not home alone

Blog hop scotch

2009-10-23T10:25:00.000-04:00

Facebook has given me this ever so annoying message when trying to access my account today.

Account Unavailable

Your account is temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance. It should be available again within a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The only good thing about this is I get to go blog hopping. I ran into a link from another link, well.. you know how it works! Denise from This scrappers life is having a huge thickers giveaway! So very generous... go get your name in the hat and spread the word.. you only have until Nov 7th!

Now, please cross your fingers my FB account isn't down for a week or more... I may actually go stir crazy and start cleaning the house and doing laundry! ;) Have a great weekend!!

I'm into long titles

2009-10-21T11:38:00.005-04:00

It's funny the little changes that take place in your scrapping over time.
Right now I am big-time into these constants while scrapping:

Ink and lots of it
Folding paper accordion messy style
bling
long wordy titles

Here's some more of my work over the last week.

It's the little things that make me happy
(created for WT THAW [three a week] #7 challenge)

It's safe to say they get that weird crap from us!
(created for the WT THAW #8 challenge)

close ups:

Laughter
(created for WT THAW #9 challenge, scraplift a mag layout)
I lifted Stacey Cohen from July '09 SBEtc magazine page 83.
hers:

mine:

Sunset in October
(created for Survivor challenge week 5 @ Tallyscrapper)
I had a blast just throwing stuff on here... no thinking about it was the best part and really freed my artistic side.

close ups:

lil cuties
(created for WT THAW challenge)
We were to lift one of the sponsors DT members. I chose a layout from the scraptacular sept gallery.. I have no idea the name of the DT member. It's a super cute layout though!
hers:

mine:

close up:

Mother's Day '09
(created for WT THAW challenge)
We were suppose to use the colors of our fav treat... mine is reeses pb cups!

close up:

I think I should add circles and scallops to my constants lately... I seem to be using them quite often as well!

You Inspire me
(created for survivor week 4 over @ tally)

close up:

I am also considering trying out for a Design Team again. I haven't tried out or been on one in 8 months.... it may be time to throw my hat in the ring. Hope your hump-day is loads of fun!

I am now the mother of a teen.

2009-10-18T12:31:00.004-04:00

Sheesh.

You blink and thirteen years FLY by.

Happy Birthday Katelyn!

We celebrated with a sleepover birthday party yesterday. Her BFF spent the night last night and K had a couple other friends come over for the pizza pies and the dessert pies.

The girls made their own english muffin mini pizza pies... they liked it.

I spent several hours on Friday making 11 pies. We bought 3 pies at Walmart last week.... 14 pies in total. Can you believe it? We have leftover pie coming out of our ears. I sent a few pies home with my mom yesterday, and everyone had a slice of pie for breakfast. We had apple, cherry, turtle, key lime, oreo, candy crunch, double layer pumpkin, regular pumpkin, strawberry, pecan, and I'm forgetting one. They were all pretty good. So I hear... I haven't actually tasted all of them yet! lol

Love this photo.

See Katelyn's #13 on her shirt... we found that Halloween shirt a couple weeks ago.. how fitting for her to wear it on her milestone into teen-hood.

Oh... these were a huge hit. Their called ghoulish grins or something like that. You mix up an 8oz block of cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract. Quarter your apples, cut out a lil notch from the red/green side of the apple, and insert the cream cheese filling. Then throw on some slivered almonds to resemble teeth.

Hamburger helping K open cards. :)

Cheers!

The scrappin bug bit me

2009-10-06T13:57:00.003-04:00

Thanks to the challenges over @ TallyScrapper, and THAW over at WillowTraders, my scrapping bug is back. It's nice to know it still lurks beneath the surface, waiting to jump when I call on it. ;)

Some layouts over the last two weeks.

my fav from the last week

Doug's birthday was on the 2nd last month... totally just now edited a few of them this passed weekend. ;) I'm going to play with this next photo a bit more, we had the lights off with only the candles as our light.

Birthday hugs for dad.

Katelyn's birthday is coming up on the 18th this month. She'll be having a sleepover with a couple close friends. I made her invitations this past weekend, but I'm totally embarrassed to show 'em. It seems I'm the only person on the planet with geometric shape problems. :P

My mom and dad spent dang near the whole weekend here. They had a yard sale over here Saturday and Sunday. Katelyn made about $15 from her stuff. Samantha grabbed some of hers and Cameron's toys to put out there and sell... then Doug jumped on the bandwagon too. Looks like we'll be trying again this upcoming weekend if it doesn't rain. No more yard sales on Sunday though, just wasn't worth it! I think we had three people come by the whole day. lol

Want a strawberry? I have the cutest little servers.

Cameron thought it would be a good idea to serve a strawberry on a hamburger bun.

4 months of silence = random thoughts

2009-09-01T13:11:00.004-04:00

A lot can happen in four months.

A lot of heartache.
New friendships.
Strengthening family bonds.

And letting go of things that have become troublesome and poisonous in my life.

I think I'm finally in a good place to start putting myself out here again.
It's funny if you think about it... how even though your life is a mess, the world goes on around you. No, I don't think the world should revolve around me... just sometimes the simplest thoughts can be mind provoking and amusing to ponder.

I haven't scrapped since Christine announced she was selling TallyScrapper. It was like a bad omen or something because that's when life here on the home-front kind of took a landslide. I've been climbing back up the mountain though, getting my footing. I'm ready to pull out my glue, put in a missing ink cartridge in my printer, scrape off the dust on my desk, print some photos, and start scrapping again.

My oldest DD started 7th grade last week. She's in her second year of band. Has the whole world ahead of her, and all of a sudden, I'm feeling like if I blink, she'll be headed off to college! Time flies. Her BFF's mom had to move this weekend, so we went over there all day Saturday and helped them out. She is such a good friend.

Tomorrow is Doug's 36th birthday. We have to run out tonight after School and figure out what his gift will be. Any suggestions?

Doug and I have been playing this game on facecrack called Gear Quest. One sweet game. We're also officers in the guild called Lords of Light. If you play the game, and are not in a guild, come check us out. There is also a forum dedicated to the guild. Fun stuff.

It feels nice to finally be updating here again. The only thing missing is some photos. TTFN!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T20:35:00.003-04:00

I had about the greatest Mother's Day ever.

I was awakened to coffee, and breakfast waiting for me on the table. I had hashbrowns, bacon, over easy eggs, mini bagels, toast, and OJ. (holy heck, right?! lol) I love that Doug let's the kids pitch in and help him cook.

After breakfast (sadly, I took no photos) I received all kinds of gorgeous cards. The kids went overboard... how lucky I am. Here's a smattering of them.. you can see the rest here.

From Katelyn
(from Doug.. can you believe he scrapped for me?? yay!)
From Samantha:

Katelyn's drawings always WOW me... wish you could see it in person.. this photo isn't the best... but I do so love it!

After an hour or so of lounging around I made my mom a German Chocolate cake and finished up her goodies. I bought her some coffee for her Kuerig. She loved it, especially since she was out. lol

I re-purposed a lenscrafters bag.. their bags are the best!
and made a card from a tutorial from tally.. loved that tut, LJ!

We set moms computer BACK up (long story.. grr) and then we went to Michael's. I found some cool T!m Holtz goodies... can't wait to play with the alpha mask I found... and oil pastel crayons. Ü

We went to dinner at Applebees, then came home. It's been a busy zippity kinda day. I got lots of hugs and kisses today. Lots of pampering while home.. it's been wonderful. My family loves me, and I've gotta be the luckiest momma & wife ever to have been blessed with this family.

Here's hoping all the women today had a lovely day. xoxo

2009-05-06T11:12:00.002-04:00

Nikki shared this at Tally this morning.. I've seen it before, but it always makes me smile. :)

Mother's Day Poem

Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater.
If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby.
If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.
If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.
If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.
She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of shit.

HAPPY NSD weekend!!

2009-05-03T10:08:00.005-04:00

Tallyscrapper had a crop yesterday.. loads of challenges. fun stuff man. THEY know how to rock a crop. for reals.

I have a confession to make....

I haven't ENJOYED a crop this much in almost 2 years!!! The reason? Because I scrapped like a madwoman yesterday.. had friggin blast too man. LOVED it. Heck.. I even think hubby enjoyed ME doing it. sweet huh?

Here's everthing I accomplished:

and a lil close up:

I do love that phone.. swoon.

This challenge was so funny.. totally made me think of the trampoline static cling photos.

Finally got to use my RP and Glitz PP with the guitars.. cool!

little ATC card.. anyone wanna trade?

We had one hour to do this challenge:

close up:

and one hour to do this one:

it's nice having a scanner when I'm scrapping at night.

This is suppose to be for Mother's Day... but I'm thinking it fits best in the general 'I love yOu' category. ;O)

side view:

This card is going out to Alicia. hope you like it chicklet and can find a use for it!! A big thanks to TallyScrapper and it's DT members for providing gobs of inspiration, fun, and challenges for our creative sides. xoxo

Now.. what am I gonna do today?

WTH is wrong with me??

2009-04-24T20:35:00.005-04:00

I'm letting this year pass me by.

Last time I looked it was two weeks before Easter... now it's two weeks AFTER Easter.
My DD's band trip is already upon us. Something that was discussed the first week of the new school year. AND here it is. *sigh*

Katelyn left yesterday around 4:30pm to head to Gatlinburg.
I shipped her off with a go phone and two disposable cameras. Here's hoping I actually get to speak to her tonight AND that she comes home Saturday night with LOTS of photos.

I heard this song on Pinky's rallyboard and it really made me thought about LIFE.
I haven't really been living life this year. Haven't really been documenting much of ours either.

Sad.
Why not??

Now.. I'm off for the mini crop at tallyscrapper tonight.

Oh yeah.. Pinky, answer the phone woman!!!

Happy Easter!!

2009-04-12T08:48:00.002-04:00

I DO remember how to sign in. *giggle*

Funny how I can spend time on this computer and NOT make it over here to update.. especially since I DO think about blogging quite often. I guess it's the rebel in me.

So yeah, happy easter! Isn't Samantha cute peeking from behind the eggs? One of my Favorite shots from egg dyeing yesterday! Here's another cute one.. I have a close up of his messy lil hands to match his messy lil face over @ flickr.

Miss Katelyn is over at a friends house this morning. My stomach and my heart can't handle she's NOT here Easter morning. I feel a lil sick actually. If Sam W has a birthday party sleepover next year on Easter.. you are not going Miss K... even if she is your BFF. ;o)

I'm thankful for my family.
my hubby
my children
MY bff!
my Iphone. (loveeeeeee it.. lots)

Hope your time with family is wonderful today, and always.

Happy Birthday Samantha!!

2009-03-09T22:17:00.005-04:00

Awwwww
Isn't it funny, that after all the years that go by, you can still remember what you bring your children home in clothing-wise? Samantha was bundled up in this amazing little pretty pink dress. While she was in the hospital, her cheeks and face turned bright red because of the scratchy blankies they used in the nursery. Her skin and color were perfect when she was born.

We also had to keep her little hands covered for a week or so after birth, because she would scratch at her face when she was hungry. Such a little demanding darling. If I breathe in deep enough, I can recall how sweet and new she smelled. Now the lil cutie is four!

She insisted on having a Wally cake for her birthday. She even chose the border color for her cake. When I went to the party store to look for balloons, they were out of the larger Wally character balloon. A good thing Doug had asked her what she wanted in case there was no Wally stuff there (we found Wally cups.. lol) and she said anything with Princesses. Well, you know they are usually in abundance, so I had plenty to choose from balloon-wise. I found the cutest little Princess singing balloon. It sang Happy Birthday. Perfect! We ate dinner of homemade mac and ravioli (Sam's request) then we opened up presents before we had cake. This was one of my favorite photos of the night.. just check out that smile. It says it all. (It's a Wally laptop)

My mom almost ruined Samantha's special day. Just thinking of it still pisses me off. To make a long story short... Samantha and Ooxie were on the deck. Sam was trying to pick Ooxie up and Ooxie was trying to get away from her. Oox fell in the pool, Doug rescued her, and Ooxie proceeded to run like a crazy dog all over the place. Oox bounded up the stairs, did a circle around the sunroom, and ran across my mother while she was sitting on the couch. She immediately yelled at Samantha telling her something like, "Now I'm really gonna beat your ass, Sam!! Grandma is mad at you for getting me wet!" Samantha's face fell, she ran into her room and shut herself in her closet crying. Ugh. All this happened while I was out picking up her cake and getting party balloons. To make it worse, my mom was being such a bitch to where when Doug was telling her she shouldn't treat the birthday girl that way, she still would not make up with Samantha. She didn't say she was sorry or anything. I'm still pissed at her and haven't spoke with her since the party. Oh.. and that sweet singing Princess balloon Samantha fell in LOVE with... the balloon that cheered her up after crying for 20 minutes.. yeah. it popped that night. :( Anyway, we're going to take Samantha out this weekend to help make up for some of the UNhappy bits of her birthday. We love you lil one!

Happy Birthday Cameron!

2009-02-20T22:55:00.004-05:00

Today my little man turned three!
It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital in his Baseball outfit which was much too large on his 7lb 10oz little body. OMG he is soooo cute!!!

How he has grown.

Cameron is infatuated with ANYTHING Thomas the Train. He had a cute little TTT cake, party hats, and balloons.

We invited three of his cousins over for a sleepover.. which he LOVED... just when it came to the sleeping part.. he didn't do much of that. We tried letting them go to sleep watching Wally on the tv... Eventually, we had to put Cameron in his own bed, because he kept turning on the sunroom light, and playing with his new Emily train..... he begged and begged to have that for his birthday. I'm surprised he didn't try taking Emily to his bed to sleep with her. lol

Can't believe my little guy is now three!!! For the next 17 days, Samantha and Cameron will be the same age... I just love that. :)

Tally goodness

2009-02-16T08:14:00.005-05:00

Well, Shirls did it. She created an uber gorgeous kit that sold out in just a few hours!
I cranked out 4 layouts with it yesterday, and have plenty more to play with today. Yes, I am scrappin' baby! It's been about 3 weeks since I had touched paper & glue. (valentines day cards don't count folks... lol)

These next two are in a ring bound album for my TMIR (Tally Month IN Review) where we document each months worth of photos. I LOVE that star embellie... can't remember who makes it right now, but it's wicked COOL. And that cream & black damask paper. yeah, it's flocked. LOVE it!

Jump

Good

Sweet Valentine

That lacy paper above is from Creative Imaginations.. LOVE it. So many wonderful elements in this kit.. I almost wish I had purchased another one before they sold out. Link me up once you get your kit so I can see your smashing work!

My desk is a mess, so I'm going to clean it up and start to scrappin' again.
xoxo

Feels like spring

2009-02-13T21:37:00.003-05:00

The last few days here in Virginia have felt like Springtime. We've been going outside most every day except for one day where the wind was gusting up to 60mph. We went and ate lunch with Doug at work. The kids love doing that, but I think Doug likes it more. ;) When we came home and were getting out of the car, I noticed a touch of yellow near the lamp post. Sure enough, it was a flower bloomed. A buttercup? Lovely.

Samantha, Cameron, and I cut out hearts with my cricut expression today. Man, that sucker is quick cutting out stuff like that. Anyways, we proceeded to color the hearts, stamp on them, add stickers, and glitter those babies up. I believe I'll be wearing glitter for a month. Cameron tipped over the tray we were using to hold the glitter (on purpose, ugh!) and bam. Glitter everywhere!

It was still a little breezy today, making it feel chilly, but outside we went again. Must enjoy the weather while it's nice! Especially since the kids have been cooped up all winter. We had a little bit of static cling going on. ;)

Isn't that hysterical? lol

Super shot of Katelyn flying high on the tramp.

I'm so thankful that our Friday the 13th was uneventful... LJ, thinking of ya babe!

I received my tallyscrapper kit today. OH ME GEE! It's Luscious. Loverly. And it's all mine! YAY.. I get to scrap tomorrow! Happy Hearts day to all!
XOXO

trust issues

2009-02-07T13:23:00.003-05:00

So, we've been allowing Katelyn to have an internet persona.

We've helped her create an account online that we're apart of. We've allowed her access to things like playlist.com because music is becoming a big part of her life. In all this, we have been using family safety from live.com - we can block or allow a lot of things from downloading to seeing photos on websites. Her computer is in the front room with mine and Doug's. We can look over at anytime and see where she's at online. I mean, the child is 5 feet away from both of us.

Today, we log into family safety to allow something she's asked for, and notice other things she's been up to. She's downloaded and installed limeware. We just had a discussion about how risky that program is, and why it's not allowed a couple weeks ago when her best friend spent the night. She had created a myspace account, which she knows is not allowed. She's just being plain sneaky and hiding things from us. Right now I'm not mad at her, I'm hurt because we placed our trust in her, and she abused it. sigh. It really sucks not being able to trust her.

Doug is cleaning up her computer right now. For sure they will be time off the computer for her lying and hiding stuff. I think a certain amount of time allowed on the computer a day will be enforced.... sigh sigh sigh I'm also quite upset with myself for not having checked the family safety site just to "check up" on her. I feel like a crappy parent right about now.

random shiny thoughts

2009-02-06T19:48:00.003-05:00

How sweet is this background huh?
I decided to see if I could figure out how to make my own this afternoon. I walked away from it twice, but happy with the end result. Thanks for the tips Melissa!

Doug is sick with a head-cold or sinus infection, we're not sure which at this point, but I know 12 hours later, I'm starting to feel 'something' coming on. I'm about ready to curl up in bed with Kahlin and Richard and get lost in a truly cool fantasy world. (Sword of Truth) I weighed in on Thursday, only lost like .2 on the scale... I knew I wouldn't do so hot because I'm not really trying to eat healthy this week. I better get my ass in gear or it will be the same or WORSE next week.

Oh yeah, I have this sudden curiosity with Genealogy lately thanks to Melissa. She has some great news in this department.. we need her to update her blog with the good news. :) Anyways, she found a passenger list from where my grandmother & my mother left Germany and arrived in New York in 1955. Wicked as hell people. I really would love to learn more about researching our lines. I'm suppose to go to my moms tomorrow to see where the genealogy papers my Great Grandfather are that he gave her. The Ruegseggers I believe are linked back to Sweden. So I know I have part Hungarian and Swede running through my blood. ;)

I have three blinkies to make. I had gotten started on two of them last night, then the freakin' power blinked and I lost my work. Now I have to start from scratch again. Maybe I can bang those babies out tomorrow.

Happy Hoppy Friday!
xoxo

no regrets now...

2009-02-04T10:35:00.004-05:00

thanks to my homeskillet Melissa.

About a year ago on Tally we had a challenge to scrapbook a layout using the phrase, "She just had this way of brightening the day." Instantly it made me think of my child hood best friend, Melanie. We lost touch after her dad moved them to Georgia. I've thought about Melanie and her dad a lot over the last 15 years, and how I missed them both.

While I was chatting with Melissa yesterday, I mentioned something about Melanie. She asked me a few questions and she was off on a search to find Mel for me. I don't know HOW quick she found Melanie, but she DID! By 3:45 yesterday, I was chatting it up with my best friend. We stayed on the phone for hours. I could almost cry thinking about it now. A*MAZ*ing. It's one of the best gifts I've ever been given. So, a big shout out to Melissa for finding Melanie & her dad for me.... you are one helluva good friend, Melissa, and I'll always treasure this gift you've given me. I'm pretty sure the Smurf glasses are insufficient now. ;o)

I know now it's true.. it's never too late to find someone and establish contact.

gah... Superbowl

2009-02-03T09:46:00.004-05:00

So, each year we only watch ONE football game of the year, that's the Superbowl baby. Doug and I take turns each year picking which team we are going to root for, the other person is then stuck rooting for the opposing team. Then the kids choose which team their going to be on, mama's or daddy's. Doug chose the Steelers and I was stuck with the Cardinals. I'm a big fan of underdogs, and considering it was the Cards first time at the Superbowl, I genuinely wanted them to take the win!!! Samantha & Cameron were on my team, Katelyn chose daddy's.

We spent time at my moms house Sunday morning, then we went to Sam's to pick up some food for the day. We put out goodies and start grazing from 4pm until bedtime. We had a veggie tray, jalepeno poppers, a cheese/sausage tray, pizza, chips, salsa... I regret not having a fruit tray, I think I would have snacked on that alone. As it is, I probably 3gazillion calories Sunday.

Two and half minutes left in the game and my team scored a touch down.. I thought for SURE the Cardinals would be taking home a win.... super bummer. I mean, it's great the Steelers made history with 6 wins.. but, like I said, I am all for the underdogs. Maybe I'll win next year ;)

so Thankful

2009-01-30T16:42:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful to have had a position on Tally for almost a year as a permanant design team member. I feel as though I haven't given enough in the last 10 months. I'm SO thankful for Christine telling me my time is almost up. I've already declared 2009 as my year - it's ok.. you can declare it as well... ;-) and if I had the responsibilities of it in my hands I'm going to either fail myself or the wonderful Tally. I'd rather not fail either, so this change in position comes at a great time.

A fresh energy, an innovative person at the helm with two other super women is what Tally needs. I have a lot to do this year. I am stopping smoking. I am eating healthy. I am exercising. (or will be) I am becoming a better parent. A better role model. A better wife. A better daughter. I am not sad (ok, I'm a little sad....lol) I am thankful. Thank you for everything C baby! mwah!

I know plenty of women who would work well, and go above and beyond for Christine & Nerd at TallyScrapper, and if you think you're up for the job, take a look here.

week three

2009-01-29T10:48:00.002-05:00

I lost 2 pounds this week, bringing me to 5.2 gone.
Seems kinda puny compared to the Biggest Loser show. then again I don't have Jillian spanking my ass in the 24/7 gym either! I started posting on the WW message boards, hoping to find some idea for meals and stuff there. Apparently, I am suppose to be planning my meals in advance. argh. Planning is the key to success, so I will do that today!

We finally took the leap and threw away all the sippies the other day too. Samantha & Cameron have been using cups with a straw for a couple months now. If they didn't use the straw, they would have permanent red mustaches... totally not cute as a 24/7 look. Seriously. lol

When we through them in the trash Sam & Cam protested... Noooooooo! All is well now, out of sight, out of mind. Too bad throwing cigarettes out of your life for good couldn't be as easy.
Doug and I are still smoking between 3-5 cigarettes a day. The bad thing is, we can go 10 hours, the stretch of the main day without smoking... by the time Doug comes home, we rush to the shop to smoke one. I get a buzz like nobodies business smoking that one. I'll get the balls soon to just say the hell with it, and stop for good. Waiting to grow a pair though. I WILL do it.

Yesterday we had a layer of ice coating plants and cars.. the roads looked great though. Isn't it pretty?
Have a rockin' cool thursday!
xoxo

the power of thought

2009-01-27T10:28:00.002-05:00

I had wrote an entirely different post this morning, but decided since it is technically spilling the beans, that I shouldn't post it quite yet. So I have saved it in draft form, and will publish it once the bean container has been knocked over.

Today is rainy, with a chance of freezing rain around 2pm today, when the temperature will drop below 32° - it matches my mood wonderfully. I'm a little nervous, a little melancholy, and have taken a lot for granted in the last few years. My friends, my responsibilities, my health, my family, and myself.

I knew 2009 would be vastly different from previous years and resolutions. I just didn't realize HOW much it would be. I'm happy God works his ways through others... in doing so, I find I will be getting what I need as well, and although I'm slightly sad, I'm deeply appreciative as well. It's what I need. I realize most of this is cryptic. Sometimes that's how I need to do things to 'get it all out'. This post will make sense in a day or two.

On a completely lighter note I plan on scrapping in a few minutes. I have these two cute photos of Ooxie already printed, and I've been anxious to get them on paper. Now that the laundry is caught up, I can ;) Hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

xoxo

weekends over huh?

2009-01-26T10:31:00.005-05:00

Too bad really. For weekends, this was a really nice one. We shut off our phone, spent time with the kids, lounging in bed with the hubby, watching movies together... scrubbing the kitchen floor, the wall near the trash can, the kitchen door, scrubbing around the molding and all the nooks in crannies.. ok, so even though I hated the last part, I'm glad it's done. Something about doing that makes the kitchen feel nicer, yanno?

Miss Bella Ooxie has been naughty lately... chewing up Samantha's barbies. Not the whole Barbie. No. Ooxie has specific taste when it comes to chewing on Barb's bod. It's called her feet. WTH? So, we've been encouraging Samantha to keep her barbies in the dollhouse when she's not playing with them. Sometimes we don't get them all put away... then BAM, Ooxie is on them like a fly on.. well, you know. At this rate, I think Samantha will need more Barbies by March. Mattel should like us at any rate.

I haven't touched scrappy supplies in several days so I cranked out my art journal card. IF you haven't joined in anything like this.. you should, it's very therapeutic.. fun to get all messy and creative with your supplies. This weeks letter is B, the word is BECAUSE.

(click on it to see it larger)

Oh, and Doug. Thank you for the watercolor pencils.. I love them!!

Interview with Melissa

2009-01-22T11:27:00.005-05:00

Melissa was never highlighted during her design team term....that makes me sad, so I wanted to show off her interview here. She's warm, funny, and so easy to talk with. I was looking in your gallery more closely, and right off the bat, I believe you and Minda are kindred when it comes to the written word = journaling. LOVE all your wordy layouts.. so refreshing to see! I don't even know what Cavil means... I need to look it up. What's that fav curse word? huh?

Have something you want to know more about, ask her below in the comments section!

What do you and one other TallyScrapper have in common? Who is that Tally Scrapper? Minda said we have a lot in common in a comment on one of my layouts, but didn’t say what. Christi and I are both addicted to coffee. Leah and I have both found unique ways (accidentally) to use scrapbooking items (not elaborating on either method though) Sorry. That was more than one……

What sound or noise do you love? Nature noises. Animals, water, breeze, crickets, birds….. I’m pretty much easy to please on that one. hate? Potato chip bags when someone puts there hand in one. Can’t stand it. If you do it in front of me, I will take the bag and dump the chips into a bowl.

What are you embarrassed to admit you like? I can’t believe I’m confessing this? Bee Gees, Barry Manilow and Neil Diamond. I have a big collection of 80’s music. I still like 80’s fashion. I think Barry Manilow is sexy.

Do you have any collections? Pigs, printer trays, coffee themed stuff, funky earrings, Wizard of Oz, Vintage Coca-Cola Stuff, logoed pens, serving dishes and books. My prized book in the collection is a first printing, first edition of To Kill a Mockingbird.

What is your favorite color? Pink. I look forward to Breast Cancer Awareness Month so I can buy more pink stuff. The best part is my purchases are also for a good cause.

What was the one thing/ or person that influenced you to want to scrap or make cards? There are so many photos in the family collection that we can’t identify. Years from now I want people to know who was in the photos and know about the person.

Is there anything you've lost and still miss? My high school yearbooks. I was editor my senior year. I had a basement flood and they were destroyed.

What is your favorite word? I love words and like to read the dictionary. My favorite word is cavil. It has been for a long time.

Do you have a household brand you are very loyal to? Hubby is very loyal to Coca-Cola. I’m a root beer drinker and it has to be in a glass bottle. Beyond that, I’m loyal to organic over brand name.

Name a food in your house you never run out of. Drinks mainly. Coffee, Coke and root beer. I also always seem to have cereal and Fruit. I love fruit!

What is your favorite curse word? I can’t tell you that here.

Name something you take with you wherever you go. My camera and pens.

What is your favorite movie? I prefer the book to the movie. There are a FEW times I think they did a good job on the movie. Fave movies though would be Wizard of Oz, Christmas movies, Disney and other animated movies and anything with John Travolta or Sam Elliot. Those are good on hotness factor alone.

What is your favorite organization tip? I keep all of my stamps and ribbons in CD cases. Everything in my scraproom is labeled and visible. If it’s not, I forget I have it.

Any hobbies other than scrap booking? Reading, genealogy, photography and cooking. I do the genealogy for a living but it’s sort of like a hobby I get paid for.

What is one thing you wish you could throw away? Soup. I don’t like anything about soup. Hubby eats it and I do when I’m sick. I view it like my mother views castor oil.

What is something you sleep with every night? Hubby and three pillows.

What do you hate to clean? The house. I really do. I like doing dishes though.

What do you hide when people visit? Hubby’s tools. It’s been worse since he started his own business.

Leave Melissa some love on her rallyboard or her projects!!

Crikey... gimme some tally rope please!!

2009-01-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

I am completely, totally, JONESIN for some Tally time!!
Woke up this morning to no TallyScrapper. I thought I would be able to just pass the day quietly playing mob wars on facebook. No can do. I miss seeing the layouts, pointing them, catching up on the message board.. eeks!! Come on GoDaddy.. get your shit together and give us back our website!

I might as well blog, right?
I am uploading my photos from the last 12 days for my photo a day.
I've only missed 2 out of 18.. pretty good for me!
Check out my lil drama queen.

I don't remember what she was upset about.. but this face was priceless. She's actually the child that will cry boohoohooohoohoooooo. ;)
I also had time to scrap earlier this morning. LOVE the graphic45 paper from January's Tallyscrapper kit. yum.

Have a happy day... and please send SNOW to Roanoke!!
xoxo

sigh, sweet avoidance

2009-01-15T14:44:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's true. I haven't blogged since November 21st 2008. I've thought of it at LEAST 3 times a week. The fact of the matter is, I've been procrastinating. I have error in my code I believe, with a widget or something... which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to edit the layout of my blog... which leaves me feeling frustrated. I am "this close" to trashing the code and starting over from scratch. Sometimes, you just have to. Not today though. Today, I am fighting passed that frustration and here to show off something special.... the January kit from TallyScrapper.

Hello PLAYTIME.

Patterned paper:
1 sheet of Graphic 45 Hey You paper
1 sheet of Graphic 45 Hopscotch paper
1 sheet of Graphic 45 I Think I Can paper
1 sheet of Basic Grey Nonchalant paper
1 sheet of Bling Blang We R Memory Keepers paper
1 sheet of Pebbles Just Married Brocade paper
1 sheet of Heidi Swapp Old Linen paper
1 sheet of Graphic 45 Hip to the Jive paper
1 sheet of Graphic 45 Childs Play paper
1 sheet of Dream Street Papers Spotty paper
1 sheet of SEI Susa paper

1 sheet of Bazzill Brown Cardstock
1 package of SEI Windsor die-cuts
9 Maya Road Brown&Cream tickets
1 package of Prima's Orange Lollipop flowers
1 package of Prima's Pebbles
1 yard of Maya Road Ribbon
1 yard of Orange Tulle
1 package of Making Memories Silver Alphas
1 sheet of Pebbles Legacy Stickers

ALL that for a super low price $20.99

I have more layouts in mind using this kit that I'll be scrapping over the next week or so. I think next, I'll be focusing on fixing this blog. :)