Where DOES The Time Go?

I guess the saying is true...time flies when you're having fun (and as busy as a little bee!!) Who knew that in all of my fun, that my poor blog would be the one to pay the price. I know!! I know!! I still spend an awful lot of time on facebook, (farmville is my newest gaming addiction) keeping up with my day-to-day things, so why can't I come here to do the same? Maybe because my lack of time to scrap, and this blog's reminder of my passion being put to the side as other things have taken it's place.

For one, I've really started taking an interest in my health. Researching low glycemic foods, foods to lower blood pressure, and studying the effects different foods have on my body. In the past 3 years, I've gone from a size 20/22 to a size 10!! (It's amazing how just changing your diet the weight falls off...very happy about the results) In the past 6 months, I've incorporated an exercise routine, and even joined the YMCA. (My arthritis isn't hurting me nearly as much as before.) And did I mention I'm now incorporating MORE vegetarian means? (Gave up red meat & pork, but still eat fish, poultry and dairy) Eventually I may go total vegan, but for now, I'm happy.

Then there was a change in our family dynamic...my youngest son moved back home from Michigan this past February. It's been WONDERFUL having him back here...but now he's ready to move back to Michigan to be with his fiance', Felicia. (Our family got to meet her this past Christmas, and we just LOVE her.) It's been a bit cramped in this tiny house, but we managed just fine.

I've started spending time with my pastor's wive's father twice a week. (To give the family a little rest.) He'll be 99 in November and just the sweetest man you'll ever meet. Once upon a time he was a checker champion, so we spend a LOT of time over a game of checkers. (His philosophy is if you can win at checkers, you can win at anything life throws at you.) Once a week, he still gets on his tractor to cut the grass (even if now some of the rose bushes suffer from his deteriorating sight ::grins:) Smart as a whip, amazing sense of humor and loves the Lord. Just a delightful blessing to be around...and I consider myself blessed just knowing him.

My jewelry sales are up. I've sold quite a few pieces to several ladies at church, and even more at one of the local hair salons. Nothing that is considered a steady income, but enough to keep gas in the car (and these days, who could complain about THAT?!?)

And finally, after my success with the tomatoes last summer, I took the plunge to add MORE veggies to my gardening this year. (3 types of tomatoes, yellow sweet peppers) And then there are the flowers... (4 hydrangeas, 4 spider plants, 3 wild rose bushes, 1 schefflera plant & 1 fuschia plant.)

Of course, these are only the highlights...however, my time is up and I'm about to rush out the door.

Trying To Get In The Swing Of Things

It's pretty sad when you let another 7 months pass by before you post. It's not that I don't WANT to blog, I've just found it easier to update statuses on facebook. THAT and Farmville has me in it's grasp. *giggles*

Let me see if I can do a quick recap of my life...

• I've completely changed my eating habits and have now gone from a size 14 to a 10.
• Since last year, I've lost a total of 60lbs (still have another 20 to go!!)
• My sugar is now under control without use of meds.
  
• Hubby thinks I'm starving him because of food changes...well he HAS lost 2 pant sizes.
• Kat also lost weight and I'm now wearing her clothes from last year.
  
• Hubby found a job and then lost it. (Long story, but was due to management issues)
  
• Washing machine broke AGAIN!! Only this time it's NOT on warranty. I HATE hhgregg!!
  
• I also HATE going to the laundry mat to wash clothes.
• We celebrated oldest and youngest sons' birthdays. (though youngest was in other state)
  
• I celebrated my birthday, but now going backwards in years. LOL
  
• We celebrated hubby's birthday.
• We celebrated our wedding anniversary.
• We're STILL working in our bathroom and kitchen. ROFL!!
• Hubby bought me a yellow 1974 IH SCOUTII and is now rebuilding the engine.

That's just the highlights...tons more happened but I'll try to go into that at some later time. In the meantime, my time is up and I've got to get my day started. On the agenda for today: clean bathrooms, vacuum den, sweep & mop kitchen floor, upload photos for OCT JAM that originally came from Bunny Cates, mail off OCT JAM to Amber take Kat to work, make dinner and go to SISTERS bible study.

Today's Dinner:

Mediterranean Chicken Sandwiches

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Mediterranean-Chicken-Sandwiches

After A Long Hiatus

It's been so long since I've posted over here I had half a mind to remove it...but then thought NAH!! I've too much invested to just get rid of it.

So let's see if I can remember everything that has happened over the past year...

• Liz and Shea got their car back from us, only to have it immediately towed away for non-payment to a loan/title company.
• Matt bought an '88 Ford Mustang.
• The holidays were lonely without my younger son, Robert.
• Kat & I left FCCC church to go to our former church.
• Matt bought a second car...a '93 Nissan Altima.
• I was made youth director/drama leader at our former church.
• We now have 15 youth members!!
  
• Kat turned 18.
• After a year away from anything scrap related, I started designing again.
• Other than a few probs with my arthritis, my health is good.
  
• Hubby went to Wisconsin to visit his sister for 3 weeks.
• While he was away I spent entire time spring cleaning and rearranging furniture.
• I've lost more weight. Since last year, I've went from a size 20 to a size 14.
• I knew I was allergic to my cats, but now have developed an allergy to my dogs.
• I can't bear to part with my animals so have learned to deal.
• My washing machine broke down for the 4th time in 4 years. Either I'm too hard on my machine or it is just poorly made.
• We're STILL working on my bathroom remodel...lol

Here's one of the pages that I've created so far...

JOURNALING READS:
There is nothing
more beautiful
than the bond
between a
mother and
daughter

Kit: For The Girls
Designer: Angel Delites
Program: PSP-9
Font: Tall Paul

Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes

I feel overwhelmed. So many new things going on in my life, that I don't know where to start!!

As you know, I've been knee-deep in summer projects in my home. Nothing completed yet, but that's OK, I can live with the house upside down for as long as it takes. I was going to rip up the carpets yesterday, but realized at last minute hubby couldn't be here when I take it up due his severe dust allergies and his asthma. (That I'll have to tackle on a day he's at work ALL DAY LONG!)

I just recently celebrated my 38th birthday on June 28th. Spent most of the day with OS & his GF browsing thrift stores and antique shops. Picked up a few good deals. That evening, hubby and I had dinner at my fave Chinese Restaurant...the perfect ending to an amazing day...until we got back home. My Aunt Lynette left a message for me to call back ASAP. When I returned her call she told me that Uncle Woodie (her brother) had passed away just a few hours earlier. I immediately threw some clothes in a bag and began making lists for the family so everyone knew what needed to be done around the house and who needed to be where at what time. Was going to head out that night, but Aunt Terri (Woodie's wife) told me to wait until morning so that I wouldn't be traveling alone at night. (This was the 2nd important male figure in my life to pass away on my birthday...the first being my Dad.)

After I returned home from Georgia 5 days later, my inbox was overloaded with 1200+ pieces of mail!! Most of them I deleted without a 2nd glance, but then noticed one from a friend asking if I'd be interested in designing and selling in her new store. I immediately said YES!! (Will give more details on store details later...) Though I've been dabbling & piddling with designing new kits for the past few months, it's been a while since I've done it full-time, so not sure how this will effect my creativity or what this will mean to my summer projects for our home, but gonna give it my best!!

This brings me to my final thought for today...since this is starting a new chapter in my life, it's time I update the look of my blog and revamp my designing name and logo. I've got something in the works, and will reveal it in the next few days or so. So keep your eyes open for the new changes.

Faerie Dust & Magical Hugs
*from me to you*
~Jay~

Good & Bad News

I'll start off with the bad news first...

It's a sad day in the world of scrapbooking...I just learned that Tina Williams is closing the doors to her store. Will hate to see her go...but wish her all the best in wherever life takes her. Don't pass up on this great opportunity of grabbing some amazing products at an incredibly low price!!

SO...on to the good news...

For the past 2 weeks, I've been trying to decide if I wanted to purchase a bus ticket and risk health issues by riding 24 hours one way to see youngest son graduate, or go broke by purchasing a plane ticket so that I wouldn't be uncomfortable. In the end, I called YS and let him know that it just wasn't possible for me to make it...that was until last night. MIL called hubby and before I knew it, had purchased me round trip airfare!! *jumping up and down* So now I have less than a week to pack, his graduation ceremony is Monday evening!!

LONG BLOG POST...(With Photos!!)

SO MANY things have happened since Saturday...so I have LOTS to share!! SATURDAY MORNING:
Kat, her friend Asa & I headed out at 9am to catch the Hueytown (AL) Christmas Parade. Because we arrived early, we found a close parking spot, grabbed a "to-go" breakfast from McDonald's, set up our chairs and waited for the parade to begin. Here are a few of my fav photos...

SATURDAY AFTERNOON:
Once the parade was over, we headed home to drop off our parade goodies, then were off ot Hoover (AL) to visit Aldridge Gardens and Hoover Park before picking up OS at work, and dropping Kat & Asa at the church for an evening of Teen/Youth Christmas Caroling.

SATURDAY EVENING:
Hubby got home around 4pm...just enough time to grab a bite to eat and change his clothes for the two of us to drive out to Tuscaloosa (AL) to see Tuscaloosa Christmas Afloat @ Black Warrior River. Though we were 20 minutes late, it started to rain AND we missed the fireworks...we still got to see all of the boats on their return trip up the river and I was able to get some great photos!!

Was so exhausted by the time we got home, I passed out!!

SUNDAY:
Hubby and I took a trip to Leeds (AL) to pick up a white daybed that I found on FreeCycle. The mattress will need to be replaced, but the frame is perfect!!
After the Sunday night church service, I had to drive out towards Bankhead Lake (near Alliance, Alabama) to take Asa home. By the time I made the 2 hour round trip, it was nearly 11pm...another exhausting day leaving me to pass out the minute my head hit the pillow.

MONDAY:
I got up early to pick up my friend Tiff and her two boys (J & K) near Caffee Junction (AL). The entire afternoon was spent in my den snapping photos, cooking/eating, and laughing at something cute the boys were doing.

Now I'm off to catch up on blogs, sort through email, and try to find some ME TIME to relax after such an exciting weekend!!

Doing The Happy Dance...

Photo: Jay Elliott © 11.5.2007
Aldridge Gardens-Hoover, Alabama

It was another day of running around for me...

• Paid Gas Bill
• Stopped by 1 supermarket for frozen squash
• Took OS to work
• Stopped by Wal-Mart for items to make greenbean caserole, squash caserole, potato salad, cheese cake (thanks to KEN for reminding me) and coleslaw.
• Went to Dollar General to pick up Epsom Salt for hubby's arm.

Hubby called in sick today, so that he would have an extra day to fight off his cold, and to give his arm a chance to heal. Seems that the repititious movements he makes at work has caused his elbow to flair up. Hoping that he heads back to work tomorrow, as him being at home during the daytime is more than I can take. *giggles* He's more in the way, and with him being sick it's just like having to tend to an extra child. *sigh*

Before running my errands, I received a message from one of the stores that they are moving to the next round of applicants and that I was not chosen...but they enjoyed viewing my work, and wished me the best. *sigh* (1 down, 7 more to go...)

With all the running around today, and the bad news, I bet you are wondering why I titled today's entry as "Doing The Happy Dance"?? Well, when I arrived home, I had another message come in...this one from a store that I was planning on contacting this weekend. They have an opening, gave me a quick review of their requirements, and it looks like I will be back in a store very soon!! WHOO HOOO (I'll update with links at a later time...)

Off to start baking...

Enjoying A Moment Of Silence...

I thought that all of my running around was finished on Friday, but today was worse!! ARGH!!

• Took OS to work at 9am
• Dropped off Kat at hospital at 11am to visit friend's mom that was having surgery this morning. (She's staying at their home for the next 3 days to help clean and cook for the family.)
• Went to bank
• Stopped at a junkyard so hubby could talk to owner about a truck
• Went to 2 different auto parts store with hubby
• Paid lights
• Paid cable
• Got exhausted at 2:30pm and came home to rest before picking up OS from work at 5pm
  

Received 2 CD's from Twisted Papers today!! Had to immediately pop them in the laptop and look at everything!! GORGEOUS IMAGES...very high quality!!

I've applied at several digiscrap stores to sell my designs, but haven't heard anything. Hoping that everyone is just busy with the upcoming holidays, and that I will hear something by next week.

My New Thanksgiving Kit is coming along nicely!! As of last night, I'm up to 10 BG's 4 Bows, 2 Butterflies, 2 Flowers, 3 Ribbon Wrapped Frames, 2 Lace Ribbon, 4 Silk Leaves, 1 Scrunched Ribbon, 1 Ribbon Wrap, 1 Knotted Ribbon, & 2 Tags. I've got several more things that I will be adding later tonight. Here's a sneak peek at more of the papers...

I Couldn't Say No...

Two days ago, I went to see a friend that was visiting from Texas and learned that a friend of her family had 5 Miniature Dachshund puppies they were giving away FOR FREE. I took one look at the one her family had chosen, fell in love and told them to tell the family friend I wanted one too. I came home, asked hubby what he thought about adding to our family, but was told no.

The next day was Halloween, hubby went on to work, and I received a call from my friend that she had a surprise for me. I told her what hubby had said about the puppy, but still wanted to see it. The moment I got there and saw those gorgeous eyes...I COULDN'T SAY NO!! He was just too adorable.

Because we got him on Halloween, my daughter and I had to think of an awesome name...so we chose Jack Skellington and nicknamed him Jack-Jack. Unfortunately, we were SO UNPREPARED for the new addition, that me, my daughter and Jack-Jack went on a 5 hour shopping spree to get him everything he would need to be comfortable.

I was afraid that hubby wouldn't like having Jack-Jack, but as soon as he got home from work and sat on the couch, he had Jack-Jack lying on his chest taking a nap!! *giggles* It was too precious. Sadly, I forgot how much work puppies are...especially when they wake up every hour wanting attention. It was also the first time he was away from his mommy, the first time surrounded by new animals and family, and the first time he was placed in a crate to sleep for the night. It didn't go well...thank goodness I know how to function on very little sleep!! LOL

ISN'T HE PRECIOUS??

Surviving A Nightmare...

Please forgive me for such a long post...

A story like this has to be told from the beginning...and yet I truly don't know how to start. Giving an account of just this weekend doesn't explain the history, so I have to take it to a few months ago when my hubby and I first met our next-door neighbors.

It was late evening, and I had stepped outside to collect several leaves and branches for a new element kit I had in mind, when the next door neighbor's poodle ran over to me and started barking. The neighbor came over to retrieve the little ankle biter, introduced himself to me and hubby, then he and hubby learned that they grew up in the same neighborhood in Chicago. What were the odds that two Burbank Boys would wind up in Alabama as next door neighbors?

After that first meeting, hubby could be found every evening sitting on the front porch with the neighbor chatting about people they knew in common, places they used to hang out, and different landmarks from the old neighborhood. They were inseparable, so much so that I also took to sitting outside on the neighbor's front porch listening to their stories.

The neighbor had his daughter and granddaughter living with him, so the two of them became really close friends to me and my daughter. Every afternoon, if we weren't outside playing badminton, the granddaughter would be at my house watching cartoons. From going shopping, or out to eat, we were like one, big family doing everything together.

2 weeks ago, we all decided to go camping. Our vacation mimicking our life as we ended up renting camp sites side by side. Everyone had such a good time that we immediately planned to do it again 2 weeks later. (Which was this past weekend)

This is where things go awry. Though hubby had to work Friday and Saturday, the neighbor and I left early Friday morning to set up the camp site. To save on money, we rented one huge spot, popped up the tents, then he stayed while I went to run some errands, get OS to work, pick up hubby from work, grab daughter (who had originally planned NOT to go and back to camp site. I was exhausted from all of the running around I had to do and it made me cranky...all I wanted to do was sleep, but Kat' tent was set up on a different camp site as a placement holder for the neighbor's daughter's boyfriend's boss that would be arriving later that night, so I had to go take it down so that she would have a place to sleep. I ended up taking my frustrations out on the closest one to me...my hubby. A small fight followed, ending with me and daughter going to bed early in my tent, Kat's tent still in the travel bag and hubby sleeping the night in his truck.

As usual, after a good night's sleep, I was happy the next morning and ready to start my day. At 5:30am I woke hubby for work, put on a pot of coffee, then hit the road running. By the time I made it back to the camp site, it was 8am and nearly everyone was awake. Everyone but the neighbor...he was sleeping off a hard drinking binge from the day before. He made it very clear that everyone was too loud for him, and he needed his rest.

Being that it was the weekend before Halloween, the campsite has all of the campers TRICK OR TREAT the Saturday before Halloween, so I came prepared with lots of candy and decorations. As soon as I had a bite to eat I began to hang everything. The boyfriend's boss decided not to work that day due to dealing with his own family issues, so that left him in the campsite all day. Normally, I wouldn't complain about having an extra guy around to help with keeping the fire going and such, but this guy is NOT an outdoors type of a guy.

An hour later, the neighbor gets up, grabs the boyfriend and heads out to find wood for the campfire. I get started on making lunch. We even have time to go exploring and take some photos before it was time for me to hit the road again to pick up hubby from work. Though there was a bit of tension in the air, all still seemed ok until we got back.

The first thing I spotted when we arrived back, was that my cooler with our food had been gone through, half of my potatoes and onions were missing that was for everyone's breakfast the next morning, and everything in my picnic basket had been rummaged through. Seems that the neighbor and the boyfriend decided to smoke something and got the munchies, and since they didn't bring anything to eat, took it upon themselves to go through our food. Unfortunately, I only brought enough food just to last through Monday morning, so I was furious. I let hubby know immediately how I thought. I was too angry to speak to anyone, so hubby relayed my thoughts to the rest of the group...where everyone laughed and thought it was a huge joke.

I then learned that they hadn't brought anything with them this trip. No food, no plates, no napkins, NOTHING...that wasn't a problem, I had plenty to share...well did until they started eating everything while I was gone. It made for a very stressful evening as I was trying to get Kat ready to TRICK OR TREAT around the campgrounds, hubby was trying to cook us something to eat, and I was beginning to pack our stuff. I was ready to leave right then...not wanting to stay with people that had no respect for someone else's stuff. Hubby helped me pack, but talked me into staying the rest of the night. By 8:30pm, soon as Kat made it back to our camp site, we went to take our showers and then straight to bed.

Again, this made everyone angry that I wasn't hanging outside with them. The neighbor was already drunk again, the daughter now had an attitude because I wasn't being "friendly", and I was scared if I came near the boyfriend while he was stoned again, I was going to beat his brains in for having that stuff anywhere near me or my family!!

Two hours later, the neighbor was getting loud and rude, so hubby decided to take him for a drive. They ended up at a bar...just what the neighbor needed, but hubby thought if he had a couple of drinks with him, and shot a few games of pool, that he could talk some sense into him. It didn't work...it only made the neighbor even more loud and rude...and then he got violent. He tried to fight with hubby at the bar...then in the truck on the way back to the camp...then at the camp. It got SO BAD, that it woke me and my daughter up. I was literally scared to death that he was gonna start swinging and not know when to stop. Well, everything blew up when I stepped out of the tent...all of his anger was focused on me when I asked him to please sit and keep his voice down before we all got thrown out of the campground. It made him louder, and now in my face. If not for his daughter coming out and having her own screaming match at him, he probably would have swung at me. The anger and hatred in this man's eyes made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

The granddaughter woke crying to all of the yelling, she immediately ran to my hubby and climbed in his lap burying her head, my daughter stayed in our tent terrified of what was about to happen. The daughter told him if he didn't stop, that she was packing up right then and moving out of his house, never to speak to him again. I followed her to her tent with the granddaughter and begged her not to leave, but she said she couldn't put up with him anymore. What we all thought was a man that got drunk occasionally, was every night...and ALWAYS ended up with him in a violent rage. It's why her mom left him cause he used to beat her...it's why his dogs always cower when someone raises their voices...it's why the granddaughter always comes over to our house.

Though the daughter packed all of their things in the car, they waited til morning to leave. After breakfast, she, the boyfriend, the granddaughter and my daughter headed home. Hubby and I planning on staying until Monday morning since it was paid for...but half an hour after they all left...the neighbor woke, grabbed a beer, and began his anger and violence again. We packed the rest of our things and left him there with him saying that as soon as he got home he would take care of both of us.

We've not heard a word from him since he made it home yesterday, but the granddaughter has been over twice to watch cartoons. Not sure what will happen now...but hubby has sworn off all alcohol, and won't allow it or anyone that has been drinking in our home. In the meantime, please keep our family, and theirs in your thoughts and prayers.

I Told Ya It Wouldn't Take Long...

Just like I said yesterday...it wouldn't take me long to get some of these photos scrapped!! *giggles*

I just love this first LO featuring Emery.
FULL CREDITS:
BG-ASTC's Oct Grab Bag
Bendy Frame-Maria LaFrance
Denim Ribbon & Bow-Sandra Adamson
Doodle-Lori Giles
Font-Kids Alphabet

This second LO features all of our indoor furbabies!!
FULL CREDITS:
Felty Cat & Dog Kits by CalicoCorner
Bendy Frames by Maria LaFrance
Font-Book Antiqua

Well, that's all I got for today. Now I'm off to help Kat with her science and history. Then we're coloring her hair red with purple tips for Halloween. (YUP...I'll be taking photos to share.)
'Til next time-Happy Scrappin'

Playing With A New Toy...

This past weekend I finally broke down and bought me a new digital camera. It has TONS of bells and whistles that I'll have to learn how to use...but other than that, the image is fabulous and I totally LOVE the LCD screen.


Of course, I just HAD to start taking photos immediately. Haven't had time to scrap them, but you can bet that I'll do that very soon!! *giggles*

This is my little next door neighbor Emery (And my "adopted" granddaughter) Isn't she just precious?? YUP-that's purple hair!! Her mom temporarily dyed her hair for Halloween. (Thank goodness it washes out in 6-8 washes...LOL)

And finally, I had to get a couple photos of Kat acting goofy. Like her nails?? She got them done for the very first time Saturday. She was so excited!! Just wished she'd chosen another color besides glow-in-the-dark yellow. LOL











Couldn't leave out a photo of her imitating a monkey...ROFL!!

Caught Up In A Creative Whirl-Wind...And A Freebie Too!! :D

For a while, it appeared that I had dropped off the face of the Earth...but I am alive and well, and have been working my creative fanny off!! *giggles* The first part of the week I bought blushbutter's VICTORIAN WEDDING KIT so that I could participate in dustybear's QP EXCHANGE. OMGoodness...y'all just wouldn't believe how gorgeous this kit is!! To see the previews just doesn't give it justice!! Anywhoos...this is my contribution.
Once it was completed, I got caught up in creating layouts and figured it was about time I got started on some of my CT-Layouts!! *giggles* This next layout features Baby Verbena by Kathryn Balint of KBandFriends.

You would think that I would have stopped there...but NOOOO!! The creative bug bit me so hard that I created another ABOUT ME-Challenge layout - The Many Faces Of Me (Phase II-page 7...Odd & Whimsical Pictures of You & Add a Story/Stories Describing the Situations.) This is an ongoing challenge at Tina Williams Designs yahoo group hosted by Idgie. With the exception of the duck, everything is from Tina Williams Designs.

Finally, this week started "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DESIGN" contest over at JUST FOR THE SCRAP OF IT. You know what that means--LOTS OF FREEBIES!! I'm one of 30 contestants vying for a designing position in their store. Round 1 is in full swing and I'm up against SO MANY talented artists!! You've just GOT to check them out!! This is my contribution:
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD and make sure you grab all of the other kits as well. Combined, they make an AWESOME MEGA KIT!! :D

Wednesday, Wackiness & Wishes

It's Wednesday, once again, and I'm sitting here wishing for time to stand still...well at least to go a bit slower!! Time is getting away from me and there isn't enough hours in the day for all that I have to do!! Honestly, I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Seems just when I think I'm caught up on yard work, cleaning house, or running errands, I have to start all over again!!

Today's List Of Things To Do:

• Get hubby up for work at 6am
• Take Matt to work at 10am
• Go to library
• Stop by Academy Sports for badminton rackets and shuttlecocks
• Make lunch
  
• Have someone pick up bedroom furniture that is no longer needed
• Clean out storage room
• Donate bags of clothes and knick knacks to local thrift store
• Call HHRGREGG to have repairman take a look at new (under warranty) washer to repair the leak
  
• Make dinner
• Pick up Matt from work at 5pm

Not sure if I'll be able to get EVERYTHING done on my list today...but am definitely going to give it my best shot!! LOL Thank goodness I suffer from INSOMNIA, or I'd never have any time to design!! *giggles*

Homeschooling, CT & New Kit for Upcoming Chat

Once again, another week has just flown by, and left me wondering where the time went!! Our family has finally settled back into our homeschooling routine, and I've found my time to design. (At night, of course...lol)

I'm totally blown away by all of the talented ladies that have answered my CT-Call!! I spent most of the weekend reviewing galleries and narrowing it down. Wanna know which lucky ladies were chosen...well tune in on September 20th when I make the official announcement. *giggles*

I just finished a new kit "BLUE SKIES".
Included in kit:
7 papers
3 curled edge papers
4 torn borders
4 bows
1 ribbon
3 curled ribbons
1 ribbon cluster
2 butterflies
2 butterfly clips
1 dragonfly
1 button
2 flowers
3 bent frames
2 cluster frames

The inspiration behind this kit comes from one of my favorite things to do with my daughter--lying on a blanket and watching the clouds. Drawing from the beauty above, this kit features the many shades of blue found in the sky on a sunny day.
How would you like to get this kit for free?? This Saturday, September 22nd at 8pm, I'll be hosting my very first scrap-chat at Tina Williams Chat Room. Attend the chat and you will receive the first half of the kit. Create and post a layout by September 26th to the DST Gallery, and you'll receive the second half of the kit!! HOW KEWL IS THAT?!? An entire kit FOR FREE!! Want the kit but can't attend the chat? No worries! The kit will be available in the store the following week.

**Special thanks to Tina Williams Designs, Kathryn Mhire, Laura Burger of EclecticDigitalDesigns, Sandra Adamson (AKA-SeAScrApS), and to Maria LaFrance in the making of this kit**

Sharing A Few Photos...

Was sitting here uploading photos from Kat's camera and thought I'd share a few...

Yesterday, after we got back from Kat's Driver's Ed class, I took a few photos of Kat's anime-style hair and her jeans covered in anime art. Of course, a few of our fur-babies had to get in the photos too!! *giggles*Credits for frames:
Maria LaFrance Bendy Frames
ASTC's Faerie Wishes Background

Are You SURE It's Saturday??

Where has the time gone? Seems like yesterday it was Tuesday, and now look...an entire week has flown by!!

I'm happy to announce that I've received numerous responses for the CT-Call, and now in the difficult stage of narrowing it down...

On the homeschooling front, things are going well!! We've finally started falling into a nice routine and I can start relaxing a bit. Kat's first Driver's Ed class was yesterday. Not sure I'm happy with the fact she is old enough to learn how to drive...she's the baby of the family and I'm not ready to let her go!! As for the rest of her studies, she's doing great...HOWEVER...she definitely did not get her mom's passion for math!! ROFL!! Seems like it's going to be a LONG year in learning algebra. *SIGH*

With me being so involved with the homeschooling this week, my creativity and designs had to take a back seat temporarily. Kind of hard for your muse to flow with ideas when your wrangling a 15 year old into learning 5a + 3 = 20. I did get a little break to create a layout when Kat was in her Driver's Ed class and came up with BEST BUDS. Don't know how she does it...lol...but these photos of Kat lying on the floor with Fred were taken by her!!

CREDITS:
Autumn Breeze kit by me.

Updates, Previews & Freebies

Sorry for the absence, but this week has been extremely busy, and it looks like it will continue to be this way for at least another week or so until we can fall into our homeschooling routine. I've been frantically gathering books, creating daily lesson charts & work schedules, selecting specific field trips, and purchasing supplies. CRAZY I TELL YA!! Each year I do this, you'd think I'd learn not to do it at the last minute, but thus are the ways of a woman that is a known procrastinator...LOL!!

I received some incredible news this morning...Sherry D (Ambrosia Arts Of Virginia) has posted her interview of me on her blog!! She's such a sweetheart, and has done an amazing job!! I can't begin that thank her enough for her thoughtfulness of trying to generate more interest in my creations.

As busy as I've been lately, it's hard to imagine that I have any spare time to work on new designs, but somehow I've managed. Between the insomnia, and my muse being in a good mood, the ideas have been flowing non-stop. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all of them...by the time I get one completed, I have 3 more floating around...hahaha!! Today, I'm putting the final touches on my latest kit, "AUTUMN BREEZE" and hoping to have it in the stores later this week.

Due to me creating double-cluster frames for this kit, I ended up with several single-cluster frames that just wouldn't fit. Bad for me, but great news for you!! Today I give you these gorgeous frames for FREE!!

Click HERE to download.

Insomnia Strikes Again...

It's been another sleepless night for me. To pass the time, I caught up on email, created elements for my "AUTUMN BREEZE" kit, created papers for next months Grab Bag at TW&Friends...




made a recipe card for the RECIPE EXCHANGE at TWD, and began working on #5 of the ABOUT ME challenge at TWD. I've still got 1 CT LO for TWD, and 2 CT LO's for KB, but hoping to have them done by this weekend.

Now it's time to get hubby up and ready for work...I wonder if my body will allow me a nap around lunchtime??