I am my mother

....in all of her BEST ways that is. There are several attributes that I wish not to carry on-however, I am still her. I even use the Vaseline bath salt she always uses-so I smell like her! That's when I was convinced! ;) I gladly accept this, as she is beautiful, intelligent and the best gift giver ever! Even as an adult, she surprises me and my kids with things she knows we'll like. (I like to do that too)! I get all of my craftiness and talent from her. She is so very talented, as you may have seen from previous posts, and inspires me. Lori-she has a great laugh, and I try not to take her for granted, especially 600 miles away! She is planning a trip soon. I am quite nervous, as my house is not everything I want it to be yet and she tends to be critical. I know it's not Mother's Day or any special day, but shouldn't every day be special?!

Project #1

So I'm a part of this creative challenge blog called A Sassy Affair. It is hosted by the very talented Summer Crook out of Wichita, Kansas. We are focusing on home decor (which you all know is my FAVORITE) for 6 weeks.

This week we were to work with canvas, which was a first for me. I used modge podge and newspaper over the entire thing, then painted a thin coat of tan, then cut ALL the letters out (BLAH!), temporarily pasted them, spray painted, then glitter sprayed, then peeled all the letters off and added my scrap touches! WOW! Some did their home names, golf courses, etc. I was led to do The Lord's Prayer. The jury is out as far as my final opinon of this. I intended it for my downstairs hallway and it looks like art under the sconce light. What do you think?!

A Few Favorites

Hollan is so stinkin' cute! I love practicing photography (a new rebel is on my list). Hollan's baby pictures turned out fabulous, and I had to showcase my my favorite baby 'part,' FEET! I quit liking them when they become teenage feet, but unitil then, they're just adorable! His 18 month old photos were just as nice and I really enjoyed working with that paper. I'll always remember when Jace lost his first tooth. He wrote a note to the Tooth Fairy asking her to leave his tooth for my scrfapbook! The note and tooth are both in the pouch. My friend Tracy Shaffer in Wichita shared some awesome brads and eyelets, including the teeth! And, I used rub-ons on a photo for the first time here.

I have several other layouts I intend to scan in. I just love the scan-and-stitch program. The inventor of that is top notch in my book! I'm going to try to gather some more Mardi Gras Crop items today. So far, prizes are coming along nicely. I'm really excited and contemplating a Crop-for-a-Cause in honor of National Scrapbook Month.

I suppose it's time to get these kiddos around for school and the day. Blessings to each of you checking in with me! Have a great day!

I DID IT!

I actually completed the required projects and e-mailed my hopeful submission for a design team. I will have to wait until the announcement to show you my layouts. I will, however, share with you this card I whipped up and love. It's a little refurbished, but an original none the less.

Chris has been working like CRAZY. I miss him and it's straining-but don't tell.

My studio is all cleaned up and rearranged. I LOVE IT! -Maybe that will be my photo for the day. I'll share tomorrow.

I hope that you are doing well, feeling inspired for the change we are to expect with our new President! I am hubled and amazed to be blessed in the United States of America!!

I heart the Del Curto's

So I would have to label Brandi as my new BFF and the bonus is that I'm in l-o-v-e with her kids! There's not a one of them I wouldn't take as my own and it's a joy and honor to be blessed with them in our lives! Seriously-look at Audrey a.k.a. Pie, the 2 year old. Do they come any cuter?! I don't think so. *Extra bonus-Audrey is a future Thornburgh as Hollan's wife. Aren't they cute together?! (Shortly after this pic Trey came running up to me yelling, "Holland and Audrey kissed on the lips!" It was delightful. Trey is the oldest, he's 8 and handsome as can be. He has diabetes, so I've learned a lot about that lately. Devin is the pretty 6 year old. She's just as sweet as can be with the most precious little freckles!! They are all beautiful, well behaved, great spirited children. What more can I say?! Dante (the dad) is the only one I'm not emotionally attached to at this point! -I'm going to quit now before I sound like an over zealous stalker! They're just great-and I'm so excited-and SO VERY VERY blessed!

Happy MLK Jr. Day!

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love this quote I swiped from Lori's blog. It's so true. I want to live like that every day.

My house is clean (well the downstairs-that's all that matters-right) and I've re-arranged my studio-so that feel good. I found three boxes of stuff I'd stashed-so now it's like it's new!! LOVE THAT! There's a design team I want to audition for (I may have previously mentioned) so I need to finish creating my submissions. Wish me luck! That will be in between having Brandi's AWESOME kids over for awhile. I'm blessed to have them while she catches up from being out of town and takes a few moments for HERSELF (and cleans up) lol. I just adore them-I'll try to take a few pics-you just have to see how sweet they are!

I'm hosting a Mardi Gras crop February 28th if you want to join us. There will be lots of food, fun and fellowship (3 of my favorite f's)! You don't have to earn your beads-but I could be bribed. lol. I'm already planning and collectin prizes and decor! It's gonna ROCK!

On with the day......

Blog Love

Oh Yea! Here they are, in all of their glory! I'm going to let them end with me for now, as just about all of the bloggers I enjoy have been passing them and we could go on forever. I am so happy to be awarded! Thank you Cathy and Julie! And an extra special thanks to Julie, without which, I would not be able to post these! lol

P.S. Alicia-I had no idea you still followed me! It was such a nioce surprise to find your comment! Your blog is still invite only and I don't know the password. Please e-mail me! I totally miss you too! Ganza time is going to be SO sad, but it was not my choice not to be there. Please file all complaints with Scrap Fanattic! lol.

Jenni Bowlin!

As soon as I spotted this Jenni Bowlin paper I knew exactly what picture I'd put with it. I scrap so randomly. I may do something from 20 years ago or yesterday! I'm pretty happy with the way this turned out. I cut out the three circles from another patterned paper and schalacked (yep-I made that word up-sound it out) them with glossy accents (by Ranger). I loved some brad charms I found last week at Michaels, so one of those is tied into the ribbons-with a clear dangle from Heidi Swapp (gotta add some Heidi)! I also experimented with liquid pearls. I used the silver. What do you think?

Clear Scraps is releasing some new minis! I can't wait to get my hands on some of those! I'm considering applying for 2 design teams (Color Me Daisy and Shimmerz) but I'm a little hesitant because of my fear of rejection! Either way, I will continue to enjoy the things they both offer.

I found my new primary care physician yesterday. She prescribed some new lortab for my fibromayalgia pain that has been way out of control! I really like her and New Mexico feels even more real now! Sometimes it's still hard to believe I'm such a big girl! lol.

Pray

I'm so delighted to be a part of this incredible prayer journey through Faith Sisters. It's all about praying scripture over your children! Love that! I've decided I'll scrap this with the 7 gypsies ATC card holder. I'm excited to begin filling it. This is my first card! My secret scrap sister gave my some bling to start the New Year and it co-ordinated perfectly with the paper I chose from Little Yellow Bicycle!

{In other news-my blog friend Cathy recently posted a new nature-y line that Michael's was carrying. Well-it must be through select locations because our local Michael's has the same ole' thing. However-I drove into downtown Albuquerque and hit the motherload! The best are the 2 new lines from Making Memories. Sabrina (my favorite color combo of pink/white/black) and Chloe's Closet! I had to have it ALL! I don't know whether to thank her or hit her! lol. Really-I am so thrilled I intend to send her a little something....

{Oh...and my friend Lori Renn has her own stamp designs now released through The Rubber Cafe! I am so excited for her and such an amazing opportunity. Be sure to check them out!

{A special hello with hugs and misses to my girlfriends in Kansas keeping up with me. Michielle, Huelsman, Gina......I love you ladies and think of you often!

*blogspot must be acting up today because it will not allow spacing in between paragraphs...uughhhhh, hence the { seperations ;)

Does Anyone Know Anyone.....

that I can buy a Becky Higgins 365 kit from?! I would be eternally grateful! Please?!

If Only I could Just Click My Heels

This is how my living room looked at 5:30 this morning. I was dressed and ready to go. This is also how my living room looks at 10:00 am, waiting for me to UN-pack!

I cannot be too upset, as I am a mom. In my previous post I noted that without Katelyn, I would not be making the 12 hour journey alone. Well, her 9 month old woke up vomiting at 3am and she decided not to try. I understand. I am disappointed but ultimately, it was not meant to be. I'm glad it was a surprise so there won't be much disappointment on the other end! I was in tears, and still thought of venturing alone, depending on my daughters reaction. She is the most dramatic and doesn't get over things easily. I woke her up and explained and through my tears I said I just didn't want her to be mad. She said, "I'm not mad momma. Now dry up those tears!" Then she cuddled back up in her bed. What a great girl! I am bribing them with a movie this afternoon and hopefully we'll hang out with the Del Curtado's (though she's been sick too)! I stand firm in the fact that "God does everything for a reason!" That's all we need to know!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I am plaaning to surprise my family this weekend with a trip home! My mother's birthday was yesterday and her party is Sunday and it has all come together for us to go! My friend Katelyn also has family in Kansas so she will be joining me (without which, I would not be going)! So, tomorrow morning at 7:30am we will be off to Wichita! I am really excited to see my nephews, and my sisters, and my friends, and ....you get the idea. It will also be a surprise to my M.I.L., who will be delighted to see her angel, Aubrey. We will be staying at Dr. Aunt Brea's house, also known as my older sister. She's the only one there who knows we're coming! I'll try to check in while I'm there if I can, and if not, then I'll check back in on Tuesday when we come home!

Blessings! B.

I've wanted to post....

but I love logging in and seeing Mickey (yeah-we're on a first name basis now)! lol. I have really enjoyed this 365 challenge (though I would prefer it with a Becky Higgins kit!

This is the latest deocration to go into my craft room! Notice it matches the bra!!

I must share with you the dialouge that accompnies the phot of Hollan and myself here at the bottom......

Hollan: "Mom, when you're done petting me; I'm gonna give you a medal!"

Mom: "A medal....for what?!"

Hollan: "Cuz you a princess and I gonna marry you and you gonna kiss me!"

*Unbelievable! I will cherish that mommy moment as long as I live. And when I scrap it, I hope it to be enjoyed after my time here is through.

**note: he just came up and saw that picture and said "Momma-can we do that agin?!"

...everyday if I have anything to say about it! He's always been my sweet cuddle-r!

I heart Mickey Rourke

So obviously I'm an 80's fan! I'm proud to love big hair and Poison! Recently I have discovered Mickey Rourke and....ahhhhh. Mind you, I am a fan of PRE-bad plastic surgery, life issues M.R., but a fan none the less. God bless him.....and his eyes.....and his muscles......and.......

Creativity-must be in our DNA

Hollan received Diego stickers from Gram for Christmas. He was so....imaginitive. He must have his mother's creativity ;)

ONE picture a day?!?

Does anyone take just one photo at a time? I suppose I'll have to choose a favorite. And does it count if Chris takes the picture so that I can be in it?! Details, details. We had a delightful day at the park yesterday. Beautiful weather and I exercise there too. I would like to do the same today but it is snowing pretty good here. We have been church shoppingg and talking with the Elders fron the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I enjoy their visits but ultimately, I want Chris to be comfortable and lead our family spiritually. He does not want to do that as a Mormon. I hope to continue to experience their religion, but wew have now found a church home. I am excited to be new members of the Destiney Center! The Elder/Pastor Jarome gave a great message, inspiring me to create a life plan for 2009. I already began a business plan for Flair and Frills, and I think the will go hand in hand.

Ugghh...I am quite irritable today and I don't like it! I need to create for my first Faith Sisters assignment! I'm looking forward to everything they have to offer and inspire for 2009!

So these are a few photos from yesterday and today. I wore the jacket my mom made for me to church! I'm off to clean and create! Wait-maybe I'll skip the cleaning!

2009

We had a great time ringing in the New Year with some of our close friends here. I intended on having more pictures to share-especially including me-but it just didnt happen. These are a few on the night's highlights. 1.) The best self shot I got of our New Year's kiss. 2.) The first injury of 09. Caleb tripped into Aubey and she went into the table-with her face. It's nice and colorful now, as you can see. 3.) Jason popped open the champagne. 4.) Hollan enjoyed sparkling apple-grape juice-too cute! 5.) Jackie and Laurie-pretty girls (who think I'm gorgeous and therfore easily made my new friends list). lol 6.) My favorite new memory-Jason trying to light the fireworks that we later found out were the pull kind!! HA! (In my defense-the were cone shaped)!! 7.) Jace made new friends and coerced them into playing Toy Story Monopoly.

I'm hoping on the 365 wagon. Inspired by Kollette Hall, I am going to take at least 1 picture everyday. I really want to use Becky Higgins' kit but they are gone! Photo #1 is the shot of Aubs and her face. We'll see what #2 brings.

I do intend to exercise more and cuss less. Other than that-I will strive for general life improvement as a wife and mother.

Blessings to you in this wondeerful New Year God has given us!