Memories by AmyInKy

CK & Me...

2011-11-23T14:36:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I received an email that just made me happy. I was recently inspired by a layout I saw in the November/December issue of Creating Keepsakes Magazine. I shared my layout with the editors and was happy to hear back that they were going to use it in today's blog post (you can see it HERE!)!
The layout I created if "Thankful for Family." I used my November "Handmade" kit by Studio Calico. I think it's even more appropriate that the layout documents last year's Thanksgiving.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow???

I have so much work to do to prepare...

Have a great holiday!

Get a LOAD of this...

2011-11-16T16:10:00.001-05:00

Welcome to part 2 of my October LOAD (LayOut A Day) from the Croptoberfest at PersonalScrapper.com.

For my first layout, I scrapped Kevin meeting his new cousin. I used a kit from Studio Calico for this two pager. The trim around the whole layout was from my least favorite sheet in the kit. I seem to be in the minority when I say I was NOT a fan of the "Out of Print" release from Basic Grey this year.
I was, however, a fan of those little button/fabric embellishments from the same line though. They were the perfect, simple accent for the page.

Next up, I created another 2-pager for some of Kevin's Scout pics. I used leftover "Old School" products by Pink Paislee that I received in my design team package from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff a while back. I don't love this layout, but it's a memory documented and that is what it's all about - right?

I went back to Studio Calico for my next layout.

I used a few of my Mr. Huey mists on the cardstock and also the Pink Paislee trims. I ended up really happy with this layout. "My Big Boy" is one of my happy pages. Happy Pages just make me smile. I love Blake so much and took the opportunity to tell him on this layout. I used the same Studio Calico for this page. Loved how the ledger paper allowed me so much room for journaling. In September, I had purchased the Halloween themed add-on from Studio Calico. I was able to get two 2-page layouts and two single-page layouts out of that kit. I backed the Basic Grey "Out of Print" alphas with patterned paper and adhered them with pop dots so they'd stand out. I have to admit I was a bit stumped with more than a few of the products I used on "Winner" (Maya Road tags, spider paper, large Pink Paislee brads). But, in the end I finally found a use for these items that I liked. The last page I created with the kit was my favorite. And, I'm proud to say that I even used the stamp (banner) that came in the kit. I NEVER use the stamps. I just hoard them. I used them for my journaling. I also put my Martha Stewart spider web border punches to good use. I purchased them for cheap after Halloween last year and knew that eventually they'd get used! And finally, I opened my Paper Moon kit from Studio Calico for two more layouts. Both were highlighting Blake's broken wrist from the beginning of the year.

In reverse order, we have him showing of his new red cast...
And then we documented him getting his cast put on. (I can't be the only mother that takes step-by-step pics of this, am I?) I added some Studio Calico wood veneer letters to the kit to make my title. Ok...I want to sit down and scrap now! But, we have places to go tonight...

Here's a LOAD for you...

2011-11-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

In the scrapping world, "LOAD" stand for LayOut A Day. Every October, PersonalScrapper.com challenges message board members to participate in Croptoberfest to complete 31 layouts for the month. I am proud to say that I completed that challenge (and then some).

Today I'd like to share a few of my layouts from October with you.

For a birthday challenge, I completed a non-traditional birthday layout about my mother-in-law's birthday in September. I'm not really a butterfly fan, but she is. It was the perfect layout for me to use these chipboard butterflies from Studio Calico. I used the same Studio Calico kit to scrap Blake meeting his new cousin Rhett for the first time. I loved using the washi tape to make a mat behind my photos. The layout is really simple. I love ledger patterned papers for journaling. I switched gears from working with a kit to using some older DT products I received from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff last fall. The Pink Paislee "Old School" papers worked great with these homecoming spirit week pics of Blake. The colors in the "Old School" line were also perfect for scrapping Blake's last Court of Honor for Boy Scouts.

Then I was back to my Studio Calico kits... (The following layouts were all completed using SC kits.)

I have a habit of pulling out my least favorite papers from a kit to try to work with them first. I'm not a huge fan of florals or pink, so I used them both on this layout of me and Tom. I LOVED the "yesterday, today, tomorrow" journaling cards that were in the kit. I used them together to create a mat behind my photo. This next layout is one of my new favorites. I used 2" square scraps left over from 2x10" strips I had cut for another layout. I rounded the corners and arranged them in a grid pattern. This layout just makes me smile. Of course, the photo of my boys helps with that, too. I love these two!I had fresh pics of my new nephew, so I made a couple layouts about Rhett.

I didn't realize until I was finished with the second layout how similar the two were.

This fall, I ended up with several pics of me and Tom together...

And, finally I have a baseball layout to work in, too. I got a little creative with this one. I made my own baseball embellishment. I should really try to get more creative with my layouts, but quick and simple is really my style. So I don't overwhelm you with photos, I'll share the rest of my October projects later.

"Making the Team" again...

2011-11-09T16:07:00.001-05:00

I have a few more sports layouts to share with you. I used the "Making the Team" line from Bella BLVD that I got from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff.

Kevin had his first basketball practice on Saturday. I guess it's only fitting that I finally scrap last year's basketball pics. This year instead of doing Upwards, we have him playing in the new "Little League" basketball program they started at the high school.
We had a really good experience with Upwards last year. This layout documents the game where Kevin scored 8 points. We were so proud of him!

Blake also played Upwards last year. Luckily he was able to return for his last game after wearing a cast for the wrist he broke in practice for 5 weeks. And, I can't seem to scrap anything sports-related without throwing in something for Baseball. (Sometimes I think my baseball pics multiply in my photo boxes...) I added some wood veneer stars by Studio Calico to this layout.

I have really enjoyed working with this line. I still have a some scraps left and plan to use up every last bit of it!

Halloween 2011 - documented...

2011-11-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

In case you wondered where I have been since Halloween...

I have been scrapbooking! I am happy to say that all of my Halloween pics (pumpkin carving & trick or treat) from 2011 are scrapped. Go me!

I pulled out my neglected October 2010 kit from Noel Mignon. (For the life of me, I can't remember why I didn't use it last fall.) Armed with this kit, extra black cardstock & alphas, and my stack of Halloween pics, I worked over the weekend and completed ten layouts.

Crazy Kev shocked me when I noticed he was wearing a mask to carve his pumpkin. He was a bit scary! I broke out my new Martha Stewart border punch for "Carving Time" for Blake's album. I guess he was inspired to don his 'fro wig after seeing Kevin in his mask? I loved the My Mind's Eye pumpkin paper for this page.

Next, I FINALLY got to use my WRMK stitched cardstock for Blake's trunk or treat layout. He refused to dress up and said he was "casual Friday." Teenagers!Thankfully, Kevin dressed up. Everyone loved his Edward Scissorhands costume. I used a sketch from Sketches for Scrapbooking Volume 8 for this 2-pager.

Thankfully, Blake asked me to put make up on him before he sat out and passed out candy on Halloween!

I ended up with a lot of good "Bloody Blake" photos on Halloween. Crammed them all into a 2-pager. I liked my bat jack-o-lantern so much that I made a scrapbook page about it. (The title makes me smile. I love movie quotes.)

Kevin looked a bit spooky with his jack-o-lanterns on Halloween. (Although here he looks more like the joker with black hair than Edward Scissorhands!)

Speaking of Edward Scissorhands... This layout and the next both use sketches from Sketches for Scrapbooking Volume 8.

We really enjoyed trick-or-treating in our own subdivision. On a school night, it was great to stay home.

Now that Halloween is over, Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Where has 2011 gone???

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T21:09:00.004-04:00

We had a great time celebrating Halloween over the past couple of days.

Tom and Blake were camping all weekend with Scouts, so we waited until they got home yesterday to carve our pumpkins. Mine was the coolest. I made a bat pupkin. I even added "blood" around the mouth.
As I was completing my pumpkin, I turned around to see quite a scary site going to work behind me. (Have you heard me say that this kid just isn't right???) But, in the end, he had a pretty happy, smiling pumpkin.

Blake had to put on his "thinking 'fro" to do his carving. (And Crazy Kev had to jump in the background of this shot!)I love the wicked grin on his jack-o-lantern.Sunday night we went to trunk or treat at our church. Everyone loved Kevin's Edward Scissorhands costume. Blake said he dressed up as "Casual Friday." Teenagers...For Kevin's scissorhands, I traced scissors on glitter foam, then attached them to black gloves using brads. That's Kevin real hair painted black. Too bad it wasn't longer...We only had one trick-or-treater this year. It was a bit sad.Tom and I walked around our subdivision with Kevin. Blake sat out on our porch and scared the trick-or-treaters. I have to admit, he did look a bit gruesome!It was a very nice Halloween. I am blessed to have these two boys. They are already thinking ahead to next year for costume (and makeup) ideas. Oh, I have one more photo to share...

While uploading my pics, I noticed a couple that I did't take. Kevin just might turn out to be a great photographer some day. Don't you love the angle he used to capture his newest lego set?

Happy Halloween!

It's Finally Friday!

2011-10-21T16:24:00.000-04:00

It's finally Friday. Yay!

I hope this weekend will allow me a little time to get caught up on uploading/editing my photos. I'm way behind on that.

I have a couple fun little projects to share with you today. When going through my stash last month, I came across the "Apple Jack" line by Sassafrass Lass that I purchased almost a year and a half ago. I was dying to work with this line, but it just sort of sat. For a long while.

I was inspired to use it and paired it up with some crazy shots of my guys that my sister took last year at one of the boy's birthday parties. (Tom must never know I posted this!)
While I had the line out, I also scrapped our nephews' birthday party from a couple years back. I've been scrapping a lot of birthday layouts lately. Afterall, this is birthday season in our house. I'm looking forward to celebrating both boys' birthdays at their "friend" party this weekend.

I'm (Still) An Athlete...

2011-10-20T17:25:00.003-04:00

Did that title catch your attention?

Ha! Ok, so I'm not an athlete, but my two boys. It seems I will never run out of photos to use for my design team commitments at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. A couple months ago, I used my DT credit to purchase the "I'm An Athlete" collection by SEI. I pulled out the "scraps" from the line recently to complete a couple additional layouts.

It's rare that I make one photo layouts, but I only had one photo of Blake to tell this story. When we went to Kevin's baseball tournment over in New Albany, Indiana, Blake was allowed to go up in the scorer's box and announce the players. He was a great sport and even asked for the opposing team's line-up so he could also announce their players. The layout came together really quick. I even used one of the diecut 12" borders to frame my photo.

I was a little intimidated by the basketball court pattern on this one sheet of paper. Then I realized it would be a great background for a couple collage prints I had made. We had way TOO MANY photos of my guys playing basketball in the driveway with Tom's brother and his kids last spring. By creating the collages, I didn't have to decide on just a few photos to scrap. I added a journaling block, some tickets cut from one of the patterned papers, a pennant die cut strip and some foam stickers from the line. Then, I finished my layout off with some Varsity Thickers.

Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff always has just the right products for my sports-themed pages.

Celebrating with "Animal Crackers"...

2011-10-19T16:29:00.001-04:00

I have been a bit M.I.A. since Blake's birthday. Rest assured, I survived his 13th. However, although I'd love to share some pictures from his special day, I have had some camera issues that are making uploading my photos a little difficult. Plus, I just haven't had the time to mess with in.

In the meantime, I'll stick with the birthday theme (while not his 13th) and share some recent layouts I did for my design team commitment with Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. I was really drawn to the bright colors and fun patterns of the "Animal Crackers" line by Imaginisce. I knew I didn't have any circus or fair pictures to use with the line, but instead felt that it would be perfect for some birthday pages.

Armed with Sketches for Scrapbooking Volume 8 by Allison Davis, I was able to sit down with this line, my photos, and a fun assortment of alphas and quickly knock out some documented memories.

First, I scrapped Tom's birthday from August.
2-page layouts make me so happy.

Pop dots turned shapes cut from patterned paper into instant embellishments.

The die-cut pennant strip was one of my favorite embellishments from the whole line. (LOVE those colors!)

Next up was Blake's 12th birthday.

It's obsvious from the pics that he really enjoyed his dinner out at the local Mexican restaurant.

I only used one side of the sketch for this single page layout. I used another of the pennant strips and added a couple different Thicker fonts, too. The pennants made yet another appearance on a page from Kevin's birthday last November. This layout is for Blake's album. Kevin loved the Cars set Blake gave him. In addition to Thickers (2 fonts), I also used alphas from Paper Trunk and Sassafrass Lass.

Our fun family game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey needed a page to itself. My youngest sister won the game at Kevin's party last fall.

I used the ribbons from the line to help frame out the page. Several pop dots were also used on this layout.

I converted a couple of my favorite photos from Blake's 12th birthday to black and white. I'm glad I did since I think they look so nice on this next layout. They aren't competing with the bright colors on the rest of the layout.

Since I was out of my pennant borders, I used pennant paper!

When I have a lot of photos from one event, I often print them as photo collages. I did that for pics of Blake with his gifts. I like to document what he receives each year, so we can look back and remember his interests. In this case, I printed the photos as 2-up 4x6 collages. This made it very easy to get six photos on one page.

I used a set of Thickers, a set of Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas and a sheet of Scenic Route alpha stickers for my big title.

To further accent the page, I added some scraps in the upper corner, a piece of ribbon and a Jenni Bowlin vintage looking button from my stash.

While going through my stash, I decided to use up some older (and large) chipboard alphas by Heidi Swapp on this final 2-pager. This layout shows off the gifts Blake got from family at his party last year.

I didn't have enough letters to spell the word I wanted, so I used the negative "scrap" from a G and just backed it with patterned paper.

Once again, I cut shapes out of the papers and adhered them with pop dots for dimension.Now I want to print out photos from this year's birthday and scrap them!

Happy scrappin'!

My Monkey...

2011-10-12T17:09:00.000-04:00

Not long after we moved into our home, we planted some trees in the backyard. Many of them didn't make it that first year and had to be replaced, but the Maple we planted in the center of the backyard thrived. Today, I am impressed with how tall it's grown in just 6 or 7 years. Kevin is really starting to enjoy the Maple.Sometimes I'll look out into the backyard and panic because I can't see him. Then, he'll peek out from INSIDE the tree to let me know he's still there. The photos of Kevin in the tree make me smile every time I see them. So, when I received them in my photo order, I couldn't wait to scrapbook them to document this memory.

(Products used - Jillibean Soup papers, Pebbles felt tree accents, American Crafts Thickers)

Now I have this memory documented for Kevin, too.

Happy Scrappin'!

Take me out to the ballgame...

2011-10-11T21:47:00.000-04:00

I realized I am WAY behind on sharing the happenings around here. A month ago I had these photos uploaded to the blog awaiting to post...

Kevin's Cub Scout Pack attended Scout Night at the Louisville Bats game several weeks ago. It's a pretty big deal with Scouts from all over Kentucky and Southern Indiana attending. The Scouts and their families get to walk around the ballfield before the game. Kevin got to lead his Pack around the field as he carried their flag. !!! He was so excited and I was so proud of him. He did great!

We stayed and enjoyed the game. (Really, Blake enjoyed himself. He's just going through this "serious" phase whenever I take photos!)

We spent a lot of the game snacking. We had sno-cones, roasted nuts, icecream, and a special cookie purchased from the bowl that the "cookie lady" carried around on her head. (I should have gotten a pic of her!)We never get tired of baseball!

Weekend Update...

2011-09-26T17:05:00.005-04:00

Another weekend has come and gone, but once again we had an enjoyable (yet busy!) one.

Friday started off with Muffins for Moms at Kevin's school. It was nice to have breakfast with just Kevin. (His mouth was full when I snapped this self portrait!) We had some time to walk around the school and he showed me where his art journal was on display. His submitted journal is what earned him his spot in the art club. (We're so proud of him! He loves art!)

Friday night, we attended the Homecoming game at the local high school. It's always fun when the home team wins.

Saturday morning we did our first ever yard sale. It was work all the preparation time we put in. Kevin was my big helper and stayed with me for the full four hours.

Saturday also marked the one year anniversary since my thyroid surgery. I'm very impressed with the results of my surgery and also with how well my scar has healed.

The photos on the left from top-to-bottom show me the day of surgery, one week post-op and one month post op. The large photo on the right was taken on Saturday - one year post-op.

That evening we went to Reese's 2nd birthday party.

She's a crazy girl!

Of course, we got to see Rhett, too.

He was wearing a "party animal" sleeper!

We finished off our weekend by baking a homemade apple pie.

Om nom nom... It was delicious!

Now...it's back to school and work for another week...

The Visit...

2011-09-19T22:38:00.004-04:00

My family went to visit the new baby in the family on Sunday.

I love him...

My boys love him, too!I think my boys look at Rhett and imagine fun times teaching him baseball. I'm looking forward to many more photo ops in their future.

The Perfect Saturday...

2011-09-17T23:55:00.001-04:00

Today was the perfect day! Although we woke up to rain, that soon cleared off and the sun came out. This afternoon we went to one of our favorite fall spots to pick up items for our fall display.

Our boys are a bit big for the straw maze that they have up every year, but still enjoy the thrill of finding just the perfect pumpkin. Reluctantly, Blake poses in pictures for me...

It's hard to keep Kevin from making a crazy face in photos. (Below was take 2...)

Although the farm adds new decorations and displays each year, we still enjoy going back to a few favorites for photos. The huge jack-o-lantern is one of my favorites! (Both boys still fit inside it - for now!)I wish I could just load up all the mums to bring home with me. Love them!

Blake has turned into quite the helper. With his growing height has come a lot of strength, too. (This comes in handy at home for me a lot!)

Kevin can be a big help, too.

We ended up with a great assortment of pumpkins for our fall display. I think both boys want to carve two pumpkins each this Halloween. After working so hard selecting our items and then loading them up, the guys took a drink break. While Tom enjoyed a root beer, the boys went with Grape sodas.

And then it was...(drum roll, please...) SELF-PORTRAIT TIME!!!

Tom and I noticed an extra in our shot...

So, we made sure no one (Blake!) was left out of our family self-portrait. I love these guys!

But, that wasn't the end of my day. This evening, I found another guy to love.

I'd like to introduce you to my new nephew, Rhett. He was born just after 7 pm this evening. He's a little guy - 6lbs. 13 oz. and 19-1/2" - but perfectly healthy.I am so happy for my sister, Lindsey.I can't wait for the boys to meet him!

Missing Baseball...

2011-09-16T16:20:00.002-04:00

As we prepare to attend the high school football game tonight, I'm reminded that baseball season is over. Actually, Little League is over for Blake. I miss baseball. We did enjoy his summer with the all-star team.

I loved seeing him pitch on our home field during a local tournament.

He gets so focused and into his game.

It's hard to believe that eight years ago, I wasn't a fan of baseball. Thanks to this kid (and the one that would follow three years later), I now live for baseball season!Blake sure doesn't hold back his emotions!

After pitching, he played first for a bit, too. Check out that stretch!

Have I mentioned how much I love this kid? Unfortunately, we took 2nd place in this tournament. But Mom's happy whenever we bring home hardware.

Little League is OFFICIALLY over.

I miss baseball...

Vacation Rewind - Great Wolf Lodge...

2011-09-14T21:27:00.000-04:00

I have a couple new 2-page layouts to share. I completed them both using the "Happy Camper" line by Imaginisce that I picked up over at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. I also used Allison Davis' Sketches for Scrapbooking Volume 8 sketches for both layouts. The photos are from our trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati last summer. The boys LOVED our room! (I have to admit, I wasn't overly impressed, but it was cool for a boy.)

Of course, I worked in various alphas for my title.

And, I also completed a 2nd page of the same trip.

The lodge was good about having lots of opportunities for photo ops. I'm ready for another vacation!

Scouts

2011-09-13T20:13:00.000-04:00

Blake joined Cub Scouts in first grade. Since then, Tuesday nights have been our dedicated Scout night. 18 months ago, Blake moved up to Boy Scouts and we are amazed at the change it has made in his life. He's become so much more responsible and really matured a lot.

Last month, at his Troop's Court of Honor, he was awarded SEVEN merit badges and that he had worked towards and completed over the summer. We were so proud of all of his hard work. Blake is also a Patrol Leader and Historian for his Troop.

It's hard to believe that one month from today our boy will turn 13. Where does the time go?

Let's Go Pick Apples...

2011-09-11T23:38:00.008-04:00

My boys go through a bag of apples in a very short time. They inhale them. Last week I realized it was apple picking time and suggested to Tom that we visit Huber's over in Indiana a month earlier than usual just to pick apples. (We go every October.) Saturday was a busy day, but we still planned to go.

Early Saturday, I took Kevin to his school's festival and then he went with Tom to sell popcorn at a local truck stop with Scouts. I stayed home to help Blake work on a school project. Later, we met up and headed over to Indiana. It was a slightly overcast day, but the weather was perfect. The best part was that the crowds were nowhere near what we were used to in October.

We made the winery our first stop and Tom and I both enjoyed their wine tasting. We each tried 8 different wines. (I have a few new ones to add to my favorites list now!) It was fun. We bribed the boys with icecream if they stayed away from the bar and let us enjoy ourselves.

So...our next stop was the icecream and cheese stop. Kevin enjoyed a scoop (yes, that is a SINGLE scoop in the photograph!) of Blueberry icecream. Blake went with Pumpkin. I had a scoop of Pumpkin Nut in a cup. Yum!I left the store with a few cheeses, too - Asiago, Indiana Havarti, Indiana Smoked Gouda and some kind of hot pepper cheese (but I can't remember the name). Upon leaving the store, Kevin had to stop and ride the cow out front.You've heard me say it before - he's not right!

Next stop...the apple orchard! We took a wagon ride out there. The boys picked Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples. Then I found the Jonathan section. I liked them best. I also like taking self-portraits with my boys. The boys are both in the "let's-give-Mom-a-good-smile-and-get-this-over-with-stage." They realized if I get a good smile on the first try that I'll quit taking pictures!Another self-portrait - different boy...Tom snapped this photo of me and B. Unfortunately he caught Blake in mid-blink, but I still love this photo. It's likely one of the last of B before he towers over me. We are about neck-and-neck height-wise right now. And let's not forget a self-portrait of me and Tom on the wagon ride back... RIGHT after I took this photo of the boys, it started to drizzle on us. Then it picked up. It was a downpour by the time we made it back to the marketplace to pay for our apples. WE WERE SOAKED! Tom said it was his favorite part of the day. It was fun, but a bit cold.We finished off our great day with a stop at a mall in Louisville. We had a nice dinner and the boys visited Dick's Sporting Goods. I think they have some good ideas for their birthday wish lists now. I can't believe this fall I will have a teenager and a kid in "double digits" (that's a big deal for a boy!). That's my weekend in pictures. Have a great week!

Remembering 9/11...

2011-09-11T22:32:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's been ten years since the events of 9/11. I remember exactly where I was. I don't think I'll ever forget the events, my actions, and my feelings/fears of that day.

Ten years ago today, I was a wife and mother expecting my second son in less than two months. I was at work and the phone rang just before 9 a.m. I heard that a plane had hit one of the WTC Towers in NYC. A few minutes later, I received another call from the same person frantic that another plane had hit the second tower as it was seen on live TV. This was no accident.

I remember almost every detail of that day. Thankfully, Tom wasn't traveling although he did have customers visiting from NYC. We booked them a rental car and they drove straight home. I couldn't wait to get back to Bardstown (where we lived at the time) to pick Blake up from daycare. Gas prices had skyrocketed, and I was in shock to be paying $1.52 at the pump. (Oh, how I'd LOVE to pay that for gas today...)

That evening we went to see my sister, Kaitlin, in her middle school homecoming court. On the ride home, Blake, who was fascinated with airplanes, commented that there weren't any "lights" in the sky as all flights had been grounded.

I have lost count of the number of times I've cried over the past week as I have watched 9/11 memorials on television. My heart still aches for the victims and their families. I still have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for those first responders and those that have and continue to fight for our nation.

Since 9/11, I have had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC and visit the Pentagon and the memorial there. (It is overwhelming.) I also visited NYC this past December and went to Ground Zero. Someday I hope to also visit the new memorial to Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. The passengers on that flight were the first heroes in our fight against terror.

This weekend, we visited an orchard in Indiana and on our return drive home, I was proud to see our flag proudly displayed as we crossed back into Kentucky.

May God continue to bless our great nation, and may God also bless you and your families today and always.

We will never forget.

"Making the Team"... (Part '2-pager')

2011-09-09T23:24:00.001-04:00

Last weekend I used my Sketches for Scrapbooking Volume 8 book that I received for guest designing over at Sketch Support this summer. I pulled out some baseball photos and the new "Making the Team" line by Bella Boulevard that I picked up at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. I ended up with two layouts (one for each boy!) that really make me happy and more importantly document some special memories.

"Final Slam" is for Kevin's album. These photos are from his travel team's last weekend playing together. I liked this sketch because I was able to use so many different patterns.

I changed the title placement and worked in the chipboard banner flags from the paperline to further accent my title. The best part was that the alphas came WITH the line, too!I'm finding that I enjoy pulling something old from my stash to use on layouts with some of my newest products. On this layout, I dug out some naked chipboard stars I purchased at Hobby Lobby a LONG time ago. I covered them with patterned paper. I also took a large white brad and drew stitching on it with a Slick Writer to turn it into a baseball embellishment.

For my other boy, I created "Heavy Hitter."

Again, a sketch allowed me to use several different patterns. I completely altered the photo placement and added the larger photo with the black mat.

I mixed the alpha from the line with an old American Crafts Thicker font.

For an embellishment, I added a pop dot behind a small circular sticker to add dimension. I also added some hand-drawn stitching. And, whenever I have a chance, I like to include the boys' baseball number. We like our #18!

So far, I've completed NINE layouts with this paper line. I still have some supplies left and plan to work in at least one or two basketball layouts, too.

"Making the Team..."

2011-09-08T18:37:00.001-04:00

As soon as I saw the preview of Bella Boulevard's new line "Making the Team" I knew I had to work with it. Needless to say, I was beyond THRILLED when I saw it was "coming soon" over at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. I couldn't wait for it to come in so I could use my design team credit!

My order arrived on Saturday right before we headed out for the day, but I worked in some quality scrap time on Sunday...

I scrapped a couple non-action shots of Kevin with a couple of his travel team teammates. These three had so much fun together! I used a sheet of black cardstock for my base. Everything on this layout is from the Bella Boulevard line with the exception of the red arrow - it's Jillibean Soup corrugated cardboard sprayed with Mr. Huey Schoolhouse mist by Studio Calico.

I loved the funky alphabet that came on the sticker sheet and added in a couple chipboard numbers for my title.

Next, I had to document Blake's great "Trifecta" - showcasing the baseballs he hit out of the three ball fields in our league.

This layout came together really quick since I used the black patterned paper with quotes and simply topped it with a section of the border striped paper. I was even able to add my journaling to the grid patterned section. I mixed my title using Bella Blvd. chipboard numbers and a mix of American Crafts Thickers and Paper Trunk alphas in white.

I hand-cut a baseball from one paper and added it with pop dots for a fun little accent.

When Blake played in the District Tournament in July, I ended up with a lot of great photos. "100% Athlete" catches him sliding back to 1st base and all dirty afterwards. He even ripped a hole in his pants (knee) the first time he ever wore them!

EVERYTHING on this layout was part of the paper line with the exception of the three brads I added to the flag stickers.

I fell in love with the bright colors and fun patterns - they make me happy.
Blake made a great play (on his knees!) while playing 3rd base. These photos told a great story that deserved a page to themselves. "Game Face" spotlights two of my favorite photos from Districts. My boy is so handsome.

I just added pop dots to a few stickers to give the page some dimension.

Lucky for me, we captured some of Blake's emotion behind the plate. I thought the "It's all in your attitude" quote from the paper line was PERFECT for this layout.

I added an older American Crafts sticker font with a classic set of Thickers.

And, since Blake was catching most of the weekend...I had another layout of him behind the plate.

I'm still enjoying the banner trend. As you can tell, I LOVED working with line! I have a few more projects to share with it, but I'll save them for another day.

Happy scrappin'!

One Whirlwind Weekend...

2011-09-07T22:51:00.000-04:00

Whew! What happened to August???

As we entered September this past weekend, we headed west to visit family. First, we stopped to celebrate Grandma Rosemary's birthday a week (and two days) early. We enjoyed a great lunch at Olive Garden and then visited with her at home. She and the boys watched "The Conspirator" while Tom and I napped. (Pasta makes us sleepy...) Happy 70th birthday to Rosemary on 9/11.

On the way home, we stopped by to see the boys' favorite uncle - Terry. We also celebrated his birthday a little early, too. Every year we try to find the perfect card for him, and this year I was the one to find it. (He loved it!) We also presented him with a literary classic - Kenny Mayne's An Incomplete & Inaccurate History of Sport*. (This book is a MUST HAVE for every sports fan!)

Then it was time to swim...
Blake even worked in a bit of a work out...

Just Kevin's luck, Dawn had purchased this little "boat" on clearance the day we arrived. It was the perfect size for him!

Most importantly, the boys got some quality time in with their cousins and a couple of their friends.It was a great weekend!

My Paper Posies Challenge...

2011-08-23T06:20:00.000-04:00

I really enjoyed the opportunity to be guest designer for Paper Posies this month. They asked me to create a challenge, too. That was easy...

With so many great patterns in the kit, it was hard to decide which side of each paper to use on a layout. Then it was hard to narrow down which patterns to include on a single page.

So, my challenge was to make it easy and to try to use at least 5 patterns on a single layout.
I used SEVEN different patterns on my layout "Hey Cupcake(s)."

My circle punch came in handy.

In other news, I loved the trim in the kit.

And the buttons.

And flowers.

And who can forget the GREAT set of black and white alphas.

It was a great kit to work with. Thanks again for the opportunity Paper Posies!

Happy Camper...

2011-08-21T20:45:00.000-04:00

I was a happy camper when I opened up my designer box from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff full of the new "Happy Camper" line by Imaginisce.

With two boys in scouts and one that camps out every month, I NEEDED this line!My first project with the line was a 2-pager to document Blake's trip to summer camp this year. EVERYTHING on this layout is from the line. I just added some kraft paper and pop dots.

The papers are adorable and the diecuts make great little embellishments.

The word diecuts made some quick titles, too.

I was also able to get his April camp out scrapped. I simply made a 4x6 photo collage and then cut it apart to arrange on the page.

This layout came together fast!

The line was also good for just plain ol' backyard fun as seen in "outdoor fun."

I love adding little accents in my corners. (Added a set of My Little Shoebox alphas mixed with some American Crafts.)

The Sticker Stackers make great, easy journaling boxes.

I squeezed in one more layout from a camp out. The boys were working on a merit badge. I finally used the K&Co wood alphas I'd been hoarding for too long. (I HAD to have them...then never opened them...)

I finished this one off with another Sticker Stacker for my journaling.

I still have so many products from this line to use. I just need to find time to scrapbook. I just don't seem to have enough time these days...

Happy scrappin'!

I {heart} New York - Part 3

2011-08-19T19:55:00.000-04:00

It's finally Friday and I wish I was jetting off to NYC for another fun weekend.

However, since we don't have anything scheduled this weekend, I have to admit that staying home sounds pretty good, too!

But...I would like to share more NYC layouts with you. (All of the projects I'm sharing today used Studio Calico products either from their product lines or from their monthly kits.)

The first stop on my guided tour that day (thanks Laurie & Connie!!!) while Tom was in meetings was to Grand Central Station...

The shops at Grand Central Station were amazing, so I didn't argue when the suggestion was made to stop for a snack. I just had trouble deciding what to get. So... I got a canoli AND a cupcake. (The best cupcake I've ever eaten.)

We finally met up with Tom for lunch. We met at Rockefeller Center. !!! In front of the CHRISTMAS TREE. All day I had to keep reminding myself that I WAS REALLY THERE!!!

After Tom was finished with his meetings for the day, we headed to Times Square to wait in line for discounted show tickets. Needless to say, as it was my first time IN TIMES SQUARE (!!!), I took a fair amount of photos. I had to make a 2-page layout to share them. And since this layout makes me happy, I have a few extra little details to share with you...

And there's one last layout to share today - another 2-pager. This layout documents my first dinner in NYC. It was quite memorable...not only did the waiter surprise with a dessert plate to celebrate our anniversary, but since the tables were so close together, my purse knocked over a woman's water glass as we were being seated. I was horrified! But, the restaurant was a cool sight to see, the food was AMAZING, and the icing on the cake was coming home to catch it on an episode of 'Sex & the City' a couple months later. Neat, huh?

This reminds me that I didn't meet my goal of completing my NYC album over summer vacation. I need to get scrapping...

Tom is 42!

2011-08-11T23:31:00.003-04:00

This week Tom turned 42. The boys made his cake all by themselves. It was chocolate with chocolate funfetti icing. They added the sugar letter decorations to spell out "Happy Birthday Dad 42" and put the candles on in the shape of a 4 and a 2. Tom loved it.

He also loved the special gift they gave him...

They took a baseball and wrote "To the Best Coach/Dad in the World!" on it and signed both of their names. Then they put it in a case for him to take to his office. For dinner, we had chicken & dumplings. Yes, in August heat. But, it was Tom's birthday so it was his pick. I'm not sure it beat out the year we had chili out at the picnic table or not!

Birthdays are fun in our house!

I {heart} New York - Part 2

2011-08-10T17:08:00.000-04:00

There comes a time when you realize you can't scrap EVERY photo on a layout.

That time came for me when I was in the planning stages of my NYC album. I wanted to include (almost) every photo from the trip, but realized not every photo was "scrap-worthy." To me, I scrap photos that need to tell a story. Instead of spending hours editing my photos into smaller sizes or making them into photo collages to be used on layouts, I opted to use the American Crafts photo pages for my albums. Each side holds six 4x6 photos. By mixing these protectors in with regular 12x12 scrapbook layout page protectors, I am able to include traditional layouts of our trip's photos and also the less "scrap-worthy" photos, too.

The first 6-up page in my album includes photos of the great variety of food at the marketplace in Grand Central Station. (I get hungry every time I look at it!) I still had a short story to go with these photos so I created a 4x6 "mini page" for one of the photo pockets. (I used Studio Calico supplies.)The food photos carried over to the next page.

I made another mini page to give more details. For a page of random buildings/sights, I took an even more simple approach and simply used a 4x6 journal card by Simple Stories to give details. St. Patrick's Cathedral...

Macy's...Macy's window display...

With my photo pages mixed in with regular layouts, I feel like I'm getting more accomplished. I'm not wasting a lot of time figuring out how to scrap random photos. I feel like the photos with an important story or incredible shots fall into place on their own quickly. Now I am also quickly documenting less important photos, too.

I had wanted to finish this album before the end of summer. Now, my goal is to finish this year!

Back to School...

2011-08-08T18:48:00.001-04:00

School started last Wednesday. Our boys were ready to get going that first morning. We are lucky to have two boys that enjoy school.

We posed for our traditional "1st day" photos. One with Mom and one with Dad. I believe this is the last year I'll be taller than Blake!

The boys both had a great day. They liked their teachers and were happy to see all their friends again. The high school schedule changed this year and I am later getting home, so I missed seeing Blake get off the bus this year. (For some reason, they were on different busses the first day.) I got to see Kevin though. This kid just makes me smile!

Three days were easy to get through last week. This week we have a FULL, FIVE day week. I think we'll survive though!

I {heart} New York - Part 1

2011-08-01T06:27:00.002-04:00

In December, after nearly 16 years of hearing Tom say, "One of these days, I'll take you to New York City..." I finally went with him!

It was four amazing days. I could NEVER live there, but it sure was fun to be a tourist! This summer, I decided it was time to make an album of our trip. I thought I'd have a lot of free time on my hands with school out. HA! The boys kept me pretty busy!

Today is "opening day" at school for staff, so I'm technically back to school even though students start until Wednesday. My NYC album is far from finished, but it is nice to have it started. Now, I'd like to share a few of my pages.

My first page is a shot of us at the airport. I thought it was a fitting way to start the album and tell a little background info about our trip. I used a mixture of Studio Calico and Simple Stories products on this layout. I love Studio Calico alphas...Here's another self-portrait on page 2. (You'll be seeing a lot of these!) I had to share my first glimpses (from the airplane) of New York.

(Everything on this page is by Studio Calico.)

Next up is a page of some of the first big sights we saw on our drive from the airport.

(Layout is combination of Simple Stories, Studio Calico and a film strip ribbon by Tim Holtz.)

Riding in a NYC cab is an experience in itself and deserved it's own page t otell the story! That lower photo shows a school bus right.on.top. of the side of the cab I was sitting on. !!!

(Layout is almost all Studio Calico with some Simple Stories, an old scrap of Scenic Route grid paper,

Basic Grey mini black alphas and SMASH tape.)

I also had to do a page about my two wonderful tour guides that showed me around town while Tom was busy in meetings on day one. They were too good to me!

(Layout is completed using Basic Grey background paper, Jillibean Soup tag, and all other products are Studio Calico.)

Well, there you have the first few pages. I'll share more soon.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go...

One-Page Sketch for Sketch Support...

2011-07-30T23:21:00.001-04:00

July is coming to a close and so is my guest designer stint with Sketch Support. (sniff, sniff)

I have one last layout to share and it's for the 1-page sketch this month. (You can see the post at Sketch Support here.) I created "Go Big Kev!" using SEI's "I'm An Athlete" line from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. I made a few adjustments to the sketch by matting the entire page and also the patterned paper sections in the middle of the page.

I opted to use brads to make the swirly design coming off the star. (I have sooooo many brads - so little time...)

And, I used not one, not two, but THREE different sets of American Crafts alphas. Sigh.

May I also add that Charcoal is becoming my new favorite shade of cardstock.

I'd like to thank Allison Davis again for the opportunity to be guest designer. I adore her sketches and was able to create seven projects based on the four sketches.

I love American Crafts!

2011-07-29T23:25:00.003-04:00

This week after an appointment in Louisville, I drug my boys across town to Archiver's. (The exchange was that they'd get to walk through Dick's Sporting Goods AND we'd have California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. It was worth it!)

In the first display rack I saw, a fun, colorful paper line jumped out at me. It's was the new American Crafts Margarita line. It was love at first sight. I grabbed a few of my favorite papers from the line and selected the layered felt/button embellishments. I was good (so good) and passed on the coordinating Thickers. (That should have earned ME a treat!)

Tonight I sat down with only my new AC products in hand and a set of photos from Kevin's swim lessons last summer. I could envision a sun made out of one of the embellishments, the glitter/dot yellow paper, and hand-stitching.

And so, a layout was born...

It makes me so happy.

And then I realized I was left with felt/button FLOWER embellishments. Flowers? What would I ever do with flowers???

Then it hit me...

Last month when I delivered a birthday gift to my aunt, she commented that she loved the card (handmade) and said that my cousin had asked once when I was going to start making my own gift bags, too.

Hmmm.

Gift bags?

I found a "naked" kraft gift bag. I also found some colorful pipe cleaners that matched the paper line.

And so a gift bag was born. Complete with matching mini card. (I added the green pipe cleaners for leaves/stem and replaced the bag's handles with hot pink pipe cleaners.)

I'm afraid I like them too much to give them away...

Paper Posies' August Sketch Challenge...

2011-07-28T22:59:00.000-04:00

This month as guest designer for Paper Posies, I was asked to do the August challenge. DT member Mary Ann Metcalf decided to give us a sketch challenge. We used a sketch by Liz Chidester - Sketch #127 (here).

For my layout, I selected a photo from my NYC trip in December. I flipped the sketch, extended my title & journaling, stitched my circle, added buttons and made a few adjustments with the patterned paper strips. In the end, I have a layout that makes me smile and documents a story I don't want to forget (even if I'm still surprised I spent $7 for ONE strawberry!).

I loved the alphas in this kit - so many options! And that stripe paper...I think I used it on EVERY project I made with the kit!

Thanks for looking!

Paper Posies August Guest Designer...

2011-07-25T13:16:00.000-04:00

Last year when I tried out for the design at Paper Posies, I was a little disappointed when I didn't make it. I just kept reminding myself that they only added a couple new members. (My friend Melanie was one of them!) A couple weeks ago Paper Posies' owner contacted me to ask if I'd be interested in guest designing for them for August. My answer, of course, was YES! The next week, I had a full kit in front of me waiting to be used.

The kit contains Basic Grey's new paper line "Out of Print." At first glance, this line didn't seem to be my style, but then I realized that I LOVED most of the "b-sides" from the line. And, there was a wonderful STRIPE pattern that seemed to tie everything together perfectly. I think I used that stripe on every single project I completed this month!

Plus, the kit included a set of American Craft fabric Thickers and a 12x12 sheet of Basic Grey alphas with both black and white letters. Three alphas gave me so many possibilities.

I also love that Paper Posies kits come with two sheets of each color of cardstock. I fell in love with the Bazzill Atlantic (blue) cardstock. I used it to create a 2-page layout for Blake's album with photos from a recent photo shoot. One photo of Blake allowed me to continue my title directly on the photo.

Plus, I added some of the October Afternoon rub-ons to the page, too. I made a card, too!The week I received the kit, I had caught the old Vanilla Ice hit from 1991 on the radio and introduced my boys to "Ice, Ice Baby." So...when I saw a photo of them ICING cookies, I instantly had a title in mind!It's a simple page that used scrap strips. I outlined the white alphas with a black pen to make them pop off the page a bit.

I also worked in an Easter layout. Another simple page using only patterned paper, alphas, and rub-ons. It's rare for me to do such a "flat" page, but I really like it.

I have a couple additional projects that I completed with the kit, but since they are both for challenges, I'll share them later.

The kit went live today. Check it out!

Sketch Support's July bonus sketch...

2011-07-24T14:12:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, my layout using the bonus sketch was posted at Sketch Support. You can view the post here.

I used the bonus sketch for fireworks, to make flower accents on a 12x12 layout.
I layered cut outs from (Crate Paper) patterned paper with Kaiser Craft flowers and Crate Paper buttons tied with Pink Paislee twine. I also stitched "stems" for my flowers with twine and added bows to represent flower petals. I used one of the May add-on kits from Polka Dot Whimsy for this project.

So far, I have really enjoyed my guest designer spot with Sketch Support.

Here's a sneak for you...

2011-07-21T11:00:00.002-04:00

Check out the blog post over at Paper Posies here... I can't wait to share my other guest designer projects with you. I really enjoyed their August kit and was able to complete 5 layouts and a card with it.

Stay tuned...

Sketch Support 2-page Sketches

2011-07-17T21:30:00.000-04:00

It's finally time to share my (TWO!) layouts that I completed with the 2-page sketch for this month over at Sketch Support. (You can see the sketch and a detailed description of my variations here.)

As soon as I saw the sketch, I knew it would be perfect to use with the SEI "I'm an Athlete" line that I picked up over at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. Until this sketch, I hadn't had much success in getting creative with these photos from our trip in February to Murray State's game against Evansville.

I loved the sketch so much that I used scraps from my May Polka Dot Whimsy kit to create a second 2-page layout.

I flipped the sketch on this layout and went with an Easter egg theme.

My title - "To DYE For" - cracks me up! (Get it...we're dying eggs!)

In other news, I received a package in the mail yesterday. A kit. Looking forward to sharing that news later...

I made cards!

2011-07-09T22:01:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the great card sketch Allison Davis sent me for my guest designer stint over at Sketch Support, I have some cards to share with you today.

Look HERE to see the sketch and details on how I varied them from the sketch provided. (The projects by the other guest designer for July are in the first half of the post.)

I used scraps from my May Polka Dot Whimsy kit to make all of the cards with the sketch. For this "thanks" card, I just added some Adorn It alphas.

The Pebbles sticker strips in the May kit were put to good use in place of the patterned paper strips on the sketch. I made two cards using the same supplies. (And I still had sticker strips left!)The "congrats" card was for a recent graduate. I liked adding the flying butterfly to this any occasion card. And here's a little bonus card that I didn't submit since it was so simple. I sent this one to a boy we know who graduated this year. It came together really quick using scraps. I added some old American Crafts alphas.

I can't wait to share the layouts I completed with the July sketches. I'll be sharing them each Saturday this month.

3 Days in July...

2011-07-08T12:09:00.007-04:00

July 2, 3, 4...

6 games...

2 different ballparks...

Crossing six different counties in Kentucky...

Spending 6.5+ hours in the car driving back and forth...

But, there isn't anything I'd rather be doing. In case you haven't noticed, I'm Blake & Kevin's biggest fan.

For Blake, it was the Little League District Tournament in Lebanon, KY. He had made the all-star team. It was his last year of Little League. He caught all six innings of our game on Saturday and did a great job.

I have to admit, I thought the 1st base coach was kind of hot. (Yes, that is MY HUSBAND!)I love this photo of Tom and Blake at 1st. Blake had just slid back to home. He was the dirtiest kid on the team. No one even came close to beating him!

Unfortunately, the team allowed too many runs in one inning. We fought back and came back with a lead of 12-10 going into the bottom of the sixth inning. Then we gave up three runs. We were put into the loser's bracket and would play again on Monday.

Meanwhile in Flaherty, KY...Kevin was playing his first game of the tournament. Before heading to Blake's game, we'd pawned Kevin off on the family of one of his teammates. I was getting text updates our whole (1 hr. 20 min.) drive to the game. Kevin made an outstanding dive in right field to snag a ball and keep his team in the tied game. But, they finally lost by one run.

We made it in time to see game 2. They won!!!

On Sunday, their single-elimination tournament started. Slam was ready.

They came out and won their first game of the day.

I love it when Kevin catches. (Can you tell he wants to be like his big brother?)

Unfortunately, Slam lost one game shy of the championship game.

On Monday, we woke up to rain. Ugh. But, it seemed to have gone around Lebanon. Blake's game started on schedule. I was happy to see them introduce the players for this game. They deserved it.

We wanted to win. We had to win. It was double elimination.

Blake took a pitch to the head and was walked. There's a reason for those batting helmets! Still, he said it hurt pretty bad. I caught him rubbing his head on 3rd...

When they switched pitchers early in the game, they also switched out catchers. Blake was moved to left field and later to 3rd.

On third, he snagged back to back balls to throw the runner out at 1st. (That's my boy!)

I loved seeing the pitcher congratulate Blake on his plays. However, the mood soon changed as our team couldn't battle enough to make up for the runs they had allowed in previous innings. We lost the game by two and were out of the tournament.

Blake's team isn't playing this weekend, but Kevin's Slam will travel to New Albany, Indiana. Hopefully we can kick some Hoosier butt over there and bring home a trophy.

"Guest" Who?

2011-07-04T22:36:00.004-04:00

I am happy to announce that I am guest designing for Sketch Support with Allison Davis this month.

Yay!

You can check out my intro here.

I really enjoyed using all four of the sketches for July and can't wait to share my projects with you.

That's a wrap...

2011-06-29T10:27:00.008-04:00

Last week, the first night of the end of season was called due to rain. I guess it was a fitting way to begin the last tournament. Everything else had been delayed for rain!

Kevin's team won their first game. It wasn't really any surprise though. They'd won EVERY other game this season, too.

Blake's team, however, was the #4 seed with a losing record facing the #1 team in the league. (I love this photo of B in his catcher's gear...)

Blake hit is 3rd HOME RUN this season!!! Finally, I had my camera handy and thought to use it!It was a little crazy watching his team congratulate him at the plate. I barely caught him in the frame (far left)!Kevin's team played the Cubs. He had fun. (The kid LOVES to steal bases!) They won both of their games by so many points that they were called early due to the run rule.

He went home with not one, but two trophies. One for regular season champs based on their record and another for the tournament champs. This kid loves his hardware!

Blake's team took second place to the #3 team. It was his last Little League game at the park that's become our second home over the past six years. Next year, he'll be able to play Pony League, but they play at at a different location. It was nice to see all of my guys go hoem with a trophy (or two).

Now we need to prepare for Blake's Little League District tournament for all-stars this weekend. Our league has never advanced to state and we are hoping this year's group of boys can change that. I think they can!

A little "Homespun Charm"...

2011-06-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

When the May "Homespun Charm" kit arrived from Polka Dot Whimsy, I fell in love with the kraft patterned papers in the kit. I guess they were "the" items I wanted to save for the perfect project. Do you ever do that with your scrap supplies?

I had been waiting on the kit to make a mini album for my niece, Reese, to document her Easter. (You can see it here.) After making the mini album, I was amazed with all the product I still had left over.

And there were my kraft patterns...

I thought the floral pattern would work nicely with our "ready for church" Easter photos. There wasn't anything in the photos that would clash with the pattern.

I had fun layering on this layout. I pulled out some border punches and had fun mixing some things up. I continued with my Easter theme on a two-page layout also. For this page, I went with a solid kraft background and used just a strip of the polka dot kraft pattern mixed with some other patterned paper strips and some Pink Paislee border stickers. I thought the hand-stamped tag that Michelle included in the kit for May was adorable. The "doo-dahs" (butterflies and flowers) were nice little touches, too. I added some twine by Pink Paislee.

I also added some mist (Mr. Huey by Studio Calico) to the kraft background paper before adding any of my other elements. (You can see in the photo below.) The border sticker I used for the base of my title gave me a little bit of dimension that was lacking in the flat alpha stickers by Echo Park.

That concludes my work with the May kit. I did make a few other projects, but they are under wraps right now. I'll be able to share them throughout the month of July.

Now, I'm (impatiently) waiting to see what is in store for July with Polka Dot Whimsy...

Local heroes...

2011-06-26T11:04:00.001-04:00

The Kentucky State Baseball Tournament started June 13 in Lexington. For the second year in a row, our high school was part of the sweet sixteen vying for the title. Led by eight seniors and a whole team of talented, dedicated players, we really felt like this could be our year. Our school had never won a boys' state title in any sport.

We were also excited about the team doing so well since three of Blake's friends/former teammates had brothers playing on the team. Plus, since I work at the school, I knew some of the players, too.

Kevin had a league game the first night of the tournament, so I stayed home to get him to his game while Tom and Blake went to Lexington to cheer on our Bruins. Blake was even pulled from the stand to be the team's ballboy/batboy. (He loved being in the dugout with the team!) We won!

We weren't able to attend the team's second game later that week, but listened to it at home on the internet. Another win for CH!

Friday we made plans for all four of us to attend. Our friends' son (and brother of Blake's friend) was pitching again. (He'd won on Monday, too.)

Our boys didn't want to sit with us. They sat on the front row behind the dugout with their friends.We beat the No. 2 team in the state. Yay! We were going to the finals!Once again, we headed up to Lexington. (90 minute drive!) CH took off and never looked back. They earned 7 runs in the second inning. Blake's friend Dylan sat with us for a lot of the game. (His brother, Austin, was the pitcher I mentioned earlier.)Blake first played ball with Dylan six years ago and we've all been friends ever since. When we met this family, Austin was the age Blake and Dylan are now. We feel like we've watched Austin grow up and grow into an amazing athlete. He didn't pitch the final game and wasn't in the batting line up either.

In the bottom of the 4th inning, we were up 17-1. The game would be run-ruled in the 5th. With two outs, we saw Austin step out of hte dugout with a bat. He was being subbed in. Dylan was with us and we were all hoping the boy at bat wouldn't get an out before Austin had one last at bat. The boy made it to base and Austin was up. The boys (Blake, Dylan and Kevin) commented that they hoped he'd hit a Grand Slam. Wishful thinking for kids, right?

At his last at bat as a high school student in THE championship game, Austin HIT A GRAND SLAM! Amazing. Even more amazing is this shot that I caught of my boys and Dylan celebrating Dylan's brother's success.Our competition earned one more run in the top of the 5th before the game was called. Needless to say, the crowd went wild!Our boys had earned themselves a state championship. See the yellow arm bands...the team played in honor of Addison Jo Blair. Addison was the three year old daughter of one of teachers. She battled neuroblastoma from just after Christmas until she passed away on May 27. After the game, Austin was named MVP of the State Tournament. Wow! We are so proud of this kid. He's a great role model for our boys. You always hear that if you work hard, you can do anything. Now my boys actually know someone and the goals don't seem out of reach. Another player my boys look up to is the team catcher, Russ. Russ was named to the all-tournament team as well. He was our catcher. Since both of my boys catch, they'd been keeping up with Russ for a couple seasons by watching him at games and reading about him in the paper. This year I had the opportunity to get to know him since he was one of our student workers in the school library. I am so happy for the CH team. They worked hard and earned their championship. I am also happy that our boys had the chance to experience these wins with them.Congratulations, Bruins!!!!

SMASH...

2011-06-24T13:19:00.001-04:00

I have to admit that I wasn't impressed with the SMASH folios the first time I saw them mentioned at Studio Calico earlier this year. Everyone seemed to be in love with them and impatient for them to go up for sale. I didn't see the need to take things out of my junk drawer and "smash" them into a journal. I also wasn't interested in creating an "inspiration" journal either.

Then I happened to catch a promotion on the SMASH blog and got a free mini SMASH journal in the mail. It was cute. But, it sat on my table where it remains today. Empty.

Last month, Studio Calico finally had the SMASH items in stock and everyone on the board seemed to be dying to get their hands on them.

I was working on "reveal day" and missed the noon presale. Usually all the new things are gone quick, so when I checked back later that night, I was surprised to see some of the SMASH folios still available. And, they were only $12.99. I clicked on the examples for each one and although I love red, I wasn't crazy about the pages in the red book. The black book did interest me. I added it to my cart.

When my package arrived a couple weeks ago, I was very happy with the quality of the book, the size and also the number of pages. It was much more substantial than I was expecting. It also came during my first full week of summer vacation from school and following a weekend full of activities. And so my idea for SMASH was born. I was going to document my summer...

The first pages I completed are actually the second spread in the book (after the title page that I'm still avoiding...). I had spent the previous Saturday in the ER with my husband and thought the "just lovely" page pretty much summed up my feelings. I added "emergency" on the side of the page using Sassafrass Lass stickers.The facing page documented our trip to get passports for the boys. I used their extra photos on my page. I also added "memorabilia" from our trip to the ER.

Backing up...I used Studio Calico day rub-ons to journal about our first week out of school. Then I added in some of the SMASH tablet cards to document a date night with Tom, my current playlist, and I journaled about the boys getting contacts and us trying a new restaurant. Had to include our fortunes, too!

I thought the grid/ruled spreads would be great for listing movies and books of my summer. (If the book doesn't fill up by summer, I'll just keep it going until it is full.) So far my "movie" section is a little short, but it's still early.

My "books" section is starting to take shape. I have more time to read in the summer. I added the book stamp that came in my January Studio Calico kit. The big I {heart} Morelli sticker came in the new Stephanie Plum book I'm reading. I even added a section for "scrap" as in scrapbooking...

And what is my summer without baseball?Our baseball "news" quickly filled up two pages. So, just this morning, I had to add a new section "more Baseball"... (Stamps are from Studio Calico kit.)One of my favorite pages so far is actually on a spread that was one of my least favorites. I had no idea how to work with the preprinted photo on the spread below. So, I started covering it with memorabilia. I added a hat from Krispy Kreme and journaled directly on it. I ripped the wrapper off my ice cream cone at Baskin Robbins and journaled on it too. The sample spoon from that night (I tried a new flavor that I LOVED) is also included. In the "white space" I journaled about a favor we did for one of my sisters and then about eating out for Father's Day. To finish off the spread, I added a photo of my favorite pizza (after I brought it home) cut from a coupon flyer and finally the label and top of the cork off my favorite wine when I finished a bottle this week.

My last page to share is one I just started this morning. I was actually going to toss the package from my sunflower seeds, but realized it tells a big story. When Blake pitches, I have to have my seeds. They save my fingernails. And keep me from chewing on the inside of my lip. They help me survive my nerves!

I'm really glad I made this purchase! It's a work in progress and I'm having fun with it!

Catching up with the Wheelers...

2011-06-22T15:46:00.000-04:00

We are enjoying our summer break! Are you ready for a photo-filled post?

Kevin just wrapped up swim lessons. He went M/W/F for six sessions. One was rained out, but he wasn't able to attend the make up today because he was already scheduled for baseball camp at our high school.

One of these days, he'll figure out the proper way to dive. For now I guess it's just fun to jump "crazy-style"!

Both boys are now proud contact wearers. Kevin has done especially well with his. I was worried since he's only 9. I think he is most excited about getting to wear sunglasses now! For buying a year's supply of contacts on one order, he got a free pair of sunglasses. He LOVES them.

I am just enjoying seeing him without his glasses. He looks like "my" Kevin all the time now. I used to only see him without his glasses when he would climb into bed at night.

Our baseball season extended really far into June due to all of make up (rain) games. It's sort of sad seeing Blake wrap up his Little League "career." He and Tom seemed to really enjoy their coach/player relationship this year. Blake has turned into a really good pitcher. I have been so proud of him. After he broke his wrist earlier this year, I was worried about how it would affect him. He's a stronger player now than he was. And, BLAKE MADE THE ALL-STAR TEAM!!! We are so proud of him!!!

In other baseball news, one of Blake's teammates has a father stationed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see his son play a single game this season. Alex was our second baseman and he had a great season. The team all signed a ball to send to send to Alex's dad and then posed for a picture. This was after the game when we FINALLY beat our biggest rival - the Cubs.

That same night, it started to sprinkle at the ballpark. We saw the prettiest double rainbow. (Photo op...)Monday night wrapped up the regular season for our baseball league. Kevin's team finished UNDEFEATED!!! They are the NUMBER 1 seed in the tournament and will play tonight. Go Braves!

Blake's team came back from behind to go into an extra inning and then WIN their final game. They are going into the tournament tonight as the #4 seed. We'll take it. Hopefully we'll knock the #1 seed out to make it into the best of 3 tournament series. Go Tigers!Now if the rain will just hold off so we can get our games in...

A little help from Sketch Support...

2011-06-21T16:41:00.000-04:00

Recently I had a little help creating some layouts with sketches from Sketch Support...

First, I used a CARD sketch and products from Echo Park's Playground line to create an 8-1/2"x11" layout to document my sister's 21st birthday.

I handstitched the "flames" on the top of each candle.

Next I used a 12x12 sketch flipped on its side to create an Easter cookie layout. I used leftovers from my March kit from Polka Dot Whimsy.

I added alphas from my stash though. I LOVE dimension on my pages and the alphas in the kit weren't enough for me.

Finally, I created a 2-page layout using a 2-page sketch. I used products from the February add-on(s) at Studio Calico.

I mixed alphas from Studio Calico with Jillibean Soup's corrugated alphas (love those!). The grid pattern on the sketch instantly reminded me of the calendar grid paper and Sassafrass Lass flowers in this add-on. It took a few months to find a use for them, but I finally did.I have a few other projects completed using sketches, but I can't share them with you just yet...

June PDW cards

2011-06-20T15:08:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday! Wow...what a weekend we had here, BUT before I can share it, I have too many photos to edit and not enough time. So, for now I will share my cards created with the June Polka Dot Whimsy kit.

I don't really consider myself a card maker. I am a scrapbooker. However, every so often products come alone that make me want to use up every last scrap. The June PDW kit is a great example of this.

There was one sheet of patterned paper in the kit by My Mind's Eye. It was pretty, but floral, and oh-so-not-me. But, I didn't want to waste it. It matched a sheet of (orange) cardstock in the kit perfectly, so I immediately knew I'd get a few cards out of this kit.I made two with it. One is simply "4 you" while the other is "Have a Lovely Day" thanks for some help from an October Afternoon sticker. I LOVED the orange gingham ribbon from the kit.

While I really like the stamped tags that usually come in our kits, I usually find the images hard to use with my photos. I tend to cut them or flip them over. This month, I added one to a card by tucking it behind a scrap of a "bingo card" from a sheet of patterned paper by Simple Stories. Then I added some of the kit's "doo-dahs" and my card was complete. (I added some Pink Paislee twine to the tag, too.) This made a great birthday card for our niece. The next card is an example of how to make a quick any occasion card using the partial tag method mentioned above and another scrap of floral paper. (The backside of this floral was a great green diagonal that I used quite a bit!). I can always go back and add a sentiment to the card before I send it. Next up...Kevin was invited to a birthday party for TWO of his teammates. I had the perfect scraps to make a couple of fun cards for two 10 year olds.

I cut the hats out of a sheet of My Mind's Eye paper and adhered them with pop dots. The sentiment stickers were off a sheet by October Afternoon. I layered some scraps and then drew in some lines to mimic hand-stiching. While cleaning up the other day, I noticed I had several partial kits left over. Since creating these six cards was a rather painless process, I plan to pull them out and see how many cards I can make with them.

Happy Scrappin'!

June Polka Dot Whimsy projects...

2011-06-15T16:13:00.002-04:00

The June kit from Polka Dot Whimsy was fabulous this month! The colors were so "me" and the patterns easy to use and mix together.

When I saw the paper from Simple Stories with numbers 1-26 running down the edge, an idea quickly came to mind for a page...I decided to list the things I love about Kevin. However, since my kit was missing the sheet of large alphabet stickers, I had to get creative with my title work. The kit included a card that said "10 things I love about you" so I added to that to total up to 26!I used some of the mini alphabets by My Mind's Eye that were included in the kit to mix in with my journaling. And, of course the kit had great "doo dahs" this month that I added here and there to accent floral elements on the papers. Not having large alphas really forced me to get creative. You know how I love my alphas! I was going to hold my kit until I received the alphas, but when I didn't get a reply from the club owner, I just got to work. I used "Fun" at the top of one of the bingo cards on the Simple Stories papers for part of my "Kitchen Fun" title. I accented my page with buttons and trim. I fell in love with the birthday hat patterned paper by My Mind's Eye and had just the photos to use with it from Kevin's birthday.I layered a couple of patterns on top of the red cardstock, inked the edges of the hat paper and jornaling card red and topped them with my photos. Since the mini alphas in the kit didn't match the papers here, I let the journaling card double as my title. I cut some hats out of leftover paper and layered them with pop dots to add some dimension.The ribbon is from the May PDW kit.

I have to admit that I am NOT a fan of My Mind's Eye's floral papers. I just never have been able to fall in love with them like others do. I used some of this floral paper for cards (I'll share them later), but decided to work the scrap in on a layout. With the green base, I ended up with a layout I am happy with. I did break down and use alphas from my stash though...

I peeled a strip of pink tape off the tag from the kit and replaced it with a couple strips of trim then used it for my journaling card.

I misted the naked chipboard flowers in the kit with Mr. Huey Mists. I layered some trim between them and topped them with a "doo dah" from the kit. My final two layouts turned out to be my favorites.

I mised the grey dot base with Mr. Huey mist and then topped it with strips of scraps. LOVE these colors together! Thanks for the "documented" journaling card, I didn't need to stress about not having large alphas for a title. I pulled a couple strips of trim to separate the patterns and did some hand stitching, too.

For my final layout, I decided to "cheat" again with the title and use the heading of another journaling card - "My favorite things about summer." I asked Kevin to complete the card with his top 10 and then I finished the layout with scraps. Again, I used Mr. Huey mists (three colors) on my base paper. The grey twine is from a recent purchase - it's my new favorite color!

I also added some tiny Tim Holtz staples to hold down the strips of paper and the film strip ribbon. And there you have my June projects - well, part of them. I finished SIX cards, too. Stay tuned for them.

Happy Scrappin'!

April Showers...

2011-06-14T20:11:00.001-04:00

Ok...so it's June. We did have a little rain today. Then I was reminded that I had a couple of layouts saved as a blog draft. Oops...I'll share them with you now.

I used the April Studio Calico kit(s) for these projects. I thought the Studio Calico paper with umbrellas was perfect for telling about our WET, WET, WET month of April. I also loved the American Crafts' raindrop paper. The wood alphas from Pink Paislee were my favorite alpha from the kit.

Then I used some of the FUN colored papers and embellishments to go with my colorful photos from last spring break. We went to Lynn's Paradise Cafe in Louisville. It was great for photo ops and the boys had so much fun. (I love the food there!)

The Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas fit in great with the photos - quite eclectic. I used a Pink Paislee hot air balloon adhered with pop dots over top a Pink Paislee card with the same hot air balloon.

Plus, I was able to work in some flowers (Basic Grey canvas flowers) in on this non-feminine layout. Thanks for looking!

The Webelo...The Champ...

2011-06-12T17:13:00.001-04:00

With the end of school comes an "end" in Cub Scouts. However, it's actually more of a beginning as we celebrate Crossover. Kevin crossed over from being a Bear to a Webelo. Grammar junkie me has to laugh at the meaning of Webelo. It's stands for "We Be Loyal Scouts." (That just kills me!)

Still, it was a special moment seeing Tom switch out Kevin's neckerchief for the new plaid one he will proudly wear as he earns the requirements for Webelo. He will be a Webelo his last two years of Cub Scouts before he crosses over into Boy Scouts. I am proud of our new Webelo!In other great Kevin news...Kevin's baseball team (finally) won the "opening weekend tournament" that started in mid-April. We just finished it last weekend - on June 5! We swept the tournament.The boys are also on their way to an undefeated season. Go Braves!

In other Wheeler boy news...my guys both got contacts this week. It's quite a change seeing Kevin especially without his glasses since he wore his ALL THE TIME! They sure are growing up...

In Amy news, I am sure enjoying my summer break with my guys!

I'm An Athlete...

2011-06-08T14:37:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm really NOT an athlete, but I do have two very athletic boys. I also really enjoyed using the new "I'm An Athlete" paper line by SEI that I picked up with my design team credits at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff.

Although at first, I found some of the patterns a bit too "theme-y" for my taste, I absolutely loved working with this line and also found the paper VERY easy to use.

For my first layout, I cropped a full page of basketball court down to a more manageable half page. Then, I focused on the top for the my photo, title and most of my journaling. Obviously, this layout tells the story of Blake's broken wrist that came as a result of a basketball injury. On this page, I used three different sheets of patterned paper, die cuts, border strips and a foam sticker from the line. I added a mixture of American Crafts alphas I had on hand.

For my second layout, I worked Kevin's formal team photos in with a full page baseball diamond pattern.

This layout was super simple! I just used two sheets of patterned paper, a die cut card for journaling, a foam baseball sticker and Thickers from my stash for the title.

Be sure to stop by Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff for all your sports-themed scrapbook supplies!

Project time...

2011-06-06T16:39:00.000-04:00

School is finally out and I think everyone in our house was ready for a break. The end of the year rush also brought a few project assignments for Blake.

He had a huge social studies assignment that consisted of a series of tasks/projects to earn points. Blake LOVES social studies and was able to work through his list of assignments (classwork) quickly. He made 100+ on the assignment and thinks he was the first in his class to complete his work.

In Math, Blake had an assignment to design a house. Luckily he wasn't graded on the actual plans. Or computer generated photo of his house.

The home was 20,000+ square feet. It was a single story home with ONE bedroom and ONE bathroom (inside the bedroom only), but it did have an indoor pool. The home was also lacking a closet in the bedroom (Blake said you could use drawers) and a dining room (he'll eat in his kitchen...).

As for the photo of the home, he couldn't figure out how to do the background and it appeared that his house was floating in the clouds. No grass. No landscaping. Still, he earned 100% on his assignment because he was able to figure up the size of the house and mulitply it by cost per ft. Then he estimated how much his mortgage would be and based on a formula also listed jobs with salaries that would allow him to afford the home.

I thought Blake's science fair project just might kick his butt. He had to come up with a hypothesis and either prove or disprove it. Luckily he gave me roses for Mother's Day. He was impressed that they came with flower food. And from that, his idea was born - Does flower food keep roses fresher longer?

He had four groups to study daily until the roses died. It took 8 days. He had groups of flowers in water only; with cut stems in water; with flower food in the water; and with cut stems and flower food in the water. He thought the cut stems with flower food would live the longest. Actually the flowers in water with cut stems did.
I helped Blake use my Cricut to cut out his title letters and then helped him upload his photos to be printed, but he conducted the experiment all by himself, took excellent notes, and made his poster himself. Out of 125+ students, he earned 3rd place in the science fair and a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble. Oh, and a 100% for his grade.

Although 6th grade wasn't the best year Blake ever had in school, he did finish up on a high note. His final report card was for all As. Yay!

We are so proud of this kid!

Memorial Day Weekend...

2011-06-05T23:03:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late in uploading my photos from Memorial Day weekend, but still wanted to share them. Surprisingly, we didn't have any baseball games scheduled. Kevin's travel team did have a scrimmage that Friday night, but for the most part we were just able to enjoy the weekend doing nothing.

"Nothing" included a water gun fight. Tom ended up being the biggest kid in the battle!

And the cookout that Sunday night included some time with Reese.

Luckily she's gotten used to posing for me and my camera. She even posed in Kevin's mohawk wig that he wore to pump himself up for the water gun fight.Tom flew out last Monday for a business trip, so it was just me and the boys at the ballpark Monday night for Kevin's make up game. They won! They've won all of their games actually. I hope they keep it up. There are only two more weeks in the regular season. That thought makes me sad.

I hope to get more photos uploaded soon so I can share some of Kevin's news. It's really good.

A Mini for Reese...

2011-06-03T16:35:00.000-04:00

When I printed my Easter photos, I ordered copies to give my sister photos of Reese. Once they arrived, I decided to hold on to the photos to make a mini album for Reese. When the May kit from Polka Dot Whimsy arrived, I thought it was perfect for my mini.

Everything in the album came from my kit. I simply pulled a Prima album cover from my stash. Using Modge Podge, I covered both the inside and outside covers with patterned paper. I layered Pink Paislee border strips (adhering the top layer with pop dots for dimension) to make my title border.

For my inside pages, I selected my favorite patterned paper and placed them so coordinating pages would open together. I then staggered the page edges. Some edges are simply punched while others are finished with border stickers. The inside cover has an envelope with a tag. I wrote a special note to Reese on the tag. (Love that girl!)

Reese was too cute coming up a "hill" in the yard while hunting for eggs!

I get more comments on those two little lady bugs on this page than on anything else in the album. Michelle always included the coolest little "doo dahs" in every PDW kit. This shot of my sister and her husband with Reese was their only family shot from the day. I'm so glad I captured it. This fall they will become a family of four.

Here's another priceless photo of Reese with my mom's dog. Too cute!

At the back of the album, I included a couple sheets of note paper included with the kit. This will allow my sister to journal some of her memories from Easter for Reese.

Although my heart belongs to 12x12 layouts for my boys, it sure was fun to make this little mini for my niece!

School's out for summer!

2011-06-02T15:27:00.003-04:00

Today marks the end of our school year. Finally! With all the snow days we had, it felt like the end would never come!

Kevin wrapped up 3rd grade on a high note. I attended his class awards program on Tuesday. He received a long list of well deserved awards. We were most proud of his Citizenship Award. Only one boy and one girl in each class get this award. He won it last year, too!

We're really going to miss Ms. Ritter. She was also Blake's 3rd grade teacher. She worked really hard with Kevin to help him improve his test scores. Testing has never been one of his strengths. That's changing though!

I have one last photo to share with you.

This is Kevin with his teacher and two friends. The friends are twins, Ethan and Emily. Their mother is my dear friend Shelly. We shared the same maiden name although we weren't related. I've been friends with her for so long, I don't remember ever not knowing her! We were pregnant at the same time. Kevin was due on Halloween and her twins were due on Christmas. Although Kevin was four days late...Shelly's twins arrived six days before he did - nearly two months premature!

Every time I see these two, I have to laugh...you'd never think they were once preemies! And, I'd like to add that Kevin isn't a short child. ;)

To celebrate the end of the school year we will go to the ballpark tonight for back to back baseball games. Go Braves and Tigers!

It's Outta Here...

2011-06-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

As you all know, I LOVE baseball. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it - especially when my boys are playing. It's hard to believe that Blake is playing his final year of Little League.

I remember when he started teeball and how excited he was to be on a team. Even though they didn't have full uniforms that year like most of the other teams (they just had t-shirts and "trucker" hats), Blake wore his with pride. His only problem really was that he wanted a home run with every hit and would often keep running to get a home run when his coach was yelling for him to stop.

His second year of teeball he did hit a few "home runs" but they didn't leave the park. The ball was just thrown around a lot.

When he moved up to Rookie league, he had two great years playing against the pitching machine. He was a great 2nd baseman. He made all-stars both years. His second year of Rookie, he even hit the ball out of the park on field one. I was so excited about getting my hands on the ball, that I jumped up and ran off to grab it while Blake was running the bases. I do remember him extending his arms out to the side like he was flying as he rounded first base.

Minor league brought some challenges as he moved up to kid-pitch. He struggled with pitching his first year, but became an excellent catcher. His second year, he eased in to pitching a little more. He still needed to work on his patience. As a 10 year old, he made the all-star team.

Last year, Blake moved up to Major League. He continued to catch some and play 2nd base. He pitched a few games and did much better than the previous year. Last fall, he really worked on pitching and we could tell he had matured a lot as a baseball player.

This year Blake has become a true team leader. He is one of our two main catchers and also pitches and has played 1st base and short stop for our team. During our opening weekend tournament, he hit the ball so far, he had an in-the-park homerun. Go Blake!

Then on May 19, while playing on the largest field in our league, Blake hit the ball right over the fence in centerfield. HOMERUN WHEELER!!! (Yes, I have the ball to prove it!) It was all I could do to keep from crying. I was so proud of Blake!

In our very next game four days later, Blake hit the ball out of the park on Field 2!

I feel like he hit the trifecta! I don't think there are many kids who can say they've hit the baseball out of the park on all the fields in their league.

I'm so proud of this kid that I just had to brag. Love him!

Speaking of proud...I'm proud of the whole team for winning their game tonight. It was a close one. I'm also proud of our high school baseball team for winning the region tournament tonight. We get to advance to the State Tournament now. Luckily we were able to catch the last two innings tonight. I hope that some day my boys will get to experience that same success.

Campy Trails to you...

2011-05-13T19:28:00.000-04:00

Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff has the new American Crafts Campy Trails line in stock. Yay!!! With my two boys in Scouts (with regular camp outs), you probably aren't surprised to hear that I used my design team credit to purchase almost the entire line.

The line has the cutest little "bits" tags. I used them on my "Happy Camper" as-is for the perfect little punches of color (and patterns). The photo shows my boys ready to leave for Kevin's first ever overnight Cub Scout camp out. I thought the single photo deserved a page of its own.

Next, I did a 2-pager of the actual camp out (or of the pictures Dad did manage to take from the camp out...).
The camp out doubled as the Pack's Klondike Derby. I loved how Kevin was the only kid looking in his book to see what they were supposed to do.For one of Blake's merit badges, we needed to do a family activity. Blake wanted to plant a tree in memory of Pappa.I loved the woodgrain paper for the background - thought it was appropriate. I even have some hidden journaling on this page. It's on the tag peeking out from behind the photos.(Not sure why the photo is upside down...)
I used some of the Bits tags and fabric covered brads as a corner accent.

For my final page, I opted for a kraft background, but mixed some of my Studio Calico Mr. Huey mists to add to add a bit of "something."
Scout sure loves his Kevin. The fabric badge for the line came with an orange border, but I masked the badge and used mist to color the outside border red instead so it would match my photo better.
Finally, with my scraps I made a simple card. My sister is graduating college and moving to Wyoming this summer. I think the card is more than appropriate for the big events in her life.

Thanks for letting me share my projects.

Have a wonderful weekend.

A little more Polka Dot...

2011-05-11T15:42:00.001-04:00

The Polka Dot Whimsy kits come FULL of amazing papers and embellishments. Recently I was able to complete three more layouts with the "leftovers" of my April main kit.

This first layout - Happy Feet - is a true "blackmail page." Over spring break, we stopped at a Zappos outlet on the way to Louisville one day. I was in awe of all the shoes and admit I wasn't paying close attention to the boys. I turned around to find Blake goofing off in high heels. I can't believe he allowed me to take his photo! One of these days it will come back to haunt him.I liked the designs of the Studio Calico tags in the kit so much that I used several as a background behind my photo and used them for my journaling and title placement, too.

I love how adding pop dots behind the Echo Park round alphas makes them look like real vintage typewriter keys.

The Studio Calico papers in the kit were my favorite. I loved the honeycomb-looking pattern and hand cut a section out.

I also cut a few of the centers out of the honeycomb paper and added them with pop dots. Originally, I wasn't going to use a journaling box, but I made a mistake on my journaling directly on the page and had to add the journaling box (cut from the Studio Calico tags packaging) to fix it.

I used excess of the honeycomb-patterned paper layered with a strip of pattern paper and some tickets to make a corner accent.

Buttons come in every PDW kit and I loved how perfectly the blue button fit inside the larger white one. It was a cute little extra touch.

Today is my day to post on the PDW blog for Inspiration Wednesday. My inspiration was Cracker Barrel - yes, the restaurant.

When I saw the 5 & Dime October Afternoon paper, I thought of the old country store at Cracker Barrel. Then I remembered I actually had photos of the boys in rocking chairs on the porch from a recent stop.

I layered fabric and trim on my page. LOVE that Jenni Bowlin ribbon!

The kit came with a couple stamped shipping tags, but the images didn't fit this page, so I folded the tag over the top of the layout and used it for journaling.

I'm hoping my May kit will arrive soon. I can't wait to work with it!

I Killed It...(Studio Calico May kit)

2011-05-10T15:50:00.002-04:00

This weekend it worked out that after ballgames on Saturday, I had some time in the evening to scrap and then also again after our game on Sunday. Since Saturday was National Scrapbook Day (yes, there is a "holiday" for scrappers!), Studio Calico had posted some great challenges and sketches.

Armed with my new May Studio Calico kit - Lawn Party - and a fresh batch of printed photos, I went to work. I was quite productive in my short spurts of time.

My first layout, "MmMm...Chocolate" is based on one of the sketches.I love the simplicity of this page. I used mist (Pony) to change the color of the Thickers in the kit. I wasn't sure what to do with the Fancy Pants Filter Paper accents, so I used half of one peaking over my photos for an embellishment and to back part of my title.

"The Big Hunt" is also based on a sketch. I switched it up a bit though. The scalloped border on the sketch was altered and I used up the whole pack of Pebbles flags from the kit.

Again, I used the filter paper for my journaling. This time I backed it with a design hand cut from one of the Studio Calico papers. In January, I had a layout appear in Creating Keepsakes after I won their Reader's Pick Poll. Of course, I had to scrap that! This layout is based on another sketch. I switched the orientation from portrait to landscape though. The sketch I used for "Crazy" was 12x12, but I worked it into an 8-1/2x11 layout. I actually REALLY disliked the floral paper I used here, but once I put it up against the pictures, really liked the final layout. My sister had taken these shots of Reese making her crazy face. I love this kid!

Oh look...another Reese layout. In this photo, she seriously looks like I did as a toddler. This layout came together quickly thanks to another SC sketch.I decided to raise up my circles under the photo with pop dots. I also added the Pebbles flower brads to random circles. Photos of Reese hunting eggs worked perfectly with the kit, too. I didn't have to use a sketch for this one.

I think my sister might get aggravated with me for stretching Reese's curls out to give her BIG HAIR. But, she's just so cute... For this layout, I pretty much just pieced scraps together. I had used up almost all of the embellishments in the kit. The filter paper and Basic Grey alphas doubled for journaling/subtitle.

Finally, I did one more page. Again, I pieced scrap papers together and used the remaining embellishments.

These photos were from the photo shoot I had with the boys during spring break.

This is the first time I have used up a Studio Calico kit since subscribing in January. I feels great!

Happy scrappin'!

3 Days of Baseball - YAY!

2011-05-09T22:58:00.003-04:00

I had the perfect Mother's Day (again) this year. I was at a ballpark watching one of my boys play ball. Does it get any better than that?

Well, it might have been better if Kevin's travel team won, but we were just happy to be playing together again. It was their first kid-pitch tournament since moving up. Going 0-3 in their first tournament was quite the change after going 23-0 as all-stars in Rookie League last year. But...they got some good experience. And, Kevin had fun.

After two days of ball in Indiana, it was good to have a league game at our home fields tonight with Blake. They broke their losing streak and won 5-1 in an extra inning.I'm so proud of both of my boys. Their love of the game of baseball is infectious.

I am so blessed to be their Mom. Kevin held my hand as we walked from the truck tonight to the ball field. Then Blake came by and kissed me before his game. I treasure my time with them.

Me - the Photographer?

2011-04-29T15:42:00.002-04:00

It's been a few years since we've had professional portraits taken (aside from school portraits). I decided I wanted to get a photographer to meet me and do outside pictures instead of studio shots. But...our schedule got in the way.

During spring break, I decided to just take the boys to a nearby town and get some shots of them together. We can get full family shots later. Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking clearly on the day I picked to do the pictures. We met some family in town for lunch beforehand and Kevin ended up with RED French dressing all over the front of his blue and white striped polo. (There's NEVER a dull moment with that kid!)

Sure, I could have either taken him home to change or opted to go another afternoon. But...I had coordinated the boys and set THAT afternoon aside for the pictures. With some creative cropping and positioning (Kevin...stand behind the tree...stand behind the railing...cross your arms...turn to the side), I got some great shots and no one will ever know Kevin's shirt was splattered with red dressing. I'm having enlargements made of some of my favorite shots, but I also used 4x6s (and some trimmed to 3.5x5) in this collage frame I've had for a while (a couple years?). I was really pleased with the shots I got with my point & shoot.

In other news, we are on day two of sunshine. Yay! Seeing the sun first thing in the morning just puts me in a better mood. That's a good thing!

Now if we can just keep the sun around for the weekend...

A little sunshine with Studio Calico...

2011-04-28T15:36:00.001-04:00

The sun was out this morning! Yay!!! I needed that. We've had way too much rain lately.

In honor of the sun, I'd like to share some bright, fun layouts I made with the April Studio Calico kits. Yesterday was the presale for add-ons and I was reminded that I will soon have a box full of new supplies heading my way from them. It was time to share what I completed (so far) with April.

There was a lot of pink (and more butterflies) in April. So...you know that means I went for my Reese photos. I still had some of her hospital photos to scrap!April's embellishments were just amazing - Pink Paislee, Cosmo Cricket, Basic Grey... I used a little of everything on this one!

I also received Red cardstock this month. I LOVE RED! In flipping through one of my photo boxes, I saw these pics of the boys both wearing red. I challenged myself to make a non-feminine page...

Mixed some patterns with the use of my handy border punches. (I think I might "reward" myself with a new one this weekend...). The cool grid patterned paper was perfect for journaling. I added an American Crafts tag folded over a corner of the page topped with a button by Pebbles. (These are my favorite buttons!)

Finally I got to mix my alphas. The wood set from Pink Paislee is too cool. I debated misting them, but left them natural. I traced the inside of the black fabric Thickers for a finishing touch. Oh, and I traced around my photos with black pen to "frame" them, too. I am happy to say that thanks to the crazy (ok, ugly...) wall color in our doctor's office, that I had printed these photos of the boys in their adorable (haha) exam gowns in black and white. Black and white photos go with EVERYTHING. Even pink...

I love this grey cardstock. I want to buy it in bulk. I picked a couple fun patterns and opted for a simple design for this page that allowed for a big title using a couple of the Maya Road chipboard words from the kit. I am kicking myself now for not picking up the Piglet Mr. Huey at CKC. (I thought I didn't "need" pink...) However, I am crafty (right?) and decided to mist the words red with white on top of it. The result was the perfect pink. I continued my outlining on this title, too, and filled in the holes in the words with the Making Memories flower brads from the kit. I am also finding that baker's twine (I used Pink Paislee here) finishes off just about every layout.

The chalk drawings in this photo went great with the color scheme for April's kit. This layout was all about the embellishments. I selected them first. Then I decided to get creative with my Mr. Huey mists. The effect on my yellow cardstock was too pretty to cover up, so I skimped on patterned papers.

The mat behind my photo is actually the packaging from the Pink Paislee wood letters. I just punched the edge with one of my border punches. Then I embellished the page with American Crafts tags, Cosmo Cricket flowers and butterflies, buttons by Crate Paper and Pebbles, and chipboard strip by Cosmo Cricket.The verdict is still out on my last layout. It didn't turn out quite like I had envisioned it, but it's finished.

I mixed my title using Sassafrass Lass number stickers, Thickers on top of a Pink Paislee metal banner, and a chipboard word by Maya Road. I misted by chipboard with green, but then muted it a bit with White Mr. Huey mist. (I want these mists in every color!)

I did the same thing for my clouds. I used Mr. Huey in Bonny Blue topped with White.

I have a new photo order submitted and hope to have them in my hands before my May kit arrives.

I can't believe it is almost May!

Rain, rain go away...

2011-04-27T15:53:00.002-04:00

It's been raining. For days. School was even delayed an hour today because of the flash flooding we've received. Ugh.

I miss the sun.

I miss our ballgames.

On a positive note, everything sure is green.

Our yard is growing like CRAZY!

That reminds me...I have a couple layouts that I made with the March kit from Studio Calico that I haven't shared yet. The photos are a couple years old, but the colors in the kit were perfect with my photos.

I made my own grass, added stitching and mixed my alphas.

Then I had to compare the old and the new mowers.

More stitching and grass...

I think Tom is itching to get on his mower and get our yard back into shape. Come on, sun!!!

Stay dry!

Oh, what a week...

2011-04-25T17:25:00.002-04:00

I'm a little late in getting this photo-filled post up, but my computer is still having "issues" and for some reason didn't recognize my camera so I could share my photos. It's now officially the most wonderful time of the year. No, I'm not talking about Christmas...it's baseball season!!!

Last weekend was the most anticipated weekend of our year - Opening Weekend. Unfortunately Mother Nature didn't get the memo and it rained. It poured. Friday's opening ceremony was postponed to Saturday. Saturday was too. Finally we had sun on Sunday and after church, spent the rest of the day at the ballpark. It was pure bliss!This year Blake is in his final year of Little League. (Really??? Already???) He's a second year Major League Tiger. Tom is his coach. Kevin moved up to Rookie League and was drafted by the Braves. I love my two 18 Wheelers! :)

Kevin's team won their only tournament game last Sunday. We're still waiting to hear when the rest of the tournament will be played. He had two league games last week and they won both. He played 2nd base during the tournament and for the first game. For their Thursday game, he was in centerfield. Kevin is happy wherever they play him.
Blake had two tournament games on Sunday. They went 1-1. Blake pitched a really great game in their loss. It was a close one. So far this year he's played catcher, pitcher and 1st base. They lost one league game and had another called due to weather. Tonight's game has already been called because of all the rain we've been having and continue to have. It's going to be a crazy season!Last Tuesday, Blake's Scout Troop had their Court of Honor. Our boy was honored with six merit badges that he's earning since the COH in May. He was also recognized for his recent advancements. He's earned both 1st Class and Star since May. And, we are proud to say that he was elected as Patrol Leader for his patrol. We are so proud of this kid!With Easter approaching, Kevin's class decorated bunnies. We didn't go all out like we had for the turkey back in November, but he still had a great project to submit. He decided to enter "Racin' Rabbit" into the contest. Everybody was a winner. More storms are headed our way. I'm ready for some sunshine!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T20:46:00.002-04:00

It was a happy (but wet!) Easter weekend for our family. Saturday night we colored our eggs.The boys were proud of the ones they did. We opted for the box of neon food colors this year - Kevin's choice. Then we made some iced sugar cookies. We were delayed a bit due to a tornado warning so we opted for plain dropped cookies instead of rolling them out and using egg-shaped cookie cutters. They tasted the same either way. We put the neon food coloring to good use and dyed the icing, too. The rain interfered with our traditional outdoor photos. I had to stand on the porch at an angle to get the front door wreath in the photo. Don't my boys look sharp?

Storms were in the forecast today, so we changed our plans and instead of driving 2 hours to visit family in Indiana, we stayed close to home and went to my parents' house for lunch and an egg hunt. It quit raining long enough for the egg hunt.

The boys had fun with their cousins. I had fun playing with Reese today. She's growing up too fast! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Spring break scrappin' with Studio Calico...

2011-04-21T15:41:00.002-04:00

I have more layouts to share that I completed over spring break. I knew my April box from Studio Calico was in the mail and I was feeling guilty about not using my March supplies yet. I pulled out my box with the March kit, a couple add-ons and more SC paper and got to work.

When I first saw the yellows and greens in the papers, I knew I wanted to pull out some of my farming photos. My dad has John Deere tractors. I usually find it hard to scrap my farm photos, but several layouts quickly came together with my box of March goodness.

"Corn Planting Time" quickly became a new favorite layout of mine. I am happy to have this moment of my boys walking across the field (where I grew up) to meet my dad in the tractor. I remember doing this so many times myself as a child. Even though I turned the KI calendar paper on its side the lines of the paper are sideways, I still had plenty of room to journal. I mixed the Cosmo Cricket chipboard alphas with my favorite shade of green (ever!) Thickers and hand cut letters from one of the Studio Calico papers. Finally, I put my new Martha Stewart punch to good use and accented the shapes with buttons from the kit.

"Field Notes" looks a little similar, but instead of planting corn, the boys and dad were harvesting wheat.

"Run or I'll Shoot!" used newly printed (used 1 hour at Walgreens!) photos to tell a story that I never want to forget. We sent Blake out to run for his daily exercise and noticed he had cut across a yard instead of making the full loop. Kevin, armed with a full water gun, cut across the yard behind us to wait for his unsuspecting brother. When Blake passed him, Kevin followed the rest of the way around threatening to shoot him if he slowed up. I love these boys!

You can barely see the boys through the trees, but the moment is now properly documented. Again, I enjoyed mixing my alphas. (Do I ever not?)

Next, it was time to get girly. New photos of Reese worked perfectly with the more feminine papers and butterfly embellishments from an add-on. I love her curls!!!

I'm so not the butterfly person...but I did like using these little ones by Cosmo Cricket.

I thought the colors in the Cosmo Cricket circle paper fit the colors in boys' service project photos perfectly. I just didn't get too creative with my title.

Even though they were bagging trees, I thought the flower and butterfly embellishments worked, too.

Loved all of the green in this kit. (It's my favorite color, you know.) Green reminded me of Wicked. I went last May with my sister.

The KI Memories folder/pocket was perfect for the playbill and extra photos.

I also had more John Deere photos. Again, I didn't stress over trying to always have a creative title...

This kit was perfect for outdoor photos. I went down memory lane a bit with this one. The photos are nearly five years old. A lot has changed in five years. My boys have really grown.

Sometimes just a grouping of things in a corner really finish off a layout.

Even with all of these layouts, I still have a great supply of products. And, I've yet to touch the April box that arrived during spring break. I'm starting to think I should pass on add-ons for May. I probably shouldn't even go to the SC site around reveal time!

Happy scrappin'!

Spring Break Scrappin'...

2011-04-16T07:50:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I just wrapped up a full week of work after returning from Spring Break. (Time flies!) However, it does seem like ages since I had that week off from work! I have a few layouts I finished during Spring Break that I'd like to share... I broke out my new "Playground" collection by Echo Park that I picked up with my design team credit from CropChocolate.com. I made a super, simple layout using a couple of photos that were on my last photo order. I thought Kevin and Reese were too cute at the ballpark together during one of Blake's baseball practices. Next, the proud mom that I am wanted to document Blake's amazing science project - the 3D animal cell. I've had these October Afternoon school themed products sitting in my stash for way too long. It was time to use them!

I love this page! I used pop dots under the tips of my banner flags.

My boy got a perfect score on this one. I am so proud of him!

So many photos...so little time!

OH! I almost forgot...if you get a chance, check out the new May/June issue of Creating Keepsakes Magazine. I have a layout included in the birthday section of the magazine. I'm idea #3.

Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff...

2011-04-15T15:30:00.001-04:00

Over spring break, I was able to work in some valuable scrap time! I pulled out my stash of products from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff and went to work... I was most excited about using the new "Toy Box" line from Crate Paper. As a mom of two boys, I am a fan of the masculine lines. I loved how versatile this one is. I had new photos in hand and really wanted to scrap this moment of me catching Kevin reading before bed. EVERYTHING on this layout came from the Toy Box line and it's all in stock at Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. (Go check it out!)

I just loved the different alphas that came on the sticker sheet and that big wooden button was my favorite. (I might have to buy another set of them when I place my next design team order!)

Even though I thought I had exhausted my supply of Teresa Collins' "Sports Edition II" products, I still managed to get one more layout completed with scraps. The photo was another one from a recent order and I wanted to get my journaling down before I forgot about it. I think the Letterman Thicker font is my favorite font EVER! (I only have them in every color...)

I went super simple on my next layout. I used one of the K & Company Boy Scout-themed paper slabs in the shop. After making my photos into two 8x10 collages, this layout came together really quick. Quick is great!

I pulled out some older (from last fall) photos to work with the October Afternoon "Campfire" line. It came in my DT order a couple months ago and I felt like I'd neglected it a bit. I scrapped Blake's scouting campsite for this page.

LOVE the different embellishments that were available with this line!

"Backyard Fire" documents the fun we have in our own backyard. Although, I have to admit that it's a little strange seeing Blake build the fire all by himself! (Oh the joys of Scouting!)

Everything about this page makes me happy. But I think Kevin's big cheeks as he blows out the fire on his marshmallow is my favorite part of the page.

Baseball season starts this weekend. That may end my "season" of scrapping for a while, but I will have a lot of new photos to scrap soon.

Have a great weekend!

"Any Old Time" with Polka Dot Whimsy...

2011-04-11T12:00:00.002-04:00

It's April and that means there is a new kit from Polka Dot Whimsy. (Yes, I realize I'm a little late...) I really liked the color palette for this kit - "Any Old Time." It's very versatile and so far I've completed two Valentine's layouts and one birthday. "Oh So Happy To Have You 3" came together pretty quick. I mixed patterned papers by My Mind's Eye and Echo Park.I loved used the Tim Holtz tickets and border stickers by Crate Paper. The only thing I added not from the kit was the black twine I tied through my button and the Marth Stewart border punches. I cut out a few flowers from a sheet by My Mind's Eye for a corner grouping.

For Valentine's Day, I had made heart-shaped pancakes (but they looked more like Mickey Mouse!). Kevin loved them anyway!

Instead of using the MME frame as a frame, I used it behind my photos. I liked how the top and bottom looked sticking out. The stickers from the Echo Park "For the Record" sticker sheet made the perfect mixed title. I also liked adding a strip of the Tim Holtz tissue tape mixed in with my patterned paper strips and border sticker.

I used a Fiskars punch for the hearts. LOVE how white pen looks on black cardstock.

Finally, I scrapped one of my birthdays.

Little bits of embellishments in an upper corner is becoming my finishing touch on may layouts.

The tissue tape framing the oversized photo mat was sort of an afterthought. I thought it completed the page nicely.

Because of delays, my kit was missing a few items this month. The remaining products should arrive soon and I can't wait to complete more projects with them added to my kit.

Happy scrappin'!

"Freshly Picked" by Polka Dot Whimsy...

2011-04-06T15:36:00.000-04:00

The March add-on "Freshly Picked" from Polka Dot Whimsy included a mix of papers from Jillibean Soup and We R Memory Keepers. I instantly fell in love with the hearts on one of the Jillibean papers and knew I wanted to cut them out and line them up in a row. I had this photo of our family from a couple summer back that worked perfectly with this add-on kit. I remembered seeing fellow DT member Mel use fabric strips from a previous kit tied through a tag, so I copied that look here. I loved the simplicity of the heart sticker and my title on the kraft tag.

And finally...my hearts. I even added a few stitches to finish them off.

This add-on kit had a great family feel. Last fall we stopped off at Cracker Barrel for breakfast while on our way to the pumpkin patch/apple orchard. Instead of scrapping the photos with that event, I decided to make a whole layout just about Cracker Barrel. It's Tom's favorite restaurant and we end up eating there often. Any time I have ruled paper, I am inspired to scrap something that has a long story to tell. Lines help me tell that story neatly. ;)

Oh look...more hearts and stitching.

I have enough product from this kit to crank out another layout or two. There just aren't enough hours in the day... Right now we are on Spring Break from school and I am enjoying my time with my boys. I hope everyone has enough time in their day for some quality family time, too.

Happy scrappin'!

"Butterfly Gardens" from Polka Dot Whimsy...

2011-04-04T09:13:00.005-04:00

I really enjoyed working with the March "Butterfly Gardens" kit from Polka Dot Whimsy. Even though the kit appeared really feminine color-wise - lots of pinks, pastels - it worked perfect with my spring and Easter photos. When I saw coffee filter shapes included with the kit, I wanted to mist them with some of the new Mr. Huey mists I had recently picked up at CKC. I thought the scalloped ones looked like clouds. Now that I have the layout posted, I realize that they look much better in person (trust me!)... This layout of Blake shows him crowing the Virgin Mary during the May Procession at church last spring. I was so proud of him. I used a mixture of papers by Echo Park, Kaiser Crafts and Pebbles.

It was fun grouping some embellishments for my title placement. I layered a couple flowers with a sequin. I also opted to keep the Jillibean Soup corrugated frames in their natural kraft state.

The only thing I used that wasn't in the kit was a section of Pink Paislee baker's twine that I wrapped around the larger photos to hang a tag (from the kit).

I love making 2-page layouts, but since the kits only come with one sheet of each color of cardstock, I usually stick with single page layouts. I really wanted to use our egg decorating photos from last Easter with this kit, so I got creative. I decided to split up the 'strip' paper by Kaiser Craft across a sheet of polka dot patterned paper and a solid cardstock. The solid pink cardstock was a bit bland with the rest of the spread so I placed some of the corrogated Jillibean Soup shapes on top of the cardstock and sprayed them with white Mr. Huey mist. I thought the cardstock tied into the layout better after creating the mask.

I loved adding the row of buttons to separate the two rows of photos. I have a confession to make... I'm a bit OCD when it comes to buttons. I MUST have them either sewn on the page or at least tied. I can't have a "naked" button on my layouts.

For my title, I again layered a couple die cuts. I did do something that I hadn't done in years though - I got out my old Creative Memories pens and added "Coloring" to my title in multiple colors. I thought it tied in with the theme nicely. And, even though the background paper wasn't ruled, I was still able to journal (a lot!) directly on the page.

The next page is a lift of myself. A few weeks ago I had created another layout using Easter photos. I liked it so much that I decided to stick with the same design, but flipped, for this layout.

I have another confession to make...I really wasn't a fan of the Basic Grey papers in this kit. BUT I really liked the finished product here after using the brown/floral pattern I used as the large back piece on this page.

I used a border punch on the dot paper, but then cut the scalloped edge off to give it a postage-stamp edge. Isn't the felt bird, cute?

Oh, and what good is a pastel/floral-y kit if I don't finish a Reese page with it? I loved these shots of us together in August. "2 Fun" seemed like an appropriate title.

I used one of the Jillibean Soup frames to frame a butterfly from the fabric piece included in the kit. I thought it gave a bit of a "quilted" look.

This was a fun kit to work with. I still have a lot of products left so you may see more with it in the future.

Life of the Party...

2011-03-23T06:59:00.001-04:00

I recently picked up the new "Life of the Party" line by Basic Grey. I am in love. No matter how hard I try, I just can't seem to cut my birthday photos back to a manageable number! I think I have more birthday party photos than I'll ever be able to scrap!

The first night I had this paper line in my hands, I pulled out some photos from Blake's last birthday and went to work.I made my own candle to double as a "1" and I hand cut the banner out of another sheet of patterned paper to string across my page. Birthday photos make me soooo happy!

Catching up - mid-March...

2011-03-21T16:46:00.001-04:00

Recent warmer weather has kept us outside more lately. The start of spring sports (practices) has added a couple nights of activities to our schedules. I've neglected to add some of our recent events to the blog.

Blake had his cast removed on the 9th. After 5-1/2 weeks, he was happy to have his wrist healed and his right arm back! I still caught him using his left hand for almost everything for a few days though.

The cast came off just in time for him to participate in his last Upwards basketball game. The doctor gave him the OK.

Although he missed both of his free throws (hit the back of the rim), he still scored 16 points. That was a great showing after missing five games though!

It was good to wrap up the season with his team.

In other news...

Hotwheels seem to be one toy that never goes out of style.

Tom and I enjoyed watching the boys play with them in front of the tv one night. I love how they used one of my throws since the tire tracks showed up so well on. I remember playing with Hotwheels as a kid!

Finally, I've always enjoyed having our boys participate in Scouting. But, this year I think they are really understanding the service aspect of it. Kevin is getting to experience a lot of Blake's service activities Blake is now offering to help when Kevin's group participates in one. Last week Blake asked to help when Kevin's pack worked to bag trees for the local extension office. It got pretty messy, but it sure was fun!

I love that spring is here now. Everything is starting to green up and you can see buds on the trees. Our neighbor even mowed over the weekend. I love that smell!

Springtime just warms my heart!

Easter is on the way...

2011-03-20T21:34:00.001-04:00

Lent is here and we are preparing for the upcoming Easter. This year our church is promoting small group meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss our faith and remind us why we practice the way we do. I am participating every Wednesday night. I really enjoy the other four women in my group. We made a plan to be more "present" this week in how we worship.

I think being "present" is something I often take for granted. I might be somewhere or participating in something, but am I really "present"? Often, I'm probably just going through the motions. Since Wednesday, I've been trying to be a lot more aware while doing everything. Not just at church. Not just in prayer. But in EVERYTHING.

While driving the boys to haircuts yesterday, I was aware of the beautiful way the sun's rays were coming through the clouds. (Instead of stressing about being on time.)

On Thursday instead of staying home to catch up on housework during the boys' baseball practices, I went along too. The weather was beautiful and it was so much fun watching the boys with their new teams.

And, in church today I was more aware of the readings and my responses. I heard every word of the songs and really thought about what they were saying. I sat between my two boys and enjoyed seeing them participate as well.

I have to admit though, all this being present has pushed my scrapbooking to the backseat a bit. That and NCAA basketball! My evenings have been a bit occupied while I watch games with my guys.

I did manage to finish one layout recently. This layout is an assignment for Crop Chocolate. I used the new Echo Park "For the Record" paper line. I just added a set of Thickers for my title. I thought it was fitting to include an Easter layout in this post. I love celebrating Easter with my family. Back to scrapping...I also love all the journaling and accent stickers that come with the Echo Park paper lines.

With the new week starting, I hope you all take some time to be present.

Happy Spring!

It's almost baseball season...

2011-03-13T21:35:00.000-04:00

Today was our league's baseball draft. Yay!!! That means practices are right around the corner. And yes, I am VERY excited! In our house, we live for baseball season!

However, this year Kevin will be moving up to Minor League (kid pitch). That means our days of Rookie League (machine pitch) are gone. Forever. Rookie League has been my absolute favorite.

I starting thinking back to when Blake played Rookie. (And made all-stars both years.) And then about Kevin's three years in Rookie. We moved him up a year early. He was also a 7 & 8 year old all star.

Last Saturrday, my latest design team package arrived from Scrappin' {Sports} Stuff. The timing was perfect. I had selected the new Teresa Collins Sports Edition II products to work with this month. I decided it was the perfect time to scrap some of Kevin's photos from his last weekend all-star tournament last summer. These layouts document the end of his Rookie "career."

This 2-pager documents the teamwork the boys had in the dugout helping Kevin in and out of his catcher's gear. It also shows Kevin leading the team in the cheers.

I mixed a couple American Crafts Thickers for the title.

To embellish my page, I cut different shapes/designs out of the patterned papers and layered them. I like adding pop dots for dimension. Here's another 2-pager. I love the ledger and grid patterned papers that came with this paper line. They made great background papers and allowed me a lot of space for journaling.

It was sad documenting the final photos of Kevin's last Rookie game. The coordinating brads from the line made great embellishments for this layout of Kevin catching.

I even used one of the coordinating trims.

Kevin's team had the best all-star season. They went undefeated and he brought home six championship trophies/medals.

I hand cut this label accent from a patterned paper and added mini Basic Grey alphas for the year.

I used a mix of Pink Paislee and American Crafts alphas for title with a chipboard word from the paper line. Although "Run Forest, Run!" comes to mind when I see this photo of Kevin running in his gear, I asked Tom to come up with a title for me. He selected "hustle" which was more than appropriate. Kevin really does hustle. You can tell he loves to play baseball.

And I love to layer embellishments...And alphas, too...

Oh, and more embellishments.If you have sports layouts to scrap, this new line is a must have!

More Polka Dot Whimsy Goodness...

2011-03-10T06:48:00.002-05:00

I fell in love with the color scheme for the February Polka Dot Whimsy main kit. I have a thing for bright, fun colors and find them so easy to use with photos I have of our boys.

For some reason when I saw the stars, stripes, and polka dots in the kit, I thought of birthdays. I also loved using the Pink Paislee chipboard numbers on birthday pages. The boys love special breakfasts on their birthdays. I "tried" to get creative and make "11" pancakes for Blake's birthday (in 2009!). I mixed the large "11" with the Basic Grey mini alphas in the kit to make a long title on a tag.

To accent the page, I cut the Jenni Bowlin banner stickers to make a border down the page. Then I separated the layered felt flower by Epiphany Crafts to make three. I accented them with "doo-dahs" from the kit.

There were some Studio Calico patterned papers in the kit that I wanted to use for school layouts. Since I wanted to stick with a 1-page layout, I pulled out these two photos of the boys returning home from the first day of school (in 2009...I'm a little behind...)Again I mixed up my title. LOVED adding the adorable handmade banner stick pin that Michelle made for us this month.

I also really enjoyed mixing up the patterns from this kit. They were all so bright and fun!

Finally, I did the unthinkable. I (yes, me...) made CARDS with my scraps. They were too pretty to toss and too few to make more layouts. I thought the one I made with the fabric looked a bit like a kitchen curtain! But, I still like it. It will make a great card for a friend. The other four just make me smile. Kevin gave the "9" card to a friend at a birthday party over the weekend. The "Happy 4th" card will go to my nephew on his birthday next month.

The March preview is up for the next kit. I'm (im)patiently waiting for my box to arrive. ;)

"Love" from Polka Dot Whimsy...

2011-03-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

I loved working with the February add-on from Polka Dot Whimsy. I used the whole thing!

I made a layout of the boys with my parents on Kevin's birthday back in November. I liked mixing up the patterns. Loved the combo of red, blue and yellow together. There was a fun mix of embellishments with stickers from Fancy Pants, some felt accents and two alphas fonts from Bella Boulevard.

I used the more muted/pastel paper for a layout of my guys with Tom's mom on her birthday last September. The layered felt flowers from Ephiphany Crafts were a fun addition. I loved that they already had stitching on them. Instead of adding space for journaling, I just journaled around the page.

I used "a little bit of this...a little bit of that..." on this layout with Kevin's Valentine's cards. Felt, buttons, border stickers, trim...it's all on there. I even used the fabric from the kit to roll up into flowers.

My title is made up of a couple of preprinted Fancy Pants journaling cards cut from one of the papers and Bella Boulevard alphas. The kit came with a couple of notecards and envelopes. I had big plans to get creative and incorporate them into my layouts, but I forgot about them. Oops. Instead, I ended up using scraps to accent them. Super, simple little cards ready to go now.

Happy scrappin'!

Weekend Wrap-up...

2011-03-07T21:50:00.005-05:00

How is the first week of March already over???

Last week Blake completed a school science project. He had to make a 3-D animal cell. He worked really hard, researched the project and got really creative with ideas for each part of the cell. I'm happy to report that his project earned a perfect score and is currently on display in the school trophy case.

I'm even happier to report that he can point to each part and tell you what it does!

Saturday morning we attended Kevin's annual Blue Gold banquet for Cub Scouts. He earned his Bear badge. We are so proud of him!Sunday Blake worked on a requirement for one of his Boy Scout merit badges. He selected a tree (a red dogwood) to plant in honor of my Pappa who passed away nearly four years ago. Blake was really close with his great-grandfather.

Soon he hopes to add some sort of memorial stone by the tree. He has such a kind heart.

Well, that was our first week. I guess time flies when you are having fun!

More February Studio Calico to share...

2011-03-04T07:01:00.000-05:00

The new March kits from Studio Calico are starting to ship. Mine should arrive early next week. Yay! That reminds me that I have a couple layouts using the February kit that I still haven't shared yet.

The first layout, "Any time is Chili time" documents Tom's love for chili. He ordered it in July on our summer vacation! Not sure if you can tell, but that is a stamp under the hexagons. (Yes, I stamped again!) Then I cut the pattern out of a sheet of paper and added individual hexagons with pop dots. (I need to start purchasing those things in bulk!)

I really liked the simplicity of this page. The sun/clouds were hand-cut from a sheet of patterned paper.

The Licorice Twist add-on this month worked well with these hard to match photos. Our old bedspread has given me fits when I've tried to match it with other paper.

I used the Bo Bunny fabric flowers from the kit, but unwound one to use as a border near the bottom of the page. It wasn't that lop-sided when I first adhered it. Oops! It must have moved a bit before I photographed the page.

Sometimes layouts like this make me sad because they remind me of how much my boys have grown. And how fast!

Hope everyone has a great Friday. I'm looking forward to the weekend!

Traveling with Crop Chocolate...

2011-03-03T06:36:00.001-05:00

This month's Chocolatier assignment over at Crop Chocolate was to scrap something Travel or Vacation related. I used the new "Little Boy" line from Echo Park and ended up making two layouts to fit the theme.

For my first layout, I found a shot of Kevin sleeping in the backseat on the way home from the zoo. Has it really been THREE YEARS since this photo was taken??? LOVED the multiple alpha stickers and word phrases in this kit. I added some to my journaling. Love how that turned out. But, the story is the most important part of this layout.

Everything on this layout was included in the paper pack except for the orange/white baker's twine I added and pop dots, of course. I found another photo from 2008 to scrap for the vacation topic - our trip to St. Louis. I loved mixing the patterns from this line.

I cut some "tags" out of the journaling card paper to use as a backdrop for my mixed alpha title. And, I added a cloud sticker from the paper pack (adhered with pop dots).

One of my Martha Stewart border punches was put to good use on this layout, too. For a finishing touch, I cut a star out of one of the patterned papers and adhered it with pop dots to make an extra embellishment. The deals at Crop Chocolate are great. I love that they carry the new Echo Park papers as soon as they come out. Last week, their new "For the Record" paper line arrived on my doorstep. :)

Moments & Wishes...

2011-03-02T19:39:00.004-05:00

I really enjoyed working with the February "Moments & Wishes" main kit from Polka Dot Whimsy.

As soon as I saw the number print paper from Fancy Pants, I knew I had to make a birthday layout. I scrapped a layout for Kevin's album of Blake's 12th birthday back in October. Love, love, love the Jenni Bowlin banner stickers! Of course, I had to pop them up with pop dots...

The Pink Paislee chipboard alphas were another favorite from the kit...

I made a 2-page 8-1/2"x11" layout about Reese's Baptism last spring. Even though I didn't have two of any sheet of paper, I made it work. I cropped a sheet of kraft paper down to 8-1/2"x11" and then cropped a sheet of the Webster's Pages patterned paper down to 12x11. 3-1/2" of that pattern overlapped the kraft. I also added some strips of coordinating paper down the left hand edge of the page.

I liked the felt flowers from Epiphany Crafts, but peeled the layers apart to make three flowers out of one. Then I layered some "doo dahs" from teh kit on top and finished the dequins off with a knot using floss. I misted the Jenni Bowlin butterflies with Mr. Huey mist by Studio Calico.

I made a simple layout for Kevin's album to document crazy hair day at a week-long educational camp the boys attended a few summers ago. I loved mixing the Pink Paislee alpha with the tiny Basic Grey alphas on the banner stickers.

I put my new Martha Stewart shape punch to good use on this page. I also layered one of the Epiphany Crafts Vintage Settings with a button and twine. These black and white shots of me and Reese went perfect with the Jenni Bowlin red floral paper. I kept the layout super simple by just using the one paper, sheet of notebook paper, two alphas, wide trim and chipboard butterflies. The layout came together quick!I inked my butterflies for this layout.

Finally, I completed a couple of cards. Lately I've been wanting to send some "just because" cards to friends. "Hello Friend" is a very appropriate greeting, so I used it for both cards.

The card on the left used a sheet of the notebook paper from the kit, Jenni Bowlin butterflies, daisy "doo dah" and trim. I used my own handwriting for the greeting. The card on the left is covered with fabric from the kit. I added a stamped tag, piece of trim and flower. (This one will be too bulky to mail though.)

That's what I have 'so far'... I still have a ton of scraps.

The preview for March went up today. It looks like another great kit!

Happy scrappin'!

Me + Tom...

2011-02-28T22:40:00.002-05:00

Just one little layout to share... I used the February add-on from Polka Dot Whimsy for this one. Sorry about the bad scan. Our weather has been a bit too dark and gloomy for good photographs!

This layout is a rare for me as it doesn't contain any alphabet stickers! I didn't journal much either. The sticker in the add-on pretty much said everything I needed to say.

Here's hoping our rain is over and that the sun will come out soon. :)