Snow Day in Texas

Last night was AMAZING! I ran my first race, the Jingle Bell Run - in Dallas Texas.

My daughter's both attended with me. My oldest Katie volunteered (for service hours for graduation) and my youngest Ivy, ran with me (kinda...lol).

We arrived at the location at 5-ish, registered and got everyone where they needed to go. The forecast said 30%chance rain, and the temps were supposed to drop - so I have on long sleeve under armor, t short sleeve t-shirt, plus the long sleeve run shirt they gave me...with yoga pants.

I was SO overdressed!

Race kicked off at 6 - it went well. Ivy had already informed me that she wasn't staying with me, she was planning to win this race...lol. I met up with her at about 1/4 mile...she was already walking. I encouraged her and walked with her a few moments, and got her going again. I hated to just leave her behind...so I slowed and stayed with her and we finished together. Slower than I would have liked...but hey, she's only 11. I did give her fair warning that she would need to train before the next race...or I would leave her behind!

It was an awesome experience. We found out information on two more upcoming races here locally. Everyone was dressed so festive and fun...we even saw frosty was running!

This was such a goal for me... I am so grateful I pursued it and completed it.

Fun Times

Today we spent the day together as a family - the weather was just beautiful.

I got an new bike this weekend...my hubby got one too, but mine is much cuter!

The girls are loving it...we went bike riding as a family both Saturday and Sunday!

Life is good

Days of Summer

This lil layout was created with a photo taken from the last weekend before school started and I ran a vintage action on it to give it a 70's feel. I used the Graphic 45 paper line "Domestic Goddess" and created a folded paper element for just a simple title of the date 9/09.

October already?

WOW - where on earth did the year go? I can't believe it is already October 1st today. I asked Katie to start narrowing down her Christmas present ideas this morning while we were on our way to school. December will be here before you know it!

So - so many things have been going on..trying to focus on myself while being a supportive mom to 2 tween/teen girls is a full time job to say the least. Between Student Council, club meeting, Trumpet playing, Girl Scouts, cell phones, taxi shuttling, and everything else in the world...hard for a mom to have a few moments to craft.

I did get a little time this week and this is one of my favorite most recent layouts of Ivy.

Titled "My Wishes 4 You"...

I'm still around

Sorry for the lack in posting recently, I'm still alive.

I'm just working on a different kind of project latley...ME.

I do have some pretties to post this weekend, and I'm going to a crop so I'll be back soon!

sorry about no posts...I've been sick for several days, hopefully will have some new goodies soon!

Hoo do you see?

A quick layout of my youngest, Ivy...on her first day back to school.
Used some fun fancy pants owl paper that a wonderful friend gave me! I put glitter on the HOO, the circle under the little owl embellishment is just clipped around the edges, nothing fancy here!

Twenty-One Days

Join me in changing one small area of your life for the better!

(Click on the picture above to learn more)

Fun way to end the week!

I created this layout at our Biggest Loser finale and crop. I love this photo taken just a few weeks ago before school started. I used sketch #23 from 52 Sketches for the layout. Enjoy your day !

Mixed bag...

Yesterday was kinda a mixed bag for me... I won the biggest loser contest with the local scrapbooking group I organize "Creative Outlet". That was great, I knew I'd done well...but wasn't convinced I'd win, but I'm certainly happy about it.

I applied for something I didn't get...not the end of the world, but was kinda discouraged about it overall.

This morning was awesome...after a 4 week break, I got to return to my beloved water aerobics classes. I was so happy, I went to 2 classes (total workout 1 1/2) WooHoo! I love our teacher Anna...she is the ONLY reason I keep going back to the location. (lol...the story on that if for another day)

I'm just kinda mentally dragging from letting other peoples drama bother me. I know I shouldn't...I tell myself, it's their problem not mine, you can't make them all happy...but in the end, it still feels like a weight around your neck. I think there are some changes in store for after the holidays. For now...I'll try to put it out of my mind, put the happy face on and try to find pleasure in the good!

So here is a recent page...hope you enjoy!

Give it a try...

This weeks Card Sketch Challenge #16 at PaperPopcicles is a fun one...join the fun!

Here is my take on this weeks sketch, using Martha Stewart Halloween paper.

I've been dying to make some holiday goodies.

Here is the original sketch...

Crafty Weekend

Can you believe it will be September in only 2 days! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by for me, but on the positive side my birthday will be here soon -LOL!!

I know I haven't posted much lately, but I have been working on things...several just can be posted anywhere until they are used for their intended purpose...haha!

So here is a brand new 2 page layout - a RARE event for me these days. The pictures are from a few weeks ago when Katie attended a student council lock-in for team building. She had tons of fun, and gratefully her teacher/sponsor took TONS of pictures (yeah for a happy scrappy mom!)

As promised

A new layout for today! My hubby playing with our FAVORITE nephew (ok - our only nephew). Ethan is so funny. Chris' name was one of the first in our family he learned to say. It's so fun to see him play and tease with uncle Chris ...and of course Uncle LOVE to play too!

Big Day...

Imagine my surprise when I found out a recent layout I did was published on the Basic Grey website! I am thrilled to say the least. You can see it here. Now I'm off to get kids ready for school for DAY2...and I'll be back with something fun in just a bit.

Back to school

How appropriate this layout is for today of all days! I took my girls back to school today -one at a time. Two separate schools. One at 7:45 and one at 9...Somewhere between the two trips I realized, this is the last year I will be taking Katie "back to school". Next year she will likely drive herself. I mentioned this too her in the car this morning, she sweetly said "maybe I'll let you drive me"...I told her I would probably just have to resort to stalking her from my own car, following her in traffic...haha! Sure is hard to see these babies grow all up and gain their independence.

Bad Blogger

Sorry for the big gap in posting. School starts tomorrow and life has been a whirlwind!
I've got lost of layouts done and ready to post. Be back in the morning with something creative for ya!

That makes 2 of us...

I had a blast making this layout from the sketch below, it all part of the challenge over at From Here 2 Scrapternity.

My lil Bug Boy

A few weeks ago we had a family party for my brother's birthday. I got the opportunity to take some fun pictures of my lil nephew Ethan. He was enjoying his new bug box and a grass snake Ivy found. He was just so interested in it all. Now that my kids are older...I forget about those lil moments you get to witness when children are little sponges taking everything in around them.

Nature Girl

Just a quick layout for you today....we are busy-busy today.
If I'd been more of a planner today's layout would be my sweet hubby...since it's our Anniversary. I'll try and have something "mushy" by monday!

Pink Cricut Sighting

I was at my local Micheal's this morning when I saw the new Pink Cricut by Provo Craft in stores for the 1st time. It is so awesome! I wish it came in the baby bug size also...as I've been wanting to buy one for crops (so I don't have to carry my big one).
I was selling for $399 and comes with 3 cartridges! A good deal, and supporting a GREAT CAUSE...Breast Cancer Awareness.

Take the Challenge

Each week over at Paper Popsicles they post a card sketch to inspire you to design your own card. This week, Challenge #13 is the sketch seen below:


This was my first week to play with this challenge. I had alot of fun designing my entry and shuffleing paper around in my craft room!
Here is my take:

Family Fun

Tuesday I spent some time scrapping for FUN. These pictures were just taken a couple weeks ago at my brother's birthday party. I sat my girls down and got a few pictures of them with their cousin ETHAN!!! He is such a fun guy and we all just love him. while taking pictures someone said to give him a kiss...it made for a great series of pictures for this layout....

Starting with a BANG!

It's gonna be a fantastic day I can already tell!!!
I went to my local Micheals this morning...snagged the new Martha Stewart loopy boarder. My friend (and Micheals employee) said the other location had the corner punch to match it...so off I ran to the next store. I found the ever-coveted DRIPPY GOO border punch I'd been dying for since it's debut last Halloween. Each store only received 6 this year

No wonder nobody can find it...Nobody but ME!!! {insert evil laugh}

I also picked up a 3rd punch that I'd been wanting too, as it was only $9.99.

The best part...I got to use a 50% off coupon on EACH and EVERY one of them!!! On my way home, I got a call from the store manager...she found the loopy corner punch I originally went there for...So I'm heading back after lunch to pick that baby up!

drowning...

DROWNING in swaps that is...are you surprised?
I spent most my weekend wrapping up lil details on swaps.

• finished my P for Happy Birthday Rag Banner
• packed up Katie and I's twilight charms for that swap
• finished my lollipop flowers (six spots) that's 144 flowers
• finished my recipe swap layouts for Carmel Apple Salad - YUM!

It was a productive weekend!!!

Our Girl

Tonight I worked on completing a sketch from Paper Popsicles. I like the way it turn out. This is one of my favorite recent pictures of Katie.

All grown up!

Quick Layout of my oldest daughter learning to drive the riding lawn mower last summer while we were at the farm ...

Who knew this summer she'd be driving her daddy's truck!

Freebie Friday

Everyone loves FREEBIES right? Well over at Paper Popsicles they have a fun thing going called freebie Friday. You really should heard over, read about it and take a few minutes to get your chance to win the goodies!

Halloweenie...is coming!

Wow, this summer has flown by! My kids start back to school in a little more than 2 weeks (woohoo) In all the hustle and bustle of back to school, football games, homecoming...Halloween will be upon us before we know it.


Here is a layout of my sweet lil Sassy in her pumpkin costume last year. She was a good sport about wearing it (but she was having no part of the hat). This years costume has already been purchased...a hot dog with mustard & ketchup!!! She will look so cute!

Lucky Mom

Recent page I created with pictures from Mother's Day 2008...

Buddies!

I haven't scrapped for "fun" in awhile. Today I sat down and using a Scrapbooks etc. sketch for inspiration did this lil layout of my daughter, Ivy and her pet gerbil.