Happy Birthday Taylor!!!!

Today is Taylor's actual birthday but we had a small celebration yesterday. Just my parents, Tom and Jeri, and Mark and I. I saw no sense in having a huge party when she slept through most of her birthday last year. She is a bit afraid of strangers also so we kept it low-key.


The highlights----Ice cream and cake were the hits this year. She sat on her new bike long enough for a picture then fell over. The bike ended up alone outside. She loves the Happy Birthday song and would love to be serenaded every day. The blocks rate right up there with cake/ice cream. Books are a close second. Macy was sick all day long and seems to be recovering today. Tom and Jeri bought her a motorized Barbie four wheeler. hmmmm.........that'll keep me busy. Fun had by all!

you just never know

You never know what this life will deal you. Just found out a former classmate has leukemia. We kinda dated a little--very briefly. I just thought he was the cutest in high school.

He is blogging about his experiences and I will definitely be checking in periodically. I listed his blog on the right- chipchat.

Magic

There is just something that surrounds children that is so magical. They are so untouched, innocent, free to run around like a crazy. There are days when Taylor surrounds me with that special magical innocence that nobody else could possibly provide. Look at that face. Full tilt running in the bubbles. She is so far from thinking about mortgages, marriage, money, blah, blah--all that "adult" crap.

Here's to the magic.

Saf's non-jambo jammity jam jam

Had a great time. So nice to get out and socialize. Nice to know people actually read this blog. lol. :) Lots goin' on. Lee and Jon are going to Vietnam to pick up their baby! Michelle Hartley made a guest appearance. Much deliberation over golf partners. Jess is headed to Utah in October. Found out Jenn and Amanda scrapbook. :) Eric's niece is just growin' up to be GORGEOUS. Hopefully all party peeps avoided the DUI checkpoints. I'm sure I missed something.

On a different note---outlet malls comin' next summer less than 5 minutes from here! Gap, Nike, Eddie Bauer, Guess, etc. Woo hoo!

Mixing old with new

First of all---sorry for the white crap on the layout but my scanner is permanently screwed due to putting wet art projects on it for scanning----hint, hint---DON'T do that!!

In an effort to clear my head I am currently going through my scrapbook supplies and getting rid of a ton of stuff. I just can't think with all this stuff around me that I'll never use. In my effort to reorganize/regroup I came across some tried and true product that I just love. It had disappeared to the bottom of tons of other crap and took a permanent home at the bottom which it sooo didn't deserve. I think this patterned paper is from 7gypsies very first release---am I correct? Anyway, I love, love, loved that release and I must've just completely hoarded it. You'll be seeing it again soon. Love those Autumn Leave library tabs or whatever they called them at the time. Great stuff.

Other diddies used here are Heidi Swapp ghost arrows highlighted with a white paint pen, MM glitter brads (LOVIN' these and so need more, lol), Catslife Press newsworthy stamp and last but not least---my latest splurge--those Creative Imagination rubons I've been drooling over. They are expensive but I went into the LSS on a day I really needed a pick-me-up. Only bought one pack but at $16 how the hell could you afford more than one?!

Cya!

love you more

I haven't posted a layout in a while because it seems I'm just too pooped at the end of the day to scrapbook. I did get this finished. It's been on my desk for over a week.

Being a Mom is probably the toughest job I've had to date and I've had my share of difficult jobs throughout the years. You love them so much yet they can push your buttons daily. Perhaps it's tough because as Moms we are so emotionally involved. I always want to do the absolute best but I've come to realize I just have to do MY personal best as a mother and leave it at that. As mothers we also tend to get repeatedly judged by others especially other mothers which I don't quite understand. I just want her to understand I do my absolute best- it may be far from perfect but we are all flawed. I don't want her growing up to be a Mom and expecting herself to be perfect. That's a sure setup for failure. All this being said---being a mother is the toughest and BEST job I've ever had. I love this little girl so much I can't imagine a life without her.

Rainbow/ATC

Hurried up and grabbed my camera tonight for this gorgeous rainbow. These pics were taken off the deck. If you look really close you can see a second rainbow to the right. Didn't have the right lens on the camera but I think you get the idea. Very pretty.


Also included an ATC I completed for a mingle. We were to use at least one Purple Onion Designs stamp. The background is created by spraying Adirondak color wash on glossy paper- let dry. I then stamped the word "flower" repeatedly in distress ink. Stamped the actual flower stamp directly over the top with black pigment ink. Sprinkled the entire card with clear embossing powder and heated. Mounted on black cardstock. Added some Primas and Stickles glitter glue.

Gotta run---I am dead tired.

Summer fun

We went to visit my friend Jeri and her nephew Wyatt today. Jeri and I have been friends for over 20 years. Those kind of friends are few and far between.

Anyway, T was a little scared at first. No shocker there. It didn't take long for her to see the potential for fun with Wyatt. After all---he has many firetrucks and cars. I mean--what more could a gal ask for? Taylor is a bit of a tomboy so she was at home. (no interest in dolls whatsoever) I also included a pic of Wyatt and his best buddy Tom (Jeri's husband). He wanted nothin' to do with us big girls. :)

Reading, popsicles, firetrucks, balls--nothin' better!

A tough day at work

Tickets.
Need 2.
Tickets?
Need tickets?

For those of you who were present there's no need for further explanation. :)

Old photos

Been doin' a little reminiscing. I think I'm getting OLD.

I'll be posting old pictures on and off for a while. It's fun to look back at these.


What the hell was I thinking with that ultra-blonde hair and burnt up skin?! I'll have this era in my life to thank for wrinkles later on!

One photo is me and Jessie. The other photo is Alex, Christie Kolenc, me, and Danno. Look at that Humble Sacrifice T-shirt. Now THAT brings back some memories!

Hey Chris---if you're out there shoot me an email.

Keep checkin' back. There's more. Saf--you are next.

$13 and some change will getcha......

Went to goodwill today and came home with this loot. Pretty satisfied really. I do enjoy McCoy pottery even if it's not worth a bunch. I already have one of my grandmother's pieces. I'm not a big collector of this stuff but if I run onto a nice little pretty I'll buy it. The pitcher will reside on my bathroom sink and house my toothpastes---nighttime toothpaste and regular. My freaky dental care is another post. lol. Not a chip on either piece!


The books were a great find at 75 cents each. I think 2 of them were half off! These books retail for $6 a pop. We read a LOT around this house so new books are always a necessity. Cute little alphabet toy too. Good finds.

C ya!

i need me some change

Ok--I need some change around here.

Let's start off with weight. Dear God---here we go back to Weight Watchers AGAIN. Saturday morning will now be spent sitting in meetings but what else am I gonna do? This can't go on. I'm so down about the whole overweight issue and my muscles ache in the mornings. I'm convinced it's due to fat. :( It's not like I'm a million pounds but my frame isn't meant for this! I can't function like this and it will directly affect my child if I don't do something now. That bothers me the most. I'm also a nurse who stands all day. Granted--I don't work a lot of days but I can feel the effects of carrying extra pounds after beating on my feet and knees all day on a cement floor. I can't take it ANYMORE.


Next off is clutter. I'm ready to throw things away again. I love to get in that mood. No hoarding of junk. Just a garbage bag and me. I'll be doing this over the next month or so. I find that it clears my head. lol. Maybe I'm nutso but I can't take the build-up of excess shit around here. It clouds my entire being. I'm not a neat fanatic but stuff is building up and I need clarity.


Ok---that's enough for a Monday morning.

Oh, and a little art for ya. Made this for my friend Jen. She spends a lot of time with her grandson and this stamp just fits. I'd have to say this particular stamp is one of my current favorites. It's from Stampscapes. I was in a stamp store quite a while ago and this little stamp just popped out from everything around it and shouted, "buy me!"

Happy belated Father's Day to all you Dads out there. Mark is a great Dad. He won't see this cuz he's a busy computer guy but he deserves a little credit so I thought I'd throw it out here on an off chance he catches a line or so. Great Dads invent games like Blanket (this involves Mark sitting on the floor with many pillows/blanket and Taylor running full force from far away and diving into the fray--she's a toughie). Great Dads work hard to provide a safe neighborhood for their families. Great Dads hug and kiss their kids. Mark is a great Dad.

Later.

two posts in one day--whew!

On the "Thank you God" layout I used some MM patterned paper, my trusty scallop punch, Prima flowers, Stickles glitter glue and the artistamp alpha from Purple Onion Designs. Simple design/bad picture of me but I like it. She makes me smile.

The layout with the arrows came together quick. I love that patterned paper on the bottom. Came from the back of Ali Edwards' Designing with Patterened Paper book. Good book. Also used Heidi Swapp ghost arrows, my favorite Foofala paper Filagreen (I need more!), another scallop punch stamped with journaling lines and an Autumn Leaves date sticker.

Look at those little tan lines of her feet!!!!!!

Wiggle while you work

The Wiggles (unfortunately) are a staple in this house. Let's just say Mark and I never thought we'd be watching a big purple octopus and a green dinosaur doing the latest jigs. Taylor loves them so that's that.

She also loves to help me clean. I'm sure that'll taper off eventually. lol.

I've been using my scallop punches on every layout lately. Probably because they are out in plain view and make great resting spots for journaling. Stamps used on the punches and the artistamp alpha are from Purple Onion Designs. Drew some bling onto the Wiggles layout with STickles glitter glue. That stuff has been around forever and I just love it. Rest is pretty self-explanatory.

Happy Friday!

Cutie

My friend Jeri bought this t-shirt for Taylor while on vacation. She likes to spoil this kid. Look at her---it's tough NOT spoiling her. She's just so much fun!

7 years

Thank you Mark - for giving me my world.

July/Aug RubberStampMadness

One of my cards was picked up in the new RubberStampMadness. It feels good to be in print. Not my first time but each time feels good. Little bit of recognition is good for the ego. lol.

The issue also mentions the art in the Purple Onion Designs gallery. Michele really does have some fantastic art on her site. Lots of talent. Used her butterfly stamp on my published card as well as a fairy stamp from Lost Coast Designs.


Took T to the zoo today and she really had a great time. Did so well holding Mommy's hand while walking. Usually she's runnin' like a madwoman. Great job T!

Page, Chapter, The End

Quick layout using fairytale set from Purple Onion Designs. Taylor loves books and especially loves when Daddy reads to her.

gearin' up for Sopranos

I'm so pumped for these last 2 episodes. The last couple episodes were damn good. Little teeth crushin' and murdering relatives goes a long way. lol. After The Sopranos exit I think I'm done with TV for the summer. Goodbye to the tube for a couple months. It really is a big electronic fat generator. I think I'm headed back to Weight Watchers too. Lord---I wonder how much money they'll get from me in this lifetime.


I'm gonna catch up on some reading. Been wanting to finish all of Augusten Burroughs' books. Great books. He is very entertaining and what a life! Any other reading suggestions?


Later.

just a couple layouts

I just had to get "zobe" documented before years pass and "zobe" becomes an afterthought. I love these Hambly Studios rub-ons. Too bad I used these elegant silver rub-ons on a layout about my kid's feet. Still love them just the same. lol.


Finally did a layout with something in it besides people. lol. Thought maybe later on Taylor may like to see some of the little things I associate with the holiday. That candy dish was my Grandma Cook's piece. It's all nicked up but I so love it. She always filled it with ribbon candy. That thing has been around since my Dad was a kid.

The scallop stamp and "2007" are from Purple Onion Designs. I'm SO gonna have to get her Great Circus alphabet now. Love how the "2007" stamped out. Sometimes you just gotta see it on paper. Dug out those old Making Memories scrabble letters stickers too.

Thanks for looking. Have a great weekend--what's left of it!

Green Pepper Press Street Team Crusade No. 8

I have been pondering this crusade since the day Michelle Ward posted the topic. Basically you are to share your cheap tools, ideas, etc. - things you use in your art that are inexpensive.

My friend dropped off a bunch of goodies yesterday. She shops a lot and I get her overfill. Totally lovin' that. She's a makeup fanatic. I believe these flip flops were a gift with purchase at the Lancome counter. So they were cheap for her and free for me!

Taylor has been playing with them since she dropped them off and I just had a lightbulb moment tonight--perfect timing as the crusade ends tomorrow. The sole of the flip flop has a brick pattern. Perfect! Great for stamping. The top has some type of weave pattern. Soooooo............you get double your fun with one pair in this case! I stamped the bottom and top of the scallop with the sole of the flip flop.

I also used the cap of an Alene's tacky glue bottle to stamp the circles around the edge of the scallop. I then filled in the circles with a silver paint pen. Bird is Character Constructions and the little bird quote is Michelle Ward for Stampington Bird Sanctuary set.

Fun crusade Michelle. Keep em' coming.

PEEK!

Taylor loves peek-a-boo or any form of hiding. lol.

This particular layout was so fun. Alpha and circle stamps all from www.purpleoniondesigns.com. I colored the letters with glitter markers. While the paper was still wet I rubbed over the glitter ink with white chalk. This gave the paper texture and dimension. Used some Daisy D and MME paper. Also used a super cool journaling rubon from Hambly Studios. Love those things.

Happy Memorial Day to all!

Summer card

Just a quickie card using a butterfly stamp from Purple Onion Designs, Prima flowers, brads and a rub-0n. Have a nice day!

Let's talk plastic Easter eggs

All you new parents out there---lemme give ya some great advice. Save your money the first couple years. It's true what they say--kids like the wrapping paper more than what's inside. Kids like the box more than the expensive gift. AND as far as the Easter bunny goes---just buy a cheap pack of those plastic Easter eggs and some plastic grass and call it done. Seriously.

First LO is packed full of alpha stamps from Purple Onion Designs (www.purpleoniondesigns.com). Finally used those Bazzill cards I've had forever. Threw some Prima flowers and some ribbon on there too.

Second LO is almost all Daisy Ds Girlfriend collection. I see a pattern here. This is my second year using this paper for Easter LOs. I think I may have to purchase another pack before it's all gone for next year! Oh, another thing about this LO is the file tabs punched from patterned paper. I saw Ali Edwards use it in CK last month and just have to have that punch. I took the idea from her LO. I think it will prove very useful. Great quality punch too--made by McGill.

That's it folks. I think it was "see how much crap I can put on 2 pages night." Lots of schtuff on here tonight. hmm.... must be my mood.

Happy Mom's Day

Just wishing all the Moms out there a Happy Mother's Day!

This little girl is my reason for living.

Have to give a special shout out to Eric for my first Mother's Day card. Gotta love mail in this impersonal technological society we live in. Thanks a million. Thanks to my mother-in-law who sent a surprise package. She knows how tough this Mom job can be sometimes. :)

Have a great weekend!

Wagon fun

Taylor loves her wagon. In and out, in and out. She was so proud of herself this day. She sat in that thing and played and played.

Isn't that Foofala paper just divine?! Lovin' the 7gpysies stickers these days also. Also used Hambly Studios journaling overlay. Lots of fun.

Big bet goin' on at work. Several of us put $20 bucks into a pot----the current tally being in the $200 range. Greatest percentage of weight loss by Sept. 1 wins the pot! Great incentive. Wish me luck.

Sweetheart

Took this idea from one of the Ali Edwards' books. Pretty sure Jamie Waters should get credit for the design.

Lovin' that Foofala paper.

Taylor was posing for me this particular day. So cute!