Beautiful Scraps

Mario in my house

2011-10-02T00:25:00.000-04:00

After what seems like forever, we are finally settling into the new house. It was quite an experience to say the least.

I'll show you Blakes room first. He chose Super Mario themed. I'm not a huge fan of themed rooms, but I like to see my kiddos happy. It is their room after all. Blake's wall paint is from Glidden, called Clear Blue Sky. The vinyl removable re-positionable stickers came from Think geek. They are super cool and really makes him room.

New Address :)

2011-07-10T21:55:00.010-04:00

Good News to report....they accepted our first offer and gave us $4k toward closing. Somewhere around the middle of August we will be moving to our new house!

The inspection went good with only a couple of very minor things reported. Now we are waiting for the appraisal from the VA, then we're good to move forward to closing.

The boys and I are very anxious about this space. Our new playroom/craft area. We are going to share this space for awhile, until we can finish the basement. Then dads radio room is moving downstairs. My craft room, will move into the 4th bedroom. Its located on the other side wall with the map photo, so I will still be close by. This will give the boys the whole space for playing.

making an offer

2011-06-20T00:42:00.004-04:00

We have decided to make an offer on the house. Sherri, our agent, is drawing up the paperwork for tomorrow. I'm excited and a bit nervous. I really like this house. Its the style I like, the layout is good, and it has a huge soaking tub for relaxing bubble baths. The most important part though, this house has space. Two adults, two kids and a dog living in 800 square feet is like living in a sardine can. Its crowded, things get messy, and that leaves no room, or time for the fun stuff.

On a trip to Ikea, a few weeks ago I bought my first piece of art for my new craft space. I'm going with a red, aqua blue and black color scheme with touches of lemon yellow. So looking forward to moving, so I can get back to scrapbooking. It's great stress relief.

Other news, Can you believe in less than 3 weeks this little man will be THE BIG ONE YEAR OLD. Where did the year go?

Ooops its June...

2011-06-19T00:05:00.005-04:00

Where have I been? Well really nowhere. Busy working and being mommy. Going from one child to two really is alot of work.

We have spent the last few months house hunting. Oh my I never realized how hard work it really is.... I mean wow. Does the perfect house exist? Or do most people simply get tired of looking and settle on something.

This house was nice.
But it went into multiple offers.
Not in this market!!

LOVE house
Zero back yard, literally a cliff
so no playset, no happy kids.

This pretty house has some extremely loud
partying folks behind it.

This was a beautiful house but lacked the
scrap ehh I mean spare rooms we need.

Great yard for playing but
again no extra spaces.

Cookie cutter very cramped neighborhood.
Beautiful upgraded finish house,
thus nothing left to change.

Down a crappy long drive stuck in the woods. *scary*

And now to this lovely!!!
4 beds, LR, den and full basement...
I think we may make an offer!

Happy father's Day everyone.
Wish you luck with house hunting.

Yes sometimes the bank is wrong

2011-01-31T18:07:00.007-05:00

We're going back to Friday January 14th, when my troubles begin. My day is off to a good start, and its payday Friday. Work is happy. Paychecks are handed out and its my first time receiving a real paper check in a very long time. On my lunch break, I visit my local bank branch to deposit my check. I was in the process of switching my direct deposit over from my checking to my saving account. I split this particular check into two deposits, half in each account. Everything goes fine and I leave the bank with two deposit slips in hand, timestamped 12:35pm and 12:36pm. Notice I have made the 2 o'clock same day deposit credit cutoff. After returning to my car, as always I tuck my new deposit tickets into my rarely used checkbook, just in case.

Now it's Friday night, and I am home with the day coming to a close. I log into my accounts to check my deposits. I always do this, even with direct deposit. Actually I am crazy super pretty darn right ridiculous obsessive with my bank accounts and check them several times daily. They are credited as pending.

Saturday morning rolls around and I awake. A few hours pass and I log on to check my accounts. In reality, it's been less than 12 hours since I last checked, but like I said I'm obsessive. To my surprise my deposits have vanish......yes both of them. Not subtracted, deducted, spent, just simply vanished.

What do I do? I think ok its Saturday the system is updating and it will be back after it finishes. I didn't think too much about it. Sunday night after midnight I check again and still nothing. Monday is MLK day so bank holiday. Come Tuesday when I know all the system have finished processing for the weekend I call the 1 800 # for my bank. I tell the lady my deposits are gone from my account. They were there Friday night and now they are gone. She looks at my account and precedes to tell me they are no proof of a deposit on my account from Friday the 14th. I tell her I know that what Im trying to tell you the reason I'm calling. She again tells me she has no "evidence of a deposit" well this kinda irritates me bc now I feel like she thinks I'm trying to steal money. I say "hold on let me get my deposit tickets from my purse." Now I probably did say that kind harsh, and snappy. I stand up from my chair to get my purse down, from the top of my computer (I would use the fancy A word but I can't spell it) cabinet. The lady tells me She is hanging up on me now. WHAT! What kind of customer service is that? Yes I know I responded snappy and probably not in the nicest tones, but she was talking to me like I was a thief. Of course, now I am steaming mad at this lady and the bank. My money is missing, its been 5 days already and your customer service was so rude. I tell her and yes this is a quote "Hang up on me, I'll just call back Biaaaatch."

Since I don't treat people like this, it gets my husband attention. He insist on calling back. Eventually after almost an hour on the phone with them to no avail as where my money went, they take my information from my deposit tickets. I am told, "if I am correct in the matter, my money will be back in my account the next day or Thursday at the latest.

Wednesday comes and goes. Thursday also arrives and again at 2 pm credit time, there are no credit in my accounts. I call the 1-800 # again. I am told they are still researching it. Friday, I check my account on my lunch break (12 noon) and still nothing. I walk directly upstairs and get on the phone with the bank. After about 5 minutes of being on hold the lady says she sees my credit in my checking account. Its on top of my comcast payment. I know its not on there as I just looked at in literally minutes before I called. The only credit I seen is a $31 refund from Home Depot. I said Ok. I walk down stairs log back into the same computer, and there is my credit in my account. Great thats one, but where is my $400 from my saving deposit.

Again I call the bank back. This time I am told the lady that took the report did not write a ticket for the savings account. I respond yes she did. The person I spoke with mere minutes ago read both transactions in the notes. I know its on there.

I am told they will have to research it now. Do I want to turn in a ticket for that one too? Well Yes. Again I am todl If Im correct, I can expect my money in 7-10 business days. Since my deposit was made to a savings account this time, its not a priority and takes longer. So now an entire week has passed, and I have half of my money back. On Tuesday, we stop by the local branch and speak with the branch manager. He looks at original deposit tickets, which are now filled with Reference #'s and gets on the phone. He assures me, my money will credit that night and be available in the morning. Stating the original problem was bc my husbands name was not on the savings account so the deposits did not go through. OK, the check was in MY name ONLY. Now that would make totally since if the check was in his name and I was trying to deposit to my account. The reverse, I think NOT. Thankfully, come morning my money was back after 12 days.

PLEASE KEEP your deposit tickets from your bank. They told me if I did not have those I probably would NOT have gotten my money back. The had no system "evidence" at all. I'm wondering how many other people this happened too on Friday January 14th.

In conclusion, I am extremely irritated with this bank. To treat a customer with such disregard, is uncalled for, especially when said customers have 5 figures in your bank. And in case you are wondering, we open new accounts this weekend at a new bank. So long Wells Fargo. I could never imagine being treated like this with Wachovia, before this lets mess everything up merge happened.

Today, I receive this in the mail.

Sir Topham Hatt

2011-01-27T17:17:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited to be scrapping again.
This LO was made from my scrap drawer.
I love what something pretty happens
from something you otherwise didn't think
you would use again.

These photos were taken when
we visited Thomas for Blake's
2nd birthday. He really enjoyed this trip.

Snowed!

2011-01-12T12:58:00.001-05:00

We are snowed it.
It's pretty but boring!

Three days and counting.
I'm suppose to go back
to work tomorrow.
We will see.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T22:26:00.008-05:00

Christmas has came and gone and here's the proof.

its christmas

2010-12-20T23:57:00.007-05:00

December is always a busy month for us. Therefore no time for crafts. Instead I've been "learning" to operate my new camera. LOVE at first touch....for sure!!! Its not like your studio photography camera (most of those use the Canon 40D and they are set to fully auto) or the point and click so needless to say, this is taking time. I'm slowing getting there.

As promised in my last post, here is out tree this year. I found it extremely fitting with a house full of boys.

Did you visit Santa this year. Of course, we had too. Blake was excited to go, until we got there. When he seen Santa sitting in his rocker, he was shy and timid. Maybe it was because we have been telling him Santa was watching him since Halloween. ;) Here is our lovely Santa photo. Bryson was too interested in the little ladies at a near by table to even realize a little man in a big red suit was holding him. lol

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful friends.

My tater tot

2010-12-05T23:59:00.003-05:00

I can't believe on Wednesday, this extremely adorable little blue eyed tater tot, will be 5 months old. He is growing so fast. This past Friday, he visited with his pediatrician for a healthy baby checkup. He is above average on all his stats. He weighs in at 16.1 pounds and is 27 1/4 inches tall. Thats 50-75% range for his weight, and above 95% for his height. Yay!

Holiday Magic

2010-11-30T02:10:00.004-05:00

This year was good. We enjoyed ourselves. The family gathered at my SIL house. We ate, we talked, and we danced. Thats right. It was fun. I won't post the videos for the sake of my dear families dignity. (OK well I might later on, but not today... they were warned.)

Later that evening my sister and her little family came over. They live in a tiny little town and drove down to wait for the madness shopping, aka Black Friday to begin. I snapped this photo of Mr. Landon. He is growing so fast. I can't believe he is already 9 months old, crawling, standing and even walking with the guide toys.

Can you believe its time for Santa?. I can't. I mean wow, where did the year go. It almost seems like I was pregnant just yesterday and they are no way little Bry is going on 5 months old. Really!

Blake and I decided to forgo digging out all the decorations. I am so over the red and gold scheme, as we've had it for 7 years now. We off to store we go. With Blake's help, this year our tree is dressed in silver, white, silvery blue, brown with blue and white lights. Its so cute, and very suiting for a house of boys I must say. For that extra touch, I misted the branches with beautiful Santa snow. I love that stuff.

Love this new camera.!!!

Season Greetings
Cathy

Mr. Personality

2010-11-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello! Its a random one today.

My little guy is so alert and aware of whats going on. He has been since he was born. He is constantly looking around. So much so that he turns his head back and forth about every 10 seconds. He doesn't miss anything. Blake will tell you his brother is funny and happy and oh how he is right. We are extremely lucky, Bryson is happy 99.5% of the time. He only cries when he is hungry or poopie (hates this one). Bry is going to be Mr. Personality if he continues. He is only 3 months old here, but check out this little camera king.

I love having 2 funny, handsome, little boys to hug, cuddle, snuggle, kiss, and squeeze on.

My Spidey Pea

2010-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Halloween was alot of fun this year. We took Blake to the mall. He had a blast. He loved saying Trick or treat, and following the crowd around the circle. It went super fast. About an hour later, his bucket was half full. They were three more wings to go, but he had more than enough candy. (Yes I am one of those moms that doesn't allow their kiddos to pig out on candy, not even on Halloween)

Blake chose his own costume this year. I so wanted him to be one of the ninja turtles but he didn't agree. So Spiderman again, but he does make a handsome little spidey, and we already had that bucket from 08.

Bryson was a little pea in a pod this year. Which totally fits him. He is so much like Blake was at this age, its ridiculous. Looks like I got my cookie cutter kiddos like I hoped for.

I can't wait to scrap these holiday photos. I love them both.

Take Care and Be Safe.

Super excited new owner of.....

2010-11-15T00:05:00.006-05:00

.
.
.
.

.......this baby. Canon 60D. Its taken me sooooo long to decide what to get. Nikon or Canon, canon or Nikon, then it was which model. The rebel or D7000. Ultimately, we bought this Canon bc of the 18 MP, wireless remote and pivotal screen. I've had a Canon Powershot A series for over 5 years. It's been dropped at least 50 times, and takes Blake's abused pretty well, plus it survived a year in the horrid sand of Iraq. I can't wait to get started. Now all I need is Canon 60D for Dummies.

Pumpkins

2010-11-14T18:00:00.000-05:00

October was a busy month. They were a couple of things we couldn't find the time to squeeze in like the Tanya Tucker concert or the local fair. We did find time to visited the Pumpkin Farm. I love those places. I love the colors of fall. Burnt oranges, gold, plums, reds, and greens... Beautiful!

Awake, Dressed and Ready!

On the Hayride

Bryson and Landon

Blake tried to pick
so many of them up
LOL

Brandon, Landon, sis Connie

My Boys

Mr. Lando

Seeking Help

2010-11-12T23:03:00.003-05:00

After a recent portrait session, which lasted over an hour and resulted in ok photos, I came to this conclusion. "Professional portraits" are so expensive, why spend that kind of money year after year. So I think its time I go ahead and buy a nice camera. I've thought about it for years, yet always chose to spend big money like on someone else. Now as I see Blake growing before my eyes, I'm desperate to hold on to that last bit of baby in him. Annnd of course get thousands of totally precious little toothless adorable photos of Bry. Now that leads me to problem one. I'm not sure which one is the best choice. Canon or Nikon. I've never owned a Nikon and know nothing about them. I've narrowed it down to these two. Any reviews, opinions or advice for me.

Nikon D7000

Canon Rebel T2i

break

2010-11-07T13:22:00.002-05:00

I'm taking a break!!!

HBday Pencil Lines

2010-10-20T22:32:00.002-04:00

Pencil Lines is celebrating their 4th year. YAY. I loooooove to look at each new sketch and everyones take on it. I thought I would play along. I choose sketch 108, which was chosen by Karola.

What a week

2010-09-23T23:54:00.002-04:00

Its been a tough week for my extended family. My cousin Keith was in a motorcycle accident that has left him in bad shape. A truck towing a camper cross the line and side swiped him. It injured his leg badly. A piece of bone never made it to the hospital and now they are going to have to graph a piece to fill in. Well that is if the 2nd attempt to graph muscle and skin takes. The first was a no go and tomorrow morning they will know if the second attempt works. If not they will try a third time and if that does not work they will have to amputate his leg. We are hoping it doesn't come to that, but its not looking very good at the moment. This is his second motorcycle accident involving the same leg.

Tonight my SIL 10 month old baby MyKyla, stopped breathing out of nowhere. She is currently at the ER and they trying to figure it out. Seems so strange as I was holding the little ones around 3:00 today and by 7 she is not breathing. Oh my gosh! This is the very reason I am so timid around babies and will not keep anyones infant until the are at least 2 years old, nor does anyone keep mine. I am the epiphany of over protective when it comes to my boys.

Wishing everyone in blog land a very happy and safe Friday.
:)

Next Sketch

2010-09-17T09:01:00.000-04:00

It's Friday! But no yay for me. I have to work tomorrow. I went back to work 3 days a week M-W-F but I have to work every 3rd Saturday now. After all I was the only person left that did not work Saturdays. Not sure how I manged see long.

First let me tell you what Blake said tonight.

I was sitting at the computer looking into beading. (I'm thinking about giving it at try)
Blake climbs into my lap

Blake "Mommy lets have fun"
Me "okay what do you want to do"
Blake stands up on my laps and starts dancing and laughing
Next I hear the Thomas theme song start playing

Blake "Thomas coming on Thomas coming on and jumps down"
Me "Where you going I thought we were coming to have fun"
Blake no response, just dirty look

So here is the next sketch I want to share with you. I made this for my pregnancy photo with Blake. I intended to use a full body shot in the larger spot and 2 belly only shots below. As always that never happened. Maybe I will do so now. Feel free to use it if you like, and share with me if you want too.

Happy Friday gals.
Be safe and creative!

shiny new sketches

2010-09-14T09:05:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm posting two of those

sketches, I mention a few days ago.

I can't recall what photos
I planned to use with this one.
I never used the sketch myself,
but I still like it. I love the line of ribbons
on here and the lolly flowers.

This sketch started out as
Blakes first time in Time Out LO.
The LO slipped a little off course,
and I love them both.

Here is what I did with the sketch.
I love the pointy frame on here.
I think I need to revisit that
shaped in an upcoming LO.

Hope I was able to inspire you today.
Stay tuned later in the week for the next one.

everything old is new again

2010-09-13T10:00:00.004-04:00

To date this is my favorite photo
of the boys. Paired with a
Jennifer Fox digital kit, and the

results a totally awesome new Desktop.Digital
designs is perfect for this. If you don't already do
this, so give it a try. You will love it.

So while blog hopping the other day, I found this really cute cute idea for all those kids tee that you just love, but they grow out of so quickly. All you crafty mommas Go here. Everyone else go too, they are tons of re-purposing idea, sewing tips, and decor.

I'm thinking about posting a few of my sketches on here next week. I like to sketch when I have the perfect photo, but the not so perfect paper to work with. I then work on a sketch and store it away in my PC's brain with a specific paper line in mind, only to never look at again.

Woodgrain is still fab

2010-09-12T10:12:00.003-04:00

I think I have developed an obsession for Kraft paper. It's my go to starting point now. Do you use it? Do you like it? Today, I am sharing a LO that features Blake and his cousin Landon. I loved this Sass line. I used 90% of these papers. Love love love this melody paper PP especially.

This is the first photo Blake took holding baby Landon. After I snapped these two, but was calling for someone to get him because he was too heavy. LOL It's not the perfect photo, but I love it just the same.

I must share these fabulous Woodgrain buttons I found on Etsy. You get 16 for only $2.50 and they come in 3 sizes. Here

:):):):):):) from Julie

2010-09-11T20:32:00.003-04:00

I just got back from checking the mail, and I find a happy package from Julie. She is so kind. I expected to find more bills in the mail, but instead I found this.

Thank you Julie. You made my day a little brighter. :):):):):):):) I can't wait to use those Burlap buttons, they look so fabulous.

challenge ad

2010-09-11T14:21:00.003-04:00

Amanda, one of the newest members of the SC design team issued her first challenge during the recent blog hop. It was a baby ad challenge. I played along and guess what I won. Yay. Here is my winning page.

Bad Fridays = Happy Saturdays

2010-09-07T23:02:00.007-04:00

How was your weekend? Myself, the babies and my mother spent Saturday shopping. I was on the hunt for a new everyday handbag bc Friday evening after I put a hole into the front bumper, of my new car, Blake spilt chocolate milk into my favorite zebra print purse. [ :( ]My shiny red car now has a child's fist size hole in the front bumper. Lets just say when you get use to driving a manual for many many years, going back to a automatic can be difficult. Short version I let the car roll into the car parked in front of me bc I forgot to put my car in park. Oppps! Actually it would have been soooooooooooo much worse, if it wasn't a truck with a trailer hitch on the back in front. Yep big tough metal trailor hitch equals hole in little plastic bumper. I'm over it, its just a car! Okay, Back to the bag, with all this, I felt the need to do a bit of retail therapy. I was on the search for this bag...... I love it. Its the Day dreamer from Juicy Couture.

But I couldn't find it anywhere. I was able to find this one

And this one too

But I could not find the beautiful Houndstooth anywhere. :(

What is a girl to do? When in doubt buy classic.
So let me introduce you to my new everyday bag.
Afterall, I figured after my friday evening and giving
Josh another child, a boy a that, I deserved to treat myself for a change.

I love this bag too. It's great. It has a classic, clean style and I love the all over print fabric. Only thing I would change, would be the handles. They would be better longer and a tiny bit thicker, but that's it. I must say I am noticing a pattern though. Blake's carseat, diaper bag and now my purse all has this brown on brown color scheme.

Scrapbook Challenges

2010-09-04T07:23:00.004-04:00

Remember Scrapbook Challenges? The group is still around and still strong. This weekend the 5th DT blog hop is going on.If you haven't already, Go to Pamela's Blog to get started. They are tons of prizes to win along your way so you don't want to miss out. If you have already done so, then maybe you are from the Hop On board. Regular member, like me now, can participate in the blog. So come over join the group, get involved and win some yummy goodies.

Lets get to the sketch for the Blog Hop.

Here is my fabulous LO. I really love how it turned out. Love this OA paper too.

Go to the Hop On section to see who is next on the list. If your not a member already, please join us today.

Happy Scrapping!
Cathy

Chloe Elizabeth....

2010-08-31T17:50:00.000-04:00

Her name always remind my of Emily Elizabeth from Clifford. Just thought I would throw that out there :) Who else loves Photoshop? It's probably my all time favorite program. I wanted to share a photo, I edited for one of my good friends of her daughter.

A girl can dream...

2010-08-28T19:12:00.006-04:00

This photo is absolutely amazing. Obviously, its staged but I love love love the hot pink pencil skirt and leopard carpet, and of course the wall of shoes. The little kiddo on the floor, sooooo precious. In my dream world, this is what I would wake up to everyday.

Photo credits: Douglas Friedman

Potty Baskets and Ipods!

2010-08-25T02:18:00.006-04:00

Funny little story to share tonight. Blake and I went to the grocery store tonight. While in there, I try to keep him entertained with questions and small talk. He likes to walk so he can get distracted with the cookies and other junk on the shelves. So today I was talking about Christmas, Santa, and presents. I ask him what he wants Santa to bring him for Christmas this year. He thinks about it for about a minute and then says a IPOD. (He means one of the Ipod touch that he dad has) What an Ipod. What happened to 3 year olds asking for wagons, cars, trucks, trains, and dinosaurs? I guess it really shows the times we are living in today.

I am also VERY happy to say I we are "almost" completely potty trained. Blake has refused and said I can't do it for months now. He would literally sit on the potty for 20 minutes, get down, ask for his diaper and as soon as it was on he would go pee. Follow by requesting another diaper. Bribery, why not. I come up with the fabulous idea of potty prize basket. I filled it with books, matchbox cars, little monster trucks, growing dinos, Pez dispensers, and other small toys.

I proceed to show Blake the basket and explain how it works, then I place it on top of the refrigerator. I placed his potty in the living room and told him when he when potty in there he would get a prize. OK Literally he went from "I can't do it" to going potty in his potty the rest of the night. He almost clean out the basket the first day. This was about a week ago now and we have only had one accident. Needless to say we moved to the sticker system today and he is just as excited about peeing. My question is now night time? How do you teach them that part of it?

He loves to play with his underwear now. lol

Yep still playing with them while he sits at his computer. Anyone with little kids this Fisher Price Cool School system is amazing. Blake has learned so much from this system.

And last I will share my Chuck E cheese layout with you. I used more nerdy bird from Sass. I really love the colors in this line. I hope you like it.

Easter Bunny has arrived

2010-08-24T00:45:00.003-04:00

Blake saw a bunny in the back yard a couple days ago and said look mom it's the Easter Bunny. This got me thinking about the Easter photos from earlier this year, that Ive tried to scrap several times already, without success. I tried several lines including BG green at heart, which I thought were the perfect colors for Easter, and the reason I bought the papers in the first place. The problem was the photo colors like the color of my couch, curtains, and Blake's Thomas PJ's. Looked awful I tell ya!!! While cleaning up my table and organizing my scrap drawer I came across Cosmo Crickets Joy Ride paper scraps. Light bulb moment: these colors are perfect, but bad theme. Thats when I came up with this title and in about 15 minutes this LO was finished. (believe me this must be a record for me) I must say I'm very happy with it.

I made the decision to give going back to work at try. I talked it over with the boss and he has agreed to let me work 3 days a week for now. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.... how cool is that? That means I keep a paycheck, we have extra spending money again, and the guy they hired to fill in for me doesn't lose his new job either. I start back to work on Monday. I'm hoping it works and I can continue to work, but we will see how it works out for Josh with the kiddos.

Off to catch up on some blogging buddies.....

It was nice knowing ya

2010-08-23T07:36:00.002-04:00

I was lucky enough this year to have the summer off. Never mind the fact I was 8 months pregnant, hot, and exhausted. In the RV business, everyone says I choose the perfect maternity time frame, and they could not be more correct. Going in and out of those closed up RV's in the 100+ Georgia temperatures can literally take your breathe away at times. And I'm not referring to their beautiful interiors either, but rather their 120+ degree furnace like heat ovens. That's one thing I didn't miss this summer at all. But all things come to and end, and this is my last week before returning to work next Monday!

Summer 2010 I will leave you a LO featuring American Crafts Heat Wave line and that terrific core colored cardstock. Yep it was nice knowing ya this year.

PS. If anyone spots a pair of white cheetah pumps anywhere send me a link.

Hugs Cathy

All board the Choo-Choooo

2010-08-19T03:21:00.006-04:00

That will be six dollars ma'am. You may be asking yourself if I've lost my mind about now. Well yes I have, but thats another post for another day. Six dollars is what it will cost you for a big smile on my ~~little~~ big guys face. It's this 3 minute bumpy ride, aboard this small but super incredibly cute choooo choooooo train. It circles the top floor, of our local mall every 10 minutes or so. We always have to ride every time we visit the mall. On this particular day, my sister and Landon meet us at the play area, which conveniently is located next to the boarding ~~station~~ sign. (clever huh, kids +train ride = $$) SO whats a scrappy mom to do, well of course ask the conductor to take a snapshot for her. Blake, cousin Landon and myself aboard the Cobb Express (not its official name but what I've dubbed it.)

easy as ABC

2010-08-17T02:24:00.005-04:00

Dear August! where has the year gone? Its steadily trucking along... and in case anyone is wondering, Christmas is 4 months away. Let's not think about that right now.

Life in the B home is pretty tiring right about now. I completely forget how exhausting getting up every 2-3 hours all night long can really be. I'm not complaining, I know Im lucky because thus far, Bry is an awesome baby. He is happy all the time, and only cries when he is hungry or poopie. Ha, he really gets angry with dirty pants.

Blake is still doing pretty good with him. He likes to lay with "Blake's baby" in the evenings and watch some Blake TV aka Nick or Sprout cartoons. This usually leads to NAP TIME like this.

Now on to the crafty side of things. Remember when Blake fell off the bed and scared the crap out of me?

After five months and a tube of Head Medicine, AKA Mederma for kids, here is what it looks like now.

Moving along, I am finally getting around to Easter photos. I bought Basic Grey's, green at heart line, but couldn't make it work. I have such a hard time with Holiday layouts...Christmas, Halloween, easter even birthday pages. They take me forever and I never really seem to love them. Not sure why either. I ended up mixing random papers and this is what I came up with. I even used some of my extremely hoarded favorite Pink Paislee alphas.

Last, I will share with you my 38 week belly shot, which I still can't believe I am posting online. I keep telling myself I've seen other baby belly's with alot more damage than mine.

Bryson is almost 6 weeks old now. That means on Wednesday my doctor will probably clear me to return to work. I'm having some major mixed feeling with this. I have a great job. Super easy, simple, and its one of those where I don't have any one breathing down my back all day. Then I also have a little one at home and this is time you can't get back. I'm not sure I want to go back to work and miss out on this time as I know from Blake, they grow so fast and before you know it this infant stage is gone. I'm not sure what to do?

Happy Tuesday Scrappers!!!

Bryson' birth plus photos

2010-08-03T19:27:00.007-04:00

We arrive at the Hospital around 2 am. I "think" Im having contractions, but I remember them hurting alot more the first time around, so I'm not really sure. I didn't want to be one of those that rushed to the hospital for gas pains. (yes, if you have never had a baby they feel like gas pains that come and go in the beginning) Upon arrival, my contraction were coming every 10 minutes then every 4 minutes back to 10 minutes back to 4 in that pattern. They started around 10pm. Lucky for me I went in (we started not to go bc I wasn't sure it was time) bc when they checked me I was at a 7. (they said an hour later and no pain meds.......WHEW good for me) They got me set up in my room and Blake was excited but didn't know what was going on. He wanted to sit with me, while we waited for Grandma Debbie (Josh's mom) to arrive.

He even got a hospital bracelet too. It was too cute. ( Sorry for the bad pic, Josh took it)

Now its about 3 hours later around 5am, and Blake finally fell asleep. It's about time!!! Now grandma can stay in the room, bc I didn't want Blake in there at delivery time. MIL goes to get them some snacks when I hear a "pop" it was my watering breaking on it own. It was cool, they broke it with Blake. I called the nurse to tell them, bc they were about to come in and break it for me.

Next my doc comes in at 7 to check me again and I was ready to go. She gets me ready and goes into the hall for some paper work, and tells the nurse to start practice pushes. She leaves the room the nurse begins. On the 2nd push the nurse says stops and says she doesn't want to catch this baby and goes and gets the nurse. I was surprised bc I though it was going to be harder than this. At this point with Blake, took an hour. A few minutes pass and she comes back with my doctor. We push again and once more and it was over. Bryson was born at 7:17am. He was 7 pounds 7 ounces, and 19 inches long. Blake was bigger at 7 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long.

They take him over and check him out. I kept telling Josh to go over pay attention to him, not me and make sure he was fine. This part didn't go so well with Blake, so I was expecting them to take him to the NICU unit at anytime. Blessed we were, bc he was perfect, and I could relax. This was something that was weighing on my mind the entire pregnancy.

Big brother Blake had slept through the entire process. When we woke him, to move into my room, the look oh his face was confusion and uncertainty. He wasn't sure what to think of his baby brother. I think he though he would be walking talking and ready to play Thomas like his cousins. He did give baby Bryson his first kiss, before he went home with grandma. He was so gentle.

I couldn't believe around noon that day they came in to take his hospital photo's. Really wow.

The rest of the day went great. My sister, Aunt Thelma, and FIL all came to visit him that afternoon. (I was disappointed my mother never came, but thats her choice. She didn't see him for 9 days. My dad still hasn't seen him.) Friday went great. Then finally came Saturday morning, and it was time to go home. I dressed him in his little brother outfit and we were off.

He wasn't so sure about this car seat thing. (He still doesn't really like to get in it, but he doesn't cry. ) Now we were in the car and on the way home.

When we arrived home, grandma was waiting with Blake. He spent Thursday and Friday being spoiled by grandma, and entertaining them with his charm. I missed him so much, while in the hospital. This was only the second time in 3 years he has spent the night away from us. Whay! I think this was a pretty good reason though. (I'm one of those who believes no one was watch my boys like I can.) Once we got inside, Blake wanted to hold him for the first time and give him kiss #2.

I'm really really surprised at how well he has adjusted to being a big brother. He tells Bry he loves him and gives him so many sweet little kiss. He likes to help with his diapers, bottles, baths. Maybe even a tiny bit too much. Blake do it is becoming a very popular phase around here when it comes to baby brother.

I'll be back later to share some scrappy stuff with you. Nothing great as I have lost all sense of design at the moment. I'm hoping to make it to the scrap store in hopes I will find something inspiring to buy.

Goodbye for now

To cut ???

2010-07-20T01:57:00.003-04:00

Hey Hey everybody! So now that the little one is here and I'm not pregnant anymore (mixed feeling there) I'm itching to get my hair cut. Its getting long, nasty and way out of control, you know full of split ends and a complete lack of anything near a real style. Okay, so I've been surfing all the hair sites and I think I like these two cuts. I realize they are pretty much the same thing, just ones a little longer. Opinions anyone. Have you seen anything nice out there.

I'm so loving the cut on Kristen Storms....just not sure I want to go that short. My hair takes forever and a year to grow out. (It literally taken 3 years to grow this long) And I think I would need to be blond also to pull this look off.

Blake is adjusting so well to being a big brother. He loves to get Bryson's diapers and throw out the old one. The cutest thing ever is he likes to check his bottle temperature on his wrist as he's seen me do. He will freak now and I quote say Blake do it, Blake do it, if I don't let him do it too. After he is finished checking it, he must shake it up too.... Its so cute. He is going to be such a protector to this little guy.

It's pretty amazing how Bryson looks just like Blake did at this age. Only time will tell, but I believe they will look like cookie cutter kids.

Enjoy your day!!!
Cathy, Blake and Bryson

Bryson, the Tonka truck, and albums oh my

2010-07-15T11:41:00.005-04:00

Everything is going great with Baby Bryson. He had his first Dr checkup and she said he was perfect. (duh I already know that) He is growing and almost back to his birth weight, which I'm sure he is past now since its 3 days later.

Blake is still adjusting to sharing "his mommy" with little brother. We are making progress though. He doesn't mind if Josh holds him but he doesn't really like me holding him for anything more than 5 minutes. He tells me to put him back in his bed. lol

And of course I like to pose little babies. They can sleep anywhere so why not. And they are so cooperative at this age.

Nothing new scrappy wise to show you. Blah! Question How do you store your pages with 2 kids. Does each child have an album of their own? Where do you put pages that feature both kids? Do you make 2 pages? I really don't know what to do with this new addition to scrap? Tell me what you do or would do?

Look who's here

2010-07-11T17:35:00.004-04:00

Bryson Alexander made his grand entrance to the world on July 8th at 7:17am. He weighed in at 7.7 and was 19 inches tall. We are home and resting. :)

Changes...

2010-07-07T10:14:00.005-04:00

July is here, yay. It's now 10 days before my due date and I can't wait. It's very hot and humid here and in therefore, I can't breathe most of the time. Otherwise I'm feeling pretty good. I've been having a few small contractions, but nothing serious.

Sunday we celebrated the 4th with my farther in law. All the kiddos were there, which rarely happens. I wasn't feeling the greatest so guess what no pictures. However, someone managed to take this awful photo of me watching the kids play in the grass. Blake had a blast playing with all the kids, especially Brennon. Those two play so well together.

On my way to catch up on some blogs and look for a few challenges to get involved in. I feel so not inspired lately. Off to see the pretties.....

baby shower

2010-07-02T04:08:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone

It's 4 am, and I'm so awake. My sleep schedule is so messed up right now. Josh lets me sleep whenever I need to so, I don't see it getting any better until this little one gets here. I'm so exhausted and out of breathe lately. Tomorrow I will officially be 38 weeks along. Ohh! Our baby shower was this past Saturday. We had a good time, and left with most of the necessities for Bryson.

I especially loved this one. It was a big surprise.
We really wanted this crib set, I just love it.
It looks so much better on the dark wood too.
His bed looks so adorable with it, and big brother
said "I like it, I like it."

And of course a photo of the soon to be big brother Blake.
He seems excited about little brother,
but I'm not sure he fully understands.
Isn't he cute here in his rocker outfit.
He choose the hat himself.

We have a ton of last minute baby items to purchase and errands to run today. No sleeping in for me. I have my 38 week check up right before noon, and I'm anxious to see what they think. Last week I was dilated to a 2 and I've been having small contractions all week. Getting nervous!!! Bryson Alexander will be here shortly.

we broke it

2010-06-21T00:07:00.004-04:00

I know this is not for everyone, but I like to have the baby in my room for the first year. In his crib of course, which has already arrived. I'm not comfy with a baby in the bed. No way. So to make room for the crib we had to rearrange our room to a less designed feel. We moved the side table, dresser and chest and then proceed to move the bed. We spin it around and almost have it in place, when you hear a crack............ the side where the rails insert into the headboard literally rips right off the headboard. WHAT! oh my! This sets only about 7 years old. I would expect bedroom furniture to last more than 7 years. I guess not. That means now we are on the search for a new bed for us also. We're not rushing by no means, as we don't really want to buy anything until we get the house in 2-3 more years. In the mean time we are looking. We really don't know what kind color or style we want this time.

Is it crazy thinking a bed should last alot longer than this? Maybe it has something to do with being in the military and moving so often. It was moved 5 times in those 7 years so maybe the setting it up and taking it back down took its toll. I don't know. How long have you had your bed set?

I'll leave you with 2 sets were are thinking about. I like them both for different reasons. The only requirements are tall headboard must be over 50 inches tall, and must have a footboard. I have a crazy fear of someone under the bed and grabbing my feet without one. If you see anything out there send me the link.

OMG 35 weeks.

2010-06-11T23:52:00.004-04:00

well on Sunday I will be 35 weeks. WOW time passes so much faster as we get older. My last check up went good. His heartbeat was still strong but he was measuring at 33.5 weeks instead of 34. She didn't seem to concerned, just said that he would probably be smaller than first predicted. I'm not complaining, they were saying he would be around 9-10 pounds since Blake was 7.11 at birth.

Picking a crib has been a tough decision, but we finally settled on this one. I like it, best part it converts to full size bed with both a head and footboard. Now I just hope it gets delivered on time since I waited so long.

I'm still looking for a coming home from the hospital outfit so if you see anything cute let me know.

I've been scrapping quite a bit during my time off. I've made 3 layouts this week. yay.

Alright getting off here and in the shower. I have a full day tomorrow, and I need sleep.
Hugs Cathy

baby update

2010-05-29T22:36:00.004-04:00

...............Happy Memorial Day.....................

We are spending a quite weekend at home. I am officially on Maternity leave now. 12 weeks with no work....ahhh, it sounds so refreshing, until I think of the labor pains, BIRTH, and 2 hour around the clock feedings. I will love the feeding part.

As the days pass, I am growing more and more uncomfortable. My sciatic nerve hurts all the time, sending stabbing pain down my leg that I can't put any weigh on it at times. Oh and the pressure I have so much pressure down south, and its so not a good feeling. But on a good note, my last check-up went great. He is right on schedule measurement wise and his heartbeat is always strong. I am officially 33 weeks now, but my doctor thinks he will be from 1-2 weeks early. Therefore we could have a baby in 5 weeks, eeeek! He is due on July 17th and I would love for him to get here on July 12. Blake was also due on the 17th of April, and he made his arrival on the 12th thus the reason.

So many people are asking me if we plan to have a baby shower. My sister and mother in law want to throw us one so I'm still not really sure. I didn't have one with Blake, and after the military I don't have friends. Its so hard to keep in touch when you are moving around all the time. So if that gets worked out I'll let everyone know. I did sign up for the baby registry at Target for those who have asked. I know its kinda bear, but I can't really remember what a baby needs. Oh that sounds bad! I think I'm becoming anxious about going from one to love to two. I don't really know why though.

On to the scrappy. I am currently stuck on page I started over a week ago. I think I went to traditional and straight lined with it. Maybe I will post a quick shot and ask for advice as Im sure you gals would know just what to do. This week I was able to do 2 pages. So I will leave you with my last 2 layouts. Blake playing in the snow for the first time and just a quick page of some of his favorite things right now.

Jury Duty was slow went okay. I didn't get picked, but I dont guess they really want a pregnant mother on a child molestation case. (shrugs)

Take care of your family this weekend, and be careful if you venture on to the streets.
Hugs, Cathy

XOXO take 2.

2010-05-12T19:41:00.004-04:00

I'm back with my second lift from the XOXO
girls blog. Haven't heardof them, Go here
and visit XOXO and check out challenge #9. They have a cool
sponsor this month too, Color me Miki! Basically
you chose a LO and scraplift it. You can do as
many as you want per month too, cool huh?

Today, I lifted Ana White with her
LO titled Sweet Gracie. Here is her page.

And this is what I did with her design.

Ok its off to clean up the house a bit then off to
bed. I am beat today.

HUGS TO ALL, Cathy

xoxo #9

2010-05-11T18:19:00.004-04:00

I haven't joined in on a challenge outside SC in a very long time. Since I Resigned last month, I have more free scrapping time again. I recently discovered this site and found it very inspiring. Go here and visit XOXO and check out challenge #9. They have a cool sponsor this month too, Color me Miki! Basically you chose a LO and scraplift it. You can do as many as you want per month too, cool huh?

So here is what I done. This is my LO titled Skeleton Crew.

Here is a peek at the original LO titled Push and Drool by Sarah Webb.

I hope you scrappers like my results. I really like this page, and I finally was able to get Blake's Halloween photos done. yay.

Tomorrow, I plan to be back with my second LO from Halloween. Ana White is on my lift list for tomorrow.

Jury Duty for me

2010-05-09T23:32:00.003-04:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the mom's out there. I was able to sleep in today and then enjoyed dinner a lovely visit to the local scrap store. Happy Happy Joy Joy. I didn't buy alot bc our LSS happens to be Archivers, and they don't really have all the latest and greatest or the brands I really love.

I'm so sad to see SIS closing down. I love browsing their site. I don't know about you ladies, but I find a different style of work over there than I can find at SBC or 2 peas. Ok this is just my opinion, but I feel its more daring and they take more chances? Do you gals think so, or is it me? Moving on....

I signed up for the use your supplies challenge over at SBC. Simply put you must create 4 pages within the month using the said supplies each week. For my first page I was to use 3 shades of paint on a single LO. I painted the PP lightly with white paint, drew a orange heart in the top of the page, and paint the leaves green on the flower. .. Which I happened to find in my stash of supplies, along with the Heidi stickers I added on the sides. They happened to work terrific with my shirt. Ekk! I had plans of loosely stitching the tear in the paper back together but later decided it didn't need it.

I will be back later this week with pages 2 and 3. They are also finished but not photoed to show just yet. They are both from Blake's Halloween last year. I'm only 7 months late in scrapping them. Thats not too bad..... or is it?

Bed Time for me, I have my 30 week checkup tomorrow and next week I have JURY DUTY. AGH! Jury Duty, why why why could it not wait 2 weeks until I was on maternity leave. I tried everything and another to get out of it, or defer for 2 weeks, but it was a no go. Hmmm!

Hugs, Cathy

Thomas 2010

2010-05-08T21:36:00.005-04:00

I've had a very busy week here in Georgia. I'm finally getting around to posting this. Last weekend, we took a trip to Tennessee to spend the day with Thomas. Blake had a blast! He loved it so much. He enjoyed himself so much. So much so that night he had a tough time sleeping because his little legs were so sore. He ended up sleeping with us and me having to massage his legs every couple of hours when he would wake. Here are our photos from the day.

This one was taken during our train ride with Thomas. He watched out the window the entire ride.

Mommy got a kiss during the ride too. Blake said Thank you mommy, Blake happy. It was so cute.

All in all. Blake had a great time. Josh and I not so much. We thought it was a bit shabby for the cost, but seeing Blake happy it was worth my money any day.

I'll be back tomorrow to share my latest page with you.

Hugs, Cathy

my ER visit

2010-05-03T21:27:00.002-04:00

Hey Hey everyone. Thanks for playing along with the Blog Hop. It was alot of fun, even though I didn't have the chance to make a LO with the sketch. An unexpected visit to the ER will really put a damper in your scrap plans for the evening. Short version Blake slammed into my stomach running at full speed, giving me some of the sharpest stomach cramps. 20-30 minutes later, they weren't going anywhere, head to the ER, 3-4 hours later a ultrasound, and a shot of Demerol in the booty, Im sent home to rest. The next 36 hours I'm out like a light. Literally.

I was sent home with assurance that baby was OK. I also visited my Doctor the following Monday, for my routine visit with the same good review. But I'm not so sure, since that accident, little guy has not been moving as much, actually he isn't moving very much at all anymore. He was so active before too. I go back on the 10th so we'll see.

Now on to some projects I did a few weeks ago. I really love this LO using My Little Shoebox. I Love their papers, but don't always feel they are great boy pages choices.

On to the next! This page uses the last of the October Afternoon paper that Ive been saving for so long. We took this photo at Blake's first fair last October. I really need to get the rest of those photos scrapped.

Hugs and Giggles
Cathy

NSD BLOG HOP

2010-04-29T23:59:00.004-04:00

If you have just stopped in, please join us and start at Pamela's blog.

Happy National Scrapping Day!!! Also, welcome to Scrapbook Challenges fourth DT blog hop! :) We are so happy you have joined us to meet the New Design Team and say goodbye to a couple of the resigning members, including myself. I've been on the DT here at SC for almost a year now, and I feel its time to move on a let others have the same opportunity to inspire us.

In case you don't know Scrapbook Challenges is a fun group filled with many inspiring artist. We have weekly sketches, challenges, events, tutorials, and class. They really are something for everyone at SC. There are monthly sponsors for the group with fabulous prizes to win. And of course, the best news is that we have lots of FABULOUS PRIZES to give away today! What's a blog hop without fabulous prizes right. I won't tease you with photos of Prima, My Minds eye and the delicious Scarlet Lime kit, I'm sure you've already seen them like 6 times already.

Here is the sketch Pamela created just for this Blog Hop.

And for those of you who prefer 2 pagers, here is
a 2 page version Pamela has whipped up for you.

Now Bounce on over and meet Jenn, one of our New Design Team Members.

If you find yourself lost or a broken link here is the master list.

1. Pamela (http://www.pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/)

2. Ilene (http://whatabunchofscrap.blogspot.com/)

3. Deb (http://tassiedeb.blogspot.com/)

4. Jackie (http://mybasketofscraps.blogspot.com)

5. Lydia (http://www.scrappergal78.blogspot.com/)

6. Jowilna (http://www.jowilnanolte.blogspot.com/)

7. Cathy (http://beautifulscraps.blogspot.com/)

8. Jenn (http://www.jennscreativechaos.blogspot.com/)

9. Catherine (http://itsybitsyartsy.blogspot.com/)

10. Karen (http://readysetscrap.blogspot.com/)

11. Annie (http://littlewingscreates.blogspot.com/)

12. Dani (http://www.alongcamedani.blogspot.com/

13. Sarah E. (http://www.scrapcetera.com/)

14. Rene' (http://www.stampinginsunnysa.blogspot.com/)

15. Sarah S. (http://miss-hippy-chick.blogspot.com/)

16. Jamie (http://paperheartproject.blogspot.com/)

17. Debi (http://bumblebeesflight.blogspot.com/)

18. Natalie (http://njmacs.blogspot.com/)

19. Sookie (http://totallydoodles.blogspot.com)

20. Brynn (http://bzbdesigns.typepad.com/)

Blog Hop 4/30-5/2

2010-04-26T22:11:00.002-04:00

short & sweet with pictures of course

2010-04-18T21:24:00.005-04:00

Has it really been three weeks since I last updated. Wow! Time passes so fast as you get older. I really need to do better.

So we have alot to catch up on. First, the easter bunny made a visit to my house, and left a basket for Blake. He was so thrilled when he woke up and seen his basket. So cute.

That afternoon we went to visit Grandma and had easter dinner with his cousins. He loved that. They colored eggs and enjoyed an egg hunt. So much fun for little people. Blake found 23 eggs. This was the first year he understood to put his eggs in his basket instead of trying to open each one he found to see if anything was inside.

Now fast forward a week and we have his third Birthday. Yeah my little boy is 3 years old. Another WOW, when and how did that happen? This year we decided to skip the party and have a small celebration at home. We bought him tickets to go SEE and RIDE Thomas the train in Chattanooga. Which he is going to totally love. Of course, he doesn't understand just yet, but he will on May 1st. I can't wait for that one.

Baby update. Little Brycen is doing great. He is starting to wiggle around and kick all the time. He is way more active than Blake was. If that means anything, than I will have my hands full with him. I am 27 weeks today and only have around 90 days to go. I can't believe it. Almost doesn't seem possible to be that far along.

And last after much thought, I have decided to resign from DT Coordinator over at Scrapbook Challenges. Acutally I'm resigning all together. I feel its time to move on a let a new person have my spot and their chance to shine and inspire us. So with that my last challenge is posted. It's titled Cloud 9, as I had a great time on the team, and I still love cute little clouds. All you need to do is use Clouds anyway anyhow, and use 9 of something, can be anything as long as they are 9 of them. Here is my example.... walking cloud from Sass and 9 letter stickers in my title.

Ok Ok everyone. I must get my self ready for bed. I have 6 more weeks of work that I must somehow complete before its baby leave time. Toodles.

Tea for two

2010-03-30T22:34:00.005-04:00

Hello friends, family, and scrappers. I can't believe, March has passed us by. With that my 7 year anniversary also passed. It's so hard to believe, I've been married for 7 years now. Wow.
April is an important month in our family. Its Blake's birthday. I'm kinda stressed about it. I don't want my little baby to turn 3. Wow three years old.... where did the time go? Then I look on the other hand and see a cute, smart, funny little boy. He knows 90% of his letters and sounds. He knows his colors and shapes including hexagons, ovals, and eclipse. One of his favorite things right now is to learn what color eyes people have. It's cute.

Scrapbook Challenges had an Alice in Wonderland themed event going on this past weekend. One of the prompts was to decorate a tea cup. I decided to add mine to a LO and put B inside it. Now I feel like the page is empty and missing some key elements. I may end up changing it up a little.

This is just a random LO of Blake using a otherwise odd photo. It was taken on a hay ride last year at the pumpkin farm.

Last I am going to make an effort to follow along in Julie's Advice and take a photo with my boys every month. If you look close, you can see my little baby bump growing. Also see the cutest little squint eye grin my boy is making.... I love it.

Okay now one to see those pretty green eyes, Blake. Oh and Please disregard my pale, puffy self. I'm not one of those women who "glow" during pregnancy.

Oh and we can't forget to get a photo with Dad too. It took some convincing, but he did it. (Josh doesn't like alot of photos now after his injury and weight gain. Mama's don't let your babies grow up and join the army..... haha actually Its not the army's fault Josh got injured. It was human mistake. )

And Last I will leave you with a few snapshots of B playing at the park. All the swings were filled so he had to swing on the baby swings, but he didnt mind.

time to update

2010-03-15T23:48:00.005-04:00

So its time for the reveal of sketch 190 over at Scrapbook Challenges. Pamela created a lovely design with a basic concept of photos, journaling and a classic heart. Play along if you like and link for a chance to win the sponsor prize. Everyone loves free supplies right? Moving along...

Here is what I came up with, and I really love this page. I absolutely love this photo of Blake. Its definately on of my all time favorites. This page uses very little product. October Afternoon pattern paper that Ive hoarded long enough (hehe) and a small piece (brown) from America crafts Christmas line.

Back in October, we went to the little hometown fair. It was Blake's first time and he LOVED it. The kiddie roller coaster was his favorite ride. Technically he wasn't even tall enough to ride it but the attendant let him on and boy was I nervous. His arms were stretch all the way out to hold the handle. He went on the ride this ride over and over again. In the photo he wanted to ride in the front, which is something I always hated to do, so the attendant put him in with another child (i blacked him out for privacy) and he had a blast. I'm looking forward to taking him back this year.

So now on to the baby news. I am now 22 weeks along. I have about 125 days to go. Maybe I will remember to take a belly picture sometimes this week. Actually, I can't believe I haven't done that already, as I plan this to be the last baby. If you made it this far.... I think I will let you guys know this little guys name. We plan to name him Brycen/ Bryson. I'm still trying to decide which spelling I like better, but I'm leaning toward Brycen with the C. Then I can call him Bryce if I choose, or he can go by that later in life, if he prefers. His middle name would be Alexander or Nathaniel. So do you love it, hate it, just ok, Please anything but that name ? Throw it at me, I don't want my kid to be stuck with a crappy name.... Its important you know.

I hope everyone has a lovely week ahead and gets some major sunshine to enjoy with our new daylight hours.
~Hugs~
Cathy

Check out Snobby

2010-03-10T19:45:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone, I just wanted to let you all know Snobby Walrus Is having a very cool RAK giveaway going on right now. Also while you are there why not submit to the DT call also. Best of Luck.

Happy Monday Sketch 189

2010-03-09T01:35:00.003-05:00

It's Monday, well its official Tuesday night I guess, but today was another great sketch reveal over at Scrapbook Challenges. I really liked this sketch bc it reminded me of those new Jenni Bowlin Banner flags. They are so cute and easy to work with. Put them on your shopping list, they are awesome. Here is the sketch and my page. I finally used the Tinkering Ink butterfly that I've been saving for some time now.

Love this Scooters Vacation line from Imaginisce. Its so cute and filled with reds, yellows, green apple green and this lovely teal blue color. I want to get more now, as I only order this one single little sheet.

I'm finally getting around to using this Christmas line from American Crafts. It reminds me of chocolate bars and m&m's. It's March and I have one holiday photo scrapped. Who knows, by November I may be finished with them.

How was the weather where you are. Today, was over first day of nice weather all year. By lunch time we had 70 degree summer sunshine and by 5 pm it was 75. I loved it. I know I will be complaining at the heat come July and I'm 9 months preggo but right now, its a great change from all the rain, wind and snow. Sadly its suppose to rain the rest of the week. Hope not!

we're having...

2010-03-02T22:46:00.002-05:00

It's official...

2010-02-27T14:03:00.004-05:00

....I'm an aunt. Baby Landon,
made his arrival yesterday February 26th, just before 5 pm. My sister had a bit of trouble with the delivery, and they had to use the vacuum suction but they both are doing fine now. My sisters lucky little butt didnt get any stretch marks either. Ahhh! She is the tiny size 1 type so go figure right.

Nasty Falls during the night

2010-02-21T04:23:00.005-05:00

Its around 2:30 am when I am suddenly awakened to a loud thumb followed by the loudest cries. I jump out of bed to find that Blake had been sleeping with me in my bed, which is about waist high on me, and had managed to roll around and fall off. On the way down, he hit the corner of my night stand plus the bed rails, which left a nasty gash in his forehead, a busted up lip, plus a huge knot on the side of his head. The poor little guy looked like he had been in a bad fight and lost the battle! I jump to my feet, scoop him up, and lay him on the bed. All I see is blood all over his little face. OMG talk about scary, your 2 year olds face covered in blood, is NOT something you want to wake up too. He is better now, but I do think this may leave him with a small scar on his face. :( I do think when we hear those little pitter patter feet, it will back to Blake's bed for this little guy.

I really hope to get something scrapped tomorrow. With this pregnancy and being so tired, I have not did anything creative in over a month. Geessh! I miss it. This is probably why Im so tense too. I should be set I have these 3 lovely collections sitting on the table, just waiting for me. Hopefully I can use these, I shamefully must admit, I still have the 98% of Cosmo's Mr Campy line that I can't use. I don't want to "waste" it on the wrong pictures.

I'm looking forward to the next two upcoming weeks. This Thursday night, we have tickets to see George Strait. I'm excited and the following Tuesday is my big ultrasound date. We haven't fully decided on whether we will find out the sex of not, but I'm leaning toward YES. can you believe I am already 19 weeks along.
Ok folks, off to bed for the night.

Money doesn't buy Class

2010-02-17T23:02:00.001-05:00

So I thought I would share a little story with you today.

Last week at work a couple coes in to pick up their RV. Its an early 2000 model coach made by Damon. (bus type) They are a couple in their 50's. He is a doctor and she is the my poop doesn't stink, Im above you type. The lady looks over her unit and literally finds something wrong with every single inch of the thing it seems. The outside wasnt clean enough, the awning wasn't clean enough (it was stained from mildew). She purchased a Deluxe interior cleaning package. I know Deluxe sounds awesome but its not. That only includes cleaning the floors, glass, cabinet exterior, appliances, and bathroom. Ok I personally cleaned her refrigerator out. When we took the unit in, the frig was covered in black mold and mildew. So much that the bottom shelf was completely Black. I had to use the Lysol ready wipes and literally wipe every crease and cranny, shelf, wire rack, draw, bins etc. this took me almost 2 hours to clean out. Now imagine what this refrigerator smelt like. Now back to today, the lady calls me an incompetent redneck bc I used the Lysol wipes to clean it and now her frig has a "clean" chemical smell. OMG what do you expect, its spotless now and of course it smells clean, it took me 2 hours to clean it up. She wanted to know why we used the Lysol wipes to clean it with instead. ..... Hello.... first thats bc thats what we use and second bc they are antibacterial and you had fungus growing there we needed something to kill it. Duh! Then she wanted to say we did not clean out the side storage pockets on her seats. Hello no and we are not suppose to. She didn't purchase the Leather and upholstery package, so no we do not touch the seats. Just goes to show you that money can't buy class. .......... And in case you are wondering I bite my tongue and was extremely nice to her and explained everything to her until she called me incompetent redneck, thats when I told her I had enough and I was finished with her and turn around and left.

It February!

2010-02-06T21:01:00.003-05:00

And that means its my birthday. Yay. This year was the best birthday Ive had in years. I woke to a little boy in my face screaming Happy Birthday mommy, followed by a huge whoo, several times over and over again. My dear hubby and son both bought me a card. I must admit Blake's was so much better than Josh's. It sang me Twinkle Twinkle little star and it had Blake's voice recorded saying Happy Birthday to me. I loved it. They also give me a huge bunch of roses and took me to dinner. I felt very loved this year.

Toby is doing better. Lucky they said he didn't have the mange and was just allergic to a flea or insect bite. They changed his flea medication to an oral one instead of the liquid drops. It does appear to already be growing back and healing so I hope that was all it was.

Fast forward to today baby bean is exactly 17 weeks baked. I can't believe we are almost half way through. My next appointment is on March 2 for the bug ultrasound. I'm very excited to see what we are having. Some people think this is a girl, but I kinda feel like its a boy. If its a girl, I'm hoping I can talk Josh into all 3 of us wearing pinks shirts to spill the beans so to speak.

Names have been the subject for the last few weeks in our house. For a girl we have narrowed it down to these Joslyn, Addilyn, Haley, Whitney, or Kaelyn. Her middle name would be Arabella. As for boys, we can not agree. Zachary, Jaxson, Ryan and Weston have all been thrown around but I can't commit to either right now. I love Jayden but Josh hates it. Does anyone have any suggestion for boy names? I seriously, seriously would love to hear them.

This is the only page Ive done in weeks. I'm to tired to do anything it seems. I hope to be back to my old self again soon. I'm hoping some of the new products from CHA will be inspire me.

OMG damn dog theives

2010-01-19T00:10:00.004-05:00

Back in mid December my dog, a 5 pound Yorkie named Toby was lost overnight. He followed my FIL "god child" out and they didn't realize he is not suppose too be out alone. He is a house dog, well more like a lap dog. He only goes out to potty and right back inside. He is not a fan of the cold weather and hates the rain and snow. Short version after my DH and FIL went door to door asking, he was found the next evening. Turns out neighbors a few doors down, had seen the lady scoop him up, in my driveway, and carry him home. Fast forward to now, Toby has been scratching and chewing at his self since about two weeks later. It gradually gets worse and worse and the days pass. He was also starting to lose a little of the hair on both back legs. I chalked this up to winter shredding as that's the only time he shreds at all, and even then its really not that much. Today, I get home from work, after grocery shopping and a few other errands, I notice his rump looks swollen, extremely red, and he is losing some hair there now. So needless to say, I think he caught the mange from the ladys dog. Yuck! Josh is taking him to the doggie doc in the morning to see whats wrong. I'm so irritated that first off a complete stranger would pick him up, and take him home not mention they obviously don't take care of the dog they have. The moral of this story is Don't steal other peoples dog especially if you can't take care of them in the first place. Have you ever dealt with the Mange? It sounds so gross and Toby is not going to like be isolated for 6 weeks or getting new beds. Blake will not like it either. He adores Toby. He is pretty fond of his bed.

Hope

2010-01-09T04:03:00.003-05:00

It's been one of those days. I woke up to an ice storm so work was canceled. I guess they figured we all may quit if our cars were ruined 2 times bc they insist we work in some b/s storm. So therefore I have spent most of the day napping, and I'm still tired. Seriously, I have only been awake about 7-8 hours all day.

I finally got a little mojo back... finally! I've made 3 pages but I can't show them to you right now.
I will show you a page I made for a challenge over at Scrapbook.com. We had to use no pattern paper and 50% white.

This Layout uses my One little Word for 2010. I choose HOPE because we could all benefit for a little hope in our lives. I love the green, orange, white combo too.

I think I'm going back to bed! Niters.

NEW YEAR BLOG HOP

2010-01-01T02:00:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Scrapbook Challenges Blog hop. Please welcome the new Design Team members and say goodbye to those leaving us as you follow along. If you have just stopped in, please join us and start at the founder Pamela Young Blog. If you have not heard of Scrapbook Challenges before go check it out. We have weekly sketches designed by Pamela herself, and monthly prizes, from awesome companies like Unity stamps, My Little Shoebox and Paper Posies just to name a few. Take a moment to join is this weekend for your chance to win a fabulous prize. Do I have your attention? Here is little sneak at those yummy prizes up for grabs this weekend. Be sure to comment along your way, and play along with the sketch for your chance to win some of this.

Collection of My Little ShoeBox goodies

New Basic Grey

Rusty Pickel trims and ribbon

Prima beauties

My name is Cathy, and I live in Georgia. I am a returning member and the design team coordinator here at Scrapbook Challenges. I have a few different styles, but I prefer the layered clutter look. I have 1 little boy who is almost 3 years old, and I'm currently 12 weeks pregnant with my second and last child. Thats enough about me, on to the fun.

We are working with this sketch, created by Pamela,
exclusively for this Blog Hop.

At this point in the sketch, I rotated it and added
my title and photo to the mix.

Don't give up now, your almost finished. I would like to take this time to Thank you for visiting Scrapbook Challenges blog hop and I hope you become a member today and show us your talents.

2010 brings in a new year full of change and Scrapbook Challenges is changing too. We are going to be bigger and better! In the new year SC will have a larger Design Team, monthly special events, and tutorials and projects on the 1st and 15th, along with our weekly sketches and challenges and fabulous sponsor prizes. Also NEW this year, we are adding GUEST DESIGN TEAM members. How exciting!!!

Your next stop on the hop is our first GDT member Jeanie.

Incase you are lost or find a link thats not working, here is a master list of the bop.
1. Pamela (http://www.pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/)
2. Katrina (http://www.paperscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/)
3. Wendy (http://www.wendybaisden.blogspot.com)
4. Sookie (http://totallydoodles.blogspot.com/)
5. Debi (http://bumblebeesflight.blogspot.com/)
6. Marilyn (http://www.melonscraps.blogspot.com/)
7. Sarah S. (http://miss-hippy-chick.blogspot.com/)
8. Ilene (http://whatabunchofscrap.blogspot.com)
9. CJ (http://www.cjalmeda.blogspot.com/)
10. Lydia (http://www.scrappergal78.blogspot.com/)
11. Rowee (http://simplemom-lovingmom.blogspot.com/)
12. Sarah E. (www.scrapcetera.com)
13. Annie (http://littlewingscreates.blogspot.com/)
14. Catherine (http://itsybitsyartsy.blogspot.com/)
15. Deb P. (http://tassiedeb.blogspot.com/)
16. Cathy (http://beautifulscraps.blogspot.com/ )
17. (GDT—Jan) Jeanie (http://jeaniebnieva.blogspot.com)
18. (GDT—Feb) Nadhrah (http://www.chunot76.blogspot.com/)
19. (GDT—March) Star (http://starsstory.blogspot.com/)
20. GDT—April) Ana (http://anazelia-myscrapbookaddiction.blogspot.com/)
21. Brynn (http://bzbdesigns.typepad.com/)

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T22:53:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone Merry Christmas!!!

Scrap Fit and sketch 177

2009-12-21T15:21:00.005-05:00

Challenge #10 is up over at ScrapFIT. Its a pretty cool one, and was able to get me scrapping this month. We had to use some Cosmo Cricket products and a Christmas word to complete the Page. I used all CC from the Early bird collection along with the Say it from Prima blings and and thickers. I choose the word FROSTY, and here is how I used it to design the Layout.

F-lowers
R-hinestones
O-verlapping photos
S-harpie
T-wine
Y-ellow

I also used the following sketch from Scrapbook Challenges. Sketch #177, I changed it up a little, but not too much. If you would like to play along, please share your work with us here for your chance to win this months fabulous prize. In case you don't know, this month its the December kit form paper Posies, shown below.

They are still time to get in on the current Design team search. Check it out here.

Design Team Call and Baby update

2009-12-10T20:57:00.008-05:00

July 17th is my due date. I thought it was kinda cool. Blake was also due on the 17th, yet he made his arrival 5 days early on the 12th of April. Everything was great. The heart rate was a strong 172 and the midwife predicts from that alone, its a girl. I'm not so sure about that one though. I'm pretty sure Blake's heart rate was also above 160, and he is obviously, not a girl. I would love a Haley in our life, but oh she would be so girly and that scares me. So we'll find out in about 12 weeks which it shall be. She put me on Zofran too, but I knew that was coming from my history. I'm glad she sees no reason why I should be high risk this time. I'm grateful for that!

We are finally ready for Christmas at my house. Most of the gifts are bought and now were waiting on the delivery truck to get here so Santa can inspect and wrapped them before he gives them to Blake. I still have a few odds and ins to get but the majority is finished. Our tree this year is real! Wow I know, with red and clear lights and red and gold decorations. OH, and do notice I had help with decorating the tree this year, but I loved the help. I later added and moved things around but I had to get a pic like this. My favorite part was the single huge gold ball on the bottom.

Design Team Call
Open December 10th to December 28th.
Announcement will be made on January 1st, 2010
(those selected will be notified before that)

http://scrapbookchallenges.ning.com/

Do you have a New Years goal of making a design team…then we have the perfect one for you! Scrapbook Challenges is looking for some talented scrapbookers to help out with posting challenges and completing layouts based on sketches. We have 4 spots open. The term will be January 2010 through April 2010, and we do ask that you commit to that.

Requirements:
• DT members will post at least one challenge a month.
• DT members will be given the sketches at least one week in advance and asked to complete a LO once a month based on one of the sketches per month.
• DT members will help answer questions and participate in the board.
• DT members will sign up to do QOTD’s and Featured Layouts.

What DT members will get:
• The ability to state a design team for your scrapbook resume.
• Your name will be highlighted on the Deign Team page and you can promote websites and groups of your choice.
• DT members will receive a “signing bonus” RAK in the mail, as well as occasional RAKS throughout their term.
• Possible sponsor packages of goodies.

If you are interested:

Please send an email to pamelacy@msn.com with “Design Team” in the subject line. Please share the following:
• A LO that is your favorite that you did.
• Links to websites or galleries.
• A link to your member profile if you are already a member of Scrapbook Challenges.
• Why you want to be a part of this new Design Team?

one day at a time

2009-12-06T00:02:00.007-05:00

Hello blogland!!!
Sorry for the lack of updates, but I have a feeling it only going to get worse. I may even take a break from blogland. Not sure right now.
This pregnancy is headed in the same direction, as with Blake. I am so sick and tired. Its hard to eat, and I'm starving all the time, yet I can eat without getting sick. My body does not handle pregnancy well. I had to take Zofran with Blake, and its so expensive I hope it does not come to that. I have my first ultrasound on Wednesday to make sure baby bean is okay. I should be around 10-11 weeks then. Good news I think we have settled on a girl name, even though I'm thinking this is another boy. We don't agree on any boy names.

Christmas is right around the corner now. Scary! I finally started shopping today. Santa will be bringing Blake this Fisher Price Cool school system (its on sale right now) and I have no clue what else.

I don't have alot of scrappy to show you.

This page was created from sketch #174 over at Scrapbook Challenges.

Scrapbook Challenges will be holding at DT call in January with easy requirements and tons of inspiration. Check us out of you are interested. Join the group and watch out for the notice.

Bailey

2009-11-22T18:19:00.003-05:00

Hello blog land, how you all doing today? Here in Georgia, we have had a really nasty weekend. Its been gloomy and rainy Sunday filled with windy, cold chilled air. Doesn't make for a fun shopping day or even a nice dinner. So you ask what have we done all day......Blake played with Thomas and his many feet of track, and of course I played with my pretty papers.

This is my crazy little niece Bailey. She can really be a handful at times, but she is also very loving at others. She started Kindergarten this year and I can already see a huge difference in her. This is her first school picture. This is what I came up with. A simple layered page lightly embellished with Butterflies, bc I can see her becoming a little butterfly herself.

I shall get back to being lazy and I have to think about dinner plans. I really wanted to go to Canyons or Five Guys tonight, but I dont think I want to fight the weather to do so. Also wanted to stop by HD and pick up some twine but I guess that will have to wait also. Happy Monday to all.

Come July

2009-11-21T02:11:00.004-05:00

I'm so tired, nauseous (but not sick yet), and hungry. Oh my!!! If this cycle continues, I will be big as a whale by July. So far so good with this little peanut.

Therefore, this was the only LO I was able to finish this week. I love the color in the My Little Shoebox papers. They are so pretty.

I wanted to let everyone know about this site. Lots of fun. Scrapbook Challenges

Big news

2009-11-16T14:27:00.002-05:00

I wanted to share this with all by blogging friends.

So if you have any fun name suggestions, throw them out there.

*I'm totally ignoring my miscarriage history, so I hope this turns out in my favor.

short and sweet

2009-11-12T21:53:00.003-05:00

What a fun week, this has been.
Work has been extremely easy,
and even somewhat fun.

I know these are really bad photos, but
here is my two latest pages.

Can you believe it? I finally used this
Doodlebug paper. I've had it soooo long,
and the star lace too. I'm not usually a
big holiday page fan, but I think this may be
my favorite yet.

Look at my little dudes pictures. He did so good.
He posed himself, and was off the table
in about 2 minutes. I was so proud of him.
I can't believe how big he looks in this outfit
I'll say it again Green is a great color for him.

These other kiddos here are his cousins.
Jaylin 8, Bailey 6, Brennon 3 and Blake is 2.

santa, halloween, Nikki, new car much more

2009-11-07T21:43:00.009-05:00

Hello dear friends......

Blake and I happened to be at the mall on Friday when Santa arrived from the North Pole. It was really cute, I didn't have my camera to snap a pic. His reindeer landed around back because it was safer that way. They pulled him around the parking lot, all the way upfront to the main entrance, where everyone was waiting for Santa. Blake was in totl awe and amazment. I have been telling him about Santa and showing him photos. He still really didn't understand, but he knew it was special. We didn't stay for photos bc my preggo sister was with us. Oh yeah, I'm going to be a aunt. I can't wait. I'm so excited. It's a boy, due March 1st.

This is what we got at the mall for Blake. He looks so cuuuuute. I can't believe how big he looks in this outfit. I love it. Green red, and Orange looks so good on this child. You can find it at the childrens place, if your interested. Their jeans fit so good on tall but skinny little dudes.

My dear friend Katrina, sent me a happy package in mail. How exciting right, we all love snail mail especially when it arrives on the top of the huge stack of bills. Inside, I find the Nikki Sivils papers. They are so fun to work with, and to my surprise very verstile also. How clever was Nikkie to include the sheet of cut outs. I really love that. Genius, I say pure genius.

Here is my very first creation with Nikki Sivils products. I will be posting more. Look out.

Halloween was fun. Blake had a nice time. It was nasty out, as the night was filled with a slight mist of rain all evening.

this is Blake watching it rain early afternoon

We took the umbrella and took B to about 10-12 houses. He still managed to get a half bucket of candy. Not so bad for a rainy Halloween. We didn't really get any good pictures but here they are. I can't wait until next year, when he can choose his own costume.

Oh and for those or you who are not on facebook, I finally found new car. yeah! I ended up getting the G6. Its red and fully loaded to the max. I've never had a loaded car before, so I'm loving all the bells and whistles, and the covertible LOVING IT.

Have you ladies seen this perfume? I must have this. (Josh its on my christmas list, now I just need to trick you into reading my blog) Seriously girls, this smells so sexy, fresh, young, confident.

Launch party Nov.2

2009-10-30T22:45:00.003-04:00

Click here Scrapbook Challenges

flower tutorial

2009-10-19T21:35:00.001-04:00

I found this quick little tutorial while blog surfing, and thought I would share. Credit belongs to Elania.

Here is how to:

First cut a fabric scrap about 5×5 inches. Fold it in half to form a triangle and do two more folds like that!!

Then from the end with the openings cut a petal like shape and when you will open it you will have something like this:

Turn it over and place a large brad in the center of it. Wrap the fabric up and secure with a rubber band.

Cut the center of another paper flower or a paper circle or whatever you can imagine and wrap it around the fabric brad to creat a second layer.

And then decorate the top of it by adding smaller flowers, or bling or stickers!!

Here is a layout I have made with a fabric flower in green, decorated with a felt flower, a chipboard button and some bling!!

Mixed Media tutorial

2009-10-19T21:05:00.006-04:00

I found this while surfing today. Hope it inspires someone.

Mixed media influenced border tutorial This tutorial is adapted from and influenced by a tutorial I saw by Dina Wakley a while back. She is amazing at inking and using mixed media techniques on her pages. I am very inspired by her lately. Lets get started!

For this step you can use any kind of text paper that you have on hand. Old books work really well. For my page I tore up a page from a vintage math book that I had laying around.

You can use any type of paint that you have on hand. I happened to have Liquitex heavy body acrylics - but any kind of acrylic paint will work just fine.

Keep the paint light or watered down so that you can see the text through the paint. I used a bunch of different colors so that there would be a bunch of layers and provide a sense of depth.

I freehand stitched a vine/leaf pattern onto my page with my sewing machine in a contrasting thread color (black in this case). You can stitch any sort of design you want - I wanted to keep it organic. Also if you don’t have a sewing machine you could try embroidering or hand stitching on your page, or add a layer of rub ons instead of stitching.

My final touches were rings of gesso that I created by dipping an old glass into the gesso and then stamping them on my page. I also added some deep purple paint splatters. An easy way to create splatters is to use two brushes. Dip one of them into your chosen paint color and then hold the other one firmly in your non-dominant hand parallel to your workstation. Then bang your paintbrush with the paint over the other paintbrush the paint will splatter onto your layout keeping your hands fairly clean.

3 quickies

2009-10-18T23:10:00.002-04:00

With all my car drama, I have not been in a very creative mood this week. So after Blake was fast asleep I sit down to create something Saturday night. Before I knew it, these three Layouts were finished. It was relaxing.

I absoutely love this page. I fell together in less than 10 minutes. Everything here was scraps laying on my table. They were already in these sizes. Perfect.

Take care everyone, hugs and kisses. Cathy.

fair 2009

2009-10-13T01:05:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone!

This weekend, we took Blake to the fair, for the first time. He had a blast! He was fearless, which surprised me to some extend, though I'm not sure why. He's never really shy or stand off-ish to anything. For some reason, I thought he would be. By far his favorite ride was the worm kiddie coaster. He must have rode this thing 4 or 5 times. He keep calling it a choo-choo and yelling choo-choo while they were loading up.

Who knew car shopping was so hard. Its proving to be a difficult search, or maybe I'm being too picky and expecting to much for a used car. The hunt continues....

I'll leave you with some photos from the fair.

down to 3 choices?

2009-10-06T23:07:00.004-04:00

I'm having a hard time narrowing down the car search. I think we have decided between these three cars? Decisions are so hard to make. White 2007 G6 HTC, Smoke gray 2005 mustang, and the 2004 orange mustang. I like the G6 because its something new and different, the 2005 because of the red leather interior (always loved that) and the 2004 bc its orange (love the color lately). The top 2 will end up costing me about $140- 170 a month and the last would be paid off.

So any opinions are welcome.

I think I'm leaning toward the white G6. I'm not sure bc I've never owned a Pontiac and 2nd Pontiac is stopping production. Therefore Im not sure if its a good choice or not.

Fabrics flowers

2009-10-04T02:53:00.001-04:00

I know these are simple, but I think that makes them so cute. Enjoy!

* Fabric or felt
* Needle
* Matching Thread
* Matching Button

Step 1
Using a circle template, trace out a circle using a marker. The size is completely up to you…the bigger the circle, the bigger the yo-yo etc

Should look like this

Step 2
Cut the circle out using fabric scissors

Step 3
Thread a needle with co-ordinating thread

Step 4
Using a running stitch, stitch around the whole circle…don’t tie a knot at the start or finish !!!

Step 5
Now pull both ends of the thread until the circle tightens to look like this….now tie both ends in a knot

Step 6
You can now use the left over attached thread to sew on a button to cover the ugly center!

Skeletons in the house

2009-09-30T04:23:00.003-04:00

Its almost time for Halloween! Well sort of, but were ready. I totally changed my mine when got arrived at the costume store today. I didn't like the way the Frankie costume fit Blake and they didnt have the little devil one at all. So I ended buying skeleton costumes. Were going to be the skelly family this year. Going to make, but not all matchy matchy. Here they are....

Josh's came with everything, the hat, cane the works. I'm thinking about getting a pink wig to go with mine.... what do you think?

SSS G6

2009-09-28T22:07:00.005-04:00

Thanks everyone for hoping in the blog hop this weekend. It was a blast and I enjoyed seeing all the different takes on the hop sketch.

Let's see this past week will be one I remember for a long time. I still don't know what comes next with my car. I'm still waiting. Also not sure if I will have job or not, we are still waiting on corporate to make a decision to rebuild or count their losses and move on. Camping World fans so shopping and be sure to tell the GM they must reopen the GA store. I loved my mustang for many reason. It was the first car I bought all by myself. It was paid for. I love mustangs. hehe but now that I have a little one to chauffeur to parks, playgrounds, and doctors appointments I don't think I will get another mustang. Instead I have my eye on this car. Its the pontiac G6. Does anyone drive this car? Reviews? I've never had a pontiac b4 so we'll see.

Be on the flip side, I have enjoyed spending the days with my little man again. I miss so much when I'm at work. Friday we spent the evening with grandma and his cousins. Blake and Brennon really enjoyed these cardboard boxes. So much fun for little boys.

On the the scrappy side of things. I have managed to do a couple of pages. I played along with the challenge over at SSS this weekend. Distressing and stamping, both techniques I am trying to use more as of lately. I'm really starting to like distressing, I shall add.

I finally got some of the monstrosity line. Love it. Its so incredibility cute, I didn't cut it for a week. Here is my first creation using this line and expect to see tons more of it. Its that cute.

BLOG HOP

2009-09-25T01:07:00.009-04:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Scrapbook Challenges Blog hop. If you have just stopped in, please join us and start at the founder Pamela Young blog. If you have not heard Scrapbook Challenges before go check it out. We have weekly sketches designed by Pamela herself, and monthly prizes, from awesome companies like Unity stamps and my Little Shoebox. In fact, My Little Shoebox is our generous sponsor for the month of September, and they supplied us with a HUGE prize. One lucky winner will get a sheet of paper from all of their new lines, including the die cut papers and a sheet of full die cuts...plus some alphabets. It's amazing and you still have a chance to win by visiting the group and playing along with a challenge or sketch before the end of the month.

Here is the sketch Pamela created exclusively for this hop.

I rotated the sketch like this.

And here is my Layout using the sketch.

Today we also will be giving away some fabulous prizes just for hopping along with us. Check them out. Be sure to comment along your way and play along with the sketch for your chance to win some of this.

5 random facts about me.
1. I am the Design Team coordinator here at Scrapbook Challenges.
2. My car was flooded last week in the storms here in GA. Its depressing!
3. Though I use to hate the color orange, I know love it.
4. American Crafts is in my top 3 fave companies.
5. I believe mommy is the best work in the entire world.

Don't give up now, your almost there only a couple more stops. I would like to Thank you for visiting Scrapbook Challenge blog hop.
Your next stop is Byrnn.

In case you get lost on the blog hop...

1. Pamela (http://pamelasworldofscrap.blogspot.com/)
2. Sookie (http://totallydoodles.blogspot.com/)
3. Rowee (http://simplemom-lovingmom.blogspot.com/)

4. Melissa (http://www.melissapriest.typepad.com/)
5. Marilyn (http://www.melonscraps.blogspot.com/)
6. Lyndsay (http://saweetp1113.blogspot.com/)
7. Katrina (http://www.paperscissorsandglue.blogspot.com/)
8. Iris (http://www.irisbabaouy.typepad.com/)
9. CJ (http://www.cjalmeda.blogspot.com/)

10. Cathy (http://beautifulscraps.blogspot.com/)

11. Brynn (http://bzbdesigns.typepad.com/)

12. Beth (http://cute1screations.blogspot.com/)
13. Annie Collins (http://littlewingscreates.blogspot.com/)

Blog Hop w/ Prizes

2009-09-24T23:58:00.002-04:00

Flood damage

2009-09-22T22:19:00.007-04:00

Well I have good and bad news.
My car its totally trashed, and Im pretty
certain it's even totaled.
Water can do major damage.

Here is the lower lot, at this time my car was
still safe. Thats his wing you see in the side pic.
This pic was taken around 6 pm when the finally
people were leaving work.

Right now its starting to look bad for him.
The waters are about 10 feet away at this time.
Thankfully, I wasn't there to see him like this,
around 2 pm I made the decision to leave.

And now the next morning still sitting in a
bed of slime mud. I dont even know how
high the water was but by the looks it was
over my dashboard.

It's nasty. Red mud covers the engine.

The water and mud soaked the inside.
I dont even know how high it was inside but my
drink holder is still full of water. My dash was too.
I spilled into my hands when I opened it.

This is my sister's truck, which
was also there.

This is the inside of the store. I can't imagine how long
this cleanup will take and when it will be over.
Or if the doors will even open again.
Right now its up in the air.

How depressing.

Flood lessons for Kenny

2009-09-22T00:18:00.011-04:00

oh how exciting, I won this week over at SSS. So exciting. Its a very cute little challenge blog that forces people like me to use their stamps, instead of looking at them. I also played along this week. We were to use blue and green and a stamp. I combined this challenge with the sketch of the week over at SC. Check them out.

Its Monday and that means the big reveal of Mondays Sketch. Here is #162, and my take on it.
.

I'm sorry for the awful Pic, hopefully I will get a fresh one when the rain stops. Oh when the rain stops, that leads me to another topic. The rain! Here in Georgia we are covered in rain water. Yes I mean flooded. They closed interstate 575, Highway 92 and the local city street I work on by noon today. But for some reason, we did not get the memo. And my GM, whom I normally like, was saying its not that bad. So therefore, I sure my car is probably ruined, my pretty white mustang is now stuck in this lot. My car is parked up next to the store so by the looks of that blue truckits barely us to mid wheel so my car is on higher ground. Hopefully he is safe.

My luck, my interior is ruined after this unique mixture of fresh rain and swamp, yes I said nasty swamp waters. (Hope its not in there) This is a view from the highway of my work. The worst part is the building sits in a hole located next to a swamp. If you look at the bottom of the units it doesnt appear that deep. I'm saying prayers for Kenny.

So what am I to do? I decided to ask the oh so glorious crystal ball and for what does she see....

this shiny red sebring convertible?

ohh this beautiful bug
how cute is this?

classy car like this one

ummm not so fast honey she responded by telling me she sees one of these in my near future. A brand new bright and well not so shiny POS, if I ever want to achieve a nice house in the next 5 years. Oh how I hope the insurance company will cover this. I have had the policy for almost `0 years now. Wish me luck with this one.

So everyone please wish Mustang Kenny good luck and good health. It looks like I am need it. Good thing is I was able to get myself and my sister to safety and everyone else's car is there too, so I'm not alone in this battle.

Round Robin and SIS

2009-09-17T22:57:00.005-04:00

Have you heard of Scrap and Stamp Saturday. Its a really cool challenge blog that as you guess forces you to use your stamps. I love to buy and collect stamps but I rarely use them. I cant get the bold, bright results that everyone else does. I dont get it. Ahh! So I've been playing along with them with the hopes of learning to actually use some of them. This week the challenge was to use this sketch, design by Pamela Young and of course, at least one stamp.

Over at scrapbook challenges we played a game of Round Robin. The original layout was by the fabulous Jill Deiling, you can see it here. Here is my take and the winning team's layouts.

I think we are going to go with the little Devil costume after all for Blake. Thanks for every ones input. I'm off to catch up on some Blogs and galleries. Nite Nite.

Help me pick

2009-09-13T19:36:00.002-04:00

So I thought I had Blake's Halloween costume figured out, but I'm not so sure. They are so many really cute ones these year for his age. Next year he will be able to choose for himself, so I want to make sure he looks really cute this year. What do you think?

Monsters Inc. Disney Mike Candy Catcher Child Costume - Costumes

Universal Studios Monsters Lil Frankie Toddler Costume - Costumes

Lil Spitfire Toddler Costume - Costumes

Green Lil Dino Child Costume - Costumes

Happy Labor Day

2009-09-07T15:20:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone was able to squeeze in a little bit of scrapping time. Today was a good day. I had the option to work today or not, and you have to love that. I decided to work for the hours as we have goals and determined to get there. Work was awesome, I finished everything I would normally do and still left a little early. yay.

Sketch Monday, is here over at Scrapbook Challenges. I really loved this week's sketch. Here it is and my layout. I ended up changes the layout a little mainly bc I didnt have 3 photos. I love love love this page and I plan to use it again for another layout too. yay.

Costumes and wigs

2009-09-03T23:32:00.002-04:00

I think I have our Halloween costume's picked out for this year. I want Blake and I to match so I'm thinking devils. How cute is this one for Blake. Last year he wasn't to thrilled with the head gear, so I thought this was a good choice. Plus its attached so he can remove it when he likes.

I'm going to be this devil. Josh likes it, and I like it because its not one of those super sexy itty bitty super tiny ones. I need to wear this all day and be able to go trick or treating with Blake and probably carry him some too.

Ok so which of these wigs do you think would look best with this one?

I'm trying to talk Josh into being Hellivs. lol We'll see.

Driving Mr. Blake

2009-09-02T21:15:00.003-04:00

Hello! How is everyone. I know I haven't updated in over a week, sorry for that, but nothing has really happened except the boring work, home, sleep, start over the next day kind of life.
So on to the Scrappy. I have really been using the early bird collection from Cosmo. This line is fantastic and it can be used for some many subjects.

This page is a scraplift of my scrappy faves Jillian. She is so inspiring and darn right brilliant. I love her style and her keen eye to combine color and patterns and it work perfectly. You can find Jills page here.

Halloween is coming up soon, and I can't deciede what line I want to get this year. I love Basic Grey Eerie and Spook Alley from Making Memories. BG has the traditional orange, purple, black paired with sky powder blue which looks fabulous. Making memories again keep the black and orange but replaced the pruple with a dark pink. Beautiful. I think I will try to take B costume shopping before I buy. I hope to let him chose his own costume this year. So much fun!

Well I'm off to watch some TV, and maybe do a little more scrapping tonight.

My dream

2009-08-25T23:42:00.004-04:00

I'm looking for a good online store that carries the latest and greatest. My little shoebox, October afternoon ect. Any suggestions? Has anyone purchased from here?

I think the Bo Bunny Mango collection is fabulous and transfers to layouts amazingly. I love the browns, greens, and oranges in this line. I only bought 2 sheets thinking it would be hard to work with but nope loved it. It's on sale here.

During the same shopping adventure, I also purchased the Cosmo Early bird collection pack for $8.99. What a steal huh? I was limited on funds but they were running a sale on cosmo and had all their craft packs on sale $8.99. I was really hard not to purchase another set of Mr. Campy. (yep I'm still hoarding that one, its so pretty I cant cut it, not to mention I don't know how to use it either) and lil man was calling my name too. In the end, I figure Early bird would be more verstile for me.

Thus far, this is my second page from the package, and I still have so much of it left. I just love that. Its a page about who else but B, and my love for that child. Lately, I've had "baby"on the brain, but as most of you know my doctors were not able to tell me any odds for that possibility. I hit the lottery with Blake, and as most of you know thats a once in a lifetime kind of even, so I guess you can tell by now, but I'm a glass half empty kind of gal. The journaling here sums it up, it reads My dream, My heart, My soul, My life, My everything! Enough blabbing, here is page #2.

As always the gals over at Scrapbook Challenges has brought you a new sketch. I personally didn't get a chance to do this one, but it has many possibilities. Give it a try and who knows you may be this months lucky winner for the Maya Road prize pack. Its packed full of goodies.

sketchy monday

2009-08-17T12:26:00.006-04:00

It's Monday and that means a new sketch from Pamela over at Sscrapbook Challenges. This week she has a great one, for all levels of talent. It has so many possibilites for pure awesomeness.

Here is what I did with the sketch. I tried using a before and after pic of Blakes room like in the original sketch, but I couldnt make it look right. I really like the way it came together though, very happy with the results. Plus, these little aliens are so cute. Going to have to print these for hybird.

I also wanted to thank Scrapfit for picking me as their very first winner. I'm so thrilled. I hope I can find the time to play along with the next workout too. I really love their concept. I'll leave your with a paper and digital LO today.

Toodles for now. I must get back to work. Happy Monday, Cathy

Scrapfit early bird

2009-08-11T20:55:00.003-04:00

How was your weekend? Mine was very tiring and too short!! Keeping promises we made, Saturday, we took my brother in law shopping for new school clothes. About 4 hours later, we left with 5 complete outfits and sore feet. Starving, we stopped by "The Varsity" for dinner then drove Timmy home. Sunday was spent cleaning the kitchen and running errands. Of course, come Monday it was back to work for me. After working 14 days straight, I didn't find a minute to rest.

Have you seen the new challenge site out there. It's called ScrapFit. My dear friend Lydia, is on the Design Team. Their first "workout" (cute huh) is to use water and ink. Here is mine.

Josh and Blake are both in bed sleeping, so that leaves me with a little scrap time. Yay. I am going to try to work with Cosmo Cricket. I've had the Mr campy line for about a year now I guess, and can never make it for for anything. Yet, I always love every ones work with the line. I am also finding Early Bird difficult too. We'll see what happens.

The list

2009-08-04T22:11:00.006-04:00

Thanks to everyone who noticed my new hair color, before I even announced it here. I know so many people, including my husband, prefer me with a dirty blond shade, yet I needed a change. I'm considering adding lightly carmel colored highlights, but I'm not sure.

Now on to the "oh I so want that" list from summer CHA 2009. Surprisingly, its not that huge. OMG Isn't Sass's Monstrosity line gorgeous and beautiful, not to mention perfect for little mean monsters, uhhh I mean angels. I really like Jillibeans Sprouts too.

I'll be back later on this week something fun to share. Happy Wednesday everyone.

hello

2009-08-03T12:42:00.004-04:00

First I would like to say hello to Jocelyn and Melonie. They have experienced water leaks, floods, and the damage, terror and nightmares that come along with it. I know they would love a
happy cmoment on their blogs to add a little cheer to their day.

After 6 months, I finally scrapped Blakes christmas photos. I used Pink Paislee's Tinsel Town line, which consist of pretty pinks, greens and silver.

I like this first page, but I'm not 100% in love with it. I'm thinking about adding the word Christmas above the journal tags and below the title tag, but I'm not sure. I feel like its missing something right now. What do you think?

I'm sure by now everyone has seen the new CHA releases. What are you dying to have?

I guess I need to stop playing and get back to work now...hehe! Toodles, Cathy

Big shoe question and sketch 153

2009-07-21T19:32:00.008-04:00

On Sunday, we drove to the Imax theater, at the Mall of Georgia. It was fun. Blake seen his first movie, Transformers, which went ok. To make this a short story, before we left I was getting dressed. I say to Josh I need to buy a pair of everyday generic sandals to wear with shorts and sun dresses. You probably know what I'm about to say. Josh gets this serious look on his face and says what you have more shoes than most girls do! WHAT! are you blind, stupid or both? I literally have no shoes anymore... well for a girl, or at least that's what I think. When he married me I had 2 clothes bins full of shoe. So of course, yesterday I had to count my shoes. I have 18 pairs. So my question is how many shoes do you have and what # do you think is a good number to owe? I cant wait to hear your opinions.
oh and if your reading this Josh, I need a pair of brown and black knee high boots, I need a pair of Timberlands, I need probably 3-4 more pretty sandals and maybe a couple more nice pointy toe heels.

Pamela is away on vacation for the rest of the month and need a full break. She asked if any on the DT would help with making the weekly sketches. Of course I signed up. I wanted to keep it simple and this is the results.

Here are the fabulous and all truly unique Design team pages.

whats in a title anyway?

2009-07-19T06:45:00.000-04:00

How was your weekend everyone? We had lots of fun.
Friday night we took Blake to Chucke E Cheese
for the first time. He loved it. I on the other hand
was a little disappointed to see all the changes.
I have not been inside one of these
in about 8 years, but what happened to all the tunnels,
tubes, the ball pit and slides. It was mostly token games.

In all he was able to collect 285 tickets.
I was quite surprised at his success.

I finally got around to scrapping Blake's birthday pictures.
I had a hard time deciding which ones to use, but settled on these.
I used Pink Paislee Sweet cakes line to keep a somewhat
uniformed look between the pages. I don't usually do that,
but I like the results this time, so I may start.

I hope they inspire someone.

Have I mentioned lately, how much I love Thickers?
They are so awesome. I was able to make 6 titles from
the poolside vinyl package. And I still have letters left. Thats
amazing!

another monday

2009-07-13T01:10:00.004-04:00

Hello friends,
Not much going on in my life right now. Just busy working and trying to save money. We are ahead of where I wanted to be and I'm so anxious. I love logging in daily to see our saving account growing. (warning to those who haven't figured it out yet, but yes I'm a dork sometimes)

On to the scrappy. Did anyone order the Maya Road or Pink Paislee warehouse boxes? I wanted both, but choose to order the Pink Paislee one. I love all their stuff, while I'm not always a fan of Maya Roads mini albums. I'm happy with my choice and all my new stuff. Here is a peek of my box. I definitely think it was worth the $55 I spent. The PP on top is a sheet from their new Fall Harvest line.

Not so much time to scrap this month so far. I've only managed to crank of 2 Layouts. Here is the first, a very simple page.

Here is last Mondays sketch from Scrapbook challenges. At first, all I could see was the flowers, but then I thought of Blake's 4th of July pictures and finished this page in about 10 minutes. Of course, its digital. They are always so much easier because the possibilities are near endless. I think I will try to recreate it with paper in the near future.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Monday!

the 4th

2009-07-08T21:57:00.003-04:00

As I promised, here is our 4th of July, in pictures.

And later that night, we played with sparklers and watched the firework show.

Here is Brennon.

This is the reason I ALWAYS use the auto function on my camera.
All the pics above are unedited and shot with Auto.

Im 47 in a 28 shell.

2009-07-06T13:32:00.003-04:00

Hello friends,

Its monday!

What a crazy day here at Camping World.

Its exptremely busy and 95%

of people are ticked off for one reason

or another. Lucky for me,

I dont have to deal with the attitude.

Most callers are nice and the rest of the day I work alone.

On to the fun stuff,

I went on a bit of a shopping spree.

Look what I got.

Of course the Mario Kart is for Blake.

He loves to play it and yells go go go.

The gold gyms game will kick your butt too.

I recommend that game if you want to

a good workout.

I love the wii fit system. Its really cool. My BMI is 22.13 which is normal.

BUT ( and this is the big BUT ) my Wii age is 47.

Ok so Blake, was helping me out a little, but I didnt

want to retest in fear it would get worse.

I have a couple of scrap pages to share,

but they are not on this PC.

Happy Monday.