me, well, let's just say its been a mixed bag. Will update on that soon :)
Hello! Whew! I finally got caught up. Can I just say that I'm proud of myself for sticking with this and may just actually finish it! Go me! :)
(Remember to click on the image to view it larger!! ) **edit- i will come back tmrw and enter the journaling. some of the photos make it hard to see what I said**
Day 3- santa tag intro
Day 3 intro cont.
Day 3 cont. this photo was taken by my mom's phone. I didn't bring my camera this night (stupid me! i'm working on a daily album, duh!) Thanks mom :)
Day 4. Big game for us Ducks. The Civil War, and this game would decide if we were going to the Rose Bowl or the BCS National Championships. Oh yeah, we're goin' to the 'ship!!!! Way to go Ducks!!! The photo was taken off the tv- we didn't host the civil war this year, so we decided to save our $ and stay home, have a party at a friend's house. This was taken right after we won. The photos on the right : the football I took in the beginning of the fall, and the Ducks Coach, Chip Kelley off from the tv giving a interview after the game as well.
the photos on the left: from a couple of games that we went to that I wanted to include, even though it wasn't the exact day. right photo: envelope that I plan on putting the newspaper clippings about this game as soon as I copy what I have, since I plan on using the original for the OR Duck album I have made for us.(I just realized that I have not shared this album yet..will do soon!)
back of the clipping envelope + Day 5 intro.
Day 5 cont.
Day 5 cont. journal + photos of Wade + the xmas countdown calendar.
Day 5 cont. A photo driving to his first basketball game, which was an away game, and happened to be the first day it storms + photos from his game and journaling.
Day 6 journaling
day 6 cont.
Day 6 cont. photo of our front door, snow and boots :)
Day 7 -the mantel shot +journaling on the back of the tag.
the red felt reindeer pocket (a gift card holder i found at Micheal's-cute right?!)- is holding receipts from errands I did and a mini wallet sized photo I took of the stamps I bought for the Xmas cards + a piece ripped out of movie guide from Blockbuster's about the Eclipse (from the Twilight series) movie I bought.
Day 7 cont. journaling about our tree.
photo of the tree. So glad I took this pic when I did...a few days later the top tier's lights burned out. Go figure...
Day 8 : i took this photo using the reflection of a xmas ornament. I love how it shows a fish eye like around the living room + and shows the fireplace mantel. Love that I was able to capture my dogs laying at my feet like they always are. + Day 9- a little humor about the thing I hate to do- cooking...well at least I think its funny- the photos/story not the cooking- there's nothing humorious about that!. Not so sure anyone else thinks I am that funny LOL :)
Day 10. Sick still + a piece of mail that was the first Xmas card we got of my cousin and her family- she recently had triplets! Crazy thing.
Back of the envelope that I spilt my Starbucks coffee--grrrr! + Day 11 intro.
Day 11; Introducing Fred, our elf on the shelf.
Day 11 journaling.
Day 12 : my sister working @ McDonald's (well I actually borrowed from when I took it last year or so- I once again didn't have my camera on me, and well I knew she would hide if she saw it LOL) +plus a photo I took of basketballs a couple years back- it was all about basketball that day. + plus journaling
Day 13 _ filling out Xmas cards and was sposed to send them out the next day at least..but they are still sitting out on the counter...so hopefully no one getting a card from us sees this before they actually get the card in their hands first...sorry if you had to see it here LOL
Our first xmas card as a family :) + intro to Day 14
Day 14: my job.
Day 15: another job- me working on photo editing + deadlines for senior pics to be sent to the yearbook dept. + another piece of mail (i covered my address and blurred out the sender's for privacy reasons) I knew I wanted to something that had our address on it. This was another xmas card that included a letter update about the family. I thought it would be fun to read in the future.
This is actually a part of Day 16, today, where we had dinner tonight + plus the receipt of what it cost. I meant to put it behind the photo for the day but oh well its there and done lol
Day 16. Me working on the Dec. Daily album :)
This album is getting reeeally thick. I am definately going to have to find bigger book rings. If you have any questions on products or anything, ask me in the comments section and I will be happy to tell you there! :) Hope everyone is doing well, and ready for Xmas. We're not! We haven't started shopping yet!! eeeek! Probably won't be back until after Xmas/New year with the rest of the Dec. album updates...until then....
Have a Merry Christmas!
Ps- To see the first 2 days, look in the post before this :)
Hello December. I can't believe how fast Thanksgiving came and went, and we are already heading into the third day of Dec. I meant to get these up in separate posts on day 1 and 2...but I fell sick with a sinus infection + a fever of a 101 since last Sunday...I knew I was feeling pretty crummy but I had no idea that I had a fever that high until I went into the doctor on Tues. On top of that, on our way home from the Oregon game on Saturday, the suburban went alittle haywire. We had just gotten back onto dry pavement off of Williamette Pass, and switched over to auto from 4x4 when all of the sudden the car started idling really fast and rough, the engine light came on and the stability feature turned off. We couldn't go faster than 35 miles per hour. Made some calls, and apparently the car's computer went into "limp home mode" (say what?!). Which means that it was ok to drive to where we needed to go but to get serviced ASAP. Luckily we were only about 20 miles away to the car dealership's repair shop...but it took FOREVER to get there. 35 miles per hour aaaaallll the way there. We were tired and now stressed and just wanted to get home. Even though, I tried to look at the positive side of it, and said it was a blessing that it freaked out where it did and not on the cold snowy pass (hardly any cell phone service) and we had our friends following us. Plus the fact that the car shut itself down to a point where it wouldn't cause any more or possible damage. Dropped the car off and was given a free loaner car (a 4 door Hyundai Santa Fe) until it was fixed. This loaner car pretty much broke the tension between Scott and I...and gave our friends a good laugh and had a great time making fun of us :) Well, it DID look like a bright white bathtub that Scott (he's 6'4 tall) was driving. They came up besides us in the other lane, taking pictures and laughing so hard, I swear I thought we were gonna wreck. It was hilarious! Couple of days later, my beloved Sub was fixed and ready to be picked up. All it needed was a update on the computer system (say what?). All covered by the factory warranty. Whew.
Alright, without further ado...here is my Dec. Daily Day 1 + 2. I won't be listing any products descriptions. Getting the photos and writing the info is a tedious job so if you have a question about what was used, please ask me in the comment section and I will be happy to let you know there :)
Remember to click on the image to view larger.
This is the cover. I added a snowflake tag to the top ring.
pg 2. intro
pg 3 intro.
pg 4 intro to day 1.
back of pg 4 + intro photo w/ the candy cane heart (taken by me! I placed them together and put them on top of a turquoise antique table I have by our dining room window. I LOVE the color combination of the red, white and turqiouse blue together) . This is by far my fav so far :)
a close up. "Hello December- how I love you so." Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love all of the sparkle, lights, scents, the tree,traditions and the magic of xmas.
back of pg 4 (loooove the fabric that is adhered) + Day 1. Photos of my breakfast and tea with a dose of my antibiotics 2x a day. The fireplace that I was grateful to have to stay warm while fighting my fever. The wreath that I finally got to hang up on the inside of the front door (another wreath is on the outside- photo will be another day!)
pg 5 (on the back of the day 1 journal pg). Pg 6 is the Starbucks pastry bag that I had stitched but left open at the top in case I wanted to use it to house a letter or journal more. Haven't gotten that far yet....
on the back side of the sbx bag + pg 7 intro to day 2. This is a number lace adhered to a heavy transparency page with the painted #2 to make it stand out more. Edged with some red sparkle ribbon :)
back side of pg 7 + day 2. I had been wanting to photograph apples for awhile now, and I love the red and green color combo so I figured this was a good time as any. The felt snowflake is actually hole punched and is placed there to take up the empty space I have below the photo. I haven't decided if I am going to place anything there, or leave it as is.
flipped the snowflake over to reveal the journaling.
pg 8 on the back of day 2 (cont.). I had to leave the house to take the dog to get her stitches out from her knee surgery she had 2 weeks ago and run some errands. After 3 days of staying inside and in my pj's (FYI, I did shower you know. Just sayin'), I was ready to get out, but unfortunately my body was not. By the time I got home, I was feeling really crummy again and super frustrated since all I wanted to do was get better. ANyways, I stopped by Starbucks to pick up a peppermint mocha latte, in hopes of clearing my sinuses, and warming up my throat. Well, I could barely taste it. Thanks alot tastebuds. I took a photo of the sign withthe holiday flavors while I was in the drive thru. SO happy that I did. I also took off the order sticker, used a border punch and stuck it right on the photo. It has the size + the time I got it. Love how it turned out. Holed punch one of the many coffee cup sleeves I have been collecting lately (plan on using these for a mini someday lol)...but isn't the wording so cool? Hmm, I wonder if they have been seeing us scrapbookers talking about and making layouts about their yummy coffee?
Not alot of "stories" so far...just tidbits of my day. I'm home alone most of the day so not much going on other than what I usually do. Its the weekends where we see alot more action since that's when we get our Wader bug at our house. This weekend is full of basketball games- Wade and my sister's (who is a Senior this year and captain of her varsity team) on Friday and Sunday. Saturday is the big rival game and last game of the season....CIVIL WAR! Oregon vs Oregon State. GO DUCKS! This game will determine whether we go to the Rose Bowl or National Championship. I'm not going to say anything more. We are a superstitious bunch and will not say anything to jinx anything. LOL! I will say however, undefeated at this point...11-0 and Pac 10 Conference Champions!
Check back next week for days 3 and 4...at least. I have a busy week coming up to get caught up on the restaruant business bookkeeping and have deadlines for the Senior and a family shoot(s) I had the last couple of months. Being sick, travelling and the car situation has really put me behind. Not to mention getting the tree up and getting our XMas cards out! Wow, only 21 days before Christmas! Is it time to panic yet?! ;0)
Have a great weekend!
I am so excited about this project! I wanted to show you a sneak peek of my book. I'm planning on doing around 32 days or so (I never make any project easy for myself, phish)...so rather than photograph every page to show you, I thought I would just give a taste. I'm also doing it this way, because, I'm not quite finished with the foundation...pretty much just need to add the dates still. I'm actually saving that part for the days I do put the photos and stories in the book. I let the photos speak to me, and then put them in the appropriate paper or/and embellishment. Then I will show you each day, or a series of days what I ended up with. I didn't do a very simple book lol. Do I do anything simple, really?
Like I said in a previous post, I purchased a ready made book from Eva because I liked the idea of just having that...the ready made part. Well....I got super inspired, looked through my stash, and saw some new and vintage stuff online...I took the book apart, subtracted about more than half of what the book already had and added my own stuff. This book is in no way simple. LOL I love my eclectic (and Eva's) selection of papers and embellishments. I have written out a looooong list of things I want to photograph that I know is going to happen during the month. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I am especially excited because this is my first year of really knowing that I have a family of my own. Possibly starting new and old traditions during the holiday too :). I'm not sure if I am going to do this project every single year so this book is going to be pretty full.
Anyhoo, here are the sneeks :)
In addition to this, I'm taking Shimelle's Journal your Christmas and Willette Designs Finding the Holiday Joy . I am excited about using some of their prompts, that way If I do get stuck on a day where I can't think of anything, or something I didn't think of, it'll be a really great addition to the book. So excited!
Ps- I will also be working on a project that my best friend's son (Eriq) asked me to do for his 3rd grade class. I will be hosting Flat Stanley for a couple of weeks or so. He will be hanging out with me and maybe going out for some adventures...like say, to the #1 college football team in the nation...Oregon Ducks game! He'll have an awesome time for sure! :) I won't be showing those pics until I have completed the project and have sent Flat Stanley on his way back to Oklahoma :) I wanted to suprise Eriq with Stanley's adventures here in Oregon :) However, I will post this....Here is Stanley helping me with my Dec. Daily mini... he's was such a big helper!! Thanks Eriq for sending him my way! I'll take good care of him :)
Fall was here and gone in a flash.
We had all kinds of plans to go to a pumpkin patch, carve pumpkins...but those plans fell through. I managed to get some mini pumpkins before they ran out for the season.
Flu shot time. (photo found online)
We all got the shot this year. My first in 12+ years. So far so good...sort of. Wade got his first physical to clear him to play 6th grade basketball. He had to get his 11-12 yr old tetanus shot, and his flu shot. He ended up having some reactions and had a small fever....then he had tummy troubles and fatique for over a week. Missed school and his first week of practice. He ended up going to the ER, thinking that he may have appendicitis...but they determined that he just had a lower intestine virus. He ended up missing Halloween. He had a pretty cool custome that we finally found his size at a Halloween specialty store. Hopefully he"ll be able to wear next year...but I'm not holding my breath on that one LOL I snapped a photo of it just in case...what can I say, I am a scrapbooker. :)
Basketball shoe shopping...
Whoa! Size 20. Scott wears 15's, but can you imagine?
I've been busy with senior photo shoots, and did a shoot for our friends. In return, Melanie did ours :)
C. family...
Our family :) Thank you Melanie!
Can't wait to do our 1st Christmas cards :)
Hello winter. First snow fall.
Can't believe the holidays are just right around the corner. Time flies. I am excited about getting the Xmas tree up. I am going to try to follow along with a December Daily mini book project that Ali Edwards came up with.
Have the book semi ready, will just need to add the pics and journaling daily. I cheated with the book to save some time (working on other projects), but will be adding other embellishments/papers as I go. Got the book from Evalicious.
I finally finished a project I've wanted to get hung up in the entry way. I was just waiting for our fall family pics. This is a printer's tray from 7 Gypsies. I got it in a kit that Ali E. made up for Cocoa Daisy. I pretty much lifted her but changed a couple of placements and embellishments to make it more for us. I love how it turned out.
Hanging in the entry way. LOVE :)
Got the door knob wall hook at Pier 1 last year, and the round mirror above that at a local antique store.
Ok, so you noticed that there's a W, right? That's the last initial of Scott and Wade...and I'm obviously not sharing that last name...yet :) I already feel like we are a family, and feel like an W. Here's to hoping that he asks me officially soon. Just sayin'! :)
Have a happy Thanksgiving!
ps- I have posted 2 other entries in the past couple of days. See below if you missed it! :)
Cont. from yesterday's entry (see post below)....
We LOVE our Ducks. Its college football time! Well, actually now its almost over (booo!) with only 3 more games left. 4 if you are counting the National Championships. Yep. Our beloved Ducks are ranked #1, for the first time EVER I might add, in the nation. 9-0. One game at a time. It has been such a exhilarating, and nail biting season so far. Today, we play Cal Bears. Today I will be watching the game by myself as Scott and Dad are out Elk hunting. Rest assured though, they plan to listen the game on the radio at their camp. No way would Scott miss this game. Ok, well, we are recording it on the DVR. Bring on the green and YELL-oooooo :) GO Ducks!
(lyrics)
Song: I Love My Ducks (Return of the Quack)
Artist: Supwitchugirl
INTRO
Return of the Quack (once again)
Return of the Quack (come on)
Return of the Quack (oh my God)
Return of the Quack (here I am)
Return of the Quack (yes it is)
Return of the Quack (Supwitchugirl)
Return of the Quack (watch my flow)
Return of the Quack (Here we go)
Return of the Quack (once again)
Return of the Quack (come on)
Return of the Quack (oh my God)
Return of the Quack (here I am)
Return of the Quack (yes it is)
Return of the Quack (Supwitchugirl)
Return of the Quack (watch my flow)
Return of the Quack (Here we go)
CHORUS
I love my Ducks (I love my Ducks, I love my Ducks)
I love my Ducks (It’s goin’ down, It’s goin’ down)
I love my Ducks (I love my Ducks, I love my Ducks)
I love my Ducks (still top of the Pac, new year, new track the Return of the Quack)
VERSE 1
Still QB sackin’ still packin’ with the hard hits
Quackin’ through the Pac-10, stackin’ up our wins list
Quarterback packin’ so clean, so nifty
Everybody screamin’ DT are you with me!?
Makin’ plays, make the D say, “Oh no he didn’t!”
Autzen Jumbotron gonna’ need a third digit
Eatin chips and dip with the brain Chip Kelly
Makin days happy like Arthur Fonzerelli
Pac-12? Well that just means there’s two more teams to beat
Uncle Phil got our back puttin’ swooshes on our feet
Paysinger, the bell-ringer, solid like a statue,
Solid like an intercepted pass by Casey Matthews
Solid as Kenny Rowe quarterback sack
Feedin’ off the crowd, straight snackin’ off the claps
60,000 fans with their hands in the sky
O screamin’ Go screamin’ Ducks in reply
CHORUS
I love my Ducks (I love my Ducks, I love my Ducks)
I love my Ducks (It’s goin’ down, It’s goin’ down)
I love my Ducks (I love my Ducks, I love my Ducks)
I love my Ducks (I love this town never, never rains in here, it pours touchdowns
VERSE 2
Awesome, now we’re back in Autzen
I’m no dentist but our uniforms are flossin’
Drinkin’ on this lemonade with Remene Alston
Jeff won’t you Maehl me a touchdown I want one
We’re your favorite teams’ favorite team
Smooth like a limousine
Everybody’s goin’ every-everybody’s goin’ green
D-Boyz makin’ other teams look embarrassing
Harassing quarterbacks, you can call it Cliff Harrising
Line makin’ gaps bigger than the Grand Canyon
Man, looks like somethin’ that I could drive a van in
Running game big so they’re callin’ it the Gold Rush
Hittin’ every hole through the middle like a doughnut
Barner don’t Twitter, but the D still follows him
Watch him on the Top-10, Neil Everett hollerin’
And I wanna, I wanna be like LaMike
That’s why you hear me screamin’ all night!
CHORUS
I love my Ducks (I love my Ducks, I love my Ducks)
I love my Ducks (It’s goin’ down, It’s goin’ down)
I love my Ducks (I love my Ducks, I love my Ducks)
I love my Ducks (Still top of the Pac, new year, new track the Return of the Quack)
I love my Ducks
Return of the Quack (once again)
Return of the Quack (come on)
I love my Ducks
Return of the Quack (oh my God)
Return of the Quack (here I am)
I love my Ducks
Return of the Quack (yes it is)
Return of the Quack (Supwitchugirl)
I love my Ducks
Return of the Quack
Return of the Quack
**********************
Just about every weekend is dedicated to football and every other weekend is home games, tailgating and raising our hands up to the sky with our fingers forming an "O" and record breaking decibel "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Or hanging out at ours or friend's living room, for away games, in front of the tv watching the nationally televised games, still cheering, still wearing our spirit colors. Oh yeah. Good times. Life is good.
Tailgating is a must! Whether its mid day...
or early morning...
the path way we walk to the stadium...
Fast. Hard. Finish. WTD (win the day).
Come rain or shine, we'll be there! Oh did you hear? "It NEVER rains at Autzen Stadium"!
our friends and fellow rubber duckies, Mel and Joe :)
Get your O on!
A brand new field and paint job. Wowza.
the starting line up announcement is one our favorite parts of the game.
And we wanna be like Mike! LaMichael for LaHeisman !
the jumbo tron is right behind us, which is great so we can watch the replays, and see what is happening when the play is down on the other side of the field.
TOUCHdown!
A push up for every point. This Duck should be ripped by now! ;0)
my high 5 buddy :) Isn't he cute?
The students yell GO!, we respond with DUCKS!
Did I mention that LIFE IS GOOD? :)
As promised I'm back with an update...
Starting towards the end of summer...Aug. 5...Scott and I wanted to celebrate our 1 year together so we decided to take a trip back to the coast before school started again. This time it was pretty low key. Just the 3 of us.
Nice sand boobs buddy. HAHA!
So we are minding our business and here comes this guy with really long white hair, walking past us..and as soon as he was out of ear shot, Scott goes, hey...that was William Lee Golden from the Oak Ridge Boys. By the time I got my camera out he was pretty far away, but here's his backside lol
Roses from my love :)
Scott and Wade went deep sea fishing again. This time the weather wasn't all that great. Wade got sea sick, even though he 'd been out 2 or 3 times before. The captain was a real grump, as the people they went out with weren't fishing too smart, hence the grumpy captain. Nothing was really biting....except for this ugly thing. Eww.
A summer outdoor concert. I had gotten Scott Willie Nelson tickets for his birthday. Dad and my stepmom had tickets first, also a birthday gift for dad from Merrilene, but I managed to snag some awesome seats. She ended up having to leave early to go to work as the concert up starting alot later than we thought, and someone else was opening the concert, so she didn't even get to see Willie. I felt so bad for her, and my dad. I went and hung out with him about mid concert to so he wasn't by himself. Love you Dad!
The concert was at the Les Schwab amphitheater at the Old Mill District
Willie. The man still has it at 77 years of age. I grew up to him and my dad singing together(from the cassette tapes of course). My dad is his biggest fan. He even sounds like him ;0) First thing I noticed was that Willie had cut his hair. O.M.G.
It was a really awesome concert. It would have been more enjoyable if it didn't start pouring down rain and I don't mean just sprinkle. Downpour for almost the entire time he was on. Add drunk people, older and younger alike, making a fool of themselves, was really distracting. Even at 77, he can still make people react to anything he does. Do you know people were falling over themselves when he was throwing guitar picks, headbands, whatever out from the stage? Wade got a pick from a band crew after the concert was over...pretty cool :)
Father and son time. Scott and Wade playing/throwing the football around. He's such a great dad :)
and HOT too :) Be still my heart. Sigh.
Got a new ride in October. A 2009 Suburban. Pretty hunk of metal right? I originally was looking and set on a blackFord Expedition. Until Dad found this for me. Hello. I will be your new owner.
We LOVE it! THANKS DAD :)
The Oregon Ducks baseball team came into town for a mini clinic for younger kids. First there was a scrimmage, teaching them some baseball tips and then autographs. We are seriously thinking about letting the little dude go to baseball camp (weekends or/and week long clinics), that the Ducks host. I think he would really benefit from it.
to be continued....its 1:30 am...will be back later tommorrow to finish....
Day I
This is my opening page. Photo of my closet door w/ a sneak peek inside :)
materials:
*album: Pink Paislee 4x8 artisan canvas (natural) with the chipboard pages included.
*circle paper: basic grey "basics" (white)
*orange patterned paper: Studio Calico homefront "conversation piece" (B side)
*heart pp: my mind's eye "so loved"
*arrow circle (w/small scalloped punch): Studio Calico "documentary line- Looky there"
*alpha: American crafts glitter thickers- Dear lizzy spring line-"bliss"
*paint: ranger adirondack dabbers - raspberry & pool
*sandpaper (to rough up edges)
Day 2
( 2 pager)
prompt: must have accessories..my pick- cute shoes & rock star shades ;0)
***EDIT After sleeping on it, thinking about it, the shades page didn't feel done so I added a couple of things-the confetti stars (from a new punch I tried out today and the aphas***
Yeah I think its done now :)
I have always wanted to try these techniques.This was my first time misting and using a handmade mask that I made from my star punches. I had saved some bubble wrap from the move and this was the first time I have ever used it in this way. I loved the result :)
materials:
*photoshop: to make the photos seem poloroid like and drew the hearts by using a pencil tool & cpu mouse. cool right? :)
*background pp: scenic route grid (both pages)
pg1:
*maya road mist-cotton candy, silver metallic, lemon metallic
*vintage type writer, computer paper strips
*small & large star punch (mask)
*tim holtz distress ink: old paper
pg2:
*maya road mist- seafoam green, silver metallic
*bubble wrap & pain: ranger adirondack dabber: raspberry
*vintage typewriter & cpu paper strips
*tim holtz distress ink: old paper
*sandpaper (to rough up edges)
*star confetti is from a new punch from EK Success. Its actually a large punch that has different sized stars chained together. HERE
*black fabric alphas - AC thickers in "Delight" font.
I am taking the online class from Ms. Vee who happens to be a new design team girl at Studio Calico. This class is basically about making a mini about my style...in clothing, accessories, etc...I may even include my tastes for other things that I have in my home or just do a seperate mini all together - which would work great with another online class that I am taking with Elise (her's start at the end of the month). Love both V & E's unique styles.
Here's a look at a photo I printed out tonight for Vee's class. The topic was "must have accessories". I ended photographing my outfit today for later use, but I just bought these 2 new shoes and I'm in love. Aren't they the cutest?? The zebra print is waaay out of my usual choices but I wanted to try something new and these just jumped out at me when I saw them. Did you notice that the way I had my feet positioned for the photograph that its forms a heart? Oh yeah. Too cool right? ;0) The yellow flats are from last year. Everyone who knows me that I wear nothing but flip flops during the warm months, so having these flats are my favorite to wear in the winter/spring.
I will be cutting these out from the size I printed on and putting into a mini book somehow. Mainly going to be more artsy (or at least I will try lol). Update with more soon.
I wish I was waaay thinner for this pic but it will happen someday dammit! ;0)
"Hello Sunny"
"Raspberries"
"Rosie"
"Buttons"
"Sky's the Limit"
"Book Love"
(this is available in the more fuller frame version)
"Book Love 2"
"Book Love 3"
"Daffy"
There is also Poppy ArtHERE for sale as well :)
{note}:Color images can be turned into Black & white.
Please contact me for prices :)
I'm following along Kelly Purkey's sketchbook class (with Studio Calico design team contributions)...I'm late as usual- its Day 5-and going backwards :) Ever since Wade and I did a photo booth pic at the beach, I've been itching to scrap it so here's my take from the sketch :)
This is actually a combination of the day 5 and the sketch on the Studio Calico blog on 7/18. **Since KP's class is a paid class, I am not allowed to share the actual sketch.
Materials:
*patterned paper and corrugated alphas: Studio Calico kit "Joyland (main) mostly the b sides and Skycoaster add on.
*camera and bracket stickers: SC kit Whodunit (it was from SC's limited edition sticker sheet...20% More Flashy (no longer available)
*graph fabric strip- SC Fabrips -no longer available.
*graph artisan tape in teal: Pink Paislee.
*fabric film strip -SC Fabrips from the Documentary line
A couple of weeks before I photographed my sister for her senior photos, I was driving around town running kids here and there or doing errands, I kept driving by this area that had a telephone pole with these vibrant colored flowers and I kept thinking this would be an awesome "prop" for her. So during the shoot, my mom asked me to photograph these poppies- I'm so glad that I did! Wouldn't these look cool on canvas? I added some grit to make it more artsy, so it is available more "clean" if you are interested in purchasing (please contact me if you are for pricing).
"Roadside Poppy"
"Hydrant Poppies "
I cannot believe that we are more than half way through summer already! It sure seems it has flown by...guess that happens when you're having fun, right? ;0)
Well, as you know, I have been working on getting my house decorated and organized. Its pretty much come to screeching halt lately as summer has been here, and I've been working on organizing my photo library, and doing some scrapbooking projects. I will start off with a photo of one of my walls with frames. I had this image in my head, and with the different frame sizes I had no idea how I was going to arrange it. I got the inspiration from Pottery Barn catalogs and other home design catalogs. Man, let me tell you, if money was no object... ;0) Scott wasn't too happy to be the one who had to hang the gazillion frames...but I think he did a really great job :) Thanks babe! I still have a ton of other frames that need to be hung up along the staircase. I've got Scott on bookcase building duty first-(i'm sooo very thankful I have him to help me!!) I'm sooo excited about these bookcases- they are perfect for housing the 12x12 scrapbooking albums...I hope to start on getting those filled up really soon :) I will get pics of those soon so you see what I'm up to!
Baseball in May...Ducks vs Beavers @ OSU's home turf. Look at these skies! All I could think about was how cool they looked and was totally inspired...and well kinda hard to do anything about it when you're away from home at a baseball game with a bunch of boys LOL :) Nah, we had alot of fun that day...even though our beloved Ducks lost :(
Boys getting autographs from both sides. I thought that it was quite funny that Wade actually took autographs from the Beavers considering how much he "dislikes" them. Ok, dude, whatever :)
This was after he got his ball signed by the Beavers. Why the sour face? LOL
Wade loves board games, and card games. So do I :) He beat me sooo bad at Monopoly after a 2 day long game...hmmp.
I went to Portland in June to attendBliss put on by Technique Tuesday. I got to meet one of my idols, Ali Edwards. I was so excited to finally meet her and learn from her. She has really changed the way I think about scrapbooking. I want to tell the story or stories in my books. I want to remember everything that is important in my life. She really encouraged me to tell my story. Not just about the stories of my loved ones, but MY story as well. Too often we are the history tellers, the ones behind the cameras, and very rarely alot of us aren't not in the stories...and that shouldn't happen. You are a part of your life too. Include the everyday life as well. I don't know how many times I have wished I knew the stories behind the photos of my great grandparents. What the everyday life was like of my grandparents and parents. The things they did, their routines, the likes and dislikes. What makes them tick? What are they passionate about? What is their life story??
I have different styles in which I like to scrapbook. ALot of the time, though, I feel pressured to come up with a trendy design. I've learned that you cannot scrapbook every single picture. For me, it will depend on what the subject is all about. For example. My childhood album. I was set on taking 1 or 2 single pics and designing around that pic, with a cool coordinating product. Now, I'm still going to do that with my absolutely favorite photos, ones that I really want to highlight. Ones that I want to tell the story about...but then for those photos that have a group of images, I will put those into photo protectors that have several slots onto one page, and slip that into the appropriate place in the album. I hope that makes sense. Here is a link to the page/photo protector HERE (there are several different sixes and designs) so you can see what I mean. As soon as I get working on my projects, I will come back and show you. I did this with our "We love our (Oregon) Ducks" albums. I was so excited to show the boys what I had done, and they were really impressed with what I came up with. I think before, honestly, they just didn't get it. Didn't get the whole scrapbooking thing. Didn't get why I was taking all the pics, saving tickets, etc...I think they thought I had lost my mind...but I am hoping that the more I work on these albums, the more willing they will be cooperative when I'm trying to get pics LOL ;0)
Ali and me.
Ali teaching in one of her workshops.
The Bliss teachers-Bev, Darcy and Eileen. Such great and FUN ladies! If you ever get a chance to take anything from either Bliss, or a Technique Tuesday classes @ CKC- do it! These ladies went above and beyond to make the event so FUN. We all came home with a ton of loot, and projects. I will definantly be going back!
Bliss students.
The scenery from the hotel (the event was held at the Janzten Beach Red Lion. Being there really made me miss being in a city.
On my last night in Pdx, I stayed with my life long friend, Ryan and his girl Zoe. He just moved from AZ a few months ago, started a new job and wanted to show me his new place. I was really surprised on how fast he got his place together (makes me cringe on how long it takes me to get my crap together lol )..and even had time to landscape and prettify his yard! LOL I'm totally jealous! ;0)
Scott, Wade and I went to the town carnival. I remember these carnivals as a kid. I'm going to incorporate some of the images into my childhood albums. Recently, I went around town taking pics of the places that show my hometown, where I went to school, and lived as a child.
Wade about to bungee jump...
Not the greatest image but I love that it shows the movement and the excitement on his face. He had a ton of fun...and drained our pockets. Man, these carnivals are ridiculously expensive!
Rock wall climbing...
playing against dad at the water balloon game...
and he won, but he doesn't look enthused by what he won LOL
Yep, this is my hunk of burning love! I can never get a straight, smiling face...I digress...I spose that its part of what I love about him (most of the time! lol) All night, I was saying that we NEED to make sure we save enough money so I can get an elephant ear. I drove Scott crazy with that, but looks like I got what I wanted! ;0) That was my favorite part of the night. YUM!
Happy 4th!!
Enjoying yummy summer foods (ok I make this year around but its still a summer thing!) I call it Mom's pasta salad. Tri color pasta, salami, olives, Parmesan cheese, onions (i go without!), italian dressing.
So far, we've been to our local lake a couple of times. I hope to get our own boat someday...so fun, and relaxing. Thanks to the Castillo's we get to play with their toys. :) Great group of friends I'm getting to know :)
Wade tubing...
Camp entertainment. Funny you guys!! LOL
Started photographing my sister for her SENIOR pics. Can't believe that time is already here....makes me feel old, and alittle sad at the same time. I'm hoping she stays close to home when she goes to college. My brother is waaay to far away as it is.
Finally, we have been and will continue to hang out at the private pool in our neighborhood. Pretty nice and convenient when its just steps from your house :) Its been awhile since I've had a tan (all with SPF 30 of course!) :)
My bother and Wade before he headed back to Cali to go back to school- football training & practice has already started! Miss you bud.
Kelsi and Waders.
Mom and me.
Family and friends to come play with us :)
Be still my heart! Wade manages to scare the crap out of me when he does these back flips into the pool...every.single.time. Boys will be boys....
Hope you are enjoying your summer so far! Be back to blogland again soon :)
Popping in to share my art journal. I am constantly inspired by my creative idol Donna Downey . I was lucky enough to take classes from her last summer and learn how she paints, etc. This woman is so talented and seems to be fearless when it comes to using canvas, paint and different types of mediums. I have had this art journal-empty-for at least a year...and I got tired of holding back b/c of fear and thought I would just go for it. She inspired me, and some are lifts to get me started. I played all day today (when I should have been working or cleaning lol)- I needed to create...and the fact that I was feeling pretty brain dead earlier in the day, this helped to get out of that fog! LOL
Beginning of the art journal...Using Donna Downey's "She" stamp collection- inspired by her as well. Here's her version.
1st page, giving the feel of what this journal will be about. Using Donna Downey's "the artist in you" stamp collection, the text was torn out of my fav book Twilight-and one of my fav quotes. (acrylic paint, and text is white washed, including the drippage, with alittle bit of green paint splatter, bling, butterfly punched out 2x, glued together and lifted the wings up for the 3D effect, and pearl bling in the middle, felt ribbon for the edge stapled on with the tiny attacher, the photo is actually a printed on a reg. printer paper for the photo copied look. This was inspired by this.
This one was a total lift here- I loved it so much and the quote fit me so well. Using her "Where you are" stamp collection. colors are about the same but in a different version.
This is one I just put together without even thinking. Color is off since the available light i had was the overhead light taken at 12 am and too tired and lazy to deal with the camera dials lol ...anyways...yellow background, pink (2 shades) Chipboard flowers painted with water color crayons, patterned paper, turqoiuse bling, orange paint drippage...
So, that was my day, and I am so glad that I did it! My mind is a little clearer and well, it was like therapy :) Who or what inspires you? Have you stepped outside your normal scrapbooking/creative box lately?
Still working away on the organization. Will post a pic of the picture wall in our living room soon. I am so loving the way it turned out! And, I have my love, Scott to thank for putting it all up for me :) Thanks babe!
Hope you had a great Memorial Day weekend! Blog ya later!
Just checking in...
I have been on a organization kick lately. Thanks to my boyfriend Scott, who encourages me to try to simpilfy my surroundings and my life. Chaos and clutter drives him nuts, and well, if I'm really honest, it drives me batty too! I want my home to be something that I'm proud of. I want to walk into my house, or just hanging out whatever room I happen to be in, and just love my surroundings. Its starting to come together. There's still alot to be done but its getting done. In order to do this, I have "unplugged" or just cut back on a few things...such as Facebook and any other internet surfing. I am getting up earlier in the mornings and working with whatever I am doing, all day until about 7-8 pm where I will reward myself with my favorite tv shows and going to bed by 12:45 am (I know, i know but thats early for me!! lol), and reading alittle before passing out. (I am sooo enjoying my reading again!) I'm not as frazzled, and trying really hard to manage my time.
So, I will be cutting this post short tonight but I will leave you with a sneak peek of what I've been up to...it has alot to do with purging scrapbooking supplies that i will sell in my garage sale, and will eventually put up those kits i had talked about a loooong time ago (so sorry for the wait!)...and I have added a few more to that pile...just still need to lay out and photograph. Anyways...my wall studio unit was delivered and set up last week from ScrapNcube...and I gotta tell you, I am in love with this product! I I also got the special custom made file cabinet that i am storing my patterned paper and Thickers (letter stickers)...and its FABULOUS! ( I am sooooo glad that I had these painted to make it more "me")Pics of that soon...
The sneak peek is... the wall studio custom made for me...
More descriptions and pics of the new room coming soon! Have a great weekend!
Well, i'm not sure how much more patient I can be, really...I'm just sooo excited! I am waiting for this to arrive to my house so i can get organized and be inspired to use my stuff!
Check out www.scrapncube.com to see what I'm talking about. I will be back soon to post the before and afters...in the mean time, I have plans to get frames up on the wall in my living room, and staircase. I am hoping to have the garage cleared out, and semi organized if not finished before this unit arrives and get busy with that...wish me luck cuz I'm gonna need it!!
**drawing winner has been chosen! thank you for coming by!** post announcing the winner HERE.**
Happy National Scrapbooking Day! :)
Welcome to the Blog Hop :) You should have come from http://www.sharon-glimpses.blogspot.com/
If you are just coming in to my blog...First go to the following blogs (shown below), in order, to view their layouts, for inspiration. The theme is Cross Country Road Trip. Leave a comment on the blogs that are offering a seperate random drawing...I will be offering a fine art original print, photographed by me...of your choice in the sizes of 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10. You can find these images throughout here, my blog. So, don't forget to leave a comment here-it can be about anything. If you are the winner of my drawing, I will email you and ask you what your pick is :) I will pick the winner on Friday May 14th, approx around 12 pm. Check back with all of the blogs that are doing their own drawing, as well and see if you are a winner.
Blog Hop Order...
1.http://www.brooklyngirlnextdoor.blogspot.com/
2.http://www.2worldswings.blogspot.com/
3.http://www.createscrapbooks.com/
4.http://www.lovejoyscrap.blogspot.com/
5. http://www.sharon-glimpses.blogspot.com/
6.http://www.landerson.typepad.com/ you are here :)
7.http://www.karenscorneroftheweb.blogspot.com/
8.http://www.creativityprompt.com/
9. Post your layout over at Brooklyngirlnextdoor.blogspot.com Here's what you do:
**Create a layout (whether its paper, all digital, or hybrid) about a trip to anywhere in the 50 United States. If you haven't been anywhere at all, or recently, you can usually find a photo from the web (legally please), or you don't have to use a photo, and just make it a journaling layout type of thing. Or, just somewhere close to you, like your hometown, etc.
** Once you have done that, go back to BrooklynGirlNextDoor.blogspot.com and post a link to wherever she can find your finished layout in her comments section. Be sure to label it "Cross Country Road Trip blog hop" so it's easy to find :)
*The last day for layouts is May 15th at 11:59pm. This is a challenge for today, and considering that you will have 2 weeks to complete... please try not to use a previous layout if you have already done this type of theme. Lets keep it new and fresh :)
Here is my layout. This is from our trip to the Oregon Coast (Bella Beach in Depoe Bay).
By the way, this layout really isn't crooked in real life...I guess I can't photograph straight! LOL ;0)
Title: This is my 2nd home.
Journaling reads: The beach is one of my biggest loves. Every time I visit, I am drawn to the ocean, to close my eyes and just breathe. To feel the salty air on my face. It reminds me to stop and slow down. It makes me feel at peace. Even when the ocean isn't calm...I am. When I'm here, I'm home.
Materials:
-kraft, and red cardstock
-patterned paper, cosmo cricket, snorkel line
-ek success labels punch
-small alpha stickers- making memories and my little shoebox
-"home" alphas- American crafts, Salutations Thickers
-"slow down" embelleshment(this was actually a journal card that I just cut out the circle part), My Mind's Eye
-computer, word text
-cat's eye brown ink
*****************************************************************************
Hope you decide to play along! Remember to comment here for the random drawing from me, and leave comments on the other ladies blogs as well. Then, create your layout and link it up to the grand prize blog.
Let's get started. Now that you have the theme, hop on over to: http://www.karenscorneroftheweb.blogspot.com/
***if you are confused- start from the beginning HERE.***
I was invited to do a baby themed card in which would be highlighted next week on her facebook fan page....so I made a baby shower invite. If someone buys this, it will be duplicated into however many sets they may need. If you are interested, head over to my shop studio9la. This card could used for anything. Its pretty versatile (after a remake of course!).
Hope you come back tomorrow for the blog hop. I will have a layout posted then as well :) Happy Friday! This is always my favorite day of the week because that means our boy is coming home for the weekend, and Scott is off until Monday night! Have a great weekend!
National Scrapbooking Day is coming up on Saturday, May 1st...and I will be participating in a blog hop with a specific theme, and there will be some prizes involved!! So, if this is your kind of thing, or want to try something new...See you back here May 1st!
This will be a short entry but I had to include a photo to make it pretty :) I was sitting at my computer desk, and I looked out the window. The blue sky and very white clouds inspired me to grab my camera and take a few shots...I am so in love with my new camera! I can't get over it :) Enjoy! See you Sat!
During our down times from the baseball tourney, I made some cards. Yes, I brought a bag of supplies with me. Scott just looked at me funny, shook his head and laughed at me and gave me hell for a few minutes ;0) But,I had to. I hadn't done anything creative in the last 2 weeks while I was dealing with business taxes and other problems. I was pretty much stressed to the max, and needed sme creative therapy time. I was introduced to a stamp company called Papertrey Ink, by my best friend, Angie...and well thanks (alot) to her (kidding), I am addicted to this company. Love these unique stamps! Anyways, I have joined up with other creative people who sell handmade goods on a site called Etsy. Here are the cards I have up for sale ($3 with free shipping within the US, but will ship anywhere as well) as of right now. These are pretty simple. Please come by my Etsy shop to look around- and come by often as I will have more coming soon!
I must get off to bed- exhausted. Trying to balance everything...Will be working on organization, and hopefully finally making some headway with getting pictures hung up and the garage cleaned out, etc...one good thing about this, I have a pretty awesome boyfriend who will help me hang curtains, and frames... :) Blog ya soon!
Ps- these were taken with the new camera (Canon 7D)- see what I mean about sharp, crisp images? So In LOVE. :)
So last weekend was Wade's first baseball tourney of the season...and my first experience as a "bonus' mom with a kid playing sports on a travel team. Early mornings, long days...and you know what, despite of that... I really did enjoy it. Sure, I had traveled for sport events for my brother and sister but this time is was different for me. This time, I got to cheer on my son, along with his mom, sister, brother, and dad-who helped coach. Who (Scott) played catch, pitched, during warm ups, kept the kids organized for batting line up, and encouraged the boys. Watching Scott do this, especially when he was playing and helping his son, it so warmed my heart. All weekend long, I had this overwhelming love for these two. It was hard at times, though, that the little man wasn't really able to show affection towards me when his mom was around, understandably so...but it tugged at my heart that the hugs and kisses he was giving his mom, I was not able to receive that kind of love as a mother does from their child. I want that so much for myself. Does that make sense? Anyways...here is some pics from the weekend. These were taken with my little crappy digi. I had brought along my new toy-a Canon 7d...but I made the mistake thinking it was just like my other cameras...the new battery was practically dead, and none of my other camera batteries, were the same size- new camera is larger, and not only that, the old charger was too small for the new battery. UGH. For the 5 minutes I got to play with the new camera though...wow! What a huge difference! So crisp and clear and the focus points! Oh the beloved focus points...I can't even tell you how excited this makes me. I have been having so many focus issues lately. I ordered a new 50mm f/1.4 lens tonight...I really wanted the f/1.2 but that one is over $1000...no can do right now, but I'm upgrading from the f/1.8 so that satisfies me :) I can't wait to try out the upgraded camera with the new lenses (other is a macro 28-135mm)...really really soon. :)
Wade warming up his pitching arm with Dad.
At the pitcher's mound...
Since this is my first year watching Wade, I had learned that he has really improved this year, as last season, he was struggling. Scott said that Wade was batting better(300), and from seeing him play that weekend, I could tell he did well. He pitched some, played 2nd base, right short stop...where last year, he was playing outfield, but sitting out alot off innings, and striking out at bat. Its nice to see a little boy's confidence soar after seeing him struggle with other sports. He's listening to his dad, and his coaches...he's growing up. He has found his niche. So proud.
Waders throwing some heat, baby :)
Wade's head coach (kneeling far right) talks to the boys after their games, points out the mistakes but makes a point to talk about the good plays, hits, praises those who have been struggling, and hands out sunflower seeds, candy bars as rewards for those who try their hardest and make good plays/hits.
Love this kid :)
The boys played a total of 5 games that weekend. Including the championship round. They wanted a "3 -peater"...but it just wasn't their year this year. However, they did place 2nd...not bad at all, right!? The last game was a struggle...having been exhausted from being at the ball field since 7 am (both days I might add), and the championship game at 3:45pm-their 3rd game of the day, and dealing with a long drawn out, drama filled previous game (some coaches and teams forget why they are there to play -besides to win that trophy at the end- to have FUN. These are 10-11 year olds for crying out loud!) And, well, the other team was just better this year. These boys are still winners though. They played their hearts out, got some confidence and big smiles from ear to ear when they made a big play...I'd say that's better than winning the whole thing.
Here's the team and coaches with their medals.
Some funny ones...pretty explanatory all by itself...
the boys love their coaches :)
oh yeah, then there's the pile up on a the head coach :) LOL
All in all, fun weekend. Scott and (as well as the other parents, I'm sure) I got home late evening on Sunday, tuckered out and sunburned...but pretty darned proud of our boy :)
Hello Everyone! Thank for waiting so patiently for me to post our Spring Break @ Depoe Bay/Bella Beach pics! I'm warning you now..its really long...so sit back and enjoy :)***I also wanted to mentioned that my copy right and business name is now called "studio9 photography".***
Road trip! Kids now days have the best stuff to take along on trips. I think Scott and I, in our generation had walkmans, books, car games such as slug bug (which our kids definitely LOVE to play and basically know they can get away with slugging us LOL), license plate games, parents singing (ugh, let's NOT go there)...you get my point. These guys have laptops, PSP, Dvd players, iPods...pretty much anything electronic that is portable- they bring. I have to mention we did bring our Wii to the beach... :) Reminder: click on the images to view larger...
THis is the beach house we stayed at for a week. Beautiful house with oceanfront views. Stormy days, and high tides were kinda scary, and freaky at times..but I don't think it could get any better than this.
The Looking Glass House is the one that is on right ( 2 upper floors). To see inside this house click HERE . This house is sooo nice. Its a dream of mine to have something like this one day...
The kids enjoying the beach as soon as we got to the house and unpacked. THis was my first experience as a "parent" seeing our kids having fun and squealing while trying to outrun the waves. This made my heart soar, and so very happy at this moment.
Wade is fearless. I love this one of him. It just shows the feeling of being free..of being a kid with no worries.
Father and son. They were throwing the football around before I took this photo from the house deck above. I wonder what they were thinking or talking about? Then again...knowing these two, probably nothing at all :) Just taking it all in.
The boys went deep sea fishing. The girls and I stayed behind...I for one get sea sick so that wasn't a option...besides...fishing with a bunch of guys and the smell didn't really appeal to us girls LOL Anyways, this is the boat that took them out. I heard that the Captain was pretty cool.
Out in the deep blue sea- cold to start with! But, the day ended up sunny and warmed up a bit. I'd say it was a pretty good day for fishing.
Scott pulling up crab pots.
With one of the crabs he caught- there is a pic of him about to kiss it, but I will spare you that one.
Basket full of the fish they caught. I'm not sure what all the names of these are but can I just say one thing...EWWW.
This is the one that Wade caught- its almost as big as him!! HAHA!
So this is what the girls and I did after the boys got back. Pedis :)
My sister and cousin came along to stay with us for a few days. I am so glad they did. We had a ton of fun with them. The kids missed them pretty bad after they went home...so much that they actually said they were "bored". What?! How in the heck can you be bored at the beach!? I texted my sister and asked her if they could come back? LOL
Kids having fun jumping waves...
Here's Dad...watching over the kids...he constantly warned them to always pay attention, to never put your back to the water...
Why? Because something like this could happen....
See that little foot sticking out on the right? Yeah. Scared Kelsi to a point where she was crying and saying that she was not going to play anymore! She calmed down and was fine...and played more in the water during the rest of the trip...cautiously, and now knows Daddy wasn't kidding and will probably listen to him more often...(by the way, I was taking shot after shot when I caught this, and no I wasn't standing there watching this all go on. I too rushed toward the water as soon as this shot was taken. I had no idea that I had captured this moment until later. Just wanted to clarify LOL!)
Soaking wet and COLD but having so much FUN. For those of you who have never been to the Oregon Coast- the water never gets warm, even in the summer.
Family picture time...
oh yes, this HAD to be done...hilarious! monkey ears bud...
I ended up taking some school year/senior pics of these girls...gotta say that wave in the background is pretty cool. And, many times I had to run away from the tides coming in (hey I did have expensive camera equipment in my hands!!...but I made the girls stand in it. How nice of me :)
Scott enjoying a nice cold beer at sunset.
Here we are trying to get a pic together but kept running away from the waves LOL.
Managed to get one. Thanks to my sister :)
Thankfully we got at least one night that was it wasn't raining that we were able to go down to the beach and build a bonfire. Roast some marshmallows...yummy smores!! ( I didn't intend to cut off anyone's head- it was pretty dark and couldn't see the screen on my little digi) I so LOVED this. THis was one of my favorite times.
Can there BE anyone cuter than this?
We spent one day in Newport down at the historic Bay front. Boats docked.
These guys are hilarious to watch. What a bunch of FAT & GROUCHY sea lions! See the one that is trying to get in -on the right side of the pen- underneath the lion that has his head up in the far right corner? Oh man, did he really PO'd the others. Lots of barking, growling, biting. I mean c'mon HELLO, they were trying to bask in the sun and sleep! That one was a trouble maker for sure...
Speaking of sea lions. We were hanging out on the deck one night when I noticed this guy coming up on the shore. Poor thing wanted to hang out, but then other people saw him eventually, and scared him away. I don't understand why people are so dumb when it comes to stuff like this- don't you know you are supposed to stay away from them?
This is Wade with Johnny Depp! Who woulda thunk we'd run into him at the beach! I'm being totally serious!
Ok, I'm totally kidding. Just a wax figure of him. Darn.
Kids used the hot tub ALOT. I found them in here one morning at 9 am. Hey they gotta get a bath somehow right? (kidding)
All in all, I think we had alot of fun, despite a few challenges, but no family vacation wouldn't be complete without them, don't you think?? The next few photos are just some I took to add to my fine art collection. I will be showcasing "gallery-esq like"- in my new frames for the house that I am still trying to decorate 6 months later after we moved in...ENJOY :) Ps- these are available to purchase. Please leave me a comment or email me for a price quote. :)
A sneak peek...Be back soon with a post of pics from our beach trip :)
At the beach with my family for spring break. Be home soon :)
Today is Wade's 11th birthday :) We went over to grandma and grandpa's for dinner and cake...
Lucky boy got 2 bikes for his birthday! LOL Don't you just love the yellow?? :)
Today was the deadline for the Studio Calico blog challenge- a layout of some kind of a "list". My original plan was to do a LO of my Blackberry...my daily list I put into the calendar...the kind that goes off every hour and drives my batty. ;0)
I decided to do one of Scott and Wade at Xmas time. It has to be one of my all time favorites. It makes me fall in love with Scott all over again evey time I look at it. He is such an awesome dad...going through some challenges lately with the little man right now, but his love NEVER wavers. I can see how much he loves his son, and that makes me love the little man more every day myself. Ok, I'm done gushing for the moment :) Enjoy. Hope you are having a great weekend!
Ps- the LO isn't actually crooked on the paper itself. I was in a hurry to photogragh it, and get it submited on time. Just sayin :)
The journaling: "you are such an awesome dad. you make us laugh everyday. you are a good man. you love your family more than anything else- one of the reasons I fell in love with you. you love me..and I love you back :)"
close up on the zig zag with hearts border punch. LOVE.
Materials:
* SU! 12x12 kraft cardstock
*My mind's eye "sweethearts" from the "Be loved" line
*MME- Bella Bella "Bellezo" die cut tag, scalloped dot border
*KI memories- Just married flower girl "b side"
*AC fabric alpha thickers-salutations
*sewing machine
*EK success- zig zag with hearts border punch
I am on a roll! I think I am going to have to scrapbook at least one layout per day before I do anything else.... it just feels good to create. Now, I {kind of} wish that I was this passionate about exercising. LOL I know I know, I will definitely get into a routine.... Anyhoo, here is my latest creation :)
Journaling: I'll do any thing to get a shot- lay on the ground, get pricked in the butt by thorny bushes, stand on ladders that are dangerously unstable, have whatever hard and round fall out of trees and hit me on the head, or my favorite... hug a wall :) Its my passion...my ART. Its just what I do.
Dec. 2008_downtown Bend, OR
This has to be my favorite layout to date...if I may say so! LOL :) I am obsessed with yellow and grey right now.
Materials:
*white Bazzil cardstock
*click/yellow notebook patterned paper- Elsie (she has discontinued her business so I don't even know if this is even available anymore- so glad I grabbed it when I did...but believe me when I tell you that I have been HOARDING this paper for at least a couple of years!)
*school bus yellow paint - Making Memories
*black splatter,asphalt paint- MM
*grey foam alpha- American crafts Thickers- "lullaby"
*computer typed font
As I am typing this...I happened to look out my window and its SNOWING! NOOOOOO! Ugh. Hurry up Spring!
Hello...on my favorite online scrapbook community, kit club, in the whole wide world...Studio Calico...they are posting sketches every Sunday and the incentive is that if your layout is picked you get a $5 gift certificate to spend in their shop...and plus it will give me a kick in the butt to complete a layout at least once a week :) I'm actually working on trying to do at least 1 LO a day, or at least 5 a week. Anyways, here is my take from this sketch from SC blog...
The journaling reads:
Cooped up all winter long...Ready for blue skies and the warm sunshine on my face...Ready for fresh air, and pretty flowers every where...This time of the year is my favorite...A time of renewal and change.
Ready for Spring.
I used my own materials from my stash:
*Stampin Up 12x12 Kraft
*Amy Butler grey/white damask pattern paper (from her Loaded Tea Box line)
*Martha Stewart double loops border punch set, white bazzil cardstock
*green satin ribbon (unknown)
*green (not sure of the actual name of the color) swiss dotted cardstock from Bazzil.
*yellow American Crafts Thickers in Rainboots
*black "for" is Jenni Bowlin Chalkboard Alpha stickers
*Change/butterfly canvas tag is Donna Downey.
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So fun, so great to get my creative mojo back...blog ya later!
Here's another one I did today using a sketch from Studio Calico (HERE).... :) I had already done a layout using the pic and tickets about 2 weeks ago...put it in my album, but I didn't love it, so I took it apart, thought about the papers alittle more, searched for them in my stash and re-did it. I am loving it now :) I think I might put this in a 12x12 frame and hang it up in our living room....
I scrap lifted Davinie, one of my design team member favorite from Studio Calico (who also happens to be a local neighbor in a town about 20 min from me! Small world for sure!- (Supplies used from the "WHODUNIT" kit)...loved how she did her family photo, and I knew it would be perfect for our family reunion group pic. I will add more of the strips that is on the right side that will have family member's names. You can get the sketch HERE .
I didn't think I would like these wood alpha letters...and it turns out I LOVE them! Word is that they are hard to find, so its a bummer because I would definately purchase more of these. Played with the sewing machine a little. I love this trend but that thing scares the crap out of me, but hopefully I will use it more often and get used to it LOL :)
I will be hanging out by myself tonight as the boys are going to a motocross show- so not my thing-and taking advantage of that time and do more layouts. We are heading to Eugene tommorrow to watch the Oregon Ducks play some hoops...and I hear its the last game being played by the Ducks at Mac Court before they tear it down. Have a GREAT weekend!
I've been playing the last couple of days. I've been needing to get creative to calm my soul. This hobby truly is a therapeutic thing. Now, I wouldn't say that its cheaper than therapy... ;0) I put together a canvas tag kit by Donna Downey. I've had this since August of last year when I purchased it from Donna when I went to her classes in Grants Pass. I hope she comes back to OR again! :) Because of her, I have been able to go beyond the normal scrapbooking box, and testing my artistic side :) Anyways...here is the project in pictures :) Reminder: click on photos to view larger :)
pg 1 quote: "artist create from emotional truth" pg 2 " the purpose of art is to lay bare the questions that have been concealed by the answers."
pg3: "every artist dips her brush into her own soul and paints her own nature into her pictures"
{all 3 of these that had the book text didn't have anything on the back. I plan on adding more quotes to this eventually}.
pg 5: "the art of possibility". pg 6 "live every day with intention".
pg7: "i found that it was the momentun of nature that showed up on the canvas". pg8: "to thine own self be true".
pg9: "because what is possible in art becomes thinkable in life". pg10: "allow yourself to be a channel to shape the stream of passion into a new expression for the world".
pg12:perfect just the way you creat". pg 13: "follow your heart"
pg 14: "the essense of all beautiful art is gratitude". pg15:"happiness is when what you think, say and do are in harmony".
"you are right where you should be" {MY FAVORITE!} and the last pg: "expressive energy flows everywhere"
I put them together with a ring. All the material comes with the kit...except for the paint and adhesive. {the crochet turquiose heart is mine} The kit comes with color picture instructions. As every kit from Donna does. makes it easy and guess free.
I just checked with Donna's site and it appears she only has a few kits left...I'm hoping she's not discontinuing these b/c I love them! I bought a lot of them last year...thankfully I did! :)
But...these are pretty easy to do once you know what techniques to use and materials you need. If you have any questions about this, let me know :) Blog ya later...
Today is my sister's 17th birthday...
So her. So FUN. HAPPY BIRTHDAY little sis :)
Here is the card I made her.
I half scraped lifted/ half got the inspiration from a fellow Studio Calico member LaVoneDesigns. I used the "Yearbook" kit on this- this line is from Cosmo Cricket "Boyfriend"...the bottom part with the skates is Sassafras, letter stickers from American Crafts and Jenni Bowlin. I looove it! I'm anxious to use the line in other layouts I have lurking in my brain.
So, I did a layout today...its FOREVER since I have scrapbooked. I have missed it..but I am alittle rusty. I haven't decided if I am going to keep the page I did or redo it...I know I should just leave it alone and call it good and done. We'll see...Hope you are having a good weekend so far! Up early (i mean EARLY for me anyways LOL) for Wader's basketball tourney games... Goodnight! :)
Hi everyone! Just a real quick drop in to say hi and let you know I am alive...living life and loving it! :) I made my first canvas "art" piece. Not so sure about it, but wanted to make Scott a quick Vday gift, but somethng heartfelt..know what I mean? So here it is...
*8x8 canvas (this one is really thin so I can actually frame it)
*pink, orange and red watercolor crayons and a charcoal pencil
*spray bottle with water and paintbrushes
*vintage french book page torn out
*heart punch
*Jenni Bowlin and Making Memories (mini) letter stickers
*Claudine Hellmuth meduim (matte)- I orginally wanted to use this to protect the canvas from getting wet and running ....but I wouldn't recommend using this all over - since this is a watercolor painting- and this product is liquid... believe me, this was a big DUH! on my part. Just use to glue the paper down. I believe that I was sposed to use gesso on the canvas 1st before I did anything else...need to find out for sure. Had a few oops along the way. Oh well, I guess that comes with the PLAY part, right? Either way, Scott loved it :)
Have a good one! Back to blog land soon! :)
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Blog again soon! Hope you all had a great New Years!
Getting in some time to update a bit...
September...
The boys converted me from being a Beaver's fan to a Duck's fan...hey, you try living with them! LOL But you know what, it doesn't even really matter...I have never had this much fun in my life...Here's my first game vs Cal Bears.
Autzen Stadium
this is our view behind our seats. This jumbo tron is huge!
the view in front of us.
One of the many Super fans I know... ;0)
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
My sister (a beaver fan LOL) and cousin (a duck fan) came us...
Nice fro!
I think this qualified as our 3rd or 4th date...
with Joe, Scott's Bff, came by to visit us....
Our first family photo :) I had this enlarged, matted and framed to put on the fireplace mantel at our new house...
father & son...
October...
Its the little man's football season. First pads, helmet and real hitting. We are really excited that Dad (Scott) is going to be coaching his 6th grade team next year :) I took these of Wade in our neighborhood lawn (park- whatever it is) since we weren't going to pay for the professional prints when i could do it myself...
My 2nd Oregon Duck game...vs USC and its Halloween!
This is my "costume" LOL
Scott and I ready for the game...
Our friends Joe, Melanie, Joyce and James...along with the photo button of Melanie's Dad, Norman, who suddenly passed away in October. The family and close group of friends took it really hard...he was a funny man, and a real flirt. A good man, and he will be missed.
Besties and "brothers" Scott and Joe...
Tailgating! I actually LOVE this! lol
Wade and me
Us girls...
My new friends...what a wild group but oh so fun and I {heart} them!
A family photo op at a waterfall on the way home from Eugene...
November...
Noel and Scott have become really good buddies. She adores him. Isn't this adorable?
My brother Pat's first official college football Roster photo...{Palomar Comets}
First college football photo of him playing...
His team did really well this year...made it all the way to the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. Ending with a 10-3 season. He didn't get to play as often as he did in high school, but for a freshman, he did get a pretty good amount of playing time. Here's alittle info taken from his school's website:
The J.C. Grid-Wire ranked Palomar No. 8 to end the 2009 football season on Sunday, the seventh time the Comets have finished in the nation's Top Ten..
Palomar also was ranked in the final Top Ten in 1991 (No. 1 by the Grid-Wire), 1992 (No. 6 by the Grid-Wire, 1993 (No. 1 by the Grid-Wire and USA Today), 1998 (No. 1 by USA Today and No. 2 by the Grid-Wire), 2001 (No. 10 by the Grid-Wire) and 2002 (No. 4 by the Grid-Wire in Joe Early's first season as head coach).
The Gird-Wire's final 2009 Top Ten: No. 1 Mt. SAC (which beat the Comets in the Southern California title game, then defeated College of San Mateo 7-6 Saturday for the CCCAA state championship), No. 2 Blinn (Texas), No.3 Fort Scott (Kansas), No. 4 San Mateo, No. 5 East Mississippi, No. 6 Navarro (Texas), No. 7 City College of San Francisco, No. 8 Palomar, No. 9 Fullerton and No.10 Arizona Western.
December...
The biggest game of the year is here! Civil War! Oregon Ducks vs Oregon St. Beavers. We are fighting for the championship title in the Pac-10 and the chance to play in the Rose Bowl at Pasadena, CA, New Years Day 2010. We had an extra ticket so we invited my dad to come with us. Here we are before we headed over to the tailgate.
I'm not a drinker and this is our friend Jeanie giving me my first "Duck fart" shot (isn't that a lovely name for a drink? lol). This consisted of Jack Daniels, Baileys Irish creme and amaretto. (I've heard people use Kahlua, Bailey's and Crown Royal)- whatever... like I said i'm not much of a drinker, and I made quite the face and danced a little jig as I took the shot and swallowed. It was so gross! LOL
Scott and I being silly...duck faces maybe?
hmmm, LOL I wonder where he gets his personality from?? ;0)
me and my dad :) The look on his face was so funny when he first stepped into the stadium and looked around...I was in awe too, the first time I experienced Autzen Stadium, the people, how loud us Duck fans can get! We have broken the decibel record so many times! LOL
Can't ever be serious (well most of the time)...but he is so much fun and always has me laughing. I {heart} him :)
and him too :)
We win!!! Such a nail biting CLOSE game!
Isn't this NUTS?! This was so cool to see and experience!
We are the Pac-10 Champs...and going to the ROSE BOWL!!!!
my boys, the super fans...We LOVE our Ducks!
(photo below taken from the internet) We will be going to Pasadena, CA! Only Scott, Joe and Melanie will get to go to the bowl game. Just short on tickets (Scott got lucky as he was offered the 3rd ticket from J & M) that were being sold at face value..they are now ranging anywhere from $300-650+ from the last time I checked...after Xmas, we just couldn't afford 3 more tickets...the kids and I will be watching the game on tv back at the hotel...at least we are going to travel down there, will be able to attend the Rose Parade and going to Six Flags on Sat. So excited to spend New Year's Eve and Day there!!
Let's see...what else? We have been busy on the weekends, hanging out at home and going to Wade's basketball games. He's on the travel team so we spend alittle bit of time in the car and gym LOL I love it though!
This will be our first Christmas together. Last xmas, I was in a world of hurt and had no idea what was going on in my marriage. My whole world turned upside down. The divorce was final this past week. I also found out the rest of the truth- the real truth- not the made up stories I had heard over and over. Had no idea that the ex husband was still speaking to his ex girlfriend, a year after we were married (2003), and was planning on divorcing me blind and marrying her. Turns out, he doesn't have either of us. I didn't know this until the other night. Realizing that the last 7 yrs of my life was a lie, and I was totally oblivious to most of it. I guess everything really does happen for a reason...because what a difference a year makes. I am happier than I have ever been in my life. I am excited and so looking forward to my future with my boys. Scott makes me smile every single day. He makes me laugh several times during the day. He is open, honest, genuine and all around good man. I am anxious to see what is in store for us...I really think that my dreams will come true....
We just spent a early xmas this past weekend with my mom, step dad, brother and sister. Patrick has come home from college- and will be here for a month. He was so happy to be home after 6 mo. away (wow!!) and we are so happy to see him. He got to meet Scott and Wade for the first time. I hear he approves :) Here's Scott and the kids playing foosball.
Mom's fireplace and tree decorations...
Annie, the dog...how humiliated she was to have to wear the santa suit and hat. LOL
We played with the Wii...boxing mostly. I was even forced to play against my will and so very frustrated when my guy was not doing what I wanted it to do, especially when I was boxing like mad and it was taking a rest. WHAT?! Aaarrgh. Sore loser I was..but almost peed my pants from laughing a few times. LOL Mom was kicking everyone's butt until Wade. LOL I'm telling you, the kid stands there, doing almost nothing and he wins! How does that even happen? :)
Not my best shot, but I love this pic all the same. Scott is such an awesome Dad. Totally sexy I must say. Makes me fall in love with him all over again :)
I crack up every time I see this. These guys are so nutty, makes me nutty too, but soooo happy :)
The 3 sibs. Wow, how we have grown up. I am 33, Pat is going to be 19 in March and Hopper 17 in February....time sure does fly...
Well, there it is. The last 3 mo. or so in a nutshell. I am still trying to unpack a ton of boxes, trying to figure out what to put on the walls at the new house (yes I know, pretty pathetic after almost 3 mo of living here lol). Finish my new scrap room so I can scrapbook again...always (and forever) behind...what can I say? Life happens...
Hi there! Long time I know! I have missed blogging...I just haven't had the time lately! I do want to get back to it as soon as I can learn to balance everything out! LOL I am itching to get back to scrapbooking again, and as soon as I get caught up on the things that pays my bills I will do that. I got my new scraproom semi done- just need to get things hung up on the wall, etc.....
I am sorry to say that I have to make this entry short today, as I am trying to get caught up on things so I can pLaY!! But I will leave you with a couple of pics to show you what I have been up to. To explain my life in one word: HAPPY :)
**these are from the Civil War game (Oregon vs Oregon St.). We are the Pac-10 champs and going to the Rose Bowl in Pasendena, CA on New Years Day....guess where we'll be ringing in the new year? Uh-huh!! ;0) Will blog again soon with more pics!! Happy Holidays!!
Hello again! Just a quick note that i wanted to put out...I am now a Scentsy consultant!
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Please come by and check out my online store :) This works great if you live in another state, or town from me. if you are local, email me, and we can get together to sample the testers before you buy. We have car scent products, room sprays as well. I hope this finds you happy and healthy! I hope to hear from you soon!
More regular life stuff/pics coming soon...
I am sooo excited about Twilight's NEW MOON coming out on friday...FINALLY! After a year of waiting, its almost here!
So far, we have a group of 12 people going. I plan on going again with another friend- yes I have to see it at least 2x -its going to take forever for it to come out on DVD!
I am still Team Edward :)
Hi everyone! Its a been awhile...and I've gotta warn ya...this is going to be photo heavy- but I don't think I will hear you complaining, right? ;0) LOL
{Remember, click on the photos to view larger}
First of all, I wanted to post the B Family Reunion pic I promised a few weeks back...
Had a great time seeing (and meeting) everyone..and seeing the old pics and hearing stories about our family. Its really cool as you get older how much more interested you are in your family history and learning about where you came from :)
Been SUPER busy. Going to be even busier with another move. Yes, ANOTHER move. It's a good one though! I'm moving in with my boys, Scott and Wade :)
The House
and hereis the link to see a preview of inside...and get this...we have a community POOL, basketball court and playground. Lots of walking trails. A really nice and safe neighborhood for Wade, and for me to take the dogs for their walks (all 3 of us need WALKS! F-A-T!!! lol).
I am so excited to start my new life with these guys...and have the family I've always wanted. Without going into it and getting completely mushy, let me just say that I am filled with complete LOVE and HAPPINESS for these two.... Speaking of, here is me and Waders cheesing it up..
Wade is a real ham when it comes to taking photos of him...here's his famous signature model pose...
"How YOU doin'?"
Gotta Love this kid! LOL
A few weeks ago, Donna Downey came to Oregon!! For those of you who don't know who she is, she is a ROCK STAR in the scrap booking world. I have always admired her artistic talents and have been wanting to take a class from her for sooo long...and FINALLY! I got that chance. I am so inspired by her, she makes me want to paint all day. I have been struggling with the fact that I have been wanting to cReAtE and PLAY like mad crazy lately but I just can't because I have to move in 2 1/2 weeks! HA HA! But, its all good because I am excited to set up my new (again) scrap studio... So anyways, Donna is hilariously funny as she is talented. I can't wait to finish these 3 class projects that we were working on...stay tuned for those pics (eventually! lol).... If you ever get a chance to take her classes- DO IT! I PROMISE you! You will NOT be disappointed, and its TOTALLY worth the money....
Donna with the "Bloom" class...I wont go into detail just yet until I finish mine...but I will say I was really happy and surprised with the size of this album and how EASY it is to put together with FABRIC! Yep, my new addiction ;0)
My sister Hopper, best friend Angie and me.
me using watercolor crayons
angie doing a technique with the crayons ( I can't believe how easy this is!)
me painting- I L-O-V-E to watercolor and paint- I am planning on doing a canvas type project soon- so inspired- I will show you a page out of the fabric/canvas scrapbook that I did that's my absolute favorite...soon ;0)
tired but having sooo much FUN!
the 3 of us with Donna
{side note: i gotta say i either need to lose some boobage or get a better bra! OMG.}
me and my idol :)
my best friend and I at the airport - I miss you!!
Alright, onto the next trip just a few days later...a 16+ hr car ride...my mom, step dad, and sister went to San Marcos, CA to visit my brother who is going to Palomar College, playing football. It was so surreal to see him playing at the college level... (photos by mom)
OUCH...way to kick butt in their house LOL Go Comets!
The proud family of no.19! Sure wish mom was able to get in this one...
We spent a day at the beach...
Our family pic...this was a challenge. LOL Camera set up on the tripod, a timer, me having 10 secs to run back to the group in my place (without tripping and falling into the pool), and 2 pain in the butt teenagers -making faces or ducking out of the photo as the camera was going off LOL We ended up with this....not bad, right?
then mom wanted to do a funny one, and well, the 2 pain the butt teenagers weren't having it...
All in all, we had a great time visiting Patrick. We sure miss you baby brother! See you at Christmas! Love you!
This was much too long (and typepad was not cooperating with me- thank goodness for the auto save feature!)...Anyways...I will be back soon, after the move most likely...Hope everyone had a great summer and is looking forward to fall (my favorite!) Scott, Wade, Hopper and cousin Shanna are going to the Oregon ducks vs Cal next weekend- so maybe i'll be back to post pics, and Wader's football game pics as well. Blog soon! :)
